With Shaquille O'Neal expected to be traded to Miami today, the Knicks are trying desperately to add a proven center to their lineup and appear to be closing in on Golden State's Erick Dampier, according to a league source. The multi-team and multi-player deal would involve Dampier joining the Knicks in a sign-and-trade while Nazr Mohammed would go to Golden State.

Isiah Thomas also has interest in Cleveland's Zydrunas Ilgauskas but with the Cavs trying to re-sign Carlos Boozer the Knicks have a better opportunity to obtain Dampier, who has drawn interest from Atlanta, Indiana and Denver.