nydailynews:Golden State wants Ron Artest, even if he looks like a questionable fit with coach Mike Montgomery in only his second NBA season and the Warriors lacking strong personalities in the locker room to keep Artest in place. So far, the Warriors haven't been amenable to including rookie Ike Diogu in a package to the Pacers.
In considering some slim pickings being offered for Artest, the Pacers have been firm in their demands for a young player with lots of potential. They like Diogu, a 6-8 forward taken ninth overall last June. But the Warriors are reluctant to deal him, since he is one of their few players who can play in the post.
Indiana seems to be more enamored with Diogu than Troy Murphy, whose outside shooting would be a perfect fit with Jermaine O'Neal. The Pacers are said to be against taking Murphy's remaining contract (five years, $50 million). They've told potential suitors that they want to shed contracts and lower their luxury tax. That's why they're looking to package what they consider bad contracts when they move Artest.
"The Pacers want to do what they did with Dale Davis," said one Western Conference exec. "They got a young guy with upside, Jermaine O'Neal, for Davis, and that turned into a grand slam. Now, if they continue to lose, maybe they'll want more of a ready-made guy."
The Pacers don't think they're going to hit another one out of the park if they cut a deal with Denver and Minnesota. Neither team has a young stud like Diogu. Last week, Minnesota owner Glen Taylor, knowing that Kevin Garnett still isn't happy with the current roster, didn't rule out a deal for Artest, but questioned whether the Pacers outcast could fit in. Meanwhile, as Denver coach George Karl spoke in glowing terms about Artest, the Nuggets quietly sent out feelers about Chicago's disgruntled guard, Ben Gordon. Maybe that's a sign that Denver knows it can't get Artest. But as sour as things have turned for the Bulls, they don't want to move Gordon.
