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Sunday, February 14

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The Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns are closing in on a deal that would send All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire to Cleveland, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations. ESPN.com

The Cavaliers would send Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson to Phoenix in exchange for Stoudemire, one of the league's most dominant big man. While Cleveland remains in talks with several other teams, the club, from management down to the players, has settled on Stoudemire as its first choice. The ball is in Phoenix's court. The Suns are mulling whether the financial relief provided by Ilgauskas's $12 million contract and the young and talented Hickson are enough for them to part with Stoudemire. ESPN.com

Talks are heating up in Dallas this weekend between the Cavaliers and Suns centering on forward/center Amar'e Stoudemire. A source said the Suns want whatever team that trades for the 6-foot-10, 249-pound Stoudemire to also take guard Jason Richardson. News-Herald

Adrian Wojnarowski: A couple teams nudged Bryan Colangelo to have a Chris Bosh chat in Texas. No shot. "That window's not even open a crack," one exec. said. Twitter.com

LeBron James is said to be pushing Ferry to get Jamison, believing that he could be the spread power forward to help push the Cavaliers over the hump. When I mentioned the other day that an Eastern Conference executive said that the Wizards should follow the example of Memphis, the primary point wasn't that they should get a comparable deal; it was more that Ernie Grunfeld has to do what's best for the long term interests of the organization. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns are closing in on a deal that would send All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire to Cleveland, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations. ESPN.com

According to a team official, even though the Cavs are heavily involved in talks with several teams and are working hard to finalize trade packages, they have not yet decided to do anything. One of the biggest internal debates the Cavs are having, and that includes James, is whether they should pull the trigger on any deal. Team owner Dan Gilbert's checkbook is open, as the team will set a franchise record for revenue this season. But Gilbert is also said to be happy with the way the team is playing and isn't pushing for any change. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Sources have indicated the Cavs have gotten "pretty far down the tracks" in talking to the Suns about Stoudemire. It has even gotten to the point that the sides have discussed small details like payment schedules and salary reimbursement options. At this time of year, because many contracts are pro-rated differently, there are such things to work out in a trade. Also, a source said that James has signed off on trading for Stoudemire. The two spent time talking during the All-Star practice session Saturday morning. When asked about the Cavs rumors, Stoudemire responded with a "no comment." Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Celtics also reached out to the Phoenix Suns about Amar’e Stoudemire, but don’t have the means to get a deal done. Yahoo! Sports

Steve Kerr and Danny Ferry met Friday at All-Star weekend, a sure sign that Cavaliers’ pursuit of Amar’e Stoudemire has intensified. But if anybody knows the downside of such a move, it’s Kerr. One snag in a possible pairing of Stoudemire and LeBron James in Cleveland would be another kind of pairing that’s already been tried and didn’t work. Shaquille O’Neal and Stoudemire could not co-exist in Phoenix, one of many reasons Kerr was forced to undo his mistake and send Shaq to the Cavs. CBSSports.com

According to sources, there’s a fear among some members of the Cavs’ organization that, while Stoudemire would be a good long-term pairing with LeBron, incorporating him on the floor with Shaq might present too difficult an adjustment for the rest of the season. In Phoenix, Shaq and Stoudemire were unable to make the low-post, high-post thing work – and that was with a world-class point guard, Steve Nash. With the Cavs, Shaq and Amar’e clogging the middle might frustrate LeBron and turn him into too much of a jump shooter. CBSSports.com

The Cavs brass are said to be consulting LeBron on all matters Amar’e, and it’s possible that James will be able to sell GM Danny Ferry and coach Mike Brown that he could make it work. Having said that, sources say the Miami Heat’s interest in Stoudemire has not waned. Miami, though, has the luxury of possessing enough cap space to sign a marquee free agent to pair with Dwyane Wade this summer. The Cavs are capped out and would only be able to give LeBron another top-shelf free agent through sign-and-trades. CBSSports.com

But getting back to Jamison. The Wizards have to think long and hard about how they would benefit from keeping Jamison, who will make $28 million over the next two seasons. He will be 35 at the end of his deal and this could be their best chance to move him. I had a recent conversation with a rival league executive who told me that the Wizards' asking price for Jamison is unreasonable for a 33-year-old player "on a bad contract." The executive told me that whenever a team starts asking for too much, they are usually reluctant about making a deal happen. Barring some mindblowing deal, Jamison should stick around. CBSSports.com

