The Knicks delayed the inevitable with a win Sunday in Game 4 to avoid a sweep, but they met their fate tonight, losing 106-94 to the Heat in Game 5. Now, with seven free agents on the roster, the offseason work begins. Earlier today we heard the Knicks plan to bring back coach Mike Woodson, but that's just the first step in a busy summer ahead.
- J.R. Smith is sending mixed messages about whether he'll return, as Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com notes. He's expected to turn down his $2.5MM option for next season, and earlier this evening we heard he's keeping close tabs on the Nuggets, his old team.
- In addition to free agents Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields, Royce Young of CBSSports.com believes the team must decide on its future with Amare Stoudemire this summer.
- Sean Deveney of The Sporting News says the Knicks must find a consistent identity going forward after a season when it seemed like there were half a dozen different Knicks teams.
- The Knicks won't be one the final four teams left in the Eastern Conference playoffs, but Carmelo Anthony believes they're one of the top teams in the East and is optimistic about the future in New York, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post.
- Tyson Chandler is less upbeat, telling reporters, including Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, "It's unacceptable to me. I didn't come here to lose in the first round and I don't plan on doing this in the future."