Ska its been going on long enough...time to lock....

[presequel]

Originally Posted by tupac003

Originally Posted by Nowitness41Dirk

Cannot see the Kings dealing with the Lakers... Much less dealing their best player to them for anything less than a King's ransom.

And I dont know that I believe Artest will opt out of his current deal to make over 2 million less next season...

And why are Laker fans talking about the offseason?

Get outta here. Go enjoy the title run for another couple of weeks.

And when you think about it, which bitter NBA exec is gonna be itching to deal with the Lakers right now? I can't think of one... Not after they robbed Chris Wallace. Cupchak won't be given even a decent player by another team without a hell of an offer in his end for a little while.

Some of you guys need to read. In order for this to happen artest has to opt out of his contract. IF he wants to do that he can sign ANYWHERE.

None of us are really thinking baout the offseason we are just talking about a rumor.

well, he would do sign n trade if he wants more than mle.

 

[tupac003]

Various notes....

Judging by what sources decline to say, instincts tell me Mark Jackson is the Bulls' front-runner. Then again, by the time minds are made up, he figures to be coaching the Suns in the Las Vegas Summer League. NY Post

If Cheeks stays put, look for him to pester Philly's president to acquire Zach Randolph, who has the goods to provide everything the ahead-of-schedule Sixers are offensively lacking in the low docks. Contrary to common belief, Cheeks and Randolph had great respect for each other in Portland. The draft lottery takes place tonight in seductive Secaucus. Usually, this type of pomp and circumcision doesn't permeate NBA Entertainment's studio until I leave the building for the night. NY Post
Melo Trade Rumors.....

The Nets have made some cursory inquiries with Phoenix (about Boris Diaw and Leandro Barboso), more substantive discussions with Toronto (about Andrea Bargnani), and there has been some dialogue with Denver about Carmelo Anthony. Though one Nets official claims that "other conversations have a much better chance of fruition," the Anthony scenario is the most interesting -- and hazardous. The 6-8 forward is one of the league's elite scorers, on the threshold of his prime, and no one knows him better than the guy who drafted him, Nets GM Kiki Vandeweghe. Newark Star-Ledger

But the downside to any deal for Anthony -- which would have to include Richard Jefferson and the Nets' pick, if it falls in the top 3 -- is considerable. Character tops the list: Anthony's five-year career has been marked by incidents that make him a risk, including -- but not limited to -- his June 5 court date on a DUI charge. Newark Star-Ledger

If Marcus Camby is part of the deal, more questions arise. Most GMs believe he has joined the litany of 30-somethings who seem incapable of logging long postseason minutes. Moreover, the venerable big man has $21 million coming to him in the next few years -- though his salary comes off the cap in time to play the potentially historic 2010 free-agent market. Newark Star-Ledger

Rod Thorn said he expects the NBA to give the Nets permission to start camp earlier this year because of the scheduled exhibition games in Paris and London. Newark Star-Ledger

The Nets, who will have minority owner Jay-Z representing them, hope to move up to improve their chances of acquiring Carmelo Anthony from Denver. The two sides have discussed a trade that would include the Nets' lottery pick. If neither team wins tonight - and the Nets keep their pick - they could miss out on franchise-changing players such as Rose or Kansas State forward Michael Beasley. By dropping or staying where they were in previous lotteries, the Nets and Knicks have seen that kind of player go elsewhere many times. That doesn't include the mistakes that have littered each of their lottery histories. Bergen Record

The Nets, who will have investor/minority owner Jay-Z in Secaucus, are slotted to pick 10th - they have an 87 percent probability of staying there - but if they move up to any of the top three spots their chances of dealing the pick greatly increase. They have been talking around the league and one of the teams they will revisit is Denver, where Carmelo Anthony is available. League sources insist the Nuggets are making Anthony available for the right price. The Nets have spoken to Denver - Nets GM Kiki Vandeweghe drafted Anthony and reshaped the Nuggets roster when he was there. NY Post

