The Knicks have been one of the most persistent pursuers of Tracy McGrady over the past several weeks, ESPN.com has learned.

McGrady is likely to be dealt sometime within the next seven months, either before the deadline or in a sign-and-trade.

New York has been insistent on the inclusion of Jared Jeffries, which has hurt their chances of acquiring McGrady.

Harrington, earning $10.02 million, would almost certainly be a part of any proposed trade between the Rockets and Knicks, and New York can also offer the Rockets financial relief by including the expiring contract of Cuttino Mobley (whose $9.5 million salary is being paid by an insurance company) in the deal.

Houston sees the inclusion of Jeffries as a non-starter because his salary would prevent the Rockets having max room to work with in the summer of 2010.