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Monday, February 15

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The New York Knicks are getting closer to reaching the Houston Rockets’ demands for Tracy McGrady and his $23 million expiring contract, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Knicks and Rockets have designed the framework of a deal that would unload New York’s Jared Jeffries Jordan Hill and either Al Harrington or Larry Hughes for McGrady, Joey Dorsey and Brian Cook. Yahoo! Sports

The completion of the deal isn’t imminent, but sources involved in the discussions are increasingly confident that after months of back and forth, which intensified over All-Star weekend, an agreement is within reach. TNT’s David Aldridge first reported that talks between the teams had picked up. Yahoo! Sports

Rockets GM Daryl Morey would get Hill, the untested eighth pick in the 2009 draft, and first-round picks that could prove valuable. This will get the Rockets a significant measure of value for McGrady, who they exiled in December. McGrady, sources said, is excited about the possibility of joining the Knicks. Yahoo! Sports

What's important in the McGrady situation is that there are some members of the Knicks organization who think McGrady can still play, others who want to go to Tim Grover's gym and take a closer look. As of last week, the Rockets hadn't granted anyone permission to inspect T-Mac in Chicago. ESPN.com

Tracy McGrady's chances of being traded to the Knicks are "50-50," according to a source, as team executives return home from All-Star weekend Monday to strategize before Thursday's trade deadline. CBSSports.com

Marc Stein: RT @Amareisreal: I play very well with Shaq. ... You guys can stop saying we don't play well together (DIRECT FROM AMARE) Twitter.com

Brian Widnhorst: Contrary to reports, sources say Amar'e Stoudemire has not told Cavs he doesn't want to play in Cleveland. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnaroski: Source close to Stoudemire says he's completely open to Cleveland, loves idea of playing with LBJ and has never indicated otherwise to Cavs. Twitter.com

A source said the five-time All-Star center let it be known that he does not want to come to Cleveland. The Cavs have reportedly been informed of that news and have gone in another direction. News-Herald

They had reportedly offered center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, promising young power forward J.J. Hickson and another player to the Suns for Stoudemire. The source said judging from the changing winds of the NBA, it's not totally out of the question that the Cavs could still make a deal for Stoudemire. News-Herald

One thing that could change Stoudemire's thought process, the source said, would be if the Cavs offered a contract extension. Stoudemire is supposedly seeking a three-year, $60 million extension. News-Herald

Sources say chances remain strong that the Cavs land either Jamison or Stoudemire by Thursday as they try to add one more piece to fortify LeBron James for a championship run. Speaking after the All-Star Game Sunday night, Stoudemire fondly recalled having played with James on the 2004 Olympic team, and the possibility of a reunion with James and Shaquille O'Neal -- Stoudemire's former teammate in Phoenix -- dominated the All-Star story lines. CBSSports.com

The Suns, hamstrung by uncertainty over whether Stoudemire will exercise his early termination option after the season, are weighing whether to take a chance on retaining him or securing assets they can build with in his absence. When Suns owner Robert Sarver told CBSSports.com Sunday night, “It’s definitely an important decision,” he wasn’t kidding. CBSSports.com

Given that the Suns are telling rival executives that retaining Stoudemire remains on the table as an option, Cleveland has maintained contact with the Wizards amid strong indications that Washington is now committed to moving Antawn Jamison for a package that will yield not only financial flexibility, but also a young asset. The Knicks, another source said, also remain involved with the Bulls regarding Tyrus Thomas -- among the most likely players to be traded by Thursday because of his problematic status as a restricted free agent after the season. Denver, Houston, and Charlotte also have inquired about Thomas, and the Spurs are believed to quietly ready to pounce with an offer in their bid to add much needed length and athleticism to their frontcourt. CBSSports.com

Blazers offering Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw and likely cash to Clippers for Marcus Camby, league source tells Y! Sports. Twitter.com

As the Portland Trail Blazers make trade proposals around the league, one name keeps popping up: Steve Blake. This time, Blake has been offered with Travis Outlaw to the Los Angeles Clippers for center Marcus Camby, a league source told Yahoo! Sports. It’s also believed that the Blazers will add cash to the bid. All three players have expiring contracts, so it would likely take an additional ingredient – cash and or a second-round draft pick – to convince the Clippers to give up Camby for this package. Yahoo! Sports

