Dampier won't be dealt by Warriors

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Erick Dampier isn't going anywhere.

Despite growing interest in their starting center, the Golden State Warriors have decided not to trade Dampier.

	Dampier

Both the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks sought Dampier to give them a low-post presence for their playoff runs, but the Warriors rebuffed offers for the eight-year NBA veteran, who's expected to opt out of his contract this summer and become a free agent.

Memphis president Jerry West coveted Dampier for months and had offered Stromile Swift, but ESPN.com reported Wednesday that Golden State was holding out for swingman Shane Battier to be included in the package.

ESPN's David Aldridge reported late Wednesday that New York was deep in talks with Golden State for Dampier, with the Knicks also angling to annex Nick Van Exel in the same deal. Memphis was considered the leading destination for Dampier until news of the Knicks' interest surfaced.

Dampier, 29, is enjoying his best season, averaging a career-best 11.6 rebounds a game (fourth in the NBA) and 11.7 points a game. He also ranks sixth among the league leader's in field-goal percentage at .516.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here. Also, click here to send a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.

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Marc Stein | email

Senior Writer, ESPN.com

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• Senior NBA writer for ESPN.com
• Began covering the NBA in 1993-94
• Also covered soccer, tennis and the Olympics