The New Look Knicks Shoot For The Stars-But Can They Grab Any?

The New York Knicks have been linked to numerous names this off-season as they search for a team to surround their superstars.

The collective efforts of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler were only good enough for a first round exit from the playoffs last season, and if New York wants to be seen as a serious contender, they have to make some roster moves to bolster the team.

The addition of Jason Kidd is a welcomed one, but not enough.

The veteran point guard will give the Knicks a solid presence on the court and in the locker room, and can alleviate some of the burden on Jeremy Lin-should New York retain him.

While Kidd will most likely use up the mid-level exception (a three-year $9.3 million package) , any offer Lin receives can be matched by the Knicks thanks to the newest "Bird Rights" ruling that allows New York to resign the guard without going over the cap.

With money tight, and few option available, the Knicks will need to move fast if they ever want to get out of the first round of the playoffs.

Veteran free agent Marcus Camby would be a welcomed addition to his former club, as the two sides will meet in Houston today.

The 2007 defensive player of the year is said to be interested in reuniting with New York, and the feeling is mutual.  Tyson Chandler cannot continue to log heavy minutes, and the Knicks need a defensive presence in the second unit now more than ever with Iman Shumpert recovering from a torn ACL.  If the Knicks can convince Camby to join the cause, then New York would most likely need to work out a sign-and-trade with Houston to secure Camby a more lucrative offer.

Another possibility for the Knicks could be Randy Foye.

Foye was an unsung hero throughout the LA Clippers season last year, and has also expressed interest in throwing on a blue and orange jersey.  The veteran two-guard averaged 11 points per game last year, but exploded on April 25 when he dropped 28 against the Knicks in a 99-93 loss at the Garden.

But Foye shouldn't be the only side interested, as the Knicks are not expected to match Toronto's 3-year $20 million offer to Landry Fields, thus leaving an hole at the shooting guard spot. With J.R. Smith recently opting out, the Knicks have no healthy shooting guards on their roster.

Other names linked to Knicks have been O.J. Mayo Rashard Lewis, Pablo Prigioni, and Raymond Felton. J.R. Smith and Steve Novak may also return, but how the Knicks acquire Kidd (via sign-and trade or using the mid-level) will shed much more clarity on what kind of room the Knicks will be working with moving forward.

Time is ticking quicker than a New York minute in the city that never sleeps, and the Knicks are on the clock.