Are there any big deals left to be made?
By Chad Ford
NBA Insider
Send an Email to Chad Ford Wednesday, February 18
Updated: February 18
2:23 PM ET
Rumor mongers . . . start your engines.
With about 36 hours left until the NBA's Thursday trade deadline, the rumors were flying fast and furious Tuesday night as teams talked and talked and talked about making deals.
The big question on everyone's mind? Will there be yet another huge trade before Thursday?
There's a lot of small talk right now about cap positioning, draft picks and minor players, but after an unbelievable trading season that's seen big names like Stephon Marbury, Rasheed Wallace, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Ricky Davis, Bonzi Wells, Keith Van Horn, Tim Thomas, Theo Ratliff and Penny Hardaway already traded, is there anyone left out there to trade?
Here's what we we're hearing as of late Tuesday night . . .
Allen Iverson's latest antics, including missing practice in Denver on Monday and seething on the bench Tuesday night, haven't helped things in Philly. Iverson is already complaining about new head coach Chris Ford, and tensions continue to rise.
"I don't want to be treated like this," Iverson said after Tuesday's game. "If I get treated like this every day, I'd tell my family we've got to go. We've got to get out of here."
Philly has several smaller trades that it can make if it believes that moving a player like Eric Snow or Aaron McKie will fix things. But with the Philly media beginning to turn on AI as well, GM Billy King may have a rare opening to trade Iverson as the climate sours in Philly.
Allen Iverson
Shooting Guard
Philadelphia 76ers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
40 27.4 3.9 6.5 .396 .753
The problem is getting equal value for the 28-year-old draw. Speculation has centered on Atlanta, where the Hawks are shopping Rasheed Wallace. Iverson is an instant draw in Atlanta, even though he would eat away most of the team's cap room this summer. Wallace, a Philly native, would help a very weak Philly front line with minimal risk because his $17 million contract comes off the books next season. The problems, however, are obvious. Wallace could very well leave this summer or bomb there, leaving the Sixers with nothing in return for Iverson.
The other speculated destination for Iverson, Houston, isn't going to happen. While an Iverson-for-Steve Francis swap sounds sexy enough, a source in Houston told Insider that Francis isn't going anywhere right now. This summer? That's a different story.
Speaking of Rasheed, rumors are going to continue to swirl until the deadline about Detroit and New York's interest in 'Sheed. As Insider first reported on Tuesday, the Pistons' offer for Rasheed (the expiring contracts of Bob Sura, Zeljko Rebraca and Lindsey Hunter and a 2004 first-round pick) also included the contract of Chucky Atkins -- essentially killing the deal before it ever got started.
Pistons president Joe Dumars, who spoke on the record about the deal to the Detroit News in Wednesday's editions, confirmed our story.
"There is no deal," Dumars told the Detroit News. "There is no deal pending, no deal is imminent. Have we talked to Atlanta? Yes, but I guarantee you that every team is talking to everybody right now."
While the Pistons can refashion the deal by taking out Atkins and putting in the expiring contracts of Darvin Ham and Tremaine Fowlkes, Dumars claimed he hasn't done that. He likely won't. Dumars needs that first-round pick to package with either Atkins or Williamson to clear the cap room necessary to re-sign Mehmet Okur this summer. If he can get either of those two players off the books before July 15th, Okur is as good as gone.
The Knicks are working hand in hand with Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland, to try to get 'Sheed to New York now.
"Our preference is to make that now, before the deadline, but Rasheed would be willing to explore the option of a midlevel exception this summer," Strickland told the New York Times.
The hurdle for Strickland is that the Knicks don't have the expiring contracts the Hawks are looking for. The Times claims that a combination of Kurt Thomas, Othella Harrington, Dikembe Mutombo and either Mike Sweetney or Frank Thomas could get a deal done . . . but none of those players has the type of expiring contract the Hawks are looking for. Unless the Knicks can find a third team with expiring contracts that is willing to take on all of those contracts, chances are 'Sheed stays put.
