Basketball: NBA Rumors (June 04)

Will it be Kobe or Tracy?
Arizona Republic

"Just how will the next version of Phoenix Suns basketball look? Will a superstar like Kobe Bryant or Tracy McGrady be donning the new orange uniforms? Will an old friend like Steve Nash return home and lead the Suns back to the playoffs. Will free agent Manu Ginobili leave the river walk for the desert? And could Arizona's Andre Iguodala be playing basketball just a few hours from the McKale Center?"


Bobcats may have eyes on Childress, Nelson
Arizona Republic

"Charlotte, which apparently wants Stanford's Josh Childress with its fourth pick, could be interested in the seventh pick to use on St. Joseph point guard Jameer Nelson."


Lakers should swap O'Neal for McGrady, clear cap room for Yao
Chicago Tribune

"Nothing's really changed. And even if the Lakers go onto the NBA Finals and win, it seems unlikely the Bryant-O'Neal pairing can survive. Nothing is out of the question, but here's one scenario to clip and save: Yao Ming to the Lakers in three years to pair with Bryant... So what to do with O'Neal? ...Figure the Magic package McGrady, the No. 1 pick and some of their bad contracts for O'Neal and perhaps lesser and future draft picks."



Armstrong deal may help Magic keep McGrady
Orlando Sentinel

"A li'l bird says if the Magic want to help keep Tracy McGrady, they should offer New Orleans a second-round pick for the return of Darrell Armstrong. . ."


Will Wallace re-sign with Pistons?
Detroit News

"Q. Rasheed Wallace indicated he might want to return to the Pistons next season. Will he?

A. Don't celebrate just yet. He is going to be smart and not make decisions based on emotions. His best bet is to get away from the euphoria or disappointment of the playoffs, take time with his family and then make a decision."

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4 strong players for the alkers all have player optinos, fisher, malone, payton and fisher. Are they going to stay

Magic could swap top pick for Gasol or Chandler
Florida Today

What will the Magic get in return if they deal the No. 1 pick? Florida Today's John Denton reports that the Magic could use the pick to acquire Pau Gasol, Jason Terry, Kwame Brown, Al Harrington, Tyson Chandler, Kirk Hinrich, Theo Ratliff, Bobby Jackson, Nick Van Exel or Andre Miller.


Bulls may deal pick to Jazz or Pacers
Daily Herald

The Daily Herald's Mike McGraw reports that the Bulls could trade the No. 3 pick along with Eddie Robinson, Jerome Williams or Scottie Pippen to the Jazz for Matt Harpring and the No. 14 or 16 pick. The Bulls could also try to package the pick for Indiana's Al Harrington or Ron Artest.


Ostertag deal could leave Walker on bench
Dallas Morning News

The Morning News' Eddie Sefko reports that the Mavericks may tell Antoine Walker to take a seat on the bench. If the Mavericks sign Jazz center Greg Ostertag, they will likely make Walker their sixth man.


Sprewell, Hudson may opt out
St. Paul Pioneer Press

Changes could be coming to the Timