While Knicks GM Donnie Walsh is said to be trying to put together a package for Tracy McGrady and his expiring $23 million contact (particularly one that has Jared Jeffries at the bottom of the box), at least one member of the Knicks’ roster is already planning his exit, as C Darko Milicic explained to the New York Post’s Marc Berman.
“Whatever happens, I’m going back next year,” the 7-foot-1 Milicic said after yesterday’s Knicks practice at Moody Bible Institute. “It’s 100-percent certain. I have to be real and not lie. I’m not going to get it done in the NBA. I’m not going to get another opportunity and there’s nothing wrong with going back to Europe. I don’t want to create a bad atmosphere here, but it’s not working in the NBA.”
“I don’t give a bleep about the money,” Milicic said. “I just want to enjoy the basketball. I’d like to have the ball in my hands and have an offense run through me. I’m not just a defensive player.”
Berman points out Milicic received a DNP – Coach’s (Wise) Decision in 15 of the Knicks’ last 16 games, prior to the signing of Jonathan Bender.