NBA NEWS, PART II: TEAMS PREP FOR FREE AGENT SHOPPING SPREE

     In Orlando, Brian Schmitz writes, "July 9 is now
Independence Day for NBA free agents seeking salaries alien to us
all."  For Shaquille O'Neal's camp, late resolution of the labor
deal gives them eight more days "to put backbone in their
posturing" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/29).  In Chicago, Sam Smith
reports that Michael Jordan is in a "Catch-22" by saying he wants
a quick deal, while also being the highest paid player.  Smith
notes if Jordan waits for top money, he could lose leverage as
the number of teams under the cap shrinks.  Thus, Smith predicts,
"Jordan will take the 'risk' of signing a new deal that could be
eclipsed by another player within days or weeks" (CHICAGO
TRIBUNE, 6/29).  In S.F., David Steele calls it "the biggest
shopping spree in league history" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/29).  Sonics
President Wally Walker:  "It will be as chaotic and wild a day as
there has been in the NBA" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/30).