Erick Dampier
Center
Golden State Warriors
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
51 11.9 11.6 0.7 .517 .636
The Knicks' pursuit of Erick Dampier also appears to be a pipe dream. The Warriors want expiring contracts for Dampier, and, again, the Knicks don't have any. They could try to package Kurt Thomas and Mike Sweetney together with the thinking that Thomas would opt out of his contract this summer to get out of Golden State . . . but that's a pretty big risk by both sides at this point.
Memphis is the other team that likes Dampier. The Grizzlies pursued him hard last summer and came close to a deal, but now things are trickier. If the Grizzlies put together a package of Stromile Swift, Jake Tsakalidis and either Earl Watson or Troy Bell, you have to believe that the Warriors would jump . . . but is Dampier really worth it?
If I were Bulls GM John Paxson, I'd try to see if the Warriors would be willing to swap Dampier and Jason Richardson for Eddy Curry, Jamal Crawford and Marcus Fizer. The move would give the Warriors much more cap flexibility and a couple of prospects in Curry and Crawford as well give the Bulls their more traditional two guard and a center who would clean up in the East.
Jerry Stackhouse
Guard-Forward
Washington Wizards
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
6 16.0 3.5 4.2 .478 .706
Speaking of the Bulls, there was talk on Tuesday that the team was talking with the Wizards about a possible Crawford-and-Fizer-for-Jerry Stackhouse swap. Clearly Paxson is trying to figure out a way to add the missing piece that turns the Bulls into a playoff contender. Why would the Wizards even consider it? The move would give them a little over $10 million to play with in free agency should they decide not to re-sign Crawford or Fizer. Sources claim that the deal is unlikely to happen, but I thought it was an interesting proposal.
Speaking of the Wizards, they are resisting the sudden surge in interest toward Kwame Brown. Says one Wizards' source: "Our phone hasn't stopped ringing about Kwame but we're not moving him. Our investment is just now paying off. Why would we move him?" What's interesting is that last year the Sonics turned down an offer of Brown for Vladimir Radmanovic and Brent Barry. Now they're getting laughed at for proposing it.
Speaking of the Sonics, it appears that the team has finally come to the realization that it has a small window of opportunity to make something happen with the expiring contract of Brent Barry and is talking to a number of teams around the league. One source told Insider on Tuesday that Vladimir Radmanovic's agent has been pushing for the Sonics to get Radmanovic out of Seattle. Radmanovic and Barry have the same agent, David Bauman, and he's been making phone calls of his own trying to find a package that works for the Sonics. With other assets like Ronald Murray and, to a lesser extent, Jerome James, what's the hold-up?
One league executive said that the Sonics are asking for too much. "They want a lot for those guys, and I mean a lot," the exec told Insider. "There's a lot of interest in that package, but no one's prepared to give up a seven footer or an all-star for them. I think right now that's what Rick (Sund) feels he needs to justify the trade. If he sticks to that line of thinking, I don't see anything happening."
Talks with the Bulls, a natural trading partner, have gone nowhere. The Sonics are insisting that either Eddy Curry or Tyson Chandler be included in any deal. Paxson is willing to talk, but is only willing to give up Crawford and/or Fizer in return. Talks with the Pacers (for Al Harrington and Austin Croshere) and the Wizards (for Kwame and Christian Laettner) are also going nowhere.
The hottest rumor on Tuesday evening had the Sonics talking to the Raptors about a swap that would send Barry and Radmanovic to Toronto for Donyell Marshall and Morris Peterson.
There was also talk that the trade could be expanded into a three-way deal with the Blazers, but that's less likely to happen. The Raptors have been in the hunt for a center so that they can move rookie Chris Bosh back to his natural position at power forward. Under that arrangement, Barry, Michael Curry and Michael Bradley (all in the last year of their deals) would head to Portland, Davis and Radmanovic would go Toronto, and Marshall and Peterson would head to Seattle. The move would get much needed cap relief to the Blazers, address the Sonics need for a power forward and give the Raptors a veteran center and promising versatile forward in Radmanovic.
