Smart Moves in MSG..........Haven't said that in awhile.

This means current season compatibility and future free agent flexibility.

Knicks land Larry Hughes, Chris Wilcox in trade-deadline deals

By Frank Isola
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Updated Thursday, February 19th 2009, 3:19 PM
Mendoza/AP

After being included in a failed deal with New Orleans earlier in the week, Chris Wilcox comes to the Knicks in exchange for Malik Rose.
Larry Hughes Mone/AP

Larry Hughes

Donnie Walsh acquired Chicago shooting guard Larry Hughes and Oklahoma City forward Chris Wilcox Thursday.

The two deals improve the Knicks chances of reaching the playoffs and also provide the club with much needed salary cap relief in 2010.

The News first reported that a deal for Hughes was in the works on Wednesday night on its Web site (nydailynews.com).

Hughes, who was buried on the Bulls bench, was acquired for Tim Thomas, Anthony Roberson and Jerome James. Wilcox was acquired for Malik Rose. Of the four Knicks traded only Thomas was in the rotation.

Wilcox was traded to the Hornets two days ago but the deal was rescinded when Tyson Chandler failed his physical.

Hughes's contract ($13.6 million next season) expires in 2010 while Wilcox is a free agent after this season.