Stoudamire Deal on Hold

Damon Stoudamire was nearly traded to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, but the Toronto Raptors decided to reconsider offers that came pouring in from other teams.

The Rockets, New York Knicks, Vancouver Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic were in contention to acquire Stoudamire, according to league sources who spoke to the Associated Press.

The proposals were much better than what Houston was offering: Kevin Willis, Mario Elie and a third player--either Brent Price, Matt Maloney or Emanuel Davis--and a No. 1 draft choice in 1998 for Stoudamire, Walt Williams and Zan Tabak.

The Knicks offered Chris Mills, Chris Childs and-or Charlie Ward, along with the Raptors’ own lottery-protected pick in 1998. New York also offered to pay most of the salaries for the players it would trade.

The Grizzlies were offering rookie point guard Antonio Daniels and the Trail Blazers were offering a package including Kenny Anderson.

“I can’t worry about everything that’s going on off the court,” Stoudamire said after scoring 36 points in a 99-98 victory over Sacramento.

A possible deal between the Raptors and Rockets was reported Wednesday by the Houston Chronicle and Toronto Sun. ESPN also reported the deal.

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Washington Wizard forward Chris Webber refused comment, one day after his arrest on assault and marijuana charges. He is scheduled for trial April 2.

The NBA has said it will take no action unless Webber is convicted. The Wizards said they will let the legal process go forward before deciding on disciplinary action.

The officer who arrested Webber used pepper spray on the player without warning him--an action that some community and civil rights activists said was excessive.

Police spokesman Royce Holloway said the use of pepper spray, a strong irritant that is designed to immobilize a suspect, was justified because Webber demonstrated verbal and physical resistance. Holloway said the department permits use of pepper spray when there is only verbal resistance.

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Latrell Sprewell, suspended for one year by the NBA last month for attacking Golden State Warrior Coach P.J. Carlesimo, will be offered a $592.04 per week contract to play this summer for the Atlantic City Seagulls of the United States Basketball League.

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Former UCLA guard Gerald Madkins was signed to a 10-day contract by the Miami Heat.