Bulpett: Celtics Shopping Antoine, But Nothing Iminient Or Is It?

[witchcraft1998@hotmail.com (Witch)]

Steve Bulpett said the following in today's Boston Herald:

"Because they are uncertain whether they will be able to re-sign their their
young All-Star, the celts have exercised due diligence and discussed him in
trade scenarios.

"Walker can be a free agent after next season and while the club is eligible
to sign hi to a contract extension between July 1 and Oct. 1, an expected lockout
on the former date may hinder the Celtics' opportunity to get things done.  More
prominent is the question of how much owner Paul Gaston is willing to pay.

"The latest word is that Walker is seeking $105 million over six years (WC: That's
$17.5 million a year) -- a number people close to the situation doubt Gaston will
go for.  And if there is a stalemate, the celts will move their asset rather than 
watch him leave with no return in 1999.

"According to two sources, the C's have already queried Orlando for a Walker deal 
that would *not* retrieve Penny Hardaway.  Other situations have been discussed, but
nothing appears hot.

"The Celtics' first choice is to keep Walker, a fact that has been communicated to 
the former Kentucky star and his representatives.  And, according to one of his 
Chicago advisers, Walker wants to remain with the C's.  But, while he may be willing 
to pass up top dollar to stay in Boston, a deal has to be within his realm of 
fairness."

Bulpett goes on to note, that Walker's contract would still be $20 million less than 
Garnett's, and that the C's best scenario would be form a reform of the C.B.A. with 
the elimination of Garnett-type contracts.

In other news of note, Dino Radja may be headed towards the Pacers.  They think his 
offensive skills "may put them over the top."  It's certainly a possibility in the 
post-Bulls era.  Dino possibly could be replaced on the Panathinaikos roster by Rony 
Seikaly, which of course would free up even more cap space for Atlantic Division 
rival New Jersey.  And yes, according to Bulpett, the Celtics will still be 
responsible for half of Dino's salary, if he returns to the NBA. 

Still more things of interest: Bulpett reports Phoenix, thought to be seeking isaac 
Austin, "isn't willing to spend the money on a guy it isn't sure will stay in shape."

And another tidbit: Chris Ford may be gone from Milwaukee, but after the lockout is 
settled.

The thing, that I find most interesting, of all the stuff Bulpett mentioned, is the 
Celtics were offering Antoine to Orlando, but not for Hardaway.  Other than Hardaway,
what would you want from the Magic?  Nick Anderson?  Bo Outlaw?  Orlando's two or 
three draft choices?  Salary cap space?  Hmmm.  Very mysterious and very interesting.

WC