But the Wizards aren't necessarily looking to just move high-salaried players. One team insider told me that the Wizards would have to eventually consider breaking up the foursome of Andray Blatche, Nick Young, Dominic McGuire and JaVale McGee. Washington Post

And, I heard from two sources that the Wizards reached out to the Charlotte Bobcats, offering Blatche for point guard D.J. Augustin. That conversation didn't go very far, but it is interesting to see where the Wizards go from here. Washington Post

A league source informed me that the Wizards would like make a few more tweaks between now and Thursday. Jamison is obviously the name that will be mentioned several times over the next few days. And, he's probably looking around wondering what became of the team he joined he joined in the summer of 2004. Washington Post

The Wizards (17-33) had begun the season aiming as high as a fourth-place finish in the East. Instead, the team has decided to "jumpstart summer right now by getting rid of a lot of dead wood," said a source close to the team on Friday. "When you do that now, you give the scars time to heal. Why hang on to everybody. It's quite obvious this group is pretty much done with themselves, as it's constructed." Washington Examiner

The Lakers have tried to move Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic to shed some salary before Thursday’s trade deadline. One league source the Lakers have even had discussions with one of their Pacific Division rivals: the Blazers. The Blazers, the source said, seem more focused on landing a big man. Yahoo! Sports

Right now, multiple sources have said, the Cavs are still working hard to assemble three-team trades. They have been in direct talks with the Phoenix Suns about Amare Stoudemire, the Indiana Pacers about Troy Murphy and the Washington Wizards about Antawn Jamison. But they also are involving the Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers in trying to set things up. In recent weeks the Cavs have also had expanded talks with the Chicago Bulls about making them a partner. If that seems like a wide net, it is supposed to be. Cleveland Plain Dealer

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That source and another said the C’s have checked to see what Allen and his expiring contract are worth on the market. “It’s pretty clear from talking to them that they still think he can play - and not just this year,” said the latter. “Danny (Ainge) says he’s reluctant to trade him, and I believe him. But I think they know if they want to make something big happen they have to be willing to (talk) about Allen. So much of this is about contracts and when things expire.” Numerous reports said the Celtics have been trying to get 6-9 Antawn Jamison from Washington, but that does not appear to be the case. Multiple sources insist the Celts have never had such interest. Boston Herald

Eddie House has struggled with his shot at times, but the Celts believe that will come around. They know, however, he will never be a defensive stopper, and it is more than likely that issue will push them toward a move. Said one league source, “I think it’s pretty clear they have some concerns about House. They like what he can do, and I think they like Tony Allen, too. But from what they’re talking about with teams, it looks like they’re trying to make an upgrade.” Boston Herald

Also, a team source confirmed that Celtics coach Doc Rivers and Bobcats coach Larry Brown have talked about how their teams possibly match up in a trade. The Bobcats have a surplus of point guards (D.J. Augustin, Raymond Felton) and are seeking a center or power forward. Brown has long been interested in Rasheed Wallace. Boston Globe

The Celtics also have inquired about the availability of Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis, Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Martin and Philadelphia 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala. None of the talks have become substantive. Yahoo! Sports

Ric Bucher at the All-Star Game: "Joe Johnson's quiet nature has extended to his place in the 2010 free-agent class: most talent experts around the league consider him one of the three best shooting guards in the league, but his name generally hasn't been grouped with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and the other superstars expected to be available this summer. Some of that could be because the belief around the league is Johnson will elect to re-up with the Hawks or go to the Knicks, where he has a chance to be the mega-star he -- again, quietly -- believes himself to be. It's a matter of comfort for Johnson, said one GM. Johnson would go to New York because he has a good relationship with Mike D'Antoni from when they were in Phoenix together and he knows he could thrive in D'Antoni's system. But he also supposedly likes everything about his situation in Atlanta as well. Don't put him in the mix to join Derrick Rose in Chicago, the GM said: too many unknowns, including the prospect of being second banana to Rose." ESPN.com

The Knicks continue to pursue Thomas in a package that would send Al Harrington and his $10 million expiring contract to Chicago. Harrington’s movement-killing tendencies on offense are frustrating coach Mike D’Antoni, who believes Thomas’ length and athleticism would be a good long-term fit. In any event, D’Antoni would get to look at Thomas in his system for the rest of the season before deciding whether to retain him as a restricted free agent. CBSSports.com

There’s hope in some circles that talks between the Rockets and Bulls on a deal centering around Tracy McGrady and Tyrus Thomas could be rekindled, although one source with knowledge of the situation said Saturday that Houston’s interest in Thomas could be separate from any McGrady scenario. McGrady’s $23 million expiring contract would help the Bulls amass the kind of cap space they’re seeking in their bid to lure two max free agents this summer. But several other teams – Portland, San Antonio, and Denver – could have more to offer. CBSSports.com

