Celtics Have Talked To Michael Stewart's Agent

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

                            KINGS ARTICLE INDEX

                        [The Sacramento Bee][KINGS]

     Kings have set priorities, but all is still talk

     By Martin McNeal
     Bee Staff Writer
     (Published Jan. 13, 1999)
     <snip>
     In any case, the Kings want to keep Stewart.

     Bill Duffy, Stewart's agent, says his client is garnering a lot
     of interest around the league.

     "We've talked with Toronto, Boston, Chicago, Indiana, Vancouver,"
     Duffy said. "There are not a lot of centers available."

     Austin's agent, Paco Belassen, said his client is interested in
     Sacramento. . . and Charlotte, Orlando and Phoenix.

     It is possible, Belassen said, that Austin will sign a one-season
     deal and re-enter the free-agent market in the summer.

     "There will be more money available in the summer," said
     Belassen, who also represents Kings shooting guard Tariq
     Abdul-Wahad. "Sacramento does not have as much money as (it)
     thought (it) was going to have."

     The salary cap is expected to be raised $4 million to $34 million
     for the 1999-2000 season.

     "Issac is very interested in Sacramento because of the nucleus
     there," Belassen said. "Playing for Sacramento is going home for
     him."

     Austin is from Gridley.

     As for point guards, the Kings have contacted the representatives
     of veteran free agents Terry Porter, Eric Murdock and Sherman
     Douglas, plus younger, less-heralded players such as Kevin Ollie,
     Rick Brunson and Alvin Williams.

     With the expected opening of training camp and the start of the
     free-agent signing period looming on Monday, Petrie finds
     confusion over the new collective bargaining agreement approved
     by the players and owners last week.

     "There are representatives of some free agents who prefer to see
     the entire agreement," Petrie said, "and see if there are any
     changes from the outline that has been distributed before they do
     anything."