Celtics Breathe Life into Maxwell-for-Walton Rumors

August 29, 1985

The never-ending Cedric Maxwell-for-Bill Walton trade rumor got some new life yesterday.

When Celtic general manager Jan Volk was asked Tuesday if the deal was dead, he replied, "The heart monitor is still on, but we've got a straight line."

Yesterday Volk admitted having new conversations about Walton with the Clippers, and added, "We've got a small blip on the screen now."

Maxwell's agent, Ron Grinker, said, "I think (the Celtics) have made a decision that they would like to move Max and I think it's just a matter of time. I think the deal has to happen.

"Max wants to play professional basketball and he wants to be respected. If he can't get it in Boston, he will play wherever that may be. The whole thing has been distasteful and taken too long."

Meanwhile, officials in Cleveland and Los Angeles admitted that they've talked about a deal that would send Walton to the Cavaliers. Walton has told reporters that he doesn't want to play in Cleveland, and the Cavs are not interested unless Walton changes his mind.

Ray Williams' agent yesterday confirmed a report that the Celtics are not interested in the 30-year-old free agent guard.

"The Celtics have indicated to us that they've lost interest," agent Fred Slaughter said. "I think the Celtics lost interest in Ray about the third or fourth game of the Laker series. Thereafter, there was nothing he could do."

Boston won't release Williams. The Celts gave up two draft picks (second rounders to New York) to sign Williams in February and want compensation if Williams comes to terms with a new team.

Slaughter also represents free agent guard Dennis Johnson. "I've asked DJ to remain cordial with Jan and Red (Auerbach)," said Slaughter. "The Celtics seem interested in keeping Dennis. We've had some discussions, and there'll be more discussions."

Slaughter said that five teams have expressed interest in signing DJ, but added, "The consensus seems to be that anything he'd sign would be automatically matched by Boston. But if a handsome offer sheet is out there, we'll do an offer sheet."

Finally, it has been learned that Sam Vincent's three-year contract is worth $525,000, not $600,000 as reported by Vincent. Slaughter (also Vincent's agent) said, "Sam got a little confused talking to you guys. That figure ($600,000) represents the amount of disability insurance the Celtics took out on him."

So what are the terms, Fred?

"Can't tell you," said Slaughter. "Red will hurt me. He'll blow smoke in my face."