Offical 2009-10 NBA Season Thread

[halfwaycrook]

CJ Miles dropping dimesss

 

[wings90]

The touch pass.

 

[JD617]

A jeering fan called Glen "Big Baby" Davis a "fat boy" and told him to lose some weight. Davis responded with an expletive. "We know what happened, and that's unacceptable," Rivers said. "It's tough when the fans are yelling that stuff at you, but you have to be stronger than that."

 

[airjordan jb23]

at the Glen Davis situation

 

[uclamike]

wait, how are the clipper announcers of all people trying to clown the bulls for having a !!%! load of lottery picks on there team and still been trash?

 

[mjshoefanatic]

Originally Posted by UCLAMIKE

wait, how are the clipper announcers of all people trying to clown the bulls for having a !!%! load of lottery picks on there team and still been trash?

because WE CAN!

 

[Deleted member 38182]

Originally Posted by UCLAMIKE

wait, how are the clipper announcers of all people trying to clown the bulls for having a !!%! load of lottery picks on there team and still been trash?

Bangooooo

 

[north dade represent]

Originally Posted by Proshares

Damn, Charlotte in 5th place. Beat down Miami.

LB got them boys playing for real. I need to check them out a couple times this year.

 

[CP1708]

Somebody in the NBA office flat out won't allow the Warriors to defeat the Nuggets fairly.

Spurs.

Better hope ya'll don't play the Jazz in the first round, bound ta get swept.

Heat.

Good Lord what was that? Beasley predicted easy win I hear?

Monta gonna drop dead on the court one of these days. Killin that kid with all these minutes.

Roy and that hammy gonna be a problem all year. He had to play so much with all the other injuries, he was bound to hurt somethin at some point.

 

[do be doo]

Originally Posted by CP1708



Spurs.

Better hope ya'll don't play the Jazz in the first round, bound ta get swept.

Yes because if you can beat a team in the regular season you can also beat them come playoff time....word to the 2009 NBA Finals....

at the refs for robbing Timmy of 20,000 by having him foul out of the gamewith one point left....

Oh will Houston on Friday so 20,000 point and a win....

 

[black jesus]

bobcats defense is

....we got atlanta friday and then orlando sat on a back to back....hopefully orl plays fri night too cause they suck on their 2nd gameon a back to back

 

[CP1708]

Devin Harris to the Lakers rumors?

Nevermind, rumor is from Bucher, ie, not happening.

 

[proshares]

JJ got the only mean mug on the NBA front page of ESPN.

http:// [h3][/h3]

[h3]Manu downplays report[/h3]
10:44AM ET

[h5]Manu Ginobili | Spurs[/h5]
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There was a report in an Argentine newspaper Wednesday morning in which http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=272Manu Ginobili talked about becoming a free agent this summer. Ginobili wants to make sure his comments weren't misconstrued.

"Just because I don't expect the Spurs to extend my contract before it expires does not mean my days as a Spur are over," Ginobili told the San Antonio Express-News last night.

"In Argentina, the term 'extension,' as it is here, doesn't exist. The fact is, they can re-sign me before the deal is over. They took 'extend' to mean even after it is over, instead of re-sign. So they are two different terms."

Ginobili understands the Spurs reluctance in agreeing to an extension and says it doesn't mean this is his last season with the team.

"I don't expect them to re-sign me before the deal is over," he said. "I'm going to be a free agent, and then I'm going to decide. That's the only thing. It's not that I'm saying I'm not going to be a Spur. That's the difference."

http:// [h3]No deals coming?[/h3]
9:49AM ET

[h5]Boston Celtics[/h5]
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The Boston Celtics did check the availability of Nate Robinson last month, but president Danny Ainge is concentrating these days on the current roster.

"I really feel like we have good chemistry," Ainge tells The Boston Globe. "I just feel like we have been experiencing some of the problems I worried about at the beginning of the season. We haven't been healthy this year and I feel like we're going to be. It just happens that we put it on cruise control a little bit too often. But I think that our team is very talented and we have a good mix of players."

