Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports that the Knicks are still searching for their starting center. The search has led them to Shawn Bradley and the Mavericks.

Knicks? GM Scott Layden recently spoke to Dallas officials about the 7-6 Bradley. New York has been interested in Bradley for years. The Mavericks reportedly aren?t interested in anyone from the Knicks? roster, but may be interested in trading Bradley for New York?s $4.5 million injury exception.

Layden has until December 2nd to use the exception before it expires.

Bradley?s shot blocking skills would greatly improve New York?s interior defense. The Knicks feel they can compete with a front line of Bradley, Kurt Thomas and Latrell Sprewell. Next season, with a healthy Antonio McDyess, Thomas could come off the bench.

Recently, New York and Dallas talked about a possible Nick Van Exel trade, but the Knick?s new policy of fiscal responsibility made it impossible to accept Van Exels? huge contract. Bradley?s $22 million over the next 5 seasons is more palatable to the Knicks.