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New York Knicks' Landry Fields reacts to a call from the referee during NBA action against the Toronto Raptors in Toronto February 14, 2012.

Toronto Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo reached a verbal agreement on an offer sheet with restricted free-agent guard Landry Fields, in a strategic move apparently motivated in part to prevent the New York Knicks from signing Steve Nash.

A shooting guard named to the all-rookie team in 2011, Fields averaged 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds a game last year with the Knicks.

The Knicks and Phoenix Suns were reportedly discussing a sign-and-trade deal involving Fields and Nash. However, because Fields received the offer sheet, the Knicks are now blocked from using Fields in that transaction.

Instead, they will have three days to match the offer after it's signed formally on July 11, and by matching the team will still be barred from trading Fields. If the Knicks decline to match, he becomes a Raptor.

As a free agent, Nash could sign with New York for a $3-million (all currency U.S.) mid-level exception. The Raptors have offered a three-year deal for approximately $12-million annually.

Colangelo declined comment. The Octagon agency, which represents Fields, confirmed that the offer sheet is for three years and about $20-million.

Meanwhile, Deron Williams is staying with the Brooklyn Nets.

The all-star point guard says on his Twitter page that he "made a very tough decision today" and posted a picture of the new team logo that accompanies the Nets' move to Brooklyn from New Jersey.

A person with knowledge of the decision says Williams told the team Tuesday he was accepting their five-year contract worth $98-million.

Williams, the top free agent available, chose to stay with the Nets over signing with his hometown team, the Dallas Mavericks.

With a report from The Associated Press

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