This news comes right after LeBron James made his decision he will sign with the Miami Heat.

Thompson writes:

Multiple sources told me the Warriors have an offer on the table that sends forward Anthony Randolph and other pieces to New York in a sign-and-trade deal for Lee.

Thompson says the other pieces are among Ronny Turiaf, Kelenna Azubuike and Brandon Wright.

You can’t kill the Knicks for having a ‘Plan B’ even if it’s only Anthony Randolph, although none of us want to see it come to fruitition. I’d imagine signing a point guard like Raymond Felton or Luke Ridnour would also be part of the secondary plan, as it should be looked into if the Knicks land LeBron as well.

The Knicks and Lee, however, could both benefit from a sign-and-trade. Lee, who from all indications won’t do the Knicks any favors by going to any team, could receive a more lucrative deal if he agrees to a sign-and-trade to a team of his liking. The Knicks could add another piece through a sign-and-trade with Lee.

According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports:

A league source with knowledge of the market for Lee told CBSSports.com Monday that the Knicks are engaged in discussions with Utah, Toronto, Houston, Golden State and Charlotte about a sign-and-trade arrangement involving Lee.

Berger proceeds to write:

Charlotte and Golden State are involved because A) both covet Lee, and B) each has a point guard who’d complement Stoudemire if he winds up being the Knicks’ only top-tier signing. The Bobcats’ Raymond Felton and Warriors’ Monta Ellis have been on the Knicks’ radar for some time.

Everything is still contingent on LeBron James’ decision, which isn’t expected to come until Wednesday night at the earliest. LeBron is the first domino. After he signs, things are going to move quickly.

I must say, he’s a down to earth guy. He spoke and joked with me for about five minutes before the interview and spoke with me more after the interview too. I didn’t care if I was wasting interview time chatting with him about things other than sports. How often am I going to have the chance to sit down with an athlete at a rooftop bar and just chat?

June 16, 2010 9:10 p.m. Interview Transcript:

Empire Sports Now: Have you spoken to Nate Robinson since the Finals started?

David: I haven’t. I texted with him during the last round. I’m really happy for him. I think that everybody on our team has played with him and knows what kind of guy he is. He’s very happy that he’s having the chance to pursue his dream right now.

Empire Sports Now: What kind of training and workouts have you been doing this summer?

David: I always take about a month off when the season is over. That’s just to let your body recuperate and relax, and kind of get away from the game for a little bit. Since then I’ve gotten back in the gym and I’ve just been working out hard with our coaches on the court and staying, more than anything, in cardio shape. I’ve been expanding my three-point range, so I’ve been shooting a lot of threes.

Empire Sports Now: Have you spoken to Gallo or Chandler this summer?

David: Wilson’s been in getting rehab because he had surgery, so he’s been in every single day. Gallo’s been over in Italy, but when he was here we spoke a little bit. I know some of our coaches went over there and he’s been working his butt off in Italy. Those guys both look like they’re pretty much on the right track right now.

Empire Sports Now: You’ve been working out at the Knicks’ facilities, have the Knicks discussed any contract plans with you?

David: You can’t have a whole lot of contact until July 1, but they told me what they’ve told everyone else. They’re going to go after LeBron and those guys, and that’s kind of their first plan of action. Quite frankly, that’s what they promised the media and fans, and everybody’s excited about the possibility of LeBron coming here. After that, they’re going to get around to the rest of the guys. Like it or dislike it, that’s their plan and you can’t blame them for that because LeBron’s obviously the first or second best player in the league.

Empire Sports Now: Tell me about your All-Star experience.

David: Really cool experience this year. Something I’ll never forget. Not only was it great to be in the All-Star game, but also to have it be in Dallas in that kind of venue with 118,000 people was something that even the guys that have been in 10 or 12 All-Star games were walking in like, “Oh my god, I’ve never seen anything like this before.” It was a really cool place to have my first All-Star game and hopefully it’s not my last.

