According to Peter Vecsey and Evan Grossman of the New York Post, the Rockets and Raptors were ready to make a trade. Hakeem Olajuwon for a future 1st round pick. Then Olajuwon hit the brakes.

The Pacers had a deal in place that would have sent Austin Croshere to Boston, Vitaly Potapenko to Houston and Olajuwon to Indiana. Sam Perkins and his non-guaranteed contract may have been involved as well.

In Knick news, New York remains desperate to acquire a point guard. In addition to Charlie Ward, the Knicks are willing to part with Othella Harrington as well.

In his Sunday column, Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel writes about many topics from around the league, including: The Pacific Division, the Pistons, Knicks, and many other subjects from around the league.

Should the Knicks and Rockets ever get into serious trade discussions over Hakeem Olajuwon, the Rockets may take a long look at Glen Rice, according to the New York Post.

Houston apparently would have little interest in Othella Harrington and Charlie Ward, citing depth at those positions. But a deal for Rice, who will make $8.8 million this coming season, seems to be the best way to pay Olajuwon what he is asking.

Dave Lewandowski of the Indianapolis Star reports that representatives from the New York Knicks met with Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston on Tuesday, joining the list of suitors for the free agent center. Olajuwon already has had meetings with officials from the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and his Houston Rockets. The Pacers and Heat both have $4.5 million midlevel exceptions at their disposal to offer Olajuwon.

The Raptors are wooing the Dream with the $5 million exception they gained by trading Charles Oakley to Chicago for a draft choice. The Knicks would need to engineer a sign-and-trade deal with the Rockets if they want to acquire Olajuwon. The Cavaliers are in the midst of major rebuilding and have just $1.2 million of wiggle room under the salary cap.

The Knicks officially made their second commitment to Allan Houston on Monday, signing him to a six-year contract that is likely worth $100.4 million, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement for the eight-year veteran.

Houston received the highest financial package in Knicks history, but his annual salary still averages out to less than what Patrick Ewing received when he signed a four-year deal worth $68 million -- $17 million annually.

After being spurned by Chris Webber, Dikembe Mutombo and David Robinson, the Knicks are taking the John Starks approach to free agency: keep shooting.

Peter Vecsey of the New York Post reports that Knick management will meet with Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston. The chances of getting Olajuwon to agree to a contract with New York seem slim.

Houston has reportedly offered a 2-year contract worth $20 million, similar to the contract the Spurs gav David Robinson. Toronto has offered a contract worth $20 million over 4 years, though only $10 million is guaranteed. Indiana has expressed interest in Olajuwon as well.

A family vacation delayed the paperwork, but Clarence Weatherspoon finally signed a 5-year $27 million contract with New York. Weatherspoon signed using the $4.5 million exception.

Peter Vecsey is back with scoop from around the NBA.

Sonics are unlikely to trade Payton to New York since they have no desire for Allan Houston or Latrell Sprewell. Seattle has also turned down an offer from Portland. The Knicks may have to settle for Terrell Brandon, but that's been rumored for years.

Jayson Williams, psyched over the acquistion of Jason Kidd, is apparently working out every day in hopes of making a Jordan, er, comeback.

Pacers in the hunt for Olajuwon, Bucks looking at Anthony Mason, and finally a rumor of Penny Hardaway for Bryant Reeves and Michael Dickerson. Sure Pete. Some of us at RealGM came up with that one about a month ago.