Report: Knicks at the top of Tobias Harris' list

The New York Knicks have opened up an appreciable amount of cap space for this summer, and a New York native is hoping some of that money may be earmarked for him.

Though Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris has said in the past that he'd like to stay with the team long-term, the impending restricted free agent wants to be a Knick, according to a report Marc Berman from the New York Post. From the report:

Harris has a big summer ahead, electing to become a restricted free agent rather than signing Orlando’s four-year, $36 million extension offer. A source told The Post in November the Knicks are tops on his list.

Thursday night, a close friend of Harris told The Post, "He wants to win a championship with the Knicks."

Jokes about the Knicks and their chances of contending in the immediate future aside, the Post reports the Knicks plan to pursue the Half Hollow Hills West native. Harris is in New York to take on the Knicks on Friday and may be feeling pangs for home after an emotional Thursday night ceremony at his former high school.

Harris wouldn't comment on his potential free agency, saying only that he's not thinking about it yet and he thinks Knicks president Phil Jackson has a plan in place. Whether that plan includes a big-money offer for Harris - who plays the same positions as superstar Carmelo Anthony - remains unclear, but he can certainly make a case.

Still just 22, Harris is averaging 18 points and 6.9 rebounds in his fourth season, posting above-average offensive efficiency metrics. He's not the flashy name Knicks fans may be hoping for with upwards of $30 million in cap space, but he's a young, solid piece who the Knicks could reasonably make an offer to that the Magic would balk at matching.