SacBee: On Basketball: Artest's rep could impact possible move

[Revrag]

For all the things he said that couldn't happen (last season's emotional wanderings of quitting the NBA to play in Europe) or wouldn't happen (reflexive declarations that the Kings will make the playoffs), this is the one that can and possibly will.

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[VF21]

In the other problem-of-the-moment for the Kings: "I think there's very few teams that'll touch him," one opposing executive, who did not want his name used because of the delicate nature of trade possibilities, said of the chances of an equitable deal by Feb. 21.

and...

"I don't think there's that great of a market," said another front-office executive who did not want to be identified because of similar reasons. "You've got the combination of the baggage he brings personally and the baggage that will come into your team professionally. And then you've got the baggage with the contract situation."

That says it pretty clearly. There aren't a lot of people out there who are going to put their team on the line with all the built-in problems Ron Artest brings. That's why I honestly believe Petrie will take the best available offer when the time comes.

 

[bloom]

…can he be trusted in the summer to re-sign or agree to a sign-and-trade that would ensure Sacramento it would not lose a talented player without compensation?”

The last thing I want is for the Sacramento Kings to sign him unless we have a written contract with another team that states they will take Ron off our hands as soon as he inks his new deal.

The Kings could always keep Artest and let him walk as a free agent to clear cap space, a realistic scenario. But that also would mean losing one of their best players – someone 28 years old and able to fit into future plans – without compensation.

I don’t think Ron is in our future plans. I really don’t, unless the Maloofs still think he’s part of the future and they want to keep him (I hope not).