Monday, July 7 Heat are also in running for free agent Payton -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By David Aldridge Special to ESPN.com Free-agent guard Gary Payton is expected to decide Tuesday whether he will accept the Lakers' mid-level exception, according to a source. The Lakers remain Payton's top choice, although the Miami Heat remain a possibility -- but only if the Heat give Payton all of its available room under the salary cap --around $11 million for next season. In addition, Payton would only sign with the Heat if he had assurances that Miami would also re-sign free-agent center Alonzo Mourning. The source also indicated that the Indiana Pacers are trying to put together a sign-and-trade offer to Milwaukee, Payton's current team. Portland is also looking to put together a sign-and-trade offer to Milwaukee, believed to be center Arvydas Sabonis and guard Jeff McInnis. Sabonis, who is not expected to return to the NBA next season, would be waived by Milwaukee under that scenario. If Payton opts to go to the Lakers, free agent forward Karl Malone will likely join him there. If Payton doesn't, Malone will likely consider accepting an offer from the San Antonio Spurs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "olskoolFunktitude":</div><div class="quote_post">than why not sign with the BUCKS??</div> Cause he does not like the ownership.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">whatt the hell is wrong with the ownership</div> Well if Payton leaves they will have essentially traded: Ray Allen Glenn Robinson Sam Cassell Ervin Johnson Draft pick (I think) For: Desmond Mason Toni Kukoc Joe Smith Someone else (forgot) Seem a little lopsided?
Bucks also traded kevin ollie...who was impressive for seattle..he isn't a big name player of course but he was good with the sonics.
