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Adrian
Wojnaroski: Cavs
get Jamison and Telfair, Clippers get Drew Gooden and Wash
gets Illgauskas, Al Thornton and Brian Skinner and Cavs 1st
round pick Twitter.com
The
Cleveland Cavaliers have reached agreement on a six-player,
three-team trade that lands them former All-Star forward Antawn
Jamison, league sources with knowledge of the talks told Yahoo!
Sports. The
Cavaliers are sending center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a first-round
pick to the Wizards. The Wizards also will receive Brian Skinner
and Al Thornton from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavaliers
will get point guard Sebastian Telfair from the Clippers.
The Wizards will send Drew Gooden to the Clippers Yahoo!
Sports
Adrian
Wojnaroski: The
Wizards also get the rights to former Cavs pick, Emil Preldzic Twitter.com
Adrian
Wojnaroski: The
Clippers plan to buyout Drew Gooden's contract and allow him
to become a free agent Twitter.com
The
Clippers will buy out Gooden Yahoo!
Sports
David
Aldrdige: Source: Clippers will NOT buy out Drew Gooden Twitter.com
Michael
Lee: Antawn
Jamison just left the Verizon Center Twitter.com
As Jamison
left the Verizon Center, he was asked to give a message to
the fans. "I
love them more than they love me," Jamison said, then
hopped into his car, in which Gooden was a passenger Washington
Post
Brian
Windhorst: While the franchise is happy to get a player like
Jamison, there
is a melancholy mood because today the Cavs traded Zydrunas
Ilgauskas Twitter.com
As talks
with the New York Knicks stalled on Wednesday night, the
Houston Rockets quietly recruited the Sacramento Kings as
part of a three-team trade discussion that would deliver Tracy
McGrady to the Chicago Bulls, league sources told Yahoo! Sports Yahoo!
Sports
In
the proposed trade, the Rockets would get Kenny Thomas, Andres
Nocioni, Beno Udrith and a Kings’ protected No. 1 draft
pick. Sacramento would acquire Tyrus Thomas, Brad Miller and
Salmons from the Bulls Yahoo!
Sports
Michael
Wallace: By dealing John Salmons, Bulls
begin cap clearing process to make solid run at D-Wade this
summer. Wade will be tempted Twitter.com
Art Garcia:
Big-man option: Former
Maverick & TCU great Kurt Thomas likely to be bought out
in Chicago Twitter.com
The
Cavaliers’ decision to acquire Jamison came a day after
talks between the teams intensified and shortly after the
Phoenix Suns informed Cleveland its offer for Amar’e
Stoudemire – Ilgauskas, J.J. Hickson, Danny Green and
a first-round pick – wasn’t good enough. One
source with knowledge of the Suns’ talks said none of
Phoenix’s trade options looked close – and that
the Suns have not ruled out keeping Stoudemire past Thursday’s
deadline Yahoo!
Sports
"All
I really want to do at this point is to help the Suns contend
for a championship and get the best out of our team,"
Stoudemire said before the game. "I think we can content
for a championship with the staff and the players we have
now we're doing a pretty good job HoopsWorld
Chris
Mannix: Word around the league is that every
GM with an expiring contract and a pick is going to call Phoenix
tonight Twitter.com
Two
sources told ESPN.com that the Suns called the Cavs this afternoon
and told them they had decided against sending Amare to Cleveland.
A few hours later the Cavs had completed a deal for Antawn
Jamison ESPN.com
The
source said the Miami Heat also haven’t come close to
putting together an enticing offer for Stoudemire Yahoo!
Sports
If the
Suns can't make a trade before Thursday's deadline, expect
Amare to be unhappy. "He's
going to be upset," one source familiar with the process
told ESPN.com. "He's been reading his names in the headlines
every day. He's been wooed by Dwyane Wade and LeBron. It's
time to move on." ESPN.com
Paul Coro:
Amare
said, "I haven't been told anything at all so I'm just
sitting and waiting." Still think there's
a 50-50 chance of a trade. Twitter.com
Adrian
Wojnaroski: The
Suns have told Amar'e Stoudemire that he is playing tonight
against the Dallas Mavericks, suggesting no imminent trade Twitter.com
A
league source tells TNT's David Aldridge that the
Chicago Bulls are about to trade swingman John Salmons to
the Milwaukee Bucks for forward Kurt Thomas and center Francisco
Elson NBA.com
According
to a source with first-hand knowledge of the situation, the
Houston Rockets were willing to trade McGrady and rookie guard-forward
Chase Budinger for Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert Philadelphia
Inquirer
Chris
Mannix: Nate's
a definite Celtic Twitter.com
Sam Amick:
Being
told the Sergio Rodriguez-to-Memphis talks have cooled .
