NBA Free Agent Rumors: Marcus Camby to New York Isn't Worth Knicks' Trouble

Former New York Knick Marcus Camby could be making a return to Madison Square Garden this offseason.

ESPN's Jared Zwerling reports:

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A source close to Marcus Camby told ESPNNewYork.com on Monday that the unrestricted free agent would be interested in returning to the Knicks. 

"Marcus lives in New York in the offseason, and if it works out there, it would be terrific," the source said. 

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A possible reunion is all fine and dandy, except for the fact that the 38-year-old center isn't worth what the Knicks would have to go through to get him.

The Knicks would likely have to use their mid-level exception of $3.09 million to sign Camby, but that will only be an option if James Dolan and the rest of the front office are able to acquire a free-agent point guard through a sign-and-trade. 

If a sign-and-trade doesn't work out, the Knicks would most likely look to use their mid-level exception to sign a free-agent point guard, meaning that they would only be able to pay Camby the veteran minimum of $1.4 million.

According to Zwerling, a source close to Camby said he would be "shocked" if the four-time blocks leader took the veteran minimum.

Camby is a fan favorite amongst the Knicks' faithful, and even though he averaged nine boards per game last season with the Houston Rockets, he's not worth the mid-level exception at just over $3 million. 

He's be a good defensive option off the bench, but Tyson Chandler doesn't need to come out too often, as we saw last season. Despite lingering injuries, Chandler missed just four games while playing over 33 minutes a night.

That still means he's out for 15 minutes per game, but his absence gives Amar'e Stoudemire more time and room to work in the paint. If Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony are ever going to coexist, Stoudemire needs to work on his game down low, especially when Chandler is out.

Call me crazy, but Jared Jeffries was a viable defensive player off the bench last season. He's not under contract anymore, but he probably wouldn't mind giving the Knicks a hometown discount seeing as he can't do a thing on the offensive end of the court.

It's just speculation of course, but it's not a stretch to say that Jeffries is more likely to take the veteran minimum than Camby.

There are bigger issues the Knicks need to address this offseason. The most notable would be their current lack of a point guard and the need for another perimeter shooting to space the floor.

Camby would be a good fit if the offseason dwindles down and the Knicks haven't found any other players they would like to acquire, but for now, it would be better to stay away.