Knicks close in on Hill; Paul a longshot

The Knicks were on the verge Thursday of landing Suns free agent Grant Hill, two NBA sources told the New York Post, but an NBA executive said the team's hopes of landing Chris Paul were "dead." The Knicks removed themselves from the five-team race for the Hornets star, who could be dealt in the next 48 hours. The Clippers, Warriors, Lakers, Celtics and Rockets are deemed as having made the best offers for Paul, according to reports. Nevertheless, a report suggested Paul will not sign with Golden State. The Knicks hope Paul either is not traded or is dealt to a club in which he ultimately does not wish to re-sign with in July. New York bosses instead were expecting the veteran Hill to confirm his intention to join the team, instead of remaining part of a rebuilding job in Phoenix. "It's not 100 percent done, but he's leaning," a source said. Hill and his wife, Tamia, a recording artist, are thought to be enamored with New York but were concerned about uprooting their two kids in grade school. Hill also was worried about leaving the renowned Suns' training staff. But the 39 year old is about to choose the Knicks, who could be one of the heavies in the Eastern Conference. Hill would be slotted in as the starting shooting guard alongside Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and, most probably, Jared Jeffries at center.