Basketball: NBA Rumors

Bzdelik to meet with Nuggets GM

Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe is expected to meet with embattled coach Jeff Bzdelik within the next week. Although his job is rumored to be in jeopardy, Bzdelik told the Rocky Mountain News's Chris Tomasson that "(it's) business as usual until I'm told otherwise".

Bobcats could swing deal with Pistons

Charlotte Observer columnist Rick Bonnell writes that the Bobcats may be able to convince the Pistons to give them a first-round pick and cash if they threaten to sign Mehmet Okur. If the Pistons become worried that they could lose Okur, they may agree to swap Elden Campbell for the pick and $3 million to ensure that they'll have enough cap room to lock up Okur themselves.

Jazz quiet Camby talk

It appears that Marcus Camby is more interested in the Jazz than they are in him. Although the Jazz are rumored to be one of three teams eyeing Camby, the Deseret News's Tim Buckley reports that basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor indicated yesterday that the Jazz have yet to contact the Nuggets center's agent.

Ostertag could join Mavericks

The Mavericks may try to sign Jazz center Greg Ostertag in the offseason. Daily Herald columnist Mike McGraw writes that Ostertag may be the "best interior option" for Dallas.



[Edited on 4/5/04 by TRD]

[Edited on 18/5/04 by TRD]

Nug's - silly if they fire him

Camby, in Utah? I can't see that. The mormons would have nothing to do with him.

Ostertag, let him out. I wonder what he's still doing in Utah. If they would have had a real center, they would have won one of the finals they were in.

Originally posted by Gibbs Baby!!!
Camby, in Utah? I can't see that. The mormons would have nothing to do with him.

/haha thats so true...I hope detroit keeps okur somehow, he could be a starter on many other teams.

Babcock, Weltman to get second interviews with Raptors
Globe and Mail

Timberwolves vice-president of player personnel Rob Babcock and Nuggets assistant GM Jeff Weltman have emerged as the front-runners for the Raptors' vacant GM job. Sources told the Globe and Mail's Robert MacLeod that both Babcock and Weltman will be interviewed for a second time this week.


Bucks may be ready to spend
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Bucks could sign a big man and a guard in the offseason. The Journal Sentinel's Tom Enlund reports that the Bucks could target Michael Doleac, Adonal Foyle, Steven Hunter, Stanislav Medvedenko, Gary Trent, Robert Traylor, Rafer Alston, Brandon Armstrong, Travis Best, Mike James, Rod Strickland or Jacque Vaughn.


Wesley: Hornets may make changes
New Orleans Times-Picayune

David Wesley told the Times-Picayune's John Reid that he expects the Hornets to make some "changes". Wesley, Robert Traylor, Steve Smith, Stacey Augmon, Shammond Williams, Maurice Carter and coach Tim Floyd may not be back next season.


Curry hopes Bulls keep Chandler, Crawford
Chicago Sun-Times

Eddy Curry doesn't want the Bulls to deal Tyson Chandler or Jamal Crawford. Although the Bulls are likely to part ways with one of the pair, Curry told the Sun-Times's Lacy J. Banks that he "wouldn't want to see that happen".


Garnett not in 'MVP mode'
St. Paul Pioneer Press

Kevin Garnett didn't look like the best player in the league against the Kings last night. Pioneer Press columnist Bob Sansevere writes that Garnett "wasn't in his usual MVP mode".

LINK

[Edited on 5/5/04 by TRD]

thats hwy i think the wolves lost KG was on but he wasnt in the right mind set....look for the next game for him to just let lose

Jackson may not return to Lakers
Los Angeles Times

Phil Jackson's days with the Lakers may be numbered. Times columnist Bill Plaschke writes that "an unsatisfactory contract offer and owner Jerry Buss' declaration that he would support Kobe Bryant in their personality clash" could cause Jackson to call it quits.


Pistons think Wallace will re-sign
New York Post

The Knicks may have a tough time convincing Rasheed Wallace to bolt Detroit. The Post's Marc Berman reports that GM Joe Dumars expects Wallace to re-sign with the Pistons because they have a "great coach, great guys and the ability to compensate him very well".


Hornets should make coaching change
New Orleans Times-Picayune

Times-Picayune columnist Peter Finney thinks that the Hornets will fire coach Tim Floyd. Finney writes that he would be "shocked" if the Hornets fail to give Floyd his walking papers.


Raptors close to hiring GM
Toronto Star

The Star's Doug Smith reports that the Raptors could hire a new GM "in a little more than a week". The job is expected to go to either Nuggets assistant GM Jeff Weltman or Timberwolves assistant GM Rob Babcock.


Suns' D'Antoni could get new deal
East Valley Tribune

Coach Mike D'Antoni could sign a contract extension with the Suns. D'Antoni's agent told the Tribune's Mike Tulumello that he and the Suns are "working on [a deal] now".

