The Knicks might be more inclined to try to re-sign David Lee this summer rather than deal him before the Feb. 19 trade deadline, according to multiple sources that spoke with Alan Hahn of Newsday.

Lee will be a restricted free agent this summer after the Knicks were unable to come to an agreement on a contract extension before the start of the season. It is believed that Lee, who will make $1.7 million this season, was seeking about $10 million per season in a new deal.

"Unless someone blows them away with a trade," one source said, "[Lee] was told the preference is to sign him to a long-term extension."

The Knicks believe that they may be able to afford Lee if they manage to trade Eddy Curry.