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Tuesday, February 19

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» 10:38 PM ET Update » 10:08 PM ET Update » 09:23 PM ET Update » 08:54 PM ET Update » 08:29 PM ET Update » 07:11 PM ET Update » 06:44 PM ET Update » 05:37 PM ET Update » 04:29 PM ET Update » 03:44 PM ET Update » 02:58 PM ET Update » 12:57 PM ET Update » 10:41 AM ET Update

» Update: 10:38 PM ET

The Celtics have been eager to continue the conversation on the deal, but league sources said the talks will remain dormant unless Clippers star Chris Paul pushes the issue with management. Several prominent executives and coaches with championship contenders told Yahoo! Sports they believe the Clippers would become more dangerous with Garnett. Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro is a proponent of the deal, too, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Vinny Del Negro, Kevin Garnett 

The Celtics won't consider moving Garnett to the Clippers for any other combination of players, and won't revisit the talks unless Bledsoe and Jordan are in the package, sources said. Boston hasn't approached Garnett to waive his no-trade clause without an agreement in place, but there's strong belief he would ultimately agree to it. What's more, Boston could simply trade Paul Pierce and leave Garnett with even less desire to finish his career with a young, rebuilding roster. Yahoo! Sports

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Paul Pierce, Trade, Kevin Garnett 

If the Celtics trade Garnett before the deadline, they would move Pierce, too, sources said. For the Celtics, the chance to get Bledsoe and Jordan could be a prelude to trying to package Pierce in a possible deal to the Atlanta Hawks for Josh Smith, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, Trade, Josh Smith, Kevin Garnett 

Alex Kennedy: Strangest rumor I've heard: Amar'e Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert for Josh Smith and a filler such as Zaza Pachulia. As I wrote in the deadline diary, it seems extremely unlikely and out of left field. But it has been floating around so I passed it along. tinyurl.com/bxro94g Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Atlanta Hawks, Trade, Amare Stoudemire, Josh Smith, Zaza Pachulia, Iman Shumpert 

Indiana, Milwaukee, Chicago and Minnesota have expressed interest in trading for Redick, but teams have been reluctant to give up a first-round pick and a good young player for a player who could turn into a rental for the rest of the season. The Philadelphia 76ers could be a real possibility for Redick in free agency, sources told Yahoo! Sports. Redick has a strong relationship with coach Doug Collins, the father of his close friend and ex-Duke teammate, Chris Collins. Yahoo! Sports

Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Free Agency, Trade, JJ Redick 

Chris Broussard: Sources: New Orleans has made Eric Gordon available for trade. Trade not likely though as clubs concerned about EG's health going forward. Twitter @Chris_Broussard

New Orleans Hornets, Trade, Eric Gordon 

The Minnesota Timberwolves were turned down on an offer of Brandon Roy and a first-round pick to Denver for center Timofey Mozgov, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Denver is combing the market further for offers on Mozgov. He will be a restricted free agent this summer, and the emergence of Kosta Koufos could make it hard for Denver to match an offer sheet for Mozgov. Yahoo! Sports

Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Timofey Mozgov, Kosta Koufos, Brandon Roy 

The Timberwolves are trying to include Roy's contract into offers, selling the non-guaranteed value of his 2013-14 year as an appealing factor. Roy is rehabilitating his knees, and neither the Wolves, nor Roy, truly expect he'll be able to play again in the NBA, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Brandon Roy 

Paul Jones: Great quote from @Rudy Gay on tomorrow night vs. Memphis. "Not about proving others wrong its about proving yourself right " #sn590 Twitter @Paul__Jones

Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Rudy Gay 
 
 

» Update: 10:08 PM ET

Gasol has tweeted that he’s started his day for the past two weeks since his injury rehabbing his right foot with a contrast footbath, which helps activate the circulation and flush out the inflammation. Gasol has gone through this process in both cold and hot temperatures. Gasol also revealed on Twitter that he’s worn a protective boot at times, which helps get rid of the swelling caused by the facia’s tear. “We made a lot of good progress,” Gasol said. “I’m expecting to gett off crutches very soon. We’re in the right path. That’s all I know right now two weeks into the injury.” Los Angeles Daily News

Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol, Injuries 
 
 

» Update: 09:23 PM ET

Not sure if the Spurs make a deal before Thursday, but a source says it won't be for Josh Smith or Al Jefferson. The Jefferson rumor never had substance to it because it would've put San Antonio into a difficult salary-cap position. The Smith interest apparently died upon discovering that Josh simply didn't have the requisite Spurs' DNA. Former NBA coach Sam Mitchell told me today that playing for the Spurs would be a great benefit to Smith and I agree; he's never struck me as a malcontent or bad guy or purposely undisciplined. He might not have Spurs' DNA now, but I believe he wouldn't reject a transfusion and it would make the most of the raw talent he clearly has. Sulia

Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Trade, Al Jefferson, Josh Smith 

