LakeShow
06-29-2007, 12:29 PM
NBA Rumor Central: Respect The Team Other Rumors:
You are signed into Insider and have access to this premium feature.
Friday, June 29
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Kobe Bryant
Lakers Trade Request Respect The Team
Jun 29 - Lakers coach Phil Jackson didn't back away from questions about disgruntled Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, saying he expects Bryant to be on the team when the Lakers head to Hawaii for training camp in October.
"Kobe has got to respect what this team is trying and has to do and we're trying to work our way through this," Jackson said. "In my heart of hearts, I believe that when it comes time in Hawaii for this team to step on the floor, Kobe Bryant is going to be wearing a uniform."
Jackson said Bryant was unreasonable to make demands to be traded.
"He has his reasons," Jackson said, "and I have to respect that, and Mitch alluded to the fact that those are staying within our private conversation. So we'll leave them there." -- Riverside Press-Enterprise
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jermaine O'Neal
Pacers Lakers? Still Available?
Jun 29 - Indiana is still discussing trades for Jermaine O'Neal. A league source says the Pacers have interest from a team other than the Lakers.
They can reportedly have O'Neal for Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom but, to date, have decided that's too much. -- Los Angeles Times
Larry Bird took time from the draft to shoot down the latest trade rumor surrounding forward Jermaine O'Neal. Bird called a supposed deal with New Jersey for small forward Richard Jefferson and centers Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins "bogus."
"We're not close (to making a deal)," Bird said. "We haven't even talked to anybody. All these trade rumors out there, it's all bogus."
Nets officials told Jefferson he won't be traded. -- Indianapolis Star
The Nets thought they could get Indiana interested in parting with O'Neal, the perennial All-Star power forward. The Nets, who have been shopping Richard Jefferson throughout the league the last few weeks in hopes of landing a quality big man and also put Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins on the table, initiated the talks.
According to two members of the Pacers' organization who requested anonymity because of the nature of the topic, discussions were still going on yesterday afternoon, but both believed that the deal had very little chance of happening. -- Newark Star-Ledger
They have had discussions with the Indiana Pacers about Jermaine O'Neal, offering Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic as the two biggest pieces, multiple league sources said. Other players may have to be involved to make it work for salary cap purposes.
Indiana wanted Marcus Williams, too, but the Nets are reluctant to part with the talented point guard. That could change, of course. -- Bergen Record
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Marcus Camby
Nuggets Trade Rumors Nuggets Love Camby
Jun 29 - Nene is set to make $8.8 million in 2007-08, and Marcus Camby's cap number will be more than $11 million. Camby's name has been a staple in trade rumors for much of the past two seasons, but Chapman gave no indication he is looking to move the center, 33.
"Personally, I don't know where these rumors would have come from," Rex Chapman said. "It's a shame. We absolutely love Marcus Camby. Marcus is a pro. He doesn't have to prove himself to anybody."
For now, Camby and the rest of Nuggets Nation can only wait and see what Chapman and the Denver front office does. -- Rocky Mountain News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Jerry Sloan Head Coach Sloan To Return?
Jun 29 - The operating assumption has been that Jerry Sloan will return for a 20th season as Jazz coach, though Sloan cautioned reporters that he always could wake up one morning and change his mind.
Owner Larry Miller took things a step farther in an interview with 1320 AM on Thursday. Miller was asked about Seattle's interest in assistant Tyrone Corbin for its head coaching job.
"If he's got a shot at a head coaching job, he has to take it" Miller said, "because Jerry, we know, is back for next year and we don't know how many years after that." -- Salt Lake Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Rashard Lewis
SuperSonics Sign-And-Trade Will Lewis Remain In Seattle?
Jun 29 - Ray Allen thinks that if the Sonics are again undertaking a youth movement, Rashard Lewis will ask the Sonics to do a sign-and-trade deal.
"Now that I'm no longer there, I'm not even sure Rashard is going to want to come back," Allen said in a telephone interview. "He wants to win and you almost think they are starting to rebuild with all these young players. I'm not sure Rashard is going to want to be a big brother to all these young guys."
Houston, the New York Knicks, Portland and Boston are expected to contact Lewis' agent on July 1 and express an interest in signing him. -- Tacoma News Tribune
According to an NBA source close to the situation, the Heat plans a push to acquire forward Rashard Lewis from the SuperSonics.
Earlier this month Lewis opted out of the final two years of his Seattle contract, bypassing a guaranteed $21 million to become a free agent as of Sunday. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston NBA Draft Rockets Wanted Fernandez
Jun 29 - The Rockets tried to move up to the 20th pick, and had a deal arranged with Miami. But as the draft unfolded, the deal was lost. The 76ers acquired the Heat pick to take Jason Smith of Colorado State. The Heat moved back one slot to select Daequan Cook of Ohio State.
The Rockets would have used the pick to take Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez, who brings tremendous speed, though he likely will remain overseas for one more season.
"We didn't know (the trade would fall through) until the pick," Rockets GM Daryl Morey said. "The direction we had gotten from the team up until that point was we were getting it. Then the draft unfolded unexpectedly for them, and their guy was there. "We didn't get the top guy we were looking for, but Aaron Brooks was the next guy. We feel very good coming out with Aaron." -- Houston Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Antonio McDyess
Pistons Player Option McDyess Opts To Stay
Jun 29 - Antonio McDyess notified the Pistons that he would be picking up his $6.3 million option and return to the team next season.
"We analyzed everything," said Andy Miller, McDyess' agent. "At the end of the day, he decided that he was comfortable with the situation in Detroit and he wanted to repay the loyalty the Pistons have shown him." -- Detroit News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Dallas Counterclaim Dispute Worsening
Jun 29 - Regardless of whether Warriors coach Don Nelson returns to the sidelines next season, his fall schedule is likely to include a stop in court, where his arbitration suit against Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is taking on new dimensions.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Cuban filed a counterclaim against Nelson last month, contending that the former Mavs coach violated his non-compete clause by using insider information against Dallas during the playoffs.
The source also said that Cuban is seeking an injunction against Nelson working for Golden State, though the litigation has no bearing on Nelson's pending decision on coaching again or retiring. -- San Francisco Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles Teams Options Ross Stays, Singleton Goes
Jun 29 - The Clippers picked up the option for defensive stopper Quinton Ross, who will make $826,000 this season. This will be Ross' fourth NBA season, after going undrafted out SMU in 2003.
The Clippers also have the option on forward James Singleton, but have not picked it up and will allow him to be an unrestricted free agent. -- Los Angeles Daily News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix No. 8 Pick Suns Turned Down
Jun 29 - The Suns' pursuit of Charlotte's No. 8 pick, where Phoenix would have grabbed Florida power forward Joakim Noah, crashed before the draft started when the Bobcats told the Suns they had a better offer. Phoenix threw options at Charlotte, one with its No. 24 pick and the 2008 Atlanta pick that it owns, and another more convoluted one involving Kurt Thomas.
"We made a great offer," Suns GM Steve Kerr said. "It definitely surprised us (to be turned down)."
Charlotte acquired Jason Richardson and draftee Jermareo Davidson from Golden State for the eighth pick, North Carolina's Brandan Wright. -- Arizona Republic
other Suns's news ...
The Suns have taken notice that Allan Houston is considering a comeback. The 36-year-old Houston was the league?s second-highest paid player last year ($20.7 million) but his $100 million deal will expire Sunday. He missed the last two seasons with chronic knee pain, but is feeling good. Money is not an issue, and Houston wants to play for a winner. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles Euro Guard Report Denied
Jun 29 - Team officials denied a report in a Greek newspaper that said the Lakers had offered a contract to Theodoros Papaloukas, who is generally considered to be one of the best point guards in Europe.
Papaloukas, listed at 6-7, was the Euroleague player of the year last season with CSKA Moscow. -- Los Angeles Times
The Lakers are interested in Greece's Theodoros Papaloukas, a 6-foot-7 point guard who was the European player of the year with CSKA Moscow, but they have not made an offer. Any team that signs Papaloukas, 30, would have to buy out his contact he signed last season. -- Riverside Press-Enterprise
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Grant Hill
Magic Free Agency Hill Optimistic About Future
Jun 29 - Grant Hill, who was in New York Thursday for an NBA symposium for players about to be drafted, sounded optimistic about his chances of returning to the Orlando Magic.
Hill said he's had extensive talks with new Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, and those meetings have helped enhance his desire to return to Orlando. Playing time and role on the team are extremely important to Hill, 34, who still thinks he can be a major contributor.
"(Van Gundy) feels the same way about me as I do, and that's a very good thing," Hill said with a big smile. "He still thinks I can play, and so do I." -- Florida Today
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Orlando 2005 Draft Pick Conflicting Reports
Jun 29 - Spanish newspaper SUR quoted 2005 Magic draft pick Fran Vazquez on Thursday as saying he wanted to play for Orlando next season, but an official from Vazquez's FC Barcelona club denied it. Club official Oriol Bonsoms told the Orlando Sentinel in an e-mail exchange that Vazquez was misquoted. Vazquez, said Bonsoms, will honor the two remaining years of his contract.
"I spoke with Fran and he told me it was a misunderstanding with the journalist from Malaga who did the interview," wrote Bonsoms. "What he said it was he wants to be in Barcelona during the length of his contract and when this finishes he wants to play in the NBA. He now feels ready to play in the NBA but he won't come until this contract expires." -- Orlando Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Joakim Noah Summer League Noah May Sit
Jun 29 - Joakim Noah has a slight tear in his right rotator cuff and might not participate in any summer-league activities. The Bulls will have entries in both the Orlando and Salt Lake City leagues.
"We may take a cautious approach with him to get him to rest up," GM John Paxson said. "He had hurt it before the season ended, then he went through all these workouts.
"I'm probably leaning toward taking a cautious approach with him in the summer to get him healed up and rested. We'll just have to take that a step at a time." -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Cleveland NBA Draft Cavs Don't Pull Trigger
Jun 29 - The Cavaliers came close to pulling the trigger on two deals late in the first round, including the Phoenix Suns' pick at No. 24.
"We explored every opportunity," Cavs GM Danny Ferry said. "We have two pretty good opportunities - one being Phoenix - and one later than that (which might have been Philadelphia at No. 30)."
"We did our work and research," Ferry said. "I'm happy we didn't make any bad decisions. We were close in the first round. I thought we had one at one point toward the end of the first round. I think we made a good decision." -- Willoughby News-Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Lindsey Hunter
Pistons Retirement? Hunter Gone?
Jun 29 - It seems almost inevitable now that Lindsey Hunter's playing career is over. Nothing has been announced, and things could change, but with Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo coming in the writing is on the wall for Hunter. He has one year left on his contract, but my guess he will begin his front office career in some capacity.
Flip Murray's days are probably numbered, too. The Pistons are expecting Stuckey to be the first guard off the bench next season. Alex Acker, by all accounts, is going to have a chance to make the team next year, as well. So, it's not a matter of if Murray's getting traded, it's when. -- Detroit News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Bobby Simmons
Bucks Rehab Light Running
Jun 29 - Bobby Simmons, who missed all of last season after undergoing ankle and foot surgeries, said he began light running last week.
Simmons said there's a possibility he may play for the Bucks? summer league team next month in Las Vegas. -- Racine Journal Times
Thursday, June 28
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix NBA Draft Trades A Long Shot
Jun 28 - Suns center Amaré Stoudemire still is not going anywhere. It still is a long shot for Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett to wind up in Phoenix.
And if the Suns' hopes to trade into the top 10 of today's NBA draft don't improve, the most action fans might see today is the Suns picking at Nos. 24 and/or 29 and trying to move Kurt Thomas' expiring contract.
"We've never spoken with Atlanta about Amaré," Suns GM Steve Kerr said Wednesday night, when he also called Stoudemire to assure him all rumors were bogus. "We have no idea why anybody would speculate on that." -- Arizona Republic
The most likely move isn't very sexy -- moving center Kurt Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats along with a draft pick. But it would erase Thomas' $8.1 million player option from the books and get the Suns within shouting distance of wiggling under the league's dollar-for-dollar luxury-tax threshold.
Sources confirm that the rumors were strong enough to induce Stoudemire to place a phone call to his former Suns teammate, Atlanta guard Joe Johnson, to talk about a possible reunion with the Hawks. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Atlanta NBA Draft Stoudemire Deal Tops Hawks Talk
Jun 28 - In the past 48 hours the Hawks have been cited as a major player in four different trade rumors, each bringing the Hawks a player (or players) that would help resolve some major issues.
In the three-team deal with the Timberwolves and Suns, the Hawks would send their two draft picks as well as Lorenzen Wright's and Anthony Johnson's expiring contracts to Minnesota, which would send Kevin Garnett to Phoenix, which would then send Amare Stoudemire to the Hawks.
In a two-team swap with Golden State, the Hawks would send the No. 11 pick to the Warriors in exchange for Monta Ellis.
Another deal has the Hawks sending the No. 11 pick to Seattle for veteran point guard Luke Ridnour.
The final rumor had the Hawks sending fourth-year swingman Josh Childress to Toronto for Jose Calderon. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Ray Allen
Celtics Celtics? Allen Offered To Boston?
Jun 28 - Two league sources said the Sonics are calling around the league to gauge interest in guard Ray Allen.
KJR-AM radio reported that the Sonics offered Allen to the Boston Celtics for the fifth pick and Theo Ratliff. -- Tacoma News Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Milwaukee NBA Draft Harris Remains Poker-Faced
Jun 28 - Bucks GM Larry Harris said he fielded telephone calls from several NBA officials Wednesday concerning the availability of the team?s top pick.
"We had been getting calls before, but now we're cutting through the minutiae," Harris said of trade discussions. "The calls we're getting now definitely have more meat to them."
Harris said there was one trade proposal that more than piqued his curiosity, although he refused to expand on the subject. There have been whispers the Phoenix Suns and Bucks have discussed a trade proposal that would have the Bucks sending the No. 6 pick and Bobby Simmons to Phoenix for Shawn Marion, who is regarded as one of the best all-around forwards in the game. -- Racine Journal Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Memphis NBA Draft Brewer At No.4?
Jun 28 - One of the more interesting rumors circulating here Wednesday as many of the top draft prospects gathered for an interview session with the media was that the Grizzlies were leaning toward taking forward Corey Brewer with the No. 4 overall pick, and not Ohio State point guard Mike Conley Jr.
If that proves to be true and Conley slides past the Boston Celtics at No. 5, he would fall into the welcoming laps of the Bucks' at No. 6. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Marcus Camby
Nuggets NBA Draft Center Of Rumors
Jun 28 - Trading to get into the draft is a possibility for the Nuggets, who don't have any picks, and the man at the center of nearly all of the trade rumors is center Marcus Camby. Several teams have inquired about acquiring the Nuggets big man. Speaking Wednesday for the first time since the playoffs, Camby said he is not worried about potential draft-day moves that would involve him leaving Denver.
Rex Chapman, Nuggets vice president of player personnel, has said a Camby move is not imminent, and Camby's agent, Rick Kaplan, said this week that "it would surprise me if Marcus was traded. From everything the team is saying publicly, that's not a likely option."
But discussions behind the scenes continue to revolve around Camby. -- Denver Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Antonio McDyess
Pistons Free Agency Will McDyess Opt For Houston?
Jun 28 - Antonio McDyess hasn't officially picked up his option for the $6.3 million he will make next season -- but you have to believe he will. The Pistons have already indicated that they would sit down and try to work out an extension with McDyess, starting at that $6.3 million.
Now, here's something to think about. McDyess lives in Houston. Houston needs frontcourt help. Houston would probably love to offer McDyess their mid-level exception, if he opted out. If McDyess thinks the Pistons will lose his buddy Chauncey Billups to free agency, the Houston option might become more attractive. The thing is, though, time is running out. McDyess has to make his decision by the close of business Friday. -- Detroit News
The Pistons still have no definitive news from forward Antonio McDyess or his agent, Andy Miller. But the team expects word to come sometime before the draft that the former All-Star will pick up his option. -- Detroit Free Press
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Seattle NBA Draft Sonics Target Stuckey
Jun 28 - If the Seattle SuperSonics are able to get a second lottery pick in today?s NBA draft, it appears they are targeting Eastern Washington guard Rodney Stuckey.
The Sonics have offered point guard Luke Ridnour to Atlanta for the Hawks? No. 11 pick, and if that deal goes through it would allow the Sonics to begin reshaping a backcourt that was at times dysfunctional and ineffective last season.
A league source said there is a good chance the Hawks will agree to the trade, though they are waiting to see the outcome of trade talks with Minnesota and Phoenix that might net them Suns center Amare Stoudemire. -- Tacoma News Tribune
The Detroit Pistons were rumored to have made Stuckey a draft promise at 15, and they are still interested in drafting him. And the Pistons' director of player personnel, Scott Perry, is now the assistant GM of the Sonics. So it would be no shock that Stuckey is coveted by his hometown team. -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Philadelphia NBA Draft Williams Impresses King
Jun 28 - Sean Williams turned some heads yesterday in his predraft workout.
Williams worked out with three other forwards, Louisiana State's Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Purdue's Carl Landry and Virginia's Jason Cain (Bartram High).
When Billy King was asked whether Williams was the most athletically gifted of the 46 players who worked out for the Sixers, he replied, "Hands down." "He does unbelievable freakish things athletically," King said. "The things he can do with the ball, jump and run." -- Philadelphia Inquirer
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Toronto Free Agency
Trades Colangelo Fielding Calls
Jun 28 - "In the last 24, 48 hours, the calls have gotten more frequent, the deals have been sweetened or some interesting new ones have now made themselves known," Bryan Colangelo said yesterday. "At this stage, there's been nothing that's made us jump or change our opinion of where we stand."
The player everyone is calling about is backup point guard Jose Calderon.
