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Knicks acquire Rose from Raptors for Davis
TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Raptors finally traded Jalen Rose on Friday, sending him to the New York Knicks for fellow forward Antonio Davis.
The Knicks also received a first-round draft pick and an undisclosed amount of cash from the Raptors in the deal involving dismal teams who were set to play each other Friday night in Toronto.
Rose was not expected to play in the game -- Knicks coach Larry Brown thought it would be unfair to throw him into action immediately.
"He's exactly what we need," Brown said. "I think it's a no-brainer. I haven't seen a drop-off in his game."
Rose's name has been mentioned in trade rumors all season, but he had been difficult to deal because he is making $15.7 million this season and he has an option for next season.
Still, the Knicks have long been interested in him, even though they already have the NBA's highest payroll. And they couldn't wait much longer to make a move after losing three straight and nine of 10 to fall behind Toronto into last place in the Atlantic Division.
"I can't wait to play in front of the many Knicks fans, friends and family in the NYC area and very much look forward to being a part of the Knicks organization," Rose said in a statement. "Ask any athlete. One of his dreams is to play in New York wearing a Knick uniform. It's also always been a dream of mine."
Davis' contract expires after this season, and the Raptors get some needed salary-cap relief by parting ways with Rose.
It's the second time the veteran forwards have been involved in the same trade. Davis spent 4 1/2 seasons in Toronto before the Raptors traded him to Chicago in 2003.
AP Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney in New York contributed to this report. |
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