Ramasar said when Jordan met with the Knicks in June, management had him penciled in on the roster.
"They were explicit in saying they need and want Jerome on their roster this upcoming season," Ramasar said. "We are exploring deals with 'out' clauses so he can return to the Knicks once the lockout has ended. We should have a deal in place within a week."
Ramasar said Jordan's desire to play in Europe is unrelated to the Knicks drafting Kentucky's Josh Harrellson. The Knicks view Jordan as higher on the center depth chart because of his size.
"This is strictly a decision to assist in Jerome's development so he can make an impact on the team as soon as the NBA season begins," Ramasar said.
The lockout is a killer for the Knicks' young players who could play a role this season. The Las Vegas Summer League would have ended today had it not been for the lockout. Jordan, along with first-rounder Iman Shumpert, Harrellson, Andy Rautins and Landry Fields, all would have played for the Knicks' entry. None of those players is allowed into the Knicks' facility to work with the coaching staff.
