Report: Bird feels 'betrayed' by Artest's trade demands

[BAMAPHIN 22]

After standing by Ron Artest (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.) through the aftermath of the Brawl at Auburn Hills last season, Indiana Pacers (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.) president Larry Bird is finally speaking out about his oft-troubled forward's most recent request that the organization trade him.

On Monday, Bird spoke with the Indianapolis Star, the newspaper that first reported on Artest's desire for a trade.



"I don't know if this is the right wording, but I felt betrayed," Bird told the Star. "We're disappointed. Things happen, maybe it's a good thing. He's a very talented player. I always liked working with him and how he went about things on the basketball court. He's a top-12 player in the league, but we're in a situation where we have to move on.



"I think enough is enough. ... I think Ronnie will do fine but not here."



Bird recently returned from a 10-day scouting trip in Europe, which could be one of the reasons a trade for Artest has yet to be completed.


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[Roman529]

The Denver Post is saying they think Artest is heading to the Nuggets.

[GreenMonster]

Wow, I didn't see this one coming from a player that spent his whole career the captian of 1 team. If I am the Bucks GM how bout an offer of Simmons and a 1st for Artest. The salary's even match up so it could happen straight up for those two guys. Artest is a top 15-20 player in the league just on the court.

[Prime]

I would feel that same way if I was Bird. Artest is a good player, but he is a big headcase. He is like the TO in basketball. I have been hearing that the Nuggets seem to be the most interested and if they get him, then watch out for that team. Having Carmelo, K-Mart and Artest could be a scary team.

[GreenMonster]

I would feel that same way if I was Bird. Artest is a good player, but he is a big headcase. He is like the TO in basketball. I have been hearing that the Nuggets seem to be the most interested and if they get him, then watch out for that team. Having Carmelo, K-Mart and Artest could be a scary team.

I have heard the same thing Ace. Nice young core of players with a good coach (Karl). Only problem I see there is that you have to get rid of Nene to get Artest, and all 3 of your superstars are a bit tempermental. Other than that this team should run and play decent D. I am surprised no team has put togather a deal to pull the trigger yet, I wonder if Bird and Walsh are holding out for better offers that I don't see coming.