Knicks Reportedly Interested in Raymond Felton if Steve Nash Signs Elsewhere

Steve Nash is being heavily courted by a number of teams, reportedly including the Knicks, Raptors, Pacers, Heat and Suns. But if the Canadian point guard chooses any team besides the Knicks, New York may have a back-up plan in the form of a guy who played in the Big Apple not too long ago: Raymond Felton. The NY Post has more: “A source said the Knicks contacted Nash, who lives in the West Village, soon after free agency opened this morning at 12:01 a.m. to set up a meeting. Nash said he hoped to host a few teams in New York Sunday and Monday. A Raptors contingent reportedly was flying into the Big Apple this morning. Nash has never been to the Knicks’ Tarrytown facility and probably would like to test the commute. As one of the top two or three free agents available, however, Nash has told multiple sources the Knicks are on the outside looking in because they only have the $3.09 million taxpayer mid-level exception to wield. Nash made clear this week money is a major factor, and playing for a contender for less money is ‘tempting’ but could backfire if the chemistry does not work out and it leads to him getting traded. Having Jeremy Lin on the roster also could create issues. Nash is the best candidate to lift Stoudemire out of last season’s funk, but Felton also is on their radar and is more attainable. Felton made sweet music with Stoudemire on the pick-and-roll in Mike D’Antoni’s Knicks offense in the first half of the 2010-11 season. Felton loved D’Antoni’s offense, and new coach Mike Woodson has tried to keep some of D’Antoni’s principles. After a down season with Portland, Felton’s market value has fallen, possibly into the Knicks’ range. Former Knicks president Donnie Walsh never wanted to trade Felton, but was under great pressure from owner James Dolan to make the Carmelo Anthony deal happen late last February.”