His team is going to get healthy, he thinks. And once they do, the team is going to be fine heading out of the NBA All-Star Game break. He knows these things; just like he knows that he'll be the one getting all the blame if it doesn't work out. "It's not right. It's disappointing," he said. "But I can't control what people say or do. I can just control the preparation of this team and organization." Despite plenty of criticism and skepticism about his abilities as a coach, Del Negro has the Clippers playing the best basketball in franchise history for the second consecutive season. They'll start the second half of the season Thursday with the third best record in the Western Conference and the fourth best in the NBA. Orange County Register

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching 

While Del Negro is confident in his abilities as a coach, he knows some of the criticisms are deserved. Questions about his understanding of the X's and O's of coaching still persist – a remnant of being hired by Chicago without any experience. "Is there a learning curve? Of course. Does experience matter? Absolutely. But you go through it and you make some good decisions," he said. "You make some decisions you wish you could have back. I think if you ask any coach, they'd say the same thing." San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, who said whoever says Del Negro doesn't understand basketball theory, though, is dead wrong. "Whoever said that made it up," he said. "I've talked to him a lot about strategy and those sorts of things, and he's as incisive as anybody else." Orange County Register

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching 

The Lakers will honor the memory of Dr. Jerry Buss by wearing a commemorative patch for the remainder of the 2012-13 season. In Lakers Purple and Gold, the patch will be two inches tall, and be placed on the right side of the player's jerseys above the Lakers logo. NBA.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss 

Before Tuesday's practice in El Segundo, Kobe Bryant addressed the media to discuss the passing of Dr. Jerry Buss. As one would expect from Kobe, his thoughts were interesting, introspective and smart. In particular, I found compelling the response when I asked what Bryant learned most from Buss after spending half his life around him. "To be patient. To not rush decisions. When you believe in something, you act, despite what public opinion may be. For others, public pressure sometimes can persuade people to making choices that aren't necessarily the best ones. He never did that. He always stuck to his guns and made decisions that he felt were best for the organization. Sulia

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Jerry Buss 
 
 

» Update: 08:54 PM ET

Not sure if the Spurs make a deal before Thursday, but a source says it won't be for Josh Smith or Al Jefferson. The Jefferson rumor never had substance to it because it would've put San Antonio into a difficult salary-cap position. The Smith interest apparently died upon discovering that Josh simply didn't have the requisite Spurs' DNA. Sulia

Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Al Jefferson, Josh Smith 
 
 

» Update: 08:29 PM ET

“I think the Nets are going after Dwight Howard,” Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops told WFAN c0-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Tuesday. “That’s their No. 1 target. He’s been their No. 1 target for two years. Everybody in the NBA is well aware that the Lakers are a complete mess … Despite their denials and despite their telling Dwight Howard, ‘Look, we’re not going to trade you,’ at a certain point they have to realize that this is a lost season for the Los Angeles Lakers.” CBS New York

Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Trade, Dwight Howard 

Sheridan believes that there is a 50-50 chance that Brooklyn lands D12 before Thursday’s deadline. “I was out in Houston this past weekend at the All-Star Game and I spent a lot of time talking to Dwight Howard,” Sheridan said. “Let me tell you something — the guy is miserable. I’ve never seen a player as miserable in his current circumstances as this guy is right now. He said he wants the game to be fun for him again.” CBS New York

Los Angeles Lakers, Trade, Dwight Howard 

With the trade deadline two days away, Williams was asked on Tuesday what would surprise him more -- if the Timberwolves would move him or if he stayed in Minnesota. "I wouldn't be surprised at all either way," he said after the team's first practice following the All-Star break. "I'm just here to play basketball. I've heard trades since the day I got picked. It's nothing new. The first time I heard it, I was a little surprised. It's been a year and a half now, so I wouldn't be surprised either way." TSN

Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Derrick Williams 

There was little chatter regarding the Cavs during the All-Star break in Houston, and for all the conjecture over Mo Speights’ future, multiple sources said over the weekend and again on Tuesday his name has yet to really gain traction in any trade talk. Akron Beacon Journal

Cleveland Cavaliers, Trade, Marreese Speights 
 
 

» Update: 07:11 PM ET

Brooks is a young player with some upside and a cheap contract -- he’s making $1.16 million in base salary this season and $1.2 million next season -- so he seemingly finds himself entangled in trade rumors often, something he’s gotten used to in his season-plus in the league. “It seems normal to me, man,” Brooks told Newsday. “Nah, I don’t really mind it at all. I would just like to know what team I’m going to be on after the next two days, and at then end of the day [Thursday] when the deadline is over with, I’ll be happy.” Newsday

Brooklyn Nets, Trade, Marshon Brooks 

“It’s a business,” Brooks said. “You’ve got to understand that. I picked that up on draft day. So, it doesn’t really feel awkward, me being in trade rumors or anything like that. At this point, I just want to get it over with.” Newsday

