According to Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York, the New York Knicks have acquired veteran center Marcus Camby through a sign-and-trade with the Houston Rockets. In return, the Knicks have sent point guard Toney Douglas, center Jerome Jordan, power forward Josh Harrellson and second round picks from 2014 and 2015.
The deal will not be finalized until Wednesday, July 11.
Camby was down to the Knicks, Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets as the teams he would like to play for. The Heat would have gotten a chance until they used to their mid-level exception on Ray Allen. The Nets did as well, but they had a conference fall with Camby instead of the Knicks, who had a face-to-face meeting. New York was mainly in the lead the whole way.
The signing means that Camby will now make his return to the Big Apple, as he played for the Knicks earlier in his career from 1998-2002.
He was traded to Houston from the Portland Trail Blazers at the deadline last season, appearing in 19 games for the Rockets in which he averaged 7.1 points and 9.3 rebounds.
Camby will fit well on the roster, providing much help on the bench for the team’s frontcourt as he backs up Tyson Chandler. He will also most likely play alongside with Jason Kidd in the second-unit if New York re-signs Jeremy Lin to start.
Along with the trade, the Knicks also were able to re-sign sharpshooting guard JR Smith. The veteran signed a two-year deal worth nearly $6 million. The first year will be guaranteed while the second is a player-option.
“I have decided to re-sign with the Knicks. I just felt that, despite my other options, New York is the best situation for me,” Smith said in a statement released to ESPNNewYork.com. “Coach (Mike) Woodson showed a lot of faith and trust in me last season, as did (Knicks owner) Mr. (James) Dolan and the organization.
“My teammates are great to play with and New York fans are the best. I can’t wait to get started.”
Smith will likely be the starting shooting guard now with Landry Fields gone to Toronto, as the Knicks will not match their high offer-sheet. Smith averaged 12.5 points per game off the bench last season. New York also re-signed Steve Novak, who will continue to be a three-point threat for the Knicks.
So far, some great moves for the Knicks as they are starting to possibly form into a legit championship-contender.
Original Story:
http://www.footbasket.com/2012/07/10/...
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July 10, 2012