The Blazers have been searching for some inside help to deflect the blow of losing centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla to knee injuries. The Clippers have been trying to attach guard Sebastian Telfair to any deal with Camby, but it’s highly improbable that Portland would take back Telfair, who started his career with the Blazers. Yahoo! Sports

The San Antonio Spurs’ front office is working with Roger Mason’s agent to trade the veteran guard to a team where he can have a significant role. “Roger had a terrific season last year after the Spurs had a bunch of injuries, and now that everyone is back healthy and his minutes are limited, the Spurs are trying to do the right thing and find a good spot for him,” Mason’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told Yahoo! Sports on Monday. Yahoo! Sports

One league executive says there’s “significant” interest from other teams in dealing for Mason. Yahoo! Sports

Adrian Wojnaroski: Spurs working to help accommodate Roger Mason with a trade, agent Mark Bartelstein tells Y! Minutes down, wants to play. Spurs cool with it. Twitter.com

The Miami Heat is heavily involved in trade discussions with multiple teams, but it is not inclined to deal forward Michael Beasley before Thursday's deadline. Heat owner Micky Arison confirmed Saturday that Miami is in the middle of numerous proposals, but he denied that Beasley is being shopped in any of the deals being discussed. 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

Celtics president Danny Ainge has said it's "unlikely" that his team will pull off a deal before the deadline. But numerous GMs around the league say Boston has been active in trying to make things happen. To quote one general manager who spoke with Ainge in the past 48 hours, "I get the feeling Boston's getting desperate." ESPN.com

Sam Amick: On trade front, remains quiet for #nbakings but could heat up next few days. Martin still not going anywhere-I'm tracking K9 and Noc. Twitter.com

Portland is the team out there seeking a big man, but they are not offering a lot. I am told the best offer they make for Brendan Haywood was Steve Blake and the rights to Petteri Koponen. I'm sure they could get Diop for less, but he is owed nearly $21 milion over the next three years, so I don't see Portland or anyone else having much interest. ESPN.com

As I mentioned in today's live chat, the Washington Wizards are not done dealing. And their next priority is moving $2.6 million in salary to get below the luxury tax line. For practical purposes, that means they are trying to include Mike James and his expiring $6.47 million contract in a package with Antawn Jamison ($11.6 million) and/or Mike Miller ($9.8 million), and they'd do a lopsided trade that favored the other team if it got them under the tax. ESPN.com

Also, the league office has clarified its gray area stance on the tradeability of Javaris Crittenton, telling the Wizards it is highly unlikely any trade involving the suspended Crittenton and his expiring contract would be approved. (The league office would not, however, stand in the way of a Gilbert Arenas trade, since Arenas has several years remaining on his contract.) Washington had been led to believe otherwise, but it is a moot point anyway because the Wizards do not have any deals on the table involving Crittenton. ESPN.com

First, there aren't a lot of great point guards available right now. The Bulls' Kirk Hinrich has been the name most associated with the Lakers' trade rumors, and L.A. has explored smaller deals, such as one for the Pacers' Earl Watson. Second, a deal could be costly. The Lakers already have the highest payroll in the league and would prefer to avoid adding more long-term commitments. ESPN.com

The word out of the All-Star Game late Sunday had the Lakers recruiting the Portland Trail Blazers as a third team in trade talks with the Bulls. According to one source familiar with the discussions, the Lakers would get Hinrich, the Bulls would get Adam Morrison, Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw and Juwan Howard, and the Blazers would land Tyrus Thomas and Sasha Vujacic. Such a deal would lessen the amount of money the Lakers would be adding to their payroll next season. ESPN.com

Do you think the Heat will make any trades before the deadline? Your question is quite timely Troy, because they might make one by the end of the day. They have a $4.26 million trade exception from the Marcus Banks deal, and it expires tonight at 11:59 p.m. As for their intrest in Stoudemire, it would have to be in a deal centered around Jermaine O'Neal going back, since Mickey Atison spoke so strongly over the weekend of Michael Beasley as one of the key foundation pieces. ESPN.com

