ESPN's Chad Ford interviewed a "well-placed source with knowledge of the Knicks' thinking" who revealed key elements of the team's plan for approaching this summer's marquee free-agents.

Not surprisingly, the Knicks' leading pitch to LeBron James is that he would be able to play with another superstar in New York.  The Knicks will hold enough cap room to offer two maximum-salary contracts.  

The Knicks' first choice is to sign Chris Bosh to play with James, which the club believes would form the most dominant pair from among this free-agent class.  The team does not believe that Dwyane Wade and James complement each other best.  But the Knicks are also interested in pairing Wade with Bosh if James declines their offer.

"I'm sure LeBron and Wade would figure out a way to play together, but it's not an ideal fit," the source said. "Bosh would be a perfect complement to both of those guys because of his ability to stretch the floor."

Mike D'Antoni will lead the Knicks' recruiting efforts by showing James and Wade how he would maximize their talents.  D'Antoni envisions using James or Wade in the role that Magic Johnson played in Los Angeles.

The team will also pitch its facilities and staff.  Donnie Walsh has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and a world-class group of trainers.  

And the team will sell James, Bosh and Wade on the greatness of the opportunity in New York City.

"Whoever can come in and win a championship in New York will own the city," the source said. "No one can replace Michael Jordan in Chicago, no matter how many titles you win. The Heat are coming off a recent championship and the city is far from the most rabid when it comes to basketball. I think there are more Knicks fans in Miami than Heat fans.

"If someone can come in here and do what no one has been able to do for decades, their legacy is complete. That matters to players and [the Knicks] are going to make sure they know it."