Nick Van Exel's crusade to join the Knicks this season could become a reality.

According to a league source, the Knicks and Warriors have discussed a trade that would bring Van Exel to New York and send power forward Kurt Thomas and point guard Charlie Ward to Golden State.

The potential deal makes sense for the Knicks, who have been in the market for an explosive point guard for the past decade. The Knicks also have an abundance of power forwards on their roster, including Antonio McDyess, Keith Van Horn and rookies Mike Sweetney and Maciej Lampe.

The Knicks would prefer to trade either Clarence Weatherspoon or Othella Harrington but have been unable to find any suitors.

Golden State got Van Exel from Dallas last month in a deal that included Antawn Jamison. Van Exel, who thrived in the playoffs last spring, said Wednesday that he would prefer to play for the Knicks.