Rose, a fan favorite in San Antonio, was nearly dealt to the Knicks a year ago for Kurt Thomas in a deadline-day trade that fell through at the last minute.

So while their Atlantic Division opponents all made significant upgrades this season — New Jersey dealt for Vince Carter and Cliff Robinson, Philadelphia got Webber and Rodney Rogers, and Boston reacquired Antoine Walker — the Knicks made two moves that left little-used Bruno Sundov as their only true center.

Kurt Thomas, the player most frequently mentioned in pre-deadline trade speculation surrounding the Knicks, probably will move back to center — the position he played before Mohammed was acquired from Atlanta slightly more than a year ago.

“I hear (trade rumors) every year,” Kurt Thomas said. “Wouldn’t you be interested in what I do out there?”

Rose and Taylor add depth at the power forward spot, where the Knicks have been giving an increased role to second-year forward Michael Sweetney.

New York (21-33) was in last place in the Atlantic Division heading into its game Thursday night against Philadelphia.

“The way we’re going to improve our team is basically through the draft,” Isiah Thomas said.

Norris, who averaged 2.6 points and 1.1 assists in a limited role backing up Marbury, was the second point guard acquired Thursday by the Rockets. Earlier, Houston got playmaker Mike James, along with center Zendon Hamilton, from Milwaukee for Reece Gaines and two second-round picks.

Baker was playing sparingly for the Knicks, averaging a team-low 1.4 points. The four-time All Star, in his 12th season, joins a Houston roster that already includes ex-Knicks Charlie Ward, Dikembe Mutombo and Clarence Weatherspoon.

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