"We're not going to make changes just to make changes," Ainge added.

http:// [h3]Noah not going anywhere?[/h3]
9:41AM ET

[h5]Joakim Noah | Bulls[/h5]
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K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune was asked yesterday if the Bulls plan on trading Joakim Noah or keeping him because he's a core member of the team's future.

Johnson responded: "It's instructive to remember this time of year -- with about a month to go until the trade deadline -- that not all rumors are true. In fact, many are just blatantly false. Any talk of the Bulls trading Noah would fall in that category. He's not going anywhere."

http:// [h3]Jordan still wants to buy the Bobcats[/h3]
9:37AM ET

[h5]Charlotte Bobcats[/h5]
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From Rick Bonnell in today's edition of The Charlotte Observer:

"I don't know where this is going, but I hear Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan is still interested in buying control of the team from majority owner Bob Johnson. Whether Jordan and Johnson can ever agree on a price and terms that would leave Jordan with controlling interest is debatable."

http:// [h3]Nate mum on trade talk[/h3]
9:32AM ET

[h5]Nate Robinson | Knicks[/h5]
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http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2782Nate Robinson might be a target of the http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=bosBoston Celtics, but he didn't want to talk about a potential trade to Beantown yesterday.

"I just want to talk about Friday," Robinson told The Record. "If you want to talk about Friday, we can do that. Anything else, I have nothing to say."

Knicks president admits to talking with other clubs about potential deals.

"It's got to make us better this year, assuming that it doesn't have cap ramifications the following year," Walsh said. "I don't want to be talking in the vain of Nate, but yeah. That's my job. I'm listening, and will listen to anything anybody has to offer. If it's something that will help us we'll do it."

Robinson's agent, Aaron Goodwin, denied any knowledge of discussions between the Celtics and Knicks. "If anyone would know, I think it would be me," he told the Boston Herald yesterday.

http:// [h3]Wright on the block?[/h3]
8:59AM ET

[h5]Antoine Wright | Raptors[/h5]
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Antoine Wright is the Raptor most likely to be traded reports Toronto Sun.

Wright is a free agent this summer and he'll probably not re-sign with the club.

The newspaper notes that Wright's hard-nosed approach may be rubbing is teammates the wrong way.

http:// [h3]Brewer time in Memphis?[/h3]
8:59AM ET

[h5]Ronnie Brewer | Jazz[/h5]
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The Commercial-Appeal reports the Grizzlies want to improve the bench and they are talking to the Jazz about a trade that would send Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for a future first-round pick.

The Grizzlies have their own pick, the Lakers and the Nuggets first-round picks in the 2010 NBA draft.

The newspaper also mentions the Grizzlies have shown interest in dealing for Miami's Dorell Wright. The Heat may trade Wright as a way to get under the luxury tax.

http:// [h3]Nuggets won't take on huge dollars[/h3]
8:58AM ET

[h5]Denver Nuggets[/h5]
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The Denver Nuggets could use more depth in the frontcourt, but a trade may not happen because the team is already over the luxury tax line.

"Financially, we're not going to add huge dollars, I don't think," head coach George Karl told The Denver Post.

Karl added, "It would probably have to be a veteran older guy who some nights wouldn't play at all, another night might play 30 minutes."

Jeff Foster (Pacers) and Brendan Haywood (Wizards) are two players that are possible trade targets of the Nuggets.

http:// [h3]Big Baby in trouble again?[/h3]
8:57AM ET

[h5]Glen Davis | Celtics[/h5]
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The Boston Herald reports a Pistons fan, who taunted Glen "Big Baby" Davis at The Palace last night, filed a complaint with NBA security due to an obscene epithet from the Celtics forward.

The fan repeatedly called Davis "fat boy" and "chubs" and that triggered the epithet.

Davis later apologized on his Twitter account. "I'm a tough competitor and I'm proud of the work I've done to get in shape and be at the top of my game." He added in a second tweet, "That said, I shouldn't have said what I did. My apologies to my fans and my teammates."

