LOS ANGELES -- The biggest surprise regarding All-Star Weekend is Magic Johnson didn't win MVP.

Don't be surprised, accentuates sources, if Rashweed Wallace is in uniform Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden when the Knicks host the Pistons -- only not in a Knick uniform.

Now that Wallace is a member of the Hawks, the Pistons, who didn't have the necessary assets to acquire him from the Blazers, have intensified their pursuit along with at least one other team.

Perhaps the Mavericks; Antawn Jamison's minutes have been reduced to 15 per game the last couple of weeks, but that might mean Dallas is showcasing Antoine Walker.

Don Nelson, whose All-Star-like lineup is the league's path of least resistance, can certainly use Wallace's unyielding personality, er, presence.

"We definitely play defense like an All-Star team," harpooned Mavs owner Mark Cuban in person -- not by e-mail -- during the break.

Chances of Joe Dumars capturing his prey are better than good. Before I boarded a flight back to New York yesterday I was advised the Pistons VP was playing tag with Billy Knight and the Hawks' GM was "it."

The incoming owners clearly aren't thrilled at the prospects of being represented by Rashweed.

Meanwhile, the Pistons have the critical goods they want -- a spare No. 1 pick and enough contracts (belonging to Bob Sura, Lindsey Hunter, Zeljko Rebraca, Darvin Ham and Tremaine Fowlkes) that expire at season's end, which almost equal Wallace's $17 million salary.

The Knicks are well aware of Rashweed's continued availability, but aren't in position to do much about it; which doesn't mean Isiah Thomas has stopped trying.

In the final analysis, it appears he simply can't come close to meeting the Hawks' above requirements.

At the same time, the Pistons' lease of Wallace in a relatively bold attempt to win a championship (at the cost of a first rounder in what the experts contend is a weak draft) figures to be brief.

There's still every reason to believe the 211-cm finesse forward plans to settle for less come summer and sign with the Knicks.

Especially now that he sees exactly where he fits -- opposite Tim Thomas and alongside side Nazr Mohammed (both 27 this year, as is Stephon Marbury) -- and how Isiah isn't wasting time or fooling around.

Not that Mohammed is a dead bolt lock to start.

Dikembe Mutombo remains both a shot-blocking force ("His defense was probably the difference when we lost to them at the Garden the other day," mentioned Pacers coach Rick Carlisle) and a vital pawn (along with Kurt Thomas) in sustained trade talks with the Warriors for Erick Dampier.

If they don't do something with the elderly Dikembe soon they can forget it," notes column castigator Frank Drucker. "He's about 10 minutes away from being declared a landmark."

Again, it's doubtful the Knicks have sufficient resources to beat out, say, the Grizzlies, but they haven't been disqualified from the hunt either.

Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley is loving the life of being eight games above five hundred (30-22) and isn't letting the looming luxury tax intimidate him.

Like Isiah, Jerry West has the freedom to spend whatever it takes to compete at the highest level.

Which is why he's all over Dampier (as long as the price is one essential piece -- Stromile Swift -- not two), who bears a vague resemblance to centerfolds he's been associated with throughout his career as a player, coach and exec -- Wilt, Kareem and Shaq.

Ahem, unlike Lorenzen Wright and Jake Tsakalidis.

The second biggest surprise during All-Star Weekend is Bill Russell smiled without first getting paid.

Don't look now, but the Knicks-Bucks trade may have to be voided.

Sources say Keith Van Horn is so upset that he was traded to a Central Division team without playing for every Atlantic Division team, he's threatening to retire and thus forfeit $35 million over the next 2 1/2 seasons.

Apparently he's banked a bundle; Rick Majerus, Nick Van Exel and Vlade Divac are attempting to talk some sense into him.

Bison Dele, couldn't be reached for comment.

Numerous sources are predicting the Rockets will do something noteworthy before Thursday's trading deadline, but it positively won't involve Steve Francis.

In an effort to ease the congestion around Yao Ming management is trying to acquire a legit 3-point shooting forward to spread the defense.

A few weeks ago, the Pacers discussed swapping Austin Croshere for Kelvin Cato. Recently, the talk revolved around Maurice Taylor.

Should Indy pull the trigger you might see Al Harrington dealt to Denver for Rodney White and Jon Barry.

Houston also is talking to the 76ers about Aaron McKie who could just as easily wind up in Chicago for Jerome Williams.

The Sonics plan to present Brent Barry, 32, with a three-year extension offer this week; if it's deemed insulting, look for a trade.

The Celtics, Pacers, Magic and Clippers (Mike Dunleavy probably sees him as the closest thing to his son) have phoned in bids.

Vladimir Radmanovic already is being shopped by Seattle. Not because management wants to, but because the Serbian sharpshooter requested a new address; he's fed up with being verbally targeted by Nate McMillian.

Dunleavy, who coached Vin Baker during his sober seasons in Milwaukee, is thinking about bringing in his former student for a hard look.

The third biggest surprise of All-Star Weekend is Kobe Bryant didn't opt out of his court case.