Having lost 16 out of their last 18, the Knicks can either opt for a desperate trade or prepare for a lottery pick and more rebuilding. Assuming Isiah Thomas wants to go the former route, the New York Daily News’ Frank Isola reviews the possibilities.

Patience is not one of Thomas’ strengths. He is an impulse buyer. And with the Knicks losing and the criticism starting to fall on his shoulders, Thomas is always one call away from completing a deal. Now may be a good time for him to turn off his cell phone.

Here are a few trade targets Thomas may explore:

Antoine Walker: He is readily available because his $14.6 million contract comes off the books this summer. Thomas loves everything about Walker – he is a big forward who can shoot three-pointers and handle the ball. It doesn’t hurt that Walker is from Chicago, Thomas’ hometown, either.

Thomas would not hesitate to exchange Tim Thomas for Walker but Atlanta has little interest because Thomas still has one year left on his deal. The Knicks have a better chance of signing Walker to the mid-level exception this summer.

Donyell Marshall: The Raptors’ forward is another player who can stretch a defense. He’s also in the last year of his deal and earning a reasonable $5 million, which matches up perfectly with Kurt Thomas.

Toronto is insisting that Jalen Rose be included in the trade, which is exactly the type of deal the Knicks claim they are trying to avoid.

Darius Miles: Thomas has coveted him in the past. Portland wants to deal Miles, who is still owed $40 million after this season and who recently got into a screaming match with coach Maurice Cheeks. The Knicks don’t need this problem. Miles’ teammate, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who is in the final year of his contract, would make more sense.

Ron Artest: Indiana GM Larry Bird is telling potential suitors that Artest is off limits, which is somehow hard to believe.Thomas and Knick assistants Mark Aguirre and George Glymph all have first-hand experience dealing with Artest from their days on the Pacers’ bench, so the Knicks know what they’re getting into.

Latrell Sprewell: Dolan’s least favorite player would actually make a lot of sense. The Timberwolves are trying to trade him, he’s in the last year of his contract and he would give the Knicks much-needed toughness and experience.