The Knicks have discussed several Carter trade possibilities with the Nets, including, in December, one scenario that the Knicks turned down because it would have cost them Jamal Crawford. (The teams have not made a trade with each other since 1981, when Mike Woodson went to the Nets from the Knicks.) ESPN.com
If Isiah Thomas does add money, that could bring the likes of Vince Carter (for whom he's lusted since Toronto turned down what he insists was a better offer than the Nets used to get him) and other big-ticket players into play by Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline. There was unconfirmed talk Tuesday that Thomas, who reportedly offered Zach Randolph for Carter earlier this season, is pursuing the Nets' guard one last time. Bergen Record
That chatter included a potential three-way deal to bring Carter to New York, send Eddy Curry to Miami and bring expiring Heat contracts to the Nets -- although that would wipe out the cap room Miami got by trading Shaquille O'Neal and intended to use to pursue free agents this summer. Bergen Record
But there's almost no chance Ben Gordon will be dealt by the NBA deadline Thursday. Bulls officials found out weeks ago there is little market for Gordon because of his salary expectations when he becomes a restricted free agent this summer. ''It is a huge obstacle,'' one source said. Chicago Sun-Times
Days after demurring when questioned on the same subject, Ben Gordon finally admitted he has considered signing the Bulls' one-year tender offer next summer and becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2009. "I definitely didn't go out of my way and say something to the organization trying to threaten them, but it is an option," Gordon said Tuesday. "Luol [Deng] has that option. Most guys in my position have that option." Chicago Tribune
With tomorrow's 3 p.m. trade deadline looming, the 76ers continue to get calls about Andre Miller. According to a league source, the Sixers have been telling teams that they are not interested in shopping the point guard. The source also said that with such an unpredictable trading frenzy, things could change from hour to hour. It would be a major surprise if Miller is traded, and for good reason. Philadelphia Inquirer
Heat coach Pat Riley said Tuesday the team has "discussed" using injured center Alonzo Mourning in a trade. But in the same breath, Riley said he doubts it will happen. "I don't know if I'd ever want to lose his rights; I don't know," he said. "We've discussed that, but I doubt very much if we'd put Zo in a trade." Palm Beach Post
That revelation, which came about rather casually after Tuesday's practice, is interesting on a couple of fronts. It indicates Mourning, who sustained a season-ending knee injury Dec. 19, might be contemplating a comeback, and it shows Riley has explored a variety of options leading up to Thursday's 3 p.m. trade deadline. Palm Beach Post
The Heat is rumored to have expressed some interest in acquiring additional point guard help. Several point guards reportedly are available, including Philadelphia's Andre Miller, Memphis' Kyle Lowry, Indiana's Jamaal Tinsley and Portland's Jarrett Jack. Memphis swingman Mike Miller also is considered available, though Riley downplayed that possibility last week. Miami Herald
Should the Kings trade Artest to Denver? A: Only if the Nuggets include Linas Kleiza and a first-round pick in the deal. Artest, 28, is an impact player, unique and immensely gifted defensively, and a versatile offensive contributor when not allowed to monopolize the ball. And in spite of his occasional outbursts, he has made a concerted effort to moderate his behavior. Sacramento Bee
One source said the Denver Nuggets were making "a harder push" in their efforts to acquire Ron Artest from the Kings, although it was unclear if that meant they were now willing to include Linas Kleiza or were re-exploring the possibility of trading Nene to Sacramento. ESPN.com
