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Friday, February 19

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Asked whether the Brewer trade affected his thinking about his long-term future in Utah, Williams uttered words that could reverberate in the team's front office: "That's why I signed a three-year deal." Williams never before has brought up the length of the contract extension he signed in July 2008 in such terms. Rather than opting for a full five-year extension, Williams signed a three-year deal with a player option for a fourth year, giving him an out from Utah. Salt Lake Tribune

A day after the Jazz traded his self-described "little brother," Deron Williams sharply questioned Friday the direction the team was going after the deal that sent Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for a protected first-round draft pick. "I think if we'd make a trade it would be something a little different than that," Williams said at the pregame shootaround. "You look at all the teams that are getting better around the West and we essentially get worse, if you ask me." Salt Lake Tribune

With the deal completed just minutes before Thursday's 1 p.m. deadline, Brewer was pulled off the Jazz's flight. Williams said he had "two seconds" to say goodbye. "Probably one of the quietest flights we've had just because we were in shock," Williams said. Salt Lake Tribune

Ross Siler: Jerry Sloan called the whole thing an "awkward situation" with Brewer learning he was traded just before the Jazz's flight left. Twitter.com

Brewer, smiling often and talking glowingly about his new teammates, made it clear he’s happy to be on board with the Grizzlies’ youth movement. He’s ready to help them soar. “The adjustment will be easy,” Brewer said of being traded from Utah to Memphis for a 2011 protected first-round pick. “I want to provide a spark. This team has a lot of potential.” Memphis Commercial Appeal

Once the dust settles, we’ll see what O’Connor is thinking when it comes to his newest 13th man. I don’t know where things stand as far as the D-League vs. free-agent route. My first thought is that they’ll look to sign a big man, though I don’t know if they can find a veteran. The Jazz have three point guards and made Thursday’s trade to free up minutes for their wings. What might be of most use is a center/power forward who could play behind Boozer, Millsap and Mehmet Okur but ahead of Kyrylo Fesenko and Kosta Koufos. Salt Lake Tribune

Arenas has been suspended for the remainder of the season after bringing guns to the locker room in December during a dispute with Javaris Crittenton. Arenas will be sentenced on March 26 for a felony gun possession charge, but he is still under contract for the next four years at $80 million. Grunfeld said the most likely option for the Wizards is not a trade, a buyout or contract termination but rather Arenas's return. "Gilbert is still one of the top players in this league. He's under contract and he's going to be with us," Grunfeld said. "He's part of this organization. If he wants to play, this is the place where he's going to play. Washington Post

James, 34, said after practice Thursday that he was disappointed that he wasn't moved in one of the earlier trades with Dallas or Cleveland, which was also considered. "I missed the car ride, I missed the bus and I missed the plane," James said before talks with the Heat collapsed. "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

Though it has been widely rumored that Washington will release Ilgauskas, who would be able to sign back with the Cavs in 30 days, nothing has been discussed to this point. "Right now I'm a Wizard,'' he said. "I think eventually they'll let me go, but that's just my guess. They haven't told me anything yet. First I've got to go to Washington, and hopefully after a couple of days they'll let me go home.'' Cleveland Plain Dealer

Danny Ferry on whether or not the Cavs and Suns had conversations about Amar’e Stoudemire: “Steve and I talked about a lot of different things around the trade deadline. We looked at one team to one team things and multiple team things with different players and everything. Without getting too specific, I think a lot of the speculation out there from the media and everything else is a little off but we did have conversations.” Sports Radio Interviews

"It was emotional,'' Ilgauskas said of the call with Ferry, a friend and former teammate whose voice quivered when he told reporters about the phone call during a press conference on Thursday. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ferry on whether or not this move was made to try and keep LeBron in Cleveland: “Kenny we’re trying to build the best team that we can for this year to win a championship and the best team going forward while balancing both of those things. If that’s the case then ‘Bron or any player would want to come back or want to play here. I think we’ve done a good job of building an organization and having a good culture with talented players and we always gotta keep trying to get better.” Sports Radio Interviews

It sounds as though contending teams that expected to have a shot at signing defensive ace Raja Bell for the stretch run are going to be disappointed. Reason being: Bell is not seeking a buyout from the Golden State Warriors. The 33-year-old had wrist surgery in early December but is on course to make his comeback next month. After the trading deadline passed without the Warriors plugging his $5.3 million expiring contract into a deal, Bell would have been a natural free-agent target for playoff teams, such as Denver and San Antonio, seeking an extra wing defender to throw at Kobe Bryant. ESPN.com

Bell, though, told ESPN.com that he is not pursuing a buyout, which would have to be completed before March 1 for Bell to be eligible for the playoffs with a new team. “I’m fully prepared to play here,” Bell said Friday. ESPN.com

Alan Hahn: McGrady says if Knicks bring in LeBron or Wade, "I'd be a damn fool not to want to stay here . . . Money is not an issue [for me]." Twitter.com

