Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
The New Jersey Nets swapped out forwards on Thursday, agreeing to a deal with Shawne Williams and waiving Travis Outlaw through the amnesty clause in the new collective bargaining agreement.
Nets coach Avery Johnson confirmed Thursday that the sharpshooting Williams has chosen New Jersey over the Knicks.
The deal is reportedly for two years and $6 million.
Outlaw — who averaged 9.2 points and shot 38 percent from the field last season — has four years and $28 million remaining on his contract. The Nets will still have to pay it, but through the amnesty provision they receive salary cap relief by waiving Outlaw.
Williams, 25, played in 64 games for the Knicks last season, averaging 7.1 points per game on 40.1 percent shooting from 3-point range.
A four-year pro, Williams holds career averages of 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
His departure leaves a void on the Knicks’ bench. Williams knocked down a career-high 40 percent of his 3-point attempts last season and was a versatile defender. “Shawne worked really hard last year to get in this position right here so he deserves it,” Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony said. “I wish him all the luck. I miss him as a teammate. But he’s got to do what he has to do.” Added Amare Stoudemire: “Shawne made a decision that’s best for him and his family as far as I’m concerned. We have a solid team with what we have … so best of luck to him. We’ll see him shortly.”
The Knicks and Nets play the first of two preseason games on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Williams was actually traded to the Nets from Dallas, along with Kris Humphries, for Eduardo Najera on Jan. 11, 2009, but the team waived him four days later.
WRITTEN BY Mike Mazzeo is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com. Information from ESPNNewYork.com’s Ian Begley was used in this report & FULL STORY HERE
