Knicks Looking At Allen Houston

The Knicks have lost so much to the Nets over the past six years they may not want to lose Allan Houston to them, too.

Both teams are in the chase for the shooting guard, who is trying to make a comeback after retiring two years ago because of an arthritic left knee. But the Knicks could up the ante.

The Nets have invited Houston to training camp on a "make good" contract for the veteran's minimum. But Houston has received the same offer from other teams.

However, league sources said the Knicks might offer Houston part of their midlevel exception, and could clear some roster space to make room for him. They have 17 players under contract, including three shooting guards.

Houston is a favorite of Knicks owner Jim Dolan, so it could be he wants his former franchise player back. It's also possible that with all the negative publicity the Knicks and Madison Square Garden are getting from the Isiah Thomas sexual harassment trial, they might want some good PR.

Losing Houston to the Nets would be another smack in this heavily lopsided rivalry.

Other teams are in the mix for the former All-Star, including the Heat and Cavaliers, but being close to home and near his family is a high priority for him. Thus, the Nets and Knicks are high on Houston's list.

Houston is said to be considering all offers. Although money wouldn't seem to be a factor since Houston earned $100 million from the Knicks, he could choose to show loyalty to his former team and organization.

If winning is a major objective, Houston probably would choose one of the other teams, including the Nets, over the Knicks. Houston has a good relationship with Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, and many players might choose to play with Kidd over Stephon Marbury anyway.

source: northjersey.com