Colangelo said at least 15 teams have made inquiries -- three or four that he even gave a second look to -- but no one has presented the right parts to make a deal work. The general manager has spoken to Calderon to assure him the Raptors are listening but not calling about potential trades. But at the same time, when those teams become more desperate, Colangelo is going to be listening more seriously. -- Toronto Star
The Raptors do not have a pick heading into tonight's NBA draft, although there's always the chance that Colangelo could trade for one. However, the two-time NBA executive of the year said yesterday that unless someone dangles him a deal for a draft pick that is just too good to turn down, he'll likely use the mid-level exception money available (about $32 million US over five seasons) on a free agent small forward.
Colangelo has identified a top-level small forward as his most urgent need in terms of the Raptors moving forward as a power in the NBA. -- Toronto Sun
There's a better chance the Raptors might do something later in the first round, where club sources indicated there is a chance to deal with one of the teams with multiple picks -- the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns or Charlotte -- the asking price being a future first-round selection.
Toronto's been hinted as having a particular enthusiasm for Marco Belinelli and Rudy Fernandez, a pair of European shooting guards who might be available in the bottom third of the draft.
But the sounder move might be a grab for Tiago Splitter if he's available in the No. 20-plus pick range. -- Toronto Globe and Mail
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles Free Agency Papaloukas Offered A Contract
Jun 28 - The Lakers have offered a multi-year contract to 30-year-old guard Theodoros Papaloukas, according to Eleftheros Tipos, a newspaper in Greece. The report said Papaloukas had confirmed the offer and was pondering it among a handful from NBA teams. Lakers officials declined to comment. -- Los Angeles Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Devin Harris
Mavericks NBA Draft Rumor Not Valid
Jun 28 - An Eastern Conference insider said he'd heard the Mavericks were entertaining an offer to get the No. 6 pick from Milwaukee for Devin Harris, a deal that might have included other players.
While that proposal might make sense because Harris grew up in Milwaukee and the Bucks need a point guard, it wasn't valid.
Rather, the Mavericks are taking a cautious approach to the draft. They have brought in more than 25 players over the last 10 days, and virtually all are projected to go late in the first round or in the second round. -- Dallas Morning News
While the rumor mill has been off the hook league-wide leading to tonight's NBA Draft -- the latest of local interest had Devin Harris headed to Milwaukee for the Bucks' No. 6 pick -- the Mavs appear ready to go into the draft with the same three second-round picks they've had since acquiring the 34th pick in the February deal that sent Anthony Johnson to Atlanta.
"He's going to be part of this franchise for a long, long time," Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said about Harris last week. -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston NBA Draft Deal In Place?
Jun 28 - Rockets GM Daryl Morey has a deal in place to move up in the draft, but that trade depends on the other team's not finding the players it wants available.
Morey would not say what team might make a pick available. Philadelphia has three picks in the first round, including one five places earlier than the Rockets' selection. Detroit has two picks, including one at No. 15.
"We've talked to several teams about moving up," Morey said. "One is more likely than others. Prior to draft night, you're trying to create as many options as you can and have them there as the draft is unfolding. We have different ways to move up, depending on who slides. We spent a lot of time being ready for those things." -- Houston Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
New Jersey NBA Draft Nets Will Go Big
Jun 28 - Rod Thorn said the Nets have talked to teams about moving up or down tonight. If they stay at 17, their first choice is to go big.
As of Wednesday night, the Nets were trying to decide between Sean Williams and Colorado State 7-footer Jason Smith. Josh McRoberts of Duke and LSU's Glen "Big Baby" Davis also are in the mix. All four should be available when the Nets pick.
Williams is an intimidator, Smith is athletic and a good shooter, the 6-10 McRoberts a good passer for his size and not bad defensively and Davis a good inside player. But Big Baby is a small power forward and the Nets have concerns about his weight. -- Bergen Record
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Vince Carter
Nets Free Agency Cautiously Optimistic
Jun 28 - Rod Thorn said he expects Vince Carter to opt out by Saturday's deadline and is cautiously optimistic he can re-sign the shooting guard. League sources expect Carter to re-up with the Nets during free agency on a four-year deal, averaging $15.3 million per season. -- Bergen Record
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chicago NBA Draft Promise For Curry
Jun 28 - The Bulls also own picks Nos. 49 and 51 in the second round. If Oklahoma State guard JamesOn Curry is available, the Bulls will draft him. They brought him to Chicago and liked how he talked about lessons learned from his high school arrest for selling marijuana. -- Chicago Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Cleveland NBA Draft Are Cavs Eyeing Someone?
Jun 28 - There's a strong suspicion the Cavaliers have targeted a certain player in the 2007 NBA draft. If that player is on the board at a certain spot in the draft, the Cavs might pull the trigger on a deal.
Others think it might be fruitless for the Cavs to get back into the draft. If they can't get into the lottery - which is practically impossible for the Cavs - not many players drafted after that will be able to help them next season.
The Cavs are looking to trade into the draft, and things could start getting interesting at No. 22, where Charlotte owns its second pick in the first round. Sources indicate the Bobcats might be willing to deal that pick. -- Willoughby News-Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Washington NBA Draft No Time For Smith?
Jun 28 - According to at least two sources within the organization, the Wizards like Jason Smith, a 7-footer out of Colorado State. However, with Brendan Haywood and Etan Thomas at center and Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison at forward, it doesn't seem likely Smith would see any playing time next season.
And so in recent days the Wizards have been connected to other players in the draft. Most notable among them are Nick Young, a 6-6 combo shooting guard/small forward from Southern Cal; Thaddeus Young, an athletic 6-8 swingman with just one year of college experience at Georgia Tech; and 6-8 Kansas forward Julian Wright, who by most accounts will be off the board by the time the Wizards make their first of two picks. -- Washington Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Brevin Knight
Bobcats Buyout Taking It For Granted
Jun 28 - Someone close to Brevin Knight is taking it for granted that the Bobcats will buy out the final season of Knight's contract. The Bobcats have that option, turning a $4 million-plus obligation into a $1.5 million buy-out. That same source suspects the Bobcats could make some sort of a bid for Chauncey Billups in free-agency. -- Charlotte Observer
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Ronald Murray
Pistons NBA Draft Trade Fodder?
Jun 28 - Pistons guard Flip Murray could be used as trade bait during tonight's draft after he picked up his player option for next season. -- Detroit Free Press
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Golden State NBA Draft Draft Gamble?
Jun 28 - Golden State would love to select Chinese forward Yi Jianlian, according to league sources, but the Warriors need an unlikely and major jump from their current 18th slot.
"They're trying," one source said of the Warriors' springboard attempts. "But I don't know if they're going to get there."
Should the Warriors stay at No. 18, indications are that they could gamble on Sean Williams, a troubled but highly regarded forward from Boston College. -- San Francisco Chronicle
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Sean May
Bobcats Nets? Won't Give Him Away
Jun 28 - The Bobcats turned down an offer from the Nets to swap Sean May for the 17th pick. The Bobcats are frustrated with May's injury/fitness issues, but obviously they're not willing to give him away. -- Charlotte Observer
Wednesday, June 27
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jermaine O'Neal
Pacers Lakers?
Celtics? Lakers Shift To O'Neal
Jun 27 - With their bid to land Minnesota's Kevin Garnett all but dead, which can't make Kobe Bryant very happy, the Lakers yesterday restarted trade talks with Indiana about acquiring Jermaine O'Neal.
"O'Neal is available and the Lakers are interested," said an Eastern Conference GM last night. "That's what's being discussed now." -- New York Daily News
Larry Bird said the Pacers have fielded calls about Jermaine O'Neal's availability but haven't initiated discussions about their All-Star forward, who is scheduled to make $64 million over the next three seasons. O'Neal may opt out of his contract after the 2007-08 season.
Bird said he talked to Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale, a former teammate in Boston, but not to the other teams. Teams will likely continue to call about O'Neal.
"He's an awfully good player, and any time you have a player of his caliber you have to be careful," Bird said. "If you do trade, you have to make sure you get something back." -- Indianapolis Star
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Monta Ellis
Warriors Hawks? Ellis Almost Traded
Jun 27 - The Warriors seriously considered giving up second-year guard Monta Ellis in order to move up in Thursday's NBA draft, the Contra Costa Times has learned. But the Warriors never pulled the trigger.
According to a league source, the Warriors had a deal on the table that would send Ellis to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the No. 11 overall pick. The move-up in the draft presumably would have been a first step toward getting one of the most promising players in the draft, Chinese forward Yi Jianlian. -- Contra Costa Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Boston Rumors Deals Just Talk
Jun 27 - The Celts have nothing working for Shawn Marion, and if Phoenix gets into the top 10 in the draft, it won't be through Boston. And the C's have had no part of any four-team trade discussions.
According to involved sources, the C's were asked about their interest in Jermaine O'Neal, but that conversation ended when the words "Al" and "Jefferson" were spoken by the Pacers. That means anything heard about Jefferson and the fifth overall pick going out and O'Neal coming back is preposterous.
The Celts would have some interest in O'Neal at a different price, but they are not going to alter their main core significantly to get him. -- Boston Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Dallas Kevin Garnett Price Too Great
Jun 27 - The Mavericks, like 29 other teams, have explored options on whether Kevin Garnett is obtainable from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Like most of their competitors, the Mavericks have decided the price is too great, according to NBA sources.
The Mavericks are not interested in dismantling their team, which is what it would take to pair Garnett with Dirk Nowitzki. -- Dallas Morning News
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Lamar Odom
Lakers Timberwolves? Contract Is Too Much For Wolves
Jun 27 - The buzz in the Lakers organization after owner Jerry Buss spoke with Glen Taylor a few days ago was replaced by the fact that Kevin McHale's initial reaction to the trade proposal had carried over into Tuesday.
McHale, the Timberwolves' vice president of basketball operations, felt the Lakers don't possess a good enough pick in Thursday's draft (19th overall) or enough promising youth beyond Andrew Bynum to part with Kevin Garnett.
Furthermore, The Times has learned that the Timberwolves are not overly enamored with Odom's contract, which has two more years worth $27.4 million with no opt-out. -- Los Angeles Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix NBA Draft Trying To Move Up
Jun 27 - The Suns still have multiple lures in the pond, including talks with Charlotte for its No. 8 pick or Atlanta for the No. 3 or 11 picks.
However, some insiders now say there is little chance they could land one of the likely lottery picks who worked out for them in Phoenix on Tuesday (Florida's Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah and Georgetown's Jeff Green) or the two coming today (North Carolina's Brandan Wright and Florida State's Al Thornton).
"There is enough of a possibility (to trade up) that we brought the kids in, and they felt good enough to come," Steve Kerr said. "There's a chance, but I can't give you a percentage. I have no idea ... It's going to come with a price, so you have to evaluate that and whether it means giving up something in the future." -- Arizona Republic
NBA sources said while the Suns were still talking to Charlotte (eighth overall) and at least one other team about their picks, as few as one team in the top 10 may ultimately end up trading out, severely limiting Phoenix's chances.
Even that deal, however, could be contingent on Phoenix's trading partner not getting the lottery player they have targeted.
Sources confirm one possible deal on the table would ship the 24th overall pick and Kurt Thomas to the Bobcats -- who are under the salary cap and therefore could absorb the $8.1 million player option Thomas will exercise Sunday -- for future considerations. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Luke Ridnour
SuperSonics Hawks? Ridnour For No. 11?
Jun 27 - The Sonics are eager to begin the restructuring of their roster and have offered the Atlanta Hawks point guard Luke Ridnour for the No. 11 pick in Thursday's NBA draft, and the trade could be consummated Wednesday, according to three NBA sources. -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
There is still a lot of talk about the Hawks' trading No. 11 if Mike Conley isn't on the board. While we've heard Jarrett Jack in the past, it appears the Hawks have their eye on Seattle's Luke Ridnour. -- Chad Ford Blog
Atlanta reportedly sought Ridnour's services over the All-Star break. Ridnour's agent, Lon Babby, is close with one of the Hawks' owners and might have tried to facilitate a trade. -- Tacoma News Tribune
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jose Calderon
Raptors Hawks? Rumors Are False
Jun 27 - Despite reports to the contrary -- and this is, after all, the silly season -- Bryan Colangelo, the Raptors president and general manager, has no interest in trading Jose Calderon and is not shopping the nifty point guard.
"All the rumours are false," Colangelo said. "I can tell you that the story that I'm shopping Calderon all over the place (reported in New York) is absolute nonsense.
"I can tell you this: I'm getting calls from about half the teams in the league asking about him. Nothing has got even remotely close to making a deal. -- Toronto Sun
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chris Kaman
Clippers 2003 NBA Draft Riley Wanted Kaman
Jun 27 - Although not often discussed, Pat Riley actually had to be talked out of taking Central Michigan center Chris Kaman at No. 5 in 2003. His personnel staff instead pushed for the younger, less experienced Dwyane Wade.
Similar subtle massaging could be necessary again Thursday, when older, more polished players fall to the end of the first round.
"I hope that we always look and come to the conclusion we take the guy who is going to be the best player," Randy Pfund said. "I don't think you say the best player after one year, the best player after two years, the best player after five years. We take the best player." -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Kevin Durant NCAA March Madness 08 EA Sports Chooses Durant
Jun 27 - Video-game maker EA Sports chose Texas forward Kevin Durant to be on the cover of NCAA March Madness 08. The 18-year-old forward is the second-youngest athlete and fourth teenager on an EA Sports cover.
Durant has also filmed a commercial spot for NBA Live 08 with Washington guard Gilbert Arenas. -- Seattle Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Sacramento NBA Draft Active Talkers
Jun 27 - The Kings are said to have been among the most active in trade talks recently, with Mike Bibby and Ron Artest available should the right deal come along for basketball president Geoff Petrie.
Petrie also appears to be very interested in acquiring another pick in the first or second round, judging by the fact that the Kings have worked out at least a few prospects who have little or no chance of being selected in the top 10. -- Sacramento Bee
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Miami NBA Draft Options on The Board
Jun 27 - The Heat holds the 20th selection in a draft general manager Randy Pfund said has about 17 players who could make an immediate impact on a veteran roster anchored by Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal.
As a result, Pfund said the Heat would enter the draft with a concrete plan, but also with a number of options that include trading the pick.
"I don't know if I can put a percentage on it," Pfund said Tuesday. "But I'll say that we have options on our board that if we didn't think the player could be a contributor in the next couple of years, there's a thought that maybe we'd try to do something that gives us a chip during free agency or during the season to trade." -- Miami Herald
Pfund also said acquiring a first-round pick that isn't a rotation player wouldn't make much sense. And the Heat has a win-now mind-set, which means acquiring veteran players through free agency or trades might be a more attractive off-season approach.
Along those lines there's Charlotte point guard Brevin Knight, Charlotte forward Gerald Wallace, Milwaukee forward Ruben Patterson, Denver point guard Steve Blake and Memphis point guard Chucky Atkins. -- Palm Beach Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Milwaukee Euro Point Guard Signing Unlikely
Jun 27 - What happens if the Bucks can't re-sign Mo Williams or draft Mike Conley or sign Detroit Pistons free-agent Chauncey Billups?
Some Bucks insiders claim the team would join several other teams in the pursuit of Theodore Papaloukas, a native of Greece who plays for CSKA Moscow.
But Herb Rudoy, Papaloukas' agent, told me that while he and the Bucks had "discussions" about Papaloukas, it's not likely the veteran would sign with them. -- Racine Journal Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Indiana NBA Draft 50-50 Chance
Jun 27 - Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird said Tuesday there is a "50-50" chance the team will have a selection in Thursday's NBA draft in New York.
"Will we try to get in the draft?" Bird said. "We probably will. We've had a lot of discussion about it. A lot of calls, but we like our core of young players, and so does everybody in the league. They're trying to get them for draft picks, and we don't know if we want to go that route." -- Indianapolis Star
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chris Webber
Pistons Free Agency Options Are Open
Jun 27 - Chris Webber becomes an unrestricted free agent Sunday, and he said he doesn't have any idea what he'll decide this summer.
"All options are open," Webber said. "But definitely, this is it. There's an opportunity here that I shouldn't have even really had. I'm still happy just to be in this situation."
Webber has said he'll consider retirement. He's 34 and without a championship to his name. He said he has spent the time since the Pistons were eliminated from the Eastern Conference finals "resting, mostly." -- Detroit Free Press
Webber is planning to sit down with GM Joe Dumars soon, and from the sound of it, he seems open to playing for at least another season.
Dumars, in his postseason address, left the ball in Webber's court, saying, "We have to evaluate everything and Chris has a say in it, too. I don't know what he wants to do." -- Detroit News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Cleveland Free Agency Valuable, But Not That Valuable
Jun 27 - If Anderson Varejao gets a five-year deal starting with the mid-level exception, the Cavs would likely match it. However, if the 6-foot-10, 240-pounder gets a lucrative deal worth $7 million or $8 million a year, they might balk. At that point, the Cavs might entertain a sign-and-trade offer.
Also, the market for Sasha Pavlovic might not be as robust as some would think. If he gets $3 million or $4 million a season, some think that might be in line for his talent level. -- Willoughby News-Herald
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Beno Udrih
Spurs Cavaliers? Udrih Interests Cavs
Jun 27 - The Cavs could trade a future first-round pick to San Antonio for the Spurs' first-round pick (No. 28 overall). The Spurs have a history of trading out of the first round if they don't like what's there.
The Cavs have also shown some interest in third-string point guard Beno Udrih, who makes about $1.8 million. The Cavs possess a $2.1 million trade exception from the Luke Jackson deal with Boston. -- Willoughby News-Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Toronto Luxury Tax Limited Flexibility
Jun 27 - Realistically, Bryan Colangelo may be looking with interest at one of Matt Barnes of Golden State, James Posey of Miami, Luke Walton of the Lakers, Mickael Pietrus of Golden State and Sasha Pavlovic of Cleveland.
"If we carry out everything we want to do, we're dangerously close to being a luxury tax team," Colangelo said. "No matter what, our salaries are going to be up about $18 million from last year to $65 million. We don't have a lot of flexibility in what we can do until we get Alvin Williams' salary off our books." -- Toronto Sun
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Tiago Splitter NBA Draft First Round Desired
Jun 27 - Brazil international Tiago Splitter has revealed he will only consider a move to the NBA if he is selected in the first round of Thursday's draft.
