The possibility of a trade involving Jalen Rose for the Knicks' Anfernee Hardaway has been discussed in New York, according to a league source -- and likely viewed wishfully in Toronto -- but even Knicks president Isiah Thomas would have to give pause before making that deal.

Hardaway, who is essentially estranged from the club, has a maximum contract that will come off the books after this season, which explains the Raptors' interest.

The question is: Would the Knicks be interested in paying Rose roughly $35-million next season -- the $16.9-million owed on his contract for next year and the dollar-for-dollar penalty the Knicks would have to pay because their payroll would be over the luxury-tax threshold.