But the former Rocket says he wouldn't require much of the team's available salary-cap space - or anything close to a max-contract - if it means aligning himself with one or two of the marquee stars available this summer. "I'm going to tell you guys like this: I'm a guy that I've made a lot of money over my career. I can retire right now and I can be fine financially and my kids can be fine when they get older. Money is not an issue," McGrady said Friday after reporting to the Knicks practice facility in Greenburgh. "If these guys were to bring in a LeBron or a D-Wade, along with a Chris Bosh or a (Amare) Stoudemire, I'd be a damn fool to not want to stay here. "I am telling you right now, I will definitely embrace the opportunity to be here. Money will not be an issue." New York Daily News

"I don't look at it as I can't do this. I don't have a doubt…I feel like I can do everything I've done in the past," said McGrady, who's been working out and playing pickup games since leaving the Rockets. "My agent (Arn Tellem) gave me a list of teams…I told him 'whatever you have to do.' I didn't want to go anywhere else. "I know these guys are (7 1/2) games out of the playoffs, but this is the team I wanted to come to. With coach (Mike) D'Antoni's system and their style of basketball, and what I've been through, I felt this was the perfect situation for me." New York Daily News

Marc Berman: Knicks still waived B. Cardinal despite having roster spot. Why not just buyout Darko? Tried. Saved luxury tax on the Darko trade. $1.4M. Twitter.com

And the main topic remains Amar'e Stoudemire for at least one more day. Stoudemire spoke after today's shootaround for the first time since the Suns let the trade deadline pass Thursday afternoon without making a move. They openly considered trading him and knew they had some patchwork ahead, leading to Thursday night's dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Phoenix with Stoudemire, Steve Kerr, Robert Sarver and Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, attending. So any lingering resentment? "Not at all," Stoudemire said. "We actually had dinner last night. It was a great dinner. There's no ill will at all toward the organization so we feel confident about the decision that was made as far as not trading me and we're looking to have a successful season." Arizona Republic

Kerr said on KTAR-AM this morning that Stoudemire had to "get things off his chest." "It was strictly a positive conversation," Stoudemire said. "(I) definitely wanted to discuss a few things about the situation and just get a few things off my chest, as quote unquote, Steve Kerr said. "I didn't really get offended but I did want to get a few answers. It's only right that we sat down and had a positive dinner, had a great conversation about the whole thing and it turned out great." Arizona Republic

Alvin Gentry asked now that they are past the trading deadline and his name was mentioned so much do they have to mend fences with him now: “No I don’t think there is any bad blood at all guys. I think that everyone associated with the NBA knows that its part of it. I talked to Amar’e a little bit about it and said hey as a coach, you know coaches get fired in this league all the time and you move on to the next city and may end up working for the same team again. It’s the nature of the beast and one of the reasons you get a lot of money to do what you do in this league as a player and as a coach. I think Amar’e is just going to go out and play. Amar’e loves being in Phoenix, he loves Phoenix and he loves the Suns. I think he will play and try to get done what we want to get done and that’s make the playoffs.” Sports Radio Interviews

"Obviously, I want to have a sense of security," Stoudemire said. "With that being said, I'm not really going to get into the years and dollar signs right now. Ultimately, we just want to make sure that we both accomplish the decision we make and go from there. We haven't got to an agreement yet but we're getting there." Arizona Republic

Sources confirmed that the Warriors -- both early in the season and again closer to the deadline -- discussed a deal with Memphis that would have sent Monta Ellis to the Grizzlies for a package headlined by Grizz guard O.J. Mayo. ESPN.com

He was one of two mid-priced Warriors, according to NBA front-office sources, who drew a fair amount of interest leading up to the trading deadline along with Warriors forward Ronny Turiaf. Turiaf actually generated more interest, sources said, given his status as a proven off-the-bench big man who has a rep as a great chemistry guy and who has only two seasons left on his contract after this season at a total of $8.4 million. ESPN.com

Kevin Martin on how he feels about the news of the trade: “There’s two different sides of it. The connection with the Kings and the community and that part of it, it’s a sad day for me and my family. Sacramento is the first place that I had my first real job. Just like Corliss Williamson said, I was like a golden child here. To see me grow up from a 20 or 21-year old to a man these days, I always hold special memories with the community and how they love me and how much I put forth out there. It’s a sad day in that part but in another aspect, it’s time to move on.” Sports Radio Interviews

Martin on whether or not he ever demanded a trade from the Kings: “No. Never. I’m more professional than that. I came into work to get better every day. At the end I felt that everything would work out as it should and that’s all you can ask for. Just going to do your job. But no there was never me walking into the office and asking for a trade or anything. I think on both ends we’ve got too much respect for each other. The organization treated me like I could never plan out a better story from day one since I walked in here. They treated me with loyalty and I treated them with loyalty and I think that’s the main reason they put me in a great situation right now.” Sports Radio Interviews