Brooklyn Nets, Trade, Marshon Brooks 

So Tony, what's it like when Popovich stops by armed with a challenge? Parker chuckled. Fortunately, Popovich didn't want a report on the selected works for Russian poet Sergei Yesenin, or whatever book he was reading at the time. "He just told me 'Timmy (Duncan) and Manu (Ginobili) are getting older, and it's your turn now. You have to carry the team night in, night out. You have to play good every night. You have to be consistent,' " Parker told USA TODAY Sports. "He said 'Good players have a great season one year. But great players have great seasons more than once.' "The belief that he has in me shows a lot of respect and makes me want to go out there and play hard every night." USA Today Sports

San Antonio Spurs, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan 

"I'm playing my best basketball," Parker said. "I'm playing very confident. … They always say between the ages of 28 and 32, you play your best basketball because physically you're still good and still going fast and you have the knowledge and experience. USA Today Sports

San Antonio Spurs, Tony Parker 

Do you think all this talk about who is better, Michael of LeBron, bothers him?: Tim Grover: “I don’t think so, that it bothers him. But again, being a competitor, he’s definitely hearing it. And it’s part of what’s probably stirring things up a little bit is this whole debate. But I don’t think it’s bothering him, because listen, records and greatness, you always think somebody’s going to come along and dethrone you. I don’t think it’s going to happen, but LeBron’s on one hell of a streak right now. … But, again, there’s a long way to go to do what M.J. did, not only including the championships, but the rest of the stuff along the way.” Sports Radio Interviews

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Tim Grover 

Tell me why you truly believe if he made a comeback, he’d be the best player on the Bobcats right now: Tim Grover: “First of all, the Bobcats are a very young team, so he knows how to create [things] and how to take away guys’ strengths. … Just the way he would compete, that if one of the players actually did beat him, he would take it so seriously that he would get himself in better shape and re-challenge that individual until he’d be able to beat him again. His skill set was so high. … I guarantee it’s still higher than most of the guys out there.” Sports Radio Interviews

Charlotte Bobcats, Michael Jordan, Tim Grover 

What kind of numbers would he put up?: Tim Grover: “He’d average 20. Yeah, he’d average 20. … Listen, would he be able to go out and get through an 82-game season? One thing people also [forget], he had no major injuries. … But yes, Father Time is undefeated. But again, there’s so much advancement out there … in anti-aging and so forth, so it is possible. I don’t think that he would come back unless he was 100 percent ready.” Sports Radio Interviews

Charlotte Bobcats, Michael Jordan, Tim Grover 
 
 

» Update: 06:44 PM ET

Don’t count on the Memphis Grizzlies trading Zach Randolph. Sources close to the process labeled Zach as all but untouchable at the deadline and that baring some kind of hail-Mary, last minute; knock your socks offer, Zach is staying in Memphis for the foreseeable future. HoopsWorld

Memphis Grizzlies, Trade, Zach Randolph 

Heat assistant general manager LeBron James isn’t predicting any Miami trades by Thursday’s deadline. “We’re comfortable with what we have,’’ James said. “We’re confident with what we have. We’re not a part of the talk of the trades going on before the deadline. This is what we got and we’re excited about it.’’ Sulia

Miami Heat, Trade, LeBron James 

By the time the meeting had ended, executive director Billy Hunter had been dismissed, and Stackhouse had been elected to a newly formed executive committee as its first vice president, helping to shepherd in what he called a “transitional period” for the NBPA. “The most important thing was rehashing the stuff with Hunter and making a decision to move forward,” Stackhouse told The Post Tuesday morning. “Obviously there was a lot of things that happened over the years, but we focused on moving forward right now. “We’ve had some system malfunctions, but the group we have now is a good group of guys that is committed to doing whatever it takes to put the union [in a better place]. We’re not in a bad place financially, or anything like that, but it could be better.” New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Billy Hunter, Jerry Stackhouse, NBPA 

“It’s really important,” Stackhouse said. “Our superstars got somewhat alienated under Hunter because there was so much focus on the middle class and the lower-level guys. “It was somewhat of a ‘divide-and-conquer’ [strategy] … it sounds great that you created a [higher] average salary and all of this type of thing, but it was more [about] having more of those guys on your side, even though it’s a superstar driven league. New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Billy Hunter, Jerry Stackhouse, NBPA 

As part of those criticisms of the union leadership, Stackhouse had publicly pushed for a more democratic process to go into every decision the group makes, among other changes. It was a big reason why he was so intent on being present at the meeting in Houston, and when he presented those views to the players, he found the room to be in agreement with him. “Everybody was very receptive to my ideas,” Stackhouse said. “Now, it’s just kind of getting in and locking those ideas down. Nobody really had, I guess, the guts to step up and challenge and say, ‘Everybody here works for us, we don’t work for you. You have to take some consideration for how we feel and what we want, because at the end of the day, it’s our union.’ “I think that’s established now.” New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Billy Hunter, Jerry Stackhouse, NBPA 
 
