THOUGH it appears to be nothing more than a vicious rumor, Wisconsin bailbondsmen have, nonetheless, been put on full alert following a report Anthony Mason may soon sign with the Bucks.

“Not true,” say those on both sides of an on-going contract negotiation that hasn’t progressed in weeks.

Milwaukee owner Herb Kohl apparently refuses to use its $4.5M exception (at least all of it) to ink the free-agent macho forward for fear of exceeding the still undetermined luxury-tax number. At the same time, Mason appears unwilling to suit up for the Bucks (or any other NBA team) for anything short of that figure.

Normally, such a salary-cap impasse/obstruction can be circumvented by working out a relatively equitable sign-and-trade arrangement with the parent team, in this case Miami. However, Pat Riley isn’t the least bit tempted to accept packages (Scott Williams, Darvin Ham and similar duets by way of a third team) proposed by the Bucks.

Everyone agrees Mason is not expected to be flexing his frown for the cameras when NBA training camps open to the media Oct. 1. What observers don’t agree on is whether he’s a victim of the league’s salary system, or his own worst (i.e. the culprit) enemy.

In one season on South Beach, Mason became an All-Star for the first time while averaging 16.1 (second on team) points and 9.6 (tops) rebounds before stumbling (like everyone else) and grumbling his way to a first-round playoff eviction.

The fact Riley does not want him back (again) at any price says all you have to really know about how difficult Mason is to deal with. The fact no team under the cap reached out for him should put an exclamation mark on the subject.

How things change. Last season Mason earned $5.5M. The previous season the Hornets offered him a two-year extension at $6M per, which he rudely rejected, arguing he was worth a ton more than Elden Campbell and Derrick Coleman. That summer he was traded to Miami along with Eddie Jones for Jamal Mashburn and P.J. Brown.

The most Mason is being offered now is the $1M exception. Not that some NBA or European team won’t go higher. But it’s doubtful to be all that much higher.

The Bucks seem to be Mason’s only salvation. Coach George Karl, for obvious reasons, is pushing Kohl hard to Go deeper in His pocket. Milwaukee’s rapidly developing playoff team conspicuously lacks an inside force, someone to draw the defense (attorney) before kicking the ball out to Glenn Robinson, Ray Allen, Sam Cassell and Tim Thomas.

“Mase likes to pass and he can pass,” notes Karl. “He gives us dimensions and options we don’t have. I don’t foresee any problems. I think he’ll behave himself. But we’ll be real good with him or without him.”

Mason and Karl are two of a kind. Tough guys with smart mouths and quick tempers, though George, sad to say, is fast becoming a registered adult. During several meetings this summer they hit it off pretty good, according to Karl. Mason also bonded a couple times with a number of Bucks players.

“He says all he wants to do is pass, rebound and play defense,” underlines an ardent ally. “He says the Bucks already have enough scorers. All he cares about is winning.”

If the Bucks give him what he wants, or close to it, how long do you think he’ll maintain that attitude, I wondered?

“About two weeks into the season?” his friend smiled knowingly.

*

Update on other notable unemployed free agents:

Arvydas Sabonis, disdained by his teammates (an endorsement where I come from) and not expected to re-sign with Portland, which is offering less than half of the $10M per he’s asking for, has broken a toe. The Pacers, say sources, are attempting to lure him back from Lithuania, where he’s committed to playing for the team he owns. Should they prove successful, the Blazers would have to cooperate; Sabonis clearly won’t play for the Pacers’ $4.5 million exception and they don’t intend to use it because of the dreaded luxury tax, so a significant sign-and-trade would be necessary.

Rod Strickland’s agent, Leon Rose, has let it be known his client has lowered his request: he’ll accept a $1M exception offer.

Marc Jackson will wind up in Houston if the league hurries and gives the Rockets a medical exception for Maurice Taylor. If he can’t wait and re-signs with the Warriors, then Houston is expected to sign Shawnelle Scott.

Omar Cook – who’s demanding a partial guarantee – remains unsigned by the Nuggets. The second-round pick was nearly traded to Dallas last week for Kenny Satterfield. Pistons are interested, too.

I’m a little confused by Allen Iverson’s and Aaron McKie’s timing: why wait to undergo surgery until this past Tuesday for injuries they’ve seemingly had since birth? Apparently faith healing, Faith Hill and Sonny Hill didn’t work.