Veteran point guard Baron Davis will sign with the New York Knicks, a person with knowledge of his plans said Sunday. first reported Davis’ intention.
Davis is expected to sign today, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because there won’t be an announcement until the signing is official with the NBA.
Davis was waived last week by the Cleveland Cavaliers and designated as their amnesty player. He was not claimed and chose the Knicks, who are seeking more backcourt depth after waiving Chauncey Billups with the amnesty clause. New York had already signed another veteran point guard, Mike Bibby.
It’s unknown when Davis will play, because he’s been sidelined by a bulging disc in his back. But he would be worth the risk if healthy, especially since the Knicks can only offer him at most the new two-year exception that would pay him $2.5 million in the first year.
“Everybody knows what he can do when he’s healthy and when he’s focused,” Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony said. “When B.D. is healthy, he’s one of the best.”
But Davis wasn’t needed in Cleveland after the Cavs won the draft lottery and selected Duke playmaker Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 pick. By making Davis their amnesty player, the Cavs knocked the $28 million he was owed the next two seasons off their salary cap.
