Marcus Camby and Blazers Close to Contract Extension
Finally some good news from our favorite team.
As first reported on 95.5 The Game, center Marcus Camby is close to signing an extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. Camby's agent Rick Kaplan told Jason Quick:
"Since the day Marcus was traded, the Blazers and Marcus made it clear it was not for an interim engagement. It has been our goal to get something done, and hopefully he will stay in Portland long term.''
The total deal, which is reportedly awaiting league approval, is said to be worth $21 million for two years. Camby will also be eligible for roughly $4 Million in incentives.
Some sources report that a deal is close to being made in principle, whereas other sources report the Trail Blazers and Camby will announce the extension today. For rolling updates and some great analysis, check out Ben Golliver's post over at Blazersedge.com.
For salary cap implications, go here. In my opinion, this signing if it indeed occurs, is a win-win-win for all parties involved.
First, the Blazers get a big man, someone who has (crossed fingers) not blown out their kneecap in 1/3 of a season with the team. Camby has proven valuable both on the court and off so there is no need to worry that the team just signed some low character, misfit.
Second, Marcus Camby gets paid. For his age and projected minutes behind/alongside Oden next season, this deal is great for him.
Finally, if Camby somehow becomes unable to play or produce the way he has this season and post season, his contract is of favorable length and would in theory turn into an expiring contract, one that can be used on the open market as part of a larger trade (think Raef Lafrenz's expiring contract).
Camby has played tremendously for the Blazers during his short time with the team. His individual defense and leadership abilities are his most valuable contributions to the team. Just thinking of Camby and Oden has me salivating. Okay, that was creepy. I'll stop now.