The Heat has had trade discussions with Phoenix, Memphis, Houston, Portland, Charlotte, Sacramento and Boston, league sources said. Arison would not name players Miami has offered, but Miami has about $40 million in expiring contracts and as many as two first-round draft picks to barter. If Beasley is not in play, any major trade essentially would have to involve the expiring deals of center Jermaine O'Neal ($23 million), forward Udonis Haslem ($7 million) or swingman Quentin Richardson ($8.7 million). Miami Herald

``We're doing a lot of talking right now,'' Arison said of the chances Miami would make a trade. ``I wish I knew. There are a lot of interesting things going on. We've put some offers out there, but nothing's happened. When the other side says yes at some point, we've got a deal. If we don't get one of the guys we like, keep our flexibility.'' Miami Herald

Although the Sixers have managed to stay out of the current trade-rumor mill, they're far from shut down as this trading deadline approaches. According to one source, they're progressing forward on a few options. Change is not necessarily likely, but possible. Philadelphia Inquirer

Sources say the Knicks could have moved Nate Robinson to the Grizzlies a few weeks ago, but he told them he wants to remain in New York. His contract gives him the right to make that call. . . . This just in from column contributor Richie Kalikow: Karen Sypher has endorsed Rick Pitino to Nets. Says he brings a lot to the table. New York Post

Caron Butler is moving on with mixed emotions. The Racine native was traded Saturday by the Washington Wizards to the Dallas Mavericks in a seven-player transaction. Butler, a two-time All-Star, said he's delighted to be joining a championship-caliber team in the Mavericks, who are hoping Butler is the missing piece to a title run. "I'm very happy to be headed to Dallas and having a chance to compete for a title,'' Butler said in a text message. "I've truly been blessed to play here in Washington.'' Racine Journal-Times

Nash on the possibility of fellow West All-Star starter Amar’e Stoudemire being traded: “Amar’e is a huge part of our team. He is one of the most unique players in the league with his athleticism, skill level, ability to shoot and finish. I’m always under the impression that it’s a salary thing. Obviously, Amar’e wants the max and ownership, you know, I guess could say doesn’t think it could afford that. To me, that’s the underlying relationship.” Arizona Republic

Steve Nash was operating on "a couple half-hours" of sleep after traveling from his Olympic torch lighting. For a semblance of rest, he did not attend the practice for Saturday's Skills Challenge. And in the contest, he almost looked to be coasting, or dozing, through the point-guard contest's obstacle course. But Nash can't help but be efficient, and he beat three guards - Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook and Brandon Jennings - who are between 11 to 16 years younger than him. Nash downed Williams in the final round, taking his second Skills Challenge title. Arizona Republic

With teammates Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo sitting courtside, Pierce used gamesmanship to disrupt the rhythm of his opponents. Pierce knocked a ball off the rack and pulled the velcro on one of Curry’s shoes when Curry had a chance to surpass Pierce in the final round. “My theme was I was trying to get in their heads over there,’’ Pierce said. “I was talking to them, unlacing their shoelaces, throwing the ball off the ball rack, anything to try to get an edge, it seemed to work.’’ Boston Globe

Allen Iverson withdrew from the All-Star game (he missed the Sixers' last four) because his 3-year-old, Messiah, has a heart infection. I'm told doctors can't figure it out and her condition is worsening. . . . Another hospital report from Philadelphia: Earl Monroe underwent sinus surgery last week. He has gone under the knife 26 times in his life and needs two more in upcoming months to alleviate neck/vertebrae problems. Man, am I glad I couldn't play at Earl's level. New York Post

Gasol on Saturday called Kaman's remarks "unfortunate.'' But he called the matter closed, and said he doesn't need to discuss it with Kaman. "Circumstances. Coincidence,'' Gasol, in his third All-Star Game, said of Kaman having been added to his first. "Things happen that way, and I'm happy to be here. I'm happy that everybody else is here. That is what it is. It's pretty ironic how things turn out in life. "I think it was an unfortunate comment on (Kaman's) part. I think he realized afterward that he kind of made some remarks after the All-Stars were named, saying that, 'I (Kaman) really belong here and I deserve to be here.' But nobody commented on it. They want to talk about the other things. We all make unfortunate comments sometime. What he said might have been right but that's not on him to decide or make that call.'' FanHouse

