<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">While all indications from Danny Ainge were that this would be a quiet free agent time for the Celtics, the opposite was true this week. Though the effort ultimately went for naught, Ainge made a serious pitch to Utah Jazz power forward Karl Malone. Ainge went to Utah and met with the 39-year-old Mailman at the stroke of midnight Monday - the precise start of the NBA's free agent negotiating period (contracts cannot be signed until July 16). There was enough interest there that Ainge flew to California to meet with Malone and his agent, Dwight Manley, in the ensuing days. But the courtship went no further, and there is word now that the 18-year Jazz star will sign with the Lakers - although Manley insists no final call has been made. ``We met at 10:01 Mountain Time - which made it July 1 in the East,'' said Ainge. ``We had a really good conversation. I got enough hope out of it that I went to LA to meet with Karl and his agent. I think Karl was very receptive to the possibility of playing for the Boston Celtics. I think it was something that interested him, and it definitely interested us. ``But I think he realized that he really wanted to stay in the West. I think that's what it came down to as far as our chances to get him.'' According to sources, the Lakers have an inside track on Malone, but Utah may still be in the picture. ``I can't comment on anything specific,'' said Manley, ``but Karl has spoken to some teams. He hasn't made a decision yet, but we'll be working through the weekend on it.'' From a Celtics standpoint, it would seem that the end would have been near for Antoine Walker if the Mailman could have been delivered, but Ainge denied strongly that he couldn't have found space for two power forwards. The Celtics might have tried to deal Walker for a player or players whose contracts run out after the coming season (they would have to take back within 15 percent of Walker's $13.5 million salary in return).</div> I think everyone knows by now he is going to sign for L.A...
its probably better for the celtics that they did not sign malone. he and wlaker couldn t co exist aqtq powerf orward and malones too old to play center. hes also too old for the money theey wouldve had to pay him still its funny the celtics cant help but fail at everything they try to do
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "olskoolFunktitude":</div><div class="quote_post">its probably better for the celtics that they did not sign malone. he and wlaker couldn t co exist aqtq powerf orward and malones too old to play center. hes also too old for the money theey wouldve had to pay him still its funny the celtics cant help but fail at everything they try to do</div> Malone could play center in the east.
Malone even at this age is better than walker...i would trade walker...well they should anyway..but not many teams want to give much for him....
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "slamduncan21":</div><div class="quote_post">it's obvious that malone wants a championship. can't blame the celtics for trying</div> That surprises me, I thought he'd go for the points in Utah. Must of been Kareem's comments or maybe he wants both and he'll play to 42. He wont go to San Antonio because he'll ber seen as a guy who's goes to a good team that just won so he can get a ring. Utah wont miss him because w/o him they could get a really good lottery pick if they suck(Pavel) and a good offseason now could make them better off for the season after next.
