SportsLine.com Report
July 28, 2000

Free-agent front

Trouble is brewing, and the Kings only have limited options because they're over the NBA's salary cap.

Tony Delk's plans to move to Phoenix caught the front office by surprise. It also happened within days of the news that Jason Williams had run afoul of the NBA drug policy. He's under suspension for the season's first five games. Then what? There's no telling with the ever-unpredictable Williams.

With Delk, at least, the Kings had a steady player who was both a calming and effective force when Williams went on his walkabouts.

Kings general manager Geoff Petrie didn't intend to do too much free-agent shopping. But Delk's departure forced him to look around for a guard. With only the $2.25 and $1.1 million exceptions available, the King aren't likely to find anybody who can replace Delk.

"I don't think anybody liked Tony as much as I did," Petrie said. "I brought him here.''

Meanwhile, Petrie also might have to make other plans. All-Star Chris Webber has been quoted saying he would like to re-unite with former Golden State teammate Latrell Sprewell, now with the New York Knicks.

Webber will be a free agent after next season. He said he'll know before the opener whether he'll be back beyond 2000-2001. If he is headed elsewhere, Petrie probably will have to start planning to make major deal before the trading deadline next February.

The Personnel File

MAIN TARGETS: The Kings are interested in Orlando's Ron Mercer, New Jersey's Kendall Gill, Houston's Cuttino Mobley and Utah's Howard Eisley. They probably can't afford any of them. That leaves Bobby Jackson of Minnesota or Chauncey Billups of Orlando.

Petrie also is making a pitch to retain Scot Pollard and Jon Barry. Of the two, Pollard has been the most active shopper with several teams showing interest.

"I think he's just out there, seeing what's available,'' Petrie said.

IF THEY GET LUCKY: If either Mercer or Eisley can't get a better deal, the Kings might be able to replace some of the skills lost in Delk's imminent departure. Of the two, Eisley is probably the best but he also is a restricted free agent and Utah is talking as though it intends to keep him.

LOSERS: The Kings already have lost with Delk's announced agreement in Phoenix.

"A good team that keeps losing good players can become average very quickly,'' said Delk, who signed for $17.375 million over six years. "The Kings are a team that guys want to play for right now. I'm sorry it didn't work out, but I got an offer I couldn't refuse in a place I'd like to play.''

Noteworthy

QUICK STUFF: A dejected Webber, on Delk's departure: "You know how I feel. What else can I say?'' ... Williams' suspension will cost him a total of $122,621 in salary. ... It'll be interesting to see if Williams' problems will affect his popularity. His jersey, No. 55, is a league best-seller. ...

Who is Darrick Martin? He's the guard who will have to play in Williams' place if the Kings can't find a suitable free agent before the 2000-2001 season-opener. ... The Kings are scheduled for national television 20 times next season. That's a franchise record and a sure sign that their popularity is intact.