The New York Knicks' reported interest in Chicago Bulls estranged forward Jabari Parker is rather “lukewarm,” according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
While Parker's two-year, $40 million deal has a team option that effectively makes him an expiring contract, something the Knicks are looking for as they gear up for the summer of 2019, they apparently aren't enamored with him.
The Knicks have spent the bulk of the last two seasons shedding long-term assets, and they are still paying pieces of Joakim Noah's salary after waiving him and stretching the remaining salary on his contract over three more seasons after this one.
New York has two major tasks at hand — re-signing Kristaps Porzingis and aiming at other potential megastars like Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker and others.
The Bulls have quickly regretted committing to Parker after seeing his poor fit under the current roster construction and his lack of defense. He has been removed from the rotation and put on the trade block.
The Knicks already have an offensive-minded big of their own in Enes Kanter, who likely won't be signed to a long-term deal in the offseason, clearing the way for Mitchell Robinson to man the center spot.
While Parker's acquisition could boost the Knicks' offensive firepower, the front office has been hellbent on not giving up young assets while growing their own talent in-house under new coach David Fizdale and their G League affiliate in Westchester.
At this point, the interest seems to be merely explorative and nothing to write home about, as the front office feels out the waters with due diligence.
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