The Nets and Nuggets discussed various parameters of a deal, which would not occur until after June 30 when the full $14.4 million on Anthony's 2008-09 contract kicks in. He is a base year compensation type, which makes trades difficult. NY Post

One proposal contained "a lot of pieces" including the Nets' pick, Richard Jefferson and Marcus Williams for Anthony and Marcus Camby. One source stressed nothing is imminent and talks are still in the infancy stage. NY Post

One report yesterday said the Nets have had discussions with the Denver Nuggets about a blockbuster deal that would bring Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby to New Jersey for a package that would include Richard Jefferson, Marcus Williams, Keith Van Horn's contract (which the Nets acquired in the Jason Kidd trade) and possibly one of the top picks, if the Nets have one, as well as other unnamed considerations. NY Daily News

Jefferson's agent, Todd Eley, said he hadn't heard anything from the Nets about such a deal, and thinks "everything is still probably in the exploratory stage," while acknowledging that the teams will "wait to see how the lottery shapes up. And then from there anything is possible." The Nets have won the lottery twice - in 1990, when they picked Derrick Coleman, and in 2000, when they selected Kenyon Martin. NY Daily News

Here's what Anthony's agent, Calvin Andrews said to Fox 31 sports Monday night. When asked if there is anything to the Anthony trade rumors as described above Andrews replied, "Yes I have been reading about it…and I would say it's BS right now." Several NBA insiders told Fox 31 sports the genesis of this report is linked to current Nets general manager and former Nuggets general manager, Kiki Vandeweghe and wishful thinking. MY Fox Colorado

Recently though discussions concerning this deal have picked up a little more steam. "It's out there heavy. There [isn't] any question," said Andrews. But when it comes to any serious talk of an Anthony trade crossing Andrews's ears, the Nuggets have yet to contact him; and right now he's not expecting it. "They [the Nuggets] didn't tell me they were trying to trade Melo; and I think they would have that conversation with us." MY Fox Colorado
Artest rumor again.....

Kobe Bryant has admitted that he wouldn't mind playing alongside Artest, and there is a growing belief that the strong personalities of Bryant and Coach Phil Jackson could help keep Artest in line.
As a restricted free agent, Ron would have to take a pay cut to the projected midlevel exception of approximately $5.6 million.

A sign-and-trade doesn't seem to make sense as the Lakers will likely be looking to unload a bad contract like Vladimir Radmanovic.

[h1]Analysis: Artest options remain varied[/h1] [h2]His potential free agency continues to muddle the picture.[/h2] [h3]By Scott Howard-Cooper - [email protected][/h3]
Last Updated 5:33 am PDT Monday, May 19, 2008
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1


Is there interest around the NBA in Ron Artest? It could depend on whether he opts out of his contract this offseason. Randall Benton / Sacramento Bee file, February 2008

Click on photo to enlarge

There are the lottery implications beginning Tuesday. And the wedding memories. And the former backup plan in Los Angeles that could become a priority. And the specter of the big move as more like a commute.

But mostly, there is the uncertainty and the never-ending question: What will the Kings do with Ron Artest? Captivated by his moments of stardom, frustrated by his bouts of undependability, the Kings' latest decision time arrives with the usual ambivalence and the new circumstance: that Artest can declare himself a free agent by June 30. For the first time, he has a loud vote in how this turns out.

Artest being Artest, he spent the season's second half offering mixed messages about whether he would exercise the contract option and, if so, whether it would be with the intent of getting a new long-term deal with the Kings or leaving. There's $7.4 million on the table for 2008-09 and about 74 million contradictory signals.



The possibilities of what happens next are just as diverse. Artest cannot be dealt until he either turns down the option - which might not happen in time to include him in any June 26 draft-day maneuvering - or he becomes an unrestricted free agent and a candidate for a sign-and-trade. He also could leave for nothing at that point if the Kings don't work a swap with his preferred new team, an outcome that would cost Artest millions.

The benefit for the Kings then would be clearing his contract from the books, not to mention the incalculable return of ending the emotional yoga of life with Artest. The internal considerations are the same reason many teams won't trade for him now and certainly wouldn't commit to him with a long-term deal as a free agent.

