SPORTS IS ABOUT more than just numbers, right? More than money, more than making column A agree with column B?

Take yesterday's three-way NBA trade as one argument, or a Raptors' record that wasn't as another.

First, the trade, a three-cornered transaction that with each side of that triangle illustrates a different angle. The Suns, those traditionalists, actually made a basketball move in acquiring Bo Outlaw from the Orlando Magic. They had a problem rebounding the ball, and Outlaw will bring his uncomplicated approach to that part of the game in his Phoenix debut against the Raptors tomorrow night.

The Magic and the Clippers are in it only for the money. This is the way it goes in this league.