HoopsHype.com Rumors

Thursday, February 18

Visit the HoopsHype.com Forums to discuss the latest news and rumors in the NBA / You also can check out rumors from back in the day in the Rumors Archive

Last update: 17:40 ET

Chris Mannix: Drew Gooden will likely finish the season with the LA Clippers, source tells SI. Gooden had sought a buyout with Wizards but OK with LA. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Wiz will still buyout Ilgauskas, source says, but they've created lot of leverage by getting under tax. He'll have to pay for his freedom. Twitter.com

The Dallas Mavericks opted not to sign shooting guard Rashad McCants after he worked out for them this summer. They're at least considering giving McCants another workout. McCants tweeted that he could come to Dallas for a workout tomorrow. "no guarantees but I got some action..... FINALLY! half smile!" McCants tweeted. ESPN.com

A team source said nothing is set yet, but the Mavs are thinking about giving McCants a look. McCants, the 14th overall pick in the 2005 draft, has a career average of 10 points per game but hasn't played this season. ESPN.com

Sam Amick: With Kenny Thomas remaining after trading deadline, the clock starts ticking toward buyout. He is in final year of deal worth $8.5 million. Twitter.com

Memphis believed it had a deal in place today for Miami 's Dorell Wright but the transaction fell through. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Jaymee Sire: Larry Riley said the Warriors didn't make a trade because he didn't feel comfortable with anything that was presented. Twitter.com

Eric Pincus: Spoke to DeAndre Jordan and Kaman yesterday - they're both really struggling to come to terms with Marcus going - DJ's mentor. Twitter.com

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant wore sneakers instead of flip flops at the team's shoot-around Thursday, but that doesn't mean he'll be playing the Celtics tonight. When asked if there was any chance that the Lakers' 12-time All-Star would play with his strained tendon and muscles in his left leg and sprained ligament in his left ankle, Lakers coach Phil Jackson said, "not that I know of." ESPN.com

The Miami Heat received an optimistic progress report Thursday on the status of Dwyane Wade's strained left calf. With swelling down and Wade maintaining full functionality, the team continues to list the guard as day-to-day, although it is almost certain he will not play in the final two stops of this four-game road trip, Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies and Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Last update: 16:22 ET

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Spurs have traded Theo Ratliff to Charlotte, source tells Y! Sports. Twitter.com

Chris Vernon: heard the Grizzlies are getting a deal done for Ronnie Brewer - for a protected pick. all they are giving up. if it happens- woooohooo. Twitter.com

Ross Siler: Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for protected first-round draft pick in 2011. Twitter.com

Ronnie Brewer: KO'Connor: “I think the biggest thing that we felt was that - - I won’t call it a logjam - - but that we had a lot of players very similar." Twitter.com

Sam Amick: Clarification of earlier Dominic McGuire deal with Washington - Kings get cash and give up future second round pick. Wrote cash part wrong. Twitter.com

Sam Amick: Kings to acquire Washington's Dominic McGuire for a future second round pick and cash, a source close to the Wizards tells me. Twitter.com

Ric Bucher: Also in Rumor Central: TOR tried to solidify hold on Bosh by trading Banks/O'Bryant for Sasha/Powell, Josh being one of Bosh's best friends. Twitter.com

Ross Siler: Direct Kevin O'Connor quote on all these Boozer rumors today: “That was like, ‘Huh? What?’” Twitter.com

Ross Siler: Boozer-to-Miami talks were greatly exaggerated, at least according to the Jazz. Twitter.com

One source with knowledge of Utah's thinking told ESPN.com from the start of Thursday's discussions that a trade was "unlikely," but the teams were still talking entering the last half-hour before the deadline hit. ESPN.com reported earlier Thursday that the Heat and Jazz had opened discussions on a Boozer deal. Yahoo! Sports reported that the Wizards were recruited as a third team to try to help facilitate the deal, but one source told ESPN.com that the Wizards were no longer involved in the talks. ESPN.com

Armed with the expiring contracts of Udonis Haslem and Quentin Richardson, Miami made an "unexpected" offer to the Jazz on Thursday morning, one source said. Utah, though, has insisted for weeks that it prefers to keep Boozer for the rest of the season, even though he can leave the Jazz without compensation this summer as an unrestricted free agent. One version of the proposed deal would have sent Boozer and Washington's Mike James to Miami, Haslem and Richardson to Utah from Miami and Miami's Carlos Arroyo, Utah's Kyrylo Fesenko and perhaps another player to the Wizards. ESPN.com

Nate Robinson trade official: Nate and Marcus Landry for Eddie House, JR Giddens and Bill Walker. Twitter.com

Chad Ford: Amare is staying in Phoenix. Last minute bid failed. Sarver, Kerr, Stoudemire & agent meeting for dinner tonight to calm waters. Twitter.com

Sekou Smith: Kerr says without getting into specifics, "if we're going to move an All-Star, we have to do really well. Only reason we talked is opt out." Twitter.com

Chris Mannix: Kerr says Suns will be a big free agent player in 2011. Says Amar'e has been "fantastic" through whole process. Twitter.com

Not necessarily today, but the Nets did their due diligence and made calls for Amar’e Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer and Rudy Gay. But all will or could be free agents this summer so they can go after them again and in some cases they probably will. Bergen Record

Michael Lee: Ernie G on Gilbert: "We think he's going to be back with us. He's part of the organization. If he's going to play, he's going to play here." Twitter.com

Michael Lee: Ernie Grunfeld was asked about his relationship with Gilbert Arenas: "It's fine." Twitter.com

TJ Ford: Sorry but trade rumors was just trade talk... Still a PACER!!!! Twitter.com

''He's moving ahead,'' Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy, said in a phone interview. ''He's disappointed, but he knows it's a business.'' Akron Beacon Journal

Herb Rudoy, Ilgauskas’ agent, said today he hadn’t yet spoken to the Wizards about a buyout. Rudoy said Ilgauskas, 34, is taking a few days to think about his future but that the Hawks fit the criteria Ilgauskas would be looking for in a new team. “If he decides to leave Cleveland, once he gets the buyout–and we hope we will have several options–he will only go to a team that can win a championship, period,” Rudoy said. “He will not be on a team that has no chance. He wants to play for one of the top teams, and Atlanta certainly is one of those teams.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler were riding the team bus to Orlando a few weeks ago, when they started talking about legacy and what they hoped to accomplish in Washington. Despite all the trade rumors and endless speculation that they would get dealt, the two former all-stars -- who famously led the Wizards to the playoffs with Gilbert Arenas sidelined for most of the 2008-09 campaign -- still held out the faintest hope. "That was our dream and our vision to have our numbers retire here, our kids grow old here and things of that nature," Jamison said. "Just disappointed it didn't happen that way. Sitting on that bus every game. It was one of the fondest memories that we had, and we talked about doing everything possible to make it happen. We wish it could've been different, but I'm glad something positive came out of it." Washington Post

"This franchise, where we had been, it was a while since it had experienced any kind of success. Just how everybody felt during that moment," Jamison said. "The picture they always showed of me and Mr. Pollin hugging after that series; Gilbert being one of the young talents in the league; and how we didn't know what to expect before the season got started, but once the season got off, to come together and be successful, that was my fondest memory, pretty much the most success we had here. Having the city and the fans behind us. I can remember how the arena was. Those are the moments that you cherish and those are the moments that you wish you would've had more of." Washington Post

Jamison said that there is a lot that he will miss about Washington. "Just the friendships, the fans and what they've done for making me and my family feel welcome. Just people around the Verizon Center and of course, the Pollins, and Mr. Pollin not being here. It was tough to actually say goodbye. This is a place that I called home, a place where so many friends and family are here. It's tough to say goodbye, but most importantly for us not to scratch the surface of what we could potentially." Washington Post

Brian T. Smith: #Blazers' Camby said Miller offered to let him borrow a car when he first arrived in Portland. Twitter.com

In order to be eligible for the playoffs the buyout must be done before March 1. ''He is part of the Wizards right now,'' Ferry said. ''I don't know what their intentions are and I don't want to comment on their team or on their players.'' Akron Beacon Journal

Regardless of what happens. It is obvious the Cavaliers would like an opportunity to bring him back. ''Yea, hopefully,'' guard Daniel Gibson said. ''Z is grade 'A' guy,'' he said. ''Not having a guy like Z around will be tough, but that is the business side of it you got to kind of deal with and learn from.'' Akron Beacon Journal

"With regards to the trading deadline, there was minimal activity on our part," team president Rod Thorn said in a statement released by the team just after the deadline passed. "There were several calls made as well as received, but there was never any discussed transaction that came close to fruition." New York Daily News

With buyouts and roster clearing expected around the league after Thursday's flurry of trades, it is possible the Heat could add a short-term scoring option on a 10-day contract as it awaits a Wade return. Among those currently available is former Heat swingman Ricky Davis. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Last update: 15:19 ET

The Heat are working hard to strike a late deal for Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, a league source told SI.com. SI.com

Chris Mannix: The Miami Heat are working hard to make a deal for Utah forward Boozer, league source tells SI. Minutes to deadline, Heat pushing for deal. Twitter.com

Chard Ford: Amare is staying in Phoenix. Last minute bid failed. Sarver, Kerr, Stoudemire & agent meeting for dinner tonight to calm waters. Twitter.com

Chad Ford: Hearing one team is making a last minute push for Amare. Suns source says a deal "may" happen. Link coming. Twitter.com

The Warriors are said to be leaning strongly toward keeping Monta Ellis, whom they refused to send to Memphis in a larger package that would've included O.J. Mayo. The Sixers and Celtics also appeared to be out of the running for a major deal. CBSSports.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Indiana players believe trade is near, telling friends even that deal's done. Front offices still talking. Charlotte may need convincing. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Indiana wanted desperately to move T.J. Ford -- and loved D.J. Augustine --- but it appears they've just run out of time, source says. Twitter.com

Mike Wells: No Charlotte-Pacers deal, according to multiple sources. Twitter.com

The Bucks are out of the mix for Indiana's Troy Murphy, opening the door to Indiana's long-sought plan to divest themselves of Ford. "It's being discussed right now," one of the sources said. A second source expressed pessimism that there was enough time and motivation to close the deal before the deadline. "Nothing to it," the person said. CBSSports.com

Another front-court option for Milwaukee could be the often-traded Drew Gooden. The Clippers are holding off on arranging a buyout for Gooden in the event they can flip him for another asset or additional cap relief, which is becoming less likely as the deadline closes in. CBSSports.com

Alex Kennedy: LAL-TOR trade isn't happening, according to a source. Twitter.com

McGrady's agent, Arn Tellem, played a significant role in getting the three-team deal done. Tellem, a long-time friend of Walsh, was trying to get his client traded to New York and worked quickly to get the Knicks involved once news broke that the Kings and Rockets had a agreed on a deal to send McGrady to Sacramento. Walsh had spoken to the Rockets but originally felt the price was too steep. Houston held its ground and got exactly what it wanted out of the deal, including a shooting guard in Martin. New York Daily News

Chris Mannix: Philly done, OKC too, execs say. Twitter.com

Sam Amick: Just got off the phone with Kevin Martin and had chance to reflect more than last night - "ecstatic" over deal. It'll be on the blog soon. Twitter.com

Where does that leave Flip? He now essentially has a clean canvas -- depending, of course, on what happens with Gilbert Arenas after his sentencing on March 26 -- and the chance to lay the first brick, because there is no foundation, and fully rebuild the Wizards over the long term. "I’m committed from a standpoint that you have, as coaches, you’re teachers," said Saunders. "What you want as a teacher is you want people that are receptive, and so you always look for challenges. I guess the word that’s been used here in D.C. has been pivot. We’re pivoting, just like they’re doing at the White House, and you change course as far as what you’re going to do. It doesn’t change what your expectations are. My expectation was to come here and win a championship, and that doesn’t change. It’s just a matter of we’re doing it through a different course now." Washington Examiner

But how does that affect the career trajectory that he may have had in mind for himself? "As all coaches, you know you have to adjust in situations, and I think whenever you’ve been there, the conference finals, when you've had opportunities, there’s always luck involved to get that far, even to get to an NBA championship. People are talking now, who’s going to win the champinoship? Well, you find out in the last week, in the first round of the playoffs, injuries, all kinds of things can happen. To a different extent, that’s what has happened here over the course of the season." Washington Examiner

Last update: 15:10 ET

Marc Stein: Boozer update just in: Source w/knowledge of Jazz thinking says deal "unlikely" but Jazz/Heat still talking w/half-hour left until deadline. Twitter.com

Ken Berger: Exec expressed doubt that Boozer-Mia would come to fruition with deadline now minutes away. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: A front office executive involved in Carlos Boozer three-way discussion with Miami, Utah and Wash: "It's not going anywhere right now." Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Just talked to one GM who says Miami calling to lay ground work for pre-draft and summer trades. Don't seem like they're doing deal now. Twitter.com

One source told ESPN.com that the Jazz and Heat might need a third team regardless to complete a Boozer trade if the talks regain steam before the deadline. ESPN.com

The Miami Heat have opened discussions with the Utah Jazz on a Carlos Boozer deal in advance of Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline, according to NBA front-office sources. Sources told ESPN.com that Miami, with its courting of Amare Stoudemire fading, turned its attention to another marquee frontcourt player in its ongoing quest to keep star guard Dwyane Wade happy before Wade becomes a free agent July 1. ESPN.com

But after the teams commenced talks Thursday, one source with knowledge of Utah’s thinking said it was “unlikely” that the Heat could offer enough to tempt the Jazz to back off its long-held stance against trading Boozer this season. Armed with the expiring contracts of Udonis Haslem and Quentin Richardson, Miami made an “unexpected” offer to the Jazz this morning, one source told ESPN.com. ESPN.com

It appears Knicks will hold onto Al Harrington at deadline, source says. He had been bait for Tyrus Thomas, but he's gone to Charlotte. Twitter.com

Howard Beck: The Knicks-Celtics deal is also likely soon. Knicks could be sending Marcus Landry in addition to Nate. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Charlotte and Indiana is close, but sources say not done. Five players for now, including Ford and Rush for Augustine, Henderson and Nazr. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Indiana-Charlotte discussions broad, sources say: Talks included Ford and Rush for Augustine, Nazr and Gerald Henderson. Not yet imminent. Twitter.com

Jason Fleming: Just a reminder, Felton can veto a deal. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Charlotte and Indiana in serious talks on deal that would send T.J. Ford to Bobcats for package that includes D.J. Augustine, source says. Twitter.com

Though the Celtics haven’t acknowledged that their trade for Nate Robinson is complete, a team source just confirmed that Eddie House has left the team in Los Angeles, presumably to join the Knicks. J.R. Giddens, back in Boston recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, is expected to join House as part of the trade. Robinson has also left the Knicks. His locker in Madison Square Garden had been cleaned out prior to New York’s game against Chicago Wednesday night. Boston Herald

Alex Kennedy: The Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors are discussing a last minute deal that would swap Sasha Vujacic for Marcus Banks. Twitter.com

Alan Hahn: Could be Shelden Williams instead of Bill Walker in the Nate/BOS deal. Williams gives Knicks size. Also a Tellem client! Twitter.com

A. Sherrod Blakely: I'm hearing Shelden Williams might be in the Knicks deal instead of Billy Walker. Twitter.com

Two rival executives told SI.com that it was "highly unlikely" Boston would move Ray Allen before the deadline. One exec said Boston was peddling Allen as late as Wednesday night but did not field any offers to their liking. Allen is attractive to cost cutting teams because he is making $19.8 million in the final year of his contract. SI.com

T-Mac just texted a friend, giddy, saying: "I'm a New York Knick!" Twitter.com

Chad Ford: Hilton Armstrong also in deal, going to HOU. Twitter.com

Kenny Thomas, who was reportedly in the deal all along, gets to stay in his favorite locale of Sacramento (yes, that was sarcasm). Sacramento Bee

The Chicago Bulls traded John Salmons to the Milwaukee Bucks for Joe Alexander and Hakim Warrick (pronounced Ha-keem). In addition, Chicago traded the Bulls' regular second round draft choices in 2011 and 2012. Also, Milwaukee has the option in NBA Draft 2010 of switching first round picks with Chicago, so long as Chicago's first round pick is not a top 10 selection. NBA.com

"We like the combination of our player talent, cap flexibility and our ability to improve our team this summer in the free agent market," said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. "This trade is another step in the process of building our team and getting better." NBA.com

Here's the official deal: the 76ers have traded guard Royal Ivey and center Primoz Brezec plus a second-round draft pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for guard Jodie Meeks and center Francisco Elson. It was initially reported that the Sixers would receive a second-round draft pick, but that information was backwards, they have given the second-round pick. Philadelphia Inquirer

Andre Iguodala: shout out to my man @ROYALTIVEY 1 of best t'mates i ever had. didnt get to show what he could do this yr but will show and prove GOOD LUCK! Twitter.com

Michael Lee: Zydrunas Ilgauskas's agent, Herb Rudoy, said he would like to get a buyout but hasn't heard back from WAS yet. Could Z be on the move again? Twitter.com

Michael Cunningham: Atlanta Hawks to be among suitors if Z Ilgauskas bought out by Wiz. Hawks previously reluctant to carry 14 players. Twitter.com

