Boozer to Knicks rumors pick up a little more steam

SALT LAKE CITY — The New York Knicks might be more willing to take in Jazz free agent Carlos Boozer than they were initially letting on.

In light of a second meeting between the Knicks and representatives of top-target free agent LeBron James, ESPN.com reported that "the Knicks told James in their initial meeting with him Thursday that if he signs with New York, he can choose which free agent big man he would like to play alongside, be it (Amar'e) Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer or David Lee."

The Knicks have offered Stoudemire a max-money, five-year, $100,000, but ESPN.com reported that "everything (is) contingent on what James decides to do."

Yahoo.com, however, had a contradictory repot Sunday that said "New York seems prepared to sign (Stoudemire) without waiting to hear what James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will do."

Knick interest in Boozer previously was painted as minimal, largely because of their reported offer to fellow big Stoudemire.

Miami, Chicago, New Jersey, Orlando (via sign-and-trade) and Utah all remain possible destinations for Boozer, who must wait until James, Bosh and perhaps others decide what they want to do before learning where he will play next season.

— Tim Buckley