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Updated: Aug. 21, 2006, 9:22 PM ET Pacers close to getting Harrington again By Marc Stein ESPN.com The Indiana Pacers, after a seemingly interminable wait, appear to be closing in on a deal that formally secures the return of swingman Al Harrington. Arn Tellem, Harrington's new agent, told ESPN.com on Monday night that the Pacers are "very close" to finalizing a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Atlanta Hawks that's been weeks in the making. Harrington, according to NBA front-office sources, is expected to sign a four-year contract worth $35.3 million with the Hawks, who will then deal him to Indiana. It's believed that the Pacers will complete the swap without making a cash payment to the Hawks, who originally sought the maximum $3 million that teams can add to trades. Atlanta would receive a future first-round pick in exchange for Harrington. It was not immediately known if Indiana will also acquire third-year center John Edwards, whose departure would remove an extra $1.1 million from the Hawks' payroll. The most Harrington could have received from the Pacers is a six-year contract worth $57 million. But the fourth season of Harrington's new contract, sources say, will be at his option, meaning that the 26-year-old will have the opportunity to return to the free-agent market in the summer of 2009 if he chooses. On the Pacers' team Web site, club CEO Donnie Walsh was quoted Monday as saying that the framework for the trade is in place, with the final details of Harrington's contract still "in negotiation." "I think we're coming down to it," Walsh said, "and we'll either get it or we won't." Harrington's return to the team that drafted him 25th overall in 1998 was considered inevitable in front offices leaguewide for much of July, prompting interested teams to gradually drop out of the bidding. As negotiations dragged on, Harrington severed ties with agent Andy Miller and hired the high-powered Tellem to re-start the process. Yet reports over the weekend that the Pacers had squandered their chance to re-acquire Harrington proved unfounded because of Indiana's $7.5 million trade exception. That exception -- created in July when Indiana convinced the New Orleans Hornets to participate in a sign-and-trade for Peja Stojakovic instead of simply signing Stojakovic away outright -- has established the Pacers as the only Harrington suitor that could complete a sign-and-trade without forcing Atlanta to take back significant salary. Other interested teams include Golden State, Denver, New York and the Los Angeles Lakers. NBA front-office sources say that Atlanta's teetering ownership group, in the midst of a legal battle with former partner Steve Belkin to keep control of the franchise, has insisted from the start on taking back draft picks and/or cash as opposed to a player or two from Indiana's roster (such as center Jeff Foster) or a more expensive veteran. The Warriors, for example, offered power forward Troy Murphy to the Hawks last month as part of a sign-and-trade that would have netted Harrington something closer to the six-year, $66 million contract he was originally seeking. But Murphy, who averaged a double-double in his past three full seasons, has nearly $51 million left on his contract over the next five years. The Hawks eventually backed off their cash demands and told the Pacers they'd make the trade so long as Indiana sent them a first-round pick and agreed to absorb Edwards' salary. Atlanta's reluctance to deal with the other teams chasing Harrington maintained Indiana's position as the favorite to land the versatile forward, with the Pacers now hoping that the increasingly fast pace in today's NBA will permit Harrington -- at 6-foot-9 and 245 pounds -- to play plenty of power forward in an athletic frontcourt setup alongside Jermaine O'Neal and Danny Granger. Acquiring Harrington is doubly crucial because he'd ease the burden on Granger when it comes to replacing Ron Artest. The Pacers' $7.5 million trade exception thus looms as one of the most valuable assets of the NBA offseason. When Stojakovic gave the Hornets a verbal commitment to sign with them mere hours into free agency on July 1, Indiana faced the very real threat of having nothing to show for January's trade of Artest to Sacramento. But a payment to the Hornets believed to be in the $250,000 range -- coupled with the Hornets' knowledge that they'd likely be keeping Harrington away from a fellow West playoff hopeful like Golden State or the Lakers -- turned the Stojakovic deal from an outright free-agent signing into a sign-and-trade, thereby creating the trade exception that set up Harrington's return. It's believed that the Pacers did also explore the idea of making a sign-and-trade run at Indiana native Bonzi Wells earlier this summer, but Harrington was always their first choice. Wells, looking for a new team after Sacramento signed John Salmons in late July, would supplant Harrington as the best player left on the NBA's open market once Harrington-to-Indiana is consummated. "Obviously, Indiana, I'm more comfortable there because I've been there, I've been in the East," Harrington told ESPN.com during last month's Vegas Summer League, making it clear then that he expected to wind up with either the Pacers or the Warriors. "Going into free agency, obviously you think, 'I'm going to be at the bottom of the screen [on ESPN's Bottom Line ticker] like Ben Wallace and the rest of the guys.' But everyone's telling me to be patient, so that's what I'm trying to do." Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here. ESPN

