An Eastern Conference executive, who was granted anonymity because he was not authorized to talk about another team's decisions has told Howard Beck that he had spoken with Knicks officials on Monday, who said that Larry Brown's dismissal was a certainty. The executive also confirmed that Thomas, at the direction of the ownership, planned to replace Brown.

Knicks officials continued to decline to comment.

Brown's camp responded to the speculation on Monday by indicating that he intends to remain as New York head coach.

"He's recovering nicely," Glass said. "He's the coach of the Knicks, and ready and willing and able, and he intends to follow through on his commitment to coach the Knicks."