Official 2012 NBA Trade Deadline Thread: The Dwightmare is Over.

[aepps20]

Otis Smith is a terrible GM and I don't blame D12 for wanting out. Dwight is really his own worst enemy in this situation with him changing his mind every 5 minutes.

 

[tonelow]

double

 

[tonelow]

Originally Posted by ICY DEAD BENZ

Originally Posted by lawdog1

Ken Berger

 

[alleniversonfan01]

Originally Posted by Essential1

Originally Posted by AllenIversonFan01

Originally Posted by Zyzz

Dwight will still leave

Nah, if the Magic are able to pull that off he would prolly atleast stay for one more year and not opt out. Him and Monte may or may not work out. But it would be the best second player they have given him to play with so far. That would also free up some cap to try and go after maybe Nash or another PG in the offseason since Nelson would be gone in the trade and they would be left with Duhon. 
Its not gonna get them a Chip this year. But it might be just enough to get him to stay.

But as its been said. It doesnt make a whole lot of sense for the other teams involved. But the Warriors DO need a big man, and the Hornets were basically ready to just send Kaman home for the rest of the season for nothing about a month ago. So I guess it makes sense a little.  

Sam Amick: I repeat: Don't expect Dwight Howard-obsessed Warriors owner Joe Lacob to help Orlando keep Dwight Howard in any way. That is all. Twitter

Bill Ingram: HIGHLY unlikely Monta lands in Orlando to help them keep Dwight. Twitter

Yea I didnt see it happening either since I and everyone else has heard its either Monte FOR Dwight or nothing. I was simply just speaking on the trade in terms of what was proposed. 

 

[lawdog1]

Originally Posted by ToneLow

Originally Posted by ICY DEAD BENZ

Originally Posted by lawdog1

Ken Berger

 

[Peep Game]

@ that Warriors/Magic/Hornets trade

 

[pmatic]

Trade Deadline Update

With less than three days before Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, here are the latest rumblings from around the NBA:

* The Trail Blazers and Clippers are discussing a deal that would send Jamal Crawford to the Clippers for Eric Bledsoe and Ryan Gomes, league sources told CBSSports.com. The talks have not advanced to the ownership level, but the two teams have exchanged proposals and were mulling over this idea on Monday. It's not clear whether the deal would be a precursor to a second trade for Portland involving disgruntled point guard Raymond Felton. Rival executives believe the Blazers are interested in exploring a swap of Felton to the Lakers for Steve Blake, with L.A. sending another piece to make the salaries match and compensate the Blazers for getting the better player and future cost savings in the deal. The Portland coaching staff and front office are comfortable with Blake, who could provide a calming presence as the team battles through numerous distractions. Coach Nate McMillan appears to be safe for the time being, according to people in contact with Blazers officials.

* With Ricky Rubio out for the year, the Timberwolves are almost certain to keep point guard Luke Ridnour. Another interesting result of the Rubio injury: If the Wolves fade without Rubio, their unprotected first-round pick sent by the Clippers to New Orleans in the Chris Paul deal potentially becomes more valuable. But one rival executive believes it's unlikely that teams would be willing to take on Emeka Okafor's $28 million over the next two years -- even for a pick that could turn into, say, Anthony Davis. Rick Adelman has done such an exemplary job with the Wolves -- with a short training camp and virtually no practices -- that it's hard to envision them dropping off too much with Ridnour taking over for Rubio. But it's a situation that bears watching. If the Hornets wind up with a top pick as a result of the Paul trade, it would be vindication for commissioner David Stern's veto of a prior three-way deal with Houston and the Lakers. What would the commissioner/owner say if presented with the chance to parlay that pick into $28 million in savings for the new owner? Probably not likely, given that what the Hornets need more than anything are players. They already have payroll flexibility to a degree.

* The Hawks appear determined to stand pat with their roster through the deadline, barring a minor deal that could help them for the stretch run and playoffs, sources say. One possibility would be moving Kirk Hinrich, but it would have to be a trade that helped them basketball-wise, not simply a salary dump. As for Josh Smith, who isn't exactly denying that he's requested a trade, Hawks GM Rick Sund's approach to such things historically has been to deal with them in the offseason -- say, around the draft, when more teams will be active in the trade market and draft picks acquired in trades will be known quantities.

