Knicks make bid for Bulls guard Duhon

by MARC BERMAN , New York Post

Updated: July 2, 2008, 7:59 AM EST 13 comments

Duhon was mulling the offer last night and could accept as soon as today.

The Knicks have proclaimed they do not want to go beyond two years on any signing so as not to compromise their chances of getting under the salary cap in 2010. That amount is a good chunk of the annual $5.5 million mid-level exception.

"Chris has the same interest as they do," his agent, Kevin Bradbury said. "He sat down with Mike and talked philosophy."

A person with knowledge of the situation said that if Duhon signs, "It has nothing to do with Stephon Marbury."

The Knicks believe Duhon is the pure playmaking point the club does not have, making him a good fit. Duhon's assist-to-turnover ratio last season was nearly 4-1.

There's been erroneous speculation Marbury could be bought out if the Knicks sign a PG. Duhon, the former Duke star, will instead compete for the starting job with Marbury, who is in Hollywood training and has been assured he'll be at camp.

Duhon gives the Knicks insurance if Marbury is not the same in camp after returning from ankle surgery at 31.

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Duhon's signing could affect Nate Robinson more.

Duhon's stock with the Knicks grew stronger when their top target, Sacramento point guard Beno Udrih, yesterday agreed in principle to re-sign with the Kings, who offered him the full five-year, $32 million mid-level exception.

Duhon's agent said four other teams contacted him, with one of them possibly Miami. Duhon can't officially sign until July 9, and could seek a longer-term deal elsewhere.

The Knicks also contacted the agent for Sebastian Telfair and Tyronn Lue. Telfair, Marbury's cousin, became more attainable the past few days when Minnesota didn't make a qualifying offer, turning him into an unrestricted free agent.

Meanwhile, Golden State said it would match any offer for Monta Ellis, meaning the Knicks would have to work out a sign-and-trade with the Warriors. If Duhon falls through, Keyon Dooling and Carlos Arroyo are on their list.