RE: Ike Austin

[John Lyell <Jlyell@concentric.net>]

I am wondering based on the rules, if we were to acquire an Austin or 
Stewart, would our ability to sign him to an extended, larger contract 
before year end FA be any different than Miami or Sacarmento's ?  If not, 
it would seem waiting for year end would be the best.  If we could, I would 
prefer pursuing Stewart, who could come in the $3M range, at the expense of 
Declercq, Ellison, Rogers,  or even Knight, and allow us to keep Mercer and 
Billups, or move Billups for a Nash or maybe a high draft pick to get a 
Mike Bibby.  If Sacramento knows they will lose Stewart as the Lakers did 
Knight, and Polynice is a FA also, they will need to obtain a big man. 
 Their future is with rookies Anthony Johnson & Abdul Wahad and whatever 
they might get for Richmond, Rauf, Polynice and Williamson unless he is 
resigned.














-----Original Message-----
From:	Warwick Janetzki [SMTP:giants@icplus.net.au]
Sent:	Friday, January 02, 1998 10:41 PM
To:	celtics@igtc.COM
Subject:	Ike Austin

What was really meant when the C's found out that he wouldn't re-sign
was that he wanted to cash in now. Ike now has lowered himself immensely
imo. Seems like another one of these players that has 1 break out season
(in a contract year) and then sinks into mediocrity (we've had and
signed a lot unfortunately!!!)

Dont sign Ike campaign member #1, anyone else wants to join?!?

Warwick
--
MZ?