The same sources said that the Sonics are concerned that they're not getting enough in return for Radmanovic. If Sund can't get what he wants, there shouldn't be any reason to rush into a trade. Radmanovic, Murray and James will all have value this summer. But still, with the Sonics in the hunt for a playoff berth and the availability of Barry's expiring contract, it's hard to believe that the team can't find a deal that makes sense for them.
One more tidbit worth reporting. Tracy McGrady can not opt out of his contract this summer. We've talked about this before, but I keep seeing it reported on TV (the Bucks announcers said it 10 times Tuesday night during the Bucks-Magic game) that he's likely gone this summer. McGrady has an ETO (early termination option) on his contract after the 2004-05 season -- not this summer.
Around the League
There are a ton of mid-to-smaller deals also making the rounds. Here are the other things being talked about out there.
The Mavericks have been unusually quiet. That seems to be freaking out a number of GMs who insisted, without any type of concrete evidence mind you, that the Mavs were working on something big.
Gordan Giricek
Guard-Forward
Orlando Magic
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
47 10.1 3.5 1.7 .435 .835
The Magic's Gordan Giricek seems to be a hot name at the moment. Not only is his salary reasonable ($1.5 million) but he's also a free agent this summer. In almost every scenario he's being packaged with Tyronn Lue or Juwan Howard. Among the rumored suitors? The Bulls (offering Fizer for Lue and Giricek), the Pistons (offering Chucky Atkins), the Jazz (offering Carlos Arroyo and DeShawn Stevenson) and the Celtics (offering Chris Mills and Chris Mihm for Giricek, Howard and Pat Garrity).
The speculation running rampant on Tuesday was that the Celtics were going to send Mills and Mihm to Orlando for Howard, Garrity and Giricek. Obviously it didn't happen, though one Celtics source remains optimistic that they can convince the Magic to pull the trigger.
I wonder, however, whether the Jazz wouldn't be a better suitor. Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor denied interest in Giricek and Lue last week when the rumor first popped up, but it does make some sense for Utah if Howard got included in the deal. The Jazz need some frontcourt help in the worst way, and Howard seems like the perfect type of player for the Jazz's system.
Howard's long-term deal shouldn't hinder the Jazz too much as they'd still be looking at more than $20 million in cap room even with Howard on the books. If the Jazz were willing to take Howard, Giricek and Lue along with Andrew DeClercq and possibly Pat Garrity and be willing to give up Arroyo and Stevenson, that could make some long-term cap sense for the Magic and give the Jazz some more tools to work with.
While a deal for Steve Francis isn't going to happen before the deadline, the Rockets are trying to see whether they can find someone interested in Bostjan Nachbar, Maurice Taylor and/or Kelvin Cato. With the Celtics looking for more firepower, and with their two expiring contracts, you can add them to the list of potential suitors. Ainge is a big fan of Nachbar's. All the Rockets are looking for is a little more cap flexibility at this point.
The Hawks are already trying to move Michael Doleac, and reports in both the Chicago Sun Times and Tribune claim that a possible three-way deal with Detroit that sends Doleac to the Bulls could be in the works. Under that scenario Fizer would head to Detroit. It's unclear who the Pistons would be giving up to make the trade work under the CBA. The Jazz and Nuggets have also shown some interest in Doleac, whose $1.6 million deal expires at the end of the season.
The chances that the long-rumored Jerome Williams-to-Philly-for-Aaron Mckie trade happens are "very high," according to one league source.
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Wednesday, February 18 Updated 11:47 AM EST
Raps-Sonics talking Barry-for-Marshall swap?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Brent Barry
Sonics
Raptors
Blazers
Celtics Feb. 18 - Several league sources told Insider on Tuesday that the Raptors and Sonics are discussing a trade that would send Barry and Vladimir Radmanovic to the Raptors for Donyell Marshall and Morris Peterson.
