CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Hornets on Friday offered New York Knicks forward Johnny Newman a multi-year contract.
The 6-foot-7 Newman became a restricted free agent on July 1, when the Knicks failed to offer him a contract.
New York, under rules governing free agents, now has 15 days to match the offer from Charlotte if it wants to keep Newman.
Hornets Vice President of Basketball Allan Bristow said Newman would be a key player in lighting a fire under the tepid Hornets, who finished last season 19-63, the fourth worst record in the league. The Knicks were 45-37.
Bristow declined to reveal how much money the offer entails. He said Newman was offered 'a multi-year contract.'
'He's not a Hornet now, but we're serious about improving our ball club,' Bristow said. 'Getting calibre players is a way to improve your talent and that's what we're trying to do.'
Newman, 27, averaged 12.9 points per game last season, 48 percent shooting from the field and hit 45 of 142 3-pointers.
In the college draft last month, the Hornets took Kendall Gill, of Illinois, even though they have little need for another guard.
At the time, Bristow said Gill was chosen because he was the best talent available and 'we can always trade later.'
But with Rex Chapman, Dell Curry, Michael Holton and crowd-pleaser Tyrone 'Mugsy' Bogues already at guard, what the Hornets needed was a small forward. Newman would fit that bill.
'We've done our part,' said Bristow. 'We feel there is a real possibility we will be able to acquire Newman, but we have to wait 15 days to see if the Knicks match the offer.'
As for the Knicks, if General Manager Al Bianchi wants to keep Newman he is playing his hand close to the vest.
'We got the offer sheet today,' Bianchi said. 'We are not ready to make a decision yet. We have until the 28th to match or not match -- that's what collective bargaining and allowing the players to market themselves is all about.
'Bristow is the man interested in Johnny Newman,' Bianchi added.