Blockbuster! Payton Traded for Allen

So you wanted a blockbuster at the trade deadline? You got it.

The Seattle Sonics and Milwaukee Bucks have hooked up on a collective haymaker. The Sonics have traded Gary Payton, a.k.a. Mister Sonic, along with Desmond Mason to Milwaukee for Ray Allen, Ronald Murray and Kevin Ollie. On the side, Seattle traded disgruntled backup guard Kenny Anderson to New Orleans for Elden Campbell.

The trade ended Payton's career in Seattle after 12½ seasons and reunited him with coach George Karl. His first game with the Bucks will be Friday night against, of all teams, the Sonics.

Milwaukee plays at Seattle on Friday night on ESPN, but Sonics general manager Rick Sund said that neither Payton nor the four others in the trade would play.

Via

Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City, New Orleans Hornets

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Campbell, Traylor want to stay in "Big Easy"

John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports: With the trade deadline about a week away, Elden Campbell and Robert Traylor don't want to be sent packing.

Coach Paul Silas said before Tuesday's game that his players know that trades and rumors are part of the business. "There are going to be rumors and speculation regarding possible trades," Silas said. "They all know until something happens, there is no use worrying. You just go play and hope things work out for the best."

Traylor said he heard Monday about a rumor that had him being traded to San Antonio Spurs with teammate Elden Campbell for guard Steve Smith. But Silas said no deal has been reached. Silas didn't deny the Hornets are listening to trade offers, but he didn't discuss what players the Hornets would be willing to trade or whom they would like to get.

"If there is a deal that can make you better, you're always looking to make it," Silas said. "Every player knows he is susceptible to a trade. That's the unpleasant part because you get attached, and you try not to. The players understand it, management, everybody. When I played, I was traded numerous times, and it was never easy."

Traylor said he spoke to his agent Monday to seek information on the trade rumor.

"Yesterday was the first time that I heard it, and I called my agent and he hadn't heard anything," Traylor said. "San Antonio just doesn't make much sense to me. So that's why I'm not worried. But you never know, but I hope to be here. I'm having a great time with these guys. We have a team capable of going far into the playoffs."

Campbell, whose contract expires at the end of the season, said he wants to remain with the Hornets. But he's not concerned about hearing his name mentioned in several trade rumors.

"Somebody (media) just needs something to talk about," Campbell said. "If something comes up, I'm sure I'll know something."

Via New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets

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