Toronto Raptors cut Marcus Camby

Adi Joseph | USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Camby's triumphant return was brief.

The Toronto Raptors cut the 39-year-old center, whom they drafted No. 2 overall in 1996 and reacquired earlier this offseason from the New York Knicks, the team announced Wednesday. Camby had two years and about $8.5 million left on his contract, though only part of the second season's salary was guaranteed. The Raptors bought him out to save money and allow the defensive-minded veteran to land with a contender.

Camby's salary was a key component in the Raptors' trade of Andrea Bargnani as part of a package including Steve Novak, Quentin Richardson, a future first-round pick and two future second-round picks. Bargnani, the No. 1 overall pick in 2006, had struggled with injury and inconsistency in wearing out his welcome in Toronto.

Camby was limited by injury last season, and averaging 1.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 24 games. But he posted 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 22.9 minutes a game in the 2011-12 season, showcasing his trademark defensive excellence. Camby was defensive player of the year in 2006-07 for the Denver Nuggets.

The big man has played for six NBA franchises in his 17 seasons, including two stints with the Knicks. He played 113 games from 2008 through 2010 for the Los Angeles Clippers, who would be a logical landing place as a team in need of a veteran backup center after losing Ronny Turiaf.