 

» Update: 05:37 PM ET

Some league sources believe Ellis is going to want to join a contender this summer because he’s tired of playing for losing teams. Ellis has only made the playoffs once in his career, and it was during the 2006-07 season when he was still coming off of the bench for the Golden State Warriors. He has had plenty of individual success and impressive statistics, but he wants to experience the postseason and have the opportunity to perform on the league’s big stage. HoopsWorld

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Monta Ellis 

Terrence Williams joined the Celtics for their morning shootaround here Tuesday, but he's currently awaiting a letter of clearance from his former team in China before he can begin playing with the Celtics. Until that process is completed, Williams, whom the Celtics signed to a 10-day contract Monday, cannot participate in basketball activities with his new team. Boston Globe

Boston Celtics, Terrence Williams 

Sixers center Andrew Bynum spoke to the media after today's practice, and while he said it will still be a week or two before he returns to practice, he did offer fans a glimmer of hope, saying that he will "definitely" play this season. Bynum, who was acquired last offseason in the same deal that sent Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets, has yet to play this season due to lingering knee injuries. Bynum said he won't rush to get back in the lineup, even though his team is struggling. "I'm focused on getting back and being right versus trying to rush," he said. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum, Injuries 

When asked if his knee was improving or if he was playing through the pain, Bynum said that he was "more tolerating" the pain. "Without any type of intervention, or surgery, I think I just have to deal with [the pain]," Bynum said. Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum, Injuries 

Center Andrew Bogut is ready to take the next level in his return, according to the Warriors’ doctors and athletic trainers. He has been cleared to play both games in back-to-back sets, the next step in his rehabilitation. When Bogut returned to action on Jan. 28, he was limited to 25 minutes and prohibited from playing two games in two nights until after the All-Star Break. Well, the All-Star break has come and gone so it is time to see if Bogut’s surgically repaired left ankle can handle such rigors. Also, Bogut has also been cleared to extend his minutes beyond the 25-minute threshold as long as it is not a back-to-back situation. Contra Costa Times

Golden State Warriors, Injuries, Andrew Bogut 

When it comes to styling me, Durant is extremely opinionated. We've narrowed the focus to three occasion-specific looks—game, date, weekend. Of the first, I'm informed: "Prefers jeans and heels. Doesn't like when girls wear skirts or look like they're trying too hard." Nor does he approve of jerseys. Considering I wear only skirts and recently bought a KD jersey, I'm already backpedaling. The directives continue: "Date look: Loves dresses in colors like turquoise. Thinks the LBD is boring. [Editor's note: I'm impressed he knows the shorthand for little black dress!] Weekend: Likes girls in tennis shoes, especially Jordans." Durant later clarifies that by "especially," he means "only." "As far as I'm concerned, there ain't no tennis shoe other than Jordans." Teen Vogue

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant 

How do you maintain Christian values in view of the pressure you face on the national stage? Norris Cole: It can be tough to maintain Christian values with the pressure of a national stage, but you just have to be disciplined. I try to shelter myself from different situations, read on a consistent basis and try to attend worship service. I found a church in Miami that I attend — Miami Gardens Church of Christ. In my hometown of Dayton, Ohio, I attend Webster Street Church of Christ. They give me the strength I need in order to overcome any situation. Christian Chronicle

Miami Heat, Norris Cole 
 
 

» Update: 04:29 PM ET

Chris Broussard: In trying to move J Smith, ATL called LAC and asked about Bledsoe. Short conversation. Clips not really interested in trading for Smith. Twitter @Chris_Broussard

Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Josh Smith 

Bryan Colangelo: "I would say (the situation) is fluid. There may have been an outright cry (to trade him) externally, whether from the media or the bloggers, to make a deal. But internally, we've always said that we recognized that a change of scenery may be helpful for him and maybe beneficial for us. But we always recognized the talent, and I believe that – in some of the trade discussions I've had – the market recognizes the talent. And we didn't want to do something just to do it. USA Today Sports

Toronto Raptors, Trade, Bryan Colangelo, Andrea Bargnani 

Adrian Wojnarowski: For all the leverage Brandon Jennings sought changing agents, reality is unchanged: No one will max him out, Bucks will match sheet in July. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Brandon Jennings 

Danny Ainge didn’t sound optimistic regarding his ability to make a move before Thursday's NBA trade deadline. Though, to be fair, it's doubtful he'd say otherwise given the whims of deadline crunch time, the Celtics' head of basketball operations isn’t sure there's anything out there that marries what he wants and what he can deliver to another club. "It looks unlikely that anything will be done, other than possibly some players we will add to our roster," Ainge said. "Not sure yet of what that will be. "There’s been a lot of conversation around the league, and we’ve been very busy. Trades are very challenging to make, and then on top of that we like our guys. I like watching this team play, I like the personality of our team. We just need to find a way to give them the best chance to win with the resources we have." Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Trade, Danny Ainge 

