Heat, Hornets Make 9-Player Trade

M I A M I, Aug. 2 -- As four new players join the Miami Heat, coach Pat Riley’s biggest challenge may be keeping forward Anthony Mason out of trouble.

A nine-player deal with the Charlotte Hornets sent Mason toMiami, where trendy South Beach and his penchant for problems are adangerous combination.

“It has occurred to me,” admitted Mason’s agent, Don Cronson.“It’s not like I’m worrying, ‘Oh my gosh, South Beach.’ But it’sthere like a beacon, and I think he’s going to be on his guard.”

Largest Trade in Heat History

Mason was one of four starters involved in the largest trade inHeat history. He and three-time All-Star guard Eddie Jones go toMiami for forward P.J. Brown and guard Jamal Mashburn.

“This is one of the most difficult things I have ever had todo,” Riley said in a statement. “Trading P.J. Brown and JamalMashburn, two guys who have been crucial to our success, was veryunappealing and is the tough part of this business. However, changewas in order.”

Confirmation of the trade was delayed until late Tuesdayafternoon, the first day of the free agent signing period, whilethe NBA made sure the deal met salary cap requirements.

Also traded were Otis Thorpe, Tim James and Rodney Buford toCharlotte, and Ricky Davis and 16-year veteran Dale Ellis to Miami.

Riley and Mason had a turbulent relationship when both were withthe Knicks from 1991-95.

Troubled Forward

Mason, 33, was suspended twice while he played for Riley and hasbeen arrested four times while with the Hornets, most recently whenhe was charged with battery on a police officer, inciting a riotand resisting arrest in New Orleans’ French Quarter last month.

“Anthony over the course of time has learned a lot abouthimself,” Cronson said.

The same is true of the Heat, who have won four consecutiveAtlantic Division titles. But in the past three seasons they’ve wononly one playoff series and been eliminated by the archrival NewYork Knicks each time.