LAS VEGAS — Free-agent center Marcus Camby will meet with the Knicks in the next few days, though a source said it won’t be in New York. The meeting likely will take place in Las Vegas because coach Mike Woodson is already there with assistant general manager Allan Houston, monitoring the U.S. Olympic Team practices and gearing up for the team’s first summer league practice.
According to a source, the Knicks have interest in Camby — who played for the team from 1998-2002 — but prefer not to use the $3.09 million mini mid-level exception that Camby is seeking. There’s a chance the Knicks can also do a sign-and-trade for Camby as they might do for Jason Kidd with Dallas. They still could have trade chips left over such as rookie Jerome Jordan, Josh Harrellson and Toney Douglas.
Camby, who was drafted by Toronto when general manager Glen Grunwald helped run the Raptors’ draft, already has talked with the Knicks front office by phone.
Camby is seeking more than the $1.4 million veteran’s minimum. The Heat are considered very much in the hunt, too, and Camby is to visit them today.
One scenario is splitting the $3.09 million mid-level exception between Camby and veteran Spanish League point guard Pablo Prigioni, who would take about $700,000. Prigioni is 35 years old, and one person familiar with the Knicks’ thinking said, “Don’t erase him from the list yet.’’
The Knicks could use a veteran backup center to Tyson Chandler. They have talked with Jared Jeffries about returning for the veteran’s minimum.
Woodson would not comment about free agency yesterday. The Knicks still have plans to re-sign Steve Novak and shooting guard J.R. Smith, but probably will lose Landry Fields, who was signed to a back-loaded, 3-year $19 million offer sheet by the Raptors.