There is generally a frenzy among teams at this time of the year, but Ainge believes things are a bit more active now, particularly on the Celtics' part. "This year has been much more, just because we’ve had injuries," he said. "We wouldn’t be talking as much if we didn’t have as many injuries. "We’re looking to give it a run. When trade rumors come out that leads to a lot of (discussion) too. (Rajon) Rondo’s name comes out and Paul (Pierce)’s name comes out. KG (Kevin Garnett)’s name comes out. You have to field a lot of waste-of-time calls from media and other teams. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Trade, Rajon Rondo, Danny Ainge, Kevin Garnett 

On Colangelo's future… "There's been no discussion (about his future since the trade). I certainly haven't brought it up. I think that we're, right now, transitioning with an ownership change of our own. The deal was announced probably a year and a half ago and it just closed this past summer, in terms of the change from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan to a new group that includes both Bell and Rogers owning 37 ½ percent each, and Larry Tanenbaum increasing his stake to 25 percent. The constant there is Larry Tanenbaum, and he maintains his role as chairman of the board. USA Today Sports

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo 

"I've proven that, despite all the things that have been happening with the rebuilding of this team simultaneous to the uncertainty with my contract, I always made the right long-term strategic decision with respect to the transactions that were being made or draft picks that were being made. Case in point was drafting (Jonas) Valanciunas (fifth overall in 2011) knowing that he was not going to be here for a year, and that when he did arrive that he'd be 20 and would still be considered a project. But you have to carry out your job with integrity and do the right thing for the organization. That's what I've been hired to do and that's what I'm doing. Whether or not that pays off for me long-term, with an extension or just even my option year being picked up (for the 2013-14 season), time will tell. But you can't lose sight of what the job is." USA Today Sports

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo 
 
 

» Update: 03:44 PM ET

Alex Kennedy: I wrote it three weeks ago (and took heat for it) and I'll write it again: Don't be surprised if the Phoenix Suns trade for Josh Smith. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Trade, Josh Smith 

And though Smith has a reputation for being a wrench, several said they feel like the Warriors can handle that. Mark Jackson is a coach who, they believe, can bring the best out of Smith. And the Warriors have a few veterans, namely Jarrett Jack and Andrew Bogut, who have the credibility and courage to deal with Smith. The chances of acquiring Smith are incredibly slim. He is a free agent to be who wants a max contract. The Warriors aren't giving him a max contract, and they aren't interested in giving up Klay Thompson or Harrison Barnes for a player who may bolt at season's end. So a deal is improbable at best. Sulia

Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Trade, Josh Smith 

At the miserable end of the miserable end, back in 2010, Riley says he had "a bunch of (expletive) written down" to share with James at their exit meeting. About spending time with a psychologist. About working on a jump hook. About losing weight. And there were an assortment of spiritual nuggets and philosophical quotes, too. But he discarded it all as soon as a hollow, haunted James walked into the room, figuring that what James really needed was just to go somewhere and suffer, alone with his shame. "He was in a very dark place for those two or three weeks of isolation and hibernation," Riley says. "There's nothing like going through it. That is enough. I don't think, after what he has endured, this man is capable of being broken. He can be down at the depths of personal depression, but now look at him." Miami Herald

Miami Heat, LeBron James 
 
 

» Update: 02:58 PM ET

Backup PG Eric Maynor is getting interest with the trade deadline approaching, a source said. After returning from a knee surgery, Maynor has lost his backup PG job to Reggie Jackson. Yahoo! Sports

Trade, Eric Maynor, Reggie Jackson 

The Wolves are not shopping PG Luke Ridnour, according to a source. The Timberwolves are 2-6 in February, but PG Ricky Rubio is averaging 13.5 points and 9.3 assists during the month. Yahoo! Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves, Ricky Rubio, Luke Ridnour 

Don't expect the Pistons to make any more deals before the deadline, a source said. Detroit is satisfied with the deal it made, landing Jose Calderon while moving Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye. Yahoo! Sports

Detroit Pistons, Tayshaun Prince, Austin Daye 

Injury-riddled center Greg Oden probably won't sign with a team until the off-season, his agent Mike Conley told Yahoo! Sports. The Cavs are interested in the ex-Ohio State star. Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers, Mike Conley, Greg Oden 

Relations between Kobe Bryant and his Lakers teammate Dwight Howard were beyond icy during the weekend’s All-Star game in Houston — with Howard mocking Bryant behind his back in the locker room, sources exclusively tell Page Six. Amid other reports that the Lakers’ chilly on-court chemistry was spilling into the locker room, we’re told that Howard “grabbed Kobe’s uniform, put it on, and imitated him in front of all the other players on the West team. He was joking and berating Kobe” to fellow NBA stars, including the Clippers’ Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant. The source added Bryant later arrived in the locker room, “said hello to everyone on the team except Howard, grabbed his stuff and moved as far away from Howard as he could.” Despite a recent clear-the-air meeting in Memphis, relations haven’t thawed. At the game, Bryant said, “It doesn’t matter” what his team does with Howard as the trade deadline approaches. Reps for Bryant and Howard didn’t get back to us last night. New York Post

