NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic completed their long-negotiated deal Tuesday night, sending 7-footer Stanley Roberts and guard Mark Jackson to the Clippers, three players to the Knicks and draft picks to the Magic.
New York received forward Charles Smith and guards Doc Rivers and Bo Kimble from the Clippers. The Magic got the Knicks' first-round draft pick in 1993 and a second-round pick in 1995 and an undetermined pick from the Clippers.
The deal leaves the Knicks with five guards, and after it was announced New York renounced its rights to free agent guard Gerald Wilkins.
The trade, which surfaced three weeks ago, had been blocked by Roberts, who had the power to veto a trade for one year, forcing the three clubs to pursue other options.
But after a weekend visit with Clippers' management and Coach Larry Brown, Roberts, the Magic's first-round pick in 1991, changed his mind and approved the trade.
Roberts played one year at Louisiana State and one season in Spain before being drafted by the Magic. He appeared in 55 games last season and averaged 10.4 points and 6.1 rebounds a game. However, the Magic drafted Shaquille O'Neal with the first pick this year, making Roberts expendable.
Jackson had a solid season for the Knicks last year, averaging 11.3 points and 8.6 assists in 81 games. He struggled much of the 1990-91 season but flourished under Coach Pat Riley.
Jackson's departure will leave the Knicks' point guard duty in the hands of second-year guard Greg Anthony and Rivers.
Jackson was the Knicks' first-round pick and the 18th overall selection in the 1987 draft after starring at St. John's. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1987-88.
The Knicks, in dire need of perimeter shooting, earlier acquired Rolando Blackman and Tony Campbell. And the the recent unexpected signing of Xavier McDaniel by the Boston Celtics left the frontline vulnerable. Smith, a physical 6-foot-10 four-year veteran, should help fill that void and provide the Knicks with a backup for center Patrick Ewing.
'He's a big-time player,' said Knicks President Dave Checketts. 'We think we got a guy in New York that will be an All-Star. We also got a great player in Doc Rivers and an interesting player in Bo Kimble. '
Smith averaged 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2 blocks in 49 games with Los Angeles last season. He has averaged 18.4 points and 7 rebounds a game for his career.
'I was very excited about it,' Smith said of learning the deal had finally been completed. 'I wanted this to happen. I wanted it to go through. I'm happy to be able to play for the best coach in the league and with the best center in the league.'
Rivers, who will be 31 when the season begins, played eight seasons in Atlanta before going to the Clippers last year. He averaged 10.9 points and 3.9 assists in 59 games.
Kimble played in only 34 games for the Clippers last season after suffering a foot injury. He was the Clippers' first-round pick in 1991 from Loyola-Marymount.
