The well-intentioned rule is having unexpected consequences. The Rockets cannot outbid the Knicks, but because they are under the cap, they are permitted to give Lin a balloon payment — a so-called poison pill — in the third year of his deal. Houston originally set that figure at $9.3 million and then increased it to $14.98 million, close to the maximum allowed.

For cap purposes, Lin’s three-year salary would count as an average for Houston, or $8.4 million a year. But the Knicks would be charged the full amount in 2014-15, costing them $50 million to $60 million in a combination of salary and luxury taxes, rival executives said.

"To be honest, I always prided myself on being a Knick. I remember all of those rivalries and heated skirmishes (with the Heat) we had back in the day so I couldn't see myself being a part of that team," Camby said in an interview Tuesday with the internet radio show Hard2Guard.

"Especially coming back here … into the Garden. I didn't want to be a villain. So this is a great situation for me."

Undrafted guard Chris Smith will play for the New York Knicks' summer league team, according to source.

We are excited to announce that @NYKnicks star @CarmeloAnthony will be unveiling his was figure @nycwax next week! ‪#MeloWax

The union appeal on the "early Bird rights" of Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak will be heard June 13, a league source said.

The Knicks did not disclose terms of their deal with Mike Woodson, but sources told ESPNNewYork.com's Stephen A. Smith that Woodson's contract includes two guaranteed years and a third-year option, worth approximately $4 million per season.

Knicks will open playoffs Saturday, regardless of opponent, according to just-released NBA schedule.

After drilling a jumper in a shooting contest at #Knicks shootaround, Bill Walker, "Game blouses." Great Chapelle Show reference.

Baron Davis will play.

Toney Douglas' son, Toney Jr., was born yesterday.