HoopsHype.com Rumors

Tuesday, May 21

Did you miss Monday's NBA rumors? check them out in the Rumors Archive.
Visit the HoopsHype Forums to discuss the latest news and rumors in the NBA.

» 12:57 AM ET Update » 09:53 PM ET Update » 09:29 PM ET Update » 09:11 PM ET Update » 07:47 PM ET Update » 06:21 PM ET Update » 03:53 PM ET Update » 03:13 PM ET Update » 01:26 PM ET Update » 12:01 PM ET Update » 08:32 AM ET Update

» Update: 12:57 AM ET

Kupchak has worked to gain Dwight's trust this season but would not specify if there were any other discussions about D'Antoni. Regardless, Kupchak was clear that he isn't worried about it, especially after D'Antoni featured Dwight more and won more games late in the season. Said Kupchak: "I'm not saying they don't have differences like with any coach or any player. I don't think it's anything that goes beyond." Sulia

Los Angeles Lakers, Mike D'Antoni, Dwight Howard, Mike Kupchak 

Bryan Colangelo: “I still would say there’s value in Andrea Bargnani as a player. I get the fact that a change of scenery is probably best for all sides. I’ve publicly acknowledged that but, again, the new guy is going to have to decide how to handle it and there are a few options. You can obviously move down different paths with Andrea now." Toronto Sun

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Andrea Bargnani 

Haslem will run into the Pacers again in the East finals, which start Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena. There has been plenty of talk about how this will be a physical series, much like the one last year. Then again, every series is like that as far as Haslem is concerned. “That’s the way I play the game,’’ said Haslem, 32, a former University of Florida star. “I compete. I get hit and I take hits. So to me, it’s just another series.’’ FOXSports Florida

Miami Heat, Udonis Haslem 
 

» Update: 09:53 PM ET

Coaching sources have maintained for weeks that Golden State assistant Michael Malone will be high on the Clippers' list since he and Paul have a good relationship from their days together in New Orleans, where Malone was an assistant under Monty Williams. Paul holds Malone in very high regard, as does James, his friend and agency-mate at CAA. Speaking of Williams, word is that Paul would love to join forces with him in L.A., but Williams is under contract and the chances of him being made available to discuss a lateral move are remote. CBSSports.com

Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Chris Paul, Coaching, Monty Williams, Mike Malone 
 

» Update: 09:29 PM ET

James White's agent, William McCandless, told ESPNNewYork.com Tuesday that the small forward will "unlikely" return to the Knicks for the 2013-14 season. White has a team option for around $1 million next season that the Knicks have to decide on by June 30. If they decline, White will become an unrestricted free agent. ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Free Agency, James White, William McCandless 

McCandless said White will field NBA offers this offseason. The 30-year-old is still valued for his versatile defense and transition game. He earned the nickname "Flight" years ago for his Olympic-caliber jumping ability. "He's going to have NBA interest, for sure. I know that," McCandless said. "More teams like him today than liked him this time last year. More teams feel like he can help." ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Free Agency, James White, William McCandless 

However, McCandless said White won't hesitate to return overseas, where he spent five years (2007-12) before signing with the Knicks for the veteran's minimum of $854,389. White also has a strong allegiance of fans in Europe. McCandless said if White wants to make the most money, he'll continue on his previous international path, which could take him to China. Contracts in China, where White could land, are typically higher than European contracts by the month because the season is shorter. ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Free Agency, James White, William McCandless 

Anthony's business manager Robert "Bay" Frazier confirmed with ESPNNewYork.com that he's discussing potential business together with LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul. What those collaborations could be are unknown at this time. Something to keep in mind: Melo and LeBron both have early termination options going into the 2014-15 season. ESPN.com

Miami Heat, New York Knicks, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Agents, Rich Paul 
 

» Update: 09:11 PM ET

Say what you want about Sterling; it's all true. But whenever I put a question to him he tries to provide an answer. I told him I didn't understand the rationale behind Del Negro's dismissal. "The coach is a wonderful man, and I'm sad about the whole thing," Sterling said. "Was this done," I asked, "just to hang onto Chris Paul?" "I always want to be honest and not say anything that is not true," Sterling said. "So I'd rather not say anything. "But you know, the coach did a really good job. I think he did. And I liked working with him. There are just factors that make life very complicated and very challenging." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Clippers, Free Agency, Chris Paul, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching 

