Shawne chooses Nets over Knicks

Shawne Williams is headed to ... Jersey.

Williams, a Knicks’ small forward off the bench last season, chose to join the Nets over returning to the Garden because of a bigger role that was offered.

Williams, 25, who is a close friend of Amar’e Stoudemire, also felt slighted by the Knicks in recent days as they waited on Jamal Crawford’s decision and refused to make Williams an offer. It wasn’t until Crawford said no to the Knicks that they offered Williams their $2.5 million exception.

The Nets were able to outbid the Knicks because they are under the salary cap and were desperate for a forward. Williams actually could start for New Jersey at the 3 position, whereas he would have had to fight for playing time in a crowded Knicks rotation.