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Stern message League makes strong example of T'wolves
Updated: Friday October 27, 2000 8:17 AM
Just call the Minnesota Timberwolves pro basketball's version of SMU. OK, so maybe the T'wolves didn't get the death penalty -- but it's close. Clearly, David Stern wanted to send a strong message to other owners who might be inclined to do a secret deal like this in the future -- are you listening, Mark Cuban? -- that they won't be able to get away with just a heavy fine and a slap on the Rolex. Five first-round draft picks is a steep penalty, and by taking away Joe Smith's Bird rights, Stern has leveled a serious blow to the T'wolves franchise. Though Smith wanted to stay in Minnesota, he now has no real choice but to seek a better deal elsewhere. Besides the financial aspect, why would Smith want to stay with a team that's been gutted? Best bets are he'll end up either in Chicago, which has a reported $6 million in cap room, or in Miami, which hopes to get a $4 million injury exception for Alonzo Mourning. However, the NBA still hasn't ruled on Miami's bid, and Smith might have to make a decision before then. The Knicks, who have their $2.25 million exception, also might be interested and could offer Smith the chance to play alongside his former Warriors teammate and pal, Latrell Sprewell. (Sprewell told me last week that he hadn't talked to Smith since the NBA hearings into the matter began.) Another possible destination for Smith is Los Angeles. The Lakers, who have a $1.2 million exception left, tried hard to get Smith to sign with them during the offseason, and he was said to be intrigued by the idea of playing alongside Shaq and Kobe. Adding Smith to the defending champs? It just might signal the death penalty for all other teams' title hopes. Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a comment.
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