Though the New Orleans Hornets are not expected to make a deal before today's 2 p.m. trade deadline, Coach Jeff Bower said they have been busy fielding phone calls from interested teams. The Hornets could be exploring potential trade offers for backup forward Julian Wright, who has expressed frustration with his role and made a trade request demand earlier this week on his Tweeter account. "We will always investigate everything to help improve our team,'' Bower said. New Orleans Times-Picayune

The undercurrent of the morning, however, was the loss of Ilgauskas. Shaquille O'Neal said he was pleased with the addition of Jamison but was feeling the loss of Ilgauskas. "I'm happy with it, Antawn is a great player," O'Neal said. "But me and Z, we became friends, best friends. I'm really going to miss him, I respect him so much for welcoming me here with open arms. He was such a professional and I commend him for that." Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Z is part of the Wizards organization," Ferry said. "I don't know what their intentions are and I don't want to comment on their team and their players." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Trail Blazers Kevin Pritchard said Thursday morning the Trail Blazers will not make another deal before today's noon trading deadline. Oregonian

Brian Windhorst: Sources indicate Cavs are done. Had talks looking for draft picks, appears like nothing can be done now. Twitter.com

Michael Lee: Mike James is disappointed that he wasn't included in AJ or CB trades: "I missed the car ride, I missed the bus & I missed the plane." Twitter.com

James was disappointed after practice that he was unable to move in either deal with Dallas or Cleveland. The Wizards considered moving James with Jamison for Ilgauskas, Jamario Moon and a first-round pick, according to sources, but later took the three-team trade. James was also discussed in the potential deal with Dallas, but the Wizards were able to include DeShawn Stevenson instead. "I missed the car ride, I missed the bus and I missed the plane," James said. "Now it's a ship going out at about 2:45, but I'm on the other side of town and I only got a couple of minutes to make it, so it don't look good for me right now. Washington Post

"If this is what I got to deal with for this season, I feel like a summer going to go to waste as hard as I worked this year," he said. "I played what two games, three games this year. I haven't done that since my rookie year in the NBA and this is my ninth year. And I've played for some solidified teams and they felt I could help those teams. This year, I'm just not good enough with this system. I don't fit this system. If I'm here tomorrow, I'm come to work early like I always do. And it's just for my own sanity." Washington Post

Adrian Wojnarowski: As one GM just said on phone, "Charlotte could be a real problem for someone in the first-round. That is some athletic frontline now." Twitter.com

Brandon Jennings: smh........ Twitter.com

No one questioned his durability, but that has been his biggest stumbling block as a pro. He missed training camp, the preseason and the first four regular-season games with a right shin injury. He returned and quickly became a fan favorite with his relentless play before his health became an issue again. He hasn't played since Jan. 16 because of an inner ear infection that causes dizziness and makes him sensitive to light. "It's just giving me headaches and things like that," Hansbrough told The Associated Press. "Whenever I get healthy, I'll play. I've been unfortunate to have some injuries. I'm just trying to fight through this and get healthy and go from there." AP

"Right now, he's on the shelf," O'Brien said. "He's not working out at all. If he's able to come back and start working out, that's going to be important because of the fact that he's been told he's not allowed to really move around even one on none. That's a real setback from a conditioning standpoint." AP

Byron Scott on whether he wants the Clippers job: “Man I will tell you what… You have seen me there every day. I am at the gym and having a great time. It is the first time since I have been playing or coaching that I have had this type of time where I can enjoy my family, my wife she goes to the gym everyday as well, and kind of just relax. To be honest with you for the past two months I really haven’t been thinking about coaching or anything like that until the last couple of weeks. You get that itch, especially when it gets close to playoff time. I am just going to kind of sit back until April or May and survey what is going on out there because there is obviously three jobs available right now. One I already had obviously in New Orleans and you have got Jersey and you have got the Clippers… Sports Radio Interviews

Byron Scott joined ESPN Los Angeles with Mychal Thompson and Andrew Siciliano to set the record straight about his scuffle with Mychal Thompson and his interest in the Clippers head coaching job. The story about when he and Mychal Thompson got into a boxing match: “I am sorry. I am sorry man. I don’t mean to tell people how I beat you up. I know that it is an advantage when you are 6' 10? and about 250 and you lose to somebody that is about 6’4’’ about 210-215. It wasn’t a fair fight to be honest with you because I am just a much better boxer. Much polished and much more polished than Mychal. He thought the size was going to affect me and it didn’t. So I just slapped him around a few times to let him know that I had the boxing skills to beat him and after he saw that he kind of left me alone about boxing after that. Until this day he is going to keep denying it but we all know, in the Laker organization and in that locker room, that MT got beat up that day by Baby B, me” Sports Radio Interviews

Whether Gary Vitti rushed to Mychal’s side right after the match not knowing what just took place: “Well, no Gary Vitti was just standing there and telling Mychal don’t do it. Don’t do it. I have seen Byron fight. Don’t do it Mychal. Once we got done Gary kind of stood there looking at him like, I told you. That was basically it. They did ask him if he needed medical attention, but Mychal was a little too proud to take it. You know stuff happens? You get beat up. You move onto the next day, the next year, the next decade and you just go on about your business.” Sports Radio Interviews

The New Jersey Nets are making a fast-break to Newark. After months of speculation over whether the struggling NBA team would leave the Izod Center in the Meadowlands for a two-year stay at the new Prudential Center in Newark, a deal was struck today to allow the Nets to break their lease for $4 million and move to Newark, according to officials involved in the negotiations. The early termination fees could be offset in part by advertising, suite revenue and other credits. Newark Star-Ledger

The plan will have the Nets and New Jersey Devils playing together in the state’s largest city. The move is temporary, with the Nets still planning to move to a new arena in Brooklyn by the start of the 2012 basketball season. But the hapless team, with a miserable record and playing to empty seats at the oldest arena in the NBA, saw the Prudential Center, which is operated by the Devils, as a possible new beginning for a club that has been steadily losing fan base. At the same time, two pre-season games at the Pru Center sold well. Newark Star-Ledger

Last update: 13:39 ET

Marc Stein: Sources close to the situation tell ESPN.com that all three teams have reached agreement on deal to send T-Mac to New York. Twitter.com

Marc Stein: Kings get Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and Larry Hughes' expiring contract . . . all just filed to ESPN.com. Link coming momentarily. Twitter.com

Marc Stein: Sources say Houston gets Kevin Martin, Jared Jeffries, right to swap first-round picks with NYK in 2011 and New York's first-rounder in 2012. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Kings have traded Tracy McGrady to the Knicks, sources tell Y! Sports. Twitter.com

The Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks have agreed to terms that will expand the Houston-Sacramento deal into a three-way trade that lands Tracy McGrady with the Knicks, according to NBA front-office sources. The Knicks will acquire McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez from Sacramento, sources said. ESPN.com

The Rockets get Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill and Jared Jeffries from New York and will have the right to swap first-round picks with New York in 2011 as well as take on New York's 2012 first-round pick. Sacramento obtains Houston's Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey and New York's Larry Hughes. ESPN.com

Brian Windhorst: Warning. Rumors out there that Wizards are involved in three-way talks with Miami and Utah. Ilgauskas could get traded again. Twitter.com

Spurned in their efforts to land Amar'e Stoudemire, the Miami Heat are engaged in "serious, owner-level" discussions to land Utah power forward Carlos Boozer, sources told CBSSports.com. The talks brought to a head a season-long disagreement among Jazz officials as to what should be done with Boozer, in the final year of his contract at $12.7 million -- a luxury tax burden on the Jazz. Coach Jerry Sloan, recognizing how well the team has played with the combination of Boozer and Paul Millsap, has been lobbying to keep him. But ownership, mindful of a massive tax bill that will be due at the end of the season, has been exploring ways to shed Boozer's contract. One way to do it would be to recruit the Wizards as a third teamin the scenario. Washington just acquired several expiring contracts in the Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison deal and could be looking to further accelerate its rebuilding. CBSSports.com

Marc Stein: Just filed to ESPN.com with @chadfordinsider: Utah and Miami have opened discussions on a possible Carlos Boozer deal before 3 PM deadline. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Utah and Miami have recruited Wiz to be 3rd team in Boozer talks. Wash would get cap relief out of it. Beasley not involved, source says. Twitter.com

Marc J. Spears: Miami trying 2 get Boozer from Utah in "serious discussions" with help from money saving Wash, source says. Haslem, Chalmers maybe involved. Twitter.com

Multiple sources say the Knicks have reached a tentative agreement on a deal with Boston sending Nate Robinson and a second player to the Celtics for Eddie House, J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker. The identity of the second New York player was not immediately clear. ESPN.com

Chris Mannix: Allen likely to stay in Boston, execs say. Celtics still expected to complete deal for Nate Robinson (House, Giddens). Twitter.com

Sam Amick: Being told Kings trying to get David Lee in McGrady talks with New York. Twitter.com

