Finley Gets Released; Lakers Weigh Options

The NBA’s amnesty list swelled as teams dropped high-priced players before Monday night’s deadline, with Dallas’ Michael Finley joining such dispensable talents as New York’s Jerome Williams and Minnesota’s Fred Hoiberg, along with previously released Brian Grant, Derek Anderson, Doug Christie and Aaron McKie.

Anderson is thought to be at the top of the Lakers’ list, but team sources insist only at a price: no more than half the $5-million veteran’s exception for two seasons.

“We basically agreed to talk this afternoon into the evening,” said Anderson’s agent, Tony Dutt, from his Houston office. “But with the deadline [Monday night], my gut feeling is it may not be until [today].

“At this point, everybody, us included, wants to see what’s out there. I talked to seven teams today, and everybody’s saying the same thing.

“But we still have interest, for sure.”

The one-time amnesty move frees teams from paying luxury tax on the salaries of the players released, although their contracts must still be paid. Some of those who were turned loose Monday were contractually present only because of their guaranteed contracts.

Toronto released Alonzo Mourning, whom the Raptors waived at midseason and who was subsequently signed by Miami. Indiana released Reggie Miller, who has retired. Similarly, Detroit’s Derrick Coleman, Boston’s Vin Baker, Chicago’s Eddie Robinson and Miami’s Wes Person had all departed before their teams released them Monday.

New York pulled Monday’s biggest surprise, cutting forward Williams instead of Allan Houston. Houston played only 20 games last season and is owed $40 million over the next two, meaning the team, which already is over the luxury tax threshold in both seasons, will pay that much more in tax.

However, the Knicks chose to cut Williams instead, saving only $21 million in tax, presumably because the new coach, Larry Brown, told Knick President Isiah Thomas that he wanted Houston.

With Houston off the list, the biggest name available is Finley, whose scoring average fell to 15.7 points a game last season while he shot 42.7% from the field at age 32.

Finley is owed $51.8 million over the next three seasons. Nevertheless, the Mavericks took it to the end, making no announcement while trying to find a trade for Finley.

At their new bargain prices, players such as Finley have suitors lining up. The Heat and Nuggets are thought to be interested in Finley. Christie reportedly has agreed to sign with Dallas, and Grant reportedly will sign with Phoenix.

Also waived, Monday or previously, were New Jersey’s Ron Mercer and Milwaukee’s Calvin Booth.

At present, the Lakers’ depth chart at the point guard position, or as Coach Phil Jackson calls it, the “initiator,” includes free agent Smush Parker, backed up by rookie second-round draft choice Von Wafer and second-year man Sasha Vujacic.

However, with owner Jerry Buss intent on saving space under the salary cap for the summer of 2007, the team is offering only two-year deals. Antonio Daniels, the Lakers’ first choice, wound up going to Washington for a five-year deal.

Anderson, released by Portland, worked out for the Lakers, with Jackson flying back to town to see it.

However, there have been no substantive negotiations since, with each side waiting to see what its options are.

For their part, the Lakers were hoping to see Golden State’s Derek Fisher or Toronto’s Jalen Rose released. Meanwhile, Anderson worked out in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves are looking for a replacement for Latrell Sprewell, and in Detroit, where the Pistons were hoping to bring back Houston.