Harrington May be too Expensive

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Everyone's saying the right things in April.

Hawks co-captain Al Harrington wants to come back to the place and the team he's called home the past two seasons. Hawks general manager Billy Knight wants him back.

But the mutual admiration that colors April fades in July, when a free agent like Harrington becomes the hunted for teams desperate for that one player they feel can put them over the top.

So unless the Hawks are willing to show Harrington the money ? we're talking about a deal in the five-year, $50 million range, for starters ? the Hawks' most seasoned player might be calling Chicago, New York or Los Angeles home next season.

"Right now, I really don't even know what to say about it," said Harrington, whose summer recruiting visits won't start for months but will no doubt include the aforementioned cities. "You realize the gravity of your situation once the season ends. It's one thing to talk about it. But to be on the brink of what could be your biggest summer ... it all hits home then.

"And now, it's really in the hands of my agent [New York-based Andy Miller] and the Hawks, to see how the details get worked out."

Knight said the Hawks' feelings about Harrington haven't changed a bit since they traded for him two summers ago, when he was coming off a breakout season in Indiana.

"We like Al and we'd like to keep him," Knight said. "We're very happy with him and what he's brought not only to our team but to our franchise. He's been the consummate pro. Al's been great for the two years he's been here and we'd like it to continue in the future."</div>

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I think a sign & trade still benefits Al Harrington because the Hawks can offer him one year more than any other team, which means more money for him.