<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Peja Stojakovic's half-season career with the Indiana Pacers is over, so the team will turn its attention to a more familiar face as a potential replacement. Al Harrington, a forward who played the first six seasons of his NBA career with the Pacers, is one of their primary targets. The feeling is mutual."I know there has been some interest there in Indiana," Harrington said when reached by telephone late Saturday night at his offseason home in Los Angeles."I've always considered Indiana home. To come back, it would be like I never left."Harrington has strong ties to the Pacers and Indianapolis, aside from beginning his career there. His parents and brother still live here. He remains close friends with former teammate Jermaine O'Neal. And, although he became frustrated by his role while backing up Ron Artest, he has fond memories of playing for a winning team.He's played the previous two seasons in Atlanta, averaging 18.6 points and 6.9 rebounds last season. The Hawks are $18.2 million under the salary cap and, as his last team, are in position to make the largest offer. The Pacers likely would have to trade for him, which could be an attractive option for the Hawks because it would preserve their salary cap space and allow them to sign another free agent.They also have a need for a starting point guard, and the Pacers are expected to try to trade either Jamaal Tinsley or Anthony Johnson, both of whom started last season."The ball is still in (the Hawks') court," Harrington said. "They can still sign me if they choose to."The 26-year-old Harrington could be expendable in Atlanta, however. The Hawks drafted power forward Shelden Williams last week and have a rising star in another young forward, Josh Smith.Hawks general manager Billy Knight, a former Pacers player and executive, has remained noncommittal about his intentions and is not expected to make a quick decision."Everybody knows how Billy moves," Harrington said. "He takes his time."Charlotte, Chicago and Toronto also have enough room under the salary cap to make a major offer to Harrington or another premier free agent.Harrington said he doesn't have a salary goal for his next contract, and is primarily focused on returning to a winning environment. The Hawks were 13-69 two seasons ago and 26-56 last season."Whatever's fair," he said. "My biggest thing is I want to be in position to win again. Be in the playoffs and start competing for a championship again. My happiness is the most important thing."Should the Pacers find a way to obtain Harrington, they would likely have a starting frontline of Harrington, O'Neal and Danny Granger."That would be dangerous," Harrington said. "That would be really dangerous."Moments later, Harrington had to cut short the conversation. The display on his cell phone showed that O'Neal was calling.</div>It would be a good counter move after losing Peja. I'm keeping my eye open on this rumour..
Harrington would be stupid to take less money to go to the Pacers. I know he has friends and all there, but this is his chance at a payday.
Word is that Delfino wants out of Detroit and they are in talks with Atlanta. Sign and trade , Harrington for Delfino.
