Harrington anxiously awaits deal By SEKOU SMITH The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 07/13/06 The choices are simple for Al Harrington. He can return to his NBA roots with the Indiana Pacers or explore the promise of the Golden State Warriors. "I've waited this long," the Hawks' unrestricted free agent said laughing Wednesday. "I guess a little while longer can't hurt." Harrington, an eight-year veteran, has waited nearly two weeks to find out where his NBA future lies. A sign-and-trade deal is most likely, but it typically takes longer to negotiate. The ongoing legal feud between the Hawks' owners forced Harrington into a holding pattern, until a ruling Tuesday cleared the way for the team to move him. "I was always confident that things would work out the way they should," Harrington said. "Now it's just a matter of finding the right fit." The Pacers and Warriors have remained the most steadfast suitors in a group that included as many as eight teams. The 6-foot-9, 245-pound Harrington averaged a career high in points (18.6) for the Hawks last season. "I have a genuine interest in both of those teams," Harrington said last week. "My only focus is getting back to the playoffs and eventually competing for a championship. I thought we were getting better and heading in that direction [in Atlanta], but sometimes it's time to move on." All that's left is the agreement, on all sides, on a lucrative sign-and-trade. "I can't say something is imminent," Hawks general manager Billy Knight said Wednesday, the first day of the free-agent signing period. "There's nothing on the table that needs to be decided on immediately. We're talking to people. That's where we are." Andy Miller, Harrington's agent, confirmed both sides are working tirelessly to get a deal done. "Billy and I are continuing to evaluate what is in everyone's best interest," Miller said Wednesday from Las Vegas, where one of the NBA's summer leagues is in full swing. "Hopefully, we'll be able to work something out shortly." Harrington played his first six seasons in the league with the Pacers, and his mother and father still reside in Indianapolis. He'd also be reunited with one of his best friends, Pacers All-Star power forward/center Jermaine O'Neal. The familiarity with the team, franchise and city holds special appeal for Harrington, who was on the Pacers' roster when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2000 NBA Finals. But the lure of what could be is equally tempting when he's factored into the mix with Warriors stars Jason Richardson and Baron Davis, two of the league's most dynamic scorers and overall talents. There also would be a chance to do what he couldn't in two seasons as a Hawks co-captain: lead a playoff-starved franchise back to the postseason. The Warriors have the league's longest playoff drought at 12 years. There are other teams that could get involved, possibly a third party to facilitate the trade and net the Hawks a coveted player on another team. Whatever happens, it won't be rushed, Knight said, not when the Hawks are giving up a piece as valuable as Harrington was the past two seasons. "We're talking to some people who have interest in Al. I can't predict how it's going to go," Knight said. "Teams are very interested in Al because he's a good player and an even better person. "With the way the draft went and the makeup of our team, mainly Josh [Smith] and Marvin Williams, it just didn't make as much sense [for us to do something] with Al. It certainly doesn't have anything to do with what we think of Al as a person or a player. We love Al. And we appreciate what he brought to our team and our organization." WHAT MAKES SENSE? Three deals that make sense as the Hawks try to move unrestricted free agent Al Harrington: ‧ Sign-and-trade Harrington to Indiana for Jeff Foster, Anthony Johnson and a future draft pick. Foster's reasonable salary ($5.2 million and $5.7 million over the next two seasons with a player option for a third) has made him one of the talked-about trade pieces of the summer. His rebounding prowess, 6-foot-11, 250-pound frame and lunch-pail attitude are things that would most benefit the young Hawks. Johnson has two years (at less than $2.9 million per season) left on his contract and would round out a much-improved Hawks backcourt rotation. And draft picks are always a plus. ‧ Sign-and-trade Harrington to Golden State for Troy Murphy and Mickael Pietrus. Murphy is expensive ($10 million per season over the next five years) but he rebounds (averaging 10.4 the past two seasons) and hits jumpers from 17 feet. Pietrus is the deal sweetener. Much like his friend and French countryman Boris Diaw, the athletic swingman is poised for a breakout season in the right situation and should be eager to prove himself in a contract year. ‧ A three-team deal that would send Harrington to Golden State, Murphy to Milwaukee and Jamaal Magloire to the Hawks. Magloire's expiring contract ($8.3 million this season) works perfectly for a Hawks team that seeks to maintain its salary-cap flexibility. And he's the veteran bruiser they lacked last season. Magloire has helped anchor the middle for playoff teams in New Orleans and Milwaukee. 资料来源 http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/hawks/stories/0713harrington.html --

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