Mason says Knicks owner wants NBA to play
Knicks guard Roger Mason knows at least one owner who wished the NBA lockout ended with a labor agreement Thursday night: James Dolan.

Mason, vice president of the Players Association, has rubbed shoulders with the Knicks owner countless times this summer and fall in Manhattan hotel board rooms instead of the team's plush practice facility.

 Isiah Thomas working to lure Chris Paul to Knicks
The New York Daily News reported today that former Knicks coach Isiah Thomas, who is now the coach at Florida International, is working to help lure New Orleans Hornets star Chris Paul to the Knicks once his contract expires after the 2012 season.

 Knicks plan to make effort at reacquiring veteran Kurt Thomas


Kurt Thomas is the NBA's oldest player and he might just hold the title of slowest and most vertically challenged, too.

Yet, he's precisely what the Knicks need.

According to a team source, the Knicks intend to make a run at reacquiring Thomas this summer, or whenever the expected NBA lockout ends. The veteran power forward is a free agent who spent last season with the Chicago Bulls and has made it clear that he wants to play at least one more season.

 Jackson could coach Knicks in 2012: source
Phil Jackson to the Knicks in 2012? Don't rule it out. According to an NBA source, Jackson is definitely through with the Lakers, but would not rule out him coaching again in the NBA. "If the right situation presented itself, he would have to consider it," the league source said. The Knicks could be the right situation in 2012, even if they are not on the verge of adding a third star in Chris Paul to go along with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. In the past, Jackson, who won two championship rings as a Knicks forward, has flirted with coming back to the Garden, talking up his desire to follow in mentor Red Holzman's footsteps

 Knicks GM Donnie Walsh re-signs Chauncey Billups
The Knicks decision to retain Chauncey Billups at a steep price could be an indication that Donnie Walsh is starting to regain his power within the organization.
Walsh, who is in talks with Garden chairman James Dolan about a contract extension, announced Wednesday that the club is picking up the option year on Billups' deal, worth $14.2 million. The Knicks had until Friday to decide whether to keep Billups or buy out his contract for approximately $4 million. The Daily News reported in February that Billups had received a verbal guarantee from the organization that it would keep him.

 Amar'e Stoudemire wants Mike D'Antoni back
Carmelo Anthony won't complain if Mike D'Antoni returns to coach the Knicks next season. Then again, Melo wouldn't mind if he had a new coach, either. Less than 24 hours after the Knicks were swept out of the playoffs by the Celtics, Anthony was noncommittal when discussing D'Antoni's future. Following an exit interview with D'Antoni and team president Donnie Walsh Monday in Greenburgh, Anthony said D'Antoni had earned his "respect."

 The Knicks start their offseason Monday with only four people who are locks to r
The Knicks start their offseason Monday with only four people who are locks to return next season: Jim Dolan, the silent owner and resident contrarian of the Garden. Isiah Thomas, Dolan's consigliere living in exile in Miami. Carmelo Anthony, the great scorer who couldn't shoot the Knicks past Boston Sunday. Amar'e Stoudemire, who couldn't find the basket nearly enough in the Knicks' 101-89 loss in Game 4. Donnie Walsh wants to come back as team president, but isn't going to be surprised if Dolan doesn't pick up the option on his deal. Dolan should have done that weeks before the Knicks were swept out of the playoffs at the Garden. But why do the right thing, especially when everyone is telling you it makes perfect sense?

 Billups hoping to get second 'Chaunce' with Knicks
Chauncey Billups is anxious to experience being part of the Knicks -- and seeing what they can do -- for a full season. Billups, who missed the final three-plus games of the Celtics series with a strained tendon in his left knee, said yesterday he hopes the Knicks pick up his $14 million option for next season. The veteran point guard also declared his 34-year-old body is still in superb condition. "Yeah, sure," Billups said when asked if he wanted to be back. "I would love the opportunity to really try it up with these guys and not, like, play 30 games after a trade. Like, really have a season. Have an opportunity to really get a fair shake with these guys. I would love to."

 Amar'e: Finals are our goal

Amar'e Stoudemire isn't only focused on the first round of the playoffs. Making the Finals is on his radar, too.

Perhaps tired of the Celtics talking more about reaching The Finals than beating the Knicks in the first round, Stoudemire traveled the same road yesterday after practice.

"Our main goal is to get to The Finals," Stoudemire said. "That's our main goal. But we've got to win. We've got to go out to Boston and get a win. Last year [in Phoenix] we made it to the Western Conference finals. We've got to keep guys motivated, keep guys focused and understand we have a great shot at doing something special. It's a matter of bringing our smarts, determination and dedication to the game every night."

 Amar'e Stoudemire wears protective boot to keep injured ankle healthy for p
Amar'e Stoudemire's appearance on the bench in a gray suit in Newark on Friday night was alarming enough. Then there was the fashion accessory that no player wants to be wearing at this time of the season, the matching gray boot he sported on his injured left leg.

"It's for protection, to keep myself from moving the ankle," the Knicks' power forward said. "It feels a lot better than it looks."

Stoudemire contends he will be 100% by the Knicks' playoff opener against Miami or Boston, "no question about it." But whether they'll be playing at maximum capability in their first playoff action since 2004 is now the major issue, with the opener only six or seven days away.

 Knicks 'will make an inquiry' regarding possible availability of Suns

 Chandler may sign extension with Knicks

 Carmelo could force trade to Knicks this season: report

 Carmelo 'better fit than LeBron' for the Knicks

 Candidates selling Melo in pursuit of Knicks job