Report: New York Knicks Want to Sign Grant Hill

The Phoenix Suns claim that Grant Hill is their top free agent priority, but according to Newsday, they’ll have to fight off the Knicks’ advances: “On the first day the NBA permitted team executives to contact agents about players, the Knicks prepared to reach out to several free agents, including one who turned them down two years ago. Although Caron Butler and Shawne Williams were discussed Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the situation said the Knicks are also interested in Grant Hill. Hill strongly considered an offer by the Knicks in 2009 but decided to stay with the Suns. The Lakers reportedly also have Hill on the radar. Though 39, Hill showed no signs of slowing down last season as a reliable role player and defensive specialist with the Suns. He made $3.2 million and started 80 games, averaging 13.2 points and 30.1 minutes. Although the free-agent moratorium ended Wednesday, agreements of any kind are prohibited until Dec. 9, when training camps are to open. Suns president Lon Babby told The Arizona Republic that re-signing Hill ‘is an absolute first order of business and top priority.’ But Phoenix is on the decline and Hill’s closest friend on the team, Steve Nash, is in the final year of his contract and may be traded. If the Knicks’ plans for Chris Paul don’t come to fruition, Nash could wind up in New York as a free agent next summer to reunite with Hill, Amar’e Stoudemire and Mike D’Antoni.”