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard 

SI: How about when Pau Gasol comes back? There seemed to be some problems when they were out there together. Jackson: Well, what is the problem? We won two championships that way [with two big men]. Pau is one of the best big men in the game. I mean, Pau Gasol is going to be in the Hall of Fame. SI: Hmm, I love his game, but I don't know about that. Jackson: He has won European titles with Spain, [he won] two NBA championships. I think he will. SI.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol, Hall of Fame 

Jackson: Yes. Basketball is a simple game. Your goal is penetration, get the ball close to the basket, and there are three ways to do that. Pass, dribble and offensive rebound. The easiest one is -- or should be -- the pass. But the new rules allow you to throw more people at post-up players. NBA basketball is a big man's game, and in the past they protected that aspect of the game. Well, those rules went out the window and what they didn't do was consider this: If they're going to continue to allow zone defenses to work and shut down the paint, then they have to put six more seconds on the shot clock. A 30-second clock. But they're so attached to the idea of the 24-second clock that it doesn't happen. SI.com

Phil Jackson, Rules 

To the right you see Andrew Bynum’s new hairstyle when he met with the media on Tuesday. Words fail me. Decide for yourself. As for the ever-fluctuating timetable for his return to the Sixers, well, he might start practicing with the team. Soon. Probably. From the twitter of John Finger of CSNPhilly.com. NBCSports.com

Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum, Injuries 

Jackson: I'm not coaching. I told Mitch [Kupchak, Lakers GM] that back in October. So when we sat down in November [to talk about taking over after Mike Brown was fired], he brought that up and I said, "Well, this isn't about moving or going somewhere else and learning new players. It's different. So I'm ready to think about coming back, but I still have to think about it." But I do hold out the idea that there's still influence in the game I could have. Red Auerbach, Pete Newell, Wayne Embry, guys like that have had ... a number of people have had considerable influence and haven't been coaches per se. SI: So ... a GM job? Jackson: I don't like that term. Vice president of basketball operations/director of player personnel is more like it. SI.com

Phil Jackson 

SI: A final obvious question: What do you miss about coaching? Jackson: What you might expect. Being around the other coaches, being around the guys. It's what I talked about in my book [Eleven Rings]. Coaching is about, "How do I get these people to play at their peak level?" Yeah, the X's and O's mean something, but you can get people to do that. And a lot of those guys have been hired. The Lawrence Franks and the Frank Vogels. Mike Brown was one of those guys. That's not a knock. Those guys know how to coach the game. But coaching is much more than that. It is a spiritual quest. And if it's not that, you don't have a challenge, you don't have a mission. Forming a brotherhood and trying to move it forward, that's the part that I miss. SI.com

Phil Jackson, Coaching 
 
 

» Update: 12:57 PM ET

With Thursday's trade deadline fast approaching, rumors continue to swirl that the Celtics and Clippers are discussing a deal that would send Kevin Garnett to Los Angeles for DeAndre Jordan and Eric Bledsoe. "I think the Clippers want it done more so than Boston," Spears said. "This is the first time we've ever talked about the Clippers having a championship shot. I think they realize that they're missing just a little something to get them over that hump with Oklahoma City and with San Antonio. And who better to get them there than Kevin Garnett? "I was there [at All-Star Weekend] when Kevin said no, no circumstance, nothing. But I really believe if Danny [Ainge] came up to him and said, 'Hey, this is something we would like to do; this is better for our future,' knowing Garnett's pride, I think he would probably change his mind. I know he doesn't want to be somewhere where they'd rather have something else." WEEI.com

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Kevin Garnett 

In September, during a routine preseason physical for the Suns, an echocardiogram revealed that the 29-year-old forward has an enlarged heart. His season, doctors said definitively, was over. His career path -- which included two years in Portland -- is a little more uncertain. He is under doctor's orders not to run. Or work out. Or do anything that escalates his heart rate. The extent of his activity these days is yoga and golf. "Just give me 20 minutes to run," Frye says, sitting against the wall in his yoga room. "I mean, when's the last time I've been able to run? It's been six months." Oregonian

Phoenix Suns, Channing Frye, Injuries 

He is a little down today -- Monday -- but it's only perceptible because he says so. Five days ago, during a checkup, doctors felt the need to prescribe beta blockers to help restrict his heart rate. Frye is careful not to call it a setback, but the development weighs on him. He is a strict believer in practicing naturopathic treatment, and the directive for traditional medicine ends the chance of him beating this obstacle on his terms. Oregonian

