Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby would 'likely contemplate' retirement if traded

A source close to Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby said the veteran would “likely contemplate” retirement if the Blazers dealt him before Thursday’s NBA trading deadline.

“Marcus has made plenty of money in his career, and at this stage would not be keen to move to a rebuilding situation,’’ the source said. “If he is traded, he would likely contemplate retirement.’’

Camby’s agent, Rick Kaplan, on Friday said that line of thinking is consistent with what his client has told him.

“He really wants to stay in Portland, it’s his No. 1 choice,’’ Kaplan said. “It was incredibly important to him when he signed his extension and moved his family that he stay in Portland. I think by now he understands it’s a business, but that’s where he wants to be.’’

Camby, who has one year at $9.2 million left on his contract, is recovering from left knee surgery on Jan. 20, three days after he suffered the injury in a Jan. 17 game against Minnesota.

He has participated in one practice and has experienced some pain when he runs and tries to stop. Kaplan said the Blazers have been very supportive and have put no pressure on him to return before he is ready.

“They have been great,’’ Kaplan said.