But some parties will be interested if he does not opt out, probably even more now than at the February trade deadline as the Kings listened hard to offers. In that scenario, in which Artest keeps the $7.4 million for 2008-09 and becomes a free agent next summer, he would have the added attraction/reduced risk of an expiring contract. The new team would inherit cap flexibility and the comfort of knowing they're stuck with each for just one season if the relationship doesn't work.

In a league finally acknowledging that speedball is fun but defense wins - Steve Kerr taking the Phoenix Suns in a new direction, the Denver Nuggets flaming out again, the Warriors missing the playoffs - Artest's obvious talents will draw interest. How much exactly depends partly on what happens Tuesday in the lottery and what moves might follow as a result, but there are reasonable landing spots either way if the Kings try to deal, with some more realistic than others.

A look at other NBA teams that would be interested in Artest's services:
[h3]Lakers[/h3]
They already had Artest listed as a trade possibility. He was part of Plan B with Ben Wallace and a few unknown others if the Pau Gasol trade had fallen through in February, so it's a straight line back to Artest in the offseason.

Plus - a critical, meaningful plus - Kobe Bryant loves the thought of playing alongside Artest, understandably imagining the pair suffocating opposing wings nightly after Bryant was named first-team All-Defense at guard in a poll of coaches and Artest got the sixth-most votes at forward. And with Bryant and coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers already have two strong personalities, with Bryant in particular feeling he has the presence and relationship to keep Artest mostly in line.

Artest as a free agent would have to take a pay cut to the projected midlevel exception of approximately $5.6 million. The forfeited money, and a lot more, would come back to him with the long-term security of a deal of up to five seasons, but it's still much less than he would get in a sign-and-trade or likely, in another option, keeping the current pact at $7.4 million and hitting the open market in summer '09.

No sign-and-trade seems to make sense for both teams, though. The Lakers will want to dump a bad contract (Vladimir Radmanovic, with slight tweaking needed from there to make the deal work under the cap) while the Kings will see very few available Lakers as potential difference makers in the Sacramento future, with young point guard Jordan Farmar the most intriguing consideration. L.A. can't even offer a first-round pick until 2012.


[h3]Warriors[/h3]
There's no natural fit for Artest on a roster that already has Stephen Jackson at small forward and a renewed commitment to develop 2007 lottery pick Brandan Wright at power forward, and Artest's penchant for holding the ball definitely would not fit in the Golden State approach of offense-in-a-blur. That bad habit would have to be broken. But it's still a natural.

Chris Mullin, the executive vice president of basketball operations, likes Artest, and not just because of their shared background as New Yorkers and St. John's products. The Warriors need to get a lot better on defense. The Warriors need a post presence on offense. And the Warriors - drum roll - can do the deal without giving up a player.



They have a $9.9 million trade exception acquired from Charlotte as a technicality in the Wright-Jason Richardson deal on draft night last year. The Warriors have to use it or lose it by June 30 - the same date as Artest's deadline to declare himself a free agent or remain under contract. So timing is everything.

Golden State could package the trade exception and a future first-round selection for Artest, with the added incentive of getting an expiring contract in the same offseason it will have to pay big to re-sign restricted free agent Andris Biedrins and potentially very big to re-sign restricted free agent Monta Ellis. The Warriors would get an impact player, the chance to load up for what could be the final push with Don Nelson as coach and Baron Davis as point guard, and cap flexibility for the summer of 2009, when Davis could also be a free agent - all without touching the roster.

The Kings would get a No. 1 pick, a valuable chip for a team rebuilding, and potentially a lottery pick given the Warriors' uncertain playoff chances. The Kings also would get the trade exception, which then would be worth $7.4 million and good for one year from the date of the deal. That provides them the unique chance to acquire a player without exchanging a similar salary. Even if the exception goes unused, the savings come in getting away from the $7.4 million. Among other things.
[h3]Mavericks[/h3]
New coach Rick Carlisle brought this one on himself when he mentioned in a Dallas radio interview that he is open to the idea of being reunited with Artest with the Mavericks after previously coaching him in Indiana.

