Frank Isola reports that Houston made a strong public plea to Knicks management yesterday to keep Charlie Ward, saying it would be a mistake to trade or release the veteran point guard strictly for financial reasons.

"You can't put a one- or two-million dollar value on the experience of playing in the Finals," said Houston, the most influential voice in the locker room. "To me, his value is worth much more than that."

Ward was on the trading block all summer, mostly because his $6 million salary for this season includes a $2 million buyout. Since the Knicks are over the salary cap and have to pay a luxury tax, they would save approximately $9 million if they exercised the buyout clause in Ward's contract.

However, the addition of Mutombo demonstrates that Layden believes his team will reach the playoffs for the first time in three years. Unless Layden can find a suitable replacement, keeping Ward would seem the best option.

"Not just because of my relationship with Charlie, but it would be an extreme disappointment if he wasn't here especially with Mutombo coming," said Houston, who is entering the third season of a six-year, $100 million contract. "Charlie is a guy who has hit as many big shots and has made as many big plays as anyone here. You can't replace big-game experience."