Phoenix Suns, Channing Frye, Injuries 

He says he is "95 percent" sure he will return to the NBA next season. After averaging 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds in three seasons with the Suns, he is under contract through 2015, with $13.2 million still owed to him. He says he feels like he has so much to offer the Suns. The game was just slowing down for him. He had just spent the summer working on his post game, on becoming more versatile by creating his own shot off the dribble. And he had finally grasped the nuance and importance of how to create space within the offense. Oregonian

Phoenix Suns, Channing Frye, Injuries 

The NBA's next commissioner, Adam Silver, told CSNNW.com that there is mutual interest from the league and the Portland Trail Blazers to see about bringing All-Star Weekend to the city of Portland. “They (Trail Blazers) have shown interest and we have interest,” Silver said. “It's an ongoing process. Portland is a great city. We like the idea, but it's something we have to investigate further.” CSNNW.com reached out to Trail Blazers President Chris McGowan and he acknowledged that there is a desire to bring the showcase to Portland and he added, “It would be great for the city to host the event.” CSNNW.com

Portland Trail Blazers, All-Star, Chris McGowan 

Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas said Tuesday the debate over whether LeBron James is better than Michael Jordan hinges on a few things, but as far as who is the better athlete, Thomas said it's probably James. "They're both great players, and they're both great in their eras," Thomas said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "In my era, we hadn't seen an athlete quite like Michael Jordan. He jumped higher than everyone else. He was a little faster than everyone else and he was just the best athlete. "LeBron James is the best athlete of today, and he's probably a better athlete than Michael Jordan was. He's bigger, he's faster, he's stronger." ESPN.com

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas 
 
 

» Update: 10:41 AM ET

Chris Herring: Redick: "Could I live in NY? If my job was there, I guess. Not something I'd necessarily choose to do. Feel like I got it out of my system." Twitter @HerringWSJ

New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Trade, JJ Redick, Iman Shumpert 

Whether center Dwight Howard is a part of that attempted revival doesn't matter to Bryant, sources familiar with Bryant's thinking told FOX Sports Ohio. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has strongly nixed the notion that Howard could be moved prior to Thursday's trading deadline. But if Kupchak changes his mind, he'd have Bryant's full support, according to sources. FOXSports Ohio

Los Angeles Lakers, Trade, Kobe Bryant, Mitch Kupchak, Dwight Howard 

Bryant is not alone in his concern, sources say. Nash, Pau Gasol and several others also seem fairly uneasy about Howard's commitment to the cause. According to sources, a number of Lakers have their doubts about whether Howard takes the game seriously and "wants it" enough for the challenges the team now faces. FOXSports Ohio

Los Angeles Lakers, Trade, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard 

The Atlanta Hawks have convinced numerous teams that they're definitely trading Josh Smith this week, largely because they see the unpredictable lefty as a virtual lock to leave them in free agency this summer. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Free Agency, Trade, Josh Smith 

Another team pinpointed the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks as the strongest contenders to win the Smith sweepstakes. The big worry for both of those teams, though, is whether they could really risk trading for Smith when convincing him to re-sign for the long term is likely to be a serious challenge in either city. Especially with Smith said to be angling for a max deal … and with nobody confusing the Suns or the Bucks with Mikhail Prokohorov's Nets. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Trade, Josh Smith 

Yet a Boston deal for Smith, sources said, would almost certainly have to be built around Paul Pierce, because Kevin Garnett isn't waiving his no-trade clause to go to the Atlanta Hawks if he's not willing to waive it to go to the Clipperland. And the prospect of Celtics front-office chief Danny Ainge exiling Pierce to the Hawks for Smith, after everything Pierce has done to restore the Celtics to glory over the past half-decade, is still hard to imagine. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, Trade, Josh Smith 

According to one theory in circulation on the personnel grapevine, Celtics officials could be moved this week to try to make the case to Garnett that waiving his no-trade provision to accept that long-rumored trade to the Los Angeles Clippers would be the best thing not only for himself but for the long-term health of the franchise. Combine that approach with the expected lobbying from the L.A. side by good buddy Chauncey Billups, as the theory goes, and maybe Garnett will ultimately relent and consent to a swap. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Kevin Garnett 

It seems, too, that reports of some of the bigger Celtics names being “discussed” is more a matter of semantics than actual deep negotiation. Another source with knowledge of the two clubs told the Herald the Clippers have yet to make an actual and formal offer for Kevin Garnett. He added that the sides haven’t spoken in days. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Kevin Garnett 

Broussard reported late Monday night on "SportsCenter" that Billups has already warned the Clippers that Garnett's position appears to be firm … and that Garnett spelled out the exact same thing to Chris Paul last summer when Paul informed KG that the Clippers wanted to pursue him via trade. ESPN.com

