By MARC BERMAN
Posted: 3:10 am
July 5, 2008
The Knicks made fireworks on July 4th , getting their prime free-agent point-guard target - Bulls backup Chris Duhon, who agreed to terms yesterday on a two-year deal for as much as $11.5 million.
Everyone assumes Duhon's signing will spell the end of Stephon Marbury as a Knick. Duhon agent Kevin Bradbury furthered that notion by saying he believes Duhon has a great shot at the starting role.
However, amid the rampant speculation, multiple sources close to Knicks president Donnie Walsh said the Duhon signing has no impact on whether Marbury will be bought out. Marbury's situation is in its own bubble and he probably is another misstep away from being in hot water again. The Post reported Marbury was sent home last November from Phoenix by Isiah Thomas to be bought out before brass changed its mind. The Knicks would probably need another upgrade for them to feel comfortable without Marbury.
For now, the plan is for Marbury and Duhon to compete during training camp. If Marbury, returning from ankle surgery, does not look good in camp, there's a chance he could be waived.
Bradbury said the Knicks told Duhon he'll compete for the starting job, though he's been mostly a backup in four seasons in Chicago.
"I feel great about him being a starting point guard," Bradbury said. "He's been told he'll be given every opportunity to win that job."
The Knicks offered Duhon a two-year, roughly $6.5 million contract on the first day of free-agency but agent Bradbury indicated yesterday the club bumped their offer, with reports of Walsh giving Duhon the full midlevel exception ($5.8M annually).
The 6-foot-1 Duhon is a streaky shooter, but is the pass-first ballhandler the Knicks need and can be paired in the backcourt with Marbury, who would agree to play shooting guard, Jamal Crawford or Nate Robinson.
Duhon can't officially sign until July 9th. Duhon's career average is 6.9 points and 4.5 assists and has played in 22 playoff games.
