Shawne Williams is headed to … Jersey.
Williams, a Knicks’ small forward off the bench last season, chose to join the Nets over returning to the Garden because of a bigger role that was offered.
Williams, 25, who is a close friend of Amar’e Stoudemire, also felt slighted by the Knicks in recent days as they waited on Jamal Crawford’s decision and refused to make Williams an offer. It wasn’t until Crawford said no to the Knicks that they offered Williams their $2.5 million exception.
The Nets were able to outbid the Knicks because they are under the salary cap and were desperate for a forward. The Nets offer was two years, $6 million with an opt-out after the first year. It was $1 million more than the Knicks were able to offer. Agent Happy Walters said Williams still debated taking less money from the Knicks because he enjoyed playing their last season, but opted for a potential starting role.
Williams actually could start for New Jersey at the 3 position, whereas he would have had to fight for playing time in a crowded Knicks rotation.
“Shawne made a decision on what’s best for him and his family,’’ Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire said. “We’ll be alright. . We have a solid team with what we have now. We’re comfortable with our roster. He’s not too far away, we’ll see him shortly.’’
Coach Mike D’Antoni said Williams should not feel disrespected by the Knicks, who were waiting on Jamal Crawford’s decision before they turned their focus on him.
“Well, he got an offer, he just didn’t get an offer he wanted,” D’Antoni said. “It’s business. We couldn’t do anything until we got Tyson (Chandler) because that takes up your cap room. For a long time, we couldn’t do anything. We love Shawne. He’ll have a great career.”
The Knicks feel they may go on with what they have now, even if Bill Walker is down with a groin injury. But they have looked into signing defensive guard Maurice Evans, who may be returning to Washington and Michael Redd, whose coming off two straight ACL tears and played just 10 games last season.
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The Knicks finally announced the signing of 7-foot center Jerome Jordan, their 2010 second-round pick. The Post first reported Saturday Jordan and the Knicks agreed to terms. He was unable to practice until Thursday, when his buyout with his Slovenian team and work visa was approved. Jordan is from Kingston, Jamaica – birthplace of Patrick Ewing.