Isiah Thomas and the New York Knicks received some good news Sunday when the Golden State Warriors accepted their offer of Nazr Mohommed and Othella Harrington for a signed and traded Erick Dampier, but will Dampier choose the Knicks over the Atlanta Hawks?
That is the decision facing the 7 foot monster who meets with Hawks officials today in Atlanta. The Knicks want Dampier to meet them in New York tomorrow before he makes his decision, which according to the New York Post could come as soon as today.
The Knicks are reportedly offering Dampier a six year contract starting at $9 million, while the Hawks can sign him to a maximum salaried contract with cap room. New York, via the sign and trade, have the luxury of a seventh year to offer if need be.
"Erick wants to win a championship and the Knicks are definitely in the mix," said Ed Jones, Dampier's business manager and director of his kids foundation.
The Post reports that the Warriors were also pressing for Nick Van Exel to be included as part of a bigger deal, but Thomas was not interested. It is believed that the Knicks boss is still interested in the Bulls Jamal Crawford who is younger, bigger, and improving. However Harrington was a big part of the package being offered to Chicago which will make things harder for the Knicks.