There was also talk that the trade could be expanded into a three-way deal with the Blazers, but that's less likely to happen. The Raptors have been in the hunt for a center so that they can move rookie Chris Bosh back to his natural position at power forward. Under that arrangement, Barry, Michael Curry and Michael Bradley (all in the last year of their deals) would head to Portland, Davis and Radmanovic would go Toronto, and Marshall and Peterson would head to Seattle.
The Celtics are also showing interest in Brent Barry -- offering Chris Mills' expiring contract in return.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Rasheed Wallace
Hawks
Knicks
Pistons Feb. 18 - The Hawks are trying to see if they can get cap space and a prospect or two from another team interested in Rasheed. The problem is, there are actually very few teams with that type of cap room or expiring contracts to make a deal.
Pistons GM Joe Dumars confirmed on Tuesday that the Pistons have made an offer including the expiring contracts of Bob Sura, Zeljko Rebraca, Lindsey Hunter, a first-round pick and Chucky Atkins. The Hawks, however, don't want to take on the multiple years of Atkins deal.
The Knicks are working hand in hand with Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland, to try to get 'Sheed to New York now. The hurdle for Strickland is that the Knicks don't have the expiring contracts the Hawks are looking for. The N.Y. Times claims that a combination of Kurt Thomas, Othella Harrington, Dikembe Mutombo and either Mike Sweetney or Frank Williams could get a deal done . . . but none of those players has the type of expiring contract the Hawks are looking for. Unless the Knicks can find a third team with expiring contracts that is willing to take on all of those contracts, chances are 'Sheed stays put.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Allen Iverson
76ers
Hawks
Rockets Feb. 18 - The Sixers are open to trading Iverson. The problem is getting equal value for the 28-year-old draw. Speculation has centered on Atlanta, where the Hawks are shopping Rasheed Wallace. Iverson is an instant draw in Atlanta, even though he would eat away most of the team's cap room this summer. Wallace, a Philly native, would help a very weak Philly front line with minimal risk because his $17 million contract comes off the books next season. The problems, however, are obvious. Wallace could very well leave this summer or bomb there, leaving the Sixers with nothing in return for Iverson.
The other speculated destination for Iverson, Houston, isn't going to happen. While an Iverson-for-Steve Francis swap sounds sexy enough, a source in Houston told Insider that Francis isn't going anywhere right now.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Gordan Giricek
Magic
Bulls
Jazz
Pistons Feb. 18 - Giricek seems to be a hot name at the moment. Not only is his salary reasonable ($1.5 million) but he's also a free agent this summer. In almost every scenario he's being packaged with Tyronn Lue or Juwan Howard. Among the rumored suitors? The Bulls (offering Fizer for Lue and Giricek), the Pistons (offering Chucky Atkins), the Jazz (offering Carlos Arroyo and DeShawn Stevenson) and the Celtics (offering Chris Mills and Chris Mihm for Giricek, Howard and Pat Garrity).
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jamal Crawford
Bulls
Wizards
Clippers
Knicks
Sonics Feb. 18 - There was talk on Tuesday that the team was talking with the Wizards about a possible Crawford-and-Fizer-for-Jerry Stackhouse swap. Clearly Paxson is trying to figure out a way to add the missing piece that turns the Bulls into a playoff contender. Why would the Wizards even consider it? The move would give them a little over $10 million to play with in free agency should they decide not to re-sign Crawford or Fizer. Sources claim that the deal is unlikely to happen, however. The Clippers, Sonics, Knicks and Magic have also shown interest in Crawford, but reports out of Chicago claim that Crawford probably won't be moved.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kwame Brown
Wizards
Sonics Feb. 18 - The Wizards are resisting the sudden surge in interest toward Brown. Says one Wizards' source: "Our phone hasn't stopped ringing about Kwame but we're not moving him. Our investment is just now paying off. Why would we move him?" What's interesting is that last year the Sonics turned down an offer of Brown for Vladimir Radmanovic and Brent Barry. Now they're the Sonics are getting laughed at for proposing it this time around.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Erick Dampier
Warriors
Grizzlies
Knicks Feb. 18 - The Knicks' pursuit of Dampier appears to be a pipe dream. The Warriors want expiring contracts for Dampier, and, again, the Knicks don't have any. They could try to package Kurt Thomas and Mike Sweetney together with the thinking that Thomas would opt out of his contract this summer to get out of Golden State . . . but that's a pretty big risk by both sides at this point.