There's every chance Carlisle was just saying all the right things; it's not as if he was going to bury Artest when someone specifically asked if he'd like to coach Artest again. But there's also substance there, considering how Dallas has pancaked the past two seasons, apparently needs to make a substantive change and probably won't do anything with Dirk Nowitzki or Jason Kidd.

That leaves Josh Howard as the greatest lure. That would get the Kings' attention.

Howard is a small forward who scores and rebounds, a 2007 All-Star who has shown he also can be a complementary player. He is getting pilloried for a bad showing against New Orleans in the Mavericks' latest first-round elimination, but was terrific in last spring's loss
[h3]Heat[/h3]
Why what happens to Miami in the lottery Tuesday matters to Sacramento: If the night goes according to odds and the Heat lands No. 1 or 2 for the June 26 draft, it will get power forward Michael Beasley or point guard Derrick Rose. If it's Beasley, as the first pick or a great consolation prize as the second, Udonis Haslem will be expendable.

Haslem is decent on the boards - 9.0, 8.3, 7.8 and 9.1 rebounds per game the past four seasons - and the Kings need a major improvement there. Not only that, his $6.575 million salary is close enough to Artest's that it would take only minor additions from Miami to make the trade fit under the cap. Haslem's contract also goes just one season longer than Artest's deal, saving the Kings from being too locked in long term if Haslem isn't part of the solution.
[h3]Knicks[/h3]
As in the Lakers scenario, Artest would have to sacrifice millions to join New York as a free agent, but he has a history of not always taking the practical path. The big difference from the Lakers scenario is that New York is home.

Not only that, but Artest has very positive feelings for new team president Donnie Walsh, a former top executive during parts of five seasons together with the Indiana Pacers. The two were close enough that Walsh attended Artest's 2003 wedding. They remain friends.

But the Knicks have few trade chips. Very few.

 

[N41D]

Some of you guys need to read. In order for this to happen artest has to opt out of his contract. IF he wants to do that he can sign ANYWHERE.
We need to read, but you obviously didn't read the part of my post where I said I couldn't see Ron Ron opting out to take a 25% pay cut,either... He's not opting out and playing for the MLE. He can say it all he wants, but he is not playing for 5.3 million dollars next season.

 

[tupac003]

Originally Posted by Nowitness41Dirk

Some of you guys need to read. In order for this to happen artest has to opt out of his contract. IF he wants to do that he can sign ANYWHERE.

We need to read, but you obviously didn't read the part of my post where I said I couldn't see Ron Ron opting out to take a 25% pay cut, either... He's not opting out and playing for the MLE. He can say it all he wants, but he is not playing for 5.3 million dollars next season.

Either way we don't know anything. Artest is one crazy cat. Hell he might opt out and play for memphis for all we know.

The wire is crazy today.

Stefanski (76er's GM) might consider making a run at the SuperSonics' Chris Wilcox. The 25-year-old Wilcox has good size (6-foot-10, 235 pounds), likes to play with his back to the basket - the Sixers desperately need a low-post scorer - and is heading into the final year of his contract (he'll earn $6.75 million). Wilcox averaged 13.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 28 minutes last season, but Kevin Durant and Jeff Green are the future for Seattle.phillyBurbs.com


If Wilcox doesn't pan out, the Trail Blazers might be worth a long look. Assuming Greg Oden is healthy, Portland has a glut of big men. With the Blazers committed to LaMarcus Aldridge alongside Oden, could Stefanski land Channing Frye for the pick and a player? phillyBurbs.com

 

[noblekane]

Originally Posted by JapanAir21

Yall being silly, The Maloofs are NOT idiots like the FO peeps in Memphis.





If you guys get Artest for anything close to Vladamir Radmanovic, I'll be so !#%**#$ mad I might protest in San Francisco. Please excuse my language, but you guys got the deal of the century a few months ago now you're saying you want Artest for a golden piece of dookie?! Come on!

i dunno how many times this will be stressed but the lakers or any team for that matter doesnt need permission, trades, or anything to get artest IF hechooses to walk....

plain and simple....

thats IF artest chooses to walk and take the MLE and thats what this rmor is based on...

