David Lee Won't Get Extension

The New York Knicks' David Lee, along with Nate Robinson, will become restricted free agents July 1 of next year, according to the New York Post. The 25-year-old Lee is set to have a career year starting at power forward since new head caoch Mike D'Antoni benched an out of shape Eddy Curry and moved Zach Randolph to center. The 6'9, 240 pound Lee averaged 10.8 PPG and 8.9 RPG in 81 games last season, 52 games off the bench. He's more than capable of averaging double doubles when he averaged 10.7 PPG and 10.4 RPG.

He's shown everyone in the Knicks' franchise that he deserves an extension. When he started for the Knicks last year his 13 PPG and 10.3 RPG were identical or near identical to Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion and Emeka Okafor. Sure, 2010 is coming and all those superstars, including NY friendly LeBron James, will be on the market, but if you don't lock up a double double, someone else might. New GM Donnie Walsh is not convinced.

Mark Bartlestein, Lee's agent, said this about Walsh's decision in the New York Post.

"I don't anticipate getting something done. As it stands, I don't think it will happen. Donnie is still in the evaluation process with this team. I think he understands David has great value in the league, but is cautious to make a long-term commitment before he gets a feeling what direction his team is going."

Walsh agreed with this response.

"I don't want to make a flat statement, but I don't think we're at a point I can say we're going to extend him. I definitely want to keep Dave and Nate, but you don't have to do it now, you could do it in the summer."

They're plenty of teams in need of a promising young power forward that can throw some money after this season.

• Chicago Bulls
• Denver Nuggets
• Oklahoma City Thunder
• Sacramento Kings
• Utah Jazz (if Carlos Boozer bolts)

If any team throws more money than the Knicks are willing to match or if they're unwilling pay for Lee's asking price, unless Lee really wants to play for the Knicks, he's gone. By 2010, Stephon Marbury, Quentin Richardson, Jerome James and possibly, but not likely, Curry will be off the books. The Knicks have also been trying to shop the troubled Randolph, but couldn't get a deal done with the Memphis Grizzlies because of a dispute over next year's first round draft pick from the Grizzlies.

By then, the Knicks could be spending between $35-50 million before free agency, depending on who's there or not. They could be spending at least $5-15 million more if they keep Lee and/or Robinson. That would destroy the Knicks plans for 2010. Robinson averaged 16.2 PPG and 3.5 APG in 17 starts, but Lee is still a more valuable player. The Knicks might have to let Robinson go.

Lee is a must have for the Knicks' future. They're sure to land a free agent 2 years from now, LeBron or not. If you can only keep one, keep the one who gets double doubles off the bench.