Cecil Harris of the Indianapolis Star reports that the Pacers are talking with Hakeem Olajuwon. "Talks with Hakeem's agent are ongoing," Pacers President Donnie Walsh said. "I wouldn't say we're optimistic or not optimistic. We're out to pursue options to improve our team and this is one of them." Walsh and Pacers coach Isiah Thomas were in Houston on Friday to meet with Olajuwon. "It was a good meeting," said Walsh, "Obviously, we have interest in Hakeem and I believe he has interest in us. We believe he can be a very effective player for us."
The Pacers, already well over the $42.5 million NBA salary cap, have a $4.5 million exception and could offer at least that much annually to Olajuwon. Given the number of teams interested in Olajuwon, Indiana's contract offer probably would have to be for at least two years. The Pacers declined to reveal the length of any offer.