Do the Clippers really think he would accept almost $28 million less to sign elsewhere? "Here you have two inexperienced people running your basketball operation in [GM] Gary Sacks and [son-in-law] Eric Miller," I told Sterling. "And Andy Roeser doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to basketball personnel decisions. "So I wonder, is this decision being made because the players are now calling the shots? Am I off base?" "No, you're not off base," Sterling said. "This is a players' league, and, unfortunately, if you want to win you have to make the players happy. Don't you think that's true?" Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Clippers, Free Agency, Chris Paul, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Donald Sterling, Andy Roeser, Gary Sacks 

LeBron James saw that block Roy Hibbert applied on Carmelo Anthony's dunk attempt. He was impressed, mostly because it represented such a huge momentum shift. But this is James we're talking about, the high-flying defier of human capabilities. He seemed offended that a reporter would even ask whether he'd hesitate to drive against Hibbert. "Me?" James said incredulously. "Me?" Reassured the question was about him, James dismissed the notion. "Nah." New York Daily News

Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Roy Hibbert 
 

» Update: 07:47 PM ET

It’s official: The Charlotte Bobcats plan to be the Charlotte Hornets. The Bobcats formalized that intent at a 6 p.m. news conference at Time Warner Cable Arena, featuring team owner Michael Jordan. As expected, the Bobcats wouldn’t be able to implement this change until the start of the 2014-15 season, as it would take that long to do all the rebranding. Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Bobcats, Charlotte Hornets 

The San Francisco company that bought Downtown Plaza last year for a rock-bottom price is now selling it to the soon-to-be owners of the Sacramento Kings. Local developer Mark Friedman, a member of the group buying the Kings, told The Sacramento Bee today his group is purchasing the mall site - except the independently owned Macy's store at the west end - from JMA Ventures. JMA Ventures bought the mall for $21.7 million from Westfield Co. just last fall. Friedman, who said his group has "a contract to purchase the site," did not reveal the purchase price. JMA President Todd Chapman issued a statement Tuesday afternoon confirming the sale, and saying that JMA will continue to operate the plaza. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings 

Trouble followed like him like a shadow in Tulsa. His mother, who keeps childhood portraits of Dumas in her living room and a Bible on the coffee table, put Dumas in organized basketball and baseball to corral her mischievous child. His grades were fine. He never got in a fight. Dumas’ energy outlet was petty crime, busting windows and stealing candy from stores. His idle time turned him to drugs and alcohol. He said he tried alcohol at age 5 and marijuana at age 9. He blames his increased drug use, including cocaine, on former first lady Nancy Reagan. “She said ‘Just say no,’ so it got me interested,” Dumas said of the slogan that came out when he was 17. “It brought it to the forefront. We didn’t have any big drug problem until Nancy said to say no to drugs. Nobody knew about half of it. Now they’re showing it on TV about what it does.” Arizona Republic

Richard Dumas 
 

» Update: 06:21 PM ET

“We would like to thank Vinny for everything he did during his three years with the organization,” Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Gary Sacks said. “Vinny helped this team win a Pacific Division title and we greatly appreciate all that he and his staff helped us accomplish. This was a difficult decision, but we feel this is the best decision for our franchise moving forward.” NBA.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Gary Sacks 

Bryan Colangelo is still president of the Toronto Raptors, but he's no longer the club's general manager. The Raptors announced Tuesday that while Colangelo's contract as team president is being extended, a new general manager will be hired within the next 30 days. The changes were announced by Tim Leiweke, who is the incoming CEO of team owner Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Leiweke also said he is moving up his start date from July 1 to June 3. MSNBC.com

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Tim Leiweke 

Bryan Colangelo is going to stick around as the Toronto Raptors president but will no longer hold the title of general manager. That job, hierarchically the lesser of Colangelo’s two roles over the past seven years, will go to a person still to be hired by Tim Leiweke, the new CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. A person who will have autonomy over basketball decisions and not be beholden to Colangelo, we are told, no matter how much he strains at the leash. NBA.com

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Tim Leiweke 

So as he watched the horrifying images Monday as a tornado ripped through suburban Moore, the emotions came bubbling to the surface and so did the need to help. Durant pledged $1 million for tornado relief through his family foundation on Tuesday, eager to help a devastated area begin to rebuild. "As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was tough to see," said Durant, who was in Minneapolis to watch longtime friend Monica Wright play a preseason game for the Minnesota Lynx. "I call Oklahoma City my home. I go through Moore all the time. It's unfortunate. We're going to come together as a city like we always do and we're going to bounce back." ESPN.com

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City 

Jill Martin, the MSG Network Knicks’ sideline reporter, is back in Miami. Again, she’s at the beach, wearing a bikini and a Knicks hat. The only difference this time is that the Knicks season is done and she can now hang out with Juwan Howard. Howard is relaxing after having scored 12 points in 17 minutes in the Heat’s final regular season game. He has yet to make an appearance in the playoffs. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James also enjoyed some time at the beach this weekend. The Big Lead

Miami Heat, New York Knicks, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Juwan Howard 
 

» Update: 03:53 PM ET

Those who have tuned into the new the past two days, have probably stumbled across the devastation in Oklahoma City as a result of a disastrous tornado. While athletes are not typically not the stars in the disaster relief, this time around there is a huge star and his name is Kevin Durant. Oklahoma City All-Star Kevin Durant privately donated 1 million dollars to the Red Cross in order to assist in the disaster relief. His donation will be put to good use as many residents homes were completed demolished. AthletePromotions

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant 
 

» Update: 03:13 PM ET

Despite considerable success and progress in his two seasons as coach, Del Negro was unable to withstand a first-round Western Conference loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and a free agent-to-be superstar, Chris Paul, who wanted a different coach, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Del Negro did not have a contract beyond this season. Yahoo! Sports

Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Free Agent 

Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins – who will be a free agent at season's end – is a candidate for the job, league sources said. Another possible target, Stan Van Gundy, has said that he plans to sit out next season. Golden State assistant Mike Malone – who worked with Paul in New Orleans – could be a candidate too, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Coaching, Stan Van Gundy, Lionel Hollins, Mike Malone 

If the Sacramento Kings relocated to Seattle, Phil Jackson says he would have been part of a new Sonics organization. Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show this morning, the former Bulls and Lakers head coach said he had an agreement with prospective Sonics owner Chris Hansen to head to the Pacific Northwest. Jackson told Patrick that Hansen’s vision for the franchise was something he could “buy into.” Cowbell Kingdom

Sacramento Kings, Phil Jackson, Seattle, Owners, Chris Hansen 
 

» Update: 01:26 PM ET

Grunwald stopped sort of guaranteeing the Knicks will re-sign J.R. Smith but said his policy this offseason is not to say specifically they will definitely re-sign a player, probably because of the Jeremy Lin fiasco. Grunwald sounded as if Smith was in the plans. “In general it’s best to maintain continuity,’’ Grunwald said, “with the same core group together. I’m not going to comment on any individual player because we’re not finished with our evaluation. I don’t think you should read that one way or another. I don’t think it would be fair to say , yeah, we really want him back.’’ New York Post

New York Knicks, Free Agency, JR Smith, Glen Grunwald 

Knicks GM Glen Grunwald said Jason Kidd gave him no indication he was retiring. “We had a great meeting with Jason yesterday,’’ Grunwald said in a end-of-season press conference with the media. “He was a big part of our success and we look forward to having him back next year.’ New York Post

New York Knicks, Jason Kidd, Glen Grunwald 

Linas Kleiza was named in the 15-strong Lithuanian national team preliminary squad for EuroBasket 2013 that head coach Jonas Kazlauskas announced in Vilnius on Tuesday. He was doubtful because of health issues. Eurobasket 2013

Toronto Raptors, Linas Kleiza, FIBA, Lithuania, Eurobasket 

Per the Red Cross, Kevin Durant has given a $1 million donation to the disaster relief fund. Yesterday Durant tweeted, “Praying for the victims of the Tornadoes in OKC these last few days..Everybody stay safe!” DailyThunder.com

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant 

ESPN, the very profitable arm of Disney, will be laying off about 400 employees this week, the company announcement via statement today. “We are implementing changes across the company to enhance our continued growth while smartly managing costs. While difficult, we are confident that it will make us more competitive, innovative and productive.” The Big Lead

Media, ESPN 

A prominent member of the Westboro Baptist Church is drawing a link between the Oklahoma tornado's devastation and a local team's support for openly gay NBA star Jason Collins. Fred Phelps Jr., the son of Westboro Baptist Church minister Fred Phelps, tweeted the following: "OK Thunder's Durant flips God by praising fag Collins. God smashes OK. You do the math. #GodH8sFags #FagsDoomNations #FearGod #GodH8sU" Huffington Post

Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant, Jason Collins 
 

» Update: 12:01 PM ET

Among the immediate concerns for the Indiana Pacers heading into the Eastern Conference finals against Miami is the state of David West's right calf. One of the longer-term worries, though, is West's forthcoming free agency. The Pacers' veteran leader openly loves his situation in Indiana, which certainly gives Indy justified cause for optimism when it comes to re-signing the 32-year-old this summer. Yet the whispers are already swirling that Chris Paul's Los Angeles Clippers, in particular, are going to make a hard run at West in the offseason. ESPN.com

Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Free Agency, David West 

Indy will certainly have the ability to pay West more to convince its locker-room sage to stay, given that the Clips would presumably have to structure an offer with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to non-tax teams. But you have to figure that the former Hornet -- who rose to All-Star prominence playing alongside CP3 -- is going to want to hear the details of a proposal pitching a reunion with his old point guard ... as long as Paul himself, of course, has decided to stay. If Paul re-signs with the Clips as most league insiders continue to expect, L.A. will then be seeking to add the final piece or two to cement itself as a contender with some staying power. ESPN.com

Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Free Agency, David West 

"I'm back to having fun again," McGrady said Monday, sitting on a basket support after Spurs practice. "It's a different type of feeling, to really come in the games and hear the cheers, it's overwhelming. It feels good to have that type of reception -- and for different reasons. Usually I get 'em for scoring 30 points. Now I get 'em just for being a part of this team. "It's a great feeling, man. I'm back to having fun. It's great to be a part of this terrific organization ... I'm living a dream right now." ESPN.com

San Antonio Spurs, Tracy McGrady 

If McGrady had false illusions that he deserved to be starting, it would be painful to watch him reduced to this role when he's still only 33. He's a member of Tim Duncan's 1997 draft class, after all, and you don't see Duncan clinging to the end of a roster. Instead McGrady welcomes whatever chances he can get, appreciates the support that's still out there. "I came to terms of my situation," McGrady said. "I got it. It wasn't in the cards for me to ... continue the health like Kobe and some of my peers that I competed against when I was playing at the highest level. It just wasn't in the cards for me. I had to go through a lot of stuff to realize the situations, the opportunities that I had. Things happen for a reason. The Man Above takes us through things that we sometimes can't understand, but later on in life, we realize some of the stuff that we had to go through. This is a promotion for me. ESPN.com

San Antonio Spurs, Tracy McGrady 

"For so many years, I tried to compete and take a team to the first round ... I mean, take a team out of the first round. It just didn't happen for me. Then I had to go through some things, through my injury. It was frustrating. I'm sitting at home. I live by faith, not by sight. Pop called me out of the blue, and here I am. It's possible that I could be a champion before I leave this game. And that's a beautiful thing. And even though it wouldn't be the type of role that I would like, I'd still be a part of something. "Any minutes you get in a playoff game like that, it's great minutes. For me to want to be on this stage for so many years, it just never happened. But to have this opportunity right now ... I mean, it's great." ESPN.com

San Antonio Spurs, Tracy McGrady 

On offense, the ball got stuck, which allowed the Spurs' defense to recover and wipe out any scoring opportunities for Randolph around the basket. "All the things that we did wrong - no pace, no moving the ball, no running back, no communicating - if we do all that good and we are who we are and we lose, now we're going to see," center Marc Gasol said. "It's hard to get a lot of information about that last game because we just played so poorly." Game 2 provides a clean slate to try again, and Memphis hasn't had two straight poor games yet this postseason. "We adjust, I think, pretty well to teams and this is no different. We have to come out, make the same adjustments, stick to those adjustments and trust them because this team is so disciplined that they're not going to stop what they're doing," Conley said. "They do what they do very well. They're the best in the league at it." CBSSports.com

Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Marc Gasol 

The 15-man Memphis roster boasts five lefties: Mike Conley, Tayshaun Prince, Zach Randolph, Ed Davis and Tony Wroten. Head coach Lionel Hollins is a lefty, too. All told, that's more than the other three teams combined. The Heat have two southpaws (Chris Bosh and Joel Anthony), the Spurs one (Manu Ginobili) and the Pacers none. In this season's playoffs, lefties have accounted for 46.1% of all minutes played by Memphis players, the second highest percentage in NBA playoff history behind the 46.2% of the 1969 Philadelphia 76ers, according to an analysis by Basketball Reference. During this season's playoffs, lefties have accounted for 48.5% of all Memphis field goals attempted, second in NBA playoff history only to the 48.8% of the 1968 New York Knicks, according to Basketball Reference. Wall Street Journal

Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph, Ed Davis, Mike Conley, Tayshaun Prince, Tony Wroten 

"I think that sense of desperation has passed," Myers said. "I think that whereas when you're trying to do anything to get over the hump you do sometimes chase things that may be difficult to acquire. Whereas now, doesn't mean we're satisfied, it doesn't mean we think our work is through, but we can be prudent and patient with opportunities as they come along." NBA.com

