Chris Mullin reportedly backed out of a tentative agreement to sign and trade center Erick Dampier to the Knicks for Nazr Mohammed and Othella Harrington.  The reason became evident when he managed to trade Nick Van Exel to the Blazers, who he was trying to add to the Dampier deal.  

There has been word that Isiah Thomas still wants Dampier, but Mullin has made it clear that he will not cooperate unless he gets worthwhile personnel in return.