I am happy that the surgery was a success. I have been in contact with Willie?s agent and we are exploring options with Willie. There will be no immediate answer at this time.

He represents what the NBA should be all about.

I have been in contact with Willie's agent [Noah Croom], and we are exploring [contract] options with Willie. There will be no immediate answer at this time.

One of the hardest things I had to do in my career.

I just spoke to Marc and I thanked him for everything he?s done for us. I told him, ?I know it?s a hard trade for you because you?re from Philadelphia, but the one saving thing is that you?re just up the turnpike.? He obviously wasn?t in the most upbeat mood, but he understands it?s part of the business.

I have been in contact with Willie's agent and we are exploring options with Willie. There will be no immediate answer at this time.

We felt Steven was one of the top free-agent big men out there.

It's a sad day for the organization, because he has meant so much to it. I kept putting it off, hoping for a miracle. I was trying anything I could to keep Aaron on this roster.