NBA has several free agents still on market

By Chris Sheridan
The Associated Press

With the opening of NBA training camps less than two weeks away,
a few prominent free agents ““ most notably Anthony Mason
““ remain on the open market trying to get the best deal they
can.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks have spoken to the
Miami Heat about a sign-and trade deal for the All-Star forward,
agent Don Cronson said Tuesday.

“It’s arguable that he tips the balance of power in
the East if he goes to Philly or Milwaukee, both of whom need help
at that position. Miami has just been sitting back and waiting, but
I believe something is going to get done,” Cronson said.
“I’ve got to believe Miami would want to get something
for him as opposed to nothing.”

The Heat have also held discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers
about a sign-and trade deal that would send Chris Gatling to Miami
for a draft pick and the Heat’s $3.2 million trade exception
acquired in the deal that sent Tim Hardaway to Dallas.

Gatling would have to agree to a contract starting at about $2
million, which would allow the Heat to remain below the estimated
luxury tax threshold of $54 million. Teams whose payrolls exceed
that amount will have to pay a dollar-for-dollar tax on the
overage.

Of the 29 NBA teams, all but six will open training camp on Oct.
2. Six teams that have overseas exhibition games scheduled ““
the Raptors, Lakers, Timberwolves, Warriors, Magic and Clippers
““ can open their camps on Sept. 29.

Among free agents who have yet to sign, the most prominent
players are Mason, Gatling, John Stockton, Rod Strickland and A.C.
Green.

Mason averaged 16.1 points and 9.6 rebounds for the Heat, who
are already committed to spending $50.6 million on salaries for the
upcoming season. If the Heat gave Mason the contract he is seeking
““ five years for $26 million ““ they would exceed the
luxury tax threshold.

“The Miami Heat don’t want Anthony Mason.
They’ve decided to go in another direction regardless of how
he played,” Cronson said.

The Bucks have offered to send Scott Williams to Miami for
Mason, while the 76ers have rebuffed the Heat’s request for
point guard Eric Snow.

Another player whose name continues to pop up in trade rumors is
Knicks point guard Charlie Ward, who was booed at Madison Square
Garden during last season’s playoffs for comments he made
about the Jewish religion.

“The Knicks told me they didn’t intend to trade
Charlie before the start of training camp, but other teams have
confirmed that Charlie is on the trading block,” said
Ward’s agent, Craig McKenzie.

One player who has remained unsigned despite several teams
expressing interest is Golden State center Marc Jackson, who
finished third in rookie of the year voting. Because Jackson is a
restricted free agent, the Warriors can match any offer he receives
up to $4.5 million.

The Houston Rockets are reportedly interested in Jackson, but
they first must learn whether the league will grant them an injury
exception worth $3.25 million to make up for the season-ending
Achilles’ tendon injury suffered by Maurice Taylor.

The Rockets also are trying to re-sign free agent guard Moochie
Norris, whose agent, Dan Fegan, helped orchestrate the trades
earlier this summer that sent Hakeem Olajuwon to Toronto and
Shandon Anderson to the Knicks.

Among the other free agents still available are Jim Jackson, who
the Cavaliers have no interest in re-signing, Lakers guard Isaiah
Rider and Heat forward Green, whose consecutive games streak now
stands at 1,182.