"If I was to be chosen in the second round then I would have to negotiate and consider my options.
"Perhaps it's not convenient for me to be selected in the second round as maybe then I would have to go to a team where I wouldn't have any playing time.
"If that is the case, I would prefer to remain in Vitoria and complete my contract with Tau." -- FIBA.com
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston 2006 NBA Draft Rockets Look At Israeli Forward
Jun 27 - Lior Eliyahu, whom the Rockets picked up with the Orlando Magic's second-round pick last season, arrived in Houston on Tuesday and will begin working out with Rockets coaches today in preparation for next month's summer league in Las Vegas.
Though the Rockets got the rights to Eliyahu, expecting him to need at least two more seasons in Europe, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said Tuesday that Eliyahu's performance in workouts and summer league could determine if Eliyahu, a 6-9, 225-pound forward, earns a spot on next season's roster. -- Houston Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Orien Greene
Pacers Team Option No Decion Yet
Jun 27 - Larry Bird said the team has not yet decided whether to pick up the option on reserve guard Orien Greene. The deadline is June 30.
"It's probably a decision we'll make on the 29th," he said. "We feel like we need four point guards. He really didn't get a chance to play much last year. After the first exhibition he broke his finger and was out for an extended period of time. He's very talented. He's got great size and I think he could be a great fit here. It's just what direction we're going to go after looking at all these other players." -- Pacers.com
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Wilson Chandler NBA Draft Mystery Player
Jun 27 - If you're looking for a sleeper pick in tomorrow's NBA draft, look no further than Wilson Chandler. He's been the mystery prospect from the day he submitted his name to enter the draft after his sophomore season at DePaul.
"Positive or negative, he's a kid that there's been a lot of chitter-chatter about," Chandler's agent, Christopher Luchey, said yesterday. "He's such an unknown."
The 6-8, 230-pound swingman, who played mostly down low in college, has worked out only for a small number of teams before canceling the rest of his schedule because of an ankle injury. Despite reports to the contrary, Luchey says the Knicks are not one of the teams he worked out for. -- Newsday
Chris Luchey, Chandler's agent, told The Post he expects Chandler to be selected by a gambling team armed with two first-round picks, such as Phoenix (Nos. 24 and 29). Isiah Thomas considers his selection his second pick because of Randolph Morris' pre-draft signing.
"He's not the popular choice," Luchey said of Chandler. "He doesn't come from a team with a tremendous record, with tremendous stats. This is a guy where teams have had to do their research."
Luchey said he was still working on the possibility of the Knicks working out Chandler tomorrow, the afternoon of the draft.-- New York Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Kings Right Knee Surgery Removes Loose Particles
Jun 27 - Kings forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim underwent surgery tuesday to remove loose particles from his right knee.
Abdur-Rahim's agent, Aaron Goodwin, said Abdur-Rahim will be out of action for at least "a few weeks." -- Sacramento Bee
Tuesday, June 26
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles Trade Talk More Aggressive
Jun 26 - In a meeting with local writers last week, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said the Lakers have been "more aggressive than we've ever been" in an attempt to upgrade the roster in recent weeks.
That aggressiveness led to talks with Indiana, for Jermaine O'Neal, and Denver, for Marcus Camby. Both potential trades seem to have fallen through, but Kupchak seems on the verge of his first big acquisition. -- Long Beach Press-Telegram
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jermaine O'Neal
Pacers Celtics?
Lakers? O'Neal, Celtics A Mismatch
Jun 26 - There are ongoing discussions concerning a four-team trade that could send Pacers forward/center Jermaine O'Neal to the Celtics, according to league sources. But those same sources said that it is extremely unlikely that O'Neal will ever play in a Boston uniform. Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge has never been a big fan of O'Neal's, and there remains the not-so-small matter of O'Neal being able to opt out of his contract after next season.
If the ill will between O'Neal and Boston did not present enough of a stumbling block, Minnesota vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale was prepared to add another. According to league sources, McHale doesn't want to do the deal unless Al Jefferson is included in the package sent to the Timberwolves. -- Boston Globe
It's no secret that the Pacers and all-star forward Jermaine O'Neal are trying to end their seven-year relationship. O'Neal has held back no punches in saying he doesn't want to be part of a rebuilding project.
Now it's a matter of finding a team that wants to acquire him and has enough to give back in return.
That's been easier said than done. As coach Jim O'Brien said last week "the odds are against the fact that Jermaine will be traded. It's just reality." -- Indianapolis Star
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kevin Garnett
Timberwolves Celtics
Bulls
Lakers
Suns McHale Doesn't Like Offer
Jun 26 - Minnesota owner Glen Taylor was expected to be in the Timberwolves' offices this morning before departing for a honeymoon in China. His appearance at team headquarters suggested a quick resolution on the Lakers' proposal, which includes forward Lamar Odom and center Andrew Bynum for Kevin Garnett.
However, sources said that Kevin McHale, the Timberwolves' vice president of basketball operations, wasn't keen on the Lakers' offer. -- Los Angeles Times
Sources continued to state that while the Celtics-Garnett matter shows signs of waning, neither side is willing to put it to bed.
"It is not dead," said one involved source. "I'd just leave it at that."
But, the source added, the Celts' offer with Al Jefferson and the No. 5 pick at its heart, is probably the best the Wolves can get. "That's why this thing is still going," he said. -- Boston Herald
Pacers CEO and President Donnie Walsh told the Pioneer Press that he wasn't aware of any discussions involving the Lakers, Pacers and Wolves in a three-team trade, before Boston re-entered the picture.
"I haven't heard of any of this," Walsh said. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
The Atlanta Hawks are also making a concerted pitch for Garnett. The Hawks, who are in desperate need a franchise-type player, are dangling their two lottery picks ? Nos. 3 and 11 ? and other considerations for Garnett. -- Racine Journal Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix NBA Draft Suns Watch YI
Jun 26 - A Suns front office contingent of Steve Kerr, David Griffin and Vinny Del Negro traveled to Los Angeles on Monday to watch 7-foot Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian work out, further fueling the notion that Phoenix is in line to trade into the top 10 of the NBA draft.
The Suns have two workouts slated Tuesday, including a closed, multiple-team workout out for Florida's Corey Brewer, a defensive small forward; Joakim Noah, an active power forward; and versatile Georgetown small forward Jeff Green. All three are pegged as top-10 picks, but Green has refused to work out for Charlotte, which picks eighth. -- Arizona Republic
Sources confirm there are two possible trade scenarios on the table:
One involves just draft picks, with Phoenix dealing its 24th overall pick in Thursday's draft along with Atlanta's first-round pick in 2008 for a chance to move up.
The other involves one or more picks and a player -- indications point to James Jones or Kurt Thomas -- for a spot among Thursday's lottery picks. -- East Valley Tribune
other Suns' news ...
A sort of going-away luncheon is set for the Suns today. Only it's a little like saying goodbye to the franchise itself. The Suns are honoring Jerry Colangelo, who is set to close out his ownership group's $401 million sale to a group headed by Robert Sarver when Sarver posts the final payment on Friday.
And that will make Sarver the sole operator of the team.
Colangelo and his longtime assistant Ruth Dryjanski -- the team's first two employees when the franchise was born in 1968 -- will be moving out of the Suns' offices. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Boston NBA Draft C's Check Out Prospects
Jun 26 - Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers boarded a plane for Phoenix late yesterday to see Jeff Green, Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah work out together today.
The Suns are hosting the session and David Griffin, the club's senior vice president of basketball operations, said his team is getting close to a deal to move into the top 10 in Thursday's draft.
But, according to an involved source, one should read nothing more into the attendance of Ainge and Rivers than them wanting to see Green go against competition, as well as getting another look at Brewer and Noah. -- Boston Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Charlotte NBA Draft Green Declines To Work Out
Jun 26 - In yet another plot twist, the Charlotte Bobcats, who have the No. 8 selection, were told that Jeff Green would not be working out for them.
That led to speculation that Green has a deal in place with a team picking ahead of Charlotte; why else would agent David Falk steer Green away from his longtime bud, Michael Jordan? But Green is due to work out today for Phoenix, which, at last check, did not have a pick ahead of Charlotte. -- Boston Globe
New Charlotte Bobcats coach Sam Vincent would very much like to have every player his team is considering for the upcoming NBA draft to visit his city for an individual workout.
But failing to show will not deter the franchise from choosing such a player in the draft.
"I don't think it would affect our decision (if a player doesn't come in)," Vincent said Monday.
When asked if some of the cancellations could be due to players cutting pre-draft deals with various teams, Vincent was brutally honest.
"It could be," the new Bobcats coach said. -- Gaston Gazette
It sure sounds like Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah or Al Thornton could be a Charlotte Bobcat come Thursday night.
New Bobcats coach Sam Vincent believes the team's biggest need is another athletic frontcourt player who can score. That describes Brewer, Noah and Thornton, and at least two of those three figure to be available when the Bobcats choose eighth in Thursday night's NBA draft. -- Charlotte Observer
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Pau Gasol
Grizzlies NBA Draft Trade Bait?
Jun 26 - You have to take Chris Wallace and head coach Marc Iavaroni at their word. They both agree that the team should continue to build around Pau Gasol. Wallace called Gasol a top 20-30 NBA player, one that is "hard to obtain."
So far, it looks like the Griz are committed to keeping Gasol. They have not talked to Atlanta about Gasol in any trade scenarios, and that discounts any notion that the Spaniard would be moved for the third pick.
Memphis and Atlanta have yet to discuss swapping picks even though the Griz fear that Al Horford will go at No. 3. -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Tony Parker
Spurs Late Show With David Letterman Parker Loves Pop
Jun 26 - With his wedding to movie star Eva Longoria quickly approaching and his MVP win still fresh, the Spurs' Tony Parker took time from his schedule to make an appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" Monday night.
Letterman then asked Parker how he got along with coach Gregg Popovich.
"I love my coach," Parker said with a laugh. "No, I have to be honest, there were some growing pains. I arrived in San Antonio, I was 19 years old so I was very young, and it was tough at the beginning because he's like the military ... you know, he's from the (Air Force) and so he's always in search of perfection. And, so it was tough for me because he was always on me. But at the end of the day, he was trying to make me better and so I appreciate that. But it was tough." -- San Antonio Express-News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Marcus Camby
Nuggets Trade Rumors Camby Wants To Remain A Nugget
Jun 26 - Marcus Camby's agent, Rick Kaplan, said he has heard all the wild trade rumors surrounding his client that have included Indiana, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington and the Los Angeles Lakers. Kaplan, however, doesn't believe Camby will get dealt and said his client wants to remain a Nugget.
"It would really surprise me if Marcus was traded. From everything the team is saying publicly, that's not a likely option," Kaplan said.
"He really doesn't want to be traded." -- Denver Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles NBA Draft Clips Unlikely To Move Up
Jun 26 - As for the Clippers trying to move up in the draft to land Mike Conley or Acie Law, that looks unlikely.
"That probably will be very difficult to do," Elgin Baylor said. "I don't think there's any possibility of moving up, because in order to do that, you're going to have to give up a good player, a player you don't want to move."
In other news, Guillermo Diaz, a second-round pick from last season, will be on the Clippers' summer league team and has a shot at making the roster.
Sofoklis Schortsanitis, a second-round pick in 2003 who turned 22 on Friday, still is under contract with his Greek team and is not expected to be with the Clippers' summer league team until next year. -- The Daily Breeze
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Atlanta NBA Draft Getting A Point
Jun 26 - After years of passing (now infamously) on the likes of Deron Williams, Chris Paul and Marcus Williams, the Hawks have to address one of their biggest needs. They will do so when they have the greatest leverage ?- two top-11 picks in Thursday's NBA draft ?- general manager Billy Knight and coach Mike Woodson both said Monday.
"We have to do something to address the point guard situation, without a doubt," Woodson said.
They're also exploring a number of trade scenarios that both Woodson and Knight declined to comment on specifically.
But the idea of adding a veteran, like Seattle's Luke Ridnour, remains a real possibility. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let's put it this way, neither Al Horford nor Conley did anything to move down in the Hawks' eyes. But they'll be evaluated on their entire body of work and not just what they did during a 60-minute workout; Horford's was in the morning and Conley's in the afternoon.
Of all the players the Hawks have had in for workouts, the player that seems to have made the biggest impression was Joakim Noah. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Philadelphia 76ers GM Billy King, who has three first-round picks Thursday, has publicly shot down speculation that he's considering trading point guard Andre Miller and the 12th pick to Atlanta for the third selection. The Hawks, perennially inept on draft day, also are said to be considering a deal for Portland's Zach Randolph. -- Newsday
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Seattle NBA Draft Fielding Offers
Jun 26 - With an abundance of point guards, centers and two high second-round picks, the Sonics are believed to be fielding trade offers to acquire another lottery pick in Thursday's draft.
Seattle will not deal the second overall choice, but the team has plenty of negotiating pieces in guards Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson, centers Robert Swift, Johan Petro and Mouhamed Sene and the Nos. 31 and 35 picks. -- Seattle Times
other Sonics' news ...
Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin has interviewed for the vacant head coaching job with the Seattle SuperSonics.
"It was a good interview," Corbin said Monday. "We had a good talk. ... It was a good experience for me." -- Salt Lake Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Fabricio Oberto
Spurs Player Option Oberto Opts For Free Agency
Jun 26 - After a strong playoff run in which he was the team's most accurate shooter and its No. 3 rebounder, Fabricio Oberto informed the Spurs on Monday he has decided to opt out of the final year of the three-year contract he signed before the 2005-06 season.
Herb Rudoy is confident head coach and executive vice president of basketball operations Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford feel just as strongly about keeping Oberto.
"He has no intention of going anywhere else," said the Chicago-based agent, who also represents Oberto's Argentine teammate, Manu Ginobili. "That's why he did it. The whole purpose of this is to get a new contract. They recognize his contribution. R.C. and Pop are smart guys and they know he fits like a glove with the whole system and the way he plays." -- San Antonio Express-News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Eduardo Najera
Nuggets Player Option Najera Staying With Nuggets
Jun 26 - Eduardo Najera said Monday that he has decided not to opt out of the final year of his contract that pays $4.95 million next season. Mexico's lone NBA player said the deadline for his decision is Saturday and that his decision came after talking with his wife, Amy.
"I have a few more days, but I don't plan on opting out," Najera said in a phone interview. "Right now, I haven't changed my mind. I felt like opting out sometimes. Sometimes I say, 'Forget it.' But I talked to my wife and we decided not to opt out." -- Denver Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Devean George
Mavericks Player Option Mavs Wait On George
Jun 26 - Devean George's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Monday he will meet with his client in the coming days to figure out whether George will exercise his option for a second season with the Mavericks at $2.16 million. The other option is to terminate the deal and become an unrestricted free agent.
"Devean loved it in Dallas and he loved playing for Avery Johnson," Bartelstein said. "But as we all know, this is a business."
The Mavericks will wait for the decision. Early on, it was believed George wanted to come back to the Mavericks. But the lure of free agency is tough to pass up. -- Dallas Morning News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Memphis NBA Draft Will Griz Get Another Pick?
Jun 26 - With only the No. 4 pick, will the Griz acquire another selection before the draft is complete?
Bet on it. That's been the team's history since Jerry West became team president. As West takes his final waltz around the draft room, expect him to try to aid recently hired GM Chris Wallace by suggesting ways to maximize the day.
Last year's second rounder has been mentioned as trade bait, but the Griz also figure they can move Stromile Swift to acquire another draft pick. -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chicago NBA Draft Debate Continue's
Jun 26 - As for the No. 9 pick, the Bulls have scheduled a second interview with Washington center Spencer Hawes, who will stop at the Berto Center today, then continue on to New York for the draft as one of the NBA's invited top prospects.
GM John Paxson said he and his staff still are considering "four or five" prospects they have scouted and have about 50 mock-draft scenarios in place upon which to base their first-round pick. Florida power forward Joakim Noah and Chinese 7-footer Yi Jianlian also are believed to be among the final group as the Bulls' biggest need is inside scoring.
"We're still having a debate about it, and that's what's kind of fun about the whole process," Paxson said. -- Chicago Sun-Times
Despite league sources insisting the Bulls would trade the No. 9 pick to acquire a veteran big man. Said Paxson: "Any talks I've had with anyone about the pick haven't gone anywhere and were on the surface level."
He also sounded like a general manager who'd be perfectly content drafting the proverbial "best player available" so as to stockpile another asset, perhaps delaying the Bulls' biggest need of acquiring a scoring big man either through free agency or a summer trade. -- Chicago Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Cleveland NBA Draft Pick An Option
Jun 26 - Cavs GM Danny Ferry is mum on what the Cavs are doing, but sources within the Eastern Conference said Monday the team is trying to get into the draft. The Cavs can do that via trade or by buying their way in, and the most they can spend on a draft pick is $3 million. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
As for buying a pick, I am sure the Cavs will have the green light to try from Dan Gilbert. I think the two targets in the first round will be the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns, both of whom have multiple picks. But if that happens, don't expect it until the last minute on draft night. Both will want to hold onto it for as long as possible to keep options open. -- Akron Beacon-Journal
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Detroit NBA Draft Immediate Help Only
Jun 26 - With the 15th pick Thursday, Joe Dumars is looking to get a player who can step in and contribute -- next season.
"Like Joe has said over and over, we need to add youth and energy to our team," said John Hammond, vice president of basketball. "It can be at any position, on the perimeter or in the frontcourt. We are looking to get a player that will be capable of getting on the floor immediately. We are not looking at a project-type player with the 15th pick."
Though no player has been asked to return for a second look, three players have stood out as prime candidates for the 15th spot. They are Rodney Stuckey, Nick Young, Thaddeus Young. -- Detroit News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Rashard Lewis
SuperSonics Free Agency Prime Target
Jun 26 - The Orlando Magic are expected to contact Seattle SuperSonics small forward Rashard Lewis and make a contract offer to power forward Darko Milicic on Sunday when the NBA free-agent market officially opens for business.
