By Simon Fishler
SportsLine NBA Editor
July 28, 1999

Cleveland

Derek Anderson could be on his way out of town.

The fact that Cleveland spent its two first-round draft choices on guards -- Andre Miller and Trajan Langdon -- didn't sit well with Anderson. And the fact that he's talking contract figures in the realm of $50 million isn't exactly winning over Cleveland management, either.

Look for somebody to be gone … Anderson, or guards Brevin Knight or Wesley Person, to free up time for Miller (who is having a solid summer league) and Langdon.

The Cavs would like to sign free agent forward Cedric Henderson, but he also is talking to Milwaukee, Phoenix, Seattle and Minnesota.

Chicago

How's this for a buzz-bomb? The Bulls land Tim Duncan and Grant Hill in the 2000 free-agent class. Before launching into a guffawing fit, consider this: The Bulls, appearing to be a non-participant in this year's relatively weak free-agent market, are going to have a ton of cash available for next year's big-time free-agent crop. They are thought to be more than $15 million under the cap now and should have even more a year from now, though they do have to worry about a salary cap minimum this year -- they could counter that by filling their roster with free agents in the last year of their contract.

Granted, landing Duncan and Hill would be a monumental task, but Chicago would at least be in the position to make a heavy play for one of them -- and, who knows, maybe both.

There was some early talk that the Bulls might be interested in Penny Hardaway but it doesn't appear as though the Magic free-agent guard is in their plans, though they are one of a few teams that actually has enough money to pay him what he wants.

Charlotte

Other than draft pick Lee Nailon's arrest last week, there hasn't been much buzzing from the Hornets. Early on in the offseason there were rumors of forward Anthony Mason being dealt -- Chicago and Milwaukee were two teams mentioned -- but Mase rumors have since died.

The Hornets appear interested in re-signing free agents Chucky Brown and Charles Shackelford, but probably will let Chuck Person and Corey Beck slip away.

Toronto

The Raptors have some cash to throw at Penny Hardaway and his buddy Tracy McGrady would love to run with the Orlando free-agent guard, but don't expect him to end up north of the border.

Toronto might turn its attention to Jermaine O'Neal, the free-agent forward with Portland. If O'Neal signs, it would give the Raptors two of the youngest, brightest players in the league (McGrady the other) who jumped straight to the pros from high school.

The Raptors' attempt to land Philly free-agent point guard Eric Snow was submarined by the Sixers' apparent offer that Snow reportedly has accepted - though he can't sign it until Aug. 1. Snow planned a Toronto visit but canceled after the Sixers came up with the multiyear deal thought to be worth about $3 million a year. In a weak market for point guards, Toronto might focus on the Lakers' Derek Fisher.

Raptors free-agent forward Charles Oakley feels the team is lowballing him in negotiations, though he did say Toronto remains his first choice. Word is, Oakley is seeking roughly $8 million a year but the Raptors want to give him only about $5 million. Many teams are interested in him with Atlanta emerging as the latest suitor.

On the coaching front, Raptors management is talking about extending Butch Carter's contract. He is heading into the second year of a two-year deal.

Atlanta

The Hawks have talked with Toronto free agent Charles Oakley, and the team is thought to be desperate to land the power forward. The Hawks a have a $4.4-million salary-cap exception they can use on Oakley, which is more than twice as much as other teams (such as the Lakers) vying for the veteran.

It seems the Hawks will go with a completely new backcourt next year. They already traded Mookie Blaylock to Golden State, and shooting guard Steve Smith likely is next to go with Portland the likely destination. The most likely scenario has Smith going to the Blazers for Isaiah Rider and Kelvin Cato or Jim Jackson.

Hawks Chris Crawford and Roshown McLeod have shown enough promise to possibly prompt the departure of LaPhonso Ellis, whose relatively cheap salary (about $2 million) likely will be snapped up by a team looking for a veteran forward.

Detroit

The Pistons have only the salary-cap exceptions to wave at potential free agents, thus none of the big names are being dropped.

Grant Hill has suggested Detroit go after Michael Curry, who played with the Pistons 1995-97. And also Terry Mills, another former Piston, could be brought back.

Jerome Williams, Bison Dele and Jerry Stackhouse are all rumored to be on the trading block. Word is Milwaukee is interested in Dele, and there's been talk of a Dele for Theo Ratliff deal with the Sixers.

The biggest rumor (smoke?) hovering over Detroit is the allegation that the team is filled with potheads. Sources of the Detroit Free Press said that up to six players smoked marijuana last season, and one of the sources said he saw several Pistons toking it up during the playoffs.

Indiana

The Pacers are in limbo, waiting to see if Rik Smits decides to retire -- they should get word soon. And the Pacers also should know by Aug. 1 if the league is granting guard Jalen Rose free agency.

One thing is sure, the Pacers will need a big body to replace Antonio Davis, dealt to Toronto for high school phenom Jonathan Bender in a draft-day trade. Clippers free-agent forward-center Lorenzen Wright could be the ticket, as could Portland's Jermaine O'Neal or Dallas' Gary Trent.

One of the more intriguing rumors to surface is the Pacers showing interest in Mitch Richmond. Indiana, of course, already has one of the game's elite shooting guards in Reggie Miller so at first glance the talk seems odd, but Pacers' president Donnie Walsh was impressed by the stereo play of the Knicks' two scoring guards Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston in Indiana's defeat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Still, the Pacers would have a hard time coming up with the green required to land Richmond, unless they do a sign-and-trade deal.

Meanwhile, it appears Smits -- due to make about $12 million next year-- is getting more serious about retirement. He has reportedly put two Indianapolis homes on the market .

Milwaukee

The word is that no player on George Karl's team is untouchable. That means you too, Big Dog.

Yes, the Bucks apparently have floated Glenn Robinson's name in trade talk and could deal away the franchise's centerpiece if the right combo comes along.

And Milwaukee free agents Michael Curry and Dell Curry are getting significant attention around the league. Particularly, Michael Curry in Detroit, where he has been working out with Pistons players and is a favorite of star Grant Hill.

The Bucks would like to sign both Currys but are strapped for cash and can't offer them much. Of course, they'd have more breathing room if they could dump pricey veterans Armen Gilliam, Chris Gatling and Scott Williams, but none have sparked much interest.