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	Will Larry Brown use his bad health to get out of coaching the Knicks? AP

Larry Brown denied he will quit this summer and escape the Knicks. Rather, he said yesterday he is in it "for the long haul." Brown is scheduled for offseason surgery to continue his treatment for bladder problems and there's speculation he will use his health to run away from the moribund Knicks, even though it's a lot of money to run away from. -- New York Post

Tim Thomas admits he was given two choices by the Chicago Bulls: Stay out of the Eastern Conference, and you get all the money that's coming to you; or give up millions if you want to sign with the Nets, if we let you out of your contract at all. And now the question is whether Chicago GM John Paxson broke a rule in the Collective Bargaining Agreement pertaining to circumvention, which prohibits verbal agreements of any kind with player contracts. -- Newark Star-Ledger

Aaron McKie's severely strained quadriceps tendon has forced the Lakers to look for additional backcourt help even though the trade deadline passed last Thursday. The availability of veterans Penny Hardaway and Tony Delk was discussed internally (Delk since signed with Detroit), and the Phoenix Suns' waiving of Jim Jackson on Wednesday was noted by the organization. Former Clipper Rick Brunson is also available. -- Los Angeles Times

The Rockets handed out 8,000 game programs with Jon Barry on the cover Wednesday, the same day they handed Barry his release. The Nuggets, among other teams, have expressed interest in Barry, but Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said Barry was considering retirement. -- Houston Chronicle

With players such as Jim Jackson, Tim Thomas and Jon Barry being waived Wednesday, it's possible the Heat could add another player to solidify the roster. -- Miami Herald

Jeff Van Gundy said the Rockets likely will look for a backup point guard, it did not seem to indicate playing time for rookie Gerald Fitch, acquired last week from the Miami Heat. Van Gundy said it was too soon to know how Fitch might fit in. The team has not practiced since he was acquired. But the goal is to add to the backcourt. -- Houston Chronicle

Along with Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal has been offered a standing invitation from USA Basketball to join the team, though it's unlikely the Heat center will do so. -- Miami Herald

Portland Mayor Tom Potter has two suggestions for Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen: First, come talk to Portlanders directly about what you need to keep the Trail Blazers in town. Second, don't think you can automatically get out of your deal with the city by declaring bankruptcy. Last week, representatives from the Trail Blazers and Allen's Vulcan Inc. visited City Hall seeking public help. The Blazers, they said, are hemorrhaging money, and Allen needs some sort of public support for them to survive in Portland. -- The Oregonian

Al Jefferson woke up yesterday and discovered his sprained right ankle didn't feel too bad. He went through shootaround, then pregame warmups, and pronounced himself ready to return after missing nine games and almost four weeks. Jefferson played 12 minutes, recording 7 points and 5 rebounds in Miami's 103-96 victory. -- Boston Globe

Doc Rivers went slightly over the doctor-recommended 35 minutes for Wally Szczerbiak (sore left knee), but the Celtics coach felt he had no other choice. ''[The knee] is going to be that way all year," Rivers said. -- Boston Globe

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