Sprewell, Knicks Near Deal

After missing the first days of training camp, it appeared Latrell Sprewell didn’t want to be a part of the New York Knicks. But the Knicks want him to be a part of them for a long time.

After weeks of reportedly shopping Sprewell around the league, the Knicks made an offer to their controversial star before Saturday’s exhibition game against the San Antonio Spurs.

The details have yet to be finalized, but Sprewell said he was happy the team had reached out to keep him and that it was “more than likely” he will sign.

“It was genuine, sincere, something I can live with,” Sprewell said after scoring 14 points in the Knicks’ 91-80 victory. “Right now it’s just a matter of longer or shorter. I’d like to get it over with in the next week.”

Sprewell’s agent, Robert Gist, had asked for the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement--six years and $78 million.

Trade rumors involving Sprewell have been floating around all preseason. It’s no secret that the Knicks twice approached the Seattle SuperSonics to ask about Gary Payton.

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Miami Heat forward Otis Thorpe may sit out the next six weeks after fracturing his right thumb Friday night in an exhibition against Golden State. The 37-year-old off-season acquisition from Washington could be out 20 regular season games, the team announced.

Thorpe averaged 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 49 games last season with the Wizards.