http:// [h3][/h3]
[h3]Big three staying put?[/h3]
3:21PM ET
[h5]Washington Wizards[/h5]
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Yesterday, we noted that if the Wizards voided
Gilbert Arenas' contract and potentially traded
Antawn Jamison and
Caron Butler out of town for expiring contracts, it could be a way for them to get into the big-name free agency mix this summer.
But their concern isn't so much the salary on the books for next year, it's about getting close to or under the luxury-tax threshold before the trade deadline of Feb. 18, as the team is currently $8.75 million over.
And as ESPN's John Hollinger notes, the way to go about that is by dealing some of their lesser talent in a three-way deal with Orlando and Memphis.
[h5]John Hollinger[/h5]
Grizzlies, Magic are Washington's escape hatch
"consider this deal: Orlando uses its massive trade exception from the
Hedo Turkoglu trade, adding
Mike Miller,
Dominic McGuire and
DeShawn Stevenson (with the exception) from Washington, while sending
J.J. Redick to Washington and
Mickael Pietrus to Memphis. The trade would shore up the Magic's shooting and also clean up next year's balance sheet a bit. If Orlando doesn't like that one, several potential variants work. For instance, Wizards center
Brendan Haywood could go to the Magic while Redick stays in Orlando ... or the Magic could add Haywood, send Redick and
Anthony Johnson to Memphis and hang on to Pietrus ... or the Magic could acquire Butler instead of Miller ... or the Magic could obtain Jamison instead of Miller and send either
Brandon Bass or
Marcin Gortat (with his consent, which presumably he'd give) back to Washington. In any case, a three-way deal with Orlando and Memphis is the obvious escape hatch for the Wizards' predicament ... At the end, the Wizards will have wiped away $9 million in tax obligations, even before we get into any of the particulars with Arenas."
http:// [h3]Wright on the move?[/h3]
2:49PM ET
[h5]Dorell Wright |
Heat | Interested:
Clippers?,
Grizzlies?[/h5]
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In somewhat of an unexpected move, the Heat decided to keep
Carlos Arroyo on the team and guarantee his contract through the rest of the season, even though they acquired
Rafer Alston.
So the Heat, who still have luxury tax concerns, are likely to make a deal to dump some salary. Currently, they're $2.81 million over the luxury-tax threshold.
So what's their next move? It's likely trading
Dorell Wright.
As ESPN's John Hollinger explains, they could trade him without having to take any player's salary back, leaving them with less luxury tax to pay.
[h5]John Hollinger[/h5]
Wright could land with Grizzlies, Clippers
"The Heat can offer anyone the $951,066 he'll have left on his contract on trade-deadline day to take Wright off their hands, likely adding a sweetener for the trouble (for instance, either more cash or one of the two second-round picks they got from the Hornets on draft day last year). Any number of teams could pull off such a deal, with the prime suspects being the Clippers (a $3.3 million trade exception from the
Zach Randolph deal and an owner who loves to make a buck) and the Grizzlies. The added benefit of such a deal for Miami is a $2.8 million trade exception that they would carry into next year's trading season, giving the Heat an added means of loading up the roster following their expected free-agent splurge this summer."
http:// [h3]Bosh in play for Chicago, Houston?[/h3]
2:35PM ET
[h5]Chris Bosh |
Raptors | Interested:
Rockets?,
Bulls?[/h5]
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We told you yesterday, that
according to Boers and Bernstein, an afternoon radio program on 670 The Score in Chicago, a trade shipping
Chris Bosh to the Bulls for
Kirk Hinrich,
Tyrus Thomas and at least a draft pick is "something that is out there as a possibility."
Nothing new about the situation seems to have emerged today in either the Chicago or Toronto markets.
This would obviously be a huge coup for Chicago. With Bosh and
Joakim Noah in the frontcourt, the team becomes a rebounding force, as both rank in the top five in the league in rebounding. Bosh will make an anemic offense better, and the Bulls' defensive efficiency -- which is a solid 10th in the league right now -- likely gets a boost as well.
The danger here for Chicago is if Bosh decides to walk in free agency this summer instead of signing with the Bulls, possibly to a team like Miami. But if the Bulls can lock Bosh up long-term, something they'll have money to do this offseason, this team becomes a lot more relevant in the East going forward.
