• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

New-look Knicks welcome LeBron, Cavaliers

Nov 25, 2008 - 2:50 PM Cleveland (10-3) at New York (7-6) 7:30 p.m. EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The New York Knicks have been clearing some of the big money off the books in anticipation of the free agent class of 2010. They will get a good look at one of their prime targets on Tuesday.

LeBron James will likely get a warm reception from the visiting crowd when the Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers.

New York traded Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph, amongst others, last week to clear more than $27 million off the cap for 2010.

The newfound economic freedom will allow the Knicks to offer a maximum contract to the likes of James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Steve Nash or Amare Stoudemire.

But in the meantime, New York hopes to have newly-acquired Tim Thomas, Cuttino Mobley and Al Harrington in uniform for the first time Tuesday.

The Knicks competed with only seven players over the weekend, suffering a loss at Milwaukee on Friday before battling back against Washington on Saturday. Quentin Richardson led the way with 34 points as all five starters played over 40 minutes against the Wizards.

The Cavaliers are doing their best to keep James on board by continuing to win, taking nine of their last 10 games.

James leads the NBA in scoring, averaging 29.1 points per game, while collecting 7.8 rebounds and seven assists. He scored a game-high 24 points in Cleveland's 110-96 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.