http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/gen/wire?messageId=24298440 NEW YORK (AP) _ Dikembe Mutombo was close Thursday to reaching a contract agreement with the New York Knicks, two days after he accepted a buyout and was waived by the New Jersey Nets. ``Talks are ongoing, but nothing's finalized,'' team spokesman Joe Favorito said. Mutombo was to clear waivers Thursday evening, and it was possible he would sign with the Knicks in time to join the team Friday. The eight-time All-Star has been on the decline for the past two seasons, but he would provide the Knicks a much-needed defensive presence at center _ a void that has gone unfilled since Patrick Ewing was traded prior to the 2000-01 season. The Knicks were the worst shot-blocking team in the NBA last season when they missed the playoffs for the second straight season. Kurt Thomas, a natural power forward, has been the Knicks' starting center for most of the past two seasons. Mutombo played in only 24 games last season because of a wrist injury that required surgery around Thanksgiving. The 37-year-old did not return to action until late in the regular season and was sitting on the bench for most of the playoffs. The Nets, currently for sale, cited financial concerns in announcing the buyout of the final two years of Mutombo's contract, which had $37 million remaining on it. Mutombo's chances of playing more this season diminished with Jason Collins and Aaron Williams returning and Alonzo Mourning, Mutombo's teammate at Georgetown, signing with New Jersey as a free agent. Mourning criticized the move Sunday, saying it showed the two-time defending Eastern Conference champions were more interested in money than in winning a championship. ``I know a lot of teams are interested in me,'' said the four-time NBA defensive player of the year. ``I'll find a home some way.''