Marcus Camby on if it was true that Camby was initially very upset with the trade: “No, that was just a rumor.” On how though it’s still nevertheless difficult to get traded: “Anytime you get traded it’s always an awkward situation, especially wen you’ve been in a place for a couple of years, you’re used to your surroundings, you know, you enjoy the situation that you’re in. But then to find out you’re traded and you have to move on to new surroundings, it’s always difficult. But once you sit back and digest the situation and take a moment to yourself to analyze how things are - where you’re at and where you’re going - it’s a no-brainer. The Clippers are going in opposite direction than what I would have liked in my career. Coming to Portland and being surrounded by the great players that we have - Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge - it was a no-brainer. I definitely welcome the situation to be in playoff contention again, and I definitely can’t wait to get started.” Sports Radio Interviews

The Dallas Morning News reported on Friday that new Wizard Josh Howard sat out the Mavericks game in Washington on Jan. 20 because he hadn't recovered from a night of partying rather than the stomach illness announced by the team. The newspaper wrote "sources said team officals could not deny that it was a self-inflicted game off." After the Wizards defeated Minnesota on Wednesday, Howard said he would like to "stick it to" the Mavericks. But when asked about the story, he said, "I'll just leave it alone. I know it's not true." Washington Post

He said excessive partying the night before was not the reason he missed the game. "I was sick and that was it," Howard said. "I don't know where that is coming from and it's sad they are trying to talk about me the way they are. That was over a month ago. It's amazing how stuff is coming up like this now and I'm not even there. But I know I didn't do anything and it's time to move on." Washington Post

Josh Howard, though, is an optimistic fellow. Apologies for missing what is now two days old news, but I hadn't realized until just now that he still has his sights on the playoffs. "That's the first thing I looked up, too, was how many games they were out of 8th place," Howard told CSN's Chris Miller earlier this week, before the Antawn Jamison trade. "Six games I think. So anything's possible as far as making a strong push....I know these guys like to play the game. Get the right guy in here that can push them, never know what could happen." Washington Post

Howard isn't the only one thinking big. Some guy named James Singleton, who apparently is also on the Wizards, had this to say following Wednesday night's win: "We've got a lot of young players here," he said. "And all of us are just about the same age. So if we all get that together, we can be one of the youngest, best teams in this league. And with the energy level that we had today, they said they haven't seen that in a while. So if we just that going, once we've got chemistry together, I think we'll be a great team." Washington Post

Brook, who scored 26 points, grabbed ten rebounds and nearly won the game on his own, looks at me in a way I would describe as incredulous and looks at the other reporters as if to say “who let this guy in here?” “Is it frustrating?” he says with a sarcastic smile, then looks down as he pulls on his socks. “I think you know the answer to that.” Like all good reporters, I follow up. “Well how would you describe it?” “Frustrating!” he says and again I’m grateful he’s seated. “I mean I am a little bit agitated right now if you can’t tell.” FOX News

Sacramento Kings star rookie Tyreke Evans had what's sure to be one of the most memorable dinners of his life on Thursday. He dined with President Barack Obama at the president's request. Sources told KCRA 3 the two shared a meal at the Las Vegas home of Kings owner George Maloof. KCRA 3 Sports

Last update: 12:03 pm ET

One source told ESPN.com's J.A. Adande that the Rockets -- fresh off constructing a three-team blockbuster that sent Tracy McGrady to New York and landed Kevin Martin in Houston -- offered veterans Shane Battier and Luis Scola, multiple draft picks and the expiring contract of Brian Cook for Stoudemire. But the source said Phoenix wanted to waive the requisite physical examinations for the players involved to make sure the trade went through in time, only for Houston to refuse because of Stoudemire's injury history. ESPN.com

Yet another source with knowledge of the talks disputed that account, telling ESPN.com that the Suns initiated the conversation by asking for Battier, Scola and draft considerations, which Houston refused. ESPN.com

The Miami Heat were the last known suitor left for Stoudemire, but sources say Miami was not willing to add Michael Beasley to a trade package. Although the Suns, according to sources, saw Beasley more as an asset for down-the-road moves than as a potential piece of their long-term future, they wanted Beasley and at least one future first-round pick before they surrender Stoudemire. ESPN.com

Sources say the Heat ultimately decided that it's better to wait until the offseason to try to sign Stoudemire outright as opposed to surrendering an asset like Beasley to get him now. Miami will have the requisite salary-cap space this summer to try to sign Stoudemire and pair him with star guard Dwyane Wade, as long as Stoudemire opts out of the $17.7 million he's owed next season to become an unrestricted free agent. ESPN.com

Underwhelmed again by what was available for Amar'e Stoudemire on the trade scene, the Suns let the league trade deadline pass Thursday without making a move to deal him - or anyone - from their 32-23 team that ranks seventh in the Western Conference. "In the end, nothing really struck our fancy," Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said. "The other thing is we felt really strongly about this team and how well we've played this year. We're in position to be a playoff team. We owe it to our players to keep them together. We owe it to our fans to allow this team to see how successful it can become. In the end, frankly, it was a really easy decision." Arizona Republic

