From Seattle Times news services: The Milwaukee Bucks and the Sonics had legitimate talks recently about swapping Glen Robinson and Sam Cassell for Sonics point guard Gary Payton. However, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, it was doomed from the start.

One reason is because Payton isn't interested in waiving his 15 percent trade kicker, approximately $1.86 million. Another is that the Bucks' owner, Herb Kohl, wasn't interested in paying that on top of Payton's $12.4 million salary.

The talks probably took place because of Milwaukee Coach George Karl's frustration with both Robinson and Cassell. Karl is upset with Robinson because he believes Robinson has been lax in his conditioning after returning from injury. As for Cassell, Karl believes he is still looking for ways to get paid more money instead of just playing basketball.