Knicks went after Deke....now Mourning?

[Drbio]

More NY bullcrap rumination......



Report: Knicks asked Riley about Mourning

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ESPN.com news services


After reportedly turning down a deal for Dikembe Mutombo, the New York Knicks are apparently setting their sights on Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning.


Mutombo




Mourning



Knicks general manager Scott Layden has contacted Heat coach Pat Riley regarding Mourning, an unnamed Eastern Conference official told the New York Daily News on Wednesday.

The Knicks signed free agent center Michael Doleac on Wednesday, but Doleac would probably be best suited to come off the bench.

A deal for Mourning would likely have to involve a third team because Mourning, who missed 79 games with career-threatening kidney ailment two years ago, will make $20 million this season.

A Knicks' offer for Mourning would likely include Latrell Sprewell and either Kurt Thomas or Clarence Weatherspoon, according to the Daily News.

Riley, however, may be reluctant to deal Mourning because of his pending free agency. Miami will take only young players or players without long-term contracts because Riley wants to make a run at free agent-to-be Tim Duncan after the 2002-03 season, the Daily News reported. Mourning, 32, would prefer to finish his career in Miami.

The Knicks made a bid for Mutombo before he was dealt to the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday for Keith Van Horn and Todd MacCulloch. Layden rejected a deal that would have cost him Thomas, Travis Knight and Charlie Ward, a league source told the Daily News.

"We don't discuss discussions with other teams," Layden said Wednesday during a conference call.

Last year, Mourning played in 75 games and averaged 15.7 points and 8.4 rebounds. He treats his kidney condition daily with medication. His kidney specialist is located in Manhattan.