The Sonics' attempts to rid themselves of Vin Baker and nab Patrick Ewing are dashed as a four-team blockbuster trade falls apart. It took four willing teams, Patrick Ewing's trade demand, Glen Rice's money wishes, a sudden shower of millions, dozens of calculators, and the whirlwind deal making of super-agent David Falk to drag the NBA to the brink of one of the wildest trades in league history Monday. However, it was learned late Monday night that the deal was all but dead, though Falk is believed to be actively pursuing alternate packages. His production has slumped the past two seasons as he has battled injuries while also moving into a diminished role with New York. But, as day turned into night, the Pistons reportedly got cold feet at the notion of accepting Tyronn Lue, John Celestand, Lazaro Borrell, Vernon Maxwell and assorted other journeymen.
Intelligent people know that until there is something to actually talk about, it's just rumors.
According to several league sources, this incredibly textured transaction was put together very quickly, perhaps only in the last few days, triggered by Ewing's desire to be traded to a team that would give him a two-year contract extension. That opened up an avenue for the Lakers, who until then had received little interest in Rice, other than a tepid offer of free-agent Miller from Charlotte, the sources said. And it created a soft landing place for Los Angeles Clipper free-agent forward Maurice Taylor, who agreed to sign with the SuperSonics, assuming they ended up with Ewing.