If he can't land Ron Artest, with the Pacers intent on sending the wayward swingman to the West, look for Knicks president Isiah Thomas to pursue Seattle's Rashard Lewis. Thomas is admittedly obsessed with length and Lewis, at 6-10, is thus an irresistible small forward.

This could only happen, granted, if the Sonics shift into cost-cutting mode. Yet if that is Seattle's response to a tough time financially, I'm hearing that Isiah would be ready to pounce with an offer featuring Penny Hardaway's expiring contract and rookie guard Nate Robinson, who's more popular in Seattle than Ray Allen after starring at Washington.

The Knicks, hopeful that Lewis' recent proclamation about opting out his contract after next season helps their chances, would also absorb Danny Fortson in such a swap.