NBA

Knicks get Camby back in sign-and-trade

Marcus Camby is back where he enjoyed playing the most — on the Garden stage.

The 7-foot defensive specialist out of Hartford will get the chance to be a Knick again, for at least two seasons. The Knicks won the Camby sweepstakes last night, but lost a big chunk of their Las Vegas Summer League team in a sign-and-trade with the Rockets for the center.

Camby, 38, agreed to terms on a 3-year, $13 million deal, according to an NBA source. Only $10 million is guaranteed.

In the sign-and-trade, the Knicks gave up young centers Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan, rookies last season, Toney Douglas’ expiring pact and two future second-round draft picks. The geriatric Knicks are going for it all next season.

A person close to Camby, who played for the Knicks from 1998-2002, told The Post: “He’s always been a Knick at heart. His favorite years in the NBA were with the Knicks. He’s back to his favorite place.’’

Camby last night tweeted,“NY’’, in announcing his decision.

The Knicks needed a backup center to Tyson Chandler and wanted to keep Camby away from the Heat and Nets. Chandler told The Post he felt he never had a true backup “five” last season.

The source said Camby had a strong desire to rejoin former Nuggets teammates Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith and former Clippers teammate Steve Novak.

A source said Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald’s presence was key. Grunwald was with the Raptors when Toronto drafted the shot-blocker with the second overall pick in the 1996 draft.

“They had a great relationship in Toronto,’’ the source said. “And [Grunwald] made a compelling presentation.’’

Miami’s bid fell short, as Camby couldn’t see himself playing with the Heat as a former Knick.

Camby was shipped from the Knicks in 2002 after a solid if injury-prone stint in New York as part of the ill-fated trade with the Nuggets for Antonio McDyess. The Knicks have regretted the move ever since, and for the past four years, have tried to deal for Camby at the trade deadline.

As reported exclusively by The Post, the Knicks will match Jeremy Lin’s $28.5 million offer sheet from the Rockets. Jason Kidd will join Lin for the $3.09 million midlevel exception because the Knicks may not have leftover pieces to execute a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks to get Kidd’s salary to that level.

The Knicks are still busy looking to add a shooting guard, but also inquired about power forward Kenyon Martin and have talked to Jared Jeffries about a return.

Douglas, Harrellson and Jordan were named to the Knicks’ Summer League team hours before the sign-and-trade. Douglas wanted to shake off rust after being mostly exiled to the end of the bench from February on. The summer team begins practice here tomorrow.

Harrellson was a late second-rounder in the 2011 draft. A strong post defender, he had a good rookie year. Jordan was a project, but the 7-footer showed glimpses of what he could do if gets stronger.

The Knicks’ starting Summer League point guard now could be Chris Smith, J.R. Smith’s brother, who went undrafted out of Louisville.