Quote: not alot of useless info here. they don't archive their interviews like 790 does. http://www.pacersdigest.com/forums/showthr...0534#post460534 not alot of useless info here I assume you mean useful info, or you wouldn't have linked to our fine forum By the way like Mountain Jim has done, feel free to actually register and conversate on Pacers Digest. Just as we do here, no need to lurk around in the shadows, nothing to be afraid of. We would love to hear your opinions, thoughts , and whatever else you have to share. For the most part, you can expect to be treated with courtesy and respect.

Quote: Quote: Why just because the Pacers Front office was savvy enough to know what they were working with going into negotiations. Not hardly. Like I said this is business, it's not all hugs and kisses. And it will be business when Atlanta makes a deal with Denver, LAL or GS and watch Indy have to dismantle and rebuild. You guys will have a 121 million dollar player with no future. Sorta like KG in Minny or AI in Philly... and it will be Business. Because you guys (regardless of how it happens) bungled a deal that could have gotten you the courterpart to JO that could have made you contenders for something. NOW.. Jax and Foster will become contracts that nobody will take from you... and let's not began to talk about JO's contract. This is just the turning point to Indy's future... and you can thank Simon & Simon and Walsh and Bird... For in the end, they will make Isiah look brilliant. At the point you're at now as a franchise, you should be begging BK to take the deal with 6 years, 3 million and a first! Oh my it's hard to argue with someone whose own frustration is blinding him from what are facts, and what is just personal feelings that have to be applied to the other team's well being to over compensate. In regards to rebuilding or revamping , Indiana has already made more moves than most this offseason. Two years ago we had one of the highest payrolls in the league, Second highest I believe. In regards to teams that are over the cap, which most are Indiana is in of of the best situations They are able to use the 7.5 TE and MLE without going over the Luxury Tax. As far as Jax and Foster, have you taken a look at the all the other teams in the league and their unwanted contracts? Foster and Jackson are not even close. For what Foster does and contributes his contract is a little high but certainly tradeable. The Pacers have already said publically at least two other moves will be made not including the possible Harrington deal. So I am not going to worry or judge the roster as it stands. I have to much confidence in our ownership, mgmt and track record overall which speaks volumes for itself. For the record if for some reason the Pacers fall flat this year , I am comfortable in the position the Pacers are in now with Contracts, and the cap. I am not worried about JO he will still be a 20 and 10 guy, they have multiple young prospects to build from, so no worries on my end. Just like I have never assumed the Indy deal was done, I don't assume that it's dead either. If you're personally upset at what Indiana is trying to do, Do you honestly want your team to pay as much for a FA as possible to make the other team and the player feel all warm and fuzzy?, Or would you like Atl Mgmt to actually hold out for the best deal in their interest? It's a different story isn't it ? A shrewd business person never mortgages their future for one deal, no matter the situation. Now that's not to say some have done this or will continue to do that. I am glad though my team does not believe in that, and I would hope you would want your team to do the same. Best of luck this year, I certainly hope everything turns out great for you and your team.

