Tacoma newspaper: Taylor not interested in sign-and-trade

The Tacoma Times Tribune added an interesting tidbit to the Taylor Saga...

**********************

The Seattle SuperSonics could make a trade sometime this week that would send several of their players to a team in exchange for a frontcourt asset.

Sonics general manager Wally Walker isn't revealing what he's working on, but several sources have said Walker has been in trade discussions with several teams.

The trade talks are in addition to the Sonics' desire to sign Los Angeles Clippers forward Maurice Taylor, whom the Sonics would like to sign in a separate deal to their $2.25 million exception. (Neither Taylor nor the Clippers are interested in doing a lengthy sign-and-trade deal).

One team Walker is likely talking to is the Miami Heat for Anthony Mason. The trade would be difficult because the NBA has a rule that a player cannot be traded twice within 60 days. The Heat acquired Mason from the Charlotte Hornets, along with Eddie Jones, on Aug. 1.

Another possible team talking trade with the Sonics is the Washington Wizards. The Wizards are desperate for a starting small forward and would have interest in Ruben Patterson. The Sonics, in return, would likely acquire forward Jahidi White in what would have to be a sign-and-trade deal. White re-signed with the Wizards on Friday.

A third possibility probably ended Monday as the Boston Celtics reportedly were close to sending Danny Fortson - whom the Sonics tried to acquire via trade last season - to the Golden State Warriors in a four-team trade.

Walker and the Sonics have stated several times they want to carry a 14-man roster. They carry 15 now, the same number the Sonics carried last season when players became unhappy with being placed on the injured list.

The recent signing of second-round draft choice Olumide Oyedeji means the Sonics have 15 players under contract. They also are planning to sign free-agent forward Ruben Wolkowyski, and if the Sonics are able to land Taylor, that would give them 17 players and enough room to make a multi-player-for-one deal.

A goal of Walker's is to get as far under the expected $40 million salary cap for 2001-02 so the Sonics can join the free-agent market. Mix in Horace Grant's contract expiration next summer, and the Sonics believe they will be significantly under the cap - perhaps as much as $8 million - and can land one big-name free agent to add to their solid nucleus.

The Sonics still love Patterson and his energy and rebounding, but know he will not be happy in the sixth-man role for which the Sonics have him destined. If they don't trade him this season, the Sonics will probably lose him in free agency next summer and get nothing in return.

The Heat deal makes sense because Miami is in need of a small forward, and now that it is going to acquire Brian Grant, the Heat has a glut at power forward. Also, Mason and Heat coach Pat Riley had their run-ins when they were with the Knicks.

Perhaps the most enticing thing about Mason is that his contract expires next summer. If the Sonics choose to renounce Horace Grant - almost a certainty - and Mason, even more money would be available for free agency.

The Wizards also need a small forward, and Patterson is the perfect fit.

The biggest problem there, however, is that Washington also likes White, who outplayed Isaac Austin last season and won the starting role. If the Wizards trade White, they will not have the post presence they so desperately covet.

One thing is certain: The Sonics are going to try to include Vernon Maxwell in any deal they strike. It is a certainty he will not return to the team for the upcoming season. If they are not able to deal him, he likely will be waived.

***********************

Just some food for thought...

------------------