The Hawks weren't the only team that wanted Terrell Brandon's contract. It really was a "hot commodity," as Hawks director of basketball operations and interim general manager Billy Knight said. They were just the only team that had what it took --- namely 20-point scorer Glenn Robinson --- to get a deal done.

Indiana, Portland and Miami all were seeking the cap relief Brandon's $11.1 million contract would provide. The Pacers were one of two teams --- Portland was the other --- that reportedly held up the blockbuster, four-team trade Wednesday in a last-ditch effort to get it. The plan was to use the available cap space and re-sign center Brad Miller. And, according to the Star-Tribune in Minneapolis, they reportedly had talks about a deal with Minnesota, but they were unwilling to trade Al Harrington or Ron Artest.

That left Timberwolves vice president Kevin McHale to find another taker. The Wolves did not want Robinson, but when 76ers president Billy King said he did, that meant the New York Knicks could get their wish --- Keith Van Horn --- and the Wolves could get desired swingman Latrell Sprewell.

After Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh lost out to his protege Knight, who was vice president of basketball operations in Indiana three years ago, he settled on a three-team trade that landed Scot Pollard and sent Miller to Sacramento.

"Everyone looks at it and says it's such an ideal situation and such a good deal," Knight said after he moved the Hawks out of luxury-tax territory and about $2.42 million under the salary cap. "But it's a sad situation for Terrell. The greater preponderance of players would rather be playing than not playing. As an athlete, I have empathy for him. It's a difficult situation."

Brandon missed all of last season and likely will retire soon. Since he hasn't played since February 2002, his salary will be off the cap next February. This recently happened with the New York Knicks, who didn't have to pay a tax on Luc Longley's $6.9 million this season because he suffered a career-ending injury in 2001.