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The Saga Continues
With three teams allegedly ready to sign Vin Baker, the league office, on March 2, said that it would not approve any contract involving Baker until the arbitration with the Celtics is settled. The league's rationale is that the arbitrator might order Baker's reinstatement to the Celtics, and that would be awkward if Vin signs with another team.
This action is an obvious ploy to induce a settlement. It deprives Baker of any cash flow for what could be an extended period of time. It is unlikely that the arbitration will be concluded before the beginning of next season. (The Huffman matter took over a year.) Also, if Vin wins he will get his money, but there is no way that the Celtics would want him back in their locker room. They would be paying him to sit at home.
IMHO the league's action hurts the Celtics as well. Contrary to the assertions of Aaron Goodwin and Billy Hunter, Baker is in no frame of mind to play NBA basketball this season, and a failed attempt to perform with another team would have strengthened Boston's position in arbitration.
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