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Reports: Knicks sign Mike Bibby, make run at J.J. Barea

The Knicks finalized their deal with Tyson Chandler, solidifying one of the NBA's top front lines, then turned their attention to the point guard position.

New York signed veteran Mike Bibby to a one-year, league-minimum contract, per's Sam Amick, and is making a "strong push" to acquire J.J. Barea, according to's Chris Mannix.

Chauncey Billups wasn't happy that the Knicks waived him on Saturday. (AP Photo)

Despite the buzz surrounding Chandler joining Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks had to waive point guard Chauncey Billups to free up the necessary cap space and were left with only Toney Douglas to run the offense.

Bibby, 33, is a favorite of coach Mike D'Antoni, according to the New York Post, but is coming off an atrocious playoff performance with the Miami Heat. He started 20 games during the postseason (but was eventually benched), shot 25.8 percent and averaged 3.6 points. He may wind up backing up Douglas, who is favored by Knicks brass for his defensive tenacity.

That plan could potentially change if the Knicks acquire Barea. While Mannix notes that the team doesn't have the money necessary to sign the former Maverick, they're working on "different scenarios" to acquire him, which may include a sign-and-trade.

Barea, 27, has increased his scoring average in each of his five NBA seasons and was a valuable performer off the Mavericks' bench during their title run.

As for Billups, he warned teams against claiming him on the waiver wire.


Under the amnesty rule, the team that offers to pay the highest portion of his $14.2 million contract can secure him in a blind bidding process. The Knicks will be left to pay for the remainder of the deal. If nobody claims him, the Knicks would pay the balance of his contract, and he'd become a free agent. Whatever deal he'd sign would be in addition to the money New York owes him.

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