 

[tupac003]

David Stern: "Why Sacramento? I am often asked why the NBA remains committed to an arena project in Sacramento when previous attempts to turn into reality plans for a new state-of-the-art arena have failed. The answer is twofold: First, Sacramento has been an extraordinary market for the NBA; fans have attended games in record numbers, sponsors have supported the team well and television viewership has been robust. At all levels there seems to be a general appreciation of the Kings organization, its striving for basketball entertainment and excellence, and its keen sense of social responsibility to the community." Sacramento Bee

David Stern: "Second, elected officials at every level have made clear that they join in the desire of the broader community to explore imaginative, collaborative solutions to assure the continuity of the Kings in Sacramento; a desire shared by the Maloof family. Of course, this comes as no surprise. Kings fans are loyal, passionate and loud, and exemplify the excitement and energy to which the NBA aspires. During their 23 years in Sacramento, the Kings have enjoyed two of the longest sell-out streaks in NBA history: 497 games from October 1985 to November 1997, and another 354 straight from November 1999 to November 2007. That support compels us to exhaust every possibility to maintain the marriage of the Kings and Sacramento." Sacramento Bee

The Magic told Keyon Dooling during his exit interview last week that they wanted to re-sign him, impressed with his play on the floor and his professionalism in the locker room. Dooling likely will sign another three-year contract. He just finished a three-year deal that paid him about $3.5 million a season. Orlando Sentinel

 

[johnnyredstorm]

Z-Bo for Dalembert?

 

[rockdeep]

I told ya'll I wasn't whisteling dixie about Melo to the Nets....

The Nets of all people didn't just UP and say you know... Melo sure would be a good fit here... Jay is working behind the scenes....

Melo tells Bron.. Bron tells jay.. Jay tells Majority Owners and they try and make things happen at the draft.

Melo will be a Happy man.... He needs that, as he won't be the face of Jordan for long with Chris Paul doing his thing ON and OFF Court. Altho he has hisNEW Contract with Jordan.

 

[true 3 blue]

What is this about Zbo to Philly? Who would we be getting back for him?

 

[love viii first sight]

This thread is comedy

 

[harlemtothebronx]

I'd take anyone for Z-Bo, as long as the contracts are shorter.

 

[c dub606]

Why would we go after Z-Bo?...I wouldn't mind him alongside Dalembert but I would rather prefer Wilcox or Frye over Randolph...Stefanski is going to bevery active this off-season...And I would consider trading Miller at this point before or during the draft...We have a young team and should stay with thisformula...

 

[the gr8]

^^Z bo is the man yall should jump on that, ad maybe take Curry as well you will have an offensive force like never seen before in the east.

 

[N41D]

Who would we be getting back for him?

Who cares? Getting rid of him in itself is worth more than anything you'd get in return...

 

[infyrno23]

Originally Posted by 23ska909red02

JapanAir: O.K., maybe some of us were being greedy before.

Artest for Vlad-Rad, Mihm, Walton, Sasha, Coby, Coach Rambis, and Coach Shaw.

And a Roscoe's.

And an In-N-Out.

Final offer.

ACBboyz84:

---

Negative. Artest = Rodman version 2. This guy will disrupt our chemistry and probably won't stand a chance with Kobe ego

Exactly, people.

How'd things turn out for the Bulls the first year they picked up Rodman?

Oh, that's right... they set the all time NBA record for wins in a season, going 72-10, and they beat the Sonics in the Finals.

Big disruption, that Rodman guy.

What about the next year? Maybe the net year, THEN he completely tore the Bulls apart?

Nope. The Bulls won their 5th championship, enough for Phil, MJ, Rodman, Pippen, and Harper to each hold one.

And it's a good thing they all held one together, because that would be the last time the team was successful together, huh? I mean, with a disruption like Rodman, you have to figure the team just... absolutely TANKED the next year.

Anyone remember how it went?

