Sources: Lance Thomas agrees to return to Knicks on 4-year deal

Small forward Lance Thomas has agreed to re-sign with the New York Knicks on a four-year deal, sources told ESPN.

The contract starts at $6.1 million in the first year and contains standard annual raises of 7.5 percent, sources said.

Cleveland.com first reported the agreement.

Thomas likely will be signed via his early Bird rights, so the Knicks will still have access to remaining cap space.

Over the past two seasons, Thomas, 28, carved out a role for himself in New York as a high-energy defender with an improving outside shot.The forward averaged 8.2 points in 22 minutes per game and shot a career-high 40 percent from beyond the arc.Knicks coaches were impressed by Thomas' professional approach, ability to defend multiple positions and dedication to improving his shooting.

The club originally obtained Thomas in a three-team trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder that included the Knicks' sending J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to the Cleveland Cavaliers.