While the Knicks may like the idea of having defensive juggernaut Ron Artest on their roster, the Pacers' forward doesn't believe he'll end up in the Big Apple any time soon.

"It's not happening," Artest said. "I could see him trying just because of my value as player right now. A lot of that trade talk is other general managers trying to set up the Pacers and make them look bad, like we have a lot of controversy going on, so they can get me on their team. They're trying to get me out of Indiana. But it's not working."

Artest is not requesting a trade despite what he feels was an injustice. "I think my future is headed in the right direction," he said. "I got to make sure I do the right thing in my future. I like it here. Indiana is a good organization."

"I think the fans still want me here. I'm not smoking marijuana. I didn't get a DUI, didn't have a handgun on me."