Tariq Abdul: The C's Want To Trade For You

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

The former Olivier St. Jean is an excellent defender, but not much
of an offender.   Jerry Springer in the Globe says Tariq is the
C's "main target".


Keeping track of Tariq

The agent for Tariq AbdulWahad said the free-agent guard likely will
re-sign with the Nuggets, but may end up being part of a sign-and-trade
deal. A source said the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota
Timberwolves and Utah Jazz have interest in obtaining Abdul-Wahad via a
signand-trade deal. And the New Jersey Nets, who have a $3.8 million
salary exception to offer, have mentioned Hubert Davis of Dallas, former
Nuggets Ron Mercer and Chauncey Billups of Orlando and Abdul-Wahad as
possible acquisitions at shooting guard.

Abdul-Wahad may command as much as $5 million per season.

"It will either be a sign-andtrade deal or a sign-and-stay," said Paco
Belassen, Abdul-Wahad's agent. "I do believe Denver does not want to
lose Tariq without compensation. They know they can get a bunch in
return." Said McGowan: "We've had productive (contract) discussions."
(Mark Spears - Denver Post - 7/18/00)