RILEY TO THE HEAT, FOR A DRAFT PICK: The Knicks are willing
to release Pat Riley from the final year of his contract in
return for a Heat '96 first-round draft choice, according to
Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. Sources have privately
indicated the two sides are willing to settle the matter before
Commissioner David Stern becomes involved, sometime later this
week or early next week (MIAMI HERALD, 8/22). In New York,
Barbara Barker reports the Knicks "may get cash and at least one
draft pick" if Riley is hired by the Heat. They will not,
however, get Glen Rice in the deal. Sources close to
negotiations "shot down" a report that the Knicks are demanding
Rice or any other players as part of the deal (NEWSDAY, 8/22).
WILKINS' NEEDS CLEARANCE FROM LEAGUE: NBA attorney Joel
Litvin says the August 17 letter of clearance from USA Basketball
received by Dominique Wilkins "is not binding," according to
Jackie MacMullan in today's BOSTON GLOBE. Litvin: "Under the
NBA's agreement with FIBA, in order for a player who last played
for the NBA to join a FIBA team, the NBA must grant clearance --
not USA Basketball. In light of that, we do not consider the
matter closed." Steve Kaufmann, Wilkins' agent: "As far as
we're concerned, Dominique has been issued a letter of clearance
to play for Panathinakos. He's free." MacMullan reports
"sources said USA Basketball mistakenly sent Wilkins the letter
without notifying the NBA" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/22).
