It had been thought Sacramento might make a run at Malone with the money it had been paying skinny big man Keon Clark, who had an option on his contract for next season that some thought he might waive.

Clark, however, exercised his $5 million option to return late Monday — seemingly making it much tougher for the Kings to add Malone to their already in-the-luxury-tax-threshhold payroll.

Odds seem greatly stacked against this pairing ever happening, although the Kings may be tempted to somehow land Malone partly so they can keep him away from the likes of Los Angeles, Dallas or San Antonio.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

With veteran center David Robinson retiring, many think this is the match that makes the most sense: Move Tim Duncan to center, insert Malone at power forward and watch the Spurs roll to a second straight title.

But slow down, cowboy.

The Spurs, who reportedly have anywhere from $14 million-to-$18 million under the cap to spend, may have their sights set first on much-younger targets than the 39-year-old Malone.

The one mentioned most is Indiana's O'Neal, with restricted free agent Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers — who is being targeted by the Jazz as a future replacement for Malone — another possibility.

Then there is another kid to consider — Jason Kidd.

Even though San Antonio won its championship without him, the Nets' point does have interest in perhaps taking young Tony Parker's starting job — should Kidd opt against returning to New Jersey.

That could make it much tougher for the Spurs to also afford Malone, who nevertheless remains a potential option for the puzzle piece left vacant by Robinson.

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E-MAIL: tbuckley@desnews.com