BOSTON Celtics try to release Vin Baker

The team requested waivers on Baker on Friday.
BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Celtics are on their way to getting rid of Vin Baker.
The Celtics requested waivers on Baker on Friday, a step toward releasing the former All-Star and saving the $36 million they owe him over the next 21/2 seasons.
Baker's representatives insisted he could still come back, even after missing 10 games with a suspension for violating the terms of his alcohol rehab aftercare agreement.
Billy Hunter, the head of the National Basketball Players' Association, said Baker's contract is guaranteed and the union will fight any attempts at "subterfuge."
"Tell the Celtics we're coming after them," Hunter said. "We're immediately putting the Celtics and the league on notice that we'll file a grievance and do what we have to do. We're going to go all out on this."
The matter is likely to wind up in arbitration.
Baker was suspended indefinitely on Jan. 23 for violating a testing program he agreed to last season when he left the team to check into rehab. He missed his 10th consecutive game on Thursday night, triggering a clause in the agreement that gives the Celtics control over his future.
Boston could attempt to terminate his contract on Wednesday morning unless another team claims him -- an exceedingly slim possibility. They could also allow him to languish on the suspended list -- without pay -- indefinitely.
Waiting for clearance
Aaron Goodwin, Baker's agent, said his client has been ready to return and is only waiting for clearance from the doctor who is monitoring his care.
Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck declined comment. The team announced the move in a statement posted on its Web site that said there will be no further comment until the waiver process is complete.
Saving Baker's salary still wouldn't allow the Celtics to be a player on the free agent market, but it could keep them out of luxury tax range.
Baker missed two months and the playoffs last year after he checked into a Connecticut rehab center. He agreed at the time to a follow-up program this season that would involve frequent testing.
But Baker failed to comply with the terms of the agreement at least three times before being suspended indefinitely last month. The agreement dictated that only the doctor agreed to by both sides could determine when he's ready to return; after the suspension reached 10 games, that authority would transfer to the team.
The 6-foot-11 Baker was the eighth overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1993 draft. He averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds over his last two seasons in Milwaukee before he was traded to Seattle for the 1997-98 season.