Marc Berman reports that the Knicks are still looking to use their injury exception to gain some front court help. They have a $4.546 million exception available to replace the injured Antonio McDyess. They have until December 2nd to use it. They are weighing their possibilities, but one name that has come up is the Grizzlies? Stromile Swift.

Swift was made available by the Grizzlies this summer to help alleviate a glut of big men on the Memphis roster. There were talks of a trade to Orlando in exchange for Mike Miller, but that never materialized. Grizzlies GM Jerry West may be ready to make a move after an 0-6 start for his club.

Swift is a 6-9 big man who has been averaging 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds, playing mostly at center. His speed and athleticism would fit in well with the Knicks.

Berman writes that a source close to the situation says that the Grizzlies would require more than just the exception in exchange for Swift. They would need at least a protected first round pick. The Grizzlies would get one year to use the exception on a free agent. (RealGM note: The exception gained by the Grizzlies in this scenario would only be able to be used in trade to accept a player whose salary is equal to or less than the exception).

The source said the Grizzlies may be interested in a deal that would include Swift and a swap of point guards. Charlie Ward would go to the Knicks while Brevin Knight would go to New York. Knight-for-Ward could save the Grizzlies $3 million in salaries for the 2003-04 season. Knight is guaranteed $5 million next season while Ward only has a $2 million guarantee.