Davis' comments could be heard by viewers and listeners to the Celtics TV and radio broadcasts. Davis will probably be fined by the NBA.

http:// [h3]Pistons for sale[/h3]
8:56AM ET

[h5]Detroit Pistons[/h5]
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The Detroit Pistons are officially for sale. Pistons owner Karen Davidson confirmed Wednesday that she's pursuing steps to sell the team.

Davidson said in a statement: "I'm pleased, as noted by Oscar Feldman, that the limited partners concur in my decision into inquiring about selling the team."

Ben Wallace wasn't too shocked by the news.

"Eventually most teams are going to change and make changes," Wallace told The Detroit News. "In this league, players change. Teams change owners. Teams even change locations now."

http:// [h3]Negotiations continue[/h3]
8:29AM ET

[h5]Washington Wizards[/h5]
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Ted Leonsis and the estate of Abe Pollin have failed to reach agreement on a price for the Washington Wizards and Verizon Center, so the two sides will begin an appraisal process that could lead to a deal.

Sources close to the Leonsis group told The Washington Post that a third appraiser will be brought in if the two appraisers for each side can't agree on the value for the team and building.

http:// [h3]Stern committed to new arena[/h3]
7:57AM ET

[h5]Sacramento Kings[/h5]
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NBA commissioner David Stern met with Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson last week about the latest on the cities plan to build a new arena, which includes some complicated proposals. Stern is hoping the plans come to fruition.

"The most important thing is that Mr. (Gerry) Kamilos came with the experience and the financial backing," Stern tells The Sacramento Bee. "If there are ways to improve on it, the boys (the Maloofs) are free to do it. So we've kept the flexibility. But what I'm hearing is, there is a sense that the downtown area of California's capital city should have a redevelopment plan for the long term, and this is part of that fit."

"I get a kick out of what's happening in Sacramento," Stern said. "The reason people like Mark Cuban so much is that he's perceived as always worrying about the game and the enjoyment of the fans. The Maloofs have rekindled that about themselves. Along with the mayor, they deserve a lot of credit. There's a long way to go, but we're due for a little luck."

http:// [h3]Wafer back in Grizzlies picture?[/h3]
7:25AM ET

[h5]Von Wafer[/h5]
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The Grizzlies wanted to sign Von Wafer in December, but he failed a physical due to a back injury. The Commercial-Appeal reports the team has kept tabs on him and they plan to work him out in the near future.

http:// [h3]Roy to miss next two games[/h3]
7:23AM ET

[h5]Brandon Roy | Trail Blazers[/h5]
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Brandon Roy has been suffering from a strained right hamstring. He missed the first few games on the Blazers road trip, but convinced the training staff he was well enough to play against the 76ers. He tweaked the hamstring again last night and will probably miss the next two games.

"Odds are high that I'll miss the next two (games) just because we want to be smart with (the injury)," Roy told The Oregonian. "They don't want me to rush right back out there. I'm sure they are going to be a lot more cautious."

Roy will visit a doctor today, but there are no immediate plans for a MRI.

http:// [h3]No second-guessing for VC[/h3]
7:08AM ET

[h5]Vince Carter | Magic[/h5]
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Vince Carter has been mired in a shooting slump, but he says his confidence hasn't been lost and he won't dwell on his scoring drought.

"I believe in my shot, and my jump shot's going to be fine," Carter told the Orlando Sentinel. "Second-guessing yourself -- 'maybe I should tweak this, tweak that' -- it's overrated, in my opinion. I'm not saying I'm correct. But I know I can shoot the ball. I know my ability. I'm just going to keep playing."

http:// [h3]Jazz to honor Hundley[/h3]
6:43AM ET

[h5]Utah Jazz[/h5]
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From The Salt Lake Tribune:

"The Jazz will honor longtime broadcaster "Hot" Rod Hundley as part of their Jan. 29 game against Sacramento, retiring a banner in Hundley's honor as well as renaming the EnergySolutions Arena press room after him. ... Hundley, 75, retired at the end of last season after 35 years in which he called 3,051 Jazz games."

http:// [h3]Staying the course[/h3]
5:17AM ET

[h5]Houston Rockets[/h5]
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The Houston Rockets have been struggling a bit lately, but head coach Rick Adelman doesn't plan to change the player rotation.