Yahoo! Sports reported that the Denver Nuggets are interested in Wallace, and several other teams could use a rebounder/defender of Wallace's stature. Yahoo! Sports reported that the Denver Nuggets are interested in Wallace, and several other teams could use a rebounder/defender of Wallace's stature. Detroit News

It appears the Hawks will not attempt a similar splash. General manager Rick Sund has said he doesn’t expect to make any major moves before Thursday’s trade deadline. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Chicago Bulls have re-signed forward Chris Richard to a second 10-day contract, the team announced on Monday. Richard originally signed a 10-day contract with the Bulls on Feb. 5. The 6-foot-9, 256-pound forward has averaged 2.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game with the Bulls. ESPN.com

Chris Douglas-Roberts: Since my motto is "control what you can control"...my 2nd 1\2 of the season goal is to be the hardest working player in the league. Twitter.com

Chris, Do you buy Stern's woe is me tales from the owners and losing $400M. Would think that if this was true, more owners would be trying to sell so they wouldn't lose more money. Sounds like "fuzzy math" to me. I always take David at his word. The union does not, and the union doesn't believe Stern when he throws that number around. That general atmosphere of mistrust will be a key factor as this labor situation moves ahead. I have a column on the subject that'll be up on the ESPN.com main NBA page later today, so please go give it a read. ESPN.com

I've been told that the Cavaliers aren't the only team interested in Jamison. Miami has also expressed interest of late, according to a league source. Washington Post

“We can dream, can’t we?” said Wade provocatively, no doubt looking forward to the possibility of James joining him on South Beach to dominate the league. James was more subdued about the possibility. “[Wade]’s a great player,” said James. “You love to play alongside guys as great, guys that want to win, guys that compete at a high level every night. So we’ll see.” ESPN.com

“You see the connection that we both have,” said Wade. “Especially going to the basket [for] lobs and finding each other. I’ve played with him for a lot of years from the Olympics to the All-Star Game and it’s special every time. LeBron makes the game easier for all his teammates -- you see it in Cleveland, so I get to be his teammate for one day and I’m enjoying it. He’s one of the reasons I’m up here with the MVP award.” ESPN.com

Although the biggest names of the impending free-agent class are LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the player involved in the most speculation is Chris Bosh because it's assumed he'll leave the Toronto Raptors at the end of the season. ''It doesn't bother me,'' Bosh said of the speculation. ''I think it bothers the people of Toronto more so. I'm just curious as to why. Everywhere I hear, 'He's gone, he's gone,' and I just want to know why people say that.'' Chicago Sun-Times

The Phoenix Suns are getting closer to making a decision on the future of Amar’e Stoudemire, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the frontrunner to acquire the All-Star forward, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Multiple sources believe the Suns have decided to move Stoudemire before Thursday’s trade deadline and are simply positioning themselves to get the best possible offer. Yahoo! Sports

The Suns have had serious discussions on a trade that would send Stoudemire to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson, but sources say neither side has yet to commit that it will make the trade should the other give the nod. Nevertheless, the Cavs are the clear frontrunner over Philadelphia and Miami for the simple reason that Cleveland has an acceptable deal on the table for the Suns. Yahoo! Sports

So the Cavs are deeply considering a another major trade, their fourth in two years, one that would net them Phoenix Suns All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire. It is on the table, according to sources, but not done. Despite some reports of the deal being very "close," multiple league sources indicate neither side is certain what will happen. The Cavs cannot offer the best talent package, that could be the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers. Cleveland Plain Dealer

One source said James even probed Stoudemire over a month ago on his willingness to play a supporting role with the Cavaliers. Apparently, James liked Stoudemire’s response. Whatever issues that Stoudemire and Shaq had playing together for a season and a half in Phoenix are resolved to the satisfaction of the Cavs. Yahoo! Sports