Griz don't want to take him with cap room. Twitter.com
Sam Amick:
They
want Kings to take some combo of J. Tinsley ($1 million expiring),
Marcus Williams ($855K expiring) or Lester Hudson
($457K expiring). Twitter.com
With
center Erick Dampier out for an extended period, a source
said the
Dallas Mavericks plan to pursue Zydrunas Ilgauskas if he receives
a buyout from the Washington Wizards ESPN.com
The
Mavericks would also be interested in re-signing Drew Gooden,
whom they traded to Washington, if he negotiates a buyout ESPN.com
When Lakers
coach Phil Jackson was asked if he's had any discussions with
general manager Mitch Kupchak about new trade offers on the
table, he said the conversations have been about other teams
in the league and not the Lakers as Thursday's 12 noon PT
NBA trade deadline draws near. "Not
us," Jackson said. "We don't seem to have anything
going on in our arena. Everything seems to be going on everywhere
else so we just talk about that." ESPN.com
But,
by all indications, so far the Warriors aren’t eager
to trade Ellis, even if he would be interested in a new location,
if they’re beginning to realize he’s not a perfect
fit with Stephen Curry and if Memphis is very interested in
acquiring Ellis. According
to multiple NBA sources, the Warriors rejected Memphis’
intriguing offer of OJ Mayo + contract-filler San
Jose Mercury News
Ken
Berger: Marcus Thompson was all over proposed Mayo-Monta swap,
which 'Dubs rejected. Grizz
are busy ... also offering Mike Conley for expirings Twitter.com
But
Mayo, of course, is far from perfect: His defense, according
to one source, has been “dreadful” this season,
and he does like to have the ball in his hands almost as much
as Ellis San
Jose Mercury News
Gary
Washburn: House:
strong possibility i will be traded to new york tomorrow Twitter.com
Alan Hahn:
Source
indication that House-Giddens is "one of a bunch of scenarios"
involving #Celtics deal for Nate Robinson Twitter.com
Marc
J. Spears: The other missing part of the Nate Robinson-Eddie
House deal is expected to be Celtics guard J.R. Giddens Twitter.com
Eddie
House, speaking at Celtics practice this afternoon at UCLA,
just told the team media that his trade to New York for Nate
Robinson is almost complete. The
Celtics guard added that he could have remained at the team
hotel, but reported for practice in the event that the trade
didn’t go through. “I wouldn’t say it’s
a done deal, but there’s a pretty good chance it’s
going through,” said House’s agent, Mark Bartlestein.” Boston
Herald
One man
who will be particularly happy if House does indeed replace
Robinson in that space is Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni,
who coached House once before in Phoenix. “Mike
D’Antoni is a huge fan of Eddie,” said House’s
agent, Mark Bartlestein. “Mike told me on more than
one occasion that his greatest regret was letting Eddie go.” Boston
Herald
Marc J.
Spears: Agent
Bartelstien tells Y! he told C's House, barring something
unexpected he will be traded to NY tomorrow Twitter.com
Gary Washburn:
House:
i know knicks system . Twitter.com
Gary Washburn:
House:
i got a call from my agent this morning . Twitter.com
At this point, with less than 24 hours until the trade deadline,
at least one scenario amid the endless chatter involving the
Knicks is reaching the reality stage. According
to multiple sources, Nate Robinson is headed to the Boston
Celtics in a deal that is in the finalization stages Newsday
There
also was talk at the Garden that the
Knicks were discussing a trade with the Bulls that would send
Al Harrington to Chicago, with Harrington possibly being re-routed
to a third team ESPN.com
The Bulls
had been in discussions with the Spurs on a
deal that would have sent Salmons to San Antonio for Roger
Mason and Matt Bonner, but those talks died ESPN.com
Michael
Beasley, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 NBA draft, isn't
off to the kind of start he expected for his pro career. Beasley
is a complementary player for the Miami Heat, while his childhood
friend Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose, the player selected
ahead of Beasley, already have become stars. "Don't
get me wrong, I love the team I am playing for,'' said Beasley,
the subject of several trade rumors. "But I'm thinking
of what could have been. "Kevin and Derrick, their teams
just threw them the keys and they learned to drive alone.
Me? I'm going through driving class, and I've got to sit through
long lectures and stuff like that Statesman.com
Adrian
Wojnarowski: Bulls
have fallen out of consideration for TMac and Houston focus
on negotiating draft pick protection to complete NY deal Twitter.com
Adrian
Wojnarowski: "I
guess Chicago could emerge again," a source involved
in talks told Y! Sports, "but it doesn't look that way
now." Twitter.com
The
issue of protecting draft picks that would go from the Knicks
to the Rockets in a trade for Tracy McGrady loomed large Wednesday CBSSports.com
The Knicks
reported back to the Rockets Wednesday with parameters on
the level of protection they'd require on first-round picks
that would be included in the deal, and the Rockets were pushing
hard for less protection, two people familiar with the talks
said. Sources
have indicated that once the Rockets received New York's final
determination on pick protection, they would choose between
offers from the Knicks and Bulls for McGrady, whose $23 million
expiring contract is one of the most coveted assets before
Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline CBSSports.com
KC Johnson:
Bulls
management has told Salmons to remain at team hotel as it
works to finalize a trade . Won't play vs. Knicks.
Twitter.com
A small
group of reporters asked Derrick Rose is he’d talked
to John. Rose nonchalantly said no, then did a double-take
and asked what happened. “Man,
that’s crazy, just thinking a guy leaving before the
game here,” Rose said. “If he does get traded,
we’ll definitely miss him. “It hurts your team
a little bit, like when you have a game right after it Arlington
Heights Daily Herald
Though
several teams have been linked with Sacramento regarding point
guard Sergio Rodriguez, a person with knowledge of the situation
described it as "not imminent." CBSSports.com
The
New York Knicks have a deal in principle to send Darko Milicic
to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Brian Cardinal ESPN.com
Milicic
did not show up for tonight's game against the Bulls because
of the impending deal, a source said. Milicic hasn't played
since early December nor has he been in uniform. "Yes
the deal has happened," Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein,
said. "They really want to give him a chance. Darko's
a little gun-shy and surprised. "This is the culmination
of a real disappointment for him." New
York Post
The
two sides have yet to formally complete the trade and have
a trade call scheduled for Thursday morning ESPN.com
Everyone
with the Magic is still saying no deals are in the works.
Josh Robbins and I caught up with Anthony Johnson a few minutes
ago who added he doesn’t see his team making any moves.
“We
feel like we’ve got everything in this locker room,”
Johnson said. “We don’t think they’re going
to change it.” Orlando
Sentinel
Stefanski
maintained his stance of trying to acquire helpful players
rather than expiring contracts. As of this afternoon, he had
not been able to do that. He vowed to keep trying, although
it seemed as if he might have to settle for something less
than a major acquisition, perhaps adding an additional support
player. ''We're
going to pretty much stand pat, from what I understand [from
Stefanski]," coach Eddie Jordan said after practice.