Quote: The correct response is NOT ANY MORE. Indy was basically using what they knew to screw Al. Basically what Indy offered was a 4 year 36 million dollar deal. This is an interesting deal huh. 4 yrs because they know based on the court case that Atlanta can only offer 4 years. And their amount = to the amount that the TE would give. Isn't that a screw job when you consider that they had already agreed to a 6 year deal. Plus, supposedly they took Edwards off the table and also put limits on the draft pick. Oh please, once again "we" have no idea that the 4 years 36 million offer even existed. AJC reported it sure. Media outlets often are used to leak half-truths to help one side or another that is a fact, if people don't believe that , they need to wake up. Harrington forced to play for the MLE now maybe that's closer to being screwed. averaging 9 million a year, when at best he is the 2nd option is not being screwed. Atl had a gun to their heads? Why just because the Pacers Front office was savvy enough to know what they were working with going into negotiations. Not hardly. Like I said this is business, it's not all hugs and kisses. There are so many aspects to this, each side seeing how far they can push the other. Atlanta is the seller, like a car salesman. The Customer is the only one that walks away. Either to another dealership or with what they came for a good product at the very best possible price. Sure sometimes you have to overpay if you really want something, but then again why do it if it's not necessary. I don't for one second feels sorry for any one side. I'm sure Al's agent is not going to let him sign a deal if it's not within reason anyway. Like I said, If Atl has a better offer , than by all means take it. please! I would love to move on, one way or another.

Quote: "You're going through stages where the press seems to have things, I think from the players and the agents, because it's in their interest to kind of put it out there," he said. "I know this: we haven't made any statements, and I'm talking about me, Herb and Larry (Bird). "I just think there's been a lot of misinformation about where this deal was and a lot of suppositions. People had the deal negotiated before we even talked about it. It was pretty easy to look at our exception and say, 'Oh, it's going to be $57 million,' when we hadn't even talked about it yet. I read last week the deal was imminent. Who's telling them that? This part is very telling, basically saying we think we may know, but we have no idea. At the end of the day, Indiana can either agree or turn down the deal that is on the table. Al and his agent have shopped around a few times now and keep coming back to square one, that part is clear. No one has been holding a gun to Atlanta or Harrington forcing them to do anything yet , here we are 7 weeks later. If they can find a better deal fine . take it already what's the hold up ? I though it was Atlanta that was holding all the cards, then why is Indiana blamed for doing good business and offering the best deal in thier interest. It all boils down to it's a business, Harrington unerstands that, both teams know that. I think sometimes fans forget that. It's nothing personal, If Harrington wanted to he could sign for the MLE and say forget this process, but he is a business man like all Professional Athletes are. These kind of negotiations go one every day, and sure it may seem cold and unfriendly at times, but that's the name of the game. No side is innocent when it comes to getting as much as you can for as little as possible.

