Vin Baker is expected to re-sign with the Knicks this week, a move that will eliminate the ability to obtain Erick Dampier for the $4.9 million mid-level exception.

Baker would sign for more than half of the exception, leaving a sign-and-trade the only way to acquire the big man from Golden State.  But the Warriors' front office has rejected the latest Knicks' offers.

A source close to Baker said, "I do believe he'll be signed this week, and it even could be [today]."  Agent Aaron Goodwin is on vacation this week.

"We want Vin to still be part of the family and we also want Dampier as part of the family," Knick president Isiah Thomas said. "My job is to try to find a way to make both work. They're both a priority."