He also distanced himself from the waves of speculation, saying
''I said from the beginning, I'm coaching the team that's
in the locker room.'' Philadelphia
Daily News
Funny
story from Johnson. When we asked he responded with a question
at first, asking if we’d heard anything. Apparently
a few times Johnson’s been traded he’s first heard
the news from reporters calling him. Then, a few minutes later,
the team will call Orlando
Sentinel
Brandon
Jennings: thinking about changing a lot of things, like
taking some of my tats off Twitter.com
Chris
Douglas-Roberts: "keep working on your game.You'll be
in this league as long as you want." & that's
from a HOF Coach. Yes yess Larry Brown. Yes yess Twitter.com
There
are indications the Cavaliers' chase of Amar'e Stoudemire
is about to reach a climax. While
the Phoenix Suns were still hoping to allow for more time,
both to weigh the big decision and to see if other bids for
the All-Star forward emerge, they are being pushed by both
Stoudemire and the Cavs to make up their minds Cleveland
Plain Dealer
According
to sources, as time runs out before Thursday's trade deadline
and with other trade options on the table that the Cavs need
to decide on, the organization has turned up the heat and
is attempting to get the Suns to take or leave the Cavs' trade
offer. It
is believed to center on Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson
but would involve one more player and perhaps a draft pick Cleveland
Plain Dealer
"I
think he is going to get traded," Walters told The Republic.
"The team is moving in that direction. That's the impression
we're operating with right now Arizona
Republic
Brian
Windhorst: There are some indications out there that the
Suns are getting close to giving Cavs an answer on Amar'e.
As in very soon Twitter.com
As of
Wednesday afternoon, the Wizards are waiting on the Cavs to
see whether those potential deals become an actual trade."The
ball is in Cleveland's court," one source told ESPN.com.
"If Cleveland comes back with a firm offer based on the
potential deals they discussed, I think the Wizards will move
Jamison." ESPN.com
A
Celtics source said there is a good chance that talks involving
a trade for Knicks guard Nate Robinson could stretch into
tomorrow. The Celtics also haven’t closed the door on
trading Ray Allen in a much bigger trade, though the source
characterized the Celtics’ stance on such a deal as
unlikely Boston
Herald
It's rare
that you hear a new name pop up on the trade front this late
in the game, but two
sources have told ESPN.com that the Grizzlies have let teams
know Mike Conley can be had in exchange for cap relief and
a good first-round pick ESPN.com
The
Miami Heat have indeed expressed interest in San Antonio's
Roger Mason, but the Miami deal that interested the Spurs
most is no longer possible ESPN.com
Kobe
Bryant said he will likely miss the Los Angeles Lakers' game
against the Boston Celtics on Thursday because of his sprained
left ankle ESPN.com
"He's
being personally wooed by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade,"
the source said. "On the other side, he's being actively
shopped by the Suns ESPN.com
Still,
sources close to the negotiations say that, right now, Cleveland
is the front-runner. Why? Because the Heat have yet to offer
the Suns a deal that would beat the Cavs' offer of Zydrunas
Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson ESPN.com
"I'm
not sure Miami is willing to pay the price for Amare,"
a Suns source told ESPN.com. "We have to get something
for him. We're not giving him away ESPN.com
Adrian
Wojnarowski: Knicks and Celtics still talking on Nate Robinson-Eddie
House Twitter.com
Adrian
Wojnarowski: "D'Antoni wants House, and (Boston) really
wants Nate Twitter.com
Alan Hahn:
Let's start over. Source says Nate-to-Celtics
is "close" but no specifics yet can be confirmed Twitter.com
Alan
Hahn: Nate Robinson trade with #Celtics done, I'm told Twitter.com
Nate trade
not "official" but done - and @WojYahooNBA says
may not finalize until tomorrow - but sounds
like it is House/2nd Rnd pick Twitter.com No
confirmations here yet, though . Twitter.com
Adrian
Wojnarowski: Celtics
and Lakers are discussing deals for Nate Robinson with the
Knicks Twitter.com
A
deal that would send Nate Robinson to Boston is "getting
close" according to a person close to the negotiations New
York Daily News
The
Timberwolves also inquired about a possible Darko Milicic-for-Brian
Cardinal deal ESPN.com
The Knicks
also had several other trades brewing Wednesday. Two
sources said the Celtics and Knicks are in advanced talks
about a Nate Robinson-for-Eddie House swap. However, both
sources stressed that a deal was not completed yet ESPN.com
There
has been speculation that the Cavs are not truly interested
in Stoudemire because they have yet to contact his agent,
Happy Walters, about whether Stoudemire would sign a long-term
deal with Cleveland. But
sources close to the situation say Stoudemire would be of
value to the Cavaliers regardless of his feelings about a
long-term contract ESPN.com
Ken
Berger: Non-McGrady update: Wiz waiting on Cavs to make up
their minds re: Jamison vs. Stoudemire Twitter.com
The Knicks
and Rockets spoke Wednesday morning about a potential Tracy
McGrady trade. Sources
familiar with the negotiations told ESPN.com that although
the Knicks told the Rockets they remain interested in acquiring
the shooting guard in a deal for Larry Hughes and Jared Jeffries,
they are still unwilling to meet all of the Rockets' demands
-- cap relief, Jordan Hill, the swapping of 2011 first-round
picks and the Knicks' 2012 first-round pick ESPN.com
Mike
Jones: Source
says Cavs still insisting on holding onto Hickson for now.