Will Raptors give Carter the boot?

Failing to interview Julius Erving for their vacant GM job could ruin the Raptors' relationship with Vince Carter. The Toronto Sun's Bill Harris reports that the Raptors "might as well boot Carter in the butt and trade him right now" if they fail to give Dr. J a call.

Payton may want to escape from L.A.

The Lakers are anything but a happy family these days. Los Angeles Times columnist Mark Heisler writes that Gary Payton sounded "upset enough to demand to be traded on the spot" after the Lakers' Game 2 loss to the Spurs.

Nets' Martin fails to cash in

New York Post columnist Peter Vecsey writes that Kenyon Martin's stock may be falling. Vecsey thinks that Martin's poor performance against the Pistons on Monday "could cost the rising restricted free agent millions".

Hawks could hire Scott, Fratello or Hollins to replace Stotts

The Hawks are in the market for a new coach now that Terry Stotts has been relieved of his duties. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Michael Lee reports that Byron Scott, Mike Fratello and Lionel Hollins could all be candidates for the job.

Raptors may offer GM job to Hammond

Although both Nuggets assistant GM Jeff Weltman and Timberwolves assistant GM Rob Babcock interviewed for the Raptors' GM job twice, neither may end up being hired. Sources told the Toronto Star's Doug Smith that the Raptors may "sweeten their offer" to Pistons vice-president of basketball operations John Hammond.

I wouldnt blame the golve for wanting to leave, there are to many stars and he just isnt getting the attention or the leadership rolls that he needs

Didn't Fratello caoch at Atlanta before?

Trio of teams could target McGrady
Orlando Sentinel

The Sentinel's Tim Povtak reports that the Suns, Pacers and Rockets may be interested in trading for Tracy McGrady. In exchange for McGrady, the Magic could get Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson and Jake Voskuhl from Phoenix, Al Harrington and Jonathan Bender from Indiana or Steve Francis from Houston.


Harris mum on Hawks rumors
Dallas Morning News

The Morning News's Eddie Sefko reports that Mavericks assistant Del Harris refused to comment on rumors that he has talked to the Hawks about their head coaching vacancy. The Hornets and Raptors could also give Harris a call.


Brown plays down Knicks talk
Detroit News

Don't bet on Pistons coach Larry Brown bolting Detroit for New York. Although he was quoted as saying that his "dream has always been to coach the Knicks", the News's Chris McCosky reports that Brown plans to end his coaching career in Detroit.


Bulls may trade first rounder
Daily Herald

Teams looking for a center should give the Bulls a call. Daily Herald columnist Mike McGraw writes that the Bulls could deal their first-round pick to a team interested in drafting Pavel Podkolzine or Peter John Ramos.


Celtics still searching for assistants
Boston Herald

Celtics coach Doc Rivers has yet to finalize his coaching staff. The Herald's Peter May reports that Rivers could hire Lionel Hollins, Randy Ayers, Paul Cormier, Mark Hughes or Paul Pressey.

LINK

Can you imagine if T-Mac heads to Houston? That'd be a power team! When is the East gonna catch up???

Scott to interview with Hornets
New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Times-Picayune's John Reid reports that the Hornets may interview former Nets coach Byron Scott next week. Rudy Tomjanovich, Mike Fratello, Brian Hill, George Karl, Alvin Gentry and Avery Johnson may also have a shot at the job.


Is Lakers' Jackson ready to retire?
Los Angeles Times

The Times's Tim Brown reports that Phil Jackson is sending the Lakers mixed messages. Although Jackson reportedly told his players on Saturday that "these are my last playoffs", he now says that he hasn't "closed the door" on returning next season.


Fratello may be on Hawks' list
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Journal-Constitution's Michael Lee reports that Hawks GM Billy Knight has a short list of potential coaching candidates. The Hawks are believed to be interested in hiring either Randy Wittman, Del Harris or Mike Fratello.


Clippers' Richardson could make move to Denver
Rocky Mountain News

Clippers restricted free agent Quentin Richardson could sign with the Nuggets. Although Richardson would prefer to stay in L.A., he told the News's Chris Tomasson that "Denver is definitely one of the places I have to look at".


Dr. J may have shot at Raptors job
Toronto Star

Can Dr. J cure the Raptors? The Star's Doug Smith reports that Julius Erving may be in the running for the Raptors' GM job

LINK

Kings may deal Webber, fire coach
Sacramento Bee

Bee columnist Ailene Voisin writes that the Kings may make some major changes in the offseason. Rumor has it that the Kings could fire coach Rick Adelman and trade Chris Webber if they fall to the Timberwolves.


Raptors, Hawks may interview MacLeod
Rocky Mountain News

The News's Chris Tomasson reports that both the Raptors and the Hawks want to talk to Nuggets assistant John MacLeod about their head coaching vacancies. The Nuggets have granted both teams permission to speak with MacLeod.


