NBA Free Agency Rumor: LA Lakers Keeping Quiet on Tracy McGrady Negotiation

Since his agent last communicated the veteran guard's wishes to the Lakers' organization back in early June, Tracy McGrady's camp has not received any contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers.

McGrady still holds great interest in playing for the champion Lakers, yet the team has yet to initiate any contract negotiations since the NBA's free agency period began on July 1.

The reason for this lack of contact stems from the Lakers' front office desire to maintain control over the negotiation process.

Back in June, Tracy McGrady's agent indicated that the superstar guard would sign for no less than the mid-level exception at $5.8 million.

The Lakers, not intimidated by such a strong statement, have withheld any contract offers to the former Houston guard in response.

With the signing of Steve Blake at $4 million per year, the Lakers have $1.8 million left to spend using the team's mid-level exception.

However, the Lakers would prefer to sign McGrady at the veteran's minimum, a pay cut too steep for the former All-Star guard, who made $22.8 million during the 2009-2010 NBA season.

Should Tracy McGrady's camp express to the organization that the superstar guard will sign for a greatly reduced salary, then the Lakers' management will proceed with the appropriate contract offer.