Walsh Says Harrington Deal Still On Table By Conrad Brunner Aug. 21, 2006 The Pacers are still very much involved in discussions about a possible sign-and-trade deal for Atlanta forward Al Harrington, franchise CEO & President Donnie Walsh said today. Weekend media reports suggested ownership had stepped in to squelch the deal, leading the Hawks to re-open trade discussions with other teams. "I think we're coming down to it and we'll either get it or we won't," said Walsh. "It's a negotiation – in terms of the trade, in terms of the (contract). We've been negotiating and that takes time. Usually, the press doesn't get wind of that until it gets toward the end. But here it seems like they were in it before we had any understanding we could do a trade with Atlanta and then (reported) definitely that the deal was done or that it was imminent before we even talked to Al's people. You have to understand, there was also a change of agents in all this, so that took some time, too. "I think it's business as usual, myself. It's gone the way every deal goes for me." Walsh said co-owners Herb and Melvin Simon have been involved in the discussions, but that has been the norm throughout his career. The difference in this case, he said, has been the public nature of the trade negotiations through ongoing newspaper accounts in Atlanta and Indianapolis. "The owners always get involved. The owners were involved from day one," he said. "If you think you're giving out $20-40 million packages without getting in touch with the owner, you're crazy. (Herb Simon)'s involvement has always been helpful to me. Look, this guy has made some great deals in his life, so he always brings a wrinkle in that's useful. "I think he's in support of the deal but within the parameters." The framework for the deal is in place, Walsh said. What remains is to work out the details of Harrington's contract. "There have been three stages to this," Walsh said. "The first stage was where there were a lot of teams trying to trade for Al, we had the exception but it looked like they could get more money if they went in different directions so we weren't as involved then. When that got over with and those trades didn't go down, then they started focusing on us. But then we had to deal with Atlanta as to what it would take to make this trade. So that was a negotiation, and that took time. "We got to the point last week where we kind of understand each other and now we're dealing with Al. It's that simple." While not divulging details of the negotiations, Walsh said media reports of a 6-year, $57 million deal are little more than supposition based on the Pacers' $7.5 million trade exception. Those figures were reported before Walsh had entered into negotiations with Tellem, which began in earnest last week. Harrington fired his previous agent during the trade talks and hired Tellem, who was required by league rules to wait two weeks before assuming his role as the forward's official representative. "You're going through stages where the press seems to have things, I think from the players and the agents, because it's in their interest to kind of put it out there," he said. "I know this: we haven't made any statements, and I'm talking about me, Herb and Larry (Bird). "I just think there's been a lot of misinformation about where this deal was and a lot of suppositions. People had the deal negotiated before we even talked about it. It was pretty easy to look at our exception and say, 'Oh, it's going to be $57 million,' when we hadn't even talked about it yet. I read last week the deal was imminent. Who's telling them that? "Deals take time. There are negotiations going on. It's no different than any deal we've done other than it's been in the press for a long time. It has not been imminent at any point, and certainly not at the point it was reported to have been imminent." So what is the status of the deal? Said Walsh: "It's in negotiation." Pacers.Com

OK I am guessing it's 5:30 pm. given the on air schedule ? Todays Lineup 6-10a The Rude Awakening 10a-1p The Herd 1p-3p Dan Patrick 3-7p Buck & Kincade 7-8p ESPN Radio 8-10p SEC Kickoff Show 10p-6a ESPN Radio

Just an FYI I am fairly certain. The Lo Wright signing cannot become official until the Harrington Deal goes through.

Quote: this could be it. Thanks, any more info than that ?

Quote: Good article. That's our Bob Kravitz from the Indy Star for you. Alot of people don't like him but he always manages to stir the pot, and get his articles talked about. Although I got a good laugh out of this one.

Quote: Quote: Quote: Quote: maybe there's discussion of a second trade There's more than a discussion. It's a certainty. Trade #1: $7.5M exception, 1st round pick -for- Al Harrington (S&T, 6 yrs, $57M) Trade #2: John Edwards -for- trade exception (acquired in the Anthony Johnson to Dallas trade) I'm sure the Hawks are expecting either a 2nd rounder, cash, or a player to be added. If it's cash or a second rounder, you can simply add those to the second trade. If it's a player, it will have to be a minimum salary player acquired in a third trade with what is called the "minimum salary exception." Well one of our Pacers Digest members who's occupation puts him in the know, indicated last night that Indiana was currently debating if they will include a player in place of the or one of the draft picks. The sentiment being that this was a player that was on our roster from last year. it this the same guy saying his friend was irritated because he had to be at Al Harrington's 8 AM monday physical? that turned out to be reliable info. No two different people, this Person himself is the direct source. By the way the update from one you mentioned was, his friend indicated that Al never showed.

