Mock 2002 & Trade rumors

["Orion" <johnlyell@hotmail.com>]

An interesting 2002 Mock draft(Already!) I don't like the C's picks in this
one. I like taking Troy Bell, Juan Dixon, or  Marvin O'Conner and maybe a
Gadzurich, Lonnie Baxter or Udonis Haslem?



http://nba-rumors.tripod.com/nbadraftcentral/mockdraft2002.html


Vin Baker may have a new home by the February 21st trading deadline. Seattle
Times

"The Herald has learned the Celts and Jazz have had trade discussions
involving Bryon Russell, but there is no way Utah will part with the veteran
swingman if it still believes it has a shot to contend in the Western
Conference. While most see the Jazz out of the medal race behind the likes of
the Lakers, Sacramento, Dallas, San Antonio and Minnesota, it may take a
losing streak leading into next Thursday's NBA trading deadline to convince
club management. League sources who have been on the line with both the Celts
and Jazz say the potential deal between the teams would essentially be Russell
for Walter McCarty, Randy Brown and Boston's first-round draft pick this year.
Russell, 31, a free agent after this season, makes $5,142,856 this year, while
McCarty is at $3,125,000 and Brown at $2,475,000. McCarty is a free agent this
summer while Brown, out after hernia surgery, has another year to go. Fearing
it could lose Russell, the Jazz is looking for the pick and flexibility."
Boston Herald

http://www.bostonherald.com/sport/celtics/cnots02142002.htm

The Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as a leading candidate to acquire the big man
the Knicks covet, Raef LaFrentz. The Bucks and Nuggets have discussed a
potential deal that would include LaFrentz and disgruntled point guard Nick
Van Exel for Tim Thomas, Sam Cassell and Joel Przybilla, according to a league
source." NY Daily News

Oakley Rumors

"Chicago is expected to unload Charles Oakley before the Feb. 21 trade
deadline, and Cleveland was mentioned in an Internet report as one of four
places Oakley might end up. If Cavs coach John Lucas has anything to say about
it, fans shouldn't hold their breath. ``For somebody that's getting ready to
win a championship and needs that piece, he's a nice fit,'' Lucas said." Akron
Beacon Journal

"The Orlando Magic are among the teams positioning themselves to make a run at
veteran power forward Charles Oakley later this month if he is waived -- as
expected -- by the Chicago Bulls. The Magic also have had preliminary
discussions with the Denver Nuggets about disgruntled point guard Nick Van
Exel." Orlando Sentinel

"The Washington Wizards would like to acquire Chicago Bulls power forward
Charles Oakley, via trade or if he is released, but neither scenario appears
likely, a team source said today. Washington has made trade inquiries about
the disgruntled Oakley, who is in the last year of a contract that will pay
him $7.3 million, but nothing serious has materialized. It is not known whom
the Wizards would deal, although one of their power forwards -- Christian
Laettner, Kwame Brown or Etan Thomas -- likely would be part of a trade for
Oakley." Washington Post