The Knicks will have a D-League affiliate in Westchester

This is cool news. I'd heard before that the Knicks were trying to bring their D-League affiliate closer to home, and it looks like that's come to pass:

It's official. The Knicks are relocating the NBA D-League's Erie BayHawks to the Westchester County Center.

— Mike Dougherty (@hoopsmbd) February 26, 2014

The Westchester County Center is in White Plains, not far from where the Knicks' training facility is located. The relocation should make it much easier for players to move back and forth between the Knicks and the...well, they won't still be called the BayHawks, will they? The White Plains Shopping Centers? White Plains Deer? Westchester Chestwesters?

They'll figure it out. This is good. It allows people in the area to check out the D-League franchise if they'd like, and it should strengthen ties between the Knicks and their affiliate. No word yet on when this is happening, but it seems like a plausible move to happen for next season.

Update: Ah, so it will be a new franchise instead:

RE: Knicks and their D-League plans. Early word is Knicks trotting out a new D-League franchise in White Plains; Erie BayHawks will stay put

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 26, 2014

Update. Westchester is going to be an expansion team in NBA D-League. Erie stays put. Knicks will own and operate this team.

— Mike Dougherty (@hoopsmbd) February 26, 2014

Plan is to play 24 home games and playoffs at Westchester County Center. Got any ideas for a team name? Folks at MSG are looking for one.

— Mike Dougherty (@hoopsmbd) February 26, 2014