Quote: Quote: maybe there's discussion of a second trade There's more than a discussion. It's a certainty. Trade #1: $7.5M exception, 1st round pick -for- Al Harrington (S&T, 6 yrs, $57M) Trade #2: John Edwards -for- trade exception (acquired in the Anthony Johnson to Dallas trade) I'm sure the Hawks are expecting either a 2nd rounder, cash, or a player to be added. If it's cash or a second rounder, you can simply add those to the second trade. If it's a player, it will have to be a minimum salary player acquired in a third trade with what is called the "minimum salary exception." Well one of our Pacers Digest members who's occupation puts him in the know, indicated last night that Indiana was currently debating if they will include a player in place of the or one of the draft picks. The sentiment being that this was a player that was on our roster from last year.

Quote: Quote: Found this. Quote: According to sources, the deal with Indiana was unable to be completed yesterday to the surprise of many. Don't be surprises if talks with New Jersey come to the forefront for the Veteren Forward Harrington. Any Link on this, Source? A few words misspelled ?. Nevermind

Quote: Found this. Quote: According to sources, the deal with Indiana was unable to be completed yesterday to the surprise of many. Don't be surprises if talks with New Jersey come to the forefront for the Veteren Forward Harrington. Any Link on this, Source? A few words misspelled ?.