Amare Stoudemire: I am still a member of the Suns – I am with a great team and coaches… It was nice to have other teams and players want me to join their teams, but I am happy to stay in Phoenix. I appreciated all the Suns fans across the country who reached out to me and showed the love and support.Everything happens for a reason. I had a great time playing in my fifth NBA All-Star game in Dallas. Met NBA fans from around the world, re-connected with fellow players in the league and was announced as a proud member of the US National Team. I feel extremely fortunate to be healthy and to be playing a sport I love to play. I am very blessed! Amare Stoudemire

It was not immediately known if the sides intend to resume talks on a contract extension before Stoudemire has the chance in June to opt out of the final year of his contract or if Stoudemire is determined to leave at season's end no matter what. The camps recently exchanged proposals on an extension during All-Star Weekend in Dallas but did not get close to an agreement. ESPN.com

A. Sherrod Blakely: "We didn't get (Amare) Stoudemire, did we? I see all these (media) people. I thought you guys might know something."-Doc Rivers pre-game. Twitter.com

Memphis was involved in a multiteam transaction involving Utah, Miami, Phoenix and another team that would have required them to ship out a 2010 first-round pick and land them swingman Dorell Wright. Miami would have received Amare Stoudemire or Carlos Boozer, but Phoenix blew up the deal by insisting that one of the trade partners take on Leandro Barbosa. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Charlie Villanueva: Lots of trades in the NBA world today, Amare stayed put along with Chris Bosh, two players I believe wont be back with there respected teams. Twitter.com

Brian Windhorst: LeBron on Ferry: "He's done a good job in bringing in players & trying to build something. We all know how important it is to win here" Twitter.com

Brian Windhorst: LeBron: "I don't think too much or get too involved in teams trying to clear cap space." Twitter.com

The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings made moves in recent days to join the New Jersey Nets as teams that cleared enough salary-cap space to make maximum offers to Wade and other top-tier free agents. ``You pay attention and notice what's going on around the league because you're a player in this league, and there's also a business factor,'' Wade said of teams looking to join summer sweepstakes. ``But no team is more important than the team you play for, and seeing your team put itself in position to win at a high level for a long time.'' Miami Herald

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Brewer will be paid $2.7 million this season and will be a restricted free agent this summer. A qualifying offer would cost $3.7 million. But the Grizzlies, who have the right to match any offer sheet Brewer receives in free agency, intend to retain his services long term. "I gave up a first-round draft pick so obviously I think he can play for us," Griz owner Michael Heisley said. "He's experienced and he's young. He'll really boost our second team." Memphis Commercial Appeal

"We had to wade through so many scenarios but Ronnie was one of our chief targets all along and we were able to get it done at the end," general manager Chris Wallace said. "He brings a wealth of experience on one of the most successful teams in the NBA. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Alex Kennedy: The Sacramento Kings will buyout Larry Hughes, according to a source close to the situation. Twitter.com

Hughes might never play for the Kings, as his purpose is served by his expiring contract worth $13.6 million. He could be bought out or waived. The 12-year veteran hadn't played since Feb. 5 for the Knicks and is recovering from a broken left hand, according to Petrie. Hughes' physical and reporting requirements were waived. Sacramento Bee

Skipping from the trade deadline, past the draft and all the way to free agency, Rockets GM Daryl Morey declared that the Rockets will sign Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry next summer. Both are restricted free agents. They always were going to be back, but with no idea who else would be fill their spots, they already seemed more certain to be back. He added, however, that he believes the Rockets can still be heavy hitters in free agency, citing the cap room other teams created, and the assets the Rockets collected if they have someone wanting to enlist in a sign-and-trade. Houston Chronicle

In the meantime, Ilgauskas can expect to be courted by other title contenders, including Dallas and Denver. Though the beloved Lithuanian had been a loyal part of Cleveland’s organization since June 26, 1996, he plans on testing the open waters. “I wouldn’t rule out ‘Z’ coming back to Cleveland, but this is about what’s best for him and his family,” Rudoy said. “He realizes now that this is a business decision, just as the Cavs made a business decision by trading him.” Houston Chronicle

With few other desirable contracts outside their top players, the Hawks couldn’t find a trade that made sense. However, people with knowledge of the situation said the Hawks have had a change of heart on their plan to keep the roster at the league minimum of 13 and will consider signing veterans who are bought out of their contracts by the end of this month. Veteran center Zydrunas Ilgauskas is high on the Hawks’ wish list if he receives a buyout from the Wizards, the people said Thursday. And his agent, Herb Rudoy, said the Hawks are among the teams Ilgauskas would consider. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rudoy said Thursday he hadn’t spoken to the Wizards about a buyout. Ilgauskas, 34, is taking a few days to think about his future. “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