The Knicks and Kings are going down to the wire in their attempts to expand the Tracy McGrady deal into a three-team affair, the goal of which from New York's perspective would be shedding Jared Jeffries' $6.9 million contract for 2010-11. The Kings, sources say, aren't driving any easier a bargain than Houston did as a price for taking on Jeffries' deal plus a trade kicker that is attached to it. The Knicks' first-round picks in 2011 and '12 -- protection of which was the sticking point in a straight-on deal with Houston -- remain in play in New York's discussions with the Kings. CBSSports.com

Powerful forces were trying to push McGrady to New York behind the scenes, including McGrady's agent, Arn Tellem. But with two hours to go before the deadline, the Knicks were getting squeezed by rival execs at every turn in their efforts to clear cap space for a major free-agent splash in 2010 -- evidence that small market teams recognize the threat a New York team flush with cap space represents. CBSSports.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: For the Kings to take Jared Jeffries, they're also asking for David Lee and picks in N.Y., source says. Guess how that's going over at MSG? Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: As much as Kings would love David Lee, there isn't enough time to get him to agree to trade, source says. No contact made with his reps. Twitter.com

Alan Hahn: The Kings asked about David Lee in these McGrady talks, but won't happen. "Nothing to it" I'm told. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Sacramento wouldn't make deal for Lee unless it knew they had a great shot to sign him this summer. No question Kings love him, though. Twitter.com

Unless the Sacramento Kings send Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline, there could be an intriguing showdown with McGrady’s agent, Arn Tellem. “If they don’t trade Tracy,” one source involved in the talks said Thursday morning, “there’s going to be some fireworks.” Yahoo! Sports

Tellem is one of the NBA’s power agents and represents several Kings, including rookie star Tyreke Evans. He was involved with Houston and New York in discussions about a trade between them, and team sources say Tellem was upset with the deal to Sacramento. Tellem’s hope had been to get McGrady to the Knicks, and remains so. There was a great deal of acrimony between the Rockets’ front office and McGrady camp prior to the late-night trade to Sacramento on Wednesday. Yahoo! Sports

The Kings were willing to do a deal with the Knicks as trade partners to move McGrady Wednesday night, but league sources have suggested they’ve been less enthusiastic about it on Thursday morning. Of course, it could be posturing. Still, the Kings were able to get tremendous salary-cap relief and space with the deal and are trying to figure out their motivation for wanting to take anything back from New York. Yahoo! Sports

Sacramento would likely be willing to do a buyout on McGrady’s contract, allowing him to re-sign with a team by March 1 and still be eligible for the playoffs. McGrady only played six games with Houston before being exiled prior to Christmas. Yahoo! Sports

Jumping off from last night's events, sources continues to say it's likely Tracy McGrady is heading for New York. That being the case, the only certainties at this point - and with the trade deadline looming at noon Pacific - are that Kevin Martin will be a Rocket and Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey will be Kings. Sacramento Bee

Landry is obviously the centerpiece, with the Kings adding to their frontcourt with the third-year player who is having a career year. As for outgoing Kings Kenny Thomas, Sergio Rodriguez, and Hilton Armstrong, they appear to be headed for Houston while the ultimate destination of McGrady remains unknown. Sacramento Bee

If the trade expands to three teams, one official involved in the talks predicted as many as 15 players could be moved. The official described the talks as “fluid and complicated.” Among the variations being proposed, Knicks guard Larry Hughes would likely be sent to Sacramento. Forward Al Harrington also could be moved. Forward Jared Jeffries, whose contract the Knicks are trying to clear from their salary cap, could go to Houston. Yahoo! Sports

Kate Fagan: If you can't click link, confirmed: Sixers in talks w/ Bucks. Ivey/Brezec for Meeks/Elson, possible 2nd-rd pick. Twitter.com

Chris Mannix: Memphis still looking for bench help. Not sure on names at this point. But they are looking. Twitter.com

Ric Bucher: On Lakers: Source says they're standing pat. You're now free to enjoy the surf, west coasters. Twitter.com

The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a trade that will send Jodie Meeks, Francisco Elson and a second-round draft pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for Primoz Brezec and Royal Ivey, two league sources told ESPN.com NBA Insider Chad Ford. ESPN.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Spurs still trying to trade Roger Mason but nothing imminent, source says. As for Richard Jefferson, forget it. They tried. No shot. Twitter.com

With fans continuing to wonder about the Pollin family's level of involvement in the deconstruction of the Wizards, I found Caron Butler's explanation of how he learned of his trade particularly noteworthy. "It's been going on for like the last month, the rumors and everything," Butler said during a Thursday morning phone appearance on ESPN2's First Take. "Probably that Thursday, before All-Star, I got a phone call from Mrs. Pollin, just talking to me about the state of the team, the future of the team, that something might happen. She had a great deal of respect for me, just like I have for her and her family, and she reached out to me and let me know first-hand." Washington Post

Dana Jacobson then asked Butler about his comment that the trade was a breath of fresh air, and he repeated his previous thoughts. "It really was," Butler said. "Because particularly this season -- last year we went through a lot of adversity as well -- but particularly this season, we went through a lot of adversity. It's just been a real emotional roller-coaster. And I felt like after you work, when you go home, that's a time when you get away from your job, and that wasn't the case in Washington. After basketball, we still had to go deal with court issues and things like that, and it was just wearing on all of us. So this is a great situation for me now with a Class A organization, and I'm just happy to be a part of this new organization." Washington Post

In an odd twist of fate, Jacobson asked Butler about DeShawn Stevenson's '80s party and giving dap with the black-hand side, nuggets that were both two years old but which she suddenly thought of this week. And she asked Butler whether he texted Antawn Jamison after learning of the trade that sent Jamison to Cleveland. "Definitely," Butler said. "I texted LeBron earlier too, and just thanked him for the opportunity to get Antawn over there and have him competing for a title as well. Because at this point in his career, that's all we work for. We wanted to compete for a title every season. So it's a great situation for him and his family and I know he's very excited, not excited about leaving Washington but excited to be in a great situation to be winning and compete for a title." Washington Post

However, what I want to consider here is Julian Wright's recent outburst, or more accurately, plaint, on the subject of his future in New Orleans. Yesterday on Pro Basketball Talk, we got a summary of several days worth of Wright's trade deadline hopes and fears: Off to practice, thinking bout how I'm jealous of all these players that managed to get traded before Thursday ... Just saying, might need a change of scenery, of course I love New Orleans! Bought a house here ... Not bout blaming anyone. Just thinkin bout the C. Fryes, S. Browns, and the G. Wallaces, of the league who just needed a change of scenery. FanHouse

DB.com is breaking news: The Mavs – speaking generally about the rules and not specifically about Drew Gooden – agree with our interpretation of the CBA, Art VII Sect 8 para (g) … which means that pending the NBA seeing it the same way, Gooden can boomerang back to the Mavs – not in 30 days, but TODAY. What is not breaking news to DB.com readers: David Lord is an NBA capology genius. DallasBasketball.com

Brian Windhorst: Danny Ferry gets a little choked up talking about having to trade Ilgauskas. Twitter.com

"We've been working to get Antawn for awhile," Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry said at a press conference. "He fills a need for us. Adding what we added gives us a different dynamic going forward." Cleveland Plain Dealer

The undercurrent of the morning, however, was the loss of Ilgauskas. Shaquille O'Neal said he was pleased with the addition of Jamison but was feeling the loss of Ilgauskas. "I'm happy with it, Antawn is a great player," O'Neal said. "But me and Z, we became friends, best friends. I'm really going to miss him, I respect him so much for welcoming me here with open arms. He was such a professional and I commend him for that." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Just finished practice at the Air Canada Centre to be told Bosh won’t travel with the team for Friday’s game in New Jersey, the first one he’ll sit out after playing all 53 so far this season. Toronto Star

Jonathan Givony: Told that Bucks GM John Hammond thinks he must make playoffs to keep job. Hence trading all team's young players away for experienced scrubs. Twitter.com

This makes his vague answers about his exit curious. “You’ll understand soon what I’m doing,” said Wilson, the longtime president of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons who resigned today. Will he stay in Michigan? “Perhaps. And perhaps not.” Detroit Free Press

Is he running for governor? “I get requests from Democrats and Republicans,” he said, “to run for the other party. It’s just so nice that they take the time to ask.” Detroit Free Press

Will he join a group that is trying to purchase the Pistons? “I really can’t comment on that,” Wilson said. He acknowledged that he has been “approached by half a dozen” potential owners and that it would be a conflict of interest for him to run the Palace and be an advocate of one of the bidders. So you can read whatever you want into that. At least he left the door open. Detroit Free Press

Last update: 12:30 ET

Marc J. Spears: Y! Sports has learned Bobcats get Tyrus Thomas from Bulls for Flip Murray, Acie Law and future 1st round pick. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Another team executive, who had been interested in Thomas, told Y!, "We're out of it now. I think (the Bulls) are getting their deal." Twitter.com