And nothing imminent Twitter.com
Sources
with direct knowledge of negotiations between the Cavaliers
and Wizards deny a report that the Cavs have made an offer
(Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamario Moon, first-round pick) for Antawn
Jamison ESPN.com
Phoenix
has been shopping Cleveland's offer around the league, basically
asking clubs whether they can top it. Miami is trying, and
Charlotte also tried to get in the discussions ESPN.com
As of
Wednesday morning, Knicks president Donnie
Walsh and Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan were
still deliberating the level of protection they'll require
on the 2011 and '12 first-round picks involved in their offer
for Tracy McGrady CBSSports.com CBSSports.com
The
situation was developing quickly Tuesday night, as another
person directly involved in the negotiations predicted only
hours earlier that Houston's decision would go "down
to the wire" between the Knicks and Bulls CBSSports.com
The
framework of the Bulls' offer is believed to include Brad
Miller, Tyrus Thomas, and either Kirk Hinrich or John Salmons
-- a combination reported Tuesday night by the Chicago Tribune CBSSports.com
Sources
say Philadelphia -- which has dangled Samuel Dalembert, Andre
Iguodala and Elton Brand in various deals -- has been less
involved in trade discussions over the last 48 hours SI.com
Chris
Mannix: Sixers
have been one of the most proactive teams this week but signs
pointing to them slowing down Twitter.com
"The
financial does not come into play," the Sixers president
said Tuesday NBA.com
Displeased
with the way he has fit into their system, the
San Antonio Spurs are attempting to trade forward Richard
Jefferson just days before the trade deadline SI.com
Milwaukee,
loaded with expiring contracts, is one of the more active
teams and is expected to make a deal before the Thursday deadline.
The
Bucks have interest in Indiana's Murphy, but the Pacers' asking
price is too steep . ESPN.com
Travis
Heath: Wrote last week that Ty Thomas was a long shot for
Nugs. After
having some conversations this morning that shot looks even
longer now Twitter.com
League
sources told SI.com on Tuesday that newly acquired forward
Drew Gooden is in the process of negotiating a buyout with
the Wizards SI.com
Alex Kennedy:
The
Orlando Magic have not shown interest in Charlotte Bobcats'
point guard Acie Law , according to a source close
to the situation. Twitter.com
Alex
Kennedy: While
C.J. Watson to Orlando has been rumored, his camp hasn't heard
anything and doubts that a deal will take place Twitter.com
I
spoke briefly with Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith
a few minutes ago, and he said nothing’s changed since
he spoke with the Sentinel’s Brian Schmitz yesterday Orlando
Sentinel
Speaking
of Pargo, the Bulls reserve guard could be headed out of Chicago,
his hometown, of his own accord, regardless of Thomas’
situation CSN
Chicago
I
spoke with Josh Howard for a good while on Tuesday afternoon.
He said he might have to settle for the No. 55, since Dominic
McGuire wears the No. 5 that he's worn since his senior year
in high school Washington
Post
Howard
said he always wanted to finish his career with the Mavericks,
but understands that few players are fortunate enough to do
that. He said he heard rumblings about the Mavericks looking
to move him for Caron Butler when the team came to Washington
in January (the infamous "Caron goes rogue" game).
"I
heard some talk," he said. "I done been through
so much, I don't pay that stuff no attention. A lot of times,
99 percent of what you hear ain't true, but that one percent
was true this time. Take it in stride." Washington
Post
Chris
Douglas-Roberts: GM y'all. Be productive. Nothing
is trifer than a lazy person Twitter.com
Nuggets
all-star Carmelo Anthony spoke today for the first time about
George Karl's latest fight against cancer, this time squamous
cell carcinoma in the coach's right tonsil that has metastasized
to a lymph node in his neck. "It's
tough — you never want to see someone close to you go
through a situation like this," Anthony said. "It's
unfortunate. Yeah, we want him here with us, but he's got
to take care of his health and family first. I think basketball,
right now, shouldn't even matter for him — just his
health is the first thing he should be worry about Denver
Post
Tom
Wilson has resigned as Detroit Pistons president and CEO of
Palace Sports & Entertainment Detroit
Free Press
“I
would like to wish all the best to Tom Wilson,” Karen
Davidson, wife of the late Bill Davidson, said in a statement.
“He
was close to Bill personally and professionally and was instrumental
to this organization’s growth, reputation and success.” Detroit
Free Press
So this
made it a bad morning for Mikky. He wanted a medal. Some wrote
that he demanded a medal. In one interview, the author inferred
that heads would roll on the coaching staff if the team didn’t
repeat its recent success it had in a competition in Slovenia.“In
our (best) discipline, the relay, we should sure will get
a medal,” Prokhorov predicted Newark
Star-Ledger
By now,
you can tell that we hadn’t a clue how to break the
ice with a billionaire. Language was an issue — our
fault, we too often talk in idioms. So we had a cordial but
mostly pointless discussion for 15 minutes, standing just
off this course carved into the middle of the Coast Mountains,
because as soon as he heard our name and affiliation, up went
the preconditions: “No
basketball. I cannot comment. The lawyers told me I cannot
speak,” he said. “As soon as deal is ... closed,
I have summit.” Newark
Star-Ledger
How about
we start a new sport — basketball and shooting, starring
Gilbert Arenas? (Crickets). Can
we discuss the NBA in general? “No. I am newcomer. I
need time.” Newark
Star-Ledger
Next on
his mantle case? Perhaps the NBA's Golden State Warriors,
for whom Ellison has expressed an interest in buying. The
Warriors, owned by reclusive cable magnate Chris Cohan, so
far have ignored his overtures. (The Warriors play in Oracle
Arena, after Oracle bought the naming rights to the basketball
arena for 10 years.) "We
have floated a few offers the last several years and been
rejected each time," Ellison said. "We might pursue
another (pro basketball) team and could bring it to San Jose.
