Report: Walsh likely to stay Knicks prez

Knicks owner James Dolan is on the verge of announcing Donnie Walsh will be back as Knicks president for next season with an agreement all but sealed, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

One league source said it could be a done deal by this week. "Jim really wants him back, and the only issue left is Donnie getting assurances he's in charge of the basketball operations," a league source said.

Walsh had become concerned about the increasing influence of some of Dolan's MSG lieutenants regarding basketball matters. Walsh had taken the job three years ago with the promise he would be the head of basketball operations, the source said.

"It's going to be resolved," said one NBA executive who has been debriefed on the Walsh saga.

The Knicks had no official word about Walsh's status but still have not made him available to the media for his customary postseason session, and likely will not schedule such a gathering until Walsh's future is officially determined. Though Saturday is the deadline for the option on his final contract year, Walsh could instead sign a two-year extension, and that is what is likely to happen.

"I think Donnie is going to be fine," one NBA source said.

Walsh and Dolan were to meet Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the Knicks president's future, Mike D'Antoni's future and the contract option for Chauncey Billups, who must be bought out by Friday's deadline. Indications are Billups will remain a Knick.