According to those close to the situation, the 6-foot-10 Lewis is the Magic's prime target.
For Orlando, Milicic and Lewis are intertwined in their master plan this summer. -- Orlando Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Greg Buckner
Mavericks Trade Speculation Hot Name
Jun 26 - In advance of the draft, trade speculation is heating up and one of the names mentioned frequently is Greg Buckner. Mark Cuban and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson each acknowledged that numerous teams have inquired about Greg Buckner.
It's possible the Mavericks may be considering packaging Buckner with one or more of their second rounders to move up in the draft. -- Dallas Morning News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
New Orleans NBA Draft A Great Fit?
Jun 26 - The Hornets held their final two draft workouts Monday, bringing in eight players, including Southern California's Nick Young, who could be a great fit.
The Hornets are hoping to draft a player who can play shooting guard and small forward, and Young can do just that. He has the frame and length to become a good defender, but he is not there just yet. His workout started sluggish, because the night before he had to take a late flight and didn't sleep much.
But Hornets Coach Byron Scott said the workout picked up, and Scott enjoyed chatting with the fellow Los Angeles native. -- New Orleans Times-Picayune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
LeBron James
Cavaliers Co-Host Not Fazed By ESPYs
Jun 26 - Cavaliers forward LeBron James has spent much of his adult life playing on a big stage in front of a huge audience.
That's why his appearance as one of the co-hosts of the 2007 ESPYs probably won't faze him.
"The thought of stepping out on stage and telling jokes in front of all these sports legends (at 22 years old) is unfathomable to me," ESPYs co-host Jimmy Kimmel said during a teleconference yesterday. "I can only imagine myself at 22. I'm sure he can do about anything." -- Lorain Morning Journal
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Miami Free Agency Low-Cost Shooter Wanted
Jun 26 - Already, teams are lining up for Jason Kapono and his outside shooting, with Toronto and Denver likely suitors. Yet while shooters certainly aren't a dime a dozen, playing with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal tends to lift most players' percentages.
So if the bidding even gets in the $3 million range, it would mean spending $6 million next season on Kapono, because of the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax. And that's simply too much.
Instead, figure on a move to a lower-cost shooter, with the July 1 free-agent list to include the likes of Austin Croshere, Jarvis Hayes, Eddie House and Matt Carroll. Granted, not all are small forwards, but they would deliver shooting, cost-effective shooting. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Milwaukee NBA Draft Willing To Move Pick
Jun 26 - Based on conversations with several officials, in and out of the Bucks' organization, the Bucks are quite receptive to moving their top pick. And that could happen if neither of their primary targets is still on the board when they select.
According to several people in the know, the Bucks have their sights set on Florida power forward Al Horford and Ohio State point guard Michael Conley II.
If Conley and Horford are both off the board when it's the Bucks turn to pick, Larry Harris and Co. may seriously consider their many trade possibilities. That's because, while the Bucks have an affinity for Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian and Georgetown small forward Jeff Green, a degree of uncertainty surrounds both of them. -- Racine Journal Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Darko Milicic
Magic Free Agency 'Amicable' Deal
Jun 26 - Magic GM Otis Smith said Monday that he hopes an "amicable" deal can be reached with Darko Milicic, a sentiment seconded by Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein. Orlando can match any offer for Milicic, a restricted free agent.
"This is a situation, on paper, where Darko should be re-signed by Orlando," Cornstein said. "We'll see on Sunday where we're at."
A deal in principle could be worked out, although Cornstein likely will see what the market will bear. But only a handful of teams have enough cap room to sign Milicic. -- Orlando Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston NBA Draft Rockets, Williams Meet Today
Jun 26 - Sean Williams, the shot-blocking, strong finishing power forward out of Boston College, is going to meet with the Rockets today. He will also meet with Charlotte and maybe Philadelphia this week, though both would seem to have rosters already crowded at Williams' position.
Williams of course has had problems at BC, including a marijuana habit, and got tossed off the team this season. But he seems to be dealing with it. He seems worth the chance. -- Houston Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Philadelphia NBA Draft Due Diligence
Jun 26 - The 76ers, doing their due diligence, dispatched assistant coach Moses Malone to Houston yesterday to observe a workout for 6-10 former Boston College forward Sean Williams.
President/general manager Billy King confirmed they were awaiting word from Williams' agent on whether Williams would come to Philadelphia tomorrow.
The New Jersey Nets and the Golden State Warriors were also on hand. -- Philadelphia Daily News
King said the 76ers are "aggressively trying to get higher up." They have ranked the players they believe will go in the first round. King said he expects other teams to take at least two players he doesn't have in the Sixers' top 12.
He wouldn't say how far he is looking to move up.
"We have some things we have on the table that people are looking at," King said. "It will just take them saying, 'Yes.'" -- Wilmington News-Journal
One popular, draft darkhorse darling making the rumor-mill rounds is Eastern Washington guard Rodney Stuckey. But Stuckey declined to work out for the Sixers, making it unlikely the team will select him. -- Cherry Hill Courier-Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
New Jersey NBA Draft A Great Fit
Jun 26 - Since impressing the Nets in a predraft workout a couple of weeks ago, Glen 'Big Baby' Davis has blogged about how well he thinks he'd mesh with the team, especially its big three of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. He repeated those feelings yesterday.
"I think New Jersey would be a great fit," said Davis, the robust forward from LSU.
While Davis is just one of many big men the Nets are considering drafting, the team's fans have already made their choice, picking Davis as the player they'd like to see the Nets take in a recent poll on the team's Web site. -- New York Daily News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Orlando Assistant Coach Ewing May Return
Jun 26 - Future Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing, who finished a 17-year NBA playing career in Orlando, could be returning to the Magic next season as an assistant coach under Stan Van Gundy.
Ewing is strongly considering an offer from Van Gundy to rejoin the Magic and help coach 21-year-old center Dwight Howard. -- Orlando Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Sarunas Jasikevicius
Warriors Player Option Option Picked Up
Jun 26 - Warriors guard Sarunas Jasikevicius picked up his $4 million option for next season, as expected, but it remains unlikely that Golden State will be the team issuing his paychecks.
"Sarunas has all the respect in the world for Nellie, but he wants to play," agent Doug Neustadt said. "If he's not a part of that rotation, then Golden State will probably make a move. But obviously, they've got to get something back that they want. At least that's what they told me." -- San Francisco Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
DeShawn Stevenson
Wizards Player Option Stevenson Opts Out
Jun 26 - Mark Bartelstein, the agent who represents Wizards shooting guard DeShawn Stevenson, confirmed yesterday that Stevenson will opt out of the final year of his contract at the end of the month.
Stevenson was scheduled to earn just more than $1 million in the second year of the two-year contract he signed with the team last summer. -- Washington Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Sasha Pavlovic
Cavaliers National Teams A Wanted Man
Jun 26 - The national teams of Serbia and Montenegro are in a tug-of-war for the services of Cleveland Cavalier Sasha Pavlovic.
Serbia named the player in their preliminary squad for EuroBasket 2007 earlier this month but this week, Montenegro also included Pavlovic on a list they had to submit to basketball's world governing body FIBA by July 7.
"Pavlovic is on the list, but we know that putting his name on our list isn't enough for him to be a member of Montenegrin national team," said the general secretary of the Basketball Association of Montenegro (KSCG), Petar Popovic. -- SportsTicker
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Golden State 2006 Draft Pick On The Move
Jun 26 - Kosta Perovic, last year's second-round pick, appears headed for a new home, regardless of his status with the Warriors.
Agent Bill Duffy confirmed reports from overseas that several European clubs, including Spain's Unicaja Malaga and CSKA Moscow, are interested in signing Perovic.
"It's very unlikely that he'll go back to Partizan," Duffy said of Perovic's current Serbian club. -- San Francisco Chronicle
Monday, June 25
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kevin Garnett
Timberwolves Celtics?
Bulls?
Lakers?
Suns? Mega-Deal In The Works?
Jun 25 - The owners of the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have begun talks for a trade that would involve sending Kevin Garnett to the Lakers, league sources said Monday.
A multi-team trade discussion is underway involving the Lakers, Indiana, Minnesota and possibly a fourth team, with the Lakers getting Garnett and the Pacers getting Lamar Odom and teenage center Andrew Bynum from the Lakers. Another minor player will likely be added to make the deal work financially. -- Los Angeles Times
Despite reports to the contrary, sources confirmed last night there is still life to a Celtics deal for Kevin Garnett. It was also stated strongly that the club would never make such a move before it had an agreement with the Timberwolves star on a contract extension.
The word last night is that the sides are letting the dust settle before revisiting the proposal this week. It remains uncertain whether all the requirements for a transaction -- agreement on the principles, Garnett's acceptance of an extension - can be arranged, but the topic is still on the table for the two clubs. -- Boston Herald
People who know say the Timberwolves have received trade inquiries for Kevin Garnett from more teams than just the oft-reported Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics. And regardless of whether Garnett is traded by NBA draft time on Thursday, the Wolves are planning on making at least one other deal.
Word is a Wolves-Suns deal that would feature Garnett for Amare Stoudemire has stalled but is still in the works. Initially, the Wolves wanted Stoudemire, 24, for Garnett, 31, but the Suns were offering Shawn Marion, 29.
The Wolves don't want Marion, so the Suns tried to peddle him to Boston through Minnesota VP Kevin McHale's old pal, Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, in a convoluted three-team deal that would result in the Wolves getting Paul Pierce and Boston's No. 5 pick in the draft, among other considerations. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Timberwolves GM Kevin McHale is said to be interested in only a limited number of prospects in this draft. Minnesota has the No. 7 pick and McHale supposedly wants a higher pick, which hurts the Bulls at No. 9. That's why there is serious talk of a deal with the Celtics, who have No. 5. Some insist that deal isn't dead yet, and talk of another trade continues to have legs.
All the particulars aren't established, but the basics are the Suns get Garnett, the Celtics get Shawn Marion and the Timberwolves get the No. 5 pick, the Hawks' unprotected first-round pick for next season, which the Suns hold, the Suns' two firsts this year (No. 24 and 29) and the expiring contracts of Kurt Thomas and Theo Ratliff. -- Chicago Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix NBA Draft Suns Seek Top 10 Pick
Jun 25 - The Suns are closing in on a trade that would put them in the top 10 of Thursday's draft, according to David Griffin, Phoenix's senior vice president of basketball operations.
There are ongoing talks with a few teams in the top 10 but one dialogue is "much hotter," Griffin said. -- Arizona Republic
The Suns will host a multi-team workout Tuesday morning featuring four probable lottery players: shooting guard Corey Brewer and power forward Joakim Noah from Florida, Georgetown forward Jeff Green and North Carolina power forward Brandan Wright.
Those players -- Brewer and Wright, in particular -- have the Suns trying to obtain a pick from Boston (fifth overall) and Chicago (ninth) in exchange for current players (Shawn Marion?) and draft picks (Phoenix picks 24th and 29th Thursday and has two first-round picks next year, Atlanta's and its own).
If the Suns can't get into the lottery: They have a second workout planned Tuesday featuring players they like late in the first round: Petteri Koponen, UCLA guard Arron Afflalo, Oregon guard Aaron Brooks and Wisconsin forward Alando Tucker. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
San Antonio Player Option No Word From Finley
Jun 25 - Michael Finley has yet to inform the Spurs whether he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent. He has until Saturday to decide.
Barring a last-minute change, the Spurs plan to fully guarantee next season's contracts for Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry. The players have to be waived by the end of this week to avoid the guarantee.-- San Antonio Express-News
other news ...
Ian Mahinmi, the Spurs' 2005 first-round draft pick, will not be able to play in summer league after tearing a muscle in his chest during the team's minicamp.
Mahinmi tore his right pectoralis minor, a muscle that helps stabilize the scapula, when he went up for a dunk. He also strained the latissimus dorsi muscle. -- San Antonio Express-News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Sean Williams NBA Draft $64,000 Question
Jun 25 - "I definitely let my coaches down, my teammates down, and the fans down," Sean Williams says after the workout. "I thank Boston College for supporting me. They had my back the entire time. This is a new opportunity. I made some bad decisions. I've learned from those mistakes and become a better person from them."
The $64,000 question among NBA overseers is, well, has he really learned? He didn't make just one bad decision. He made a series of them. He was suspended twice before coach Al Skinner booted him off the team for good Jan. 17, a day after he had scored 10 points, collected six rebounds, and blocked three shots in only 23 minutes of an 82-63 win over Miami. That will cost him both in reputation and dollars, for, as Williams acknowledges, "I knew I would drop [in the draft] after I got kicked off the team." -- Boston Globe
Members of the Nets hierarchy, including team president Rod Thorn and general manager Ed Stefanski, will watch red-flagged Boston College shot-blocker deluxe Sean Williams work out in Houston this week. The Nets had seen a previous Williams workout and were impressed enough that the brass wanted a close-up audition of the player who was kicked off his Boston College team for repeated violations of team rules, including an arrest for marijuana possession. -- New York Post
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Ron Artest
Kings Timberwolves? Dealing For Artest?
Jun 25 - According to a league source, Minnesota may try to swing a deal for Ron Artest if it keeps Kevin Garnett. -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Atlanta NBA Draft Standing Pat With No. 3 And No. 11?
Jun 25 - There's a 50-50 chance the Hawks stick to their rebuilding plan and make those picks and go into fall camp with two new rookies and a healthier cast of veterans.
What looks like a golden opportunity to most, a fertile trade market for a team with glaring needs at center and point guard, might not be as gorgeous as it appears. The gamble the Hawks would take on a veteran with a large contract (like oft-injured Denver center Marcus Camby) is just as risky as betting on a rookie power forward (like Florida's Al Horford) being able to log quality minutes at center and navigating the transition quickly enough to make an immediate impact. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Marco Belinelli NBA Draft Race For Belinelli?
Jun 25 - Italian basketball star Marco Belinelli is keeping his options open ahead of the NBA draft, but his handlers believe the Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit Pistons are the best placed franchises to sign him up.
His brothers Umberto and Enrico are acting as his advisers and Enrico told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he felt Detroit and the Clippers are the most interested outfits although he won't be able to control how the draft unfolds. -- FIBA.com
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Philadelphia NBA Draft Last Workouts?
Jun 25 - Florida State forward Al Thornton, who is considered a serious candidate by the 76ers if they don't trade their No. 12 pick in Thursday's NBA draft, will be in today for a predraft workout.
Billy King, the Sixers' president and general manager, had said that today probably would be the team's final day for predraft workouts, although it's possible that players could be brought in privately in the days leading up to the draft.
King had indicated he was hoping to work out Florida forward Joakim Noah privately, but a team official said yesterday that nothing had been scheduled. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
"I really don't think I'll be available then, but you never know," the 6-8 Florida State fifth-year senior said during the NBA's predraft camp in Orlando.
And if he were No. 12 in Thursday night's draft?
"I wouldn't mind if Philly is the place," he said at the time. "I wouldn't mind playing there. They need help, and I feel like I could step in right away and play." -- Philadelphia Daily News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Seattle Head Coach Vacancy Carlesimo Waiting
Jun 25 - The Spurs don't expect the Seattle SuperSonics to make a decision on whether to hire P.J. Carlesimo as their new coach until after Thursday's draft. Former Minnesota head coach and Seattle assistant Dwane Casey and Sacramento Kings assistant Scott Brooks reportedly are among the other candidates the Sonics are considering. -- San Antonio Express-News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chicago NBA Draft Bulls Need Height
Jun 25 - It seems very unlikely that centers Joakim Noah and Spencer Hawes would both still be on the board when the Bulls? turn comes around at No. 9. If either one is available, that player is the odds-on favorite to join the Bulls.
China's Yi Jianlian, a multi-skilled 7-footer, may never be a post player, but he?s intriguing enough to merit serious consideration. Colorado State's Jason Smith also remains in the discussion, most likely through trading down for a lower pick.
It's probably safe to scratch Kansas forward Julian Wright from the Bulls' list of draft possibilities. Multiple sources believe the Homewood-Flossmoor High School product has indicated he would prefer not to play in his hometown because of the potential distractions. -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
The Bulls are said to be shopping their No. 9 pick and Denver's Marcus Camby is a possibility, with the Nuggets likely to cut payroll by making Camby available. The deal would have to include P.J. Brown in a sign-and-trade for one guaranteed season. -- Chicago Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Toronto Audition Closer Look?
Jun 25 - One player Toronto might invite back for a closer look, based on his performance over the weekend, was point guard Pooh Jeter, who played last season in the D-League for Colorado, the Raptors' affiliate there.
"In college, he was a scorer and he's really developed from just a scorer into a point guard and his development has been incredible there," Jim Kelly said. "He's been one of the better performers here." -- Toronto Globe and Mail
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Yao Ming
Rockets Wedding Big News
Jun 25 - China's most famous sportsman, basketball star Yao Ming, is to marry his long-time girlfriend in August, a news report said Saturday.
The 27-year-old Houston Rockets star will wed Ye Li, a member of the Chinese women's basketball team, who he has been dating for several years, the South China Morning Post said.
Rockets GM Daryl Morey let the marriage plans slip when he was asked about Yao's summer plans and said: "He's working out in China in July, then getting married in August." -- Bangkok Post
also ...
Houston Rockets player Yao Ming will be absent from a Chinese squad which will compete at a tournament in Las Vegas next month, the event will also feature some NBA sides.
An official from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Hu Jinshi, said on Monday that the possibility of Yao?s participation in the event is close to zero. -- CRIENGLISH.com
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston Radio Announcers Final Season
Jun 25 - Gene Peterson and Jim Foley, who have provided the radio soundtrack of Rockets basketball for more than three decades, will work a 33rd and final season together before retiring at the end of the 2007-08 NBA campaign.
Peterson, the team's play-by-play announcer since 1975, and Foley, a Rockets employee for 35 years and the analyst on home games since 1975 and for all games since 1987, each agreed to one-year contract extensions, ensuring one last season for one of professional sports' longest-tenured broadcast teams. -- Houston Chronicle
You are signed into Insider and have access to this premium feature.
