NBA

Knicks explore trade for Bulls forward Thomas

ATLANTA — When Donnie Walsh passed on Allen Iverson last month, the Knicks president talked about potential moves the team could make that fit into their long-range plan.

Enter the athletic young 6-foot-10 forward Tyrus Thomas. Donnie Walsh recently held discussions with the Bulls about his availability, according to a Knicks source.

The Bulls are shopping Thomas and have interest in Knicks leading scorer Al Harrington, according to a team official. Thomas has a broken arm and will not return for about two weeks, so talks have not been serious. Though acquiring Thomas is one of the things on Walsh’s radar, there is a debate within the organization about giving up Harrington.

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Thomas, 23, will be a restricted free agent after this season, and obtaining the former lottery pick is a way of evaluating him to see if he’s worth re-signing and forming a young core to attract LeBron James. Thomas’ qualifying offer would be about $6 million, leaving the Knicks with $20 million to spend. On the flip side, Thomas will also be available as a free agent July 1 without having to trade for him.

Though Harrington is a big price to pay for short-term success, he probably doesn’t fit into the future plans with his expiring contract. There also is a feeling in the organization that trading him could the aid the development of Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler. The sense is that Harrington commands the ball so much, it forces Gallinari, who leads the NBA in 3-pointers, and Chandler to stand around watching. Without Harrington, their two prospects would have more room to grow.

“I did say something how I’ve always liked him, but I don’t know,” D’Antoni said of Thomas. “I think he’s a fine player. I think Tyrus is a good player, but I think Al’s a good player.”

Because of their 5-15 record following last night’s 114-107 win in Atlanta, D’Antoni said Walsh is making more calls than usual.

“When you’re in a certain position, you’re going to call around the league and you’re going to look at everything,” D’Antoni said. “I think we’re in that position where we look at everything. You try to do things that make you better or something for the future, and I’m sure that’s something we’ll do if it arises.”

Thomas hasn’t lived up to his high-lottery pick pedigree, but he has improved. Though he’s not a good shooter, scouts feel he’s a good shot-blocker, rebounder and an athletic body who might fit well into D’Antoni’s speedball offense.