Knicks nearing deal to land Chandler
The New York Knicks are nearing a four-year, $58 million contract with Tyson Chandler(notes) after the Golden State Warriors conceded they're no longer in the running to sign the free-agent center, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
To add Chandler, the Knicks will use their amnesty clause to waive Chauncey Billups(notes) and his $14.2 million salary, sources said.
Once the Knicks amnesty Billups, teams under the salary cap can bid on him and claim him off waivers. Billups' agent, Andy Miller, said his client is upset about that prospect.
"He’s irate under the circumstances," Miller said. "He felt this would be his final destination, and he was promised that he would be playing for a team that was going to be competing for the playoffs. He has no intention of being open-minded about any possible situation where a team would claim him off waivers unless it’s a team he chooses himself. Buyer beware."
The Knicks' pursuit of Chandler intensified after efforts to trade for New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul(notes) stalled, sources said.
Chandler was an important contributor during the Mavericks' run to last season's NBA championship, averaging 10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 74 games. The Mavericks have been reluctant to offer Chandler a competitive, long-term extension, preferring to save their money to spend on the 2012 free-agent class, which could include Dwight Howard(notes) and Deron Williams(notes).
Comcast Bay Area first reported the Knicks' interest in Chandler. CBSSports.com reported the Knicks' potential amnesty of Billups.
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