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Peter Vecsey's Trade Rumours
[New York Post]
SPORTS
AIRING OUT DEAL
By PETER VECSEY
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As captivating as limitations on high-end salaries, escrow and rookie pay scales may be,
I sense you might be a tad tired of that stuff and might want to hear what's actually
going on behind the scenes regarding potential trades and free-agent signings.
Although the Knicks' emphasis is on acquiring some youth (see the Marcus Camby-Charles
Oakley swap) they are investigating the possibly of adding Charles Barkley to the mix.
The Rocket free agent says money isn't an issue, but Barkley's been known to say a lot of
things he doesn't take responsibility for later on. The best the Knicks can do is $1.7M.
Clipper free agent Loy Vaught is another option if his surgically repaired back isn't
nearly as bad as we've been led to believe. Sources say team president Ernie Grunfeld has
had conversation with the Magic about Nick Anderson, offering Chris Mills or Chris
Childs.
Look for the Nets to send Kendall Gill to the Blazers for Jermaine O'Neal if a third team
can be found for salary cap purposes. That would free up about $4 million to use to
recruit a middle class free agent. If they want a big time free agent, they'll have to
renounce Rony Seikaly ($4M) and Michael Cage ($1.2M), whose contracts are unguaranteed.
Clippers are said to want Chris Ford as their coach, not Jim Brewer, as is commonly
believed. Will they pay Ford what he's asking, that's the deal-breaking question? Pacer
free agent Travis Best has captured GM Elgin Baylor's imagination. Nets also like Best
and will like him a lot more if it's determined Sherman Douglas' broken hand hasn't
sufficiently healed or he's out of shape. Lakers are still dead set to trade Elden
Campbell for another power forward. If Kings refuse to part with Chris Webber, look for
LA to reach out for Derrick Coleman, who'd first have to be re-signed by the Sixers in
order to fit him into its cap.
Hawks are leading the hunt for Rick Fox and Cedric Ceballos. Nuggets are all over Tom
Gugliotta, but he's no lock to sign with them just because he's built a house in Denver.
Timberwolves feel they still have a good chance to get him to re-up, unless it's true,
he's sick of Stephon Marbury.
Rockets and Suns appear to be the only two teams Antonio McDyess would consider. Sources
say Pistons plan to pursue Kerr, the perfect 3-pointer shooter to spot up when the
defense converges on Grant Hill. Look for the Suns and Celtics to make a strong pitch for
Longley. Pacers wouldn't mind signing Sam Perkins.
Lucky for Shawn Kemp he has 3 weeks to lose that extra 200 or 300 pounds he put on during
the lockout. That also gives him plenty of time to father some more children. The Magic
are concentrating their $6-8M in cap money to spend on Matt Geiger. What will Hornets do
for a center if they lose Geiger and Vlade Divac (Kings?). Ike Austin, perhaps, although
Sixers are on his case. Or maybe Will Perdue, who the Spurs want to trade.
Cavaliers need a small forward and have set sights on romancing LaPhonso Ellis away from
the Nuggets. Coach Mike Fratello wouldn't mind finding another home for Bobby Sura.
Celtics continue to shop but seem to have changed mind about dealing Antoine Walker now
that they know they can afford him.
Bucks want to unload Ervin Johnson. Suns are offering a re-signed Cliff Robinson to
everyone. Raptors want to bring Dan Roundfield out of retirement to complement frontline
of Kevin Willis and Charles Oakley.
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