When the Knicks traded for Antonio Davis in the Eddy Curry deal, it was assumed he would be waived and allowed to return to Chicago as part of a wink-wink agreement. But now that he's starting and playing the role of mature leader, Davis hopes rumors of him being traded again don't materialize.

When the Knicks discussed possible trades with Portland, the Trail Blazers wanted Davis and his expiring $13-million contract, and reports of talks with Minnesota also included his name.

"My initial reaction is I'm not happy about it," Davis said yesterday. "But I understand it's a business. I want to be stable in my life and not moving all over the place. But the fact I have one year left on my contract is attractive."

Davis rented a house in Westchester, and his wife and children are scheduled to move in next week. "I'm moving as if I'm here for the long haul," he said.

The Knicks gave Davis no assurances he wouldn't be traded, but Larry Brown let him know he was wanted to play an important role.

"I'm excited about it," Davis said of playing in New York. "But I'm the type of guy that I like to know what's going on. If they're thinking of trading me, I'd like to know ahead of time so I can be ready for it."