DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks yesterday suspended forward Roy Tarpley, without pay, for tonight's game against the Boston Celtics. The loss of one game's pay will cost Tarpley $36,585.
But according to team and NBA sources, trade talks involving Tarpley were under way before Tarpley and coach Dick Motta clashed during Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, leading to the suspension.
Although Tarpley's six-year, $25.8 million contract makes him difficult to trade, sources said the Mavericks in the past two weeks have received calls about Tarpley from several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers.
Mavericks director of player personnel Keith Grant said yesterday that he has not shopped Tarpley in any fashion, and said of potential interest from other teams: "I won't confirm any particular team has called."
Tarpley said: "I don't think this will be resolved. I think they will wind up trading me.