Walker/Williams Not Extended By Ainge

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Danny has it....

Steve Bulpett
Boston Herald

Ainge backs off Walker extension 

NBA Finals Notebook/by Steve Bulpett 
Monday, June 9, 2003


EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Danny Ainge will not be opening the Celtics'
wallet for Antoine Walker this summer, despite the co-captain's desire
for a contract extension.

 Walker has two years left on his deal (at $13.5 and $14.625 million)
and has made public on at least two occasions his preference for a
longer commitment.

But Ainge, the Celtics' new director of basketball operations, will not
comply.

``That's a subject for next summer,'' Ainge said. ``It's too early to do
anything like that. I want some time to evaluate people for myself.''

Staying true to his plan, Ainge will not be extending the deal of Eric
Williams, who has just one season left.

Perhaps the biggest question with Walker when the matter does come up
for discussion is whether he will command the maximum salary slot he now
occupies. While the Celtics have not actively looked to shop him over
the last two years, they have found through normal talks with other
clubs that his value around the league is not as high as one might
expect for a player with his All-Star resume. A large part of that could
well be tied to his contract.

For Ainge, the decision to punt on the Walker extension issue is due to
a desire to retain as much flexibility as possible.