* The Lakers are said to be serious about trading Pau Gasol in the right deal, with the emphasis on saving on future payroll. But Rockets guard Kyle Lowry being out 2-4 weeks with a bacterial infection may have put the brakes on a potential Gasol-to-Houston deal. If the Lakers could've gotten a healthy Lowry, rival executives believe it would've eased the loss of Gasol. Luis Scola has been showing signs of age, but while he has two guaranteed years totaling $19.6 million left, that's about half what Gasol is owed over the next two seasons. In any event, the Lakers need to be aware that an obvious cost-saving trade as opposed to a basketball-upgrade trade would send the wrong message to Kobe Bryant, who is running out of time to chase his sixth championship to equal Michael Jordan's mark. "If they're going to send a message to Kobe Bryant that they're not about winning, they're about money," one league source said, "that's going to set off a whole new deal."

* Seeing/reading a lot of Dwight Howard scenarios that seem to be coming out of thin air? Welcome to the 96 hours before the trade deadline, the time for Orlando to smoke out all potential offers and prime the pump as they decide whether to trade Howard by Thursday or hold onto him and take their chances in the summer. "The player holds all the cards," said one person on the periphery of the Howard saga. "He's killed (Orlando's) market." By making it clear that he'd only sign a long-term deal if traded to the Nets , Mavericks or Lakers, Howard has the leverage for now. The only way he loses is if the Magic send him to a team on a rental basis, thus cutting off Howard's chance at getting a five-year deal as a free agent. Staying in Orlando is the only way Howard can get the fifth year under the new rules, and indications are that he'd like to hang onto that fallback option as long as possible. It's up to the Magic whether they afford him that chance.
http://Link

Trade Notebook: Smith, Howard in similar situations; Bucks available

For Josh Smith and Dwight Howard, preschool pals who rose from their Atlanta upbringings to NBA stardom, the innocence of the game has long since been lost.

Basketball is a business, they have learned, a multi-billion dollar venture where there's a price to be paid for their lavish lifestyle and fame. The scrutiny is part of it now, as is the speculation. And this week, of course, it's all about the suspense.

The lifelong friends are the cream of the trade deadline crop, their talents available to any team able and willing to do a worthy deal between now and Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline. Howard's longstanding trade request still holds, but it remains to be seen if he actually leaves Orlando. Smith's situation in Atlanta has recently resurfaced, as he reportedly told the Hawks he would like to be moved and sources say the request is being considered.

Both players are in their eighth season with the same team, their careers defined by playoff successes but never the championship ring that they covet. They see a change of scenery as a possible solution and want the chance to grow elsewhere. Another shared experience, it seems, could be coming soon. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Thursday that Smith requested a trade. Smith -- the All-Star snub who is averaging 17.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, two blocks and 1.5 steals for the 24-17 Hawks - didn't deny it in a chat with SI.com Sunday night.

"You know, nobody's been traded [recently], and that's very rare at the trade deadline, so they have to talk some stuff up," said Smith, who is slated to earn $12.4 million this season and $13.2 million in 2012-13. "Me personally, if I were to say something directly about getting traded, I would obviously be getting fined by the NBA, so I'm just playing.

"I think people on the outside looking in see that there might be some more growth to me somewhere in another place. I've been with this team so long. It's kind of rare, so they probably feel like maybe if they talk about it it'll get a team involved or thinking about giving me away. But as long as I'm here, I'm going to put my best foot forward and not worry about anything else other than winning basketball games with this organization and this team. ... If it happens, it happens. I'm not worried about it. No hard feelings to anybody. I'm just here. And as long as I'm here, I'm going to put my best foot forward."

While Smith and Howard speak frequently, they last met face to face over in Orlando on Feb. 9 before the Hawks downed the Magic in overtime the next night. Howard, Smith said, was conflicted about his decision.

Those in communication with the Magic's situation continue to predict that Howard won't be traded. Despite his list of trade destinations including the Nets, Lakers and Mavericks, sources close to Howard reiterated that the Nets are the only real threat via trade unless the Lakers can do some 11th-hour convincing.

But New Jersey's assets haven't been enough to get a deal done for months, meaning a trade involving more than the two teams is likely needed. Howard has told people close to him that he doesn't want to join the Lakers, while trade options aren't there for Dallas.

Should the Magic hold onto him with the hopes that he stays, Howard could still play out the final year on his contract, worth $19.5 million. He is hoping to take the most lucrative path, as he can sign a five-year deal with 7.5 percent raises with the team that has him at season's end versus signing a four-year deal with 4.5 percent raises elsewhere. That's a contract worth $109.2 million total versus $81.1 million.

"He's definitely up in the air and confused about what he wants to do," Smith said. "I think right now he wants to win basketball games, and he wants that nucleus around him.

"It is very frustrating when you want to win so bad and you want to get a certain type of DNA around you and your team and it's not happening. It gets frustrating, and you might say some things that you don't mean."

