A couple of days ago, Alan Hahn reported that the Celtics had UFA Kenyon Martin on their radar.  Martin, formerly of the Clippers, Nuggets and Nets, is widely regarded as the biggest impact free agent left on the market.  Along with the Celtics and other teams, there have been reports that the Knicks would also like to land the forward.

Well, reports today have the Celtics signing former Knicks big man Darko Milicic, which in all likelihood would preclude them from bringing in Martin.

Chris Alvino

Tommy wrote yesterday about Jordan Williams and the possibility of bringing him to Erie to keep an eye on him.  Like Tommy said, the Knicks are lacking draft picks in the future.  If the team can gain some advantage by stashing away some younger players in the D League.

But this year, the issue is not about youth or draft picks or the future.  The issue is about building a contender for this season.  Kenyon Martin is the last free agent power forward on the market who I believe can help push the Knicks further towards that goal.  I know Martin is looking for a bigger payday than the minimum the Knicks have to offer, but realistically, how much more will he get from another contending team? Eventually I expect Martin to lace up for the blue and orange.  Given the Knicks current roster and the comfort level Martin should have with players like Melo, Smith, Kidd and Camby, the move makes too much sense from a basketball perspective for both sides.