Memphis is the other team that likes Dampier. The Grizzlies pursued him hard last summer and came close to a deal, but now things are trickier. If the Grizzlies put together a package of Stromile Swift, Jake Tsakalidis and either Earl Watson or Troy Bell, you have to believe that the Warriors would jump . . . but is Dampier really worth it?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Dikembe Mutombo
Knicks
Raptors
Wolves
Mavs
Grizzlies
Spurs Feb. 17 - The New York Daily News suggests the Knicks could deal Mutombo by Thursday's deadline, now that Nazr Mohammed is certain to supplant Dikembe in the starting lineup. Team president Isiah Thomas feels Mutombo is expendable ... especially if he can get a younger, more athletic player in return. Who'd be crazy enough to pick up the last year and half of Mutombo's deal? Thomas is targeting the Mavs, Spurs, Raptors, Wolves and Grizzlies -- all of whom need a big man for a playoff run.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Juwan Howard
Magic
Celtics
Wolves
Sonics
Nuggets
Pistons Feb. 17 - Howard is at the top of the shopping lists of the Celtics and Wolves as the trade deadline nears. To make a deal work, the Celtics would have to give up the expiring contracts of Chris Mills and Chris Mihm and likely take back the salary of Pat Garrity, out for the season with an injury, and either Steven Hunter or Gordan Giricek (whom the Magic now seem to want to keep) in return.
The Wolves have been mulling a Michael Olowokandi-for-Howard trade.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Dale Davis
Blazers
Bucks
Raptors
Mavs Feb. 17 - With the addition of Keith Van Horn and a playoff run in mind, rumors are swirling that the Bucks and Blazers are talking about a Toni Kukoc-for-Davis deal. Kukoc's contract expires at the end of the season, meaning the move could significantly reduce payroll next season for the Blazers and add some much needed help at small forward. The Bucks would have to eat the last year of Davis' deal, but then would have plenty of cap room for the summer of 2005.
The Raptors and Mavericks also have shown interest in Davis, and if the Blazers can get back a contract that expires after next season along with a prospect, they'll pull the trigger. Toronto has plenty of expiring contracts, but they're also discussing Christian Laettner.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Antoine Walker
Mavericks
Sonics?
Warriors? Feb. 16 - The Mavericks were shopping both Walker and Antawn Jamison hard over the weekend. Some reports have suggested they're interested in Seattle's Ronald Murray, while others indicate they prefer a big man, like Golden State's Erick Dampier.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Antawn Jamison
Mavericks
Cavaliers? Feb. 16 - Despite professions of satisfaction with the team's current roster, the Mavericks were shopping both Jamison and Antoine Walker hard at the All-Star Game. Could that rekindle talks of a deal with Cavaliers for Zydrunas Ilgauskas?
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Ronald Murray
Sonics
Mavericks? Feb. 16 - The Sonics are shopping Murray, but given that they want a big man, but not a big contract, in return, they're getting few nibbles. They tried to package Murray and Brent Barry to Atlanta for Shareef Abdur-Rahim, but the Hawks opted for the Blazers' Rasheed Wallace instead.
