CHICAGO — Nate Robinson was suspiciously absent from the Knicks last night here, home with flu-like symptoms — but he might be absent, period.
Coming off his third slam-dunk title, Robinson again is being shopped, with the trade deadline approaching tomorrow and the Boston trade rumors resurfacing again yesterday.
The Knicks deem Robinson purely as a shooting guard, and his departure would open up more playing time for rookie Toney Douglas.
Since the Knicks have no plans to re-sign him, they hope a playoff-bound team such as the Celtics will pounce.
The Knicks and Celtics started talking trade in December, when Robinson was banished. Robinson can veto any deal, but Boston could be one he does not. Coach Mike D’Antoni loves Eddie House, who has an expiring contract.
In his last outing, Robinson got into a brief shouting match with D’Antoni. Robinson did not make the trip because the club did not want him to infect the club.
* Al Harrington could wind up either in Chicago for Tyrus Thomas or in Houston in a Tracy McGrady deal. A source said Harrington’s preference is Chicago.
Harrington gave some pointed remarks about his treatment by the coaching staff.
He was removed from the starting lineup earlier in the season for Danilo Gallinari.
When told D’Antoni was talking up playing Gallinari and Wilson Chandler more, likely at Harrington’s expense, he shook his head and said, “More than what? They’re already playing 36 minutes a game. How much more can they play them?”