BIGGEST NEEDS: Now that Chris Duhon is signed, the Knicks have a capable ball-handler to step in should they decide to let Stephon Marbury go. Since they aren't likely to deal Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph, it wouldn't hurt to bring in a big man who's known to be active defensively.

FREE AGENT FOCUS: Getting under the salary cap is a priority for new team president Donnie Walsh, but he's going to have to wait. He won't be shedding a lot of salary this summer by letting the likes of Fred Jones and Randolph Morris hit the free agent market.

PLAYER NOTES:

--Renaldo Balkman was traded to Denver along with cash considerations for Taurean Green and Bobby Jones, who were immediately cut. Since the third-year forward was stuck behind Quentin Richardson, Danilo Gallinari, Jared Jefferies and Wilson Chandler, the deal was made to open a roster spot and save about $2 million.

--Danilo Gallinari headed back to Italy to prepare for Olympic qualifying with the national team, but was given two weeks off to rest a cranky back. The rookie only played one game in Las Vegas because of the problem, but the Knicks did not pressure him to avoid contact in Italy.

--Nate Robinson is coming back to New York to run his basketball camp for two weeks at the Northern Westchester Boys and Girls Club. It's essentially the end of his summer vacation. Robinson usually starts making regular appearances to work out with coaches at the MSG practice facility at this point of the year.