But a new team has emerged according to ESPN's Marc Stein, one that isn't as concerned about getting a guarantee before a trade he'd sign past this season: Houston. In the Weekend Dime, Stein notes they could assemble a young package that doesn't include
Tracy McGrady's large salary.
If that's the case, a young guy like
Carl Landry, who has shined this season in a sixth-man role, could be involved.
[h5]Marc Stein[/h5]
Raptors wouldn't have to take on T-Mac's salary
"What we did hear, though, is that the Houston Rockets have made it known that they would be willing to trade for Bosh immediately -- even if they don't get a guarantee they can re-sign him this summer ... Sources say the ever-aggressive Rockets are sure a half-season in Houston could convince the native Texan to pledge his long-term future to a city players love as well as a team that sits four games over .500 without the injured Yao Ming and the exiled Tracy McGrady. The Rockets also have the requisite stash of young assets, as evidenced by their success this season without marquee names, to assemble a legit deal for Toronto to consider -- and without insisting that McGrady's mammoth $22.5 million salary has to be part of it. "
[h5]Ric Bucher[/h5]
Thomas fits, but Hinrich?
"If Toronto moves Chris Bosh -- and that remains a possibility -- they would do so for frontline help. They're young at 2-guard and could use the athleticism Tyrus Thomas brings, but Kirk Hinrich is a shorter version of Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani. That, in short, would make it a bad deal for the Raptors."
http:// [h3]Karl in play for Nets?[/h3]
12:43PM ET
[h5]George Karl |
Nuggets[/h5]
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George Karl was supposed to have re-upped with the Nuggets by now. But after he was offered a two-year contract extension with a team option for a third year last month, Karl turned it down, and an extension won't be discussed again till after the season.
And with the Nets looking for a full-time head coach after GM-turned-interim-coach Kiki Vandeweghe returns to the front office only, is it possible the Nets would attract Karl?
"While Rod Thorn is not at liberty to discuss coaches under contract, he has several peers who believe that Nuggets coach George Karl will become available if the Nuggets crash in the postseason, or don't reach the Final Four again this spring,"
writes Dave D'Alessandro of the Star-Ledger.
If everything falls into place and the Nets are free to pursue Karl and he accepts an offer, it would be a good get for the team not just in terms of coaching, but it terms of the free-agency market.
It could help the Nets attract one of this year's big-name free agents, such as
LeBron James, with a successful, respected coach like Karl at the helm.
http:// [h3]Will league ban in-flight gambling?[/h3]
12:18PM ET
[h5]League Issues[/h5]
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[img]http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0720/nba_logo_65.jpg[/img]
In light of the alleged gambling incident on their team flight that led to an altercation between
Gilbert Arenas and
Javaris Crittenton in the Wizards' locker room, the Nets have made a bold move: they've banned gambling on team flights.
Will other teams follow suit? Will the NBA ban it for good?
From Howard Beck of the New York Times: "A number of team executives, agents and others with ties to the league said they believed the matter was under serious consideration."
http:// [h3]Randolph back on Portland's radar?[/h3]
11:51AM ET
[h5]Shavlik Randolph |
Trail Blazers[/h5]
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The Trail Blazers brought in
Shavlik Randolph last week to shore up some of their depth concerns on the frontline with both
Greg Oden and
Joel Przybilla out for the year.
But after appearing in two games, he was waived on Wednesday. But might he be back with the squad?
According to Blazers Edge, now that
Rudy Fernandez is out another 7-10 days, Randolph might be back in the picture once he clears waivers.
"We'll look at something. Shavlik is on our radar again," GM
Kevin Pritchard told Blazers Edge last night. "I think he clears [waivers] tonight. And then we'll look at Shavlik maybe tomorrow."
If the Blazers end up not bringing Randolph back on a 10-day contract, there's always the trade option for frontcourt depth. With word
Andre Miller is unhappy, the team could trade him for an available big man, such as
Jeff Foster of the Pacers.
http:// [h3]Stackhouse heading to China?[/h3]
11:33AM ET
[h5]Jerry Stackhouse[/h5]
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There were reports in the Chinese media circulating that
Jerry Stackhouse was heading to China to play basketball, but his agent told
HoopsHype.com those reports are false.
"The rumor that Jerry Stackhouse is going to play in China is completely false," his agent, Jeff Schwartz told HoopsHype.com. "He is still looking forward to joining and contributing to an NBA team this season."
