The process of eliminating Latrell Sprewell as the primary source of Knicks' migraines has begun in earnest (again), according to two NBA general managers familiar with Scott Layden's business, and this time the Knicks president is using the team's antihero as a tool to move up in next Thursday's college draft.

Toward such an end, Layden has engaged in several talks with highly motivated Toronto general manager Glen Grunwald this week, in hopes of swapping the Knicks' No. 9 pick for the Raptors' No. 4 choice.

Included in the proposed deal is Sprewell, who got along famously with new Raptors coach Kevin O'Neill when the latter was a Knicks assistant coach in the 2000 season.

In return, the Knicks would get forward Jerome Williams and two other players that Grunwald would love to take off his payroll, forward Lamond Murray and center Eric Montross. The real payoff, as the Knicks apparently envision it, would be the No. 4 pick, where they would ostensibly select University of Texas pocket rocket T.J. Ford.

Williams is a favorite of Knicks coach Don Chaney, and would solve many problems for one of the league's worst rebounding teams. Murray, who never suited up for a game last season after breaking a bone in his foot in preseason, could make the Knicks' rotation if he got back in shape, which is debatable.

"It makes little sense, because of all the point guards they have, but Ford's the guy they want," an Eastern Conference GM said yesterday. "And if this one doesn't go through, something else probably will -- Sprewell is out there strong. They're offering him everywhere, but mostly to teams that will enable them to move up."