Sources: Knicks to sign Baron Davis

Baron Davis has committed to sign with the New York Knicks, according to sources close to the situation.

The deal could be formally completed as soon as Sunday, sources said.

Davis cleared waivers Friday after he was released through the amnesty clause in the new labor agreement by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

SI.com reported that Davis and the Knicks have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, which is the maximum New York could pay in using what is known as the "mini" mid-level exception for luxury-tax teams.

But it remains to be seen how soon Davis will be able to play for the Knicks thanks to a back injury that the Cavaliers, upon releasing him, believed would sideline the former All-Star for eight to 10 weeks.

Anthony was excited about adding a possibly healthy Davis.

"Everybody knows what he can do when he's healthy and when he's focused," he said, before news of the deal was announced. "I was here for two months last year and we played (the Cavaliers) quite a bit of time when I got here and he was healthy then. They beat us and he was a big part of those wins.

"When BD (Davis) is healthy, he's one of the best."

ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher, quoting one source close to the situation, reported Saturday that the initial diagnosis may have been too conservative and that Davis could be back in four to six weeks.

Sources say Davis, 32, always intended to make a decision well before he's physically able to play so he can familiarize himself with the team's playbook and personnel and settle into his new home.

ESPN.com reported in early November, furthermore, that Davis regards playing at Madison Square Garden on par with playing with the Lakers in terms of his lifelong dreams.

On Saturday, Bucher quoted the source saying: "Going to a team that really wants (Baron) is an important part of it."