Artest Unknown

As teams position themselves to be the team to get Ron Artest in trade other players are in holding patterns, waiting to land. According to Steve "bskball" kyler at Hoopsworld
"There are three teams in the running for Ron Artest – The Timberwolves..., The Nuggets still have a hat in this dance, but need Atlanta or Seattle to step in and help trigger a deal..., The Warriors remain in the hunt..."

Read Steve's piece for the dirty details (the constant page updates, and fingering of my computer, at hoopsworld are a drag, and why I don't go there very often). The secondary players rumored to be of interest to other teams include Earl Watson, and the team calling, the Sonics. This rumor is according to Frank "the tank" Hughes.

Here are a few of the possibilities:

A) Denver is hoping to get players the Pacers want from the Sonics roster (or a pick and players they don't want).

B) The Timberwolves trade with the Pacers, Denver doesn't get a deal done with the Pacers and makes a minor deal with the Sonics for Murray and a big body.

C) The Warriors lose their minds and take Austin "Cromag" Croshere in a deal that lands them Artest. Denver doesn't get a deal done with the Pacers and makes a minor deal with the Sonics for Murray and a big body.

D) A or B, are waiting for Reggie Evans to have 90 days pass since he signed his contract with the Sonics to involve him in a deal.

I think that at this point there is a 63% chance Earl Watson gets to Seattle before the Sonics return from the current 9 day, 5 game road trip. The rising stock of Damien Wilkins at the point guard spot may temper the Sonics burning
desire for Watson, not enough to stop a deal, but maybe enough to keep from over paying for him. I think a deal still happens.

Ridnour, Allen, Watson, a solid back court, and Wilkins backs up 3 spots.

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supersonicsfan