Earlier this week, there was talk that the Celtics, Magic, and Raptors were
discussing a deal that would result in Travis Knight and Chauncey Billups
leaving Boston. Now there is speculation that Ron Mercer and Knight will be
dealt to Sacramento. The Kings would send Mitch Richmond to Miami and the Heat
would send Jamal Mashburn to Boston.
Celtics coach Rick Pitino is a fan of Mashburn's, but not enough to deal
Mercer for him. It is unlikely that Pitino would trade Mercer for the
6-foot-8-inch Mashburn straight up. Heat center Ike Austin would have to be
included to intrigue the Celtics. Also, it was exactly one month ago that Pitino
said on the record that he was not at all interested in dealing Billups or
Mercer.
But the talk of Knight being moved has credibility. Following a meeting here
among the NBA's general managers gathered for All-Star Weekend, there was
speculation that the Celtics could move their 7-foot center.
Of course, the disclaimer to all this is that every season trade talks run
rampant near the trading deadline (Feb. 19).
Worth his time
During his session with the media, Antoine Walker asked where Michael Jordan
was sitting. Walker was told that Jordan elected to play golf and pay a $10,000
fine for not showing up. ''Ten thousand?'' he said. ''Nah, I can't give my money
away like that. I'll talk to y'all for an hour instead of paying $10,000.'' ...
Dee Brown was here last night. He is another Celtic who may not be in a
green-and-white uniform when the team returns from the West Coast Feb. 25.
EW YORK - The
Celtics can't stay out of the three-way trade rumor circuit.
This story ran on page G04 of the Boston Globe on 02/07/98.
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Newspaper Company.
