Twenty three days into his free agency, David Lee seemed as hot as the Las Vegas sun. Lee, who is attending the U.S. Olympic mini-camp but not participating because of his unresolved contract, let loose his "frustration" at being nowhere close to a deal with the Knicks .
"I've been frustrated a little bit by the amount of effort put in and it's been tough," Lee told reporters in Vegas. "I figured with what I've done for the Knicks the last four years and with what they've done for me, and being a fan favorite and being somebody that loves New York as much as I have the last four years, I thought something would get done a little quicker. "We would have loved to make the playoffs last year, but from an individual standpoint I was happy with the progress I made," Lee said. "I thought that I laid it all on the line for four years."
The Post reported last week that Lee and Nate Robinson felt "disrespected" by the franchise.
The Blazers are negotiating with Lee as the only club with proper cap room. The Knicks reportedly haven't made agent Mark Bartelstein a formal offer, with team president Donnie Walsh clearly hoping to get Lee on a one-year deal to save 2010 cap space. Bartelstein said, "We have an open mind to everything."
The Knicks also still are trying to upgrade at point guard but hopes of Andre Miller and Ramon Sessions are dwindling. According to a source, Miller wants to join the Blazers, who likely will sign him if they can't snag Lee.
Miller also is up for a sign-and-trade between Portland and Philadelphia. Walsh is only willing to give Miller a one-year, $5.8 million offer.
The only point guard Walsh is considering for a long-term offer is the Bucks' Sessions, 23, but he is not willing to meet their asking price of a maximum full mid-level offer of five years, $35 million. Oklahoma City is the front-runner.
By default, Walsh likely will pursue point guard Jamaal Tinsley, whom he drafted in 2001 but whose baggage presents risks. Tinsley was waived Wednesday and becomes a free agent next week. Walsh considers the Brooklyn point guard one of the NBA's most cerebral players but was banished by the Pacers last season for a handful of off-thecourt incidents.
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Walsh has had advanced discussions regarding Rockets shooting guard Von Wafer, according to his agent Raymond Brothers. Wafer was a surprise last season, averaging 9.7 points. Ironically, the former 2005 Lakers' secondround pick played for the Knicks summer league team in 2008 and barely sawaction.
A source said the parties were trying to arrange a Knick visit for Wafer, 24. Walsh is interested in a one-year deal, possibly for biannual exception ($2.9 million).