"Sometimes you say we've been struggling, but at the end of December I don't remember anyone saying we were struggling," Adelman told the Houston Chronicle. "We had a really good month. We just happened to play the Lakers, New Orleans and Phoenix on the road (to start January.) The only game that we thought we had a really good chance to win that we didn't was Miami. We haven't played as well as home against some of those teams. It's a matter of everybody stepping up."

http:// [h3]Excited to be a Mad Ant[/h3]
4:51AM ET

[h5]Joe Alexander | Bucks[/h5]
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The Bucks sent Joe Alexander to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the D-League on Wednesday. Most players don't like getting demoted, but Alexander is excited about the opportunity.

"I'm excited about it, getting back on the court and it's going to give me an opportunity to play a lot of minutes right away," Alexander told the Journal Sentinel. "It's going to be good.

"I don't think it was unexpected. That's part of what the D-League is there for, to give guys minutes that they need because they need to be on the court and that's exactly the situation I'm in. So I was somewhat expecting it."

 

[i nasmatic i]

Trade brewing?
Memphis is discussing a potential trade in which they would acquire Ronnie Brewer from the Utah Jazz.
The discussions have centered around which first round pick the Grizzlies would send to Utah.

Memphis is not willing to part with its own 2010 pick, but could part with a pick owned by either Denver of the Lakers.

Brewer earns $2.7 million and will be a restricted free agent this summer. A qualifying offer would cost $3.7 million.

Utah must really be hurting in the pockets to even consider trading Brewer.

Grizzlies Again Interested In Signing Von Wafer

The Grizzlies have revisited the possibility of acquiring free-agent guard Von Wafer.
Memphis passed on signing Wafer Dec. 22 after he failed a physical.

Chris Wallace confirmed last week that he's monitored Wafer's progress as he rehabs his back.

The next step would be for Wafer to have a workout with the Grizzlies.

 

[bhzmafia14]

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jan/21/postgame-hornets-113-grizzlies-111/

The Commercial-Appeal reports the Grizzlies want to improve the bench and they are talking to the Jazz about a trade that would send Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for a future first-round pick.

The Grizzlies have their own pick, the Lakers and the Nuggets first-round picks in the 2010 NBA draft.

The newspaper also mentions the Grizzlies have shown interest in dealing for Miami's Dorell Wright. The Heat may trade Wright as a way to get under the luxury tax.

Who was that said Utah won't discuss trading one of their players for a pick? Mike?

From the radio:

Heisley wants Brewer he came out and said it. Vernon and Tillery confirmed this. Heisley wants the Grizz to have the ability to have a 9 to 10 man deep team.Wafer's training as we speak. He said he's ready to come back now. He'll work with the team this weekend and he's been locked in a gym allweek. Hollins likes Dorell Wright and think he's a good shooter. Dorell Wright even thinks he'll be traded here. Miami has talked to the Grizz NBA TVeven said so. Their local media said their sending Wright and cash.

 

[uclamike]

Why would the lakers want Harris anyways?


The offese doesn't call for a elite point guard. Since the bulls days phil has ways just wanted a point guard that plays d and hits a open shot. You have 2point fowards in artest and odom, Kobe can handle the ball and you can put gasol at the top of the key.

 

[i nasmatic i]

[h2]Trade Buzz: 10 hot names[/h2]Please?

 

[wings90]

Brewer would be a nice add for Memphis.

 

[CP1708]

Originally Posted by UCLAMIKE

Why would the lakers want Harris anyways?


The offese doesn't call for a elite point guard. Since the bulls days phil has ways just wanted a point guard that plays d and hits a open shot. You have 2 point fowards in artest and odom, Kobe can handle the ball and you can put gasol at the top of the key.

Like I said, it came from Bucher, it means it's hogwash. That dude still tryna get back in LA's good graces since he proclaimedKobe's days as a Laker are over. Since then, nobody talks to that dumb @#$% anymore.

