With Portland Signing McInnis, Stoudamire Is Available; Minnesota Now The Favorites For Rogers

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Damon Stoudamire is available. Stoudamire, who last season averaged
13.5 points and 6.5 assists in 37 minutes of playing time,
is likely on the trading block, as Portland just signed Jeff McInnis,
who will vie with the recently acquired Antonio Daniels
and Stoudamire for playing time

Stoudamire, whose contract runs out in 2005, made a hefty $12.3 million
last season,
making him a difficult man to trade, though the salary cap immune
Blazers have no problem
taking back more than they send out, and will probably be forced to
package a good
player like Bonzi Wells along with Stoudamire to facilitate a trade.

As far as the Celtics getting Stoudamire, it's a somewhat difficult
proposition
because of his large contract, requiring Battie, Delk, E & S Williams to

be packaged for him.

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In other news, Minnesota is the front runner for Rodney Rogers,
as they're apparently offering him their full exception ...
Ray