Golden State Warriors, Bob Myers 

Atlanta Hawks player Dahntay Jones says he feels REALLLY bad about injuring Kobe Bryant's ankle right before the NBA playoffs ... but he's adamant, he didn't do it on purpose! Jones was at LAX yesterday when he told TMZ ... even though it's only been 2 months since the controversial play, he doesn't hold a grudge against people like Ice Cube -- who called him a dirty cheater days after the play. In case you forgot, Lakers fans were calling for Dahntay's head after Kobe landed on DJ's ankle during a jump shot on March 13 -- with people saying Dahntay put his foot in Kobe's jump zone with the intention of injuring the NBA star. "I apologize once again," DJ told us ... "I wish you a speedy recovery, Kobe." TMZ.com

Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Injuries, Dahntay Jones 

Colton Iverson doesn't have to look too far into the past to know just how far he has come. "If you would have asked me two years ago, or anyone else in America, if I would be in this position," Iverson said recently during a phone interview, "they would probably say no." But now, the meter for the former Colorado State center is pointed up. Way up. Iverson revived his college career in one massive, award-winning season in Fort Collins, and in the process breathed new life into his NBA prospects. And after a solid showing at the NBA combine last week, Iverson's NBA future is at its most optimistic point. Denver Post

Draft, Colton Iverson 

According to his agent, Adam Pensack, Iverson is scheduled to work out with the Nuggets on June 3. Iverson said he has already worked out with the Los Angeles Lakers. "This is the time of my life right now," Iverson said. "I'm enjoying being everywhere I've been. Some people look at it as a tiring process and a drag, but I look at every opportunity as a positive and take it for what it is — it's fun." Denver Post

Draft, Workouts, Colton Iverson 

One reason that the Nets' coaching search isn't moving too quickly: Lionel Hollins and Brian Shaw, two of Brooklyn's foremost targets, are still at work in the playoffs. Sources say that the Grizzlies remain determined to sign Hollins to a new deal after the playoffs. Contract discussions were mutually tabled by both sides until the postseason plays out, but that does expose Memphis to a high-dollar offer from Brooklyn in July that gets Hollins' attention. ESPN.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets, Coaching, Brian Shaw, Lionel Hollins 

The Clippers, though still deliberating on the future of incumbent coach Vinny Del Negro, are now widely presumed to be in the running for Hollins as well after owner Donald T. Sterling -- who doesn't even attend all of his own team's playoff games -- showed up courtside Sunday in San Antonio to watch the Grizzlies get thumped in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. But skepticism persists, even if the Clips do soon have an opening, about Sterling's appetite to pay what it would take to extricate Hollins from Memphis, where he is revered locally. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching 

Interesting footnote about the Nets' coaching search: Italian legend Ettore Messina, reported by Yahoo! Sports to be a candidate tempting Atlanta Hawks GM Danny Ferry, is not on Brooklyn's list. If the Hawks were to make him the first European head coach in NBA history, Messina would have to find a way out of Russian super club CSKA Moscow, which for years received considerable financial support from Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Coaching, Danny Ferry, Mikhail Prokhorov, Russia, Ettore Messina, CSKA Moscow 

Madsen is somewhat of a celebrity, and not just in the Los Angeles area. He was well-known across the league by players, coaches, and fans during his playing career and even after. Recently on the Jim Rome Show, Madsen issued out an invitation to Rome and his crew to a D-Fenders game, in which Rome gladly accepted. As a prominent figure now in the NBA D-League, Madsen admittedly looks forward to bringing any sort of added awareness to the NBADL. "The D-League is a phenomenal league. I feel proud to represent the D-League." Madsen concluded. Ridiculous Upside

Coaching, D-League, Mark Madsen 

Early estimates suggest that the Toronto Raptors would be willing to offer Masai Ujiri an annual salary in excess of $2 million to leave the Denver Nuggets' front office. The Nuggets, I'm told, nonetheless remain positive that they'll be able to hang on to Ujiri -- just named the NBA's Executive of the Year for the 2012-13 season -- while know that they'll obviously have to raise his reported salary of $500,000 to keep him from wanting to leave. ESPN.com

Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri 

Jeff Zillgitt: Raptors say search for new GM is underway, and Maple Leaf Sports/Entertainment president/CEO Tim Leiweke expects to name GM within 30 days. Twitter @JeffZillgitt

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Tim Leiweke 

Bryan Colangelo will remain with the Toronto Raptors but as team president but has been stripped of his role as general manager, new Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president and CEO Tim Leiweke announced Tuesday. The search is underway for a new general manager, a hire Leiweke expects to make within 30 days. Colangelo will report to Leiweke and the general manager will have "full authority on all basketball-related decisions," according to a news release. USA Today Sports