Farmar/Brown/Fisher work good enough to get things done. I doubt anything's gonna change there.

 

[proshares]

[h2]Trade Buzz: 10 hot names[/h2]
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By Chad Ford
ESPN.com

Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty ImagesDoes the recent slump by the Phoenix Suns mean that Amare Stoudemire is now on the trading block?

Last week I took an in-depth look at 25 players who could be moved by the Feb 18 trade deadline.

Another week of phone calls to general managers and others in NBA front offices has unearthed some new names along with new insights on players from last week's list.

Here are 10 names for whom the trade buzz is getting louder around the league:

[h4]NBA Trade Machine[/h4]
Put on your GM hat and make your own trades and deals.
Trade Machine

Amare Stoudemire, F, Suns
Stoudemire made our list last week, but just barely. The thinking was that, given the Suns' recent success, the team would likely hold on to him, see how far it could get in the playoffs, and then, this summer, try to sign him or try to do a sign-and-trade.

But the feedback I've received in the last week has caused me to recalibrate the chances of Stoudemire getting traded. The Suns are in a slump (losers of 15 of their last 26), and the word out of Phoenix is that there has been some tension in the locker room involving Stoudemire.

Stoudemire won't be easy to trade. He can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and any team that trades for him is going to want some sort of guarantee that he'll sign an extension or a new contract this summer. If Stoudemire's willing to give it, and a team is willing to give up a substantial asset for him, the Suns may very well pull the trigger.

Iguodala​

Andre Iguodala, G/F, Sixers
For the past several weeks, I've dismissed the idea that the 76ers, even if they are desperate to reduce payroll, would give away Iguodala for the expiring contract of Tracy McGrady. But after talking with a number of people close to the situation, I think it's plausible.

A deal of Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert for McGrady would work under terms of the collective bargaining agreement. While it would eat up any cap space the Rockets might have this summer, if Iguodala is the prize, who cares?

So what's the holdup? A couple of things. From Houston's point of view, Dalembert's 15 percent trade kicker would be a bitter pill. And from Philadelphia's perspective, it's important to get back an asset for a building block like Iguodala. While the Sixers love the idea of getting his long-term salary and Dalembert's off the books, they want something in return. The Rockets could offer Trevor Ariza or Aaron Brooks to sweeten the deal, but it sounds as though talks haven't gotten that far yet.

Gay​

Rudy Gay, F, Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are playing their best basketball since Jerry West was the GM, so why would they mess with a good thing?

There are two reasons, according to a pair of general managers who have spoken with the Grizzlies in recent days. One, Memphis is concerned that this summer a team flush with cap space will offer Gay (who will be a restricted free agent this summer) a huge contract that Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley will be unwilling to match. Two, the team, currently at 22-19, would love to make the playoffs and believes it's a veteran defensive presence away from getting there.

While a number of teams would be interested in Gay, a rising talent at age 23, keep your eye on the Pistons. They have been hunting for the right trade in which to move Tayshaun Prince. If Prince is healthy (he has been battling back and knee injuries all season), he might fit the bill for Memphis -- and the Pistons could throw in a lottery pick from this year's draft to sweeten the deal.

Thabeet​

Hasheem Thabeet, C, Grizzlies
Gay isn't the only player the Grizzlies would move for the right price. Thabeet is off to a slow start in his rookie season in Memphis and doesn't fit into the team's current plans. Still, he was the No. 2 pick in the draft, and he has value in the league.

If a team is willing to give up a veteran defensive presence, I think he could be had.

Robinson​

Nate Robinson, G, Knicks
Robinson stayed in Mike D'Antoni's doghouse for weeks and got fined by the league when his agent publicly requested a trade. But lately he has been playing -- and playing well -- and I think some have assumed that the Knicks would no longer be interested in trading the free agent-to-be, preferring to see what kind of deals would be available over the summer.

Not true. New York will move him if it can, especially if he is needed as part of a package deal with Eddy Curry or Jared Jeffries so the team can clear more salary cap space for the summer.

