Frank Isola of the Daily News reports that the Knicks are still looking to improve their front court. After signing Michael Doleac to serve as their back-up center, Scott Layden and the Knicks want a starting center. Layden's search for a franchise big man has actually included a call to Riley for Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning, according to an Eastern Conference official.

A deal for Mourning would likely have to involve a third team and multiple players because Mourning, who missed 79games two years ago due to a career-threatening kidney ailment, is scheduled to earn approximately $20 million this season. For the Knicks to make a serious bid for Mourning, their offer would probably include Latrell Sprewell with either Kurt Thomas or Clarence Weatherspoon, who became expendable with yesterday's addition of Doleac.

The Heat has fielded numerous calls regarding Mourning from teams desperate to add an All-Star caliber center. Riley, however, is reluctant to deal Mourning because of Mourning's pending free agency. Miami will take only young players or players without long-term contracts because Riley is hoping to make a run at free agent-to-be Tim Duncan after the 2002-03 season.

Mourning, 32, wants to finish his career with the Heat, but Miami recently rejected his bid for a contract extension and appears ready to allow Mourning to walk after this season.