Beyond Howard's own desires, Smith said his friend is struggling with the idea that Magic fans everywhere would turn on him if he leaves.

"He's definitely conscious of what everybody else thinks," Smith said. "He's the type of player, no matter where he plays, that if he leaves that organization they're going to hate him. It's just like how [Cleveland fans] hate LeBron [James]. But at the end of the day, they'll come around to forgive him for whatever they felt like he did to betray him. But I think that he just needs to worry about, and pray on, what he can do to make himself happy and his family as well as everybody around him."

Add Bogut to the big-man list

The relative silence continued on Sunday, when league executives were in far less a frenzy than normal this close to the March 15 deadline.

It has everything to do with the lockout-shortened season, as the top decision-makers aren't used to having to multi-task quite this much this time of year. College conference tournaments commanded their attention over the weekend, and the widespread sense was that business wouldn't be booming until Monday.

If it booms at all, that is.

But the big men continued to offer the most intrigue around the league, including a recent addition to the group of players known to be available in Milwaukee center Andrew Bogut. Players wearing walking boots don't typically enter these types of discussions, but it's apropos that any team considering a Bogut deal would have to do so while he's out of commission.

The seven-year veteran and former No. 1 pick fractured his left ankle on Jan. 25 and is expected to miss at least another month, this after averaging just 66 games in his first six seasons. The temptation for interested executives is simple: Talented centers are at a premium these days, and Bogut's many injuries -- while unfortunate -- have been circumstantial as opposed to chronic (a la the Trail Blazers' Greg Oden). As was first reported by the Bay Area News Group, sources told SI.com that Golden State's interest is very real.

While the Warriors are still hoping to shock the basketball world by landing Howard in a rental deal, they would love to land the Australian, who has averaged 12.7 points and 9.3 rebounds for his career. Sources confirmed that the Wizards also inquired, but the talks went nowhere. The Rockets -- who are also willing to rent Howard in its pursuit of a big-time, big man -- are not believed to be in the mix.

A source close to the Bucks said they are doubtful that now is the time to get maximum value for the injured Bogut, meaning any and all suitors will have to make a strong push to do a deal. Bogut is owed a combined $27 million for the next two seasons, and -- as was reported by ESPN.com -- Milwaukee is indeed looking to unload the contracts of either Stephen Jackson (one season remaining at $10.1 million) or Drew Gooden (three seasons remaining for a combined $20.1 million) in any Bogut trade. For all the justified talk of Bogut's career being forever affected by his many ailments, the Bucks appear ready to move past this disappointing chapter either now or perhaps this summer. Bogut's presence has led to just one winning season since he was taken first overall in 2005 -- the ill-fated 2009-10 campaign when Bogut broke his right hand, sprained his wrist and dislocated his elbow with just six games to go in the regular season and never returned. Milwaukee fell to Atlanta in seven games in the first round of the playoffs without Bogut.

Jennings available, too

Sources said the Bucks have made point guard Brandon Jennings available "for the right price."

Bogut isn't the Bucks' only core player who could be on his way out of town.

Sources said Milwaukee has made third-year point guard Brandon Jennings available "for the right price," as one executive who has spoken to the Bucks put it. Jennings, who was drafted 10th overall in 2009 and has been considered the team's future franchise player, irked Bucks officials with his comments to ESPN.com in early February about a possible departure.

"I'm going to keep my options open, knowing that the time is coming up,'' he wrote in an e-mail to the Web site. "I'm doing my homework on big-market teams."

The comments made little sense considering the Bucks have most of the control over Jennings' future. Even if he declined an extension offer this summer, Jennings would be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2013 so long as Milwaukee issued the qualifying offer. Jennings could be an unrestricted free agent in 2014 if he signed the qualifying offer.

Evans' future in Sacramento uncertain

While it's not known whether the Kings (14-27) have fielded calls regarding Tyreke Evans, it's safe to say the third-year player's long-term future with the team is uncertain.

The 2009-10 Rookie of the Year is no longer considered the centerpiece of the Kings' new core, with that distinction clearly belonging to second-year center DeMarcus Cousins. Evans is eligible for an extension this summer but it's looking unlikely to be offered unless he shows major improvement.

His poor outside shooting remains an issue, and Evans' role changed drastically last month when he was moved from the point guard spot to small forward. Coach Keith Smart is using him as a point forward at times, a move that was inspired both by the poor play of veteran small forward John Salmons and the surprisingly good play of rookie point guard Isaiah Thomas. But the 6-foot-6 Evans is struggling with the adjustment, in large part because he isn't used to playing off the ball so frequently or not having a significant size advantage over his counterpart. The presence of guard Marcus Thornton has changed matters, too, as he is leading the team in shots per game at 15.5 (to Evans' 15.2 and Cousins' 14.2).