The Mavs would do something in a heartbeat, but the Sonics are reluctant to take back either Antoine Walker or Antawn Jamison -- both of whom (especially Walker) were being shopped hard by the Mavs over the weekend.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Eric Snow
Sixers
Magic Feb. 16 - The Magic have emerged as perhaps the only team willing to take on the five years remaining on Snow's contract. The Orlando Sentinel reports the team remains interested, but it's unclear what they'd send to Philly in exchange.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Shandon Anderson
Knicks
Trail Blazers Feb. 16 - Rumored Anderson deals have swirled for weeks now, but one in particular gained some momentum at the All-Star Game. Isiah Thomas reportedly is trying to send Anderson to Portland for Ruben Patterson. Other deals Thomas reportedly was working on involving Anderson have included a trade to Dallas for Tariq Abdul-Wahad or one to the Raptors for Lamond Murray.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Corliss Williamson
Pistons
Bulls
Celtics Feb. 16 - Pistons GM Joe Dumars is getting a little bit antsy as he looks for one more cap-clearing deal by Thursday's trade deadline. He needs to clear around $4 million to $5 million more to be able to re-sign Mehmet Okur this summer, and Williamson and Chucky Atkins are the bait.
The two most popular rumors at the All-Star Game had Dumars sending Williamson to Chicago for Marcus Fizer and Kendall Gill; or trading Williamson to Boston for Chris Mills and a Pistons' first-round draft pick.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Cavaliers
Mavericks? Feb. 16 - With so many teams in need of a big man, Ilgauskas has been a pretty hot commodity. The Knicks and Blazers were among the teams trying to pry him away from Cleveland earlier this year, but both went in other directions. Dallas still could be a possibility, for Antawn Jamison.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Chucky Atkins
Pistons
Magic
Bulls Feb. 16 - Another rumor floating around the All-Star Game had Detroit shipping Atkins and the two years (and $8.7 million) remaining on his deal to Orlando for Tyronn Lue and Gordan Giricek. Chicago also is said to be interested in Atkins, but the Bulls appear to be looking harder at Philadelphia's Aaron McKie and possibly the same Lue-Giricek combo from Orlando.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Vin Baker
Celtics
Knicks Feb. 16 - If and when Baker's contractual issues with the Celtics get worked out, he might find a welcome in New York. Knicks president Isiah Thomas confirmed that he is interested in pursuing Baker, who is expected to clear waivers Wednesday.
"We're not good enough that we can snub our nose at talent," Thomas told the Boston Herald. "And there have been a lot worse people in the league who have gotten second chances."
Once Baker clears waivers, the Celtics will begin proceedings to terminate his contract because of his repeated alcohol-related transgressions.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Brian Grant
Heat
Magic Feb. 13 - Orlando reportedly has inquired again about Grant's availability and might be willing to package half its roster -- including Juwan Howard -- to get him. The only guys the Magic are dead set on keeping are Tracy McGrady and Drew Gooden.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Aaron McKie
76ers
Bulls Feb. 13 - The Sixers have been looking to unload McKie's contract, among others, as they look to rebuild, and they reportedly have discussed a deal with Chicago involving Jerome Williams. McKie leads the league in 3-point percentage and would provide the Bulls with perimeter shooting, defense and veteran leadership.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jerome Williams
Bulls
76ers Feb. 13 - The Bulls and 76ers have discussed a trade involving Williams and Aaron McKie. Despite the energy Williams brings to the court and his popularity with fans, the Bulls don't like his rocky relations with some of his teammates, especially young big men Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler.
The Sixers have been looking to unload McKie's contract, among others, as they look to rebuild. McKie leads the league in 3-point percentage and would provide the Bulls with perimeter shooting, defense and veteran leadership.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Marcus Fizer
Bulls
Magic
Clippers
Pistons Feb. 13 - Floriday Today reports the Magic and Bulls could be close to a deal sending Fizer to Orlando in exchange for point guard Tyronn Lue and shooting guard Gordan Giricek.
