rumors form Vecsey, Boston Sportsguy

["Thomas Murphy" <tfmiii@worldnet.att.net>]

Just some rumors FYI:

from Vecsey in today's Post:

>>Beside talking to the Bulls about Stoudamire, the Blazers and Celtics
have also discussed a possible exchange of Ron Mercer and Dana Barros for
Kelvin Kato, Jimmy Jackson and Walt Williams. <<
http://www.nypost.com/sports/10032.htm

also check out 

>>CELTICS TRADE RUMORS
Here's everything SG has heard over the past few weeks... (6/28)

NOTE TO READER: This isn't a column... I've gotten so many e-mails over the
past few weeks asking me if I've heard any Celtics trade rumors that I
finally snapped: I'm posting EVERYTHING I've heard over the past few weeks
on one page, even some things that probably have no validity whatsoever! So
leave me alone, dammit!



FIVE CELTICS TRADES THAT COULD HAPPEN THIS WEEK:

#1. Three-way deal: The Bulls send their #1 overall pick to the Raptors;
Tracy McGrady and Ron Mercer go to the Bulls; Toronto's #5 and #12 picks go
to Boston.
The latest rumor du'jour. It actually makes a ton of sense on all sides --
Chicago gets an all-new foundation with Mercer and McGrady; Toronto gets an
electric backcourt of Steve Francis and Vince Carter; and the Celts could
pick up a point guard at #5 (Andre Miller?) and have some fun at #12
(either picking up a rebounder or trading down with the pick so they could
get Chris Herren to replace Mercer).

One drawback from this deal: The Bulls seem like they're getting too much
talent in this one for JUST the #1 pick in an admittedly weak draft. It
would only seem possible if they were saddled with some unwanted salary as
well -- for instance, maybe Anderson, Ellison and/or Minor could be thrown
in as well, and Toronto could keep their #12 pick.

Regardless, keep an eye on this one. These teams match up for a draft-day
menage a trois.

#2. Mercer and Kenny Anderson to Golden State for Donyell Marshall, Adonal
Foyle, and the Warriors #10 pick.
This one has a chance. Anderson is UNTRADEABLE except for one place --
Golden State. He and PJ Carlesimo really got along when the two of them
were in Portland together; in fact, PJ's a Pitino chum and was one of the
people who recommended Kenny to Coach P before the disastrous Billups
trade. Marshall is expendable because the Warriors have a logjam at small
forward and Antawn Jamison needs playing time. And Pitino would be picking
up a potential point guard (William Avery?) to groom behind Dana Barros
(the probable starter next season, regardless, barring an inexplicable
Anderson rejuvenation). 

I actually think Marshall would be a good fit for the C's -- he can
rebound, he's athletic, he can score inside, and he can even play a little
power forward in a small lineup. As for Foyle, he makes the cut for salary
purposes (although he might be worth a one-year look at the back end of the
Pitino press).

Remember: If there's a deal to be made with Kenny, Golden State is the
team.

#3. Mercer to Cleveland for the #8 pick and Derek Anderson
This was passed onto me from someone "in the know," so watch out. I really
think it could happen under two conditions: Andre Miller being available at
#8 for the C's AND Wally Szcerbiak already being off the board (the Cavs
want him). 

Mercer would give the Cavs a potential star at the off-guard; meanwhile,
the Celts would pick up a legit point guard AND a scorer for the bench (a
Kentucky grad, no less!). Ask yourself this question -- which team would
turn this one down?

One other thing: If this deal DID happen, that means the two
Boston/Cleveland trades this season would work out as follows: Andrew
DeClerq and Ron Mercer for Vitaly Potapenko, Andre Miller and Derek
Anderson.

Seems pretty fair, no?

#4. A future #1 pick (either in 2000 or 2001, lottery-protected) for one of
Atlanta's #1 picks this season (#17, #21, #22 or #27).
Could and should happen if Chris Herren is available at the #21 pick or
below, regardless of what happens with Mercer this week. As I explained
last week, Boston loves Herren. Notice how they haven't mentioned one word
about him publicly this year. Not a peep. 

(I'm telling you: Get ready for the Chris Herren Era!)

Note: If Herren falls down to #27, you could see the Celts swap their 2nd
rounder for that pick. Why would the Hawks do that? Well, they're in a bind
because every first round pick gets a guaranteed three-year deal, which
means they'll be clogging up their cap with four new players after this
draft (if they keep all the first rounders). Second rounders don't have
guaranteed contracts.

The NBA... it's FANNNNN-tastic!

I love this game!

#5. Anderson to Golden State for Donyell Marshall
All right, all right... I made this one up. I don't even think the salaries
match. Then again, this deal just makes sense on paper, doesn't it?



***** ***** ***** ***** *****

TEN CELTICS TRADES THAT WON'T HAPPEN AND PROBABLY WERE NEVER EVEN
DISCUSSED... BUT THEY'VE ALL REACHED THE RUMOR MILL AT SOME POINT OVER THE
LAST FEW MONTHS:.. . << see the rest at:
http://home.digitalcity.com/boston/sportsguy/main.dci?page=99draft1

Enjoy - Tom Murphy