The Bobcats, determined to add an athletic big man to their front court, are close to landing Tyrus Thomas in a deal with the Bulls that would send expiring contracts and a future No. 1 pick to Chicago, a person with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com. CBSSports.com

While the source cautioned that the details were still being resolved and that the deal was pending final approval, it appears that Thomas will secure his exit from Chicago. The Bobcats would then have the rest of the season to evaluate the soon-to-be restricted free agent and decide whether to commit to him long-term. Trading Thomas spares the Bulls the embarrassment of losing one of its best players through free agency with no compensation for the second year in a row. CBSSports.com

Ric Bucher: Sources say Cha is likeliest destination for Bulls' Ty Thomas right now, in exchange for expiring contracts. Flip Murray/Acie Law works. Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Sources say that Knicks-Bulls talks on Tyrus Thomas trade have lost traction. "A long shot now," one official says. Twitter.com

Marc J. Spears: Nuggets tried hard to get Thomas, but Charlotte had more attractive pick. Twitter.com

Another team executive, who had been interested in Thomas, told Y!, "We're out of it now. I think (the Bulls) are getting their deal." A Kings source indicated Thursday that it was likely that McGrady, acquired by Sacramento in a multi-player deal featuring Kevin Martin, would be re-routed to the Knicks prior to Thursday's 3 p.m. trade deadline. New York Daily News

The potential snag in the McGrady deal could be the health of Jeffries, who pulled himself out of Wednesday's loss to Chicago due to recurring knee soreness. Jeffries has been playing with pain for the past month and the injury could be worse than originally believed. All trades are not final until each player passes their physical. Teams have the option to waive a physical but it's hard to imagine the Kings do so in this case since Jeffries is under contract for one more season. New York Daily News

Chad Ford: Latest: Bucks in serious talks with Sixers. Meeks, Elson and a 2nd to Philly for Brezec and Ivey. Twitter.com

The league's trade deadline passes at 1 p.m. (mountain time) today, and this morning no one with the Jazz — at least among those in New Orleans, where the team won Wednesday night — was expecting a deal to go down. Nor was coach Jerry Sloan planning on talking to his club on the subject. "Until I get a phone call, I haven't given it much thought,'' Sloan said this morning. "You know,'' he added, "(general manager) Kevin (O'Connor) does his job every day — and I'm sure he has things that go on, and for time you're always talking about different things, but I don't see anything happening.'' Deseret News

But sometime last month, the Jazz began getting healthy, began to gel and now have 15 wins in their last 17 games.
"I'm not going anywhere," said Boozer. "Unless you know something I don't know." NBA.com

"I'm not into the latest gossip," Boozer said. "I've just got a lot of friends they're talking about right now. I talk to guys about what they're going through, professionally and personally. It can be a pretty stressful time of the year, if you let it." NBA.com

Alexander's 2010-11 option for $2.76 million was not picked up by the Nov. 2 deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent next summer. In an interview with FanHouse before Tuesday's win over the Nets at the Bradley Center, Alexander was asked if he believes that means the Bucks could deal him as the February trade deadline approaches. "They made it pretty clear that they don't see me having a future here,'' said Alexander, the No. 8 pick in the 2008 draft who averaged 4.7 points last season as a rookie. "So I'm assuming a trade would definitely be one of the options.'' FanHouse

Alexander then was asked if he would welcome a trade. "I mean, yeah,'' he said. "If they don't want me, if they don't see a future with me here, that really is the only other option.'' FanHouse

Brian Windhorst: Shaq says he's happy to get Jamison, sad to see Z go. "He became a friend to me, a best friend." Twitter.com

"Everywhere we go, in the streets, in restaurants, at the park walking your dog, in the gym, you're asked about it every single day -- the trade deadline," said Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier. "It's in the papers, on the TV, on the Internet. 'Trades that should happen' or 'Trades that shouldn't happen.' Here's the chatter, the tweeting, the Face-booking, the up-to-date-latest from rumor central. NBA.com

Minnesota is doing something out of control during this Sunday's broadcast of the Thunder game. It's like an internet-savvy fans' dream. First, the broadcast is commercial free. Instead of advertisements, they promise behind-the-scenes footage, and other fun stuff. Can you imagine that! But that's not all. Throughout the game, they're also letting fans chat online with GM David Kahn and owner Glen Taylor. No kidding! But wait, there's more! They'll also have a Flickr scavenger hunt, a trivia contest on Facebook, all while encouraging fans to use YouTube to plead their case for Kahn and Taylor to pick a certain player in the upcoming draft. ESPN.com

While Amar'e Stoudemire has been told by Suns owner Robert Sarver that he is unlikely to be traded before the 3 p.m. trade deadline, that hasn't stopped teams from calling. According to a Suns source, Phoenix has been receiving "a lot" of calls about Stoudemire's availability as the clock ticks towards the deadline. SI.com

The source cautions that, so far, none of the offers have moved the Suns off their current position that keeping Stoudemire is their best play for the rest of the season. Still, it does not come as a surprise to the rest of the league that the Suns would be sifting through offers today. One rival executive suggested that any team with an expiring contract and a draft pick would be calling the Suns, in the hopes that a desperate Phoenix team would accept a lesser deal that returns some value rather than lose him for nothing in the offseason. SI.com

In an e-mail Thursday morning to ESPN.com, Sarver confirmed reports in the Arizona Republic and on FanHouse.com that he met privately with Stoudemire after Wednesday's loss in Dallas to let him know that the Suns are no longer looking to move him. "I think I'm pretty much safe," Stoudemire told FanHouse after his brief chat with Sarver. "I feel good about it. But I would have felt good either way." ESPN.com

Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, echoed that view in an interview Thursday morning with ESPN.com's Chad Ford, saying: "The better [Stoudemire] played over the last couple of weeks, the more emboldened the team got with trades. Anything can happen, but is seems unlikely." ESPN.com

Barring an unexpected trade offer materializing in the final few hours, Amar’e Stoudemire’s agent expects him to remain with the Phoenix Suns for the rest of the season. As a Suns source told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday, a trade with the Miami Heat is a “longshot, at best.” “He’s staying here,” the Suns source said. Yahoo! Sports

The Miami Heat are the only known suitor left for Stoudemire, but sources say that Miami has not been willing to add Michael Beasley to a trade package. Although the Suns, according to sources, see Beasley more as an asset for down-the-road moves than as a potential piece of their long-term future, Phoenix would want Beasley and at least one future first-round pick to surrender Stoudemire. ESPN.com

The Suns have been hoping for weeks to land Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala in a Stoudemire deal, but NBA front-office sources maintain that the 76ers have not relented on their unwillingness to let go of Iguodala for Stoudemire, even if Phoenix also takes back the contract of Samuel Dalembert. ESPN.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: There were several tense conversations between Steve Kerr and agent Happy Walters over Amar'e Stoudemire situation Wednesday, sources say. Twitter.com

League sources said teams showed interest in Monta Ellis, Corey Maggette, Andris Biedrins and Anthony Randolph, but general manager Larry Riley said he doesn't foresee making a trade today. "We've spent quite a bit of time with everything we could look at, but I don't have anything that I expect to happen," Riley said. "I believe that most of the deals that get done will be of the cap nature, and if we do anything, that would very likely be the direction it would go." San Francisco Chronicle

Adrian Wojnarowski: Best chance T-Mac to Knicks happens? Pressure power agent Arn Tellem can/will put on Sac, sources say. He reps Tyreke, plus more on team. Twitter.com

Marc Berman: Arn Tellem tells me 3-way talks ongoing between Knicks-Rockets-Kings and could well be the same Knick players involved without the picks. Twitter.com

A league source just confirmed that Celtics forward J.R. Giddens will likely be included when the Celtics finalize their trade of Eddie House for Knicks guard Nate Robinson. There is also still much that could happen, with the Knicks still attempting to send other players to other teams. “(Giddens) is probably going to be part of this,” said the source. “And at the end of the day Eddie is probably going to end up in New York. But there are so many moving parts to this, a number of things can still happen.” Boston Herald

Nate Robinson: This is a sad day for me as well but I have tears of joy I accomplished something no one has done, 3X slam dunk champion! Thanks to my fans. Twitter.com

Nate Robinson: Love yall for the support over the years, since my rookie year my fans have made it EZ 4 me to LOVE NYC the best place on earth word aapp. Twitter.com

The Bucks have been in serious conversations with the Philadelphia 76ers, who would like to take Meeks off Milwaukee's hands. The 76ers were keenly interested in Meeks before last summer's NBA draft and gave consideration to picking him in the first round. They instead chose UCLA guard Jrue Holiday. In return for Meeks, the 76ers would possibly give Milwaukee veteran guard Royal Ivy and possibly a draft pick. Racine Journal-Times