HMPH! ANOTHER championship with that big ol' disruption still on the team! Imagine that!

He was such a disruption that the first year he joined the Bulls, they went 72-10, then proceeded to win back-to-back championships.

If Artest were a Laker, I can only hope and pray he would be that kind of disruption for us.

Gotta Love SKA Humor...
You cant tell me you didnt laugh out loud when you were creating this SK.

I told ya'll I wasn't whisteling dixie about Melo to the Nets....

The Nets of all people didn't just UP and say you know... Melo sure would be a good fit here... Jay is working behind the scenes....

Melo tells Bron.. Bron tells jay.. Jay tells Majority Owners and they try and make things happen at the draft.

Melo will be a Happy man.... He needs that, as he won't be the face of Jordan for long with Chris Paul doing his thing ON and OFF Court. Altho he has his NEW Contract with Jordan.

I actually sat and thought about this the other night when you said that.
It makes 110%,
Jay-z definitly is bring Bron to Brooklyn, i don tthink thats a question. But The Melo deal is interesting...
#1 i thought, if they have Bron and Melo, could they afford to surround them with enough talent to win?
well they have Devin Harris, Marcus Camby would be in the deal, and Diop... 2 serviceable big men...
also Kristic and Sean W. looks like a pretty good team IMO

#2 they arent gonna have enough to sign Bron and Melo...would either or them take a paycut just to play on the same team, and win?
No doubt they would win or at least get to the finals in the East for many years.

#3 do you realize how rediculous that would be? Bron could play Scottie to Melo's Jordan (not saying either are comparable, but Bron would have to defer toMelo cuz melo has a better offensive game, and Bron can handle the ball much better)

IMO i want it to happen, make it happen Hov!

 

[senorroboto2k5]

Artest has said that he'd take the MLE and sign with NY during the season I think... so if it means playing at home on a team with a decent future(considering Walsh is there) he'll take the paycut; I think it also means if he can play with Kobe, Phil, and a championship caliber team, he'll takethe paycut as well.

If this is true the Kings aren't factors in this situation at all... no Bynum, Farmar, Vlad, David Lee, Nate Rob, Balkman, nothing that some Kings fansthink they're guaranteed if he leaves.

If he wants to leave, I think this is the route he'll go. If he's willing to take the paycut like he's said, then he can go to a team where hewants to play and (in the situation of LA) have them give up nothing in return, keeping all the pieces that make them what they are... theoretically, he'llbe adding with no subtraction

 

[king jay xi]

info on the Randolph trade

 

[johnnyredstorm]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say by 2010 LeBron and Jay-Z will no longer be friends.

 

[rockdeep]

Originally Posted by Infyrno23

I told ya'll I wasn't whisteling dixie about Melo to the Nets....

The Nets of all people didn't just UP and say you know... Melo sure would be a good fit here... Jay is working behind the scenes....

Melo tells Bron.. Bron tells jay.. Jay tells Majority Owners and they try and make things happen at the draft.

Melo will be a Happy man.... He needs that, as he won't be the face of Jordan for long with Chris Paul doing his thing ON and OFF Court. Altho he has his NEW Contract with Jordan.

I actually sat and thought about this the other night when you said that.
It makes 110%,
Jay-z definitly is bring Bron to Brooklyn, i don tthink thats a question. But The Melo deal is interesting...
#1 i thought, if they have Bron and Melo, could they afford to surround them with enough talent to win?
well they have Devin Harris, Marcus Camby would be in the deal, and Diop... 2 serviceable big men...
also Kristic and Sean W. looks like a pretty good team IMO

#2 they arent gonna have enough to sign Bron and Melo...would either or them take a paycut just to play on the same team, and win?
No doubt they would win or at least get to the finals in the East for many years.

#3 do you realize how rediculous that would be? Bron could play Scottie to Melo's Jordan (not saying either are comparable, but Bron would have to defer to Melo cuz melo has a better offensive game, and Bron can handle the ball much better)

IMO i want it to happen, make it happen Hov!


Infryno...Melo would already be under Contract obviously and Bron would have his Money supplemented by Nike and every other Sponsor willing to throw cashat him in the New York Market.. JUST like Melo would.

They could also attract Mid level Veterans willing to make money on the side as well and be taken care of by Nike and others...

Its not too far fetched...

 

[Bonafide]

Iguodala or dalembert for Zbo please?

 

[tupac003]

Bobcats coach Larry Brown wants Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Eric Snow on his staff, once Snow's injury retirement becomes official. But there's a complication that would be very nice for Snow; an informed source says the Chicago Bulls want to interview him to be their head coach. Bulls general manager John Paxson said he planned to spread a wide net in filling this job, and hiring Snow with no previous coaching experience would be just that. However, it demonstrates what a natural Snow would be as a coach. Charlotte Observer

Bulls general manager John Paxson has scheduled interviews for the team's head coach vacancy with Tyrone Corbin, Dwane Casey, Jeff Hornacek, and Chuck Person. Chicago Sun-Times

Before Tuesday night, it appeared the Bulls' coaching vacancy would be filled by someone without NBA head-coaching experience. But coming away with the top pick in the draft lottery might change that. Big-name coaches Avery Johnson and Jeff Van Gundy, both of whom seemed content not to coach next season, might have a renewed interest in the Bulls' job now. Chicago Sun-Times

Certainly, the rumored bodies for Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby - the Nets' Richard Jefferson and Marcus Williams, plus the New Jersey draft choice - is so ridiculous that somebody ought to slap the faces of both sides, one for offering, one for listening. Even if, and this will not happen, the Nuggets could end up with one of the two who will be the top draft choices, Michael Beasley of Kansas State or Derrick Rose of Memphis, or even the recently soiled O.J. Mayo of USC, it would not be worth it. The future of the Nuggets is the same as it was when Anthony arrived - whatever Anthony can make of it. Rocky Mountain News

The Nets have expressed interest to Denver about trading for Carmelo Anthony, a source said, though it currently seems unlikely the Nuggets would deal their all-star forward to New Jersey. The Nets' new general manager is Kiki Vandeweghe, who was the Nuggets' GM when Denver drafted Anthony third overall in 2003. Denver Post

But it appears unlikely Denver will move Anthony, notably for what New Jersey would give in return. Denver Post As for Camby, slated to make $8 million next season, he expects his name to pop up amid trade rumors all summer, considering the Nuggets, ousted again in the first round, could make a move this offseason. Denver Post

So say goodbye to Rose and Beasley and say hello to Jerryd Bayless. The 6-foot-3 Arizona freshman, touted as the second-best point guard in the draft, is among a handful of second-tier prospects who will draw serious consideration from the Sonics. Others include Stanford 7-foot center Brook Lopez, who will likely be taken by Minnesota, USC guard O.J. Mayo, Indiana guard Eric Gordon and Italian League forward Danilo Gallinari. "Everybody goes into the lottery with hopes of getting the No. 1 pick, but we're excited to have the fourth pick because we feel like we can get a quality player there," general manager Sam Presti said. "We'll get someone that can help and continue to build on the foundation that we have in place." Seattle Times

A Western Conference executive said Tuesday a handful of teams are interested in moving up in the draft to select Mayo and would likely call Presti inquiring about a trade. The embattled guard, who faces allegations of accepting $30,000 from an agent last season, could be a poor fit for the Sonics. Since Presti arrived last year, the team has placed a high emphasis on rebuilding with high-character, low-maintenance players. Seattle Times

The Sonics will likely choose from this group of four players: Jerryd Bayless, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez and O.J. Mayo. All four should be very good players. Bayless, Gordon and Mayo will be big-time scorers, and Lopez is a big man who should be at least as good as Los Angeles Clippers' center Chris Kaman. So Presti has the opportunity to select another building block to put with Jeff Green and Kevin Durant, and here's predicting that Bayless, the explosive Arizona combo guard, will be the pick. In addition, the Sonics will have the Phoenix Suns' first-round selection (No. 24 overall) and four second-round choices. On draft day, they will nudge closer to having a winning team. Seattle Times