Michael Lee: Mike James has been given permission to return home to Houston while he considers a buyout agreement with Wizards before March 1. Twitter.com

Wizards guard Mike James has been granted an indefinite leave by the team in anticipation of a buyout, according to team sources. The Wizards held onto James through Thursday in the event that his $6.6 million expiring contract might be included in a trade. The parties are now expected to negotiate a buyout settlement before March 1 that will make James eligible to play in the playoffs with his next team. ESPN.com

Sean Williams, who has played 20 games this season with New Jersey Nets, signed a contract with Chinese team Fujian SBS XunXin. The forward, who scored 21 points, grabbed 16 rebounds in his debut with the new team, has started the season in NBA with New Jersey Nets averaging 2.6ppg and 2.3rpg in 20 games. Sportando

Brian Windhorst: LeBron: "I'm OK with the trade, I'm not OK with losing Z. I'm OK with the guy that is coming in." Twitter.com

Michael Lee: According to sources, James was used in failed 3-team trade proposal involving UTA & MIA with Carlos Boozer & James going to Heat. Twitter.com

Michael Wallace: Heat never made last-ditch effort to bring Boozer to Miami. Jazz balked on deal to send Booz to PHX, Amare to MIA and expirings+picks 2 UTAH. Twitter.com

A source confirmed that Memphis again tried to acquire Monta Ellis, offering a package centering around O.J. Mayo plus salary-filler. And again, the Warriors declined. The first Memphis offer came at the start of the season, but the Grizzlies renewed their attempts recently before the just passed trade deadline. San Jose Mercury News

The trade deadline passed Thursday, and the Warriors' roster went unchanged. General manager Larry Riley said he spoke with several teams, including the Knicks and Rockets at length - both were part of the three-team Tracy McGrady trade - and heard from the Grizzlies regarding an O.J. Mayo-for-Ellis proposal. "There were conversations along those lines, and we never felt comfortable enough to go there," said Riley, adding other teams also called about Ellis. "Just a few. Not an avalanche. I think some of that was due to me saying we weren't going to trade him, and that deterred a few people. "But the reality is, even if people read that, they'll call you if they're interested. I'm very comfortable with Monta Ellis on our basketball team going forward and finishing this year with him on the floor as an integral part of what we're doing." San Francisco Chronicle

What about next year? "I would think he'd be with us next year, but we'll evaluate everything after the season," said Riley, whose stated offseason mission is to improve through the draft and by adding experience and leadership through free agency and trades. Ellis, who lightly participated in Thursday's practice, was shelved the past three games because of a sprained left knee, and the Warriors soundly beat the Clippers and Kings. That they were more efficient and better moved the ball wasn't a concern, Riley said. San Francisco Chronicle

He is the sort of impactful forward they had been seeking, undersized at 6-foot-9 but overachieving in every way during this, the best of his three seasons. He is averaging 16.1 points (54.7 percent shooting) and 5.5 rebounds off the bench. Landry was the point of inspiration for Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie, who hid his willingness to move Martin from most league executives until the trading deadline's 11th hour but jumped at the chance to land the gritty, athletic big man. Sacramento Bee

It remained a sticking point a year later, when Landry's contract negotiations with the Rockets lasted far longer than expected because of the differing opinions about the knee and how it should be examined as well as his market value because of it. He eventually signed a three-year, $9 million deal in which this is the last guaranteed season and next season is a team option. "He was coming off of a (knee) surgery in his last year (of college), and he was still productive," Houston general manager Daryl Morey told Sports Illustrated that summer. "That scared some teams off, but we felt like he was a good gamble. We felt he had upside." Sacramento Bee

If Landry were to fail the physical, it would be quite an unwelcome turn of events for the Kings, considering he is their most coveted asset in the deal. They didn't procure any draft picks or shed any unwanted contracts like those of Beno Udrih or Andres Nocioni in the trade, but there was solace in the fact that they aided their futile frontcourt. Without that, it could compromise the entire trade. With it, Petrie will be content with his new addition. Sacramento Bee

A minor second trade for Washington's Dominic McGuire required the Kings to make room on their roster, and veteran forward Kenny Thomas was waived. Thomas, who came to Sacramento from Philadelphia in the Chris Webber trade in February 2005 and was hardly used for the last three seasons, was in the final season of his contract ($8.7 million this season). Sacramento Bee

In the PR world, they call this "controlling the story." I've never done that much, considering I'm typically the one writing the stories. But this is necessary, fair, and important. Dan Fegan represented Ricky Rubio. That incredibly relevant fact wasn't deemed so by the folks who edited today's piece on Kevin Martin. It really matters, though, because Fegan - who represents Martin - was quoted saying he thinks the drafting of Tyreke Evans led to Martin's departure. What was also left out was this reality: Martin's hiring of Fegan didn't sit well with Petrie, as the agent is among the most influential in the game and known for putting serious pressure on teams if his guy doesn't want to be in the current locale. Sacramento Bee

