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Chris Duhon could be on the verge of making a decision, possibly as early as Thursday according to Newsday. He met with the New York Knicks on Tuesday and the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. He was expected to have discussions with a few other teams, but two days after the opening of free agency, Duhon is ready to take an offer.

The Knicks wouldn't offer much in long-term security, but they did offer opportunity. Stephon Marbury is still on the roster and his future with the team is uncertain — does he play out the remaining one year of his contract or do the Knicks cut ties before the season? — so Duhon could be viewed as his replacement in the starter's role. Or he's a versatile depth player that essentially replaces Fred Jones, who is an unrestricted free agent. The Marbury factor will hang over the team all summer until a decision is made.

If Duhon takes the Knicks offer, that doesn't necessarily end the Knicks work in free agency. Some reports suggest that Duhon was offered the full mid-level exception salary (it's expected to be just shy of $6 million per), but we believe it's more like a little more than half of the mid-level, or about $3.2 million per, which is about what Duhon made last season in Chicago. That would leave a little more money left to spend on some other veterans who may help. Maybe a shot-blocker or low-post defender? Would $2.5 million or so be insulting to a 36-year-old Kurt Thomas? What about using a little less and take a chance on Chris Andersen?

Source: Newsday