The Nets’ Egor Demin is displaying during training camp and preseason games that he’s ready to be a major factor at either guard spot, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes.

“I think back to last year in summer league — and even before that on the predraft when I was in the workout with Brooklyn — I’ve been saying at all times to Jordi [Fernández] and the other coaches that I’m seeing myself as a very versatile player in the future and that I want to be anywhere I can benefit the team,” Dëmin said. “I’m a winner, so I want to win as much as I can. If that means for me to have 25 assists and five points, or whatever that means for me, I want to win first. Working on certain things helps to be even more versatile, whether I’m off or on the ball. And that’s the goal, for sure, is being everywhere and being able to be everywhere. You look at LeBron [James], he can play from 1-through-5.”

Fernandez says Demin looks like a different player after his inconsistent rookie season.

“You just can see how much he’s improved already from last year,” he said. “I probably wanted him to be a little bit more aggressive shooting 3s, but his willingness to get everybody involved is showing. … His voice is growing, so it’s very important.”

Here’s more on the New York teams:

• Knicks fans will have to deal with the reality of the league’s financial constraints, New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro writes in the aftermath of the news that the team’s brass has paused extension negotiations. That includes star big man Karl-Anthony Towns as well as three other players. Giving KAT a massive extension isn’t a no-brainer, since he’d be 32 when the extension kicks in, Vaccaro notes. The NBA is no longer a place where “thanks-for-the-memories” payouts can be authorized, Vaccaro adds.
• Another one of those Knicks extension-eligible players, Miles McBride, previously expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in extension talks. Multiple league sources told the New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield that McBride could command $15-20MM annually if he signs a contract with another team. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
• While the Nets have several other options at center, they are considering some small ball lineups with Julius Randle in the middle. Randle confirmed he’s had discussions with Fernandez about playing some small-ball five, adding “that’s what preseason is for,” Lewis tweets.