I haven't studied the rookie prospects yet, but from where I sit at this point, the best idea would be to use the pick in a trade to get a difference maker. If No. 14 and a player or two (Al Harrington, Mickael Pietrus) and maybe a future first-rounder gets you Elton Brand, or even someone a tier below, such as Rasheed Wallace, that may be the best move. Contra Costa Times

 

[chikickz]

Meh. The Sixers dealing Andre Miller to Seattle or Portland for Frye+change or Wilcox+change looks way better than acquiring Boseph and his mega contract justto get low post scoring. Take note, Boseph is a spot up shooter. The spot up J is Boseph's crack. He cannot avoid firing it up.

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Theirs nothing the Nets could give us fr Bargnani. If they had a higher pick then sure.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Originally Posted by RockDeep

Originally Posted by Infyrno23

I told ya'll I wasn't whisteling dixie about Melo to the Nets....

The Nets of all people didn't just UP and say you know... Melo sure would be a good fit here... Jay is working behind the scenes....

Melo tells Bron.. Bron tells jay.. Jay tells Majority Owners and they try and make things happen at the draft.

Melo will be a Happy man.... He needs that, as he won't be the face of Jordan for long with Chris Paul doing his thing ON and OFF Court. Altho he has his NEW Contract with Jordan.

I actually sat and thought about this the other night when you said that.
It makes 110%,
Jay-z definitly is bring Bron to Brooklyn, i don tthink thats a question. But The Melo deal is interesting...
#1 i thought, if they have Bron and Melo, could they afford to surround them with enough talent to win?
well they have Devin Harris, Marcus Camby would be in the deal, and Diop... 2 serviceable big men...
also Kristic and Sean W. looks like a pretty good team IMO

#2 they arent gonna have enough to sign Bron and Melo...would either or them take a paycut just to play on the same team, and win?
No doubt they would win or at least get to the finals in the East for many years.

#3 do you realize how rediculous that would be? Bron could play Scottie to Melo's Jordan (not saying either are comparable, but Bron would have to defer to Melo cuz melo has a better offensive game, and Bron can handle the ball much better)

IMO i want it to happen, make it happen Hov!

Infryno...Melo would already be under Contract obviously and Bron would have his Money supplemented by Nike and every other Sponsor willing to throw cash at him in the New York Market.. JUST like Melo would.

They could also attract Mid level Veterans willing to make money on the side as well and be taken care of by Nike and others...

Its not too far fetched...


Basically Bron and Melo could get STUPID money together....You know, some people (like myself) are more Melo fans than Bron, and Vice versa....So they couldsomewhat combine the two bases...
Bron would also be somewhat helping Melo's image, you know since Bron is the Golden child of the L.

And who would be the greatest beneficiary???? Nike, Inc possibly....

They could be marketed together....On some %*%% like, the two very good friends, who came in together and always wanted to play on the same team. Who bothtook pay cuts so that they could play together and win a championship. Some story book type %*%%.

Question is...Do you play Bron at the 4 (Like Josh Smith does) or do you play him at the 2? Or do you Just have Melo play some 3/4 Hybrid type %*%%?

Meh. The Sixers dealing Andre Miller to Seattle or Portland for Frye+change or Wilcox+change looks way better than acquiring Boseph and his mega contract just to get low post scoring. Take note, Boseph is a spot up shooter. The spot up J is Boseph's crack. He cannot avoid firing it up.
Deal Dre to Seattle, and Seattle drafts Lopez . Could be nice...

A Western Conference executive said Tuesday a handful of teams are interested in moving up in the draft to select Mayo and would likely call Presti inquiring about a trade.

Been telling y'all...

The Magic told Keyon Dooling during his exit interview last week that they wanted to re-sign him, impressed with his play on the floor and his professionalism in the locker room. Dooling likely will sign another three-year contract. He just finished a three-year deal that paid him about $3.5 million a season. Orlando Sentinel

My dude KD...

 

[blackredxiiigoat]

If...IF...Zbo was traded for Dalembert, I would be VERY satisfied...