Free agent Grant Hill’s interest in the Knicks is heating up, with one source saying the club has been told they are “definitely in the hunt.’’
The Knicks appeared long shots over the weekend when Hill characterized the Suns as having “good chances’’ of re-signing him. The Bulls and Celtics reportedly were also in the mix.
Hill’s leadership, defense and shooting have Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni pushing for him again. Hill would become the starting shooting guard over incumbent Landry Fields, who showed up for voluntary workouts in Westchester yesterday.
If Hill signs with the Knicks, they could boast a potentially formidable starting five of Chauncey Billups at point guard, Hill at SG, Carmelo Anthony at small forward, Amar’e Stoudemire at power forward and free agent Jared Jeffries at center.
Two years ago, Hill chose the Suns over the Knicks. If the Knicks offered Hill, the second-oldest player in the league at 39, the full $5 million mid-level exception, it may be a sign they can’t get Pacers center Jeff Foster in free agency.
The Post has learned Knicks assistant GM Allan Houston spoke with Kurt Thomas yesterday and had “a good conversation.’’ The Bulls are interested in re-signing Thomas, and the Heat and Celtics are also involved.
In the Knicks’ favor with Hill is the Suns are shifting into rebuilding mode, reportedly planning to waive Vince Carter. Hill may instead want the challenge of playing in New York for an Eastern Conference contender.
Fields was a revelation for the Knicks until February of his rookie season, going from an unheralded second-round pick to starting shooting guard.
But things changed for Fields once the Knicks acquired Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Fields’ play steadily deteriorated in the second half, and he finished with a total of seven points in the four-game playoff sweep by the Celtics.
“It could have been a number of things,” Fields said yesterday. “A lot of people like to call it the rookie wall, or I couldn’t fit in with the new guys. But I’m not looking to make any excuses. I know this year is gonna be a lot better.”
Fields conceded the blockbuster trade affected him last season. After fitting in as one of several pieces around Amar’e Stoudemire, Fields suddenly found himself trying to find his place in a starting lineup with three stars.
“I wouldn’t say I didn’t fit in, but I’d definitely say I shrunk a little bit,” Fields said. “With those three guys, they demand a lot of attention, and they’re going to get that attention. With me, it’s just kind of seeing where you fit in.”
Following his second-half slide, Fields spent the summer working specifically on corner 3-pointers and shooting from the wings. He also spent time working on his mentality, which he admitted was a possible contributor to his late struggles.
“My No. 1 focus on the offseason was my mentality,” he said. “A lot of people look at post-trade and all of that stuff and the kind of mentality I had, so I wanted to really work on that.’’
* An ESPN report stated Chris Paul met with Hornets GM Dell Demps yesterday, and would not commit to signing a contract extension. The report said sentiment is growing in their organization to deal him before Jan. 1, with the Knicks not considered a legitimate trade partner. The Post reported last week the Hornets do not believe the Knicks have enough assets. … November’s Knicks at Nuggets game — Anthony’s return to Denver — will not be made up during the revised 66-game schedule, which will be announced today.