Augustin​

.J. Augustin, PG, Bobcats
The Bobcats are looking more and more like a playoff team, and coach Larry Brown is beginning to make a push to add one more veteran for the second half of the season. Their best trade bait is Augustin, a second-year point guard.

After a solid rookie season, he's been a disappointment, but a number of teams were high on him as a draft prospect, so there might be a market. If the Bobcats can add the right veteran for their playoff run, they'll do it.

Martin​

Kevin Martin, G, Kings
The Kings have maintained that they want to get a good look at how rookie Tyreke Evans and Martin, their veteran shooting guard, coexist in the backcourt. They believe Evans is a point guard and should be able to play well alongside Martin.

While Martin is still playing himself back into shape, the results are fairly lopsided right now. The Kings are just 1-8 when Evans and Martin have started in the backcourt together, but they were 14-18 when Martin was out of the lineup.

I think the Kings are going to take a few more weeks to see how things go once Martin gets his legs under him. But if the two aren't working out well, I think the Kings will be willing to deal. The franchise is still in a financial crunch and this is no longer Martin's team. Evans has taken the reins and he isn't giving them back.

Nocioni​

Andres Nocioni, F, Kings
The Kings have also been active for months to see if they can find a way to get cap relief and an asset for Nocioni. They really like rookie forward Omri Casspi, who virtually duplicates what Nocioni brings to the table at a fraction of the price.

There was some feeling out about a Nocioni swap between the Kings and Celtics at last year's trade deadline and again earlier in the season. And the latest chatter has been about a potential Nocioni return to the Bulls, though that seems like a real long shot given that Chicago is trying to clear cap space for the summer, not add payroll.

But there will be interest from contenders in the toughness that Nocioni brings. I'm just not sure his contract is all that movable in this economic climate without some sort of sweetener from the Kings.

Carter​

Vince Carter, G, Magic
The Eastern Conference champs are struggling. The Magic have lost seven of their last 10 games, and fingers are pointing in virtually every direction, with much of the blame directed at Carter, who has been awful in January.

In his defense, a nagging shoulder injury is partly to blame for his poor shooting numbers -- but there are rumblings that Carter hasn't been great for the team's chemistry even when he's played well.

Right now there's not a huge market for Vince, who makes a lot of money and has another year left on his deal. There have been rumblings of a swap of cousins -- McGrady for Carter -- but I can't believe Houston GM Daryl Morey would ever do that given the money left on Carter's contract.

Battier​

Shane Battier, F, Rockets
Battier is the heart and soul of Morey's Rockets. Remember, Houston traded lottery pick Rudy Gay for him in 2005, shortly after Morey's arrival, and has never looked back. While Gay has been the more electric prospect, Battier has done what Battier does: all the little things that translate into chemistry and wins. I don't think any team in the league values him the way Morey does.

That said, there have been rumblings that Battier is available for the right price. The Rockets are after a big man, and, well, isn't just about anyone available for the right price? I don't see a team making an offer that knocks Morey's socks off, but you never know.

 

[franchise3]

Lakers want to improve their bench, but they don't have anybody to give up. Maybe Morrison's expiring but that's about it.

 

[i nasmatic i]

I'm not Gay or Thabeet's biggest fans at all, but the Grizzlies cannot trade the two with the way the team has been playing.

Gay has been a fantastic scorer and has been more consistent this season and we all knew Thabeet wasn't going to be more than a 10-15 MPG back up centerfor his first two years.

 

[Los Angeles]

How would the Lakers factor in to that equation?

The hard part for the Nets is going to be luring a player of LeBron's caliber to Jersey. Yes, the team is expected to move to Brooklyn under new, deep-pocketed Russian ownership - but that's not necessarily enough to sway James to make a location change.

What might do it would be the enticement of adding a second star with size to the mix . . . say Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer or even Amar'e Stoudemire. Alas the Nets project to have about $24.7 million in cap space with about $16.6 million earmarked for Star #1. There's no second coming in at $8.1 million.

