Larry Brown has been telling the media that he wants to reach out to Herb Williams, the man who last season held the head coaching job that Knicks? management is now eager for Brown to fill.  The two will get together at a Manhattan restaurant on Monday night.

Madison Square Garden brass seem to be on the verge of offering Brown a contract that would make him the highest paid head coach in NBA history.

"If I get involved, it'll be a go," said Joe Glass, Brown?s agent.  

Brown could take the Knicks' position as soon as Tuesday.  If he accepts, Brown would try to turn around a franchise with massive salary commitments and dubious player talent.  Thrust onto the biggest stage and perhaps the most difficult challenge of his career at age 64, Brown would hold the hopes of a city desperate to find its basketball savior.  Expectations and pressure for the 2005-2006 NBA season would be as high as the Knicks' payroll.

The dinner with Williams comes one day after owner James Dolan and team president Isiah Thomas visited Brown at his home in East Hampton, NY.  This meeting lasted more than two hours although none of the participants commented to the media.

Monday?s dinner may be to discuss what role Williams would have on Brown?s staff.  Alternative speculation is that Brown may ask Williams about a scenario in which Brown sits out next season but becomes head coach by the 2006-2007 season.  Williams would remain as head coach for one year with Brown waiting in the wings to take over the following season.

Glass said there is no deadline for a decision.  "There is no timetable," Glass said. "Everyone is proceeding in their own manner."