Daryl Morey: On behalf of the Rockets I would like to thank T-Mac,Carl&Joey for their time with Houston.Many gr8 memories but who can forget 22 in a row? Twitter.com

The Knicks are hoping McGrady can bounce back from last season's knee surgery and become the player he once was when he made seven All-Star appearances. Alongside All-Star David Lee and youngsters Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari, the addition of McGrady could be enough to close out a rather disappointing season with a late playoff push despite the newcomer only playing six games all season as he recovered from surgery in Chicago. "I've gotten good information that he's playing," Walsh said. "Now, he wasn't playing in the NBA so I'm sure there's going to be an adjustment period for him, but I know he's working really hard. I heard he wanted to play here, and he's even on his way here (late Thursday night)." NBA.com

"Tracy McGrady has been one of the premiere players in our league over the past decade and we have every indication that he is healthy and committed to re-establishing himself as one of the best in our game," Knicks president Donnie Walsh said. "We also added Sergio, who should immediately help us." NBA.com

Mike Slane: Walsh on Rodriguez: "I didn’t know if he could shoot, but he can shoot the ball. I think it’s good that we could get him in this trade.” Twitter.com

Howard said after his first game as a Wizard -- he was 5-of-14 from the field with 14 points and one rebound in 27 minutes -- that he looks forward to being able to "stick it to the Mavs'' regarding the trade after six-plus seasons in Dallas. The Mavericks took the high road, with owner Mark Cuban saying only, "I wish Josh nothing but the best.'' Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The juicy piece of irony is that Howard ended up in Washington, which may well have been the site where he had the beginning of the end, according to several Maverick sources. They say Howard had a long night of partying on Jan. 19, the night after the Mavericks had won in Boston and less than 24 hours before playing the Wizards. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The team officially said he missed the game against Washington on Jan. 20 with a stomach illness. But sources said team officials could not deny that it was a self-inflicted game off. Howard's agent, Jeff Schwartz, did not comment on the incident. Howard, meanwhile, didn't mince words when talking about the Mavericks after Wednesday's win over Minnesota. "I became the one that they thought was the problem,'' Howard told The Washington Post. "The one thing that I can say is unfair is, the guy that came back from injury, came back early, still came out and gave you positive minutes, and you trade him. It's that simple. If anything, you can say that's hard feelings. But other than that, it's a business.'' Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Denver did not make a trade by Thursday's deadline, though a source said the team made a run at Chicago power forward Tyrus Thomas, who was ultimately dealt to Charlotte. Denver Post

Indeed, that's when the traded forward will face his former team for the first time. The game is at the United Center, where Thomas polarized fans' opinion as adeptly as he blocked shots throughout his up-and-down 3 1/2 seasons with the Bulls. "A lot of people have a perception of me based on what they read instead of giving me the opportunity to show the real me," Thomas said. "Different scenery for me can be real good. I talked to Charlotte and they're excited to have me. I'm thrilled they're excited." Chicago Tribune

I think the Bobcats are really going to miss Flip Murray, but someone close to the team made an interesting point Friday: That Murray leaving might help pull D.J. Augustin out of his funk this season. The way it was described -- and this makes some sense -- is Murray is such a big personality, both on the court and off it, that Augustin might have been intimidated by his presence. There have been plenty of times this season when Augustin looks self-conscious. Getting him back to the confident, attacking way he played as a rookie could make a big difference going forward. Charlotte Observer

Team president Larry Bird, who declined to go into the specifics about proposals involving Ford or Troy Murphy, said they had conversations with "about 20 different teams." "We looked at what we were going to do in the future," Bird said, "and if it didn't make sense, we weren't going to do it." Indianapolis Star

Expect the Pacers to be active in trade talks again this summer. They have five players -- Murphy, Ford, Solomon Jones, Mike Dunleavy and Jeff Foster -- entering the final year of their contract. "We think there's going to be a lot of teams looking for guys with one-year deals and not have three- or four-year deals, and hopefully we can pick up a player or two that we like," Bird said. Indianapolis Star

League sources said Kirk Hinrich drew substantial interest leading up to Thursday, and his contract becomes even more palatable after this season at $17 million spread over two seasons. "There was a lot of speculation about Kirk, but we didn't want to lose him," Forman said. "He's a real glue guy to us. He's a leader. You can look at a lot of the numbers. When Kirk plays, we have success." Chicago Tribune

However, in limited action this season, Hill, the eighth overall pick, didn't look like a rising star. In 24 games, he averaged 4.0 points and 2.5 rebounds -- with the potential to be a serviceable power forward -- but he didn't show enough flashes of brilliance. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, however, felt Hill has enough tools to begin pursuing conversations with the Knicks in January. The Post reported then if the Knicks made Hill available, a deal could be worked out. Ultimately the Rockets were willing to take on Jared Jeffries' contract because of Hill. "He's a promising young talent," Morey told The Post. "We liked him in the draft -- athletic, big, with both offensive and defensive potential. He's got a solid mid-range jumper, active on defense and moves well for his size." New York Post