Just as the New York Knicks desperately want to dump the contracts of Eddy Curry and Jared Jefferies to go after a pair of stars . . . the New Jersey may be in a position to help the Lakers solve their long-term question at point guard. The Lakers in turn might give the Nets a better chance to land one or even two premier free agents this summer.

If the Nets aren't sold on Harris as the lead guard to rebuild around, he's a piece that can be moved for expiring contracts way ahead of Curry and Jeffries.

For a simple package of Jordan Farmar and Adam Morrison (along with draft considerations, although LA can't trade a pick until 2012), New Jersey would open up another $9 million in cap . . . setting their figure at a league high $33.2 million rivaled only by the Miami HEAT who can re-sign Wade and still spend about $19.5 million.

It'd be Harris out for Farmar, Morrison and a shot at say LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Otherwise the Nets may be a long shot to land even one of the big free agent targets.

A lucky bounce of a lottery ball and the Nets could be armed with Wall, James, Bosh, Lopez and role players like Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian, Terrence Williams, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Kris Humphries.

Key to opening up Jersey's full cap potential is Keyon Dooling's partially guaranteed contract at just $500k - saving the Nets an extra $3.3 million.

Even if the Nets don't land two top stars, they'd be in the best position to spend on players to fill out the roster. They'd have room to go after names like Joe Johnson, Raymond Felton, Marcus Camby, Rudy Gay, Luis Scola, Al Harrington, or David Lee - in addition to the aforementioned stars.

The Nets would also have the means to make a Zach Randolph type deal where they take in an established player still under contract - in trade with their space.

Now certainly other teams have more to offer than the Lakers but how many have expiring contracts, young talent that doesn't eat too much of the summer's cap room, and draft picks they're willing to move? How many need point guards?

Do the Boston Celtics, a team in the same division as the Nets, have a more attractive set of expirings?

Would JJ Hickson and Delonte West of the Cleveland Cavaliers be interesting? West also has a $500k buy-out and Hickson makes $1.5 million next year. Would Hickson be worth that extra $2 million in cap space?

Perhaps the Dallas Mavericks try to get Harris back with young prospect Rodrigue Beaubois as bait (with filler) but the Mavs do have Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and J.J. Barea currently filling that role quite well.

The Miami HEAT could certainly use a point guard like Harris but they have their own designs on cap space this summer.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are getting tremendous production from the squad they have, including point guard Russell Westbrook. With James Harden waiting in the wings, what do they give to add a $9 million a year point guard like Harris?

The Portland Trail Blazers might have some pieces but don't they need to bring in size after their sequence of injuries?

Is Caron Butler enough to give up on a LeBron and focus cap room on a star power forward? Are the Washington Wizards really in a position to add on any long-term salary?

An alternative to dumping Harris for nothing might be to make a run at the All-Star level big now but the Raptors are over-stocked already at point guard. The Phoenix Suns have Steve Nash - do they want Harris for Amar'e? The Utah Jazz have one of the top guards in the league with Deron Williams.

Is Harris at his price really a hot commodity at the deadline?

In late June around the NBA Draft, there won't be any teams with cap room or a big enough trade exception to absorb Harris' contract.

The Nets may decide there's not enough reason to let him go on a maybe. Perhaps they'll luck into LeBron but for a squad who may set the mark for all-time worst record - going all in to improve may not be such a bad thing.

It's not like their cap room will expire, they'd have more opportunity than any other franchise to spend.

Make no mistake, it's a long shot he's traded anywhere at all - let alone to the Lakers for an unimpressive package.

There's been no further confirmation other than Bucher's off the cuff remark - but there's an argument to be made that shedding Harris for nothing could be the best move for the Nets to make at the deadline.

 

[westcoastsfinest]

ears and amo for devin harris?

but i'll believe it when if it happens

ric bucher

 

[im not you]

A lucky bounce of a lottery ball and the Nets could be armed with Wall, James, Bosh, Lopez and role players like Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian, Terrence Williams, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Kris Humphries
That would be absolutely unfair...