With Seattle running out of options, and no one taking Baker and his fat salary off their hands, letting go of Payton and rebuilding seems like the best option. The Glove's relationship with the team is sour at best, and at this point of his career, its best for both parties to let go. The question is to where. Meanwhile, in Miami they're having their own firesale. Gone are Majerle and Bowen, with Mason and Hardaway soon to follow. The Heat are at a crossroads right now; with Zo, Grant and Jones still in town, it would make no sense for the team to pack it in and rebuild. At the same time, the support cast and depth in South Florida is going from decent to devastating in a single off-season and wouldn't even make them serious contenders in the weak East. And in order for RIles to keep his job - and dignity - he needs something valuable in return for Mase and TimmyH. So is it not practical - both financially and basketball-wise - for the Heat and Sonics to discuss something involving Payton to head east and Mason and Hardaway going to the west coast? I know Miami has had interest in the Glove for awhile, and Seattle could use a vet pg to help groom Shammond Williams and some more meat and toughness down low with Mason. Sure, Hardaway is on his last legs and Anthony is a headcase, but it doesn't seem like they have too many other options. Say what you will about the two vets; but they can still play. Payton would give the Heat the toughness and scoring ability they need. Its been proven that Mourning can't come through in the clutch when it matters, and having another 20+ PPG player would alleviate some pressure from the big guy. Not to mention, a defensive backcourt of Jones and Payton combined with a frontcourt of Zo and Rastaman would cause havoc with opposing teams. All they would need is a serviceable SF and a backup big man along with Anthony Carter to make things work. So, could this deal realistically happen? What would/could stop it from happening. FOr some reason, I just can't see Seattle hanging on to the GLove for much longer. Azim da Dream
The Glove would be a nice fit in Miami. Mason is a free-agent with no takers (asking for too much $) Riley is torn between bringing Hardaway back, or going in another direction. A sign & trade would be beneficial for both team IMHO
Well, its looking like the Bucks have a strong interest in Mason now. Either a straight-up deal for Aaron Williams, or a three-way involving the Cavs, ESPN is reporting. Should be interesting if Mason heads to the Bucks, if he can behave he can make an already dangerous team even more lethal. He wouldn't score much, but then again, he doesn't need to score. I still feel Payton will be moved. Azim da Dream
If Miami took back Payton in a sign and trade, they would be roughly $6M over the cap penalty threshold with only a 12 man roster. Riley is reportedly under orders to avoid the penalty- like most everyone else except for the Mavs, the Blazers, and the Knicks. And the Mavs aren't all that far over the $55M line, even with Juwan Howard's fat contract.. They'll have their problems next year, when Nowitzki comes off his rookie deal. The Nets will be annoyed if the Bucks trade Aaron Williams for Mason Scott Williams is the guy you're talking about.
Actually Hardaway is expected to be signed by Dallas in the next 2 weeks. He'll be signed as soon as the MAVS trade Eisley. They have been trying to get a trade exception in any deal that sends Eisley to his new team. That trade exception will allow them to circumvent the cap legally. Also Nowitzki will be signed to an extension as soon as he returns to Dallas from Germany.
