"As he left Portland's Rose Garden late Wednesday, Marcus Camby carried a plastic bag with some Knicks jerseys and warm-ups inside. Gifts from old friends on the Knicks' support staff.

Camby realizes it's possible he will be wearing the Knicks jersey again for real next season and couldn't hide that old grin when discussing that scenario.

At age 36, the 6-foot-11 Blazers center will be a free agent July 1, available for a mid-range salary the Knicks will try to fit under the salary cap.

They have no center or shot-blocker. Although the Knicks first want to bring in star power, Camby, who played for the Knicks from 1999-2002, fulfills a grave need, and coach Mike D'Antoni and team president Donnie Walsh know it.

"It's a feeling of going back home and going back to a city where I have a lot of great memories and a lot of great friends," Camby said. "Definitely July 1, I'll give New York a look if they're interested.""