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Tim Leiweke 

Darren Andrade: Leiweke: "Bryan is ticked off with me. This isn't his perfect world." Colangelo fought to keep job but if it doesn't work "we'll fix it". Twitter @darrenandrade

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo, Tim Leiweke 

At least two teams came away from last week's Board of Governors meeting in Dallas convinced that the 22-8 vote in favor of keeping the Kings in Sacramento would have been a lot closer if NBA commissioner David Stern wasn't so determined to lobby owners in the room to keep the franchise right where it is. Yet a third team consulted told ESPN.com that Sacramento likely would have prevailed anyway, with or without Stern's hard push, since a simple majority of just 16 votes was all that was needed to block the proposed relocation to Seattle. ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, David Stern 

Reinsdorf says he is on better terms with the league these days. The family succession plan calls for the Reinsdorfs to retain their stake in the Bulls, while selling the White Sox. Michael Reinsdorf will take his father’s place. Jerry Reinsdorf said he doesn’t think there’s any baggage left from his disputes with the league. “David and I patched things up,” Reinsdorf said. “We get along real well now. But I act sort of irreverent to him. I think I’m the only guy who busts his balls from time to time.” Stern laughed when told of Reinsdorf’s assessment. “Actually, he’s quite wrong — he has much company in that respect,” Stern said. “His fellow owners have also broken the code, because they know I enjoy it. It makes me better to spar. “We enjoy a good poke back and forth, and we also have a good friendship and we share good memories of very good years.” Sports Business Daily

Chicago Bulls, Jerry Reinsdorf, David Stern 

Alonzo Mourning: Scottie Pippen Said LeBron Would Kick Michael Jordan’s Ass. This is where we are in sports: Former athlete gets asked a question about LeBron vs. Jordan, because LeBron is the NBA right now. Former athlete (in this case, Alonzo Mourning) answers to the laughter of everyone. Was he joking? Maybe. Was he serious? Maybe. Could Scottie Pippen have actually said this? Who knows. And who cares? (Obligatory plug of Pippen’s wife, Larsa.) The Big Lead

Miami Heat, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Alonzo Mourning 
 

» Update: 08:32 AM ET

Do you want him to re-sign with the Sixers? JH: I'd love him to... obviously, if he's healthy. If he's healthy I think he's the best big in the league, but like I said it's tricky because of the knee injuries. HoopsHype

Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum, Jrue Holiday 

Two years ago you told me the Sixers needed a big man. I guess it's what you expected when the Sixers got Andrew Bynum, right? Jrue Holiday: Yeah. What can you say about him as a teammate? JH: He's an awesome teammate even though he didn't get the chance to play. He showed me a lot of perspective from the big men aspect of the game. I do think he's one of the best big men in the league and having him on the bench and in the locker room helped me to improve my game. HoopsHype

Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum, Jrue Holiday 

What can you say about his attitude towards the 76ers franchise? JH: I think during the year when he was with us, he was there for us. He was there every day, he was rehabbing, working on his knee, came in on time... Every time I saw him he was working hard, it wasn't like he didn't want to play, he always wanted to play and you could see that. So do you think he was respectful towards the franchise? JH: Yeah, for sure. HoopsHype

Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum, Jrue Holiday 

Do you think that the Sixers, now with Hinkie as GM, want to keep Bynum? JH: They actually haven't talked to me about that so I don't know. Again, it's a tricky situation because of his knees, his injuries. You can't really make the decision just yet. Do you think he wants to stay in Philadelphia? JH: I think he wants to play, he wants to win. He had a winning career playing with the Lakers, winning two rings... He's a winner and he wants to play. HoopsHype

Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum, Jrue Holiday 

Yesterday, though, Copeland said he never has cared about the biggest possible payday. A restricted-free-agent- to-be, Copeland said he cares about being comfortable — and he does not want to sever his Knicks relationship. “I would be lying to you if I said [money] wasn’t a factor, but people don’t know. If you look at my career overseas and stuff, I’ve never chased the highest bidder. I’ve never been that guy,” Copeland said. “I’ve played on teams for multiple years. When I’m comfortable, I usually tend to stay in those situations. “I love it here. The finances play a part, but I have a lot of emotional ties here that it would be harder for me to break.” New York Post

