Sportsbook.com: Knicks Likely to Sign Artest

If the New York Knicks didn't have enough problems on their hands, they may soon have another. Sportsbook.com odds makers believe the Knicks are the team most likely to land the NBA's latest problem child, Ron Artest. The all-star small forward and former defensive player of the year, requested a trade from the Indiana Pacers over the weekend, and it appears the Pacers will grant his request.

The Knicks are 5-2 favorites to bring Artest back to New York, where he grew up.

"The Knicks are struggling and if there's one team and one GM in the league willing to make major mid-season changes, it's New York and Isaiah Thomas," said Peter Childs, Odds Maker, Sportsbook.com. "Larry brown loves defense, which Artest brings by the boat load, and he's coached Artest before. The question is do the Knicks have enough talent in return to entice the Pacers."

A team that could also pull the trigger is Sacramento, who has its own disgruntled star in Peja Stojakovic. Rumors of an Artest for Stojakovic deal go back a couple of years and now the timing may finally be right. Sacramento is a 3-1 bet to pull off a trade for Artest, followed by Atlanta at 6-1, Memphis at 8-1 and Philadelphia at 12-1 with players such as Al Harrington, Shane Battier and Kyle Korver making the rounds. Dallas and Toronto, with Jerry Stackhouse, Morris Peterson and Eric Williams in play, are both 15-1 shots.

"Artest is possibly the best defender in the League and also has a rapidly developing offensive game. If he can keep his emotions in check he could turn a team from also-rans to contender, or from contender to NBA champion," added Childs.