Fizer, in the last year of his contract, also is rumored to be under consideration by the Pistons and Clippers. In addition to the proposed deal with L.A. for Melvin Ely and Keyon Dooling, the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram indicates the Bulls are trying to send Fizer to Detroit for either forward Corliss Williamson or guard Chucky Atkins.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Doug Christie
Kings
? Feb. 13 - The Kings reportedly are looking to unload the remaining two years and $16 million on Christie's contract, not to mention his subpar play, but it's not clear who might be willing to take both off their hands.
"I talked with Rick (Adelman, head coach) and Geoff (Petrie, GM) and they told me they were going on with what we have," Christie said. "You hear stuff all the time, it's part of the profession. Around the trade deadline, any little thing and people react."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Christian Laettner
Wizards
Raptors Feb. 13 - Toronto is looking for a big man to shore up the front line, and the Wizards are looking for someone to take on the last year of Laettner's deal. Unloading him would put Washington around $10 million below the cap next season. The Raptors have several expiring contracts (Michael Curry, Morris Peterson, Michael Bradley) that they're willing to dump in an effort to secure a playoff spot this season. Laettner is in the mix along with Portland's Dale Davis.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Keon Clark
Jazz
Suns Feb. 13 - Phoenix could look to further improve its financial situation for next season by sending Tom Gugliotta and his $11.7 million contract, along with a draft pick, to Utah for Clark ($5 million). The deal works for the Jazz, because they are more than $7 million under the cap. It works for the Suns because, given the salary savings, luxury tax savings and rebates from the league for being under the cap, it could be worth up to $15 million in long term savings.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jahidi White
Suns
? Feb. 13 - The Suns are trying to dump White and, according to one league source, are using Casey Jacobsen as the bait. The 6-foot-9 White, averaging just 14.5 minutes, 4.5 points and 4.6 rebounds, has one more year at $6.1 million left on his deal.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Nick Van Exel
Warriors
Grizzlies Feb. 12 - Van Exel told the Contra Costa Times he doesn't want to be traded and he doesn't plan to opt out of his deal after the season. "I want to be here," Van Exel told the paper. "I never said I wanted to be traded. This is where I want to finish my contract."
The Warriors are thought to be looking to package Van Exel with Erick Dampier in order to clear cap space, but they are finding few partners who can send back the kind of expiring contracts Golden State is seeking. Memphis is one possibility, but it's looking more likely Van Exel will be staying put.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Melvin Ely
Clippers
Wizards
Bulls Feb. 12 - The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports the Wizards want to acquire Ely in exchange for guard Brevin Knight, with Keyon Dooling leaving the Clippers for Washington in the package. Ely currently is mired on L.A.'s bench behind Elton Brand, Chris Wilcox, Chris Kaman and Peja Drobjnak.
Previously, the Chicago Tribune reported the Bulls might be interested in an Ely-for-Marcus Fizer swap. Fizer is in the last year of his contract, which would allow the Clippers to get further under the cap this summer to make a run at Kobe Bryant.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Eddy Curry
Bulls
Mavs
Sonics
Blazers Feb. 12 - Bulls GM John Paxson has decided he's not ready to give up on Curry or fellow first-round pick Tyson Chandler, saying earlier this week, "Eddy and Tyson aren't going anywhere. We've invested two years in them, and we have them for as long as we want them, so it makes no sense [to trade them]. It would have to be an unbelievable deal for us to even think about it."
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Ron Mercer
Spurs
Pistons Jan. 20 - The Spurs have been trying to move Mercer for about a month. The Pistons have been trying to get him from San Antonio, but don't have anything the Spurs want in return. The two teams have tried to find a third team to make something happen, but so far, nothing has worked out.
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Peep Show
NBA Insider
Wednesday, February 18
Updated: February 18
11:04 AM ET
Milwaukee Bucks: Head coach Terry Porter is having a hard time describing his team's 19-2 run against the Magic Tuesday night. "I don't think in all my years I've ever seen anything like that," Porter said in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "(Orlando) did a great job of closing the gap and then, all of a sudden, it was just, bam: dunk after dunk after dunk after layup after layup. I don't know how to describe it. I just don't." Even Tracy McGrady was envious after the 124-104 game. "Those guys were out there having fun and I'm a little jealous," said Orlando's Tracy McGrady. "It was very embarrassing."
