The Undying Mashburn Rumor

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

                               Michael Murphy
                               Houston Chronicle - 6/5/99                               
                               <snips>
                               The Heat also might have some
                               interest in what Boston does with Ron
                               Mercer, with the Heat looking at it as a
                               way to unload Jamal Mashburn. ...

                               Cleveland supposedly has discussed a trade
                               that would send its No. 8 overall draft
                               pick to the Jazz for 6-7, 225-pound Bryon
                               Russell. But the Cavs would only do that
                               if they determined they couldn't move up
                               in the draft to select Miami (Ohio)
                               University small forward Wally Szczerbiak.
                               Cleveland might have to move up to the No.
                               5 spot to get its hands on Szczerbiak, who
                               has been impressive in pre-draft workouts.
                               ...

                               Orlando is getting plenty of calls about
                               the availability of Penny Hardaway, who
                               keeps saying he will opt out of his deal
                               (bypassing three years and $26 million
                               remaining on his contract) and become a
                               free agent. Teams are calling about a
                               sign-and-trade. Phoenix would be
                               Hardaway's choice, but Tom Gugliotta would
                               have to be included in the mix. Boston and
                               Ron Mercer is another hot rumor. Hardaway
                               has worn out his welcome in Orlando --
                               Chuck Daly left because of him and his
                               teammates are tired of his whining. ...