While the Knicks continued to close in on reserve center Michael Doleac, the Nets moved a signature away from landing their own free-agent acquisition, backup point guard Chris Childs.

The Knicks and the 6-11 Doleac will unite; it just hasn’t happened yet. An agreement is expected later this week, with Doleac accepting a three-year deal worth a reported $7.5 million.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Childs and the Nets have reached a two-year, $3.5 million agreement and all that remains is for the 34-year-old to sign the contract. Team president Rod Thorn and Childs’ agent, Lon Babby, both expressed decided confidence yesterday.

“But I don’t anticipate any problems with it that would hold it up or stop the deal,” Thorn said.