Warriors Want Mercer For Mashburn & Celtics / NBA Update

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

-From today's Barry Jackson column in the Miami Herald:
"The Warriors had hoped to turn around and trade 
Mashburn to Boston, but the Celtics appear reluctant 
to send Ron Mercer to Golden State in return.  Instead, Celtics 
have dangled Dana Barros and Dontae Jones, who do not thrill the 
Warriors."

- Sprewell heading to Indiana?  They're said to be offering
Jalen Rose and Dale Davis.

- Pacers near a deal with Smits, who is still having foot 
problems.

- Miami has reached an oral agreement with Mark Strickland.

- Indiana is one of two teams, Sam Perkins is considering signing
with.

- Olowokandi coming back early as Sean Marks will replace him
on Kinder Bologna.

- Bob Lobel thinks Pitino will make a trade this week; Pitino
told Lobel his options are somewhat limited; he can't move
Minor, Barros, or Ellison.  Pitino added: Not that he wants
to trade Barros. 

- Steve Bulpett thinks it might be better for the C's to wait
until next year's free agent crop, rather than signing
Stewart, unless the C's are sure Stewart is going to be
their center for the next five years. Bulpett told
Bob Lobel of Boston's Channel 4, that he doesn't want
to see a repeat of the Travis Knight situation, where after
six months after signing, they're trying to desperately 
move the guy. 

- Loy Vaught to Detroit?  A possibility.

- Rick Fox seems a lock for Atlanta.

Ray