The discussions between Cleveland and Phoenix make sense since Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry and Suns general manager Steve Kerr are former teammates with the San Antonio and close friends. They've also collaborated on deals in the past; most notably the Shaquille O'Neal deal last summer. But there is also speculation that the talk is actually a smoke screen to get the Wizards to give them Jamison. As I said before, there is a lot of posturing at this time. The Wizards did the same thing with Cleveland with all of those rumors about sending Butler and Jamison to Boston. Washington Post

If there’s one trade offer that would be likeliest to usurp the Cavs’ proposal, it would be the Philadelphia 76ers softening on their stance that they won’t include Andre Iguodala with Sam Dalembert in a package for Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa. The Suns had been receptive to that deal, despite the belief of some in the league that Phoenix owner Robert Sarver doesn’t want to take on future contracts, just shed them. Yahoo! Sports

Several league sources told CBSSports.com that the Suns remained in discussions with at least three teams -- Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia -- in a poker game that features Stoudemire as the grand prize. Two of his would-be teammates were on the court with him in the All-Star Game Sunday night -- James and Dwyane Wade. Another, Shaquille O'Neal, sat courtside and watched. CBSSports.com

While multiple league sources indicated there are other suitors for the Suns' talented big man, signs continue to grow that Stoudemire will be moved and that the Cavs are the leading candidate to land him. James, who scored 25 points in the Eastern Conference's 141-139 win over the Western Conference in the All-Star Game, said he's waiting on word that the deal has been finalized. "I'm aware of the talks just like everybody else," James said. "I don't get caught up into it until I hear from the GM that the deal has actually happened." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Sixers general manager Ed “Stefanski doesn’t want Stoudemire and [Elton] Brand together,” one source said. The Sixers also haven’t been pro-active about trying to get a three-team deal going. “A three-way would take effort on their part,” one league official said, “and they haven’t shown much of that yet.” Yahoo! Sports

The Miami Heat desperately want Stoudemire to play with Dwyane Wade, but don’t have a combination of young players, expiring contracts and picks that appeal to the Suns. The Heat are trying to find a third team to give the Suns an acceptable young player, but one league source involved in the process said, “It will have to include a piece I would be shocked to see them obtain.” Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland also is still considering deals for Washington’s Antawn Jamison and Indiana’s Troy Murphy. Despite some speculation, the Cavaliers haven’t had any dialogue with the Detroit Pistons about a three-way deal that would result with Richard Hamilton coming to Cleveland, a league source said. Yahoo! Sports

A follow-up question asked James if he would like to play with Stoudemire and whether he had talked to him this week. "Didn't talk about it at all this week with him," James said. "I think Amar'e has been hearing the trade rumors all season. That's the last thing I wanted to bring up with him about being traded or having -- being a teammate as he is. He's one of the premier athletes that we have in our game, but you know, we'll se if it happens. But it's all speculation. There's a lot of speculation that goes on. The only deal that has gotten done is between Dallas and Washington that we know for usre. Other than that, everything else is just talk." Arizona Republic

A source close to Ilgauskas insisted the issues he had with coach Mike Brown over where and when he would break Cleveland’s record for games played wouldn’t affect his desire to return. Yahoo! Sports

If Cleveland and Phoenix are unable to work out a deal, the Cavaliers reportedly have agreed to acquire Indiana forward Troy Murphy for Ilgauskas and Hickson. The team that picks up Ilgauskas would probably waive him, allowing him to go back to Cleveland in 30 days while providing salary-cap relief. Los Angeles Times

The Suns and Stoudemire camps exchanged contract extension proposals Friday in Dallas with the Suns offering an additional two years beyond Stoudemire's $17.7 million player option for the 2010-11 season. The Suns' main immediate basketball benefit in the mentioned trade scenario appears to be Hickson, a good pick-and-roll player who the Suns liked for his work ethic and toughness when he was in the 2008 draft and was taken 19th by Cleveland. The 21-year-old North Carolina State product has averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in about 21 minutes per game this season, including a 20-point game Thursday against Orlando. Arizona Republic

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.” Boston Herald

The Celtics are said to be focusing on getting a backup point guard (there will be more talk with Charlotte about D.J. Augustin). The team still believes Marquis Daniels can bring the ball up the floor, but is looking more at the problems at the other end of the court. Boston Herald

