Hooped Up

Jamal Crawford’s surgically repaired ankle may have cost James Dolan close to $20 million.

The Knicks and Steve Francis were working on a buyout early last week, but according to a Knicks source, those plans changed dramatically when Crawford was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right ankle.

Francis is scheduled to earn $40 million over the next two years, including his remaining income from this year’s contract. Francis and the Knicks had negotiated a buyout for approximately $30 million. According to a source, Francis was convinced that he could sign for the mid-level exception over the summer to make back the money.

New York Daily News