It's up to the NBA." USA
Today
Former
Florida All-America center Dwayne Schintzius is at Moffitt
Cancer Center in Tampa getting treatment in what has become
a months-long battle with leukemia St.
Petersburg Times
According
to multiple sources, the Celtics and Knicks are close to a
deal that would bring guard Nate Robinson to the Celts, possibly
in exchange for Eddie House Boston
Herald
The
Knicks, however, could be closing in on a trade that would
send Nate Robinson to Boston. The two teams have discussed
different proposals that would include the Knicks getting
back expiring contracts New
York Daily News
A league
source said any interest the Celtics had in Sacramento forward
Kevin Martin expired. A second source said while the C’s
have continued interest in Chicago’s Kirk Hinrich, the
sides aren’t close. Robinson,
who has the right to approve or disapprove a trade as part
of his expiring $4 million contract, also is getting interest
from the Lakers. A league source said the Celtics and Lakers
are the only teams that would get his approval Boston
Herald
There
are reports in the New York Daily News and Boston Herald that
the Knicks and Celtics are close to a deal that would send
Nate Robinson to Boston. I have confirmed that the teams have
renewed discussions ESPN.com
Just
an educated guess, but if Boston were willing to trade a No.
1 pick for Nate, it would blunt the pain of New York's surrendering
a first-rounder or two to the Rockets in a McGrady deal ESPN.com
General
manager Danny Ainge, according to multiple league sources,
is telling the truth when he says he doesn’t want to
lose Allen. Boston
Herald
Amar’e
Stoudemire and the Phoenix Suns are no longer discussing a
contract extension, and the All-Star forward was privately
telling friends that he believes he’s playing his last
game in a Suns uniform on Wednesday night in Dallas Yahoo!
Sports
"A
lot of teams are interested in me," Stoudemire said.
"It's great to know you're wanted and that teams really
respect your professionalism and style of play and feel that
you can help their team." Arizona
Republic
Cleveland
is trying to acquire Amare Stoudemire, although Suns general
manager Steve Kerr believes the decision on whether to trade
the All-Star forward will probably come down to Thursday's
deadline. "Nothing has changed," Kerr said Tuesday AP
As the
team headed into the eve of the NBA's trading deadline, sources
indicated they had finalized and ranked their list of trade
options. It includes input from the coaching staff, ownership
and the team's veteran players, especially LeBron James. Their
first choice is believed to be to trade for the Phoenix Suns'
Amare Stoudemire, a deal they have been working on in earnest
since last week. Their offer is centered around Zydrunas Ilgauskas
and J.J. Hickson, but would likely include at least one more
player and a draft pick Cleveland
Plain Dealer
According
to an NBA source, the Heat are offering Daequan Cook, Quentin
Richardson, Dorell Wright, Mario Chalmers and draft picks
to the Suns. Cook is the only player among that group who
is under contract for next season ESPN.com
Meanwhile,
the Miami Heat are still working to put together a package
for Stoudemire, although a source familiar with Pat Riley’s
most recent offer says it doesn’t include Michael Beasley Yahoo!
Sports
Another
league source said the Suns would like to attach Jason Richardson
to a Stoudemire trade, which would relieve Phoenix from having
to pay Richardson's $14 million salary next season ESPN.com
But
sources close to the situation say Stoudemire would be of
value to the Cavaliers regardless of his feelings about a
long-term contract ESPN.com
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Chris
Mannix: The
Bulls are the Rockets only other suitor for McGrady but a
source tonight said Knicks "frontrunners." Twitter.com
The
New York Knicks are finalizing a deal to acquire Houston Rockets
forward Tracy McGrady SI.com
The
framework of the deal involves sending McGrady to New York
for forward Jared Jeffries, guard Larry Hughes and forward
Jordan Hill SI.com
The Houston
Rockets have narrowed their long-running quest to trade Tracy
McGrady to offers from the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls
and plan to choose between the offers Wednesday, according
to sources with knowledge of the Rockets' thinking. One
source close to the process told ESPN.com that the Rockets,
after intense talks with both teams leading up to Thursday's
trading deadline, are determined to finalize a deal for McGrady
and are leaning toward taking the Knicks' offer. The source
said Tuesday night: "I expect it to happen tomorrow." ESPN.com
League
sources said the Bulls have offered Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas
and either Kirk Hinrich or John Salmons to the Rockets for
McGrady, who has been granted a leave and is training in Chicago Chicago
Tribune
The
Houston Rockets continued to hold substantive talks with the
New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls about exiled guard Tracy
McGrady, with sources close to the negotiations saying the
Rockets had yet to finalize their decision Yahoo!