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The Bulls continue to be one of the few teams in dialogue with Houston regarding Tracy McGrady and his $22 million expiring contract. Brad Miller, a longtime favorite of Rockets coach Rick Adelman, would certainly be in the deal. The Rockets, who also are talking to the Knicks and 76ers, don't sound interested in Kirk Hinrich. Chicago Tribune

The NBA trade deadline arrives later this week and in Houston all eyes are on Tracy McGrady. While the Rockets organization is not commenting on any potential move regarding Tracy McGrady, two league sources told KPRC Local 2 February 12 and again Sunday night that McGrady, who is in Chicago, is preparing for a trade to the New York Knicks. KPRC Local 2

One source, who is very close to the McGrady camp, told KPRC Local 2 Friday that McGrady was prepared to travel to New York by the "middle of this week". KPRC Local 2

Another NBA league source confirmed with KPRC Local 2 that talks were held Sunday but it was unclear if the two sides were close to striking a deal. KPRC Local 2

As the Chicago Bulls prepare to trade forward Tyrus Thomas before Thursday’s deadline, the franchise’s front office has suggested to prospective bidders that they have a solid offer of a middling first-round pick and expiring contracts, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets made bids for Thomas over the weekend, league sources said. The Nuggets have actively searched for a big man in recent weeks, working to pry younger (DeAndre Jordan) and older ones (Antonio McDyess) and Ben Wallace) without success. Yahoo! Sports

Nevertheless, here are two developments to watch with Thomas: Several league executives suggested the Minnesota Timberwolves could be a sleeper for him. Minnesota general manager David Kahn has been researching Thomas and has plenty of assets – three 2010 first-round picks, multiple second-rounders and a host of expiring contracts – to make it happen. Once the Timberwolves trade Al Jefferson this summer, they can re-sign Thomas and plug him into the frontline with Kevin Love. Jefferson is expected to be traded for a talented, young small forward. Yahoo! Sports

The Clippers have made Al Thornton available, sources said, and are trying to package guard Sebastian Telfair in a deal with him or center Marcus Camby. Several teams have inquired about DeAndre Jordan, but the Clippers have no plans to move him. Yahoo! Sports

Here’s something else to watch: The Portland Trail Blazers were telling teams over the weekend they had a chance to acquire Los Angeles Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic and wondered whether teams might have an interest in obtaining him. This prompted several executives to suggest the Blazers were working on a three-team trade, including one Eastern Conference general manager who had been told the elements of the package included Thomas and Vujacic to Portland, the Bulls’ Kirk Hinrich to Los Angeles and the Lakers’ Adam Morrison, another expiring deal and a first-round pick to the Bulls. Yahoo! Sports

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a popular call for teams looking for a third team to aid in trades. Yahoo! Sports

According to league sources, the Celts were very much involved in discussions with Washington for Butler, essentially offering Ray Allen for the 6-foot-7 wingman and Brendan Haywood. But the Wizards decided on a deal that will send Butler, Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to the Mavericks for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross. Boston Herald

Terry, the league's Sixth Man of the Year last season, moved into the starting lineup last month after struggling and has since regained his shooting touch. Terry said he talked with coach Rick Carlisle over the weekend and agreed that that the Mavericks are better off with him coming off the bench. "I've been there," Terry said after playing wounded soldier Sgt. William Moleon in a game of EA Sports NBA Live that was broadcast on the massive video screens at Cowboys Stadium. "Why would you make a guy like that come in and make a huge adjustment? He's already making an adjustment to a new city. We want to make him as comfortable as we can to make the process as smooth as we can." ESPN.com

Sources say LeBron James likes David Lee and his work ethic, but that doesn't mean King James agreed the Knicks power forward should have gotten the nod over Shaquille O'Neal as an injury replacement for Allen Iverson. New York Post

When asked by The Post about Lee getting the nod over Shaquille O'Neal, James said, "It's an ongoing story about our franchise. We've always kind of been the butt of a joke -- before me being drafted and other guys coming along." James is the lone Cavalier in Dallas for All-Star Weekend, with commissioner David Stern making sure of it with his Lee pick. New York Post