New York Knicks, Free Agency, Chris Copeland 

Since the regular season ended just more than a month ago, New Orleans Pelicans backup guard Brian Roberts hasn’t paid much attention to the upcoming NBA draft lottery set for Tuesday night. But whether the Pelicans pick up the option on Roberts' contract to retain him could largely depend on where they are slotted for the upcoming June 27 NBA draft. The Pelicans have only an 8.8 percent chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick going into the lottery. But they have a 26.15 percent chance of staying at the fifth spot, where several mock drafts have them selecting Michigan point guard Trey Burke. Most have Burke, 6-feet, 190, being taken no higher than fifth and not lower than seventh. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Pelicans, Brian Roberts 

“What was the difference in the series?,’’ Boeheim said. “Raymond Felton was 0-for-7. Lance Stephenson had [25] points. They’re going to blame it on Carmelo? I told him when he went to New York, ‘They’re going to blame it on you.’ “They have no chance to win,’’ Boeheim continued, according to the Syracuse daily. “Pablo Prigioni has never scored against [Team USA]. We played Argentina six or seven times in different events. He hasn’t scored against us. You have to have players to win in the NBA.” New York Post

New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, Raymond Felton, Tyson Chandler, Jim Boeheim, Pablo Prigioni 

Shumpert branded the Knicks season a failure after Saturday’s heartbreaking, second-round KO in Indiana. The Knicks’ young swingman could almost taste South Beach and a matchup against the Heat and now he can only go there to vacation. “I think we failed,’’ Shumpert said yesterday at the Knicks’ Tarrytown compound. “We failed to do what we were supposed to do. We know we were supposed to go farther and we didn’t. So it’s a fail.” New York Post

New York Knicks, Iman Shumpert 

Asked where they needed to be for him to change his tune, Shumpert said, “At least to the Eastern Conference finals. I feel like we put ourselves in a position to do that, getting the second seed. It was set up for us to get to the Eastern Conference finals and then see what we could do from there.’’ New York Post

New York Knicks, Iman Shumpert 

Steve Novak, admittedly disappointed Woodson ignored him in the Indiana series, candidly said the achievement of making it out of the first round for the first time since 2000 was a very minor step. "I think there’s been so many different feelings,'' Novak said during Trash-Bag Day. "People have said, ‘it’s the furthest the Knicks have been in so long.’ But for us, we weren’t really focused on getting further than the team had been in awhile. We really were focused on putting ourselves in a position to win a championship, and once the regular season ended, we felt like we were in a good spot." Sulia

New York Knicks, Steve Novak 

While no one I spoke with declared him the top player on their draft boards, a number of GMs told me Oladipo was their favorite player in the draft, possibly the player with the most upside of anyone on the board. "Athletically he's so gifted," one GM said. "And he combines that with hard work both in the game and in practice. He keeps working on his game and getting better. His attitude was just special in the interview we had. He's humble, but confident. He doesn't draw attention to himself, but when he speaks he sounds like a leader. I worry about his jump shot a little and his ball handling, too. But I really feel like he's going to get better. And if he does? We'll all regret not taking him. All of us." ESPN.com

Draft, Victor Oladipo 

Indiana's Cody Zeller stopped his slide in the rankings on Friday with a terrific performance in the athletic testing. While NBA teams take the athletic testing with a grain of salt, Zeller's numbers were hard to ignore. Not only were his numbers terrific for a big man, they were great for a guard. Zeller's stock dropped, in part, because there were several games in which he really struggled against long, athletic front lines. Seeing how well he performed in Chicago has given pause to NBA scouts and GMs who were ready to write him off. If Zeller can come into workouts and show teams he has a real perimeter game (he and his agents are promising he does) he'll can make a stronger argument he has the foot speed and athletic ability to make the transition to the four. If Zeller can convince scouts and GMs of that, he could very well move back into the top five. ESPN.com

Draft, Cody Zeller 

On contrary to EuroBasket 2011 Israel will enjoy the presence of its only NBA player in Casspi. Shivek knows exactly how important it is for his team. "Casspi's addiction, together with other players we expect to see with us in EuroBasket, will help us a lot in the upcoming tournament also in the match-ups we will have with our opponents." "Very often we see players who didn't play well during the season with their club but in the National Team step up and show their true quality. "I have no doubt all of our 12 guys will be in great shape when EuroBasket tips off. "I have faith in their abilities," he concluded. Casspi showed his anticipation for the upcoming campaign. After his 4th season in the NBA, when he wrote career lows in minutes and points, the Israeli forward is set to show his game is still among the top. "I can't wait to start playing with the national team," he said. "The togetherness of our team is our business card in this summer. "I believe we could have a good performance if we play like we know and can. Eurobasket 2013

