Mourning to Nets?

[Mark Piotrowski <markp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

espn.com is reporting that Mourning is going to sign with the Nets w/ 
an assurance from Kidd that he's reupping.  That came out of nowhere. 
Assuming Zo is 3/4 of what he used to be, the C's will be doing well 
to finish 3rd in the east (behind NJ and Det).  But I'm fired up for 
the season -- and can't wait to catch a glimpse of Banks & Perkins in 
summer league play!

(the other) mark

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Free-agent center Alonzo Mourning plans to sign with the New Jersey 
Nets, apparently paving the way for Jason Kidd to re-sign in New 
Jersey, a league source who spoke with Mourning's agent Thursday 
night told Insider's Chad Ford.


Mourning could announce as early as today that he'll sign a 4-year, 
$20 million contract with the Nets.

Mourning's agent told the Insider source that Mourning agreed to sign 
with the Nets after receiving assurances that Kidd also will re-sign.

Kidd's agent, Jeff Schwartz, didn't return a phone call Friday 
morning seeking comment.

Mourning, who can't officially sign until July 16th, will be in Miami 
tonight at Zo's Summer Groove, his charity basketball game and dinner.


Mourning, 33, was diagnosed in October 2000 with focal segmental 
glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease that can eventually require a 
transplant. He played in just the final 13 games for the Heat in 
2000-01, but appeared in 75 games the following season.


Last September, shortly before training camp, Mourning was advised by 
doctors to skip the 2002-03 season because test results indicated his 
condition had worsened.


He has since received medical clearance for 2003-04.