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PRINT THIS PAGE | E-MAIL THIS PAGE Friday, January 23, 1998 Rockets players distracted by trade talks HOUSTON (AP) -- Kevin Willis is taking the stoic approach. Mario Elie already is saying his goodbyes. The Houston Rockets starters, along with a third player, were almost traded to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday for Damon Stoudamire, Walt Williams and Zan Tabak. The deal didn't happen but Elie is talking as if he's already gone. "I just felt for me personally, it's time to move on," Elie said following Wednesday night's overtime loss to the New Jersey Nets. "I feel I did all I could in my 4-1/2 years. They've been terrific. There's been great times. I got no hate for nobody." The Rockets played at Charlotte Thursday night and will then host the San Antonio Spurs Saturday night. Willis is in the second year of a four-year contract (three years guaranteed) with the Rockets and he doesn't want to leave. "It's definitely on my mind," Willis told the Houston Chronicle. "All I can do is try to keep my sanity, keep my mind focused and keep the normal pace. "I'm comfortable in Houston, but there's a possibility those things could change. We'll have to wait and see. If I stay, I'll just put my hard hat on and keep on going." Stephen Woods, Willis' agent, thought he'd found a home for Willis, who has played for four teams (Atlanta, Miami, Golden State and the Rockets) the last three seasons after spending his first 10 pro seasons with the Hawks. "Kevin turned down more lucrative offers to sign a multiyear deal with Houston," Woods said. "That was done with the intent of him being there at least three years. Kevin has never been happier playing with the Rockets." If Elie is traded, Hakeem Olajuwon would be the only Rocket who played on both of the Rockets 1994 and 1995 NBA championship teams. "Whatever happens, I'm prepared for everything," Elie said. "I've been getting calls, hearing from a lot of people. And when you hear rumors like that a lot, most likely it's going to happen." The Rockets went through a similar situation during their first championship season when forwards Robert Horry and Matt Bullard were sent to Detroit for Sean Elliott. The deal was voided when Elliott failed a physical, forcing Horry and Bullard back to Houston. Their feelings were hurt over the team's decision to trade them, but the players ended up being key contributors to the title. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below: texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local Sports Texas Sports Copyright ©1998, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below:

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