As expected, the Nets did nothing before the trade deadline. Hey, Kiki Vandeweghe said it before the Nets lost to the Heat last night. “No, I like our team,” Vandeweghe said. “You look at the last year and a half, we’ve done a lot.” Bergen Record

A. Sherrod Blakely: No Nate Robinson in Portland. C's don't expect him in uniform until Sunday's game at Denver. Twitter.com

Nate Robinson: Just to let yall knw the NBA is a business and things happen I just want yall to keep watch n NBA basketball(I love all my New yorkers) Twitter.com

Robinson and Marcus Landry were acquired for Eddie House, Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens, and Allen wanted to pay homage to the former. “First of all, I’m sad to see Eddie go,” he said. “He was a brother of ours. We won a championship together, so we’ll be forever connected. He’s a good dude, an integral part of this team. My heart goes out to him because I know he really wanted to be here and help us do what we’re trying to do in winning a championship.” Boston Herald

Nate Robinson: Ny knick fans made me play the way I did night ni and night out, I played the way I did bcuz yall believed n me and showed me love word aapp. Twitter.com

Asked Rajon Rondo about his thoughts on the trade, he first declined, seemingly frustrated. "I don't know, I don't know," said Rondo on whether the team needed to make a trade. "I hope it's for the best. Eddie House can drop 20, 30 [points off the bench] too. But [the players] don't make decision, we just play the game." As for his relationship with Robinson: "We compete. We don't really see each other, we speak, but I try to kill him every time I play him and I'm sure that's probably his mentality." NBA.com

Rivers did speak on the phone with Robinson, who at the earliest will report in Friday. "It went well. He was sucking up for [playing time]," said Rivers laughing. "He asked very good questions about defense, his role. I can't wait to get him and get to work with him. "I just want him to be a scorer. I want him looking at the basket. I don't want him thinking about X-2-Z play. I want him to look at the rim and that's why we're bringing him in here." NBA.com

Ray Allen didn't feel a trade was necessary. "I didn't think we were bad," said Allen on the bench production. "We were good." As for his thoughts on Robinson: "We have to incorporate Nate as quickly as we can," Allen said. "He's a young player in the league, a very up-tempo player, great defender on the ball and he can shoot the ball. "I think he's played great this year the times we've played him and he's yet to play his best basketball. I think it's a positive for us." NBA.com

What was your reaction when you heard you were being traded to New York? JR Giddens: Well I was excited, but it was bittersweet just because I really wanted to do well and show the city of Boston what I could do. But hopefully the Knicks will give me the opportunity. WEEI.com

The Sixers also inquired about 6-5 guard Roger Mason Jr. of the San Antonio Spurs and 6-5 guard Anthony Morrow of the Golden State Warriors, but got nowhere. Philadelphia Daily News

Meeks is scheduled to make $650,000 next season and $812,000 the next year. Elson's $1.7 million contract is up after this season. "Jodie, he's a young man that we had rated very high on our draft board," said Stefanski. "We went with Jrue [Holiday at No. 17] because he was rated higher, but we were scrambling trying to get him. We like his upside, obviously. We'll see. We have him under contract so we'll be able to see firsthand if he was the player we thought he was. We'll be able to see if everyone was right on this guy." Philadelphia Daily News

David Kahn met with Milicic and his agent, Marc Cornstein, on Thursday in New York and tried to convince one of the most notorious flops in NBA draft history that being traded to the Timberwolves is an opportunity, not an aggravation. It wasn't easy. "I don't think you can understate how traumatized he is -- it's not a stretch to say 'distraught' -- about how his NBA career has played out," the Wolves' president said, one day after obtaining the seldom-used Knicks center in exchange for forward Brian Cardinal. "You can't reverse that much frustration in one meeting." Minneapolis Star Tribune

He could even play, Kahn said, if he's willing. "In the abstract he'd love to play right away, but he's worried about not being in game shape anymore. Darko has a lot of pride," Kahn said. "We left it up to him." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Victor Claver: "I just re-signed with Valencia... Much would have to change for me to go and play in Portland this year.". TuBasket.com

Blazers' European scout Jason Filippi: "Victor is going to improve his game with ciach Neven Spahija; I just wish he becomes more aggressive in the offensive end, although he doesn't have to score to be effective on the floor. He is so versatile. We're very happy the way he's playing." TuBasket.com

Filipi: "If I had to say something that I don't like... he's not shooting too much. We'd like him to shoot more." TuBasket.com

You figured there would be some extracurricular activity when Rasheed Wallace began mixing it up in the post with Pau Gasol. Wallace doesn't really like many players in the league and Gasol is probably at the top of his dislike list. The two were pushing and shoving in the post and after a Lakers possession the two continued to tussle down the court, only Wallace was called for a technical for pushing Gasol off of him, his 13th of the season. Boston Globe