Evans, who has one season remaining on his rookie contract and could be a restricted free agent next summer, simply doesn't shine like he did in his debut. And if the Kings are convinced that Evans is likely gone after next season, they might be willing to move him for someone who can help expedite this slowest of rebuilding efforts.

Chandler, Nuggets still talking

The negotiations continue between small forward/restricted free agent Wilson Chandler and the Nuggets, but there should be resolution soon. Chandler's agent, Chris Luchey, said via text message that his client will likely sit out the rest of the season or play overseas if a deal can't be done in "five days or less." Chandler and Luchey are in Denver to continue discussing the matter with Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri.

"Wilson and I saw that [the Nuggets] had nine [home] games in a row and we decided to make this last push at a deal, come in town, negotiate for five days or less, and see if we can come to an agreement before he prepares for either sitting until July or going to Italy or [another] Europe locale," Luchey wrote.

Ujiri, according to Luchey, is unwilling to do a deal for the remainder of the season because Chandler would then become an unrestricted free agent. He remains restricted if he doesn't play in the NBA this season, which allows the Nuggets to match any offer sheet that comes his way in July. By not signing a long-term deal now and restarting negotiations in July, Chandler could be looking at a much more lucrative contract because more teams would have cap room and be willing to spend come the summer.

Dallas in need of changes?

It's come to this for the defending champion Dallas Mavericks: nine losses in 12 games, the last three coming against the dregs of the Pacific Division in Phoenix, Sacramento and Golden State. And now Dirk Nowitzki, the Finals MVP whose production is down significantly from his magical season in 2010-11, is admitting that he isn't sure whether his frayed team will find its way again.

"You never know," he said after Friday's loss to the Kings when asked if this team could recover in time for a title defense. "Did you [think we could] last year? I don't think you did. You never know. You never know. I still think Lamar [Odom] is going to come around. I think Vince [Carter] is going to come around after the break [between Saturday's game at Golden State and Tuesday's home game against Washington].

"If we just all start playing better and get some stops, I still think we're right there with anybody. Even if we haven't played well, we should've beat Oklahoma City again last week; we lost by basically the last possession. So I don't really see a team in the West that's really that intimidating to anybody."

That's been Nowitzki's favorite refrain this season, but the Mavs need to worry about the bottom-tier playoff contenders before focusing on teams like the Thunder. With a win over the Clippers on Sunday night that was their third in the last four tries, the Warriors moved within three games of Dallas for the eighth and final playoff spot. Phoenix, Utah, Portland and Minnesota are all within two games of the Mavericks in the standings.

Jason Terry, who has been with Dallas since 2004, has been as frustrated as anyone in what is clearly a tense Dallas locker room.

"Every game is big for us," he said. "We know where we are in the standings. The games are coming so quick. It's an accelerated pace, but if you don't pull together you're not going to win, and that's what we're not doing right now.

"It's on the veterans that have been here, who have been down this road, to kind of pull everybody together and get this thing done. It ain't happening right now."

Terry, the 2009 Sixth Man of the Year, even advocated for a trade of some sort to spark the Mavericks masses.

"I would [make a move], but again I'm not management; I'm not ownership," he said. "They're going to do what they're going to do. They've got to figure it out."

More chatter

• Portland is expected to be active this week, but don't expect any deals involving fourth-year small forward Nicolas Batum. Batum will be a restricted free agent this summer, and a source with knowledge of the team's thinking said the Blazers remain determined to keep him. It's not certain, though, as the reported distance between the two sides during failed extension negotiations in January will have to be bridged at some point.

• Look for the Rockets to have a busy week as well, with free-agents-to-be Courtney Lee, Chase Budinger, Jonny Flynn and Terrence Williams among those who would likely welcome a trade. Because Houston has been so deliberate about clearing salary cap space for this summer, most of its young players aren't considered part of the team's future and would prefer to go be elsewhere in the months leading up to free agency. Point guard Goran Dragic is not expected to be re-signed this summer and could also be on the move.

As for the team's core, shooting guard Kevin Martin and forward Luis Scola -- who were nearly traded to NBA-owned Hornets in the Chris Paul deal with the Lakers that was vetoed by the commissioner David Stern -- remain in the mix for possible deals for Howard or Lakers forward Pau Gasol. Martin is hardly helping his trade stock, as he has averaged just 6.5 points in the last four games while averaging just 17.5 minutes in the last three games. Martin's scoring has dipped from 23.5 points per game in 2010-11 to 17.1 this season, while his Player Efficiency Rating has nose-dived, from 21.4 to 16.9. He is shooting just 41.3 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three-point range.
Link

 

[CP1708]

Where is Aaron Brooks at, did he die or something? 