Friday, June 29
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Kobe Bryant
Lakers Trade Request Respect The Team
Jun 29 - Lakers coach Phil Jackson didn't back away from questions about disgruntled Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, saying he expects Bryant to be on the team when the Lakers head to Hawaii for training camp in October.
"Kobe has got to respect what this team is trying and has to do and we're trying to work our way through this," Jackson said. "In my heart of hearts, I believe that when it comes time in Hawaii for this team to step on the floor, Kobe Bryant is going to be wearing a uniform."
Jackson said Bryant was unreasonable to make demands to be traded.
"He has his reasons," Jackson said, "and I have to respect that, and Mitch alluded to the fact that those are staying within our private conversation. So we'll leave them there." -- Riverside Press-Enterprise
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jermaine O'Neal
Pacers Lakers? Still Available?
Jun 29 - Indiana is still discussing trades for Jermaine O'Neal. A league source says the Pacers have interest from a team other than the Lakers.
They can reportedly have O'Neal for Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom but, to date, have decided that's too much. -- Los Angeles Times
Larry Bird took time from the draft to shoot down the latest trade rumor surrounding forward Jermaine O'Neal. Bird called a supposed deal with New Jersey for small forward Richard Jefferson and centers Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins "bogus."
"We're not close (to making a deal)," Bird said. "We haven't even talked to anybody. All these trade rumors out there, it's all bogus."
Nets officials told Jefferson he won't be traded. -- Indianapolis Star
The Nets thought they could get Indiana interested in parting with O'Neal, the perennial All-Star power forward. The Nets, who have been shopping Richard Jefferson throughout the league the last few weeks in hopes of landing a quality big man and also put Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins on the table, initiated the talks.
According to two members of the Pacers' organization who requested anonymity because of the nature of the topic, discussions were still going on yesterday afternoon, but both believed that the deal had very little chance of happening. -- Newark Star-Ledger
They have had discussions with the Indiana Pacers about Jermaine O'Neal, offering Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic as the two biggest pieces, multiple league sources said. Other players may have to be involved to make it work for salary cap purposes.
Indiana wanted Marcus Williams, too, but the Nets are reluctant to part with the talented point guard. That could change, of course. -- Bergen Record
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Marcus Camby
Nuggets Trade Rumors Nuggets Love Camby
Jun 29 - Nene is set to make $8.8 million in 2007-08, and Marcus Camby's cap number will be more than $11 million. Camby's name has been a staple in trade rumors for much of the past two seasons, but Chapman gave no indication he is looking to move the center, 33.
"Personally, I don't know where these rumors would have come from," Rex Chapman said. "It's a shame. We absolutely love Marcus Camby. Marcus is a pro. He doesn't have to prove himself to anybody."
For now, Camby and the rest of Nuggets Nation can only wait and see what Chapman and the Denver front office does. -- Rocky Mountain News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Jerry Sloan Head Coach Sloan To Return?
Jun 29 - The operating assumption has been that Jerry Sloan will return for a 20th season as Jazz coach, though Sloan cautioned reporters that he always could wake up one morning and change his mind.
Owner Larry Miller took things a step farther in an interview with 1320 AM on Thursday. Miller was asked about Seattle's interest in assistant Tyrone Corbin for its head coaching job.
"If he's got a shot at a head coaching job, he has to take it" Miller said, "because Jerry, we know, is back for next year and we don't know how many years after that." -- Salt Lake Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Rashard Lewis
SuperSonics Sign-And-Trade Will Lewis Remain In Seattle?
Jun 29 - Ray Allen thinks that if the Sonics are again undertaking a youth movement, Rashard Lewis will ask the Sonics to do a sign-and-trade deal.
"Now that I'm no longer there, I'm not even sure Rashard is going to want to come back," Allen said in a telephone interview. "He wants to win and you almost think they are starting to rebuild with all these young players. I'm not sure Rashard is going to want to be a big brother to all these young guys."
Houston, the New York Knicks, Portland and Boston are expected to contact Lewis' agent on July 1 and express an interest in signing him. -- Tacoma News Tribune
According to an NBA source close to the situation, the Heat plans a push to acquire forward Rashard Lewis from the SuperSonics.
Earlier this month Lewis opted out of the final two years of his Seattle contract, bypassing a guaranteed $21 million to become a free agent as of Sunday. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston NBA Draft Rockets Wanted Fernandez
Jun 29 - The Rockets tried to move up to the 20th pick, and had a deal arranged with Miami. But as the draft unfolded, the deal was lost. The 76ers acquired the Heat pick to take Jason Smith of Colorado State. The Heat moved back one slot to select Daequan Cook of Ohio State.
The Rockets would have used the pick to take Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez, who brings tremendous speed, though he likely will remain overseas for one more season.
"We didn't know (the trade would fall through) until the pick," Rockets GM Daryl Morey said. "The direction we had gotten from the team up until that point was we were getting it. Then the draft unfolded unexpectedly for them, and their guy was there. "We didn't get the top guy we were looking for, but Aaron Brooks was the next guy. We feel very good coming out with Aaron." -- Houston Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Antonio McDyess
Pistons Player Option McDyess Opts To Stay
Jun 29 - Antonio McDyess notified the Pistons that he would be picking up his $6.3 million option and return to the team next season.
"We analyzed everything," said Andy Miller, McDyess' agent. "At the end of the day, he decided that he was comfortable with the situation in Detroit and he wanted to repay the loyalty the Pistons have shown him." -- Detroit News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Dallas Counterclaim Dispute Worsening
Jun 29 - Regardless of whether Warriors coach Don Nelson returns to the sidelines next season, his fall schedule is likely to include a stop in court, where his arbitration suit against Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is taking on new dimensions.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Cuban filed a counterclaim against Nelson last month, contending that the former Mavs coach violated his non-compete clause by using insider information against Dallas during the playoffs.
The source also said that Cuban is seeking an injunction against Nelson working for Golden State, though the litigation has no bearing on Nelson's pending decision on coaching again or retiring. -- San Francisco Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles Teams Options Ross Stays, Singleton Goes
Jun 29 - The Clippers picked up the option for defensive stopper Quinton Ross, who will make $826,000 this season. This will be Ross' fourth NBA season, after going undrafted out SMU in 2003.
The Clippers also have the option on forward James Singleton, but have not picked it up and will allow him to be an unrestricted free agent. -- Los Angeles Daily News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix No. 8 Pick Suns Turned Down
Jun 29 - The Suns' pursuit of Charlotte's No. 8 pick, where Phoenix would have grabbed Florida power forward Joakim Noah, crashed before the draft started when the Bobcats told the Suns they had a better offer. Phoenix threw options at Charlotte, one with its No. 24 pick and the 2008 Atlanta pick that it owns, and another more convoluted one involving Kurt Thomas.
"We made a great offer," Suns GM Steve Kerr said. "It definitely surprised us (to be turned down)."
Charlotte acquired Jason Richardson and draftee Jermareo Davidson from Golden State for the eighth pick, North Carolina's Brandan Wright. -- Arizona Republic
other Suns's news ...
The Suns have taken notice that Allan Houston is considering a comeback. The 36-year-old Houston was the league?s second-highest paid player last year ($20.7 million) but his $100 million deal will expire Sunday. He missed the last two seasons with chronic knee pain, but is feeling good. Money is not an issue, and Houston wants to play for a winner. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles Euro Guard Report Denied
Jun 29 - Team officials denied a report in a Greek newspaper that said the Lakers had offered a contract to Theodoros Papaloukas, who is generally considered to be one of the best point guards in Europe.
Papaloukas, listed at 6-7, was the Euroleague player of the year last season with CSKA Moscow. -- Los Angeles Times
The Lakers are interested in Greece's Theodoros Papaloukas, a 6-foot-7 point guard who was the European player of the year with CSKA Moscow, but they have not made an offer. Any team that signs Papaloukas, 30, would have to buy out his contact he signed last season. -- Riverside Press-Enterprise
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Grant Hill
Magic Free Agency Hill Optimistic About Future
Jun 29 - Grant Hill, who was in New York Thursday for an NBA symposium for players about to be drafted, sounded optimistic about his chances of returning to the Orlando Magic.
Hill said he's had extensive talks with new Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, and those meetings have helped enhance his desire to return to Orlando. Playing time and role on the team are extremely important to Hill, 34, who still thinks he can be a major contributor.
"(Van Gundy) feels the same way about me as I do, and that's a very good thing," Hill said with a big smile. "He still thinks I can play, and so do I." -- Florida Today
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Orlando 2005 Draft Pick Conflicting Reports
Jun 29 - Spanish newspaper SUR quoted 2005 Magic draft pick Fran Vazquez on Thursday as saying he wanted to play for Orlando next season, but an official from Vazquez's FC Barcelona club denied it. Club official Oriol Bonsoms told the Orlando Sentinel in an e-mail exchange that Vazquez was misquoted. Vazquez, said Bonsoms, will honor the two remaining years of his contract.
"I spoke with Fran and he told me it was a misunderstanding with the journalist from Malaga who did the interview," wrote Bonsoms. "What he said it was he wants to be in Barcelona during the length of his contract and when this finishes he wants to play in the NBA. He now feels ready to play in the NBA but he won't come until this contract expires." -- Orlando Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Joakim Noah Summer League Noah May Sit
Jun 29 - Joakim Noah has a slight tear in his right rotator cuff and might not participate in any summer-league activities. The Bulls will have entries in both the Orlando and Salt Lake City leagues.
"We may take a cautious approach with him to get him to rest up," GM John Paxson said. "He had hurt it before the season ended, then he went through all these workouts.
"I'm probably leaning toward taking a cautious approach with him in the summer to get him healed up and rested. We'll just have to take that a step at a time." -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Cleveland NBA Draft Cavs Don't Pull Trigger
Jun 29 - The Cavaliers came close to pulling the trigger on two deals late in the first round, including the Phoenix Suns' pick at No. 24.
"We explored every opportunity," Cavs GM Danny Ferry said. "We have two pretty good opportunities - one being Phoenix - and one later than that (which might have been Philadelphia at No. 30)."
"We did our work and research," Ferry said. "I'm happy we didn't make any bad decisions. We were close in the first round. I thought we had one at one point toward the end of the first round. I think we made a good decision." -- Willoughby News-Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Lindsey Hunter
Pistons Retirement? Hunter Gone?
Jun 29 - It seems almost inevitable now that Lindsey Hunter's playing career is over. Nothing has been announced, and things could change, but with Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo coming in the writing is on the wall for Hunter. He has one year left on his contract, but my guess he will begin his front office career in some capacity.
Flip Murray's days are probably numbered, too. The Pistons are expecting Stuckey to be the first guard off the bench next season. Alex Acker, by all accounts, is going to have a chance to make the team next year, as well. So, it's not a matter of if Murray's getting traded, it's when. -- Detroit News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Bobby Simmons
Bucks Rehab Light Running
Jun 29 - Bobby Simmons, who missed all of last season after undergoing ankle and foot surgeries, said he began light running last week.
Simmons said there's a possibility he may play for the Bucks? summer league team next month in Las Vegas. -- Racine Journal Times
Thursday, June 28
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix NBA Draft Trades A Long Shot
Jun 28 - Suns center Amaré Stoudemire still is not going anywhere. It still is a long shot for Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett to wind up in Phoenix.
And if the Suns' hopes to trade into the top 10 of today's NBA draft don't improve, the most action fans might see today is the Suns picking at Nos. 24 and/or 29 and trying to move Kurt Thomas' expiring contract.
"We've never spoken with Atlanta about Amaré," Suns GM Steve Kerr said Wednesday night, when he also called Stoudemire to assure him all rumors were bogus. "We have no idea why anybody would speculate on that." -- Arizona Republic
The most likely move isn't very sexy -- moving center Kurt Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats along with a draft pick. But it would erase Thomas' $8.1 million player option from the books and get the Suns within shouting distance of wiggling under the league's dollar-for-dollar luxury-tax threshold.
Sources confirm that the rumors were strong enough to induce Stoudemire to place a phone call to his former Suns teammate, Atlanta guard Joe Johnson, to talk about a possible reunion with the Hawks. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Atlanta NBA Draft Stoudemire Deal Tops Hawks Talk
Jun 28 - In the past 48 hours the Hawks have been cited as a major player in four different trade rumors, each bringing the Hawks a player (or players) that would help resolve some major issues.
In the three-team deal with the Timberwolves and Suns, the Hawks would send their two draft picks as well as Lorenzen Wright's and Anthony Johnson's expiring contracts to Minnesota, which would send Kevin Garnett to Phoenix, which would then send Amare Stoudemire to the Hawks.
In a two-team swap with Golden State, the Hawks would send the No. 11 pick to the Warriors in exchange for Monta Ellis.
Another deal has the Hawks sending the No. 11 pick to Seattle for veteran point guard Luke Ridnour.
The final rumor had the Hawks sending fourth-year swingman Josh Childress to Toronto for Jose Calderon. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Ray Allen
Celtics Celtics? Allen Offered To Boston?
Jun 28 - Two league sources said the Sonics are calling around the league to gauge interest in guard Ray Allen.
KJR-AM radio reported that the Sonics offered Allen to the Boston Celtics for the fifth pick and Theo Ratliff. -- Tacoma News Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Milwaukee NBA Draft Harris Remains Poker-Faced
Jun 28 - Bucks GM Larry Harris said he fielded telephone calls from several NBA officials Wednesday concerning the availability of the team?s top pick.
"We had been getting calls before, but now we're cutting through the minutiae," Harris said of trade discussions. "The calls we're getting now definitely have more meat to them."
Harris said there was one trade proposal that more than piqued his curiosity, although he refused to expand on the subject. There have been whispers the Phoenix Suns and Bucks have discussed a trade proposal that would have the Bucks sending the No. 6 pick and Bobby Simmons to Phoenix for Shawn Marion, who is regarded as one of the best all-around forwards in the game. -- Racine Journal Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Memphis NBA Draft Brewer At No.4?
Jun 28 - One of the more interesting rumors circulating here Wednesday as many of the top draft prospects gathered for an interview session with the media was that the Grizzlies were leaning toward taking forward Corey Brewer with the No. 4 overall pick, and not Ohio State point guard Mike Conley Jr.
If that proves to be true and Conley slides past the Boston Celtics at No. 5, he would fall into the welcoming laps of the Bucks' at No. 6. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Marcus Camby
Nuggets NBA Draft Center Of Rumors
Jun 28 - Trading to get into the draft is a possibility for the Nuggets, who don't have any picks, and the man at the center of nearly all of the trade rumors is center Marcus Camby. Several teams have inquired about acquiring the Nuggets big man. Speaking Wednesday for the first time since the playoffs, Camby said he is not worried about potential draft-day moves that would involve him leaving Denver.
Rex Chapman, Nuggets vice president of player personnel, has said a Camby move is not imminent, and Camby's agent, Rick Kaplan, said this week that "it would surprise me if Marcus was traded. From everything the team is saying publicly, that's not a likely option."
But discussions behind the scenes continue to revolve around Camby. -- Denver Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Antonio McDyess
Pistons Free Agency Will McDyess Opt For Houston?
Jun 28 - Antonio McDyess hasn't officially picked up his option for the $6.3 million he will make next season -- but you have to believe he will. The Pistons have already indicated that they would sit down and try to work out an extension with McDyess, starting at that $6.3 million.
Now, here's something to think about. McDyess lives in Houston. Houston needs frontcourt help. Houston would probably love to offer McDyess their mid-level exception, if he opted out. If McDyess thinks the Pistons will lose his buddy Chauncey Billups to free agency, the Houston option might become more attractive. The thing is, though, time is running out. McDyess has to make his decision by the close of business Friday. -- Detroit News
The Pistons still have no definitive news from forward Antonio McDyess or his agent, Andy Miller. But the team expects word to come sometime before the draft that the former All-Star will pick up his option. -- Detroit Free Press
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Seattle NBA Draft Sonics Target Stuckey
Jun 28 - If the Seattle SuperSonics are able to get a second lottery pick in today?s NBA draft, it appears they are targeting Eastern Washington guard Rodney Stuckey.
The Sonics have offered point guard Luke Ridnour to Atlanta for the Hawks? No. 11 pick, and if that deal goes through it would allow the Sonics to begin reshaping a backcourt that was at times dysfunctional and ineffective last season.
A league source said there is a good chance the Hawks will agree to the trade, though they are waiting to see the outcome of trade talks with Minnesota and Phoenix that might net them Suns center Amare Stoudemire. -- Tacoma News Tribune
The Detroit Pistons were rumored to have made Stuckey a draft promise at 15, and they are still interested in drafting him. And the Pistons' director of player personnel, Scott Perry, is now the assistant GM of the Sonics. So it would be no shock that Stuckey is coveted by his hometown team. -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Philadelphia NBA Draft Williams Impresses King
Jun 28 - Sean Williams turned some heads yesterday in his predraft workout.
Williams worked out with three other forwards, Louisiana State's Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Purdue's Carl Landry and Virginia's Jason Cain (Bartram High).
When Billy King was asked whether Williams was the most athletically gifted of the 46 players who worked out for the Sixers, he replied, "Hands down." "He does unbelievable freakish things athletically," King said. "The things he can do with the ball, jump and run." -- Philadelphia Inquirer
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Toronto Free Agency
Trades Colangelo Fielding Calls
Jun 28 - "In the last 24, 48 hours, the calls have gotten more frequent, the deals have been sweetened or some interesting new ones have now made themselves known," Bryan Colangelo said yesterday. "At this stage, there's been nothing that's made us jump or change our opinion of where we stand."
The player everyone is calling about is backup point guard Jose Calderon.
Colangelo said at least 15 teams have made inquiries -- three or four that he even gave a second look to -- but no one has presented the right parts to make a deal work. The general manager has spoken to Calderon to assure him the Raptors are listening but not calling about potential trades. But at the same time, when those teams become more desperate, Colangelo is going to be listening more seriously. -- Toronto Star
The Raptors do not have a pick heading into tonight's NBA draft, although there's always the chance that Colangelo could trade for one. However, the two-time NBA executive of the year said yesterday that unless someone dangles him a deal for a draft pick that is just too good to turn down, he'll likely use the mid-level exception money available (about $32 million US over five seasons) on a free agent small forward.
