Celtics, Bidding Against Lakers, Offer Buckner for Suns’ Lucas

Less than a week after figuring they had Maurice Lucas just about wrapped up for next season, the Lakers are running into some familiar competition for the Phoenix Suns’ 6-foot 9-inch power forward.

The Boston Celtics have offered point guard Quinn Buckner to the Suns for Lucas, but for the Celtics to make that deal, they’re going to have to come up with some creative financing.

Boston, which has a team payroll that exceeds the salary cap, would be allowed to pay Lucas only what Buckner will earn next season.

Since Buckner will make $233,000 and Lucas will make $650,000, Lucas would have to take a $417,000 pay cut. Boston might be able to get around that by extending Lucas’ contract for one or more seasons to make up the difference in salary.

The Lakers, who are believed to have offered Lucas a new two-year, $1 million guaranteed contract, are asking Phoenix to accept a second-round draft choice for Lucas.

The Suns, however, may have renewed interested in a getting a player instead. Buckner would be insurance for the Suns at point guard, where starter Kyle Macy is an unsigned free agent. Macy and the Suns are not yet close to a new contract. Macy is asking for a five-year deal, and the Suns are offering two years.

Sun General Manager Jerry Colangelo, who had maintained that he wanted only a second-round draft choice for Lucas, has backed off somewhat.

The Lakers say they are not interested in trading anything other than a second-round pick for Lucas.