Artest Still In Picture

Link:The first day of the free agent signing period is expected to come and go today without Thomas jumping feet first into the market.

Even though Quentin Richardson figures to be ready for the start of training camp and with Renaldo Balkman emerging as a serious contender to crack the regular rotation, the Knicks remain interested in adding a small forward.

The Kings’ Ron Artest figures to be traded at some point this summer. The Knicks had made it clear that they are unwilling to trade either David Lee or Balkman in a deal for the Sacramento swingman, who is regarded as one of the game’s most versatile - and volatile - players.