Sports
Howard
Beck: As
reported elsewhere, Knicks are frontrunners for TMac, over
Chicago Twitter.com
Aggrey
Sam: A lot of speculation out there. The
2nd source (not within Bulls) also hears Chicago isn't "close"
on anything Twitter.com
Tuesday's
revelation, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, is that the
Bulls are one of the two teams left that the Rockets are considering
dealing Tracy McGrady to. Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas, Kirk
Hinrich and John Salmons are the names that have continually
popped up as possibilities in multiple deals over the last
few weeks ESPN.com
The situation
was developing quickly Tuesday night, as another person directly
involved in the negotiations predicted only hours earlier
that Houston's decision would go "down to the wire"
between the Knicks and Bulls. A
third person with knowledge of the talks cautioned that the
situation was still evolving, partially because the Bulls
had multiple avenues to pursue in trying to enhance their
offer CBSSports.com
The Bulls
could offer guards John Salmons or Kirk Hinrich, or the expiring
contract of Jerome James. A
person with knowledge of the talks said there are ongoing
discussions with other teams, that no decisions have been
reached about preferences so far and that a decision is unlikely
until closer to Thursday’s 2 p.m. deadline Houston
Chronicle
The Knicks
were considered a slight favorite as the evening wore on because,
according to one source, New
York has agreed to swap first-round picks with Houston in
2011 and include a 2012 first-round pick in the deal to convince
the Rockets to take back Jared Jeffries' $6.9 million contract
for next season ESPN.com
One
source with knowledge of the Knicks' thinking added that New
York is reluctant to make all three concessions ESPN.com
If Chicago
is willing to deal the expiring contracts of Tyrus Thomas,
Brad Miller and Jerome James for Tracy McGrady and Brian Cook,
it
would shave $2.75 million off the Rockets' payroll and move
them just barely below the luxury-tax line . ESPN.com
Walsh
and his long-time friend, Arn Tellem, McGrady's agent, are
trying to figure out a way to get McGrady to New York prior
to Thursday's trade deadline. According to a person familiar
with the negotiations, a more plausible scenario is the Knicks
signing McGrady after the deadline once he reaches a buyout
agreement with Houston. "I
don't think the Knicks are doing anything except waiting for
McGrady to be released," the source said. Tellem is putting
pressure on the Rockets to grant McGrady, who was banished
by the team in December, his freedom to resume his career.
The Rockets, of course, are not obligated to do anything with
McGrady New
York Daily News
As for
McGrady’s wishes? “I’m
ready to play for whoever,” McGrady said in an email
Tuesday night Yahoo!
Sports
The
Cleveland Cavaliers have had discussions with the Golden State
Warriors about swingman Corey Maggette, but as
of late Tuesday afternoon the teams hadn’t talked for
four days, league sources said Yahoo!
Sports
League
executives believe Maggette could be traded to Cleveland if
deals for the Cavaliers' top three choices fall through. Cleveland
is said to be chasing Amare Stoudemire, Antawn Jamison and
Troy Murphy before it would consider Maggette, who has three
years and more than $30 million remaining on his contract
after this season. "I
don't really pay attention to the trade rumors," guard
Stephen Curry said. "I like the way we would be with
our full roster, without all of the injuries." San
Francisco Chronicle
Trading
Jeffries is difficult because he is scheduled to earn $6 million
next season plus an additional $2 million if he is traded.
The proposed deal with Houston also calls for the Knicks to
include first-round pick Jordan Hill plus the club's 2011
and 2012 first-round picks. The Knicks would receive Houston's
2011 first-round pick. Multiple sources claim that Walsh has
no intention of trading Hill, the 6-foot-8 power forward whom
the Knicks selected ahead of Milwaukee point guard Brandon
Jennings. "Donnie
is not giving up on Jordan," said one Knicks source.
"He told me he's not trading him." New
York Daily News
Displeased
with the way he has fit into their system, the
San Antonio Spurs are attempting to trade forward Richard
Jefferson just days before the trade deadline, multiple league
sources have confirmed SI.com
Sources
with direct knowledge of negotiations between the Cavaliers
and Wizards deny a report that the Cavs have made an offer
(Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamario Moon, first-round pick) for Antawn
Jamison ESPN.com
The
Cleveland Cavaliers have made significant progress in trade
discussions with the Washington Wizards, offering Zydrunas
Ilgauskas, Jamario Moon and a No. 1 draft pick for Antawn
Jamison and Mike James Yahoo!
Sports
Team
President Ernie Grunfeld said that the trade with Dallas --
which sliced nearly $2.5 million off this season's payroll
and saved almost $15 million from next season's -- might not
be the last deal that he makes before the deadline Washington
Post
the
Bulls are trying to accommodate Jannero Pargo by finding him
a team where he will receive playing time. Pargo's $2 million
contract expires after this season Chicago
Tribune
Milwaukee,
loaded with expiring contracts, is one of the more active
teams and is expected to make a deal before the Thursday deadline.
The
Bucks have interest in Indiana's Murphy, but the Pacers' asking
price is too steep . Denver, in search of a big
man, contacted the Bucks about Kurt Thomas and Hakim Warrick.
But talks didn't go far after the Nuggets refused to offer
any of their rotation players. ESPN.com
The
Milwaukee Bucks have been active in their pursuit of a power
forward to pair next to center Andrew Bogut, multiple league
sources told SI.com on Tuesday SI.com
The
Spurs’ best chance to move McDyess, should it become
necessary, would be to the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are
interested in another big man for the playoffs, and McDyess
has a history in Denver which would make him comfortable with
the move Yahoo!
Sports
The
Wizards said that Gooden was going to arrive after settling
some p ersonal
matters, but league sources later revealed that Gooden was
hoping to negotiate a buyout on the remainder of his $4.5
million contract Washington
Post With
two starters -- Brendan Haywood and Caron Butler -- and a
sometime starter in DeShawn Stevenson shipped to Dallas, Coach
Flip Saunders said that he wasn't sure who would start for
the new-look Wizards. "We'll probably roll the dice and
see," Saunders said Washington
Post
Gooden,
who was part of the seven-player deal that sent Caron Butler
and Brendan Haywood to Dallas, is not interested in playing
for the Wizards AP
According
to a league source, several teams have contacted the Jazz
about Koufos before Thursday's deadline Cleveland
Plain Dealer
Elsewhere
on the trade front, there is the possibility that reserve
point guard Sergio Rodríguez could find himself wearing
a different jersey soon. Sources
said Memphis, New York and New Jersey have all inquired about
the little-used fourth-year player Sacramento
Bee
I'm
told they are considering sending point guard Sergio Rodriguez
to Memphis. Rodriguez, who is making $1.8 million in this
the final season of his contract, would back up Mike Conley.