In the end, it was a 141-139 win for the Eastern Conference. The super-sized spectacle dwarfed the skill. “The whole atmosphere,’’ said Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas Maverick who got the hometown warmed up by hitting the first two shots of the night. “I’ve never been in a gym this big. It was amazing how many people came out to support us and see this game and be a part of history. “It was unbelievable. Usually in All-Star Games not everybody is going to shoot and warm up, but if you looked an hour before the game [almost all of the players were out] there shooting, because it’s so different in a huge dome with the background.’’ Boston Globe

“This one was just the wow factor,’’ Bosh said. “First off, the stadium. But the fact that everybody came out to watch it - I think they were expecting 80,000 or 90,000 or so - but to have 108,000, that’s just leaps and bounds above what we expected.’’ Boston Globe

Kaman said Cowboys Stadium was the most amazing venue he had experienced besides the National Stadium in Beijing known as the Bird's Nest. "This is probably the sickest place in North America for this kind of thing," Kaman said. "It's unbelievable." Los Angeles Times

There were no uncomfortable moments between Chris Kaman and Pau Gasol this weekend after the Clippers center had criticized the selection of the Lakers forward as an All-Star reserve. They greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries before playing together for the West. "It wasn't really awkward," Gasol said. "We all make comments sometimes that are not very fortunate. He made some comments after the selections were presented and he was lucky that injuries got him in. So he should be happy and thankful to be here just as much as I am." Los Angeles Times

Kaman said he wasn't attacking Gasol last month when he said the forward "shouldn't be in it at all" after missing 17 games because of injuries. Kaman was not selected as an All-Star reserve but was later added as a replacement for injured Portland guard Brandon Roy. "I was just saying that I was a little frustrated not being selected and not being on as good of a team but having better numbers and playing more consistently throughout the year," Kaman said. Los Angeles Times

Mike Trudell: Gasol said he was amazed at the arena, had a great time in the game and accomplished his goal of staying fully healthy. Twitter.com

A record three Slam-Dunk titles is enough trophies for Robinson, whose already campaigning to have Nets rookie and buddy Terrence Williams fill his void next season. Robinson is so close to Williams, he calls him "brother." "If he were in the dunk contest I know he probably would have won this one," Robinson said before the East's 141-139 victory in last night's All-Star game. "He's at home probably wondering why they didn't let [him] be in it. You're going to see a lot more of that kid." New York Post

The Cowboys cheerleaders attended Robinson's press conference and were with him on the TNT set, raising Robinson's profile some more with the trading deadline arriving Thursday because he's not a lock to stay a Knick. The Knicks are searching for a prototypical point guard, which they no longer consider Robinson. New York Post

Do you guys talk about Gil in the locker room? What's the feeling about whether he's coming back? Anyone talk to him? Nick Young: Yeah, I talk to him all the time. Gil was surprised (by the issues stemming from the gun incident), but didn't want to surprise people when the day comes (about a decision to stay with or leave the team). DC Landing Strip

Thunder All-Star forward Kevin Durant is all but guaranteed a spot on Team USA this summer for the World Championships in Turkey, according to USA basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo. "Durant has kind of separated himself,” Colangelo said. "If you look at his numbers and what he brings to the table... He came close to making it last time as a kid. So without overkilling this thing, I would just say I’m almost certain Durant will be part of our next squad regardless of who else is on it.” Oklahoman

Because some veterans have turned down opportunities to represent the USA in the past, Colangelo was asked if there are any concerns the Americans will continue to dominate international competition like the Redeem Team’s run to the gold medal in Beijing. "I don’t have any anxiety at all,” Colangelo said. "We’re going to field an excellent team. No matter who (commits to play), we have a lot of really good, young talent ready, chomping at the bit for an opportunity. The depth chart is really strong.” Oklahoman

Despite some speculation, New Jersey Nets president Rod Thorn will not fire GM/interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe over what departed assistant Del Harris publicly insisted was a failed plan to get him promoted to head coach and Vandeweghe back to his GM duties. “Rod has too much compassion to do it,” one league executive familiar with Thorn’s thinking said. Yahoo! Sports