Stackhouse is looking to rejoin the NBA on a contending team this season so he has a shot at a title. But after turning down an offer with the Rockets before the season, no one's come calling for him.
It's still possible a team could add him for a playoffs push, but it's not looking likely right now.
http:// [h3]No voiding for Arenas?[/h3]
11:01AM ET
[h5]Gilbert Arenas |
Wizards[/h5]
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There's been a lot of chatter about the Wizards potentially voiding
Gilbert Arenas' contract in light of his gun probe and alleged locker room altercation with
Javaris Crittenton.
But a lot of it may just be that ... chatter.
From
Michael Lee of the Washington Post: "According to multiple sources it is not an option that the team has begun discussing. One source said the team wouldn't seriously consider it until the legal process plays out."
So, for now, it's not something the team is considering, but down the road depending how the legal process plays out, it's something they could consider more.
ESPN's John Hollinger doesn't think it's likely his contract will be voided, either.
[h5]John Hollinger[/h5]
Odds are slim Wizards void Arenas' contract
"If you believe Arenas' story ... what he did was incredibly stupid, but I'm not sure it arises to the level of jail time and voiding contracts. I know some people want to make an example out of Arenas because of the rampant problems with firearms, both in the NBA and in the country. But frankly, Arenas isn't the problem. He wasn't going to shoot anyone. There are a lot of people out there that would. I think he should pay a heavy price in fines/suspension for his stupidity. But I don't think he should be punished because of all the other bad things others do with guns."
http:// [h3]Manu doesn't want to start?[/h3]
10:39AM ET
[h5]Manu Ginobili |
Spurs[/h5]
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Manu Ginobili is one of the best sixth men in the NBA. He started one game this season, against Dallas on Nov. 18, and got hurt. A strained left groin sidelined him for five games and hindered him in a few more after returning.
The Spurs play the Mavs tonight and Ginobili wants Gregg Popovich to know that he never wants to start again.
"I guess that was my only start of the last few years, and probably the last start of my career," Ginobili told the
San Antonio Express-News. "No doubt. No question."
http:// [h3]Buyout coming for Darko?[/h3]
10:37AM ET
[h5]Darko Milicic |
Knicks[/h5]
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Darko Milicic has said he is not happy playing in the NBA and will go back to Europe next season. That timetable might be ahead of schedule.
The New York
Daily News wonders if a buyout of his contract could occur in the near future after he missed the Knicks game last night for "personal reasons."
Knicks president Donnie Walsh would not rule out a buyout but he also said, "It's not like he's pulling some kind of rebellion or something. His agent hasn't asked me for trades. The only thing I heard Darko say is that he's going to Europe next year."
http:// [h3]Powe cleared to practice[/h3]
10:34AM ET
[h5]Leon Powe |
Cavaliers[/h5]
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Leon Powe's recovery from ACL and microfracture surgery in his left knee is on schedule. Powe says he has been cleared medically to start practicing after the Cavs' West Coast trip, although he won't play until late next month.
"The doctors won't let me play until after the All-Star break," Powe told
The News-Herald.
http:// [h3]T-Mac's agent met with Walsh[/h3]
9:48AM ET
[h5]Tracy McGrady |
Rockets[/h5]
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The
New York Post reports
Tracy McGrady's agent, Arn Tellem, planned to meet with Knicks team president Donnie Walsh after last night's game to discuss McGrady's situation.
Tellem told the newspaper he believes any deal for McGrady will not come until February.
http:// [h3]Miller erupts, does he want a trade?[/h3]
9:36AM ET
[h5]Andre Miller |
Trail Blazers[/h5]
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The Blazers practice ended Thursday when
Andre Miller and head coach
Nate McMillan had a heated 30 minute argument and could be heard by the media though a closed door.
Miller has not been happy about being a backup for a good part of the season and doesn't like the slow pace that McMillan likes to run with the offense.
The Oregonian reports Miller sent a text to his agent, Andy Miller, shortly after leaving the team's practice facility.
"What happened today is probably the culmination of events and conversations that have taken place since the start of the season," Andy Miller said. "What's happening is that unfortunately, the transition of Andre to the Blazers wasn't as seamless as hoped or imagined from the outset. Whether Andre is able to be integrated over time remains to be seen. Certainly, it is taking longer than anticipated."
Andy Miller said his client has not asked to be traded.
