Discussions are "expected to resume this week" between Prospective Grizzlies Owner Bill Laurie and Orca Bay Chair John McCaw about the sale of the franchise, according to Howard Tsumura of the Vancouver PROVINCE. Tsumura: "Because the subject of the discussions is being kept vague by both parties, it's hard to know whether Laurie is trying to find a way to buy the team and move it to St. Louis or find a way out" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 1/3). WOULD NUGGETS BE GOLDEN WITH MJ? In Denver, Dave Krieger wrote that "word now is" that Michael Jordan is "inquiring quietly into the availability" of some NBA teams, including the Nuggets (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 1/2). RAISING THE STAKES: BLOOMBERG's Daniel Goldstein reported that Celtics Chair Paul Gaston "raised his stake" in the team from 20.4% to 21.6%, according to a recent filing with the SEC (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 1/3). BACK HOME: In Chicago, Jay Mariotti writes on Scottie Pippen's return to the United Center last night. Pippen, on rumors that Michael Jordan would attend the game: "Why would he? Who would want to see the Bulls play?" Pippen, on the current Bulls: "It's going to be very difficult to convince any free agent to come here, because they really have nothing to offer other than money" (SUN-TIMES, 1/4). MULTI-TASKING, JAZZ STYLE: In Salt Lake City, Steve Luhm profiled Larry Miller Sports and Entertainment President Dennis Haslam and called him Miller's "right-hand man when it comes to everything except selling Toyotas." Luhm, noting the recent resignations of team execs Tim Howells and Frank Layden, wrote that Haslam "expects to replace Howells, though not for a while" with the position "more business-oriented." Haslam: "We would prefer to look inside our own house, but I don't know what will emerge." More Haslam, on rumors that Miller is "thinking about selling" the Jazz: "For somebody to say he's going to sell the team is just ludicrous" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 1/2).
