CELTICS TALKING WITH NIQUE'S AGENT

July 6, 1994

CELTICS TALKING WITH WILKINS AGENT SAYS HE'S 'VERY INTERESTED' IN PLAYING IN BOSTON

The Celtics have begun their assault on the free agent market, and forward Dominique Wilkins is one of the players they are considering.

Agent Steve Kauffman, who represents Wilkins, confirmed yesterday that he talked with the Celtics about his client's services.

"When Dominique and I went over who he'd like to play for, they were all contenders with two exceptions -- the Celtics and the Lakers," said Kauffman. "Dominique is from the old school in that respect. Tradition means a lot to him. As I told M.L. (Carr), because it's Boston, he's very interested."

Carr sounded less enthusiastic about the Human Highlight Film wearing a Celtics uniform next season.

"We've had conversations, but I don't like people saying what my interest level is," said Carr. "I won't say absolutely no on Dominique, because, quite frankly, I don't want to hurt negotiations."

Interest in Wilkins comes with a high price tag. He is looking for a three-year contract, and Kauffman termed it unlikely that he would settle for less. Wilkins will turn 34 in January.

Carr said Wilkins is only one of many players the Celtics are investigating.

"We've had conversations with several people, but to categorize any of them as serious conversations would be incorrect," Carr said. "We're not in that position with any player at this point. It's more an exploratory process to see what's out there."

Wilkins was traded by the Atlanta Hawks to the Los Angeles Clippers for Danny Manning last February, and he has all but ruled out remaining with his new club, which balked at offering him three years.

"We feel like they've taken themselves out of it," Kauffman said.

The Lakers also have shown interest in Wilkins. The Knicks would like to find a way to make room for him, but at present they have only a slot of $1.2 million. The only way the Celtics can get Wilkins is to use Robert Parish's slot of $2.8 million.

Wilkins is not the only player who has entered into discussions with Boston. Bill Strickland, who represents Pervis Ellison, confirmed he had entered "preliminary discussions" with the Celtics.

"Pervis is only 27 years old, and if he is healthy, which we think he will be, he will be a big asset to any team," said Strickland. "And he is someone willing to fit any system. He is not looking to be the man."

Scott Williams, the forward/center from Chicago, is also a possibility. His agent, Arn Tellem, did not return phone calls yesterday, but Celtics president Red Auerbach said on the night of the draft that Williams was one of the players the team was investigating. Seattle forward/center Michael Cage also is on Boston's list.

Manning has long been the coveted free agent prize on Merrimac Street, but his agent, Ron Grinker, confirmed what has been reported for months: There is no chance of Manning become a Celtic.

"Danny has a long list and a short list, and Boston is not on either of them," Grinker said.

Bulls forward Horace Grant has said he will listen to everyone except Dallas and Sacramento, but with Scottie Pippen still on the trading block, Grant's financial situation in Chicago could become far more attractive if Pippen is dealt. Sources in Chicago said yesterday Boston was one of 12 teams that called to express interest in the power forward. Miami, Phoenix, Detroit and Orlando were also among those clubs.