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Mutombo revisited
Posted: Monday November 22, 1999 04:01 PM
Contrary to what I originally reported last week, Hawks center Dikembe Mutombo is not approaching the early termination opt-out clause in his contract this summer. That already occurred this past summer, with Mutombo electing to stay in Atlanta for the remaining two years and $27.2 million left on his contract rather than re-entering the world of salary cap restrictions and maximum salaries. But, again, that doesn't mean he's happy. He still isn't pleased that the Hawks traded away Mookie Blaylock last June and that they parted ways with Steve Smith last August. And, many believe, he isn't too happy with Smith's replacement, Isaiah Rider, who's raised everyone's hackles this season. That's why Mutombo has, privately, expressed to friends that he wants out -- despite his obvious affection for coach Lenny Wilkens. And it's why at least a few teams are checking their rosters and scanning Atlanta's personnel, gearing themselves for any potential trades in the near future. Weeping WizardsOne week ago, when Washington's play was bordering on pathetic, Wizards coach Gar Heard benched point guard Rod Strickland. In the wake of the team's recent seven-game losing streak, Washington is now talking about trading Strickland. Two Atlantic Division sources confirm that the Knicks were recently contacted by the Wizards, with Washington inquiring about what they might get in exchange for Strickland and the remaining three-years and $30 million on his contract. New York's reply: Chris Childs and/or Charlie Ward. To illustrate how bad things have gotten, one Wizards source said: "We wouldn't do it, but we actually thought about it." Larry vs. LarryThings are not so great in Philadelphia, either. It's bad enough that coach Larry Brown has had to find a scheme to allow Allen Iverson his 25 to 30 shots per game. But now second-year guard Larry Hughes wants more playing time as well. Recently, Brown said of Hughes: "He's been awful. He hasn't played defense in three games. And if he continues to play this way, he won't play at all." Hughes's response: "I'm not touching that. All I can say is that I can't check myself in the game." The aftermath was a lengthy discussion between the two and, suddenly, trade rumors with Hughes' name written all over them. Toronto Raptors coach Butch Carter told me, "I wanted him this summer, but Larry wasn't letting him go." If things don't change in a hurry, Brown may call Carter before February's trade deadline expires. Stephen A. Smith covers the NBA for the Philadelphia Inquirer and is a regular contributor to CNN/SI.
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