Blazers, veteran center agree on deal
Camby: Fans 'are main reason why I decided to stick around'
By Kerry Eggers
The Portland Tribune, Apr 19, 2010, Updated 24 minutes ago
PHOENIX – The Trail Blazers have agreed to a contract extension for Marcus Camby.
And the Portland fans get a big assist for their part in the deal, which is subject to NBA approval, something the team hopes to come Monday or Tuesday.
The veteran center said he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received since coming to the Blazers in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers in February.
Camby was touched by the reception last week when he was serenaded with “Mar-cus Cam-bee!” chants at the Rose Garden late in the Blazers’ victory over Oklahoma City.
“Ever since I got to Portland, everywhere I’ve gone, the people have embraced me like I’ve been a Blazer my whole career – or actually, like I’m originally from Portland,” he said. “Everybody has been really gracious. Everybody has been thanking me – the fans have been tremendous.
“They’re the main reason why I decided to stick around, as well as us having a great group of guys on the team, and the coaching staff.”
Camby could have become a free agent on July 1. The Blazers wanted to prevent that because they like Camby, both as a player and as a person who fits in well chemistry-wise with his teammates. Also, centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla are recovering from knee surgeries, with Przybilla not expected to see action again before December.
“I’m a big-time loyalty guy,” Camby said. “I never had a chance to go into free agency. In New York, I re-signed with the Knicks. When I was in Denver, I re-signed with Denver. This was the right thing to do this time, too.”
Camby, 36, is making $7.65 million this season in the final year of his current contract. He wouldn’t confirm numbers on his two-year extension, but the deal is expected to bring him $21 million over two years, including incentives. He is eligible for a base salary next season of no more than $8.4 million.
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