Struggling after spending most of the last decade as a contender, the Detroit Pistons came into this year's trade deadline as a potential player. But with less than five hours to go before the deadline, a Pistons source told ESPN.com that the chances the Pistons make a trade look slim. "There's a less than 10 percent chance," the source said. "There's just no deal that makes sense for us right now." ESPN.com

The Knicks contacted the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday about the availability of point guard Luke Ridnour, but the talks stalled when the Knicks wanted to expand the deal to include Jared Jeffries, according to a source close to the negotiations. New York Daily News

"I thought I would at least have a chance to play my last game here playing in a Wizards uniform, but it didn't happen," Jamison said late Wednesday night, after he learned that he was headed to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade that involved the Los Angeles Clippers. It was a bittersweet moment for Jamison, who felt the regret of unfulfilled promise but the hope of something greater ahead. Washington Post

"Ernie, he didn't want to do it. But said he thought so highly of me and thought I had an opportunity to win one. I'm ecstatic," Jamison said. "That's what it's all about, getting a chance to put myself in a position to win a championship. It's sad it didn't happen here in D.C. We had the vision of doing some special things there." Washington Post

After Grunfeld dealt Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to Dallas, expediting the rebuilding process, Jamison knew that definitely wasn't going to happen before his contract ended in two years. So, the consummate professional finally did what he hoped he wouldn't have to: He made an impassioned plea for a trade. "That's one thing I respect about Ernie. I told him, 'It'll be tough for me to be part of a rebuilding stage.' My window of opportunity is not a wide-open window. I wanted to take advantage of it," said Jamison, who has $28 million left on his contract after this season. "I appreciate them for putting me in a winning situation because they could not have done that." Washington Post

When asked how he would've dealt with having to finish the season in Washington, Jamison said, "That would've been tough if I would've stayed here. Not being able to do the things I set out to do before the season. The distractions that happened the last month or two. Brendan and them getting traded. I still would've gone out there and been a professional in those situations, but it would've been tough to have fun and go out there and compete at a high level." Washington Post

Sitting in front of his locker after the Clippers' sixth straight defeat, a 110-92 loss to the Hawks at Staples Center, Kaman was still trying to come to terms with losing his low post teammate. "We just try to do our best to continue to play hard and try to win games and make our fans happy but it's tough when you trade away players like that in the middle of the season," Kaman said. "Guys you are so used to playing with, certain styles and certain players." ESPN.com

Wednesday night, Kaman said the coaching change from Mike Dunleavy, who stepped down Feb. 4, to longtime assistant Kim Hughes was "tough." "Same with coaching," Kaman said. "Nothing against Kim, I think he's got a good future but I think it's going to be hard right away. It's his first job and they just throw it right to him after 50 games and expect him to turn it around and on top of that trade away the best player defensively and a great player offensively. It's just tough, there's nothing you can say." ESPN.com

Howard made his Wizards debut Wednesday night and helped Washington topple Minnesota, 108-99. Howard put up a very Mavs-like 2009-10 stat line: 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting (1-of-4 on 3s), one rebound, no assists, three steals and two turnovers in 27 minutes off the bench. Happy after the win, Howard had this to say: "It meant a lot, coming to a new organization and show them that I want to be here, plus stick it to the Mavs," Howard said. "I'm happy now, you don't have to worry about me saying nothing else about them now." ESPN.com

Josh Howard on Mavs owner Mark Cuban saying the trade would re-energize him: "Whatever. It's a new start. I'm going to give it my all. As far as being re-energized, that's the question you have to ask him because I was energized when I was down there." ESPN.com

Q: What are the chances that you will play the World Championships in Turkey? Pau Gasol: Little chances. Very little. Actually, very, very little. Antena 3

North Carolina forward Ed Davis' biography was on a sports agency's Web site Thursday morning, but agent Vincent Porter said the sophomore has not signed, or verbally committed, to his agency -- even though Porter has had contact with the family. "I don't even know if he's going to go pro ... this injury has opened up all possibilities,'' Porter said in a phone interview. Charlotte Observer

Porter said he believes someone hacked his site, ptasportsmanagement.com, and added information that looked as if it had been cut-and-pasted from the UNC's media guide -- such as where Davis played in high school, his high school statistics and his family information. Davis' picture had not been added to the site, and the information looked different from what was listed for other clients. Charlotte Observer

The agent, though, said he has had contact with the Davis family; Davis' father, Terry, is a former NBA player. Asked who contacted who, Porter said he and the family had a mutual friend in Richmond, Va., and "initially, they would have contacted me through that friend." Asked when the contact was made, Porter would offer no more details. Charlotte Observer

Instead Porter suggested that someone with knowledge that he was interested in signing Davis hacked into his agency's web site and planted the North Carolina star's name among the list of clients with a link to bio information lifted from Wikipedia. "We completely think that someone is running a smear campaign on us," Porter said by phone on Thursday. "I've spoken to the family, but we have no written or oral agreement, nothing to say he is going to sign with us. I wouldn't really even consider us to be in the picture being such a small firm." Yahoo! Sports

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has stated his interest in staging a regular season or playoff game at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys return that interest. "We would love to explore that," said Stephen Jones, the Cowboys' chief operating officer. Dallas Morning News

The Rockets had reached agreement with the Kings to acquire Kevin Martin. The deal struck Wednesday night will send Martin, Kenny Thomas, Hilton Armstrong and Sergio Rodriguez to the Rockets for McGrady, Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and an undisclosed amount of cash. The Rockets and Kings were, however, trying to involve the Knicks in a three-team trade that would land McGrady in New York. ESPN.com

The Rockets and Kings have agreed in principle to a deal that would send Kevin Martin to Houston, two sources confirmed to CBSSports.com, while Tracy McGrady would go to the Kings or Knicks depending on whether the trade expands into a three-team deal. Details of the agreement were still emerging early Thursday, but one of the sources indicated that the Rockets' aggressive pursuit of a landing spot for McGrady and his $23 million contract may not have taken its last turn before the 3 p.m. ET Thursday deadline. A second person involved in the process was hopeful that McGrady would be rerouted to New York, the former All-Star's preferred destination. CBSSports.com

Marc Stein: Just spoke to another source close to the situation who said of T-Mac winding up with Knicks on Thursday: "I think it will happen." Twitter.com

A source involved in the discussions said early Thursday morning that there was still a "decent" chance that the Kings would re-route McGrady to New York by Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. It was not known if that would involve the same package the Knicks were willing to send to the Rockets for McGrady -- forwards Jared Jeffries and rookie Jordan Hill, and guard Larry Hughes, along with draft picks. NBA.com

McGrady’s agent, Arn Tellem, had worked diligently with the Rockets to broker a trade for T-Mac to the Knicks, and sources say he’s now determined to get him out of Sacramento. Tellem also represents the Kings’ prized rookie, Tyreke Evans. A league official involved in this deal rates the possibility of New York general manager Donnie Walsh cutting a deal for T-Mac as “possible.” “But I’m not sure it’s likely yet,” the official said. Yahoo! Sports

Adrian Wojnarowski: If T-Mac gets buy out with Kings, he privately hopes to sign with Lakers or Cavaliers for the playoffs, source close to him tells Y! Twitter.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: No evidence Lakers would have interest, but Danny Ferry kept an eye on T-Mac this season. That said, unclear if either team would want him. Twitter.com

Those familiar with the Kings' thinking have long professed their lack of interest in McGrady, but it wasn't clear early Thursday whether T-Mac would be rerouted to New York by the Kings or sent there in a more standard three-way arrangement. Earlier Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the Kings' posture placed the likelihood of Martin remaining in Sacramento past Thursday's deadline at "100 percent." When pressed, the source opened the door slightly. "OK, 95 percent," the person said. CBSSports.com

Marc J. Spears: More KMart to Y!: "I'm definitely excited for a new opportunity with my old coach. That's the funny part." Twitter.com

Sam Amick: Sergio Rodriguez and Kenny Thomas have no idea where they're going. Just talked to both. Twitter.com

Landry has already come to grips with what has happened. "I'm fine," Landry said in an an interview with FOX 26. "I'm upbeat. "I'm excited about a new beginning with Sacramento. Houston has been great to me. I've build a lot of relationships here and I'm going to miss it. "I look forward to playing with the Kings and bringing them some life." MyFOX Houston

The Bulls are still intent on trading Kirk Hinrich and opening even more cap room for the summer. That’s their top priority in the final hours before the deadline. Since the Kings saved money by trading Martin, maybe they’d be interested in Hinrich, who could be a nice veteran mentor to rookie guard Tyreke Evans. A couple of combinations would work – Hinrich, Brad Miller and Jannero Pargo, or Hinrich, Tyrus Thomas, Jerome James and Pargo. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Sources say the Knicks are also increasingly interested in swinging a separate deal with the Chicago Bulls before the deadline that would send out Al Harrington in exchange for Tyrus Thomas and the expiring contract of former Knicks center Jerome James. ESPN.com

	Want to follow HoopsHype.com on Twitter too? Click here.

