Knicks Active In Free Agency

It is clear Isiah Thomas is not one to rest on his laurels. Despite being about $40 million over the salary cap, the Knicks GM is determined to add more talent to his roster. His current targets? Bulls two guard Jamal Crawford and Cleveland big man Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Press reports about Thomas targeting Crawford for a sign and trade deal have been around for some time but have intensified of late. The reported deal would ship out Shandon Anderson, Frank Williams and either Dikembe Mutombo or Moochie Norris for a newly resigned Crawford, Eddie Robinson and Jerome Williams. Over the weekend a Chicago newspaper reported the teams were close on a deal, saying it could be finalized by Monday, but the Knicks and multiple sources denied that.

Depending on the contract Crawford signs, believed to be a full Mid Level Exception deal, the transaction would add about $50 million the the Knicks payroll over the next 5 years.

Asked if the Knicks are the favorite, Crawford's agent Aaron Goodwin said, "I would say so. They've been the most aggressive. I appreciated Isiah being aggressive. They are progressing, going back and forth." Goodwin also reps troubled forward Vin Baker, whom Isiah also hopes to resign.

Knick superstar Stephon Marbury hopes the deal gets done. "I love Jamal Crawford. He plays with a lot of intensity. He's very flashy. He can shoot the ball, he can handle it, pass. I love everything about him. He's a great player and definitely a guy who can help our team.

Today the Daily News reported that the Knicks are also interested in acquiring Zydrunas Ilgauskas from Cleveland. The Cavs, hurt by the sudden departure of Carlos Boozer, need to add a power forward and are eying Kurt Thomas. According to the Daily News, it is unclear if the Knicks would pursue a trade for Ilgauskas if they are unable to pull off a trade with the Bulls.