LAS VEGAS — The Knicks are in a dogfight for Marcus Camby after a 90-minute meeting in Houston which was “very positive,’’ according to an NBA source.
But the Nets, Miami and Clippers are also in the hunt for the former Knicks center, who would be the perfect backup to Tyson Chandler. Camby spoke to the Nets by phone yesterday, and his situation does not depend on whether the Nets get Dwight Howard, according to an NBA source.
Calling the Knicks the favorites is, according to a source, “a stretch,’’ but they are very much alive. Camby is expected to make his decision either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Camby met with Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald, coach Mike Woodson and assistant general manager Allan Houston, a former teammate of Camby’s. In fact, one positive for Camby is he has played with a few of the Knicks, including Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith with the Nuggets and Steve Novak with the Clippers.
Camby stopped by the Rockets’ Summer League practice facility yesterday and met with Houston GM Daryl Morey to say goodbye. Though the Knicks were in Houston, Grunwald didn’t meet with Morey to talk about a sign-and-trade that will be needed to complete the transaction.
The Knicks’ big push for Camby — besides needing a backup for Chandler — could also be tied with keeping him from the Miami Dream Team, which became dreamier with the addition of Ray Allen. The Heat have had a giant void at center the past two seasons, and Camby can start with them rather than coming off the bench with the Knicks. The Heat will have to pull off a sign-and-trade, too, and can offer young guard Norris Cole.
Morey will figure to ask the Knicks for a sizable amount of cash to pay for Toney Douglas’ $2 million contract and a second-round pick. The Knicks would also give the non-guaranteed pact of Dan Gadzuric, totaling $1.4 million. The Knicks want to hold onto young center prospects Josh Harrellson and 7-footer Jerome Jordan if they can. Both are slated to be at the Knicks’ first Summer-League practice Wednesday. Awkward.
Chandler said Saturday night Camby would be a big piece because he never felt he had a true “five’’ backing him up last season. Carmelo Anthony said he’d welcome his former Nuggets mate with “open arms,’’ saying, “Hopefully, we can get him.’’
Camby can also play power forward. Jared Jeffries was the first big man off the bench for the Knicks when healthy, but had chronic knee issues much of last season.
The Knicks are still in talks about a new contract for Jeffries, which may be independent of Camby. The Nets, meanwhile, may have no means to get Camby if they pull off a trade for Howard, unless the Rockets are involved as a third team.
Anthony will wear his old Redeem Team and Nuggets No. 15 on the 2012 Olympic team. Russell Westbrook will wear No. 7, Anthony’s number with the Knicks. Anthony couldn’t wear No. 15 after being traded to the Knicks because it hangs from the rafters in honor of Earl Monroe and Dick McGuire.