When asked if he and Miller were on the same page, McMillan said "We're fine. We're OK."
When asked Thursday about Miller's confusion with his role, McMillan told
The Columbian: "That's a conversation for us, if that's the case."
Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard addressed the same issue by saying, "There's an old saying out there: 'Seek to understand before being understood.' "
http:// [h3]Banner down and Sharpton fires back[/h3]
9:33AM ET
[h5]Gilbert Arenas |
Wizards[/h5]
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The
Washington Wizards are moving forward without
Gilbert Arenas. They hope the fans do the same thing. When fans arrive at the Verizon Center tonight not only will Arenas be gone inside, but so will his banner outside.
The Washington Post reports workers pulled down a huge cloth banner of a dribbling Arenas emerging from the team slogan with the words: "Character. Commitment. Connection."
In other news, Rev. Al Sharpton fired back Thursday at Arenas after Arenas wrote on his Twitter page that Sharpton wasn't a credible black leader and shouldn't talk about his ban from the NBA.
"I'm not backing off one iota," Sharpton told the New York
Daily News. "They can tweet what they want. I'll tweet right back."
"He's trying to make this personal and no one's concerned with his personal views or whatever," Sharpton said. "This is not about Arenas. This is about violence and what the violence says to the kids in our community in terms of getting away from gangs and guns. And this issue is not resolved by just one suspension."
http:// [h3]Fisher not concerned about his game[/h3]
8:31AM ET
[h5]Derek Fisher |
Lakers[/h5]
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Derek Fisher is shooting 37.1 percent from the field, which is his worst since the 2003-04 season. He's also only averaging seven points per game and has sat during most of the fourth quarters recently. Does he feel he's struggling?
"No," Fisher told the
Los Angeles Times.
"This is a team game. So I'm not overly concerned about my individual game. With the type of team we have, there will be different guys doing different things every night and you have to be willing to sacrifice maybe some of your individual shine to make sure the team is accomplishing the team goals. I'm comfortable with that. I realize what my role is on this team. I try and really stay focused on that."
http:// [h3]Melo's status uncertain[/h3]
8:05AM ET
[h5]Carmelo Anthony |
Nuggets[/h5]
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Carmelo Anthony participated in some of the Nuggets' practice Thursday, but his status for tonight's game against Cleveland is still uncertain.
"I thought he did more today," Nuggets coach George Karl told
The Denver Post Thursday. "But, again, I'm going to wait until tomorrow before I make predictions on any of them."
http:// [h3]Blazers should stand pat?[/h3]
7:48AM ET
[h5]Portland Trail Blazers[/h5]
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There has been a lot of banter about the Blazers need to make a trade since injuries have decimated the roster. General manager
Kevin Pritchard will only do a deal if it helps the team long-term.
Former Blazer and current Lakers radio analyst, Mychal Thompson, thinks the team should stand pat.
"They have enough wing players that they could give up one to bring in somebody decent," Thompson told
The Portland Tribune. "You could get a big body to take up some room. But I wouldn't do anything. I would let the team stay the way it is for the rest of the season. I'd let
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3225Greg Oden and
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=682Joel Przybilla rehab, and I'd come back for another crack at it next season."
http:// [h3]Martin real anxious to play[/h3]
6:55AM ET
[h5]Kevin Martin |
Kings[/h5]
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Kevin Martin had surgery on his left wrist Nov. 9 and wants to play, but he must wait to hear from his doctor before a return date can be set.
"I had a very positive meeting with (Kings basketball president) Geoff (Petrie) and (coach) Paul (Westphal on Wednesday), and we all can't wait for me to be back on the court," Martin told
The Sacramento Bee. "But we are being smart, and I just have to listen to the medical field. Dr. (Robert) Szabo is a great one and knows what's the best way to bring me back from this injury, but I'm getting really anxious."
Martin will visit Szabo next Tuesday.
http:// [h3]Celtics tried to trade Hudson?[/h3]
6:33AM ET
[h5]Lester Hudson |
Celtics[/h5]
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All player contracts are guaranteed this week and that was the reason why
Lester Hudson was released. The Celtics tried to trade Hudson, but couldn't find a deal.
