Here is the website for the story or the complete story is below the web address. http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2001/0116/1019953.html Wednesday, January 17, 2001 Center says he'll do whatever helps the team -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press HOUSTON -- Houston general manager Carroll Dawson said Tuesday it is unlikely and improbable that Hakeem Olajuwon will be traded or waived. Olajuwon "I don't like the idea of trading him," Dawson told The Associated Press. "We have talked about it a couple of times over the last month." The Houston Chronicle reported in a story for editions Wednesday that Olajuwon would welcome a chance to move on with either a trade or by being waived. "I think he understands with the salary cap that a trade like that would be very difficult," Dawson said. "For me personally, I'm against it. I was fortunate to coach the big men for this team for 17 years. I just can't ever see him in another uniform. It's just what he's done for this franchise, what he's done for me, what he's done for Rudy (Tomjanovich), for everyone," Dawson said. "Our main focus right now is just to try to get him well and back on the court." Olajuwon told the newspaper and Houston television station KRIV that he wanted what was best for the team. Olajuwon is eligible to come off the injured list Wednesday after missing nine games with a swollen knee. "I only want to do what's best for everybody, and that's what I said." The newspaper quoted sources as saying Olajuwon didn't demand a trade and knows that the chances of a deal are remote. His salary this season is $16.5 million. Olajuwon declined to answer other questions and wouldn't discuss talks with Dawson. Dawson said a trade wasn't impossible. "It's not likely and it's not probable," he said. "You have to think how many players it would take in the middle of a season to equal $16.5 million." he said. "It would be a major problem." Dawson said he expected Olajuwon to complete his career with the Rockets. A meeting Olajuwon had planned with Rockets owner Les Alexander on Tuesday was postponed. The newspaper said sources told it Olajuwon didn't plan to ask to be moved. Olajuwon was placed on the injured list Jan. 9. He was benched with a swollen knee. The swelling was caused by a cyst. He has suffered swelling since falling hard Dec. 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was averaging 10.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 25.6 minutes in 29 games this season, his last in a five-year deal with the Rockets. "I just still really think, for all he has done for the Rockets, it would be hard for me to see him playing for anyone else," Dawson told the newspaper. "I still think this will work out ------------------ Arkansas' Biggest Rocket Fan! P.S. VOTE YES!!!
