Knicks, Lee Reach Agreement on One-Year Deal

David Lee was hoping to get a big payday this summer as he was coming off a career season where he led the league in double doubles and finished third in rebounding. But as a restricted free agent, teams steered clear of the 26-year-old forward, expecting the New York Knicks would match any contract offers. Throughout the summer, the New York brass and Lee’s agent, Mark Bartlestein, attempted to come to an agreement and explored sign-and-trade possibilities.

Image: Zuma Press

But in the end, the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a suitable long-term deal. On Thursday, Lee and the Knicks finally reached an agreement — a one-year contract that is said to be worth up to $8 million. The deal means that Lee will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Lee will just be one of many top free agents available in the star-studded and much-anticipated free agent class of 2010. In terms of bigmen, he’ll have to compete with Toronto forward Chris Bosh and Utah forward Carlos Boozer for the cash.

It’s unusual for a restricted free agent to sign a one-year deal for more than the qualifying offer (Lee’s QO was $2.7 million). Therfore, Lee and his agent are definitely pleased in that regard.

“I think they really wanted to show David great respect for what he’s done for the organization. They came and met us and did something that was very unique,” Bartelstein said.