Longtime Nets assistant Tom Barrise, who replaced Lawrence Frank for two games as interim coach, is the favorite to get the Fairleigh Dickinson University basketball job, a source said. Barrise has moved back upstairs into the front office. FDU is using an interim coach this season. Yahoo! Sports

Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing was an Eastern assistant last night. Though big names have been bandied about for the Nets' head coaching job, Ewing said he hasn't heard from them. "Hopefully they will bless me with at least an interview," Ewing told The Post. New York Post

Jerry Colangelo revealed Sunday that he would consider running an NBA team again, including the Nets, but only if he is given full control of the organization. "I would have to have full autonomy," Colangelo told the Daily News. "I'm not looking to become a general manager. But if the right job came along I'd be willing to talk to anyone. Life is all about opportunities." New York Daily News

Colangelo, a highly respected power broker within NBA circles, says he had not spoken with Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, who will become the Nets' new owner. There have been various reports that Colangelo is Prokhorov's first choice to run the club. Moreover, there is a belief that Colangelo, the director of USA Basketball, would then hire USA Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski to become the Nets' coach and GM. Krzyzewski, who once turned down the chance to coach Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, recently said he has no interest in the Nets job. New York Daily News

Nets president Rod Thorn met with associates of Prokhorov yesterday in Dallas, and though he would not comment on the proceedings, all indications are Thorn will get an opportunity to rebuild the league's worst team next season. In the final year of his contract, Thorn has made it clear that he would like to be back. Sources said Thorn may be flying to Vancouver today to meet with Prokhorov, who is there for the Olympics. New York Daily News

Vladimir Lisin, owner of OAO Novolipetsk Steel, leapfrogged Mikhail Prokhorov and Roman Abramovich to become Russia’s richest person with a fortune estimated at $18.8 billion, Finans magazine said. Bloomberg BusinessWeek

The NBA will open an office in Russia after the league approves the purchase of the New Jersey Nets by Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov, which is expected this spring. Sports Business Journal

The general consensus around the NBA owners is they will not cave to the players. Well-informed sources said the League's stance on changing the revenue structure is real, and while the mechanical parts defined by the NBA may not be in the final agreement, there is a reality the players will have to shed more than $300 million in costs in whatever deal gets put on the table. HoopsWorld

One person involved in the process said "it's easy for the owners to talk lockout when they can't sell tickets" suggesting that as things improve and more owners return to making money there may be less willingness to fight. One Insider joked that at 16 months it was pointless to get caught up in the posturing, because the deal that gets done won't take shape until 16 hours before the old one expires. HoopsWorld

Stern said the NBA is losing $400 million this year and has lost at least $200 million a year for the four previous years. Other sources say that among the teams losing money by the barrel are Atlanta, Memphis, Detroit, Miami, Orlando, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Indiana, New Jersey, Minnesota, Charlotte, Milwaukee and Philadelphia. MSNBC.com

For a second, Cuban looked as if he would comply. But then he put it back in his pocket. "I'm going to frame it and put it on my wall,'' said Cuban, then indicating he might be one day willing to loan it to the Hall of Fame. FanHouse

"This is beyond my expectations,'' Jones said. "We knew we had the capacity. I've got to give a lot of credit to the fire marshal and everybody involved. It just shows you the interest in sports [in Dallas].'' FanHouse

Jones had put much of his trust in Cuban when it came to the All-Star Game in the $1.2 billion palace Jones built. Cuban previously had not wanted an All-Star weekend in the Dallas area because some of his season-ticket holders would not have gotten seats due to the NBA controlling the vast majority of tickets in traditional basketball venues. "He's the engine,'' Jones said of Cuban. "He's the man that made this happen. ... He's tremendously influential to me. When he said we want to do this, we immediately bought into it.'' FanHouse

Before Sunday night’s tipoff, as players from the East and West warmed up, I stood at center court alongside a beaming Jones. I asked him for his thoughts on the All-Star Weekend, and wondered – amid reports that this basketball-in-a-100,000-seat-football-stadium extravaganza might be a one-shot deal – if he thought DFW will get another opportunity at the event. “His answer would be ‘Yes,’’’ said Jerry, pointing a finger across the court to another powerful sporting decision-maker – NBA commissioner David Stern. DallasBasketball.com

