Wednesday, February 5, 2003
Updated: February 16, 7:59 PM ET
On the Block
By By Chad Ford
Five years ago, talent, experience and potential were the most valued commodities in the trade market. But with the luxury tax loomingand almost every team facing salary-cap woesthe players with the greatest value are the guys whose contracts are up at the end of the season. In that case, these three stars should have their bags packed by the Feb. 20 trade deadline.
GARY PAYTON, Sonics
With the Sonics reeling, president Wally Walker is listening to offers for the unhappy vet. Coach Nate McMillan feels it's time the youngstersespecially Rashard Lewistook control of games in the deciding
moments. The rumor is GP will wind up in Indy, but Pacers GM Donnie Walsh says he's not willing to give what Seattle wants (two young prospects plus draft picks). Expect the Warriors to try to bring Payton back to his Oakland roots. A possible scenario: Payton and Vladimir Radmanovic to Golden State; Mike Dunleavy and Jason Richardson to Chicago; and Jamal Crawford, Eddy Curry and Marcus Fizer to Seattle.
ANDRE MILLER, Clippers
How things change. Failing to lead the Clips to the playoffs, Miller's now expendable. The Clippers feel they can cover the PG spot with rookie Marko Jaric, Keyon Dooling and, occasionally, F Lamar Odom. What do they want in return? Young prospects with a few more years left on their rookie contracts. Will owner Donald Sterling let VP Elgin Baylor pull the trigger? History says no. But expect capped-out teams like Golden State and Miami to make an offer the Clippers will find hard to refuse.
ROBERT HORRY, Lakers
If the Lakers believe they can make a title run this season, nothing changes. If Phil Jackson is convinced the Lakers are toast, Horry, Tracy Murray and Samaki Walker are gone. All three are in their last year and could free up roughly $11M in cap room for whoever takes them on. The Pacers, Grizzlies, Bucks and Heat want to scoop them upand get some prohibitive long-term deals (like Miami's Brian Grant) off their books. This might be the Lakers' final chance to add a third dominant player to their core.
This article appears in the February 17 issue of ESPN The Magazine.
