David Stern plans to appeal arbitrator Kenneth Dam’s decision, which granted Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak “Early Bird” rights when they become free agents July 1.

As it stands, the Knicks will be able to re-sign both players without using their midlevel or lower-level exceptions.

Stern’s appeal may carry over into the July 1 start of free agency, which could delay the Knicks’ ability to negotiate with free agents.