With 108,713 in Cowboys Stadium, at premium prices up to $500 for however many of the field-level seats that weren't given to corporate sponsors, it was the biggest crowd for any game, or exhibition, in basketball history. An NBA source said 20% of the house was "comps" -- complimentary tickets -- but the gate could still reach $8 million . . . or about what the NBA made from the last four All-Star games. Los Angeles Times

You could say it all started with Dolph Schayes. And it's come to this. Schayes, a Hall of Famer who found out only a few months ago that in 1951 he scored the first basket in NBA All-Star Game history, looked on in bewilderment Sunday night when a basketball-record crowd of 108,713 packed Cowboys Stadium for the latest NBA All-Star Game. "I have mixed emotions,'' said Schayes, 81. "Basketball is secondary really. It's just a crowd, and entertainment takes precedence over basketball.'' FanHouse

The red ants lost. At least Brandon Lane knew that much about what was going on Sunday night at Cowboys Stadium. "I would probably compare this to watching ants,'' said Lane, 28, of Dallas, about watching an NBA All-Star Game in which the red-clad West team fell 141-139 to the East. FanHouse set out to find the worst seats in the venue for a game that attracted a basketball-record crowd of 108,713. Sherpa guides eventually led the way to section 431, row 22. FanHouse

There were no disagreements in that row that these were the worst seats in the house. The game was a mere rumor as fans looked down from the last row in a section that at least tied for the highest up while being beyond what way down below looked like the baseline. "They're the worst,'' said Mark Byous, 35, of New Orleans, seated next to Lane. FanHouse

"This is going to be in our hearts, our minds and our thoughts a long time," the East's Dwyane Wade, voted the most valuable player after a 28-point, 11-assist, six-rebound performance, said afterward. "First, it felt like you [were] on stage. We went out to warm up, you should have seen the looks on our faces. "We were all amazed, like wow! We were like kids. We were giddy." Los Angeles Times

Best line of the week came from an NBA executive mocking self-absorbed agent David Falk for taking public credit for proclaiming something that was obvious to everyone: The NBA was headed for labor strife. Said the executive: “He also told Naismith to put the peach basket over the doorway.” Yahoo! Sports

A source said the four Cowboys cheerleaders who appeared on court with Nate Robinson on his title-winning dunk Saturday have been invited by Robinson to sit courtside when the Knicks face the Mavericks in Dallas on March 13. New York Post

Donte Greene: As much as women talk about groupies on da road, yall sure r quick 2 run 2 all-star. Lmao hahahahaha. Twitter.com

Nima Zarrabi: Is there a dunker in the League out there that blows you away? Dominique Wilkins: A lot of them. LeBron James. Josh Smith. Shannon Brown—he’s a little guy that can go upstairs. [Where was it Saturday night?—Ed.] D-Wade. Guys who are just explosive. Those guys are unbelievable. Vince Carter too. Even though he’s older now and has had some knee problems, he’s still a hell of an athlete. SLAM

Zarrabi: Who really impresses you when you watch the NBA? DW: The players who love to play: Kobe, LeBron, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford. Those guys bring it every night. And when you bring it every night, that’s the mark of a great player. SLAM

Zarrabi: It seems rare that an NBA player of your stature would want to teach the game. I’ve heard a lot of great players say that they don’t have the patience for it. Dominique Wilkins: DW: I think that’s a major misconception. Most great players become great by having to teach themselves. When you can articulate that knowledge back to kids who can implement that in their own lives, you’re giving them an opportunity to do something that they love. It’s what they do now that will dictate the future. SLAM

Zarrabi: Talk about Larry for a minute. Obviously, Larry and Magic had their battles and there was a recent book dedicated to it. I felt like you and Larry had something very unique as well. DW: We did. I have a lot of respect for Larry Bird. He’s a good friend. Even from afar when we were foes, he was a guy that showed me a lot of respect as my career progressed. For me, it was a pleasure to play in the League during an era where we had some of the greatest small forwards in the history of the game, every night. Every night. And he was at the top of that list. SLAM

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