NBA Rumors and Contracts

Danny Diamond

Founder/Admin

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Gary Payton Hawks	Celtics? Heat? Wolves?	Feb. 25 - Reports indicate that Payton, traded to Atlanta in a package that sent Antoine Walker back to Boston, will never wear a Hawks uniform. Atlanta GM Billy Knight wouldn't discuss Payton's future with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but the paper cites sources who say Payton will request and receive his release from Atlanta so he can sign with a contender as a free agent. The paper indicates one team that could be interested in picking up Payton is -- drumroll, please -- the Boston Celtics. Aaron Goodwin, Payton's agent, recently told the Boston Herald his client had come to like Boston and that Goodwin had discussed a two-year extension with the Celtics. As long as Payton is waived by March 1, he will be eligible to sign with another team and play in the playoffs. Other teams thought to be interested in Payton are the Heat and the Timberwolves.

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Alonzo Mourning Raptors	Heat	Feb. 24 - The Heat are negotiating a buyout with Wesley Person that will clear a roster spot so the team finally can bring Mourning on board. The veteran center has been waiting for nearly two weeks since his contract was bought out by the Raptors and he cleared waivers. Miami was expected to sign him immediately but elected first to wait until after the All-Star break then until after the trade deadline. According the Miami Herald, Mourning could join the Heat in time for Friday's practice and be available to play over the weekend. The timing actually couldn't be better for Miami, which could be without Shaquille O'Neal, who is listed as day-to-day with a sprained knee.

WHO	WHAT	THE SKINNY
Eddy Curry Bulls	Bulls	Feb. 25 - Bulls GM John Paxson told the Chicago Tribune he is determined to re-sign Curry rather than let him leave as a restricted free agent this summer. "I fully expect us to sign Eddy and Tyson (Chandler)," Paxson told the paper. "That's a given." Earlier this season, when the Bulls were off to a slow start, reports indicated Paxson was willing to trade his young center. But things have turned around, and the Bulls now plan to keep their young nucleus together.

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tyson Chandler Bulls	Bulls	Feb. 25 - Like teammate Eddy Curry, Chandler survived the trade deadline and remains a member of the Bulls. GM John Paxson apparently plans to keep it that way, telling the Chicago Tribune he wants to re-sign both players and hopes neither even bothers to solicit an offer sheet from another team. "I think they want to be here," Paxson told the paper. "I expect us to sit down and negotiate and get a deal done that's good for them and good for us."

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Michael Redd Bucks	Trail Blazers? Timberwolves? Cavaliers? Nuggets?	Feb. 24 - The Michael Redd sweepstakes might have ended 24 hours early. Sources claim Redd, who will be an unrestricted free-agent after the season, met with management and essentially promised the team he'd re-sign as long as they came up with a big offer in the summer. Bucks GM Larry Harris already has the green light from owner Herb Kohl to spend whatever it takes to keep Redd, so is it safe to say Redd won't be traded? Redd seems to think so. "We had an in-depth discussion, and we both expressed that we want to be with each other and make it a long-term type thing," Redd said. "We knew coming into the season there were going to be rumors and the talk was going to come. But that doesn't change what we feel. "I believe I'll be here. I'll say it again; I want to come back in the offseason. Milwaukee has made it clear that they want me back, so I can rely on it."

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Ray Allen Sonics	Sonics Cavaliers?	Feb. 24 - Source told Insider's Chad Ford this week that talks between the Sonics and Allen on a contract extension had broken down. Seattle apparently didn't find a trading partner that made sense and now must hope it can get a deal done before losing Allen in free agency. Seattle has been counting on its ability to re-sign Allen this summer, and the sides reportedly aren't far apart. But they do seem to be at an impasse. And if Michael Redd stays true to his word and re-signs in Milwaukee, the Sonics could have competition from Cleveland for Allen's services this summer.

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Donyell Marshall Raptors	Pacers Heat Spurs Knicks Timberwolves Rockets	Feb. 25 - The Raptors balked at pulling the trigger on numerous offers for Marshall before Thursday's deadline, including offers of such young prospects as Sasha Pavlovic and Dorell Wright. Instead, they'll play out the season and let Marshall walk in free agency.

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Peja Stojakovic Kings	Lakers?	Feb. 24 - The trade of Chris Webber to Philadelphia should clear up Stojakovic's future in Sacramento. The veteran small forward had let it be known early in the season that he wanted out, and a rumor flying at the All-Star Game suggested the Kings were ready to oblige. But it seems the Kings chose to keep Peja and move Webber instead.

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Paul Pierce Celtics	Celtics	Feb. 25 - Though the Sonics inquired about trading Ray Allen for Pierce, the Celtics stood firm on their decision to hold onto Pierce.

Some interesting stuff here, even for people not crazy about the NBA

Randy Orton

WC's Resident Alchoholic

that would be nuts if payton came came back to the celtics. they might have a shot in the playoffs for once.

Danny Diamond

Founder/Admin

From everything I am hearing thats exactly what is going to happen.

I keep hearing a 2 year deal to come back. Hey, I would at least be interested in them again. Bringing back Antione Walker has been big talk around here today. Seems like people are generally happy to have him back.

I know I am.

Randy Orton

WC's Resident Alchoholic

i am to. they never shouldve got rid of him in the first place. now we get to enjoy the wiggle again.

Danny Diamond

Founder/Admin

Fo Sho!!!! hahaha

Randy Orton

WC's Resident Alchoholic

word. yo pic ain't showin

Randy Orton

WC's Resident Alchoholic

there ya go.

Necro

VIP Room Moderator

Walker is ok, but the celtics probably wont do much anywya...

Randy Orton

WC's Resident Alchoholic

true they will get eliminated in the first round like usual.

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

I think they got a shot to win the Atlantic now. I still wanna see how Iverson and C-Webb play together.