The Bulls pulled Salmons out of Wednesday's game in New York because of a pending trade that will send Salmons to the Bucks for two expiring contracts. ESPN.com's Chad Ford reported that the Bulls would get Kurt Thomas and Francisco Elson, while the Chicago Tribune reported that they could receive those two or Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander. Chicago has also had increasingly serious discussions with the Knicks on the Ty Thomas-for-Harrington front; Salmons and Thomas were both part of the Bulls' most recent McGrady offers. ESPN.com

About a hour ago, though, I was told by reliable sources the Bucks would likely send Warrick and young forward Joe Alexander to the Bulls. Warrick didn't play Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets and, after the game, he acknowledged that he had heard earlier in the day he might be traded to Chicago. Racine Journal-Times

I've been told the Pacers, who are ready to go into a rebuilding mode, are still receptive to dealing Murphy to the Bucks. Racine Journal-Times

Phoenix star forward Amar'e Stoudemire confirmed to FanHouse on Wednesday night he won't be traded by Thursday's deadline. "I think I'm pretty much safe,'' Stoudemire said after a talk with owner Robert Sarver following the Suns' 107-97 loss at Dallas. "I feel good. But either way I was going to feel all right.'' FanHouse

It became apparent Stoudemire wouldn't be dealt after Cleveland, which had been pursuing the big man before getting tired of waiting, agreed to a trade earlier Wednesday in which it will get forward Antawn Jamison in a three-team deal. After that, two league sources said Stoudemire would be staying, and Suns coach Alvin Gentry did nothing to dispute that before Wednesday's game. It probably also hasn't hampered matters that Stoudemire reiterated to FanHouse he's still leaning toward not opting out of his contract this summer. "I don't think that was ever an issue that we were looking to trade (Stoudemire),'' Gentry said. "People always make phone calls. They think somebody's available, and the guy's a great player... Quite naturally, anybody would field phone calls.. I don't think anybody went in saying, 'We're going to trade Amar'e.''' FanHouse

FanHouse did ask Stoudemire again. He said nothing has changed, and he's still leaning toward not opting out. "I think everything still remains the same,'' he said. "You guys can take my old comments and use those.'' FanHouse

Stoudemire anticipates no problems remaining in Phoenix. "Yeah, absolutely, he said. "It's all about being professional. My character, hopefully you guys have been seeing my character over the past 7 1/2 years but more so the last two years with the trade talk. I'm still going to remain a competitive force on the basketball court.'' FanHouse

Art Garcia: Amar'e relieved after deadline? "I'm relieved now. The only thing that’s stopping my celebration right now is the fact that we lost." Twitter.com

“I think we definitely need some more help off the bench,” forward Zach Randolph told Sporting News. “I think the coaches know that. The front office knows that. It is important for us to be able to finish off games, and I think helping out the bench would be a good thing as far as that goes. We have got a pretty smart front office. Some people doubted them, but look at what they’ve done. So, I think they will do what they can to help us.” Sporting News

Ray Allen has heard his name included in potential trades for Rip Hamilton, Monta Ellis, Kevin Martin, Andre Iguodala and Jason Richardson. He knows he has no control over whether the Boston Celtics send him to another team. He also knows he doesn’t want to go. As Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline approaches, Allen has one hope: He’d like to be starting for the Celtics when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Yahoo! Sports

According to multiple team sources, Allen will likely get his wish. While the Celtics have spent the past few weeks exploring their trade options with Allen, they don’t expect to move the veteran shooting guard. The team is close to acquiring Nate Robinson from the New York Knicks, probably in exchange for Eddie House and J.R. Giddens. But Celtics president Danny Ainge called the potential for an Allen trade “highly unlikely.” Yahoo! Sports

“What can I do?” Allen said. “I’m not looking at the clock.” Yahoo! Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most proactive teams in trade talks over the last two weeks, but indications around the league are that the struggling Sixers may be pulling back before the deadline. 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. According to one source, Philadelphia¹s chances of making a deal before Thursday's deadline are "50-50" and that the team will not hold a fire sale for its available talent. SI.com

One NBA source said the Sixers were discussing smaller-level trades involving peripheral players - no one was specifically named - but put the likelihood of pulling off such a deal at far less than 50 percent. "We're going to pretty much stand pat, from what I understand," said coach Eddie Jordan. "But that's not for me to answer, that's an Ed Stefanski question, not mine. I've said from the beginning, I'm coaching the team that's in the locker room." Philadelphia Inquirer

According to one source, the Sixers have inquired about San Antonio Spurs guard Roger Mason, as well as Golden State Warriors swingman Anthony Morrow. Neither player was available for the Sixers. In one case, the team wasn't willing to part with the player. In the other, the Sixers couldn't offer enough in return. Philadelphia Inquirer

Yes, the Warriors are apparently serious about holding onto Monta Ellis through tomorrow’s trade deadline, unless they’re knocked over with a monster offer. They’ll keep listening. They have some interested teams. They’ve perked up interest by holding Ellis out last night and now tonight, explained by his minor knee injury. 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. San Jose Mercury News

According to multiple NBA sources, the Warriors rejected Memphis’ intriguing offer of OJ Mayo + contract-filler. This deal was first offered at the start of the season and possibly is still on the table, in Memphis’ view, and still rejected by the Warriors. San Jose Mercury News

Alan Hahn: Asked if the Darko/Cardinal trade would affect another move, Donnie Walsh said, "Not directly, but yes." Twitter.com

As of 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rudoy said he had not spoken to Wizards General Manager Ernie Grunfeld about Washington's plans. It is generally assumed that the Wizards will buy out the last year of Ilgauskas' contract, which will pay him $11.5 million. That would leave Ilgauskas free to sign with any team, including the Cavaliers, although he would have to wait 30 days to re-sign with Cleveland. He would not have to wait to sign with another team, but he must be bought out before March 1 in order to be eligible for the playoffs. "I'm going to try to get them to do a buy-out, but I've already heard from a few teams -- good teams -- that are really interested in wanting to talk about Z going to play for them," Rudoy said. "That doesn't surprise me. He's still a very good player. He's a very interesting player who can still be a very good center in this league. Cleveland Plain Dealer

"I don't know exactly what's going to happen. I think his heart is in Cleveland, that's for sure. But we'll see how this plays out. He's got 30 days to make a decision if it's Cleveland. If it's somebody else, he could make it in a week. His whole decision will be based on what's best for his career. He'd like to win a championship, that's for sure. But it's his call, not mine. I'm just going to give him all the options." Though Rudoy did not specify any teams, the Dallas Mavericks are believed to be interested in Ilgauskas, especially after Erick Dampier dislocated a finger on Tuesday. The Denver Nuggets also are thought to be looking for a big man. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Brian Windhorst: The Cavs have their $1.99 million bi-annual exception left they can use to sign bought out players. Twitter.com

Brian Windhorst: Also, by my calculations (and that makes it sketchy), Z will receive a $600,000 trade bonus for this deal. Twitter.com

Alex Kennedy: Otis Smith didn't budge tonight, watching from his normal spot in the tunnel. I guess he wasn't lying when he said he's not making calls. Twitter.com

Orlando Magic players continued to say Wednesday that they didn't expect the organization to make any deals before today's 3 p.m. NBA trade deadline. "We feel like we've got everything in this locker room," Anthony Johnson said before the Magic faced the Detroit Pistons at Amway Arena. "We don't think they're going to change it." Orlando Sentinel

The Knicks are expected to waive recently acquired Brian Cardinal to make room for the players they expect to receive in the Robinson-to-Boston and McGrady trades, should they go through. Donnie Walsh said he is "hopeful" he will get his deals done Thursday, but he said he was not getting overly optimistic. ESPN.com

As of last night, both sides were attempting to hammer out details, with one consideration being Robinson’s status as a base-year compensation player. As a result, only half of his $4 million contract can be used for matching purposes. House earns approximately $3.8 million. Boston Herald

One league source claims that Marquis Daniels, who played for Donnie Walsh at Indiana, could replace House in the deal. New York Daily News

Robinson would also become a richer man as a result of this trade. According to a league source, he will make an additional $1 million if his team reaches the playoffs. “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 Bartelstein. Boston Herald

Sources say Robinson is tired of D'Antoni's eye rolls and waving of the arms whenever Robinson makes a mistake. New York Post

Nate Robinson's locker inside Madison Square Garden was vacant except for a name plate, a small Vaseline jar and a pair of socks. It was a quiet exit for the loudest, and perhaps most annoying player, to ever wear a Knicks uniform. The fans may have loved the diminutive, ultra-athletic Robinson, but Mike D'Antoni had little use for the Lil' Him. Now the three-time Slam Dunk champion is off to an organization that has a history of winning more meaningful championships. New York Daily News