"I didn't mean nothing by it,'' Kaman said. "I'm not malicious. I just felt like in a situation where you don't get a lot of minutes with any guy in the league, it's tough. It's tough for a guy out there working like Zach Randolph (of Memphis, who was named an All-Star reserve and hasn't missed any games this season).'' FanHouse

Atlanta center Al Horford said he could understand why some Bucks fans were upset that he, instead of Bucks center Andrew Bogut, was chosen as a replacement player on the Eastern Conference All-Star game. "I can't control how the coaches feel and how they pick players,'' said Horford, the son of former Bucks center Tito Horford. "Bogut is having a great year. Bogut is a great player. "I feel my team is having a really good year and the coaches acknowledged that by picking me.'' Racine Journal-Times

The Celtics were in New Orleans to play the Hornets last Thursday, which turned out to be great luck for Louisiana native and Saints fan Glen Davis. He was able to attend the Saints' Super Bowl victory parade. "Yeah, well, they thought he was a float," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said, poking fun at the forward's girth. "Sorry, I couldn't resist." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Barry's shining moment with the Clippers came during his rookie year when he won the 1996 Slam Dunk Contest when he connected on a slam dunk from the free-throw line while wearing his warm-ups. "I think this is actually the same one I wore. They just regurgitated it," said Barry, now an analyst for TNT. "It's sad. I was just thinking if we would have won the two Clippers trophies would have been my slam dunk title and the Hair Shooting Stars trophy. That's not a good thing." ESPN.com

Brandon Jennings: I just want everybody to know, im far from being jealous. Of any rookie, I respect every rookie, cause everybody we had a weak DRAFT. Twitter.com

Brandon Jennings: And Im not hating on tryeke because he got MVP! he played great. i just thought blair should have got it to. both of them. Twitter.com

Jason Richardson: Last tweet bout SDC but am I the only person that heard Charles Barkley say no one should of won. LMAO Chuck is brutally honest!!!! Twitter.com

Terrence Williams: I did that shannon brown dunk in a game lol. Twitter.com

Jason Thompson: Didn't like Round 1. If this keeps up, this may b Top 5 worst Dunk Contests. Will C though. Twitter.com

Nash to Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver after his Skills Challenge win: “So what’s my bonus for winning this?” Arizona Republic

He often has played second fiddle. But Deron Williams can't stand anything shy of first place. Matt Mitnick — best friend since the two were in day care together, close confidante and frequently nearby right-hand man — knows. Oh, does he know. "Everything we ever do is a competition," said Mitnick, whose business card says "Personal Assistant" on one side and "Special Projects Coordinator" for Williams' Point of Hope foundation on the other. "Everything from playing pingpong to playing basketball, football, baseball. Cards, dominos, whatever. "He gets real mad if I beat him in anything," Mitnick adds, "so I try to help his ego and let him win as much as I can." Deseret News

Even Jazz coach Jerry Sloan admits Paul-Williams was a close call. "We had to pick somebody. It wasn't an easy decision," he said. "He (Williams) and Chris Paul were terrific players. You could see that. "You could see what they had the ability to be able to do. They're so quick and have a lot of things going for them. So how do you make that decision? You have to pick somebody. That's all there is to it. "Everybody can have their wants, whatever," Sloan added. "We picked Deron. It wasn't anything we didn't like about Chris Paul. "We made a decision, and we had to live with it." Deseret News

"Championship is the No. 1 goal. He would give up all the individual goals for a championship. The gold medal was huge to him. "Obviously that was bigger than making the All-Star team. But I know his next goal is definitely an NBA championship, and then to get another gold medal in 2012 in London." It's through international play that Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan — an assistant on the '08 Olympic staff — came to appreciate Williams' ways. "He's confident, and he believes in himself, his ability," McMillan said. "But, you know, he's a humble guy — and he has an open mind to learning. Deseret News

Seeing how their paths have split since that season is a lesson in how funny the league is. “I was fortunate to be in a great situation,’’ Rondo said. “Being drafted 21 was better than being drafted in the top three or four. I probably would have been on a team that wasn’t as good. Even though we weren’t good my first year, we made a change in one year and won a championship. “I was very, I guess you would say, immature, but I matured each year. I came in the league at 20 years old. I’m just trying to continue to learn more.’’ Boston Globe