"Lester hasn't gotten a chance to play. We were making an effort up to the deadline to make a deal and try to find Lester a home so he could continue to be paid," president of basketball operations
Danny Ainge told
The Boston Globe. "That's why he went with us [to Miami]. I was talking to him and his agent, and he was aware of what we were doing and of the possibilities that existed, and we were trying to do all we could up to the deadline."
http:// [h3]No needs for C's?[/h3]
6:22AM ET
[h5]Boston Celtics[/h5]
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The
Boston Celtics have an open roster spot after waiving
Lester Hudson this week, but
Danny Ainge isn't looking to do anything right now.
"Right now I don't see any needs," Ainge told the
Boston Herald yesterday. "I mean, I feel like there's always a need if you can get a better player than who you have, but there's nothing with us that's a glaring weakness. There's not one specific need that we're looking to fill.
"I just feel like we need to get healthy. If we're healthy, then in some ways we may have too many players. There will be some tough decisions that will have to get made on minutes when we have everyone back. But things can always happen, so I think it's important for us that we have this flexibility with our roster. I mean, there's a good chance we don't sign anybody, but it helps to have the ability to do it if something happens and you need to."
http:// [h3]Alston to play tonight?[/h3]
5:46AM ET
[h5]Rafer Alston |
Nets[/h5]
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Rafer Alston cleared waivers Thursday and then signed a minimum contract with the
Miami Heat for the rest of the season. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra says Alston will play immediately.
"We'll try to fast-track him as soon as possible," Spoelstra told the
South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "We brought him here for a reason. He's a high-motor, high-energy guy. He knows how to get the ball to other guys, make other guys better."
The addition of Alston means that either
Carlos Arroyo or
Mario Chalmers is going to lose minutes.
"It will work itself out, exactly as who's going to start, who's going to come off the bench," Spoelstra said. "It's not going to be easy. One of them won't be in the rotation."
http:// [h3]Pistons won't make a big trade?[/h3]
5:24AM ET
[h5]Detroit Pistons[/h5]
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Between today and February 18 there will be a lot of trade talk and rumors. The Pistons have lost 11 games in a row, but
Patrick Hayes of MLive.com doesn't think the team will make a huge trade.
Hayes writes: "The team will not make a big trade during the season. We can't overstate enough how profoundly the economy is affecting NBA teams. The only teams we'll see deal are the top contending teams who are not having the same major attendance problems of all of the middle-tier and poorly performing teams. Every team will be in search of expiring contracts. Few of the teams who have expiring contracts will part with them. There will be as many or more rumored trades of any recent offseason (thanks to Bill Simmons). Fewer than normal will come to fruition."
http:// [h3]Time to start Thomas?[/h3]
5:00AM ET
[h5]Tyrus Thomas |
Bulls[/h5]
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Tyrus Thomas was starting before he got hurt, but has been a backup since he returned. Is it time to move him back in the starting lineup?
"Not yet," Bulls head coach
Vinny Del Negro told the
Chicago Tribune.
"
Taj Gibson has earned every minute," Del Negro said. "With Taj and
Kirk Hinrich in the lineup, we've had better starts at times. Guys are going to get their minutes if they're productive, execute the game plan and know what we're doing. I'm happy with the starters right now and there's no reason to change anything until I feel differently."
"I feel fine," Thomas said. "I'm 95 percent now. Just trying once again to find my niche on this team. I think I have a pretty positive effect, whether it be energy or whatever. I feel as long as I'm on the floor, we have a pretty good chance of winning."
http:// [h3]Tucker joining the Wolves?[/h3]
4:39AM ET
[h5]Minnesota Timberwolves[/h5]
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Trent Tucker attended Monday's practice and sat with Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn during Wednesday's game. Kahn says he's only wanted to talk with Tucker and is not hiring him.
"I was just trying to spend some time with Trent to get to know him and get his insights on things," Kahn told the
Pioneer Press. "Trent's been in the league and he's well respected. Why not talk and listen to a guy with his experience?"
http:// [h3]No regrets for Rambis?[/h3]
4:30AM ET
[h5]Kurt Rambis |
Timberwolves[/h5]
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The
Minnesota Timberwolves are only 7-29 and they're very young.
Kurt Rambis says he has no regrets about leaving the
Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach to become the head coach in Minnesota.
"This was a good decision for me," Rambis told the
Star Tribune. "I enjoy these guys. I get along with all the players. I like the fact that they're still working hard to try and improve. That's all I can ask of them. ... I made this decision for the long-term. I don't look back at it. I'm in this for the long-term."
has a problem.
