Big decision looms as Noah nears return
ORLANDO, Fla. — Knicks general manager Scott Perry admits he has a big roster decision “looming’’ as center Joakim Noah returns Monday after his 12-game drug suspension is over, indicating a trade is still possible.
The Knicks have to remove someone from the roster to make room for Noah, whom they apparently have no choice but to keep for now because of his four-year, $72 million contract. If a player is waived, point guard Ramon Sessions is a strong candidate. Perry hardly gave him a vote of confidence Wednesday.
“We know that is looming,’’ Perry said before the Knicks’ 112-99 loss to the Magic. “We’re going to have to address the roster. We’ve been working through the process for a few weeks. By Sunday at 5 p.m., there’ll be a resolution one way or another. Whether it’s a trade or waive an individual.’’
The Post reported in Sunday’s editions Mindaugas Kuzminskas’ agents have gauged interest around the league for a trade as the Lithuanian forward appeared to be on the outs. The Post further reported the Lakers, Cavaliers and Hawks showed interest in Kuzminskas, 28, before he signed with the Knicks in the summer of 2016.
Because of Kristaps Porzingis’ injury, Kuzminskas dressed Wednesday for the first time this season. Kuzminskas, who played 1:51 and missed both of his shots, was considered a signing propelled by Clarence Gaines, Phil Jackson’s top adviser, who has lost his clout.
Sessions started the season’s first three games before Jarrett Jack was promoted and the Knicks went on a 6-2 spree since the change. Team president Steve Mills said recently Sessions could serve as a good mentor for rookie Frank Ntilikina even if the veteran doesn’t play.
“I think it would be unfair for me to comment about any guy as it relates to if he’s going to be here or not,’’ Perry said. “What I will say about Ramon, Ramon is a true professional. The guy is a pro.”
Perry has every reason to gloat about how his trade of Carmelo Anthony for Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott is panning out. Kanter has excelled as starting center while McDermott posted a 20-point night as the ever-improving sixth man. Meanwhile, the Thunder are off to a 4-6 start with Anthony not yet jelling with Russell Westbrook.
“If you recall, we were going to do something if we felt it was beneficial for both sides, for Carmelo and for us a basketball team,’’ Perry said. “We made the trade because we believed in the two guys we got back in Kanter and Doug McDermott. Thus far those guys have proven to really come in and fit. They’re hard workers, they’re pros. They’re about the things that we want [for] this team.’’