The Los Angeles Clippers today acquired forward Marcus Camby from the Denver Nuggets. In return, Denver will have the option to exchange second round picks with the Clippers in 2010.

As a result of the trade, the Nuggets receive a $10,000,000 trade exception, which can be used until one year from the completion of the trade.

The initial InsideHoops reaction is here on our blog.

“Marcus has been an exceptional representative of the Nuggets both on the court and in the Denver community during his time here and we are greatly appreciative of all he has done,” said Warkentien. “This trade exception, along with the future first-round draft choice we received from Charlotte last month, gives us a number of options and a tremendous amount of flexibility.”

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2006-07, Camby comes to the Clippers with a reputation as one of the top defenders in the league. A 12-year veteran, Camby led the NBA in blocked shots last year (3.61) for the third straight season, becoming only the second player in NBA history to lead the league in three consecutive seasons.

“I love this acquisition for the current make up of our team,” Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy said. “We are getting a consummate pro who is maybe the best team defender in the league and who has 60 playoff games under his belt.”

Camby played in a career-high 79 games last season for the Nuggets, averaging a career-high 13.1 rebounds and 9.1 points in a career-best 34.9 minutes per game while ranking first in the NBA in rebounds per 48 minutes (18.0).

“I think this is a very good addition for us, especially since we’re getting a player who can really help us without having to give up a player in return.” Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor said. “Marcus can play multiple positions and is one of the better rebounders and shot-blockers in the league. With him playing alongside [Chris] Kaman I think we will have a pair of excellent interior defenders, and that will make us a formidable team.”

A member of the NBA All-Defensive Team in 2007-08 and 2006-07 and named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2004-05 and 2005-06, Camby played the last six seasons in Denver after four years with the Knicks. Drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the second overall selection in the 1996 NBA Draft after a stellar career at the University of Massachusetts, Camby was named to the 1996-97 All-Rookie First Team.

Camby has appeared in 60 NBA Playoff games in his career, with the Hartford, Connecticut native averaging 8.6 points and 8.8 rebounds in the postseason.