Knick shopping Spree is on hold

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports that the Knicks will be holding on to Latrell Sprewell… for a while. After almost being traded to the Bucks for Glenn Robinson earlier this summer, Sprewell will come into training camp with the Knicks.

According to a friend who spoke to Sprewell within the last two weeks, Sprewell said he was excited about playing for his hometown Bucks. He also laughed at the irony of the Knicks trading him to finally add size to their roster. "He thought it was a done deal," the friend said. "He was ready to move on."

Sprewell had lobbied for the Knicks to add frontcourt size for two seasons and in the trade that fell through, they would have added a forward in Robinson and a legitimate center in Earvin Johnson.

But Sprewell is back - perhaps until the February trading deadline - and no one can honestly predict how Sprewell will react and perform for an organization that tried so vigorously to trade him.

"It's not that we're just trying to get rid of him," coach Don Chaney said Friday. "I think he understands that one of the reasons why he, and not only Spree, is included in trades is that somebody out there thinks you're a pretty good player. At the same time, coming off a subpar year, as a player you have to understand there are going to be changes and he's mature enough to understand that.

"The one thing about him, which is different from a lot of NBA players, is that he has an unbelievable amount of maturity when it comes to the business of the game. He's not afraid of being traded. Naturally, he would love to be in New York. He made additions on his house. But I think he's one of those guys, if he's traded, he's traded. He knows that it is beyond his control. He also understands that this is a business."

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Nuggets aim to buy out Jackson

Mark Spears of the Denver Post reports that The Denver Nuggets are expected to buy point guard Mark Jackson out of his contract as early as today.

"That's the way we are heading," said Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe, when asked about the possibility. "I understand Mark's perspective. It will allow us a little more flexibility. Mark is a very good friend of mine, I have a lot of respect for him and I would have enjoyed him being around him this year. But I definitely understand."

Jackson came to the Nuggets as part of the trade with the Knicks that brought Marcus Camby and Nene Hilario to Denver. Since the trade, Jackson has expressed reservations about playing in Denver. He would prefer to for a playoff contender this late in his career Vandeweghe had negotiations with Jackson’s agent, Arn Tellem on Thursday and could announce a buyout agreement as early as today.

Jackson is slated to make $4.2 million this season and $4.5 million during the 2003-04 season (which includes a $2.25 million buyout option). Jackson and Tellem could not be reached for comment.

If he is bought out, Jackson will be placed on waivers. After he clears waivers, he will be an unrestricted free agent. The Utah Jazz, looking for a veteran backup to John Stockton, are reportedly interested in signing Jackson if he clears waivers.

Without Jackson, the Nuggets are left with two true point guards in second-year Kenny Satterfield and rookie Junior Harrington, who has an unguaranteed contract. Swingman George McCloud has seen a lot of action at point guard for Denver. Also, NBA free-agent veteran point guard Darrick Martin is expected to be in training camp, which begins Tuesday. Other free-agent point guards still available include Rod Strickland, ex-Nugget Robert Pack, Greg Anthony, Mookie Blaylock, Damon Jones, Rafer Alston and Dana Barros.

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Knicks New Practice Home

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New York Knicks

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