Scott Layden's search for a center has led him back to Raef LaFrentz.

According to a NBA team official, the Knicks and Mavs are discussing a trade that would send LaFrentz and another player to New York for Kurt Thomas and Charlie Ward.

Because of salary-cap rules, the deal cannot take place before Tuesday.

Layden has tried to land LaFrentz for the past two years, dating back to when LaFrentz was with Denver. The Knicks president has intensified his pursuit after being shut out from getting any one of several big-name centers who have changed teams this summer.