Scott on Hornets' list
New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Hornets could hire Byron Scott to be their new coach. Hornets majority owner George Shinn told the Times-Picayune's John Reid that Scott is "one of the top [candidates] on our list". Contrary to earlier reports, the Hornets haven't scheduled an interview with Scott this week.


Payton could join Warriors or Suns
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Which team will Gary Payton sign with if he decides to bolt L.A.? Post-Intelligencer columnist David Locke writes that Payton could land in Phoenix or Golden State.


Raptors to give Dr. J a call
Toronto Star

The Raptors are going to call the Doctor about their vacant GM job. Raptors minority owner Larry Tanenbaum told the Star's Doug Smith that Julius Erving is "certainly someone we will be looking at".

LINK

i owuld see a new coach if they dont pass this round, with all that talent they need to go to the finals.

Kobe could stay in L.A.
Los Angeles Times

Kobe Bryant may re-sign with the Lakers. A source told Times columnist Mark Heisler that Bryant has talked about returning to the Lakers next season.


Lakers may not bring back Jackson
Los Angeles Times

The Lakers could let coach Phil Jackson walk when his contract expires. The Times's David Ferrell reports that there is a "gathering sense that [Jackson] is unlikely to be back".


Odds are Bzdelik will return
Denver Post

The Nuggets may not replace coach Jeff Bzdelik after all. Post columnist Mark Kiszla believes that there is a "better than 50 percent chance" that Bzdelik will return next season.


Hornets to interview Scott
New Orleans Times-Picayune

Sources told the Times-Picayune's Jimmy Smith that former Nets coach Byron Scott will interview with the Hornets this weekend. The Hornets may also chat with Brian Hill, Mike Fratello, Rudy Tomjanovich, George Karl, Donald Newman, Michael Cooper, Lionel Hollins and Avery Johnson.


Hawks want to talk to Sonics assistant
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Journal-Constitution's Michael Lee reports that the Hawks have been given permission to talk to Sonics assistant Dwane Casey about their head coaching vacancy. Del Harris, John MacLeod, Mike Woodson and Mike Brown are also rumored to be in the hunt for the job.

Link

Originally posted by Gibbs Baby!!!
Can you imagine if T-Mac heads to Houston? That'd be a power team! When is the East gonna catch up???

what about t-mac, artest, jermain oneal, and reggie miller in indiana!

Good point, although I think Reggie is retiring, right?

McGrady plans to opt out of Magic deal
New York Post

The Magic may want to start shopping Tracy McGrady. Post columnist Peter Vecsey writes that McGrady "positively plans to opt out at the end of next season".


Nash may not get max contract
Dallas Morning News

The Morning News's Eddie Sefko reports that Mavericks guard Steve Nash may have picked the wrong year to become a free agent. Many teams are leery about dishing out max contracts and Nash's age could further hurt his case.


Pressure's on Adelman, Saunders
Sacramento Bee

Although they've managed to get their teams into the second round of the playoffs, both Sacramento's Rick Adelman and Minnesota's Flip Saunders are feeling the heat. While Saunders' job appears to be safe, the Bee's Joe Davidson reports that the Kings could make "significant changes" if they fail to advance.


Johnson unlikely to get Hornets job
New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Times-Picayune's John Reid reports that the Hornets are unlikely to hire Warriors guard Avery Johnson to be their next coach. The Hornets are looking for "an experienced coach who has had success in the NBA" and Johnson does not meet those criteria.


Tomjanovich not ready to return
Houston Chronicle

Rudy Tomjanovich isn't ready to return to coaching. Although the Hornets are rumored to be interested in talking to Tomjanovich about their head coaching vacancy, the Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen reports that the former Rocket doesn't plan to return to the bench for "at least" another season.

Link

[Edited on 14/5/04 by TRD]

Nets eager to talk pact with K-Mart
New York Daily News

"Rod Thorn doesn't anticipate that contract negotiations with Kenyon Martin will drag out this summer. However, he is not making any promises, either."


Will Nets bring back Griffin?
Newark Star-Ledger

"Word out of Houston is Eddie Griffin -- whose troubled time in the NBA included a few months with the Nets this season -- has been working out and hopes to sign with someone this summer."


Bulls like Okafor, Deng if available
Chicago Tribune

"Paxson's wish list for the Bulls' lottery pick is short—Connecticut power forward Emeka Okafor or Duke small forward Luol Deng... Even so, if the Bulls draft Okafor, Chandler is expected to be dangled in trade talks."


Hornets want to talk to Nets' Hill
New York Post

"The New Orleans Hornets called the Nets, asked - and received - permission to talk to assistant Brian Hill regarding their head coaching vacancy. Hill, whose head coaching resume includes Orlando and Vancouver, was an assistant in New Orleans under Paul Silas."

i would like okafor too if i was the bulls, they could use somebody like him, heck anyteam could use him