Because the Griz are under the salary cap, they could simply
take Sergio on while the Kings would save the remaining money
from this season Sacramento
Bee
From
what I’m hearing, there’s nothing to that rumor
about the Hawks looking to deal Mo Evans and a throw-in contract
to Milwaukee for Kurt Thomas Atlanta
Journal-Constitution
“Nothing
in this league surprises me anymore,” Wallace said Tuesday
night following his team’s 108-85 win over Minnesota.
“I came here to hopefully finish my career, but I know
the situation Booth
Newspapers
Kahn
said he would know better by Wednesday night's game at Washington New
York Daily News
Colangelo
is trying to be as proactive as he can as the deadline approaches,
but only within reason. While league sources say he's working
as diligently as ever tying to see if there's a move to be
made, he categorized talks now as quiet Toronto
Star
Before
last night's game against Miami, 76ers president and general
manager Ed Stefanski stood courtside at the Wachovia Center
and talked about his philosophy as tomorrow's trading deadline
approaches. "If
we send anybody out, we want to bring back value . . .,"
Stefanski said. "We're very active, and a lot of teams
are looking for us to do financial deals, to send back expiring
contracts - we want to improve the product on the court." Philadelphia
Inquirer
Stefanski
addressed the idea of "blowing up" the Sixers, who
entered last night's game with a 20-32 record. "I have
talked to season-ticket holders, I've talked to fans, I've
talked to the press, who all have different theories and ideas
of how it would be better to, in their term, 'Blow it up,'
" Stefanski said Philadelphia
Inquirer
Still,
Lakers coaches and executives have been anxiously monitoring
the trade activity, real and rumored, and will be paying even
closer attention as the minutes tick down over the next couple
of days. They've seen how Dallas improved itself over the
past few days, and they saw Portland's acquisition of Marcus
Camby from the Clippers on Tuesday, which could have a direct
impact. "If
the playoffs started today, we'd play Portland," Jackson
said before Tuesday night's game. "It would obviously
make a big difference in how we play Portland, in how they
play, so it affects us." Riverside
Press-Enterprise
But
from the sound of things, coach Jerry Sloan isn't expecting
the Jazz to do anything major — if anything at all —
before the deadline. By addition, or monetary subtraction.
"This is who we are, it looks like," Sloan said
Tuesday Deseret
News
With the
NBA trade deadline looming, Orlando Magic General Manager
Otis Smith was asked the $82-million question (the team's
estimated payroll) after Tuesday's practice: Are you good
enough to win the championship with the team you have? "I
think we have enough talent to win a title," Smith told
the Sentinel. "We have enough people here to go back
[to the Finals]." That said, Smith is not planning to
make a deal before Thursday's deadline, although it should
be noted that Smith has become an adept poker player Orlando
Sentinel
By
moving Marcus we got a couple of young players that we'll
have Bird rights for going into the future. We preserve our
cap space as well, going into next summer ESPN.com
In
the context of a total ban on such talk, however, Dunleavy
was coy and suggestive. A Camby return is clearly on his mind,
and something he encourages Clipper fans to consider. He added:
We love Marcus as a player. Everything about his game and
what he does for this team. Like I said, we'll see how things
go forward ESPN.com
Ben
Golliver: LaMarcus
Aldridge has already been upgraded to a corner locker
(taking Travis Outlaw's old one). Twitter.com
Julian
Wright: Ok, I apologize for venting and making anybody uncomfortable.
I
just worked hard these past two summers so that's what I'll
do this summer! Twitter.com
Mike Bresnahan:
A rarity: Kobe
practices the day before a game but won't play in the actual
game. Can't remember the last time that happened...if ever Twitter.com
Kevin
Ding: Artest,
when asked if he's making progress with the triangle: "Yes.
Almost." Twitter.com
Kevin
Ding: Phil was asked before the game whom he'd likely set
up for a clutch, late-game shot sans Kobe. Phil
said Fish Twitter.com
Mike Trudell:
Phil
on Kobe's chances to play vs Boston: "I’m sure
he wants to be . I’m sure he’s making
every attempt to be. He’s doing therapy..." Twitter.com
There
was little doubt after Monday's practice that Kobe Bryant
would be ready to go against Golden State on Tuesday. And
then reality set in. "He checked out of this game,"
Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Riverside
Press-Enterprise
Bynum
didn't do anything great in the next four minutes on the floor
before Gasol replaced him again except keep the game even
– and get Gasol four minutes of rest. With a refilled
tank, Gasol scored six consecutive points to take a 90-89
Lakers lead to 96-89 with 1:43 to play. I
asked Bynum, 22, if he has learned from experience by now
about playing with various physical issues. "Um ..."
he said before smiling real quick with honest embarrassment
and letting the words tumble out: "Nah, man. It's always
limiting Orange
County Register
Brian
T. Smith: A source said the
issue of Roy not playing for the #Blazers during the remainder
of the season has not been brought up Twitter.com
Friday
night, the second-year Miami Heat power forward removed his
knee brace during the Rookie Challenge in Dallas, then put
it back on after Heat President Pat Riley relayed his disapproval
through sophomore coach Patrick Ewing. Beasley
wore it throughout Monday's practice, but learned Tuesday
morning from team doctors that he wouldn't need it against
the Philadelphia 76ers South
Florida Sun-Sentinel
Denver
Nuggets coach George
Karl informed his team Tuesday afternoon that he is in another
fight for his life with cancer. Karl, who had been cancer-free
since prostate surgery in July 2005, discovered a worrisome
lump on his neck about six weeks ago ESPN.com The
source said the health issue contributed to Karl agreeing
to only a one-year extension Yahoo!
Sports
He
said the chemotherapy was intended to make the cancerous cells
in Karl's body more susceptible to the effects of radiation.
