Wallace and Grant played more like just "forwards" rather than a power forward and small forward, they were interchangeable, and Mason-Grant would be the same way. It came from the Tacoma Tribune. Seattle can get under the cap I'm sure. But by 8 million? It's probably possible, but not plausible. ------------------ The Serious Police are watching. Follow the rules or be assimilated. Shandon is underrated.
I was reading that report about the Sonics trying to trade Ruben Patterson for another big man and it mentioned that the move would be independent form the singing of Maurice Taylor going on now. So it looks as if we lost this bidding war. But what is interesting to me, is that it appears that we didn't try very hard to aquire Maurice Taylor. Of course, I can't be certain because I have no insider info, but through the use of media one can make knowledgable assumptions. I doubt Mo even felt wanted here. I know the fans here, weren't to receptive to him. I realize that Mo signing for the exception is unlikely. But from what I have heard and read regarding the Clippers is that the Sonics offered Shammond Williams and Jelani McCoy for Taylor. I don't know how accurate that is. But do you think that is a better deal than the Rocket's offering of say Bryce Drew and the exception? ------------------
Mo won't go to Seattle no matter what you've heard. It just makes no sense. They have a whole clan of 4's and all they can offer is the 2.5 exception. A sign-and-trade won't work because the Clippers already have too many players under contract and don't want any more. The Rockets could offer a 2nd round pick and cash for example and pay Mo 4.5 million, and start him. I'm not saying he's coming to Houston, but don't expect to see him in Seattle next year. ------------------
Here's the report you were referring to, I've bolded a few things: http://www.tribnet.com/frame.asp?/news/top_stories/0815c14.html Trade talks heating up for Sonics Patterson likely heading out as Seattle seeks a big forward Frank Hughes; The News Tribune 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. --------------------------- The "desire" and "like to" probably means the deal is not done, which would mean something's in the way. Perhaps the Rockets? The next thing I bolded, is a blunder by the writer. Jahidi White is resigned. He now can not be traded until December 15th. No sign and trade is allowed. Someone didn't do their homework. Never mind the fact that Mason can very easily play SF. Or that Grant played SF at times while in Portland (not last year, before Quitten, Portland went to lineups of Sabonis-Wallace-Grant). Or that Eddie Jones can play SF. Or Ricky Davis. Or Dan Marjele. ------------------ The Serious Police are watching. Follow the rules or be assimilated. Shandon is underrated. [This message has been edited by NIKEstrad (edited August 15, 2000).]
Well Wallace played the 3 when they went with that lineup not Grant. But what's interesting is that he knew that White had re-signed but still thought that a trade was possible. Where did this come from? It must be a fan website or something because they don't know what they are talking about. And Mason can play the 3, in fact that's what Miami's plan is. I also don't understand how Seattle can stay under the cap with Payton and Baker's huge contracts. They must only have like 3 other guys under contract, but I don't think that's right either. ------------------
