Why would the appeal go through for them? If the Knicks specifically get their appeal, then the NBPA *cough* Rockets *cough* should send one asking for Goran to become restricted.
I kind of agree with the union in these cases; Jeremy Lin signed a 2 year deal as an undrafted free agent, and has subsequently been claimed off of waivers twice. If bird rights transfer with a player when he is traded to a new team, shouldn't they transfer with a player in an action that is basically trading him away for free? Steve Novak also was claimed on waivers from the Spurs after signing a number of 10 day contracts, and wasn't given a choice of his new team. Doesn't really make sense why trading for a guy using a top 59 protected 2nd rounder or $1 in cash considerations is so much better than paying $1,000 in a waiver claim. My gut would say that the rule gets amended; it's undeniably better for the league to have a good team in New York, and even better for everyone else if they're a big-time taxpayer.
