By Jim Scott
DNAinfo Senior Editor
MANHATTAN — The New York Knicks title drought was officially extended to 37 years as they were eliminated from the playoffs Monday with a 103-98 loss to the Utah Jazz.
The Knicks (26-47) missed the playoffs for the sixth straight season and eighth time in the last nine seasons. New York has not had a winning season since going 48-34 in 2000-2001.
However, Knicks fans only have to wait 93 more days until the start of free agency on July 1.
Wins and losses haven't meant much to most New York basketball fans this season as they've set their sites on the 2010 free agent class that boasts superstars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
New York has cleared more than $30 million in salary cap space for next season, but it may not be enough to lure James from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the bright lights of the Big Apple.
"I think LeBron's going to stay," Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, who played with James in his rookie year, told the New York Post on Monday. "That's my gut. They're doing everything they can to build him a championship. His biggest thing is winning a ring. I think his best chance to win a ring is probably where he's at."