Cleveland Cavaliers, Omri Casspi, Israel, Eurobasket 

Bryan Colangelo is out as the president and general manger of the Toronto Raptors but is being offered another senior management position within the NBA club. The Raptors have yet to confirm the move, but a source within the organization confirmed that the one-time NBA executive of the year will no longer be calling the shots when it comes to the team’s future direction. Toronto Globe & Mail

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo 

“He’s not the happiest guy,” said the source, who did not want to be identified as the club has yet to officially announce the change. Toronto Globe & Mail

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo 

But the veteran NBA executive, seven years on the job in Toronto after more than a decade with the Phoenix Suns and a two-time NBA executive of the year, has always been a loyal and valued part of the organization, a fact not lost on ownership. Sources suggest minority owner Larry Tanenbaum may have been involved in the process of finding a suitable and significant position for Colangelo, a process that was still being finalized Monday afternoon, according to sources. Toronto Star

Toronto Raptors, Bryan Colangelo 

But NBA sources have confirmed that Ujiri is at the very least “intrigued” by the opportunity in Toronto, and not just because the Raptors have suggested through back channels (likely an executive search firm contracted to do background work on identified candidates and make third-party approaches to those already under contract with other teams) that he could command a four-year contract worth about $9 million. It’s a nice pay packet in a league where the average general manager earns $1 million per year. SportsNet

Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri 

The 72-year-old Brown is an old-school coach who is not sold on the heightened focus on advanced statistics in the NBA. "I'm not that kind of guy," Brown said when asked his opinion on the hiring of new Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie. "You're asking the wrong guy. This is not baseball. Guys hit better during the day than they do at night. You have lefties and righties. But this is not baseball. In this league, it's about teaching players and making them better." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Larry Brown, Sam Hinkie 

However, Brown said he does not rule out the role of analytics in building a better basketball team. "All the information, I'm sure, helps," Brown said. "But at the end of the day, this is a basketball town. They love kids that play hard, play together, play smart. And the best way to tell that about a kid is to look him in the eye in the most crucial moments of a game. That tells you so much. "But you have to give this a chance," added Brown, who expressed disappointment that former GM Tony DiLeo was let go. "But the Sixers' new owners have put a lot of money into this program, so you've got to give it a chance. Hopefully it will work out because this is a great basketball community." Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers, Larry Brown, Tony DiLeo, Sam Hinkie 

Multiple sources told FORBES that Parsons recently terminated his relationship with basketball agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports & Entertainment and will hire Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan. Parsons confirmed his intention to sign with Fegan after this article was originally published. At this point, there is no indication that the addition of Parsons to Relativity Sports’ client list will have any influence on Howard’s decision making process. Forbes.com

Houston Rockets, Dan Fegan, Mark Bartelstein, Agents, Chandler Parsons 

I can't tell you where on the list of candidates he sits, but the NBA players union apparently has expressed interest in former NBA executive Steve Mills. A Princeton grad who also served as an executive VP for the Knicks after his time in the NBA's Olympic Tower, the advantage Mills would bring to the negotiating table is a deep understanding of how the owners think and negotiate, considering he was on their side for the better part of his career. Mills was working for the league when the players union selected its last former NBA executive as its leader, so I'm confident he knows what not to do. Sulia

NBPA, Steve Mills 

Tate Moore will be on a private jet this afternoon with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert as part of the team’s traveling party for tonight’s NBA draft lottery in New York City. Moore, 20, a 2011 Wadsworth High graduate, won a contest Gilbert held on Twitter in which Cavs fans were asked to submit a 30-second video detailing why they should be selected to attend the lottery, which will be held at ABC Disney’s Times Square Studios. “He tweeted it at noon Friday and the contest was only open for seven hours,” Moore said Monday evening. “I was sitting at my parents’ home in Wadsworth doing nothing, so I thought I had as good a shot as anyone.” Medina County Gazette

Cleveland Cavaliers, Draft, Dan Gilbert, Tate Moore 

The Bexar County Sheriff's office is investigating death threats made against Tony Parker. Sunday night, someone called 911 with about five minutes left in the game and made a threat against Tony Parker. The information was passed on to the sheriff's office, who handles security at the AT&T Center. Security was increased immediately, but it was determined there was no immediate danger. Parker was escorted to his home by deputies, just to be safe. KSAT.com

San Antonio Spurs, Tony Parker, Law 
 

Did you miss Monday's NBA rumors? check them out in the Rumors Archive.
Any rumor missing? E-mail us at   hoopshype@hoopshype.com.