Trade Rumor

[John Lyell <Jlyell@concentric.net>]

The latest News Reports

Penny Hardaway and Damon Stoudamire were the centerpieces of a blockbuster 
three- or four-team trade being discussed Wednesday, The Associated Press 
reported .

 The principal teams in the talks were the New Jersey Nets, who would 
receive Hardaway; the Orlando Magic, who would get Stoudamire, Walt 
Williams and others; and the Toronto Raptors, who would receive Sam Cassell 
and another player from the Nets.

Orlando was discussing sending Stoudamire and others to the Portland Trail 
Blazers for several players, according to several NBA sources who spoke to 
the AP on condition of anonymity.

The biggest holdup was Orlando's decision on whether to keep Stoudamire or 
immediately trade him.

THE INCLUSION OF HARDAWAY WAS a stunning development, although his name 
surfaced in the league rumor mill in early December. Hardaway, who was to 
sit out Wednesday night's game in Minnesota with a strained calf, said 
before the game he expected to end up with another team by Thursday.