The Glove

Hey, I heard some story somewhere, but I don't really remember. Where's Gary Payton? When I saw the first Hawks Box Score after the trade they wrote "en route", but now they write "not with team". Can someone explain that and does somebody have any sources?

He probably hasn't reported yet. The word is that the Hawks will buy him out before March 1st, allowing him to sign with a team and be eligible for the playoffs.

will buy him out before March 1st, allowing him to sign with a team

What does that mean and what's the purpose? I thought they acquired him for that he plays with them...

It means that the Hawks will pay Payton a lump sum while terminating his contract, allowing him to sign with another team. Usually teams make those deals to acquire cap space, but with the Hawks (who would have freed up space by not re-signing Antoine Walker this offseason) didn't really need to do that.

But why especially Payton and not some other player? And why didn't they take of PG from the trade? Means Walker for these two other bums.

Well, Payton's contract is coming off the books as well at the end of this season...and as far as I know, Gugliotta and Stewart's contracts also expire this offseason. I guess the Hawks were trying to move Walker to a contender, and Boston had the most interest.

But why the hell did they want to get rid of 'Toine? He was their best player. So I don't understand the purpose of the trade for the Hawks.

If he has no interest in re-signing at the end of the year, they were bound to lose him anyway. Besides, the Hawks haven't been making too many fantastic deals lately.

They traded him to make more room for their young guys to play.

They traded him to make more room for their young guys to play.

Simple as that

And to free up cap...

yeah this season is clearly a wash for them so its in atlanta's best interest to give thier younger players as much play time as they can to help grow thier games.

Onyx, be honest, did you really expect Payton to play for the Hawks? Everyone knew he'd be bought out or waived before putting his foot down in the state of Georgia -- Payton knew it, the Hakws knew it, and Danny Ainge certainly knew it too.

first ainge robbed the lakers, now he has robbed the hawks. i love it

I wonder what Bill Simmon's thinks about this.

first ainge robbed the lakers, now he has robbed the hawks. i love it

That is assuming that Payton goes back to the Celtics. He may try to go to an odds-on contender to get his ring. Miami has been linked with him as have the Suns. He could fit in well with the Rockets too. Maybe.

Well, Boston and Seattle would be the best places for GP.

first ainge robbed the lakers, now he has robbed the hawks. i love it

I like that, too! And in both trades GP was involded. By chance...

Onyx, be honest, did you really expect Payton to play for the Hawks?

Honestly, I didn't expect that. He wouldn't have fit to the Hawks anyway.