The Knicks have had "ongoing discussions" with the representatives for free-agent guard Shannon Brown, according to agent Mark Bartelstein.

"It's been something Donnie [Walsh, Knicks president] and I have talked about throughout the summer," Bartelstein said. "Mike [D'Antoni, Knicks coach] and Donnie and I have had conversations."

Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire is traveling in Israel to explore his Jewish heritage.

Stoudemire believes he has "Hebrew roots" through his mother, Carrie.

"She studied the Scriptures and history and she believes she is a Hebrew," he said Friday from Jerusalem. "I grew up in a very spiritual home. It's not about religion, it's about spirituality for me."

Stoudemire said he was "soaking up the culture" with his girlfriend and a few other friends.

He has long suspected his Jewish lineage -- Judaism is passed down through the mother's side.

The Knicks have made a contract offer to Shannon Brown using a portion of their remaining salary-cap room, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

The 24-year-old Brown is weighing whether to join the Knicks, where he may eventually win the starting two-guard job, or wait for the Lakers who are trying to shed Sasha Vujacic's $5.4 million salary and relieve the luxury-tax burden of retaining Brown.

Berger also notes that New York is in pursuit of Rudy Fernandez and is known to covet Chris Paul.  In any trade offer, the Knicks would be able to combine the assets acquired from Golden State in the sign-and-trade that sent David Lee to the Warriors.  A prohibition on aggregating the salaries of recently acquired players only applies to teams that are over the cap.

Alan Hahn reports that according to a source who has knowledge of the situation, the Knicks are not offering Wilson Chandler for Rudy Fernandez, whom the Blazers have made available.

The Knicks have high interest in Fernandez and could absorb his contract with their remaining cap room, but the Blazers are looking for a draft pick in return.  

The next first-round pick the Knicks can trade away is their 2014 pick since the team's 2012 pick is committed to the Rockets if it is not one of the top five selections.

The Bulls, Celtics and Knicks have engaged in trade talks with the Blazers regarding Rudy Fernandez, according to a report.

The Oregonian first reported the interested parties, citing Fernandez's agent, Andy Miller.

Wilson Chandler isn't letting trade rumors affect his preparation for the upcoming season.

Chandler told the New York Post that he is working hard in anticipation of playing alongside new teammates Raymond Felton and Amar'e Stoudemire.

"I try to think about things I can control," Chandler said of trade rumors. "I've just been in the gym working on my game. Everything's going pretty good. Working on my ball handling, shooting, few moves, first step."

The Knicks gave a strong denial on Friday amid rumors that they could re-hire Isiah Thomas at some point this summer.

A source close to the situation told The New York Post, "There's no job for him there now."

Thomas visited the Garden's offices for several hours and met with owner Jim Dolan on Thursday.

The Hornets haven't yet entertained trade offers for Chris Paul, but the point guard is already considering a number of scenarios.

According to league sources, the Magic have replaced the Knicks atop Paul's list of preferred destinations.

The Knicks are still high on his list, but Paul believes Dwight Howard and the Magic are currently a better fit.

Paul will meet with Hornets president Hugh Weber, new general manager Dell Demps and new head coach Monty Williams to discuss the future direction of the club on Monday.

The Knicks are willing to trade anyone aside from newly-signed forward Amar'e Stoudemire for Hornets guard Chris Paul, according to a league source.

Paul is scheduled to meet with New Orleans general manager Dell Demps, head coach Monty Williams and president Hugh Weber on Monday.

"Amar'e won't be traded, but everyone else is available," the executive said of New York.

Three weeks ago Weber said the Hornets wouldn't trade Paul, but the point guard was inspired by Miami's signing of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to play alongside Dwyane Wade.

Former Knicks guard Allan Houston is the front-runner to replace Donnie Walsh as the team's general manager once the latter retires, according to sources.

Walsh wouldn't confirm or deny Houston's status.

"He is working with me to learn the position of GM, whether with the Knicks or elsewhere," Walsh said. "I feel Allan has the tools to be a great GM."

Houston is currently listed as the team's special assistant to the president.