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett 

New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon said Monday night he understands his name likely will surface in rampant trade scenarios before Thursday afternoon's trading deadline, but concedes it's the nature of the business and he's comfortable in New Orleans. "I'm not really worried about it," Gordon said. "I've just got to go out and play my game and look forward to this week. Whatever happens, happens. It's happened to be before where I was traded. Business is business. I really don't worry about that. I'm just focused on this team. "For any player that goes from team to team, whatever the situation is, it's all about playing basketball. And it's good to represent whatever organization you're in. I'm here. And I look forward to being here. That's that. Our team is building as one. And we'll see what goes on from here." New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Trade, Eric Gordon 

The Clippers are willing to listen to offers for Eric Bledsoe, but are by no means determined or even necessarily willing to deal him. Though it's all but a foregone conclusion that Chris Paul will re-sign with the Clippers this summer, rival execs are skeptical that the Clips would risk trading Bledsoe if there's even the slightest doubt about CP3's future -- not to mention the slightest possibility of an injury to the All-Star MVP that would derail their push to contend for a title this season. CBSSports.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Trade, Eric Bledsoe 

Chris Broussard: OKC aggressively shopping PG Eric Maynor. Asking price is high. Phoenix looking to move Sebastian Telfair to clear PT for Kendall Marshall. Twitter @Chris_Broussard

Oklahoma City Thunder, Trade, Eric Maynor 

Similarly, rival execs would be surprised if the Warriors remained above the tax line, which they currently exceed by less than $1 million. Golden State has three minimum-salary players -- Jeremy Tyler, Charles Jenkins and Kent Bazemore -- and moving two of them would forestall the repeater-tax clock. CBSSports.com

Golden State Warriors, Trade 

Teams have become hypersensitive to the enhanced luxury-tax penalties and looming repeater tax, so the days of easily dumping long-term salary in exchange for a draft pick are effectively over. Plenty of teams are seeking draft picks and young talent, but those teams possessing such prized commodities aren't willing to easily give them up. CBSSports.com

Draft, Trade 

The Sixers signed Jeremy Pargo for the remainder of the season, cementing him as the backup for overtaxed All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday. "I'm excited for him," Holiday said. "I love playing with him. It does take some pressure off, where I don't have to handle the ball all the time." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Jeremy Pargo 

During All-Star weekend, LeBron James said the Knicks and Pacers are on his list when asked if the only opponent standing in the Heat’s way are the Heat themselves. “That’s not true,’’ James said. “Indiana is very, very good. Very good. New York is very good. Chicago is very good. Boston’s very good. We have to prepare for those teams and we have to get ready for those teams when the playoffs come around. We know we’re going to match up against one of them.’’ New York Post

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, LeBron James 

Ex-Knick Charles Oakley took another shot at Knicks brass for not hiring Patrick Ewing as an assistant coach this past offseason. “You play 15-plus years in New York,’’ Oakley said on 560 WQAM Radio in Florida, “and you get a guy like LaSalle Thompson, LJ [Larry Johnson]. These guys shouldn’t get a job before Patrick, not in New York. I don’t know what’s going on with New York.’’ Ewing, looking for a job after his Orlando stint, sat next to owner James Dolan at last Wednesday’s Knicks game against the Raptors. New York Post

New York Knicks, Coaching, Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley 

Wizards forward Trevor Ariza helped deliver one of the those titles for Buss during 1½ seasons with his hometown Lakers in 2009 and was understandably touched to hear about his passing. “That’s tough man, that’s tough for the Lakers organization, the Buss family and city of L.A.,” said Ariza. “It hurts. It hurts bad that a legend like that is gone. I knew him pretty well. He came down to a lot of the practices, always at the games. Matter of fact, he lived down the street from me so I saw him quite frequently.” Washington Post

Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Jerry Buss, Trevor Ariza 

Sasha Vujacic: "Today we lost a very special man, the legend, dr. Jerry Buss, "began on his official Facebook profile Sasha Vujacic wrote, and then continued:" I am grateful because I had the opportunity to meet and get to know, but it reminded me, as the best possible owner, which can be a team. " Kosarka.si

Los Angeles Lakers, Sasha Vujacic, Jerry Buss 

The Professional Basketball Writers Association recently announced its award-winners from 2012. They come in three categories: game story, column and feature. Congratulations to the nine winners: GAME STORY Dave McMenamin of ESPN LA on Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. ESPN.com

Media 

Metta World Peace was roused out of bed early this morning when police responded to a report of 4 armed men in the basketball star's condo complex ... TMZ has learned. Law enforcement sources tell us LAPD got a call around midnight about 4 guys -- 3 with handguns and one with a shotgun -- lurking around the LA Laker's westside home. We're told officers called out the suspects over a loudspeaker, and 2 men -- Metta's brother and cousin -- heard the commotion and came out to talk to cops. Only problem is ... we're told they didn't have any ID, so police handcuffed both men until they could make sure they weren't suspects. Sources say officers had to wake up Metta -- who quickly vouched for his brother and cousin, and both men were released. We're told Mr. World Peace was very "understanding and professional" ... naturally. TMZ.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Law, Metta World Peace 
 
 

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