Re: Fortson Turns C's Down, Says Trade Me To The Knicks

[CeltsSteve@aol.com]

In a message dated 07/09/2000 10:39:03 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
wayray@ix.netcom.com writes:

<< And the flip side to that is a smart GM would tell Fortson,  "Fine, you 
don't want to go to Golden State, then sign  for the $2.2 million exception." 
 There's very little difference  between Chris Childs and receiving nothing 
in return, except getting Childs is worse.
 
See, Fortson apparently wants its both ways. He wants to receive  more than 
the minimum, but also go to the team of his choice.  And life doesn't often 
work that way....... Ray >>


Ray,
I understand what you're saying but by the same token, allowing him to walk 
for nothing in return if he signs somewhere else for the $2.25 million 
exception really says the C's may have won that battle but in the big picture 
lost the war. I don't want Childs either but there ARE other options out 
there besides Childs. Too many other teams are interested in Fortson.

Derek Fisher signed a 7-year, $30 million deal last year so he's a 75% BYC 
player. The Lakers need a PF. That right there appears to allow some wiggle 
room to creatively put the right players together a deal to make a trade work 
under the cap rules if Fortson has indeed been offered a 7-year, $31 million 
deal by the C's. 

Corey Hightower put on a show last night for the Lakers in the LA Fila Pro 
Summer League. He's signed to a minimum contract for two years - one plus the 
team's option for Year 2 - Fisher as a backup PG and Hightower as a "2" 
addresses two of the C's primary needs. Fortson solves their PF void and Shaq 
can mask Fortson's defensive liabilities.

WIN/WIN trade for both clubs.