Then, he said, "The idea is to really hit it hard with
radiation therapy." ESPN.com "A
situation like that, it's real life," guard Chauncey
Billups said. "You take the basketball out of it. You
take work out of it. None of us can really be selfish and
say, 'Hey, we're going to miss George if he doesn't coach
some of the games.' We've got to take all that out of it ESPN.com
"Someone
asked me the question, have I come to terms with this one,"
the seventh-winningest coach in NBA history recounted, struggling
not to lose it. "I don't think I have. I
still wake up, 'Oh (bleep), I have cancer.' I wake up in the
mornings and go, 'Oh my God.' "Battling to maintain composure,
he stopped for a moment, then looked up again. "Cancer's
a bitch to have Denver
Post
Chris
Tomasson: George
Karl was his usual upbeat self throughout All-Star Weekend Twitter.com
Chris
Tomasson: Karl's
lawyer, Bret Adams, lauded the Nuggets for going through with
the extension even though they knew he had another form of
cancer Twitter.com
"We
just keep it business as usual," Dantley said when asked
about taking over. "We want guys to focus more. Of course,
we're going to have to do more work when he's out. So everybody
is going to have to do more than they normally do if he's
not Denver
Post
Cowboys
Stadium might not have to wait for another All-Star Game to
host NBA basketball. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said
Tuesday night that he is considering the idea of playing an
occasional home game in the $1.2 billion stadium ESPNDallas.com
Although
All-Star weekend is a three day celebration—of players,
the League, and the game we all love—that doesn’t
mean some guys weren’t willing to stop the party for
a bit to give back. In that spirit, on Saturday afternoon
following the Western Conference practice, in partnership
with Special Olympics, Western Conference All-Star Tim
Duncan, Hall of Famer Bill Walton, former NBA player and current
NBA Cares ambassador Felipe Lopez and Los Angeles Sparks guard
Ticha Penicheiro hosted more than 65 local Special Olympic
athletes for a clinic at the 2010 NBA All-Star Jam Session SLAM
The All-Star
Game drew a record crowd to Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, but
it didn't launch a campaign to bring the event to Lucas Oil
Stadium. Pacers Sports & Entertainment president Jim Morris
said the franchise's top priority is get the Pacers back in
playoff contention. "The
(All-Star Game) was successful when it was held here in 1984,
and we would like to have it back here again, but that is
something for later down the road," Morris said. "Our
focus right now is having the Pacers and Indiana Fever compete
for a title." Indianapolis
Star
Well,
Brandon, you really got me. I was dumb enough to think that
you were serious about being bipolar. Good thing you set me
straight. Don't believe everything you read on Twitter, I
guess. So dumb, in fact, that I wrote a lengthy piece on what
this casual revelation said about changing attitudes toward
mental illness in sports. A piece that, it should be said,
ended up having very little to do with you. What mattered
to me was that this condition is less and less of a big deal,
which is the case whether or not you're in the picture. Allow
me to quote myself: "If he's joking or fudging a diagnosis,
that in itself tells us something about the changes in the
ways bipolar disorder is perceived." FanHouse
Arash
Markazi: One of the perks of being Kobe's friend apparently
is getting snazzy website and logo designed by his people.
www.joshpowell21.com .
Twitter.com
Gary Washburn:
Props
to Shelden Williams for traveling to the former Soviet Union
to see his wife Candace Parker . Now that was
an All-Star Break. Twitter.com
Luc
Mbah a Moute: I'm a huge soccer fan Twitter.com
Fighting
to get Oregon to rebound is the goal of Republican candidate
for Governor Chris Dudley, and he brought his message to the
South Coast this week. Still
in the early stages of a two month campaign tour around the
state, Dudley paid a visit to Kaffe 101 in downtown Coos Bay
on Tuesday, February 16th KCBY
CBS 11
Any
rumor missing? E-mail us at hoopshype@hoopshype.com .
The
Cavaliers’ decision to acquire Jamison came a day after
talks between the teams intensified and shortly after the
Phoenix Suns informed Cleveland its offer for Amar’e
Stoudemire – Ilgauskas, J.J. Hickson, Danny Green and
a first-round pick – wasn’t good enough. 
A
league source tells TNT's David Aldridge that 
With
center Erick Dampier out for an extended period, a source
said 
But,
by all indications, so far the Warriors aren’t eager
to trade Ellis, even if he would be interested in a new location,
if they’re beginning to realize he’s not a perfect
fit with Stephen Curry and if Memphis is very interested in
acquiring Ellis. 
Gary
Washburn: 
Adrian
Wojnarowski: 
Nuggets
all-star Carmelo Anthony spoke today for the first time about
George Karl's latest fight against cancer, this time squamous
cell carcinoma in the coach's right tonsil that has metastasized
to a lymph node in his neck. 
The
Cleveland Cavaliers have had discussions with the Golden State
Warriors about swingman Corey Maggette, but 
Displeased
with the way he has fit into their system, 
League
sources also said 
Elsewhere
on the trade front, there is the possibility that reserve
point guard Sergio Rodríguez could find himself wearing
a different jersey soon. 
In
a phone interview from Los Angeles, Dunleavy spoke sparingly
of his two new players. Instead he made clear how much he
still likes Marcus Camby, and that it's a possibility the
big man -- reportedly very
Ben
Golliver: 
Denver
Nuggets coach 
Well,
Brandon, you really got me. I was dumb enough to think that
you were serious about being bipolar. Good thing you set me
straight. Don't believe everything you read on Twitter, I
guess. So dumb, in fact, that I wrote a lengthy piece on what
this casual revelation said about changing attitudes toward
mental illness in sports. A piece that, it should be said,
ended up having very little to do with you. What mattered
to me was that this condition is less and less of a big deal,
which is the case whether or not you're in the picture. 