Colangelo has identified a top-level small forward as his most urgent need in terms of the Raptors moving forward as a power in the NBA. -- Toronto Sun
There's a better chance the Raptors might do something later in the first round, where club sources indicated there is a chance to deal with one of the teams with multiple picks -- the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns or Charlotte -- the asking price being a future first-round selection.
Toronto's been hinted as having a particular enthusiasm for Marco Belinelli and Rudy Fernandez, a pair of European shooting guards who might be available in the bottom third of the draft.
But the sounder move might be a grab for Tiago Splitter if he's available in the No. 20-plus pick range. -- Toronto Globe and Mail
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles Free Agency Papaloukas Offered A Contract
Jun 28 - The Lakers have offered a multi-year contract to 30-year-old guard Theodoros Papaloukas, according to Eleftheros Tipos, a newspaper in Greece. The report said Papaloukas had confirmed the offer and was pondering it among a handful from NBA teams. Lakers officials declined to comment. -- Los Angeles Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Devin Harris
Mavericks NBA Draft Rumor Not Valid
Jun 28 - An Eastern Conference insider said he'd heard the Mavericks were entertaining an offer to get the No. 6 pick from Milwaukee for Devin Harris, a deal that might have included other players.
While that proposal might make sense because Harris grew up in Milwaukee and the Bucks need a point guard, it wasn't valid.
Rather, the Mavericks are taking a cautious approach to the draft. They have brought in more than 25 players over the last 10 days, and virtually all are projected to go late in the first round or in the second round. -- Dallas Morning News
While the rumor mill has been off the hook league-wide leading to tonight's NBA Draft -- the latest of local interest had Devin Harris headed to Milwaukee for the Bucks' No. 6 pick -- the Mavs appear ready to go into the draft with the same three second-round picks they've had since acquiring the 34th pick in the February deal that sent Anthony Johnson to Atlanta.
"He's going to be part of this franchise for a long, long time," Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said about Harris last week. -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston NBA Draft Deal In Place?
Jun 28 - Rockets GM Daryl Morey has a deal in place to move up in the draft, but that trade depends on the other team's not finding the players it wants available.
Morey would not say what team might make a pick available. Philadelphia has three picks in the first round, including one five places earlier than the Rockets' selection. Detroit has two picks, including one at No. 15.
"We've talked to several teams about moving up," Morey said. "One is more likely than others. Prior to draft night, you're trying to create as many options as you can and have them there as the draft is unfolding. We have different ways to move up, depending on who slides. We spent a lot of time being ready for those things." -- Houston Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
New Jersey NBA Draft Nets Will Go Big
Jun 28 - Rod Thorn said the Nets have talked to teams about moving up or down tonight. If they stay at 17, their first choice is to go big.
As of Wednesday night, the Nets were trying to decide between Sean Williams and Colorado State 7-footer Jason Smith. Josh McRoberts of Duke and LSU's Glen "Big Baby" Davis also are in the mix. All four should be available when the Nets pick.
Williams is an intimidator, Smith is athletic and a good shooter, the 6-10 McRoberts a good passer for his size and not bad defensively and Davis a good inside player. But Big Baby is a small power forward and the Nets have concerns about his weight. -- Bergen Record
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Vince Carter
Nets Free Agency Cautiously Optimistic
Jun 28 - Rod Thorn said he expects Vince Carter to opt out by Saturday's deadline and is cautiously optimistic he can re-sign the shooting guard. League sources expect Carter to re-up with the Nets during free agency on a four-year deal, averaging $15.3 million per season. -- Bergen Record
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chicago NBA Draft Promise For Curry
Jun 28 - The Bulls also own picks Nos. 49 and 51 in the second round. If Oklahoma State guard JamesOn Curry is available, the Bulls will draft him. They brought him to Chicago and liked how he talked about lessons learned from his high school arrest for selling marijuana. -- Chicago Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Cleveland NBA Draft Are Cavs Eyeing Someone?
Jun 28 - There's a strong suspicion the Cavaliers have targeted a certain player in the 2007 NBA draft. If that player is on the board at a certain spot in the draft, the Cavs might pull the trigger on a deal.
Others think it might be fruitless for the Cavs to get back into the draft. If they can't get into the lottery - which is practically impossible for the Cavs - not many players drafted after that will be able to help them next season.
The Cavs are looking to trade into the draft, and things could start getting interesting at No. 22, where Charlotte owns its second pick in the first round. Sources indicate the Bobcats might be willing to deal that pick. -- Willoughby News-Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Washington NBA Draft No Time For Smith?
Jun 28 - According to at least two sources within the organization, the Wizards like Jason Smith, a 7-footer out of Colorado State. However, with Brendan Haywood and Etan Thomas at center and Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison at forward, it doesn't seem likely Smith would see any playing time next season.
And so in recent days the Wizards have been connected to other players in the draft. Most notable among them are Nick Young, a 6-6 combo shooting guard/small forward from Southern Cal; Thaddeus Young, an athletic 6-8 swingman with just one year of college experience at Georgia Tech; and 6-8 Kansas forward Julian Wright, who by most accounts will be off the board by the time the Wizards make their first of two picks. -- Washington Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Brevin Knight
Bobcats Buyout Taking It For Granted
Jun 28 - Someone close to Brevin Knight is taking it for granted that the Bobcats will buy out the final season of Knight's contract. The Bobcats have that option, turning a $4 million-plus obligation into a $1.5 million buy-out. That same source suspects the Bobcats could make some sort of a bid for Chauncey Billups in free-agency. -- Charlotte Observer
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Ronald Murray
Pistons NBA Draft Trade Fodder?
Jun 28 - Pistons guard Flip Murray could be used as trade bait during tonight's draft after he picked up his player option for next season. -- Detroit Free Press
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Golden State NBA Draft Draft Gamble?
Jun 28 - Golden State would love to select Chinese forward Yi Jianlian, according to league sources, but the Warriors need an unlikely and major jump from their current 18th slot.
"They're trying," one source said of the Warriors' springboard attempts. "But I don't know if they're going to get there."
Should the Warriors stay at No. 18, indications are that they could gamble on Sean Williams, a troubled but highly regarded forward from Boston College. -- San Francisco Chronicle
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Sean May
Bobcats Nets? Won't Give Him Away
Jun 28 - The Bobcats turned down an offer from the Nets to swap Sean May for the 17th pick. The Bobcats are frustrated with May's injury/fitness issues, but obviously they're not willing to give him away. -- Charlotte Observer
Wednesday, June 27
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jermaine O'Neal
Pacers Lakers?
Celtics? Lakers Shift To O'Neal
Jun 27 - With their bid to land Minnesota's Kevin Garnett all but dead, which can't make Kobe Bryant very happy, the Lakers yesterday restarted trade talks with Indiana about acquiring Jermaine O'Neal.
"O'Neal is available and the Lakers are interested," said an Eastern Conference GM last night. "That's what's being discussed now." -- New York Daily News
Larry Bird said the Pacers have fielded calls about Jermaine O'Neal's availability but haven't initiated discussions about their All-Star forward, who is scheduled to make $64 million over the next three seasons. O'Neal may opt out of his contract after the 2007-08 season.
Bird said he talked to Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale, a former teammate in Boston, but not to the other teams. Teams will likely continue to call about O'Neal.
"He's an awfully good player, and any time you have a player of his caliber you have to be careful," Bird said. "If you do trade, you have to make sure you get something back." -- Indianapolis Star
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Monta Ellis
Warriors Hawks? Ellis Almost Traded
Jun 27 - The Warriors seriously considered giving up second-year guard Monta Ellis in order to move up in Thursday's NBA draft, the Contra Costa Times has learned. But the Warriors never pulled the trigger.
According to a league source, the Warriors had a deal on the table that would send Ellis to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the No. 11 overall pick. The move-up in the draft presumably would have been a first step toward getting one of the most promising players in the draft, Chinese forward Yi Jianlian. -- Contra Costa Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Boston Rumors Deals Just Talk
Jun 27 - The Celts have nothing working for Shawn Marion, and if Phoenix gets into the top 10 in the draft, it won't be through Boston. And the C's have had no part of any four-team trade discussions.
According to involved sources, the C's were asked about their interest in Jermaine O'Neal, but that conversation ended when the words "Al" and "Jefferson" were spoken by the Pacers. That means anything heard about Jefferson and the fifth overall pick going out and O'Neal coming back is preposterous.
The Celts would have some interest in O'Neal at a different price, but they are not going to alter their main core significantly to get him. -- Boston Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Dallas Kevin Garnett Price Too Great
Jun 27 - The Mavericks, like 29 other teams, have explored options on whether Kevin Garnett is obtainable from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Like most of their competitors, the Mavericks have decided the price is too great, according to NBA sources.
The Mavericks are not interested in dismantling their team, which is what it would take to pair Garnett with Dirk Nowitzki. -- Dallas Morning News
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Lamar Odom
Lakers Timberwolves? Contract Is Too Much For Wolves
Jun 27 - The buzz in the Lakers organization after owner Jerry Buss spoke with Glen Taylor a few days ago was replaced by the fact that Kevin McHale's initial reaction to the trade proposal had carried over into Tuesday.
McHale, the Timberwolves' vice president of basketball operations, felt the Lakers don't possess a good enough pick in Thursday's draft (19th overall) or enough promising youth beyond Andrew Bynum to part with Kevin Garnett.
Furthermore, The Times has learned that the Timberwolves are not overly enamored with Odom's contract, which has two more years worth $27.4 million with no opt-out. -- Los Angeles Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix NBA Draft Trying To Move Up
Jun 27 - The Suns still have multiple lures in the pond, including talks with Charlotte for its No. 8 pick or Atlanta for the No. 3 or 11 picks.
However, some insiders now say there is little chance they could land one of the likely lottery picks who worked out for them in Phoenix on Tuesday (Florida's Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah and Georgetown's Jeff Green) or the two coming today (North Carolina's Brandan Wright and Florida State's Al Thornton).
"There is enough of a possibility (to trade up) that we brought the kids in, and they felt good enough to come," Steve Kerr said. "There's a chance, but I can't give you a percentage. I have no idea ... It's going to come with a price, so you have to evaluate that and whether it means giving up something in the future." -- Arizona Republic
NBA sources said while the Suns were still talking to Charlotte (eighth overall) and at least one other team about their picks, as few as one team in the top 10 may ultimately end up trading out, severely limiting Phoenix's chances.
Even that deal, however, could be contingent on Phoenix's trading partner not getting the lottery player they have targeted.
Sources confirm one possible deal on the table would ship the 24th overall pick and Kurt Thomas to the Bobcats -- who are under the salary cap and therefore could absorb the $8.1 million player option Thomas will exercise Sunday -- for future considerations. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Luke Ridnour
SuperSonics Hawks? Ridnour For No. 11?
Jun 27 - The Sonics are eager to begin the restructuring of their roster and have offered the Atlanta Hawks point guard Luke Ridnour for the No. 11 pick in Thursday's NBA draft, and the trade could be consummated Wednesday, according to three NBA sources. -- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
There is still a lot of talk about the Hawks' trading No. 11 if Mike Conley isn't on the board. While we've heard Jarrett Jack in the past, it appears the Hawks have their eye on Seattle's Luke Ridnour. -- Chad Ford Blog
Atlanta reportedly sought Ridnour's services over the All-Star break. Ridnour's agent, Lon Babby, is close with one of the Hawks' owners and might have tried to facilitate a trade. -- Tacoma News Tribune
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jose Calderon
Raptors Hawks? Rumors Are False
Jun 27 - Despite reports to the contrary -- and this is, after all, the silly season -- Bryan Colangelo, the Raptors president and general manager, has no interest in trading Jose Calderon and is not shopping the nifty point guard.
"All the rumours are false," Colangelo said. "I can tell you that the story that I'm shopping Calderon all over the place (reported in New York) is absolute nonsense.
"I can tell you this: I'm getting calls from about half the teams in the league asking about him. Nothing has got even remotely close to making a deal. -- Toronto Sun
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chris Kaman
Clippers 2003 NBA Draft Riley Wanted Kaman
Jun 27 - Although not often discussed, Pat Riley actually had to be talked out of taking Central Michigan center Chris Kaman at No. 5 in 2003. His personnel staff instead pushed for the younger, less experienced Dwyane Wade.
Similar subtle massaging could be necessary again Thursday, when older, more polished players fall to the end of the first round.
"I hope that we always look and come to the conclusion we take the guy who is going to be the best player," Randy Pfund said. "I don't think you say the best player after one year, the best player after two years, the best player after five years. We take the best player." -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Kevin Durant NCAA March Madness 08 EA Sports Chooses Durant
Jun 27 - Video-game maker EA Sports chose Texas forward Kevin Durant to be on the cover of NCAA March Madness 08. The 18-year-old forward is the second-youngest athlete and fourth teenager on an EA Sports cover.
Durant has also filmed a commercial spot for NBA Live 08 with Washington guard Gilbert Arenas. -- Seattle Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Sacramento NBA Draft Active Talkers
Jun 27 - The Kings are said to have been among the most active in trade talks recently, with Mike Bibby and Ron Artest available should the right deal come along for basketball president Geoff Petrie.
Petrie also appears to be very interested in acquiring another pick in the first or second round, judging by the fact that the Kings have worked out at least a few prospects who have little or no chance of being selected in the top 10. -- Sacramento Bee
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Miami NBA Draft Options on The Board
Jun 27 - The Heat holds the 20th selection in a draft general manager Randy Pfund said has about 17 players who could make an immediate impact on a veteran roster anchored by Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal.
As a result, Pfund said the Heat would enter the draft with a concrete plan, but also with a number of options that include trading the pick.
"I don't know if I can put a percentage on it," Pfund said Tuesday. "But I'll say that we have options on our board that if we didn't think the player could be a contributor in the next couple of years, there's a thought that maybe we'd try to do something that gives us a chip during free agency or during the season to trade." -- Miami Herald
Pfund also said acquiring a first-round pick that isn't a rotation player wouldn't make much sense. And the Heat has a win-now mind-set, which means acquiring veteran players through free agency or trades might be a more attractive off-season approach.
Along those lines there's Charlotte point guard Brevin Knight, Charlotte forward Gerald Wallace, Milwaukee forward Ruben Patterson, Denver point guard Steve Blake and Memphis point guard Chucky Atkins. -- Palm Beach Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Milwaukee Euro Point Guard Signing Unlikely
Jun 27 - What happens if the Bucks can't re-sign Mo Williams or draft Mike Conley or sign Detroit Pistons free-agent Chauncey Billups?
Some Bucks insiders claim the team would join several other teams in the pursuit of Theodore Papaloukas, a native of Greece who plays for CSKA Moscow.
But Herb Rudoy, Papaloukas' agent, told me that while he and the Bucks had "discussions" about Papaloukas, it's not likely the veteran would sign with them. -- Racine Journal Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Indiana NBA Draft 50-50 Chance
Jun 27 - Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird said Tuesday there is a "50-50" chance the team will have a selection in Thursday's NBA draft in New York.
"Will we try to get in the draft?" Bird said. "We probably will. We've had a lot of discussion about it. A lot of calls, but we like our core of young players, and so does everybody in the league. They're trying to get them for draft picks, and we don't know if we want to go that route." -- Indianapolis Star
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chris Webber
Pistons Free Agency Options Are Open
Jun 27 - Chris Webber becomes an unrestricted free agent Sunday, and he said he doesn't have any idea what he'll decide this summer.
"All options are open," Webber said. "But definitely, this is it. There's an opportunity here that I shouldn't have even really had. I'm still happy just to be in this situation."
Webber has said he'll consider retirement. He's 34 and without a championship to his name. He said he has spent the time since the Pistons were eliminated from the Eastern Conference finals "resting, mostly." -- Detroit Free Press
Webber is planning to sit down with GM Joe Dumars soon, and from the sound of it, he seems open to playing for at least another season.
Dumars, in his postseason address, left the ball in Webber's court, saying, "We have to evaluate everything and Chris has a say in it, too. I don't know what he wants to do." -- Detroit News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Cleveland Free Agency Valuable, But Not That Valuable
Jun 27 - If Anderson Varejao gets a five-year deal starting with the mid-level exception, the Cavs would likely match it. However, if the 6-foot-10, 240-pounder gets a lucrative deal worth $7 million or $8 million a year, they might balk. At that point, the Cavs might entertain a sign-and-trade offer.
Also, the market for Sasha Pavlovic might not be as robust as some would think. If he gets $3 million or $4 million a season, some think that might be in line for his talent level. -- Willoughby News-Herald
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Beno Udrih
Spurs Cavaliers? Udrih Interests Cavs
Jun 27 - The Cavs could trade a future first-round pick to San Antonio for the Spurs' first-round pick (No. 28 overall). The Spurs have a history of trading out of the first round if they don't like what's there.
The Cavs have also shown some interest in third-string point guard Beno Udrih, who makes about $1.8 million. The Cavs possess a $2.1 million trade exception from the Luke Jackson deal with Boston. -- Willoughby News-Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Toronto Luxury Tax Limited Flexibility
Jun 27 - Realistically, Bryan Colangelo may be looking with interest at one of Matt Barnes of Golden State, James Posey of Miami, Luke Walton of the Lakers, Mickael Pietrus of Golden State and Sasha Pavlovic of Cleveland.
"If we carry out everything we want to do, we're dangerously close to being a luxury tax team," Colangelo said. "No matter what, our salaries are going to be up about $18 million from last year to $65 million. We don't have a lot of flexibility in what we can do until we get Alvin Williams' salary off our books." -- Toronto Sun
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Tiago Splitter NBA Draft First Round Desired
Jun 27 - Brazil international Tiago Splitter has revealed he will only consider a move to the NBA if he is selected in the first round of Thursday's draft.
"If I was to be chosen in the second round then I would have to negotiate and consider my options.
