Hawks Try to Swoop Up Forward Wright

The Clippers may have found a way to get something in return for free-agent forward Lorenzen Wright--and keep him away from the Lakers.

The Atlanta Hawks and the Clippers on Friday discussed a sign-and-trade deal that would send two 2000 first-round draft choices to the Clippers and would give Wright a multiyear contract starting at $4.4 million.

Wright’s agent, Robert Fayne, said Friday night that Wright, who can veto any sign-and-trade deal, still hadn’t ruled out signing with the Lakers for their $2-million exception.

But Fayne confirmed that he had held talks with Atlanta on Friday, and said that it would soon come down to a “difficult decision” between the Lakers, who might be closer to winning a championship, and the Hawks, who are a playoff team that can pay more.

“The Lakers are still very appealing to Lorenzen,” Fayne said. “But I think the Hawks are a good fit too. They’re looking for more athleticism in their frontcourt, and Lorenzen certainly can give them that.

“And they can pay more, no question.”

The Hawks, who earlier tried and failed to put together a sign-and-trade deal for Wright, apparently re-entered the chase after hearing that Wright was about to sign with the Lakers.

The Clippers would receive Atlanta’s first-round pick in 2000, and the first-round pick of the Toronto Raptors, which Atlanta acquired via a trade with Portland.

Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak would not comment specifically about Wright, but said the Lakers understand that not many players are willing to accept less money.

Kupchak pointed out that Rick Fox took minimum salaries for two seasons with the Lakers before signing his recent six-year, $25-million deal.

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Eric Piatkowski was glad to re-sign with the Clippers Friday, ending a short free-agent experience for the five-year NBA veteran.

Piatkowski, who averaged 10.8 points and shot 43% last season, agreed to a four-year deal for reportedly $12 million after being courted by several teams that wanted to sign him under the $2-million exception rule. He made $1.65 million last season and was one of the Clippers’ eight free agents.

“I know there were rumors that he had talked to a couple of teams, but we always believed that we’d re-sign Pike,” said Elgin Baylor, vice president of basketball operations. “What he gives us is outside shooting and the ability to open the floor and spread the defense. And he’s improving in an area that he hadn’t done much of before, and that is not settle for a jump shot. He’s putting the ball on the floor and taking it to the basket more, which is very encouraging.”

Piatkowski, who probably will back up recently acquired Derek Anderson next season, started 38 games last season at shooting guard and led the team in three-point shooting at 39.3% (65 for 165).

“He was one of the guys that I wanted back,” Coach Chris Ford said of Piatkowski--who made $1.65 million last season--and the team’s eight free agents.

Piatkowski’s best season with the Clippers was 1997-98, when he averaged 11.3 points and shot 45% from the floor. Last season, Piatkowski struggled early and at one point was replaced in the starting lineup by Charles Smith, but he regained his position and finished strong.

In April, Piatkowski averaged 13.6 points and made 42.3% of his three point attempts. He finished the season 10th in free throw percentage at .863.

Without much notice, the Clippers are slowing accomplishing what they set out to do this summer. With a sign-and-trade deal for Wright still a possibility that may still land the team a point guard, the Clippers are doing well this off-season.

Around the NBA

Forward John Wallace, who entered the NBA with New York in 1996 before being traded to Toronto, rejoined the Knicks for three years and $6.6 million. . . . Swingman Jaren Jackson, a key component in San Antonio’s push to the NBA title last season, decided to stay with the Spurs for a three-year contract.