Contenders vying for Cassell, Barry, P.J. Brown, more

Sam Cassell, who has two championship rings, could soon be joining a contender. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

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Brent Barry is likely heading to either Phoenix or San Antonio. Sam Cassell is poised to be on his way to Boston, Dallas or Denver. Jamaal Magloire might soon be joining the Mavericks. And P.J. Brown and Antoine Walker could end up just about anywhere.

That's the latest on the player personnel front as NBA clubs jockey for the final crumbs after last week's trade deadline smorgasbord.

From interviews with various league sources, it appears that at least four of the above-named players will be suiting up for a contending team in the days ahead. The exception is Walker, a 12-year veteran forward who is currently playing for the Timberwolves and would therefore have to be bought out of the one full season (and $9.1 million) left on his contract.

"The only one I don't see happening is [Walker]," said a Western Conference general manager who wished to remain anonymous. "Unless the buyout is for pennies, I don't see how [the Timberwolves] save enough in cap space to make it worthwhile."

Walker's agent, Mark Bartelstein, would not comment on the negotiations except to say that they were ongoing. Timberwolves GM Jim Stack did not return a phone call. If Minnesota did buy out Walker, and he cleared waivers, he would be free to sign with any team (he must be waived by March 1 to be eligible to play for another team in the postseason). The Celtics, Rockets, Warriors and Nuggets are among the clubs that might be interested in his services.

While Walker's availability remains very much up in the air, Barry seems to be homing in on his next destination. The 6-foot-6 guard, who was waived by Seattle after being sent there by San Antonio in last week's trade for Kurt Thomas, reportedly has been mulling offers from the Celtics, Rockets, Suns and Spurs in recent days. According to a source from one of the teams, however, Barry indicated he was leaning toward either Phoenix or San Antonio, and would likely make his decision Tuesday.

"I don't think anybody else is a serious contender," the source said.

Barry's decision could come down to familiarity with his Spurs teammates, the source added. While Phoenix could offer him more minutes and perhaps a bigger role, San Antonio offers a chance to rejoin the club with which he won an NBA title last season. Barry also has a home in the San Antonio area.

Barry would have to wait 30 days before re-signing with the Spurs, per league rules. But that does not appear to be an overriding factor in his decision. At age 36, he might welcome the down time and rest before beginning the playoff grind.

Like Barry, Cassell would be a hot commodity if his buyout from the Clippers is completed as expected. The 38-year-old point guard would be expected to clear waivers and then sign with his old pal and former Timberwolves teammate Kevin Garnett in Boston. Cassell also could end up with either the Mavs or Nuggets, both of whom reportedly are interested.

As for Magloire, the consensus is that he is headed to Dallas, which desperately needs another big body to back up Erick Dampier after trading backup center DeSagana Diop in the deal for Jason Kidd. Mavs GM Donnie Nelson admitted that the 6-10 former All-Star -- cut free by the Nets last week -- was on the team's list of targets. The Pistons also are believed to be interested.

"He's only 29 years old. He's in really good shape. He keeps his mind and body right," Nelson said. "I think he could help us."

Perhaps the most surprising development is that Brown, a 34-year-old power forward who has been living in Louisiana since finishing out his contract with the Bulls last season, has backed off his previous decision to stay retired and is now seriously mulling an offer to join an NBA team.

The Hornets are widely assumed to be the front-runner, but the Suns, Mavs, Spurs and Celtics also could be in the hunt. Bartelstein, who also represents Brown, would not specify which teams had made offers, but he did say Brown had undergone a change of heart and was now weighing his NBA options.