http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=60854 No good fit on a Glove trade By Steve Bulpett Wednesday, December 29, 2004 DALLAS - The Mavericks have a lot of respect for Gary Payton and his game, but that doesn't mean there's much of a chance he'll be playing for last night's home team any time soon. Though trade speculation in that vein has made it into print, it's notable that Payton's name hadn't come up much around the Mavs until yesterday (and there hasn't been any talk with the Celtics about him). But even if the club realizes how much he would benefit its point guard situation, there is a major obstacle in the way of getting something done: The Celts don't really want anything Dallas would be willing to give up. Unless the Mavs were interested in parting with Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels or Devin Harris - and they're not - the Celts most likely wouldn't listen. Payton does appear to have his share of fans in Dallas, though. ``I love Gary Payton,'' Mavs coach Don Nelson said before watching Payton total six points and nine assists in the Celtics' 113-94 loss last night. ``I've been a big fan of his, and I only coached him one time - in an All-Star Game (2002). He was brilliant in that game, and I told him. I said, `I didn't know you were that good.' But he is that good, and he has been for many years.'' Avery Johnson, who hung up his point guard sneakers to join the Dallas coaching staff, likes what Payton is doing. ``I love it when those old guys get out there, and Gary right now is not looking too old from what I'm seeing,'' Johnson said. ``He's still a major threat. He's still a guy that you lose sleep over. He can still go coast to coast. He's really playing well right now. It looks like he's found the fountain of youth. ``I know he's glad to be out of the (Lakers') triangle offense, so I think that Rivers has put an offense out there that's more suited for Gary's skill level. A lot of it is mental. If you're mentally into it and you're on the same page with your head coach, it makes things easier.'' It seemed to many that Payton could be successful in Houston, but the Rockets never made an attempt for him before acquiring former Celt David Wesley from New Orleans Monday.
I would have thought him even less effective this year, but he's still dishing out 6.5 APG w/ almost 13 PPG on 47.5 %. Nice, but how much does that cost and for how long?
He is on the last year of his contract. I would think, the reason Houston is not interested, is probably JVG will probably clash with his personality. But, that is just a guess on my part.
The Herald added this quote? It seemed to many that Payton could be successful in Houston, but the Rockets never made an attempt for him before acquiring former Celt David Wesley from New Orleans Monday.
