The Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks are involved in serious discussions on a three-way trade that would see Carter end up with the Mavericks, Antoine Walker move from Dallas to New York and at least two players go from the Knicks to the Raptors, according to a league source.

Unlike the four-team trade reported in New York yesterday, this deal cuts out the Golden State Warriors and involves fewer players.

There was no indication on which players the Raptors might receive for Carter, a 27-year-old four-time NBA all-star who has become the face of the Toronto franchise since arriving six years ago.

Raptor general manager Rob Babcock, who was unavailable for comment last night, has said for weeks that he wants to obtain a veteran centre and the Knicks could put together a package that includes Dikembe Mutombo, whose contract expires after next season, and perhaps power forward/centre Kurt Thomas. The Knicks also have the likes of small forward Shandon Anderson and guard-forward Allan Houston who could be included in a trade.