"Perhaps it's not convenient for me to be selected in the second round as maybe then I would have to go to a team where I wouldn't have any playing time.
"If that is the case, I would prefer to remain in Vitoria and complete my contract with Tau." -- FIBA.com
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston 2006 NBA Draft Rockets Look At Israeli Forward
Jun 27 - Lior Eliyahu, whom the Rockets picked up with the Orlando Magic's second-round pick last season, arrived in Houston on Tuesday and will begin working out with Rockets coaches today in preparation for next month's summer league in Las Vegas.
Though the Rockets got the rights to Eliyahu, expecting him to need at least two more seasons in Europe, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said Tuesday that Eliyahu's performance in workouts and summer league could determine if Eliyahu, a 6-9, 225-pound forward, earns a spot on next season's roster. -- Houston Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Orien Greene
Pacers Team Option No Decion Yet
Jun 27 - Larry Bird said the team has not yet decided whether to pick up the option on reserve guard Orien Greene. The deadline is June 30.
"It's probably a decision we'll make on the 29th," he said. "We feel like we need four point guards. He really didn't get a chance to play much last year. After the first exhibition he broke his finger and was out for an extended period of time. He's very talented. He's got great size and I think he could be a great fit here. It's just what direction we're going to go after looking at all these other players." -- Pacers.com
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Wilson Chandler NBA Draft Mystery Player
Jun 27 - If you're looking for a sleeper pick in tomorrow's NBA draft, look no further than Wilson Chandler. He's been the mystery prospect from the day he submitted his name to enter the draft after his sophomore season at DePaul.
"Positive or negative, he's a kid that there's been a lot of chitter-chatter about," Chandler's agent, Christopher Luchey, said yesterday. "He's such an unknown."
The 6-8, 230-pound swingman, who played mostly down low in college, has worked out only for a small number of teams before canceling the rest of his schedule because of an ankle injury. Despite reports to the contrary, Luchey says the Knicks are not one of the teams he worked out for. -- Newsday
Chris Luchey, Chandler's agent, told The Post he expects Chandler to be selected by a gambling team armed with two first-round picks, such as Phoenix (Nos. 24 and 29). Isiah Thomas considers his selection his second pick because of Randolph Morris' pre-draft signing.
"He's not the popular choice," Luchey said of Chandler. "He doesn't come from a team with a tremendous record, with tremendous stats. This is a guy where teams have had to do their research."
Luchey said he was still working on the possibility of the Knicks working out Chandler tomorrow, the afternoon of the draft.-- New York Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Kings Right Knee Surgery Removes Loose Particles
Jun 27 - Kings forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim underwent surgery tuesday to remove loose particles from his right knee.
Abdur-Rahim's agent, Aaron Goodwin, said Abdur-Rahim will be out of action for at least "a few weeks." -- Sacramento Bee
Tuesday, June 26
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles Trade Talk More Aggressive
Jun 26 - In a meeting with local writers last week, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said the Lakers have been "more aggressive than we've ever been" in an attempt to upgrade the roster in recent weeks.
That aggressiveness led to talks with Indiana, for Jermaine O'Neal, and Denver, for Marcus Camby. Both potential trades seem to have fallen through, but Kupchak seems on the verge of his first big acquisition. -- Long Beach Press-Telegram
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jermaine O'Neal
Pacers Celtics?
Lakers? O'Neal, Celtics A Mismatch
Jun 26 - There are ongoing discussions concerning a four-team trade that could send Pacers forward/center Jermaine O'Neal to the Celtics, according to league sources. But those same sources said that it is extremely unlikely that O'Neal will ever play in a Boston uniform. Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge has never been a big fan of O'Neal's, and there remains the not-so-small matter of O'Neal being able to opt out of his contract after next season.
If the ill will between O'Neal and Boston did not present enough of a stumbling block, Minnesota vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale was prepared to add another. According to league sources, McHale doesn't want to do the deal unless Al Jefferson is included in the package sent to the Timberwolves. -- Boston Globe
It's no secret that the Pacers and all-star forward Jermaine O'Neal are trying to end their seven-year relationship. O'Neal has held back no punches in saying he doesn't want to be part of a rebuilding project.
Now it's a matter of finding a team that wants to acquire him and has enough to give back in return.
That's been easier said than done. As coach Jim O'Brien said last week "the odds are against the fact that Jermaine will be traded. It's just reality." -- Indianapolis Star
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kevin Garnett
Timberwolves Celtics
Bulls
Lakers
Suns McHale Doesn't Like Offer
Jun 26 - Minnesota owner Glen Taylor was expected to be in the Timberwolves' offices this morning before departing for a honeymoon in China. His appearance at team headquarters suggested a quick resolution on the Lakers' proposal, which includes forward Lamar Odom and center Andrew Bynum for Kevin Garnett.
However, sources said that Kevin McHale, the Timberwolves' vice president of basketball operations, wasn't keen on the Lakers' offer. -- Los Angeles Times
Sources continued to state that while the Celtics-Garnett matter shows signs of waning, neither side is willing to put it to bed.
"It is not dead," said one involved source. "I'd just leave it at that."
But, the source added, the Celts' offer with Al Jefferson and the No. 5 pick at its heart, is probably the best the Wolves can get. "That's why this thing is still going," he said. -- Boston Herald
Pacers CEO and President Donnie Walsh told the Pioneer Press that he wasn't aware of any discussions involving the Lakers, Pacers and Wolves in a three-team trade, before Boston re-entered the picture.
"I haven't heard of any of this," Walsh said. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
The Atlanta Hawks are also making a concerted pitch for Garnett. The Hawks, who are in desperate need a franchise-type player, are dangling their two lottery picks ? Nos. 3 and 11 ? and other considerations for Garnett. -- Racine Journal Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix NBA Draft Suns Watch YI
Jun 26 - A Suns front office contingent of Steve Kerr, David Griffin and Vinny Del Negro traveled to Los Angeles on Monday to watch 7-foot Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian work out, further fueling the notion that Phoenix is in line to trade into the top 10 of the NBA draft.
The Suns have two workouts slated Tuesday, including a closed, multiple-team workout out for Florida's Corey Brewer, a defensive small forward; Joakim Noah, an active power forward; and versatile Georgetown small forward Jeff Green. All three are pegged as top-10 picks, but Green has refused to work out for Charlotte, which picks eighth. -- Arizona Republic
Sources confirm there are two possible trade scenarios on the table:
One involves just draft picks, with Phoenix dealing its 24th overall pick in Thursday's draft along with Atlanta's first-round pick in 2008 for a chance to move up.
The other involves one or more picks and a player -- indications point to James Jones or Kurt Thomas -- for a spot among Thursday's lottery picks. -- East Valley Tribune
other Suns' news ...
A sort of going-away luncheon is set for the Suns today. Only it's a little like saying goodbye to the franchise itself. The Suns are honoring Jerry Colangelo, who is set to close out his ownership group's $401 million sale to a group headed by Robert Sarver when Sarver posts the final payment on Friday.
And that will make Sarver the sole operator of the team.
Colangelo and his longtime assistant Ruth Dryjanski -- the team's first two employees when the franchise was born in 1968 -- will be moving out of the Suns' offices. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Boston NBA Draft C's Check Out Prospects
Jun 26 - Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers boarded a plane for Phoenix late yesterday to see Jeff Green, Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah work out together today.
The Suns are hosting the session and David Griffin, the club's senior vice president of basketball operations, said his team is getting close to a deal to move into the top 10 in Thursday's draft.
But, according to an involved source, one should read nothing more into the attendance of Ainge and Rivers than them wanting to see Green go against competition, as well as getting another look at Brewer and Noah. -- Boston Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Charlotte NBA Draft Green Declines To Work Out
Jun 26 - In yet another plot twist, the Charlotte Bobcats, who have the No. 8 selection, were told that Jeff Green would not be working out for them.
That led to speculation that Green has a deal in place with a team picking ahead of Charlotte; why else would agent David Falk steer Green away from his longtime bud, Michael Jordan? But Green is due to work out today for Phoenix, which, at last check, did not have a pick ahead of Charlotte. -- Boston Globe
New Charlotte Bobcats coach Sam Vincent would very much like to have every player his team is considering for the upcoming NBA draft to visit his city for an individual workout.
But failing to show will not deter the franchise from choosing such a player in the draft.
"I don't think it would affect our decision (if a player doesn't come in)," Vincent said Monday.
When asked if some of the cancellations could be due to players cutting pre-draft deals with various teams, Vincent was brutally honest.
"It could be," the new Bobcats coach said. -- Gaston Gazette
It sure sounds like Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah or Al Thornton could be a Charlotte Bobcat come Thursday night.
New Bobcats coach Sam Vincent believes the team's biggest need is another athletic frontcourt player who can score. That describes Brewer, Noah and Thornton, and at least two of those three figure to be available when the Bobcats choose eighth in Thursday night's NBA draft. -- Charlotte Observer
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Pau Gasol
Grizzlies NBA Draft Trade Bait?
Jun 26 - You have to take Chris Wallace and head coach Marc Iavaroni at their word. They both agree that the team should continue to build around Pau Gasol. Wallace called Gasol a top 20-30 NBA player, one that is "hard to obtain."
So far, it looks like the Griz are committed to keeping Gasol. They have not talked to Atlanta about Gasol in any trade scenarios, and that discounts any notion that the Spaniard would be moved for the third pick.
Memphis and Atlanta have yet to discuss swapping picks even though the Griz fear that Al Horford will go at No. 3. -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Tony Parker
Spurs Late Show With David Letterman Parker Loves Pop
Jun 26 - With his wedding to movie star Eva Longoria quickly approaching and his MVP win still fresh, the Spurs' Tony Parker took time from his schedule to make an appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman" Monday night.
Letterman then asked Parker how he got along with coach Gregg Popovich.
"I love my coach," Parker said with a laugh. "No, I have to be honest, there were some growing pains. I arrived in San Antonio, I was 19 years old so I was very young, and it was tough at the beginning because he's like the military ... you know, he's from the (Air Force) and so he's always in search of perfection. And, so it was tough for me because he was always on me. But at the end of the day, he was trying to make me better and so I appreciate that. But it was tough." -- San Antonio Express-News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Marcus Camby
Nuggets Trade Rumors Camby Wants To Remain A Nugget
Jun 26 - Marcus Camby's agent, Rick Kaplan, said he has heard all the wild trade rumors surrounding his client that have included Indiana, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington and the Los Angeles Lakers. Kaplan, however, doesn't believe Camby will get dealt and said his client wants to remain a Nugget.
"It would really surprise me if Marcus was traded. From everything the team is saying publicly, that's not a likely option," Kaplan said.
"He really doesn't want to be traded." -- Denver Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Los Angeles NBA Draft Clips Unlikely To Move Up
Jun 26 - As for the Clippers trying to move up in the draft to land Mike Conley or Acie Law, that looks unlikely.
"That probably will be very difficult to do," Elgin Baylor said. "I don't think there's any possibility of moving up, because in order to do that, you're going to have to give up a good player, a player you don't want to move."
In other news, Guillermo Diaz, a second-round pick from last season, will be on the Clippers' summer league team and has a shot at making the roster.
Sofoklis Schortsanitis, a second-round pick in 2003 who turned 22 on Friday, still is under contract with his Greek team and is not expected to be with the Clippers' summer league team until next year. -- The Daily Breeze
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Atlanta NBA Draft Getting A Point
Jun 26 - After years of passing (now infamously) on the likes of Deron Williams, Chris Paul and Marcus Williams, the Hawks have to address one of their biggest needs. They will do so when they have the greatest leverage ?- two top-11 picks in Thursday's NBA draft ?- general manager Billy Knight and coach Mike Woodson both said Monday.
"We have to do something to address the point guard situation, without a doubt," Woodson said.
They're also exploring a number of trade scenarios that both Woodson and Knight declined to comment on specifically.
But the idea of adding a veteran, like Seattle's Luke Ridnour, remains a real possibility. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let's put it this way, neither Al Horford nor Conley did anything to move down in the Hawks' eyes. But they'll be evaluated on their entire body of work and not just what they did during a 60-minute workout; Horford's was in the morning and Conley's in the afternoon.
Of all the players the Hawks have had in for workouts, the player that seems to have made the biggest impression was Joakim Noah. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Philadelphia 76ers GM Billy King, who has three first-round picks Thursday, has publicly shot down speculation that he's considering trading point guard Andre Miller and the 12th pick to Atlanta for the third selection. The Hawks, perennially inept on draft day, also are said to be considering a deal for Portland's Zach Randolph. -- Newsday
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Seattle NBA Draft Fielding Offers
Jun 26 - With an abundance of point guards, centers and two high second-round picks, the Sonics are believed to be fielding trade offers to acquire another lottery pick in Thursday's draft.
Seattle will not deal the second overall choice, but the team has plenty of negotiating pieces in guards Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson, centers Robert Swift, Johan Petro and Mouhamed Sene and the Nos. 31 and 35 picks. -- Seattle Times
other Sonics' news ...
Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin has interviewed for the vacant head coaching job with the Seattle SuperSonics.
"It was a good interview," Corbin said Monday. "We had a good talk. ... It was a good experience for me." -- Salt Lake Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Fabricio Oberto
Spurs Player Option Oberto Opts For Free Agency
Jun 26 - After a strong playoff run in which he was the team's most accurate shooter and its No. 3 rebounder, Fabricio Oberto informed the Spurs on Monday he has decided to opt out of the final year of the three-year contract he signed before the 2005-06 season.
Herb Rudoy is confident head coach and executive vice president of basketball operations Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford feel just as strongly about keeping Oberto.
"He has no intention of going anywhere else," said the Chicago-based agent, who also represents Oberto's Argentine teammate, Manu Ginobili. "That's why he did it. The whole purpose of this is to get a new contract. They recognize his contribution. R.C. and Pop are smart guys and they know he fits like a glove with the whole system and the way he plays." -- San Antonio Express-News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Eduardo Najera
Nuggets Player Option Najera Staying With Nuggets
Jun 26 - Eduardo Najera said Monday that he has decided not to opt out of the final year of his contract that pays $4.95 million next season. Mexico's lone NBA player said the deadline for his decision is Saturday and that his decision came after talking with his wife, Amy.
"I have a few more days, but I don't plan on opting out," Najera said in a phone interview. "Right now, I haven't changed my mind. I felt like opting out sometimes. Sometimes I say, 'Forget it.' But I talked to my wife and we decided not to opt out." -- Denver Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Devean George
Mavericks Player Option Mavs Wait On George
Jun 26 - Devean George's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Monday he will meet with his client in the coming days to figure out whether George will exercise his option for a second season with the Mavericks at $2.16 million. The other option is to terminate the deal and become an unrestricted free agent.
"Devean loved it in Dallas and he loved playing for Avery Johnson," Bartelstein said. "But as we all know, this is a business."
The Mavericks will wait for the decision. Early on, it was believed George wanted to come back to the Mavericks. But the lure of free agency is tough to pass up. -- Dallas Morning News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Memphis NBA Draft Will Griz Get Another Pick?
Jun 26 - With only the No. 4 pick, will the Griz acquire another selection before the draft is complete?
Bet on it. That's been the team's history since Jerry West became team president. As West takes his final waltz around the draft room, expect him to try to aid recently hired GM Chris Wallace by suggesting ways to maximize the day.
Last year's second rounder has been mentioned as trade bait, but the Griz also figure they can move Stromile Swift to acquire another draft pick. -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chicago NBA Draft Debate Continue's
Jun 26 - As for the No. 9 pick, the Bulls have scheduled a second interview with Washington center Spencer Hawes, who will stop at the Berto Center today, then continue on to New York for the draft as one of the NBA's invited top prospects.
GM John Paxson said he and his staff still are considering "four or five" prospects they have scouted and have about 50 mock-draft scenarios in place upon which to base their first-round pick. Florida power forward Joakim Noah and Chinese 7-footer Yi Jianlian also are believed to be among the final group as the Bulls' biggest need is inside scoring.
"We're still having a debate about it, and that's what's kind of fun about the whole process," Paxson said. -- Chicago Sun-Times
Despite league sources insisting the Bulls would trade the No. 9 pick to acquire a veteran big man. Said Paxson: "Any talks I've had with anyone about the pick haven't gone anywhere and were on the surface level."
He also sounded like a general manager who'd be perfectly content drafting the proverbial "best player available" so as to stockpile another asset, perhaps delaying the Bulls' biggest need of acquiring a scoring big man either through free agency or a summer trade. -- Chicago Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Cleveland NBA Draft Pick An Option
Jun 26 - Cavs GM Danny Ferry is mum on what the Cavs are doing, but sources within the Eastern Conference said Monday the team is trying to get into the draft. The Cavs can do that via trade or by buying their way in, and the most they can spend on a draft pick is $3 million. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
As for buying a pick, I am sure the Cavs will have the green light to try from Dan Gilbert. I think the two targets in the first round will be the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns, both of whom have multiple picks. But if that happens, don't expect it until the last minute on draft night. Both will want to hold onto it for as long as possible to keep options open. -- Akron Beacon-Journal
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Detroit NBA Draft Immediate Help Only
Jun 26 - With the 15th pick Thursday, Joe Dumars is looking to get a player who can step in and contribute -- next season.
"Like Joe has said over and over, we need to add youth and energy to our team," said John Hammond, vice president of basketball. "It can be at any position, on the perimeter or in the frontcourt. We are looking to get a player that will be capable of getting on the floor immediately. We are not looking at a project-type player with the 15th pick."
Though no player has been asked to return for a second look, three players have stood out as prime candidates for the 15th spot. They are Rodney Stuckey, Nick Young, Thaddeus Young. -- Detroit News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Rashard Lewis
SuperSonics Free Agency Prime Target
Jun 26 - The Orlando Magic are expected to contact Seattle SuperSonics small forward Rashard Lewis and make a contract offer to power forward Darko Milicic on Sunday when the NBA free-agent market officially opens for business.
According to those close to the situation, the 6-foot-10 Lewis is the Magic's prime target.
