In recent years, the behind-the-scenes battles between the Knicks and Bulls have been every bit as compelling as what has taken place on the court. And it's about to get better with Atlanta's Al Harrington looming as the top free agent this summer.

Chicago could have close to $22 million in cap space to sign Harrington, who has been the object of Isiah Thomas' desires since the Knicks president arrived in New York. Thomas has tried for two years to acquire Harrington, a small forward the Knicks covet. But the Knicks' best and perhaps only chance to acquire Harrington will have to be in a trade before the February deadline.

Atlanta has made it clear to the Knicks that in order to get Harrington they would have to part with Channing Frye, which is something Thomas will not do. Hawks GM Billy Knight has been a thorn in the Knicks' side for the past two years. In successive years, the Knicks tried to acquire Rasheed Wallace and Antoine Walker before the Hawks dealt them to the Pistons and Celtics, respectively.