The Knicks are pretty cash strapped and won’t be able to make much of an impact during free agency. Still in an attempt to upgrade their roster they’ve entered into a trade with the Toronto Raptors to acquire Andrea Bargnani. Read more after the jump.
The Knicks will acquire Andrea Bargnani and in return the Raptors will receive Marcus Camby, Steve Novak, a 2016 first-round pick, a 2014 2nd round pick via OKC and a 2017 second round pick.
While Bargnani is a good shooter and has the ability to help the Knicks space the floor, he’s a 7-footer who can’t rebound or play defense. He has yet to live up to his potential after being selected 1st overall in the 2006 draft. Honestly the Knicks should by no means be giving up draft picks for Bargnani. The Raptors have been trying to trade him for quite some time which means they’re desperation level wasn’t minimal. He has career per-game averages of 15.2 points and 4.8 rebounds in seven N.B.A. seasons. He is owed $22.25 million over the next two seasons.
Camby and Novak however were expendable so relieving themselves of those contracts works in the Knicks favor.
Camby, 39, averaged 1.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 24 appearances for the Knicks last season. One of the oldest players in the NBA, Camby will make $4.4 million in 2013-14 and $4.2 million in 2014-15, although only $1 million of that figure is guaranteed.
Novak, 30, averaged 6.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 81 appearances for the Knicks last season. A three-point shooting specialist, Novak signed a four-year, $15 million contract last summer that is fully guaranteed.