Empire Sports Now: Have you talked to any of the other free agents about maybe joining up with them for free agency or is that not something you really do?

David: Not so much. Everybody’s asking if they’re going to have this summit or if they’re not, or who’s going to be involved. First of all, I don’t think anything like that would happen and second of all, for me at this point, I’ve worked very, very hard and it’s about finding the best situation for me, my family and girlfriend. From there, it’s a combination of being in a city that I enjoy and being on a team that has a chance to win. Obviously the financial side plays a part, but all of those things combined are more important than where other guys are going.

Empire Sports Now: Do you feel like it’s been hard to play for the Knicks because of all the turmoil in the organization during the five years you’ve been with the team? Do you feel like it’s affected the team on the court at all?

David: There’s been about 50 years of drama in a five year period between coaches, off the court stuff, and player changes, but I love it here in New York. I’ve loved my five years here. It’s a tough city not to win in. If I were to come back here, just as the Knicks would want to have the same thing happen if they had me back here, it needs to be in a situation where we’re going to win. That’s the commitment that they’re making right now by going after the top free agents. I think the Knicks are headed in the right direction. It’s no fun to lose here in any sport. Basketball, probably right behind the Yankees, is the second most unenjoyable sport to lose in here. New York is a wonderful place, the fans are great, and I’ve enjoyed my time here so far.

Empire Sports Now: Do you go to a lot of Yankee games?

David: I go to a couple each year. Actually, I’m going tomorrow night. I’ll be there against Philly. It’s amazing how much this city rallies around its sports. That’s what makes New York so special is the fans and their enthusiasm.

I closed my eyes, pulled the lever like an old granny in Vegas, and took a chance on the Free Agent Slot Machine. Here are some of the outcomes:

Getting LeBron James is the ultimate goal so if Joe Johnson happened to be the guy who comes along with him that’s fine. Johnson’s not the best player on the market to combine with LeBron, but I’d still be ecstatic to land this duo.

This All-Star tandem would wreak havoc in the Eastern Conference. Also notice that a big name doesn’t sign in Miami with Wade. The Knicks would be the No. 2 seed at worst in the East.

… that’s just not fair. Let’s move on.

The Knicks and Nets did very well for themselves, but this outcome is absurd. Why would D-Wade leave to go to New York if LeBron’s not coming with him? The only way I ever see Wade coming to New York is if it’s with LeBron. If this did happen, the Nets would definitely trump the Knicks.

The Knicks would find themselves in an ugly mess if this happened. 2011 free agency becomes the immediate focal point along with trying to make trades. Would a team with ‘Melo and CP3 be able to beat either the Bulls or the Heat in the East?

Here’s a good one. All eight guys find themselves in pretty realistic places. Amare would go down to Miami to team up with Wade in order to compete with LeBron and Bosh in New York while the Nets get two very good free agents. Dirk stays home and Boozer heads to Chicago to play with the young core they have there. Salary cap wise, this would work for all teams involved. I’d say of all the outcomes that came up, this is the most realistic.

Jackpot. Need I say more?

The regular season may be over, but the most important season is about to begin; the off-season. This off-season is also known as the ‘summer of 2010′ and the ‘summer of LBJ’.

Donnie Walsh has put the Knicks into a position where they have the financial flexibility to sign two max contracts this summer. That was half the battle. The other half is to fill the cap space with top-tier talent. 

The book is officially closed on 2009-2010 and the Knicks weren’t able to break the 30-win mark (29-53). They have concluded their 9th consecutive losing season.

The team may have done better off the court this year by clearing cap space, but there were some good things that were done on the court. Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler both grew as players. Toney Douglas played well at both guard spots and should be a good supporting cast member in the future. Bill Walker broke out while seeing significant playing time for the first time in his career. David Lee put together impressive offensive numbers while playing out of his normal position.

But the regular season can be put behind us now as what may be the most important off-season in Knicks’ history has begun.