Jeffries will sign with Knicks after clearing waivers

Jared Jeffries will sign a free agent contract with the Knicks once he clears waivers on Tuesday, The Daily News has learned.

Jeffries, who was traded to Houston in last year's Tracy McGrady deal, was released by the Rockets on Thursday. He officially becomes a free agent at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and therefore will not be eligible for Tuesday's game against Orlando.

Jeffries should be in uniform on Wednesday against New Orleans. In order to create a roster spot for Jeffries, the Knicks will have to cut a player. The most likely candidate is former lottery pick Shelden Williams, who came over from Denver in the Carmelo Anthony trade. Renaldo Balkman - another piece in the Anthony deal - is the second most likely candidate to be released.

Kelenna Azubuike, who is recovering from a knee injury and hasn't played all season, is another candidate to be released as are Roger Mason Jr., and Corey Brewer.