"Free agent Grant Hill's interest in the Knicks is heating up, with one source saying the club has been told they are "definitely in the hunt.''

The Knicks appeared long shots over the weekend when Hill characterized the Suns as having "good chances'' of re-signing him. The Bulls and Celtics reportedly were also in the mix.

Hill's leadership, defense and shooting have Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni pushing for him again. Hill would become the starting shooting guard over incumbent Landry Fields, who showed up for voluntary workouts in Westchester yesterday.

If Hill signs with the Knicks, they could boast a potentially formidable starting five of Chauncey Billups at point guard, Hill at SG, Carmelo Anthony at small forward, Amar'e Stoudemire at power forward and free agent Jared Jeffries at center."