Colangelo's simonized reputation precedes him on the fast break. He's the former head coach and owner of the Suns, and everything executive in between. He took charge of USA Basketball and assembled the Redeem Team that won the 2008 Olympics, and has the attention and respect of Mike Krzyzewski. "Coach K is definitely Prokhorov's first choice to coach the Nets," attests a person with long-term ties to the Duke of Durham who celebrated his 63d birthday yesterday while working the Blue Devils bench (against Maryland) for the 1,000th time. After exhaling, my source then proceeded to shoot shot down any chances of that happening. "Why in the world would Mike take the Nets job when he turned down the opportunity to coach Kobe Bryant and the Lakers several years ago? "I can't envision him going pro at this point. A bigger downside is the fact Mike has three daughters and seven grandchildren, and they all live in Durham. He's all about family. If he moved, he wouldn't get to see them nearly as much." New York Post

David Stern couldn't have been more definitive - he expects the Charlotte Bobcats to be sold "within the next 60 days or so." The team has been up for sale to one extent or another since last spring. Sources say multiple bidders - including managing partner Michael Jordan and a group led by former Houston Rockets president George Postolos - are negotiating with majority owner Bob Johnson. Responding to an Observer question at Saturday's news conference, Stern said of Jordan, "I like the level, (the) increased level, of Michael's involvement and if Michael were a buyer, that would be a good thing." Charlotte Observer

Responding to an Observer question at Saturday's news conference, Stern said of Jordan, "I like the level, (the) increased level, of Michael's involvement and if Michael were a buyer, that would be a good thing." Stern would not comment further on possible bidders except to say "serious negotiations" are taking place. Charlotte Observer

Stern on Saturday rolled out another figure he believes needs to be out there: $400 million. That's the total amount of money he says NBA teams will lose this season. And, over the next four years, he's projecting losses of at least $200 million per season. Stern often doesn't like to deal in such negatives. But he felt compelled to throw out that figure, which he said has been provided to the players union, a day after union director Billy Hunter said a collective bargaining proposal by the NBA that wanted to drastically cut player salaries was unacceptable. FanHouse

"We had assured the players that we would deliver a proposal that was one that would lead to that sustainable business model [the NBA needs during this economic downturn]," Stern said about negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement to replace the existing one, which expires June 30, 2011. "Our response is you can denounce it, tear it up, you can burn it, you can jump up and down on it, as long as you understand that it reflects the financial realities of where we are. "We have shown the players the facts, and, at our current level of revenue devoted to players' salaries, it's too high. I can run from that, but I can't hide from that. And I don't think the players can, either." FanHouse

While Hunter also called Friday's meeting "heated,'' Stern said this "wasn't in the top three of contentiousness'' of meetings he has been a part of in 26 years as commissioner. "I would give [Friday's] meetings high marks on the list of theatrical negotiations,'' Stern did say about union tactics. Stern said the union brought in a lawyer who threatened that the union could be dissolved and the NBA sued for antitrust violations. But Stern didn't seem too concerned about that. "The lawyer was brought in to threaten us as a tactic to say ... the union is going to go away, that's going to make you bargain harder,'' Stern said. "The right adjectives were thrown around, and our proposal was appropriately denounced." FanHouse

To this point, James' interest in the collective business of the NBA has been quite limited. He's been way more interested in development of his own brand with his own sponsors and projects. Not anymore. James was one of 10 All-Stars who surprisingly canceled previous commitments to attend a negotiation session with the owners Friday afternoon in Dallas. Their presence sent a message and James was the loudest. As the youngest superstar, James is soon likely going to become the highest-paid player in the league and that gives him plenty of reasons to be interested, but also plenty of power in the process if he wants it. Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Hopefully, I'll have a big role in the discussions," James said. "It won't just affect me, but every guy that is part of the NBA. There's a lot of meetings this weekend and I'm going to spread the word to my team that this is a very serious matter to all players." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Mike James: Leaving Dallas it's crazy. Went to the players meeting. We feel strong and confident. We have man power and were united. Twitter.com

Gery Woelfel: When I asked Mavs owner Mark Cuban if All Star game would draw 95,000, he smiled and said "It'll be more than that." Twitter.com

Gery Woelfel: NBA communications czar Brian McIntyre tells me more than 1,850 media credentials were issued for All Star weekend. Twitter.com

Luc Mbah a Moute: I'm soo happy about the NBA opening an office in Africa. The furture is bright! It's time for the motherland to take over. Twitter.com

James' and his marketing firm, LRMR, announced his second endorsement deal in the last month. This one is with Columbus-based American Signature Inc., which operates Value City Department stores in Ohio. James and his longtime girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, will be developing a line of home furnishings for the company. Cleveland Plain Dealer

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