Seattle SuperSonics: Those trade whispers are getting awfully loud in Seattle these days. "I think we're maybe a little more active because we have more assets than last year," general manager Rick Sund said in the Seattle Times. "Last year we had a situation where we pretty much were going with the youth route and Gary (Payton) was the only one of our players with any real value. You look at our team now, and we have some young pieces. So there's a lot of dialogue going on around the league. I don't know if it's posturing for June or if it's anything substantial." Sund wouldn't mention any names but didn't deny any, either. "In terms of consummating a deal or putting something together, who knows?" he said. "If somebody calls and we get wind of a deal, who knows? You're always looking to upgrade your club if you can. But you don't want to do a trade just to do a trade."
New Jersey Nets: There's no "I" in team or Nets or Frank Lawrence as New Jersey goes for a record 10th straight victory for a new coach tonight. "It would be hypocritical of me to seek any kind of joy out of that individual goal knowing, No. 1, it's not really an individual accomplishment," Frank said in the New York Post. "It's a team accomplishment, totally, because I had nothing to do with winning those games. I guess there are milestones for everything, but we're more concerned with team milestones."
GainesOrlando Magic: Reece Gaines is the fourth-string point guard for the Magic behind Tyronn Lue, Rod Strickland and Shammond Williams, and his agent doesn't want to have to use his thumb. "Reece may need a fresh start. He's caught in a crossfire," agent Andy Miller said in the Orlando Sentinel. "Philosophically, does it not make sense to get a fresh start?" Magic officials wouldn't say if Gaines was on the block or not. The rookie has played in 20 games so far this season and scored 18 points.
Atlanta Hawks: Just because the Hawks are saving money with all their recent deals doesn't mean they're only trying to save money. Or something like that. "This is not a save-money situation," general manager Billy Knight said in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "Ownership did not have anything to do with this. I had to convince the owners that this is the thing to do. They were like, 'We can spend money.' I didn't think that was the smartest way to go. I can save money, but I can spend money, too. That's no problem at all. I thought that it was best for the organization." Knight was also unlcear on the Rasheed Wallace situation. "I don't have anything to say about that," Knight said. "But Rasheed is a heck of a player, a heck of a talent. It's good to see him at our practices. He's done some things that I haven't seen done here for a long time."
Cleveland Cavaliers: The world can't get enough of LeBron James, but his head coach Paul Silas said he has seen too much of him already. "I am hoping to give him more rest," Silas said in the Plain Dealer. "I don't know how many minutes of his I will cut back on, but I do know I don't want him playing 40 a game. And I have a lot more confidence in our bench." James has been averaging 40 minutes a game for fifth in the league.
Toronto Raptors: Jalen Rose doesn't have one broken bone in his left hand as earlier believed. He has four and will be out indefinitely. "I always considered this my time of year, and I feel like this is the time of year that I'm really here, this is the time of year that they brought me here for -- a playoff run, and the playoffs," Rose told the Toronto Star. "It's somewhat disheartening, but injuries are a part of the game. The good thing that's going to happen is now I'll be completely healthy. And I get a chance to feel like myself, for whatever that's worth."
Frank: No 'I' In N-E-T-S
Fred Kerber / New York Post
Agent may seek trade for Gaines
Brian Schmitz / Orlando Sentinel
Milwaukee's 19-2 run is one for the highlight reel
Tom Enlund / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sonics not just listeners this year in trade talks
Percy Allen / Seattle Times
Newest Hawks face New Jersey
Michael Lee / Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Silas opts to slice James' minutes
Burt Graeff / Cleveland Plain Dealer
Docs find four breaks in Rose's left hand
Jennifer Quinn / Toronto Star