The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

June 25, 1998

"Camby Man Goes to New York for Oak"

The Toronto Raptors traded F Marcus Camby to the New York Knicks for F Charles Oakley and the draft rights to C Sean Marks (44th overall).

1998 - ‘99 Salaries:

Marcus Camby, NY: $3.164 M

Charles Oakley, Tor.: $10 M

Note:

• New York will pay $5 M of Oakley’s $10 M salary; however, the money will still count on Toronto’s salary cap.
• Marks salary is not guaranteed unless he makes the roster.
• Oakley and Camby can be free agents next summer.

Who got the better of the deal?

New York.

Why?

The Knicks needed to get younger and Camby, 24, gives them youth. Marcus is a great shot blocker; however, he’s thin and soft. He’s been known to miss games over minor ailments (toe, finger, etc.) He’ll have to toughen up or the city of New York will ridicule him out of town.

Knick veteran front court players (Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, and Buck Williams) should help transform Camby into more of a physical, Knick type player. The question lingers; however, whether Camby can be a physical player on a regular basis.

Oakley gives the Raptors age and hard work. He will be the starting power forward. Along with Kevin Willis at center, Oakley will give Toronto a veteran front court with a great work ethic. Oak is Mr. Intangible. He does all the little things like dive on the floor for loose balls, set hard picks, play great help defense, etc. The Raptors lacked all those qualities last season.

However, acquiring Oakley eliminates Toronto’s cap room. GM Glen Grunwald stated, Oakley is “our free agent” which means they have no plans of pursuing anyone else in the free agent market this summer. Since he’s a free agent next summer, the Raptors can free up cap room next summer and get younger.