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Hornets ready to negotiate with DavisJohn Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports: The New Orleans Hornets can begin Monday negotiating for a contract extension with point guard Baron Davis and his new agent, Jerome Stanley. Davis, who could not be reached for comment, indicated through his Los Angeles-based agent that he would like to be traded to New York, Chicago or a team on the West Coast rather than sign a contract extension with the Hornets. "About a week ago Baron made some statements, and as a result people (general managers) have called a lot, but that doesn't mean we're shopping him," said Bob Bass, the Hornets vice president of basketball operations. "We couldn't start negotiating with him and his agent until July 1." Bass said three teams inquired about the availability of Davis before the NBA draft this week. The Los Angeles Clippers made an offer to the Hornets that would have sent forward Lamar Odom and their eighth and 12th first-round picks to New Orleans for Davis. Bass rejected the offer and said the Hornets have no interest in trading Davis under any circumstances. However, several teams continue to pursue. A league source said the Cleveland Cavaliers were interested in trading point guard Andre Miller to the Hornets for Davis, but the Hornets weren't interested. Miller, who is from Los Angeles, remains on the trading block. The New York Knicks reportedly were willing to trade guard Latrell Sprewell for Davis. The Detroit Pistons also are in the market for a point guard. "We have to talk to him and his agent and go from there," Bass said. Davis, who will make $3.9 million, can become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2002-2003 season. The Hornets have the option of matching any offer. Via New Orleans Times-Picayune Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Dickau may be gone before 19Dan Dickau seems to have risen high on the Jazz's list of potential selections in tonight's NBA Draft, but the Gonzaga point guard may not be on the board when it's Utah's turn to pick at No. 19. Several guard-seeking teams selecting before the Jazz have interest in both Dickau and Czech combo guard Jiri Welsch, including Washington, which on Tuesday acquired New Orleans' No. 17 pick for young Wizards shooting guard Courtney Alexander, and Orlando, which chooses 18th and also likes Frank Williams of Illinois. Before Washington even picks at 17 (the Wizards also own the draft's 11th selection), Philadelphia could tap either Dickau or Welsch at 16 — then deal whichever it takes to Golden State. Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Bobcats Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Easy Trade: Alexander Dealt to HornetsIn the first of what will probably be many trades completed this week, the Hornets and Wizards swapped a player and a pick. Jimmy Smith of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Courtney Alexander has been traded from the Wizards to the Hornets in exchange for the #17 pick in tomorrow’s draft. The Hornets, with just one pick in Wednesday night’s draft, will get an experienced two guard in Alexander, who last year averaged 9.8 points in 56 games for the Wizards. He will add depth, size and scoring to their backcourt. “We need a little more shooting especially at that two spot,” Hornets coach Paul Silas said, “somebody who can knock it down with some size so he can guard the bigger twos. David (Wesley) does a great job, but we need help there.” RealGM note: The Hornets used an existing traded player exception to receive Alexander's contract. The Wizards on the other hand, received a traded player exception worth about $1.4 million as a result of this trade. Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports that The Wizards now hold the 11th and 17th picks and could address their needs at small forward and point guard. They could also parlay the picks to move up in the draft. Washington also has two second-round picks (Nos. 39 and 40). By moving Alexander, the Wizards helped create more space at shooting guard for Michael Jordan, who plans to move to the backcourt from small forward, where he played last year – if he decides to play. Jordan, 39, has told team officials that he would be open to backing up starting shooting guard Richard Hamilton. Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards, NBA Draft Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Bobcats Jun 2002 Archive
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