If the Knicks thought being second in line to the Nets in the LeBron James interview process was tough, there may be more angst in the immediate future.
Declining specifics, Nets sources said a major ad campaign is ready to hit close to the Knicks’ home, coinciding with the start of the NBA free-agency groveling tour on Thursday.
While there can be no meetings set up already (wink, wink), the Nets begin their quest of LeBron James in Ohio on Thursday, when owner Mikhail Prokhorov, rapper and longtime James buddy Jay-Z, coach Avery Johnson and outgoing team president Rod Thorn will make their pitch.
And then the plan — if there were a plan, which of course there can’t be (more winks) — is to meet separately with Toronto’s Chris Bosh and Miami’s Dwyane Wade on Friday in New York.
The weekend contains sitdowns with Phoenix’s Amar’e Stoudemire, Utah’s Carlos Boozer, Memphis restricted free agent Rudy Gay and David Lee of the Knicks, all in the Metro New York area. Jay-Z will attend only the meeting with LeBron, as he has prior commitments.
The pitch will center around the Nets being built into a championship team and what Prokhorov’s global resources can do for individual players.
Thorn is expected to step down as team president July 15, one week after the free-agent signing period commences. Asked what effect the unexpected news of his leaving will have on free agents, he said flatly, “None.”
Multiple sources insist the 69-year executive’s decision was his alone and was driven neither by his relationship with the new owner and his emissaries nor by contractual disputes. Some say “retirement” is not the proper term, and that he will continue working.
“It depends,” he said but refused additional comment.
So now it is all about free agency.
The Nets feel they have virtually no shot at all with Wade, who is seen as a lock to return to Miami. Atlanta’s Joe Johnson does not enter into the Nets’ equation.
But with Prokhorov and his global vision, the Nets believe they can be in play with any of the other impending free agents.
After they waived guard Keyon Dooling yesterday (bought him out for $500,000), they have $27.1 million to spend. If they somehow got James, they then would have $11 million to spend on the sidekick free agent.
That would thin the ranks of possibilities — unless they can pull off a deal. Figure Brook Lopez is safe on the current roster and that Yi Jianlian will be offered everywhere, including the D League. Boozer and Lee could be possible $11 million per guys. If the Nets don’t get James, then it could be any two-man combo of the others.
As expected, Kris Humphries exercised his $3.2 million option.
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Draft picks Derrick Favors (No. 3) and Damion James (No. 24) will be introduced today. … Nets roster for the Orlando Summer League next week is highlighted by undrafted free agents, including Duke’s center Brian Zoubek and forward Lance Thomas (two Jersey guys), Tulsa guard Ben Uzoh and Tennessee forward Wayne Chism. The most familiar face: Terrence Williams.
The coaching staff includes Popeye Jones, John Loyer, Doug Overton and Dennis Felton. Jones and Loyer, along with Sam Mitchell and Tom Barrise, are on Avery Johnson’s staff. There is expected to be one more opening.