Deal done, Knicks' Woodson brags up Bargnani
The New York Knicks celebrated the acquisition of forward Andrea Bargnani, who was dealt from the Toronto Raptors in a trade that became official Wednesday.
Coach Mike Woodson said the expectation is Bargnani will be a matchup challenge, especially as defenses try to keep Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire in check.
"He can score both inside and out," Woodson said. "He will be a great complement to Carmelo, Tyson (Chandler) and Amar'e."
The Raptors received guard Steve Novak, center Marcus Camby, forward Quentin Richardson, a 2016 first-round pick and second-round picks in 2014 and 2017 for Bargnani.
The two sides were unable to complete the sign-and-trade deal initially but the Knicks added Richardson to satisfy league trade requirements. Camby returns to where he started his career but he did not sound happy about it. The Raptors drafted him No. 2 overall in 1996.
"It's unfortunate that I wasn't given a meaningful opportunity to contribute last season in New York," he said in a statement last week. "I was really looking forward to the upcoming year as a chance to show the organization what they missed out on last year, and pushing our team towards the Finals.
"I have nothing but positive things to say about the city of Toronto and its great fans, having been drafted by the Raptors 17 years ago. Given that my goal at this point in my career is to have a shot at a championship, however, I'll have to evaluate my options going forward. I've enjoyed a great career and under the right circumstances I hope to continue making an impact in the league."
Bargnani's contract expires in 2015, which could give the Knicks salary-cap flexibility if he leaves as a free agent. Camby and Novak's salaries combine for about $8.7 million while Bargnani is owed $23 million over the next two years. He will also receive a $500,000 trade bonus.
The salaries of Anthony, Chandler and Stoudemire also come off the books the same year if they leave via free agency or trade.
Bargnani has missed 98 games over the two seasons with injuries. He had a sprained right elbow last season.
The 7-foot Bargnani, the first overall pick in the 2006 draft, averaged 12.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 35 games for Toronto last season. He hit 39.9 percent of his field-goal attempts.