Most of the offseason headlines are made when players like Ben Wallace and Peja Stojakovic switch uniforms, of course. But when it comes to wins and losses, small, smart moves can make a big difference, too. Here are the 10 moves that should have the largest impact at the lowest cost. 1. Mavericks sign Devean George Dallas, fresh off its first appearance in the NBA Finals, bolstered its roster by adding the former Laker. The Mavericks had to spend only $4.2 million over two seasons to sign George. George, who won three NBA championships with Los Angeles, will provide the Mavericks with another playoff-tested perimeter defender to complement Dallas' potent offensive weapons: Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry. George has the ability to slide into the starting lineup, if needed, and defend at the shooting guard and small forward positions. George can make 3-pointers and stretch the opposing defense, though the Mavericks do not need a lot of scoring from him. George's energy and enthusiasm should also come in handy for the Mavericks. 2. Nuggets acquire J.R. Smith J.R. Smith Smith Denver picked up Smith from Chicago and had to part only with a player it did not intend to keep in Howard Eisley and two second-round picks. Smith proved early last season that when given playing time he can score in the NBA. He played 26.5 minutes per game for the New Orleans Hornets in November and December last season, scoring 11.5 points. Smith has the athleticism and scoring ability the Nuggets have lacked from the shooting guard position for the last two seasons. Smith also wants to prove that the Hornets made a mistake by not playing him. After the strong start last season, he played in just 30 games the rest of the season and averaged just 11 minutes per game. He was traded to Chicago in July, then promptly shipped to Denver. Smith has the potential to develop into one of the better young scorers in the NBA. If coach George Karl can find a way to channel Smith's energies on defense, the Nuggets might have found, at a cheap price, the shooting-guard that will help take some of the burden off Carmelo Anthony. Smith still plays on his rookie contract. 3. Pacers acquire Marquis Daniels In their efforts to gain more youth and athleticism, the Pacers traded for the multitalented Daniels, while giving up only a player who did not fit into their plans: Austin Croshere. Injuries and decreased playing time have hindered Daniels the last two seasons. The Pacers will give Daniels the chance to return to his form of the 2003-04 season, when he displayed his versatility on both sides of the ball. Daniels has the ability to penetrate and score, and he can give the Pacers significant minutes at both guard positions as well as small forward. 4. Pistons sign Ronald Murray After losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals and losing Wallace to Chicago in free agency, the Pistons had to make some changes to both their roster and team philosophy. Flip Murray will fit right into the more up-tempo offensive game that head coach Flip Saunders will employ this year. Acquiring Murray at the relatively cheap price of a two-year, $3.6 million contract will provide Detroit with the scoring combo guard it needs off the bench. Murray has the ability to score in bunches and will provide much-needed relief for both Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton. 5. Mavericks acquire Anthony Johnson Anthony Johnson Johnson In trading Darrell Armstrong, Rawle Marshall and Josh Powell to the Indiana Pacers for Johnson, Dallas picked up a very solid point guard and had to part only with Armstrong's leadership and two young players who were buried on the bench. Johnson plays as a true point guard, which will complement the scoring skills of Jason Terry and Devin Harris on the Mavericks' roster. Johnson's extensive playoff experience with New Jersey and Indiana can only help a Dallas team with championship aspirations. As the starter in place of the injured Jamaal Tinsley in last spring's playoffs, Johnson averaged 20 points and 5.2 assists per game for Indiana. Johnson also will help Dallas defensively. 6. Wizards sign DeShawn Stevenson For the second consecutive season, the Wizards had to replace a player who got a significant offer from another team. Last offseason, the Wizards did not enter into a bidding war with Cleveland for Larry Hughes and rebounded nicely by adding Caron Butler. This offseason, instead of matching the five-year, $30 million offer Jared Jeffries received from the Knicks, Washington signed Stevenson at a fraction of the cost. Stevenson has great athleticism and penetrating ability -- he should fit right into the Washington's up-tempo motion attack. He will provide the Wizards with a defender off the bench at the shooting guard position, allowing Antonio Daniels to play more minutes as the backup point guard. 7. Raptors sign Fred Jones Fred Jones Jones After John Salmons backed out of an agreement with the team, the Raptors recovered nicely by adding Jones. At three years and $11 million, Jones comes cheaper than the deal Salmons nearly signed. The former slam-dunk champion has the explosiveness and athleticism that could enable him to flourish in the up-tempo system GM Bryan Colangelo wants to incorporate in Toronto. Like a great number of players, Jones has shown he can produce in the NBA when given significant minutes. Jones had a good stretch for the Pacers during the 2004-05 season, when he played extensively due to the suspensions related to the infamous brawl in Detroit. In Jones, the Raptors could have an electrifying scorer to pair with new point guard T.J. Ford in the backcourt. 8 Spurs sign Jackie Butler and Francisco Elson After trading the unwanted contract of Rasho Nesterovic and not re-signing Nazr Mohammed, the Spurs needed to replenish the center position behind Tim Duncan. They did so by signing restricted free agents Butler from the Knicks and Elson from the Nuggets. At a combined $13 million, San Antonio will not pay nearly as much for Butler and Elson as they would have for Nesterovic and Mohammed. Both players are younger and more athletic than Nesterovic and Mohammed, and both will work the boards with aggression and do a decent job as shot blockers while Duncan handles the heavy lifting in the post. When given the minutes, Butler and Elson have shown they can play as serviceable centers in the NBA. 9 Lakers acquire Maurice Evans The Lakers, in need of more perimeter scoring after their playoff implosion, acquired shooting guard Evans from the Detroit Pistons for the draft rights to 2006 second-round pick Cheick Samb. Though Samb has the potential to develop, he probably will not help the Pistons in the near future, while Evans should pay immediate dividends for the Lakers. Evans did not play much in Detroit this past season, after having a very solid 2004-05 campaign with the Sacramento Kings. Los Angeles will give Evans every chance to provide the Lakers with a viable scoring option off the bench, which the Lakers sorely lacked last season. The physical Evans also plays decent defense, as the Lakers will look to lessen the load on Kobe Bryant next season. 10. Magic re-sign Trevor Ariza Trevor Ariza Ariza Ariza, acquired from the New York Knicks in the Steve Francis trade-deadline deal last February, plays with great energy, particularly on the defensive end. He has the potential to develop into a defensive stopper in the league. Ariza also has the athleticism that teams love to see in small forwards. He still needs to develop his jump shot and ballhandling as he continues to mature, but Ariza has the chance to develop as part of the young core in Orlando that includes Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson and Darko Milicic. ESPN INSIDER