One man who will be particularly happy if this trade if finalized is Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, who once coached House in Phoenix. “Mike D’Antoni is a huge fan of Eddie,” said Bartelstein. “Mike told me on more than one occasion that his greatest regret was letting Eddie go.” Boston Herald

After trying to unload the salary of their highest-paid player, the Indiana Pacers are resigned that they won’t be trading Troy Murphy prior to Thursday’s deadline, league sources said. Murphy had been the object of interest in several places, including Milwaukee, Sacramento and even Cleveland. The Bucks were the most intrigued with him until they made a deal for Chicago’s John Salmons on Wednesday. Yahoo! Sports

The Pacers have been actively shopping forward Troy Murphy for some time. Murphy is working under the impression that he won't be traded. Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers coach Jim O'Brien thinks the team that played the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night will be the same group that boards a plane for New Orleans today. The NBA's trade deadline is at 3 p.m. today, and O'Brien does not expect the team to make any deals. Indianapolis Star

League sources told SI.com on Tuesday that newly acquired forward Drew Gooden is in the process of negotiating a buyout with the Wizards. 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, sources say. SI.com

One report said the Clippers would buy out the remainder of Gooden's $4.5 million, but Dunleavy said, "It's not our intention." It appears as if it was a signal the Clippers have closed the door on the 2009-10 season, but they at least made the effort to put their own spin on it. "We wanted to maintain the ability to make a good deal as well," Dunleavy said. "No way was it a dump of any kind. We received three players we really like." Los Angeles Daily News

When the Rockets get done with their trade decisions, there could be another roster evaluation ahead. Guard Garrett Temple's 10-day contract will expire before Saturday's game, but also before Kyle Lowry is expected back from his sprained ankle. “It's something we'll have to talk about,” Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. Houston Chronicle

After pregame warm-ups Wednesday, Michael Beasley and Dwyane Wade busted into the locker room, laughing at each other. "I like running behind you when you sign autographs, because they don't even see me out there," Beasley said. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"There's disappointment," Flip Saunders said about the Jamison trade. "He's one of the most professional guys I've ever been around. It's unfortunate the way our season took a turn with injuries. We could never get any traction. Then the thing with Gil really tainted everything. If I hadn't been in the CBA for seven years, I would have gone crazy." Mike Jones

"Antawn Jamison has been the embodiment of leadership on and off the court for this franchise for five-and-a-half seasons and we thank him for all he has done for the Wizards and the city of Washington," Grunfeld said in a statement. "Unfortunately, our on-court results have not met our expectations and we felt it was necessary to make changes to improve our future and our financial flexibility. This trade accomplished both of those objectives." Washington Post

The Magic player that will most feel the impact of Antawn Jamison’s addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers will be power forward Rashard Lewis. Jamison has caused Lewis problems on occasion. So what does Lewis think about the trade? “It doesn’t scare me,” Lewis said. “I’ve been on all star teams as well as him. I think it’s going to come down to who executes better on the defensive end. Most definitely a great player. … At the same time one guy doesn’t win ballgames. They do have another guy called LeBron James which is going to be our focus.” Orlando Sentinel

He sat out Wednesday's practice because of a sprained left ankle that's kept him sidelined for the past four games, but joked he ran "wind sprints in flip-flops." He acknowledged he "skimmed through" a recent GQ profile that highlighted how Bryant has overcome his wounded body parts both literally and figuratively, saying that though "I didn't get the chance to really dig into it," he appreciated the story "made me look a lot better" than how perhaps he's been portrayed otherwise over his career. Bryant also liked the pictures that accompanied the eight-page cover story, joking, "I look better in the photos than I look in person." Los Angeles Times

"It’s important for everybody on this team to understand what we’re playing for," said Bryant, who doesn't plan to suit up against the Celtics. "I would love to come back and play but I’m not ready. So I won’t. We want to win a championship. We have to do what’s necessary to get that job done. So if that means missing a big TNT doubleheader, so be it." Los Angeles Times

Holly McKenzie: Rudy stopped by the Raptors locker room to apologize to Antoine Wright for catching him in the temple w/ an elbow, resulting in 3 stitches. Twitter.com

DeAndre Jordan: Keep the hate coming, I love it!!! Twitter.com

Mike James: I've accomplished alot. I refuse to let this summer go in vain. I worked xtra hard. I guess I gotta keep my hard hat on. Twitter.com

Mike James: Cream always rises to the top. If it's not cream it will fall to the bottom and wither away. I'm still nice. I won't stop. Twitter.com

Ben Gordon was ejected in the fourth quarter after exchanging words with J.J. Redick. The two had been going at it all night and Stan Van Gundy described Gordon's behavior as that of a bully. "That's pretty typical of bullies. They like all the physical stuff but they don't like it when we come back at them," he said when asked about the exchange. Redick bolted after the game before the media was allowed access to the locker room but from his chewing out of Gordon as he exited the game, it seems that the Pistons' guard must have struck a nerve. The rest of the team liked the intensity and physicality, acknowledging that playoff basketball requires a similar mindset. Several of the players mentioned that Matt Barnes has really set the tone with his toughness and suggested that it's rubbing off on the rest of the team. HoopsWorld

Karl will continue to coach the Nuggets (35-18) as long as he can. Denver players insist they are more than ready to help their leader. "This right here will make us closer," all-star Carmelo Anthony said. "In the back of our minds, we know what's at stake here. Of course, we want to win the championship. Of course, we know George's situation. So I think all of that is going to make us that much better. We want to play hard anyway, day in and day out, but of course that's in the back of our minds. "But like he said, he doesn't want us to feel sorry for him. He needs us right now. He needs our support." Denver Post

After learning about Karl's throat cancer, Nene said he had a conversation with his coach. "I told him, 'Coach, I know you're strong, you've been through a lot of situations. This is one more fight; we're here to support you. God is going to give you strength to beat cancer.' " Nene, Anthony and Kenyon Martin were with the Nuggets through Karl's bout with prostate cancer in 2005 and through his son Coby's fight with cancer in 2007. "It's a tough situation for anybody," Anthony said. "It's different when it's coming from your head coach." Denver Post

After Tuesday’s game, Roy was depressed about the state of his hamstring, which hasn’t allowed him to complete a full game since Jan. 10 against Cleveland. He wondered openly whether his season was in jeopardy. On Wednesday, Roy backtracked a little, saying he isn’t considering shutting down his season. “The end of the season is a long time,’’ Roy said. “So right now, that’s out of my mind. I’m just trying to play and get better. I’m not going to look too far ahead.’’ Oregonian

Jerry Colangelo, recently rumored to be incoming owner Mikhail Prokhorov's choice to take over as president of the Nets, told a Phoenix radio station Wednesday that the odds of him ending up in New Jersey or anywhere else in the league are "remote." Colangelo is currently chairman of USA Basketball. As for Thursday's trade deadline, Rod Thorn said there was "nothing going on of substance." New York Daily News

The sweepstakes for a new Kings arena may get another high-profile player: NBA legend Magic Johnson. On Wednesday, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, himself a former NBA All-Star, announced that Magic Johnson could play a role in a proposal to build the new Kings arena in Natomas. Sacramento Bee

In an interview with KFBK radio, Mayor Johnson said Magic Johnson's company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has done extensive work with Skanska and could join the Natomas group. Magic Johnson Enterprises owns a string of movie theaters and restaurants, many in minority neighborhoods. MJE also has financed real estate developments in several states. Sacramento Bee

Grizzlies assistant coach Henry Bibby said he likely will miss the team's next two games because of his brother's death. Jim Bibby, a former major league pitcher who started for World Series-winning Pittsburgh in 1979, died Tuesday night at age 65. Memphis Commercial Appeal

They don’t boo Mighty Mouse in Toronto anymore, like they once did. In fact when his accomplishments in a Raptors uniform were recognized as part of the 15-year anniversary of the franchise in a short videoboard presentation, Stoudamire received a standing ovation. Looking back on what was a messy divorce from the team, a departure he orchestrated after GM Isiah Thomas fled the scene in November, Stoudamire’s only regret is how it was handled, both by himself and the organization. “The whole regret that I have is not necessarily what was or what wasn’t,” Stoudamire said Wednesday night. “The regret that I have was moreso the immaturity of the way the whole thing happened. “I think everybody, both sides included, it was just an immature situation and I’m willing and I accept my responsibility in that.” Toronto Sun

“The emotions were so high at the time and I wanted to get to a winner so bad and have a chance to win,” he said. “Going to Portland with all the young players they had, I just felt like that was a good fit for me.” Toronto Sun

Any rumor missing? E-mail us at hoopshype@hoopshype.com.