The Knicks continue to take advantage of the new amnesty provision. They are pursuing sore-backed veteran point guard Baron Davis, who cleared waivers last night, and the club also is focused on pursuing forward Travis Outlaw, the Nets’ amnesty cut, if he clears tonight at 8, The Post has learned.
“The focus is still on Baron’s health,” Davis’ agent, Todd Ramasar, told The Post late last night after being on a flight most of the evening. “I’ll be having conversations with teams this weekend.”
An Outlaw signing would make up for the loss of forward Shawne Williams to the Nets. The Knicks could offer Outlaw, who would not have to move from his New Jersey home, their $2.5 million exception, unless Davis commands it.
There were no bidders on Davis, who becomes a free agent. An NBA source said it was “likely’’ the club would bring him in for a back examination before offering him a contract. The Knicks prefer offering him the $1.4 million veteran’s minimum. The Lakers could be their toughest competitor for Davis, who hails from Los Angeles.
A league source told The Post Davis’ bulging disc is not as severe as agent Todd Ramasar has proclaimed. Ramasar said Davis, 32, could be out eight to 10 weeks. The league source believes Davis has a shot a returning in four to six weeks and the agent attempted to scare off teams Davis does not want to play for. The Knicks view Davis as a potential difference-maker and are willing to take the small risk.
One source said the Knicks “would have a shot’’ at Outlaw. Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said yesterday the team’s focus changed from adding a reserve shooting guard to a backup forward, partly because of rookie combo guard Iman Shumpert’s emergence in scrimmages.
Outlaw’s Nets stint was a disaster after he signed a five-year, $35 million package last summer. He posted a 37.5 shooting percentage and 9.2 scoring average as the starting small forward, but always thrived against the Knicks when he played for the Blazers.
* The Knicks’ depth concern is heightened because swingman Billy Walker is out indefinitely with a groin strain, and won’t play in today’s preseason opener.
* Toney Douglas will start at point guard today, but D’Antoni didn’t rule out Mike Bibby as a starter later in the season.
“[Bibby] looks real good,’’ D’Antoni said. “He’s a veteran who knows how to play.’’