Eddy Curry should know Monday how badly Isiah Thomas wants him.

Thomas, president of the Knicks, has been trying to find a way to land Curry for at least a year. He is Curry's only suitor but apparently is having second thoughts about pulling off a sign-and-trade for the Bulls' 6-foot-11-inch center.

As of Sunday night, negotiations between the Knicks and Bulls were stalled, according to a source.

Bulls general manager John Paxson balked at Thomas' initial offer to send Tim Thomas and Michael Sweetney and wants forward David Lee or Trevor Ariza, the source said.

Thomas, who took Jamal Crawford off the Bulls' hands in a sign-and-trade last summer, is said to be unwilling to meet Paxson's demand but offered to include first- and second-round draft picks.

Curry has until 11:59 p.m. Monday to accept the Bulls' one-year qualifying offer, but team officials have said they don't mind extending the deadline. If the Bulls and Knicks are close to a deal, that will happen.

The Bulls could include Eric Piatkowski or Jannero Pargo in the deal.

The Knicks need better outside shooting, and Piatkowski could fill the bill. Pargo's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Pargo would sign the Bulls' qualifying offer Monday unless he fits in a sign-and-trade.