This much is certain, six of the Knicks' eight keepers are Stephon Marbury, Kurt Thomas, Tim Thomas, Nazr Mohammed, Michael Sweetney and Frank Williams. The last two will most likely be either Houston and Penny Hardaway or Dikembe Mutombo.

Yet there are rumors that the Knicks may leave Houston and his huge contract out hoping Charlotte won't take the chance and bite into such a financial risk. Then again, they may end up just packaging H20 to another team such as the Nuggets who have the cash to accomodate Houston as well as the picks the Bobcats would love.

Then again, Houston's agent Bill Strickland also covers Rasheed Wallace, who Isiah Thomas is hoping to pick up after the end of the season. Insulting such a huge star might not bode well when attempting to pick up another.

"I've been in this business for 23 years," Strickland said, "and I know organizations will do what's in the best interest of the club."