Official Rodney Mott was looking at the two the entire time down the court and singled out Wallace. "That was some bull (expletive)," he said afterward. "And the ref was watching that the whole way. But he decides to call it on me. He sees the cat put me in a headlock, all that but yeah, he decides to call it on me. I ain't tripping on it, though. I was expecting it from him." Boston Globe

Derek Fisher missed the last shot, breaking off the set play the way Bryant sometimes will, but looking awful while flailing about with the expectation Boston would try to burn its foul to give. Fisher hoped to draw a shooting foul and did a swan dive instead of staying balanced and strong. Before that, Shannon Brown missed two pivotal jumpers down the stretch as he occupied Bryant's spot on the floor. Yet Gasol is the second All-Star, and he made the crunchtime play you could tell really annoyed Phil Jackson. "He opted to pass the second-to-last one," Jackson said about Gasol, adding that he wanted to see the replay of Gasol's pass to Brown that resulted in a turnover with 31.3 seconds left. "I'll have to look at that to understand it." Orange County Register

Immediately after the turnover, Gasol tried to blame Brown. Gasol gestured and complained to Odom about how Brown hadn't kept coming to meet the pass. In the same way a wide receiver not completing a comeback route lets the cornerback make up ground and make the quarterback look bad, Brown let Allen recover to the ball. Gasol intimated the same thing in his postgame comments, vaguely saying Brown was ahead of Allen – but then he wasn't. Gasol was not going to pass the buck again, though. "I should've held it," Gasol said, "and made sure I took care of that possession myself. That's what happens when you're too unselfish." Orange County Register

Whether Jackson or Bryant had critiqued him privately, Gasol accepted publicly that he hadn't behaved like the main man. "The right play at that point was keeping the ball and attacking myself," he said. "And I didn't do that." Orange County Register

The Nuggets are 36-18, No. 2 in the West. They have won both games against the Cavaliers (43-12), the team with the NBA's best record. The Lakers are No. 1 in the West, and Denver has defeated them in both matchups so far, and the second win at L.A. came without Melo. "An NBA championship is what we want," Anthony said in the nearly-empty postgame locker room. "Right now, at this moment — especially after coming off last year — I feel real confident about that goal." Denver Post

Joe Freeman: B. Roy said he plans to play Friday against the Celtics. His hammy is not 100 percent, but it appears he will try to play through it. Twitter.com

North Carolina forward Ed Davis has not yet decided whether to turn pro after this season, his father says. It just looked that way for a few minutes on Thursday morning. The injured sophomore's biography was briefly posted on PTA Sports Management's Web site, making it appear as if he was ready to give up his remaining eligibility for the NBA. But Vincent Porter, founder of the Chicago-based agency, said Davis has not signed, or verbally committed, to representation - although Porter has been in touch with the Davis family. Raleigh News & Observer

"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. Davis, a 6-foot-10 starter from Richmond, Va., had been projected as an early first-round draft pick before he broke his left (shooting) wrist against Duke on Feb. 10. Raleigh News & Observer

Porter said he believes someone hacked his site, www.ptasportsmanagement.com, and added information that looked as if it had been cut and pasted from the UNC 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. Raleigh News & Observer

Mavs owner Mark Cuban has stated his interest in staging a regular-season or playoff game at Cowboys Stadium. "We would love to explore that," said Stephen Jones, Cowboys' chief operating officer. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The former basketball player – in the Nineties the highest paid British team sportsman – came out as gay in 2007, the first NBA professional ever so to do. And the response to his own decision has made him aware of what it takes publicly to announce homosexuality. "I personally have spoken to 10, 12 current professional footballers who are gay, they exist, I promise you," he says. "As it happens none of them have asked me if they should come out. But if they did, I would tell them not to. I'm not a gay right activist. Telegraph.co.uk

"I don't insist that they be a Joan of Arc. Why? Because that is what would happen: they would get burned at the stake. And how does that help anyone?" Isn't that a little dramatic? "Not for a young player, who is not yet established it isn't. The fact is, you're more likely to be hit by a meteor than to make it as a Premier League footballer, so why add another reason why you might not make it?" Telegraph.co.uk

But if it were clear to the wider public that there were as many gay players as he suggests in the game, surely it would change things forever. "This is one of the few sports where we have a previous example," he says. "And no, it didn't change things. Justin Fashanu came out [in 1990] and we saw what happened. He was destroyed. It killed him. Literally. Can we honestly be sure any of that has changed? "I think the mistake we make is that we're looking at the footballers as if they are the problem. The FA framed the argument that because no gay footballer is brave enough to come out, homophobia will continue to exist. But it's not the job of the minority to make the environment safer." Telegraph.co.uk

Lakers forward and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Ron Artest will appear on a billboard supporting PETA’s ABC (Animal Birth Control) campaign. The campaign targets the problem of animal over-population by promoting spay and neutering programs. According to PETA nearly 4 million dogs and cats are put to death every year in U.S. animal shelters. thisdishisvegetarian.com

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