Earlier rumors that the Knicks were to meet with LeBron James again Sunday have been shot down by team president Donnie Walsh. Although they are viewed as a long shot to sign him, the Knicks had sent two executives to Cleveland on Saturday to speak with James' representatives about Amar'e Stoudemire...and a possible trip to New York. No indication on what James' response might be.
Brian Windhorst adds: "Multiple sources still say NY still trailing CLE, CHI, NJ on LeBron's list even w/ Amar'e." Al Iannazzone says it's between Cleveland, Chicago and New Jersey.
Earlier, Windhorst had tweeted that James won't make his decision until Thursday, which is the day when free agents can officially sign new contracts.The official salary cap number, which determines cap space and maximum salary figures, is released on Wednesday. "Sources say LeBron plans to wait until after 3-day Nike camp in Akron is over to announce decision. Ends Wed. nite," wrote Windhorst.
Frank Isola and Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that the Knicks had sent the executives to Ohio Saturday. James did not attend that meeting. Wojnarowski said the Knicks asked permission to meet with Leon Rose, James' agent, about contract details. Woj added that the Nets would be willing to sign Stoudemire as well for the max, but only if it guaranteed them James, which is unlikely.
Ric Bucher goes further, suggesting that Stoudemire's max deal with New York is also dependent on James' agreeing to come to New York. As for the Knicks' chances to nab LeBron, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh, Walsh says simply, "I have no idea."