The Charlotte Bobcats showed little interest in keeping Raymond Felton, especially after the Knicks signed him to an offer sheet.
Felton had said repeatedly he wanted to remain a Bobcat. He has lived his whole life in the Carolinas, first growing up in Latta, S.C., then winning a national championship with North Carolina in 2005.
But the Bobcats showed little interest in retaining him once he became an unrestricted free agent July 1. Felton turned down a long-term deal last summer that would have paid him about $6 million a year. Then he performed poorly in a playoff sweep by the Orlando Magic, outplayed by Jameer Nelson.
“New York showed the interest,” Felton said in a television interview with Myrtle Beach-area WPDE. "For the fans of Charlotte, I would have loved to be there, loved to have an extended contract in that city.
“I love everything [Charlotte] did for me, supporting me individually and supporting the Bobcats. The city of Charlotte is great.”
The Bobcats might not consider this a loss. The Knicks, however, have to consider it a win. They absolutely had to have a competent point guard to get the ball to Amare Stoudemire.