Knicks may want Ron Mercer while Celtics covet Malik Rose
SpursReport
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
A published report in this morning's N.Y. Daily News indicates that Knicks G.M. may be interested in acquiring San Antonio's Ron Mercer in exchange for Dikembe Motumbo.
"Thomas may attempt to trade Motumbo for a shooting guard," writes Christian Red. "San Antonio's Ron Mercer, whom Thomas coached in Indiana, is available."
Recently, Thomas ripped the skill Mutombo is famous for - shot-blocking.
"The way I was taught to play, if a guy's blocking a shot, that means he's covering up for somebody who's done something wrong," Thomas is quoted as saying. "Shot-blocking is one of those stats that's kind of overrated because it covering up for some sins that someone else has committed."
Mutombo seemed resigned to his fate as the next Knick to go.
"I think I've accomplished a lot. I've already done what I have to do as a basketball player," he said. "I'm so proud of myself every day, everything I've been able to do. But I think I'm not done."
Meanwhile, Shira Springer of the Boston Globe says latest rumor making the rounds has Jumaine Jones and Chris Mills headed to San Antonio for Malik Rose and possibly a draft pick.
Mills hasn't played a game this season. In the four years before this one, Mills missed 206 of a possible 328 games. His career is basically over due to a left Achilles injury.
However, Mills is highly sought after and more valuable now than he ever has been because he is a player in the final year of his contract, one that is earning him $6.6 million this season. Mills, like any player on the last year of his deal, can spell instant cap space for the Spurs- or any team that acquires him.
His $6.6 million salary would come off the books this summer and allow San Antonio flexibility to make more roster moves.
