The Knicks Decide Not to Waive Houston By HOWARD BECK Published: August 15, 2005 Allan Houston, whose name became nearly synonymous with a new rule aimed at unloading expensive players, will be spared when the league's so-called amnesty deadline passes tonight. The Knicks had considered waiving Houston to save about $40 million in luxury taxes on his salary, under a one-time option provided by the new collective bargaining agreement. That provision, adopted in July, has been commonly referred to as the Allan Houston rule. But in a curious twist, the rule will not claim its namesake as a victim. Instead, the Knicks will waive a spare power forward, either Jerome Williams or Malik Rose, sometime today, said a basketball official who was briefed on the decision. The person required anonymity to avoid jeopardizing relations with team officials. A second person briefed on the discussions, who required anonymity for the same reason, said that Williams was the probable amnesty target. Williams is owed about $19 million over the next three seasons; waiving him would save the Knicks an equal sum in luxury tax payments. A Knicks spokesman said the team would have no comment until it formally made a move today. Houston had seemed to be the most likely target of the amnesty clause. He is 34, has played only 70 games the past two seasons, and has an incurable arthritic condition in his left knee. But Houston is working diligently to strengthen his legs and the Knicks have been encouraged by his progress. In deference to Houston's contributions, team officials concluded they should give him every opportunity to make a comeback. Houston has a close relationship with James L. Dolan, the Madison Square Garden chairman, and a good rapport with the Knicks' new coach, Larry Brown. If healthy, he is still the team's best shooter. Williams and Rose are members of a crowded power forward rotation that also includes Mike Sweetney (the probable starter), Maurice Taylor and the rookies David Lee and Channing Frye. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/15/sports/basketball/15knicks.html --

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