For Orlando, Milicic and Lewis are intertwined in their master plan this summer. -- Orlando Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Greg Buckner
Mavericks Trade Speculation Hot Name
Jun 26 - In advance of the draft, trade speculation is heating up and one of the names mentioned frequently is Greg Buckner. Mark Cuban and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson each acknowledged that numerous teams have inquired about Greg Buckner.
It's possible the Mavericks may be considering packaging Buckner with one or more of their second rounders to move up in the draft. -- Dallas Morning News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
New Orleans NBA Draft A Great Fit?
Jun 26 - The Hornets held their final two draft workouts Monday, bringing in eight players, including Southern California's Nick Young, who could be a great fit.
The Hornets are hoping to draft a player who can play shooting guard and small forward, and Young can do just that. He has the frame and length to become a good defender, but he is not there just yet. His workout started sluggish, because the night before he had to take a late flight and didn't sleep much.
But Hornets Coach Byron Scott said the workout picked up, and Scott enjoyed chatting with the fellow Los Angeles native. -- New Orleans Times-Picayune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
LeBron James
Cavaliers Co-Host Not Fazed By ESPYs
Jun 26 - Cavaliers forward LeBron James has spent much of his adult life playing on a big stage in front of a huge audience.
That's why his appearance as one of the co-hosts of the 2007 ESPYs probably won't faze him.
"The thought of stepping out on stage and telling jokes in front of all these sports legends (at 22 years old) is unfathomable to me," ESPYs co-host Jimmy Kimmel said during a teleconference yesterday. "I can only imagine myself at 22. I'm sure he can do about anything." -- Lorain Morning Journal
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Miami Free Agency Low-Cost Shooter Wanted
Jun 26 - Already, teams are lining up for Jason Kapono and his outside shooting, with Toronto and Denver likely suitors. Yet while shooters certainly aren't a dime a dozen, playing with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal tends to lift most players' percentages.
So if the bidding even gets in the $3 million range, it would mean spending $6 million next season on Kapono, because of the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax. And that's simply too much.
Instead, figure on a move to a lower-cost shooter, with the July 1 free-agent list to include the likes of Austin Croshere, Jarvis Hayes, Eddie House and Matt Carroll. Granted, not all are small forwards, but they would deliver shooting, cost-effective shooting. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Milwaukee NBA Draft Willing To Move Pick
Jun 26 - Based on conversations with several officials, in and out of the Bucks' organization, the Bucks are quite receptive to moving their top pick. And that could happen if neither of their primary targets is still on the board when they select.
According to several people in the know, the Bucks have their sights set on Florida power forward Al Horford and Ohio State point guard Michael Conley II.
If Conley and Horford are both off the board when it's the Bucks turn to pick, Larry Harris and Co. may seriously consider their many trade possibilities. That's because, while the Bucks have an affinity for Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian and Georgetown small forward Jeff Green, a degree of uncertainty surrounds both of them. -- Racine Journal Times
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Darko Milicic
Magic Free Agency 'Amicable' Deal
Jun 26 - Magic GM Otis Smith said Monday that he hopes an "amicable" deal can be reached with Darko Milicic, a sentiment seconded by Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein. Orlando can match any offer for Milicic, a restricted free agent.
"This is a situation, on paper, where Darko should be re-signed by Orlando," Cornstein said. "We'll see on Sunday where we're at."
A deal in principle could be worked out, although Cornstein likely will see what the market will bear. But only a handful of teams have enough cap room to sign Milicic. -- Orlando Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston NBA Draft Rockets, Williams Meet Today
Jun 26 - Sean Williams, the shot-blocking, strong finishing power forward out of Boston College, is going to meet with the Rockets today. He will also meet with Charlotte and maybe Philadelphia this week, though both would seem to have rosters already crowded at Williams' position.
Williams of course has had problems at BC, including a marijuana habit, and got tossed off the team this season. But he seems to be dealing with it. He seems worth the chance. -- Houston Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Philadelphia NBA Draft Due Diligence
Jun 26 - The 76ers, doing their due diligence, dispatched assistant coach Moses Malone to Houston yesterday to observe a workout for 6-10 former Boston College forward Sean Williams.
President/general manager Billy King confirmed they were awaiting word from Williams' agent on whether Williams would come to Philadelphia tomorrow.
The New Jersey Nets and the Golden State Warriors were also on hand. -- Philadelphia Daily News
King said the 76ers are "aggressively trying to get higher up." They have ranked the players they believe will go in the first round. King said he expects other teams to take at least two players he doesn't have in the Sixers' top 12.
He wouldn't say how far he is looking to move up.
"We have some things we have on the table that people are looking at," King said. "It will just take them saying, 'Yes.'" -- Wilmington News-Journal
One popular, draft darkhorse darling making the rumor-mill rounds is Eastern Washington guard Rodney Stuckey. But Stuckey declined to work out for the Sixers, making it unlikely the team will select him. -- Cherry Hill Courier-Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
New Jersey NBA Draft A Great Fit
Jun 26 - Since impressing the Nets in a predraft workout a couple of weeks ago, Glen 'Big Baby' Davis has blogged about how well he thinks he'd mesh with the team, especially its big three of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. He repeated those feelings yesterday.
"I think New Jersey would be a great fit," said Davis, the robust forward from LSU.
While Davis is just one of many big men the Nets are considering drafting, the team's fans have already made their choice, picking Davis as the player they'd like to see the Nets take in a recent poll on the team's Web site. -- New York Daily News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Orlando Assistant Coach Ewing May Return
Jun 26 - Future Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing, who finished a 17-year NBA playing career in Orlando, could be returning to the Magic next season as an assistant coach under Stan Van Gundy.
Ewing is strongly considering an offer from Van Gundy to rejoin the Magic and help coach 21-year-old center Dwight Howard. -- Orlando Sentinel
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Sarunas Jasikevicius
Warriors Player Option Option Picked Up
Jun 26 - Warriors guard Sarunas Jasikevicius picked up his $4 million option for next season, as expected, but it remains unlikely that Golden State will be the team issuing his paychecks.
"Sarunas has all the respect in the world for Nellie, but he wants to play," agent Doug Neustadt said. "If he's not a part of that rotation, then Golden State will probably make a move. But obviously, they've got to get something back that they want. At least that's what they told me." -- San Francisco Chronicle
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
DeShawn Stevenson
Wizards Player Option Stevenson Opts Out
Jun 26 - Mark Bartelstein, the agent who represents Wizards shooting guard DeShawn Stevenson, confirmed yesterday that Stevenson will opt out of the final year of his contract at the end of the month.
Stevenson was scheduled to earn just more than $1 million in the second year of the two-year contract he signed with the team last summer. -- Washington Post
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Sasha Pavlovic
Cavaliers National Teams A Wanted Man
Jun 26 - The national teams of Serbia and Montenegro are in a tug-of-war for the services of Cleveland Cavalier Sasha Pavlovic.
Serbia named the player in their preliminary squad for EuroBasket 2007 earlier this month but this week, Montenegro also included Pavlovic on a list they had to submit to basketball's world governing body FIBA by July 7.
"Pavlovic is on the list, but we know that putting his name on our list isn't enough for him to be a member of Montenegrin national team," said the general secretary of the Basketball Association of Montenegro (KSCG), Petar Popovic. -- SportsTicker
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Golden State 2006 Draft Pick On The Move
Jun 26 - Kosta Perovic, last year's second-round pick, appears headed for a new home, regardless of his status with the Warriors.
Agent Bill Duffy confirmed reports from overseas that several European clubs, including Spain's Unicaja Malaga and CSKA Moscow, are interested in signing Perovic.
"It's very unlikely that he'll go back to Partizan," Duffy said of Perovic's current Serbian club. -- San Francisco Chronicle
Monday, June 25
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kevin Garnett
Timberwolves Celtics?
Bulls?
Lakers?
Suns? Mega-Deal In The Works?
Jun 25 - The owners of the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have begun talks for a trade that would involve sending Kevin Garnett to the Lakers, league sources said Monday.
A multi-team trade discussion is underway involving the Lakers, Indiana, Minnesota and possibly a fourth team, with the Lakers getting Garnett and the Pacers getting Lamar Odom and teenage center Andrew Bynum from the Lakers. Another minor player will likely be added to make the deal work financially. -- Los Angeles Times
Despite reports to the contrary, sources confirmed last night there is still life to a Celtics deal for Kevin Garnett. It was also stated strongly that the club would never make such a move before it had an agreement with the Timberwolves star on a contract extension.
The word last night is that the sides are letting the dust settle before revisiting the proposal this week. It remains uncertain whether all the requirements for a transaction -- agreement on the principles, Garnett's acceptance of an extension - can be arranged, but the topic is still on the table for the two clubs. -- Boston Herald
People who know say the Timberwolves have received trade inquiries for Kevin Garnett from more teams than just the oft-reported Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics. And regardless of whether Garnett is traded by NBA draft time on Thursday, the Wolves are planning on making at least one other deal.
Word is a Wolves-Suns deal that would feature Garnett for Amare Stoudemire has stalled but is still in the works. Initially, the Wolves wanted Stoudemire, 24, for Garnett, 31, but the Suns were offering Shawn Marion, 29.
The Wolves don't want Marion, so the Suns tried to peddle him to Boston through Minnesota VP Kevin McHale's old pal, Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, in a convoluted three-team deal that would result in the Wolves getting Paul Pierce and Boston's No. 5 pick in the draft, among other considerations. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Timberwolves GM Kevin McHale is said to be interested in only a limited number of prospects in this draft. Minnesota has the No. 7 pick and McHale supposedly wants a higher pick, which hurts the Bulls at No. 9. That's why there is serious talk of a deal with the Celtics, who have No. 5. Some insist that deal isn't dead yet, and talk of another trade continues to have legs.
All the particulars aren't established, but the basics are the Suns get Garnett, the Celtics get Shawn Marion and the Timberwolves get the No. 5 pick, the Hawks' unprotected first-round pick for next season, which the Suns hold, the Suns' two firsts this year (No. 24 and 29) and the expiring contracts of Kurt Thomas and Theo Ratliff. -- Chicago Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Phoenix NBA Draft Suns Seek Top 10 Pick
Jun 25 - The Suns are closing in on a trade that would put them in the top 10 of Thursday's draft, according to David Griffin, Phoenix's senior vice president of basketball operations.
There are ongoing talks with a few teams in the top 10 but one dialogue is "much hotter," Griffin said. -- Arizona Republic
The Suns will host a multi-team workout Tuesday morning featuring four probable lottery players: shooting guard Corey Brewer and power forward Joakim Noah from Florida, Georgetown forward Jeff Green and North Carolina power forward Brandan Wright.
Those players -- Brewer and Wright, in particular -- have the Suns trying to obtain a pick from Boston (fifth overall) and Chicago (ninth) in exchange for current players (Shawn Marion?) and draft picks (Phoenix picks 24th and 29th Thursday and has two first-round picks next year, Atlanta's and its own).
If the Suns can't get into the lottery: They have a second workout planned Tuesday featuring players they like late in the first round: Petteri Koponen, UCLA guard Arron Afflalo, Oregon guard Aaron Brooks and Wisconsin forward Alando Tucker. -- East Valley Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
San Antonio Player Option No Word From Finley
Jun 25 - Michael Finley has yet to inform the Spurs whether he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent. He has until Saturday to decide.
Barring a last-minute change, the Spurs plan to fully guarantee next season's contracts for Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry. The players have to be waived by the end of this week to avoid the guarantee.-- San Antonio Express-News
other news ...
Ian Mahinmi, the Spurs' 2005 first-round draft pick, will not be able to play in summer league after tearing a muscle in his chest during the team's minicamp.
Mahinmi tore his right pectoralis minor, a muscle that helps stabilize the scapula, when he went up for a dunk. He also strained the latissimus dorsi muscle. -- San Antonio Express-News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Sean Williams NBA Draft $64,000 Question
Jun 25 - "I definitely let my coaches down, my teammates down, and the fans down," Sean Williams says after the workout. "I thank Boston College for supporting me. They had my back the entire time. This is a new opportunity. I made some bad decisions. I've learned from those mistakes and become a better person from them."
The $64,000 question among NBA overseers is, well, has he really learned? He didn't make just one bad decision. He made a series of them. He was suspended twice before coach Al Skinner booted him off the team for good Jan. 17, a day after he had scored 10 points, collected six rebounds, and blocked three shots in only 23 minutes of an 82-63 win over Miami. That will cost him both in reputation and dollars, for, as Williams acknowledges, "I knew I would drop [in the draft] after I got kicked off the team." -- Boston Globe
Members of the Nets hierarchy, including team president Rod Thorn and general manager Ed Stefanski, will watch red-flagged Boston College shot-blocker deluxe Sean Williams work out in Houston this week. The Nets had seen a previous Williams workout and were impressed enough that the brass wanted a close-up audition of the player who was kicked off his Boston College team for repeated violations of team rules, including an arrest for marijuana possession. -- New York Post
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Ron Artest
Kings Timberwolves? Dealing For Artest?
Jun 25 - According to a league source, Minnesota may try to swing a deal for Ron Artest if it keeps Kevin Garnett. -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Atlanta NBA Draft Standing Pat With No. 3 And No. 11?
Jun 25 - There's a 50-50 chance the Hawks stick to their rebuilding plan and make those picks and go into fall camp with two new rookies and a healthier cast of veterans.
What looks like a golden opportunity to most, a fertile trade market for a team with glaring needs at center and point guard, might not be as gorgeous as it appears. The gamble the Hawks would take on a veteran with a large contract (like oft-injured Denver center Marcus Camby) is just as risky as betting on a rookie power forward (like Florida's Al Horford) being able to log quality minutes at center and navigating the transition quickly enough to make an immediate impact. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Marco Belinelli NBA Draft Race For Belinelli?
Jun 25 - Italian basketball star Marco Belinelli is keeping his options open ahead of the NBA draft, but his handlers believe the Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit Pistons are the best placed franchises to sign him up.
His brothers Umberto and Enrico are acting as his advisers and Enrico told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he felt Detroit and the Clippers are the most interested outfits although he won't be able to control how the draft unfolds. -- FIBA.com
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Philadelphia NBA Draft Last Workouts?
Jun 25 - Florida State forward Al Thornton, who is considered a serious candidate by the 76ers if they don't trade their No. 12 pick in Thursday's NBA draft, will be in today for a predraft workout.
Billy King, the Sixers' president and general manager, had said that today probably would be the team's final day for predraft workouts, although it's possible that players could be brought in privately in the days leading up to the draft.
King had indicated he was hoping to work out Florida forward Joakim Noah privately, but a team official said yesterday that nothing had been scheduled. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
"I really don't think I'll be available then, but you never know," the 6-8 Florida State fifth-year senior said during the NBA's predraft camp in Orlando.
And if he were No. 12 in Thursday night's draft?
"I wouldn't mind if Philly is the place," he said at the time. "I wouldn't mind playing there. They need help, and I feel like I could step in right away and play." -- Philadelphia Daily News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Seattle Head Coach Vacancy Carlesimo Waiting
Jun 25 - The Spurs don't expect the Seattle SuperSonics to make a decision on whether to hire P.J. Carlesimo as their new coach until after Thursday's draft. Former Minnesota head coach and Seattle assistant Dwane Casey and Sacramento Kings assistant Scott Brooks reportedly are among the other candidates the Sonics are considering. -- San Antonio Express-News
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Chicago NBA Draft Bulls Need Height
Jun 25 - It seems very unlikely that centers Joakim Noah and Spencer Hawes would both still be on the board when the Bulls? turn comes around at No. 9. If either one is available, that player is the odds-on favorite to join the Bulls.
China's Yi Jianlian, a multi-skilled 7-footer, may never be a post player, but he?s intriguing enough to merit serious consideration. Colorado State's Jason Smith also remains in the discussion, most likely through trading down for a lower pick.
It's probably safe to scratch Kansas forward Julian Wright from the Bulls' list of draft possibilities. Multiple sources believe the Homewood-Flossmoor High School product has indicated he would prefer not to play in his hometown because of the potential distractions. -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald
The Bulls are said to be shopping their No. 9 pick and Denver's Marcus Camby is a possibility, with the Nuggets likely to cut payroll by making Camby available. The deal would have to include P.J. Brown in a sign-and-trade for one guaranteed season. -- Chicago Tribune
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Toronto Audition Closer Look?
Jun 25 - One player Toronto might invite back for a closer look, based on his performance over the weekend, was point guard Pooh Jeter, who played last season in the D-League for Colorado, the Raptors' affiliate there.
"In college, he was a scorer and he's really developed from just a scorer into a point guard and his development has been incredible there," Jim Kelly said. "He's been one of the better performers here." -- Toronto Globe and Mail
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Yao Ming
Rockets Wedding Big News
Jun 25 - China's most famous sportsman, basketball star Yao Ming, is to marry his long-time girlfriend in August, a news report said Saturday.
The 27-year-old Houston Rockets star will wed Ye Li, a member of the Chinese women's basketball team, who he has been dating for several years, the South China Morning Post said.
Rockets GM Daryl Morey let the marriage plans slip when he was asked about Yao's summer plans and said: "He's working out in China in July, then getting married in August." -- Bangkok Post
also ...
Houston Rockets player Yao Ming will be absent from a Chinese squad which will compete at a tournament in Las Vegas next month, the event will also feature some NBA sides.
An official from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Hu Jinshi, said on Monday that the possibility of Yao?s participation in the event is close to zero. -- CRIENGLISH.com
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Houston Radio Announcers Final Season
Jun 25 - Gene Peterson and Jim Foley, who have provided the radio soundtrack of Rockets basketball for more than three decades, will work a 33rd and final season together before retiring at the end of the 2007-08 NBA campaign.
Peterson, the team's play-by-play announcer since 1975, and Foley, a Rockets employee for 35 years and the analyst on home games since 1975 and for all games since 1987, each agreed to one-year contract extensions, ensuring one last season for one of professional sports' longest-tenured broadcast teams. -- Houston Chronicle