 

[kevin cleveland]

Anderson to the Hornets, and Ariza gone? I think I deserve that.

Find a way to get Okafor out of there, and things seem halfway promising all of a sudden.

Lock up Anderson, Gordon should still be around for at least next season, Ayon looks like a legitimate player, and they will have two lottery picks coming in.

Anthony Davis
Anderson/Ayon/Smith
Quincy Miller/Aminu
Gordon/Henry
Jack/Vazquez

Something like that. That's at least a competent young team.

Where is Aaron Brooks at, did he die or something? 
Hopefully.

 

[bigtimejerky]

nvm... already posted

 

[mjshoefanatic]

Originally Posted by bhzmafia14

Crawford as a starter? 
I really don't like that move either for LAC. It would be nice if they could somehow get Ray Allen from Boston.

Agreed but I'd welcome J-Crossover all the same.

 

[dacomeup]

Orlando is just setting themselves up to get screwed over this summer.

 

[hood17]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Where is Aaron Brooks at, did he die or something? 

He's still in China I think. TNT did a piece on him last Thursday. Plus his team just started the Playoffs.

Besides making fans pay $$ to see Nash why are the Suns holding on to him?

 

[ripc]

I officially hate Dwight Howard.

He's basically saying, "I don't want to win multiple championships because it's kinda chilly out there." Like c'mon son 

But he'd rather go to BK and play with Deron and a bunch of scrubs and get a 3-4 seed and second-round exit every year. IN THE SAME WEATHER. No matter though. D-Rose will get his rings, and Dwight will get his endorsement money and movie deals.

 

[mykickzareag21]

Originally Posted by DaComeUP

Orlando is just setting themselves up to get screwed over this summer.

As a long time magic fan i do understand what you saying but when no trade offer is enticing and we winning games why just not say #%@* it and keep doing what we doing. we'll deal with the summer when it gets here

 

[JD617]

Where is Aaron Brooks at, did he die or something? 
Hopefully.

 

[luong1209]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Where is Aaron Brooks at, did he die or something? 

He's playing in China.

 

[pmatic]

Brooks can only negotiate with the Suns, just like Chandler can only negotiate with the Nuggets.

Maybe both wait until the summer time to get better, richer offers.

 

[japanair21]

I don't see why they don't just sign one year deals then negotiate again during the summer.

 

[gaseousfashion]

Where are all the trades?!

It's almost Thursday already.

 

[seymore cake]

Originally Posted by mYKiCkZArEaG21

Originally Posted by DaComeUP

Orlando is just setting themselves up to get screwed over this summer.

As a long time magic fan i do understand what you saying but when no trade offer is enticing and we winning games why just not say #%@* it and keep doing what we doing. we'll deal with the summer when it gets here

Its better to be in hell and have the opportunity to get high draft picks acquiring young talent than to be in purgatory barely missing the offs and getting low lottery picks and drafting players who keep you exactly where you are.

 

[bhzmafia14]

I'm sure no deals will be made til the day of.
Damn, I wish there was some way to pry Dragic away from Houston. 

 

[alleniversonfan01]

Originally Posted by bhzmafia14

I'm sure no deals will be made til the day of.
Damn, I wish there was some way to pry Dragic away from Houston. 

Not a chance in hell now that Lowry might be done for the regular season

 

[noskey]

Originally Posted by PMatic

Trade Deadline Update

*Rival executives believe the Blazers are interested in exploring a swap of Felton to the Lakers for Steve Blake, with L.A. sending another piece to make the salaries match and compensate the Blazers for getting the better player and future cost savings in the deal.

LOLWUT. LA gonna send another person, despite us getting the better player? And 'better?' I'm assuming that's a typo. I dont like Felton, but getting Blake back? Son, get the $%$# out of here. We dont need BRoy's bottom #%%$! running the offense again. And by running I mean passing off to the SG and standing around for a 3.

If LA wants to move Pau, I'd love to see us give up Ray/Jamal+Marcus for a Pau+Blake trade. Then flip someone else for a decent PG.

 

[pmatic]

Originally Posted by Noskey

Originally Posted by PMatic

Trade Deadline Update

*Rival executives believe the Blazers are interested in exploring a swap of Felton to the Lakers for Steve Blake, with L.A. sending another piece to make the salaries match and compensate the Blazers for getting the better player and future cost savings in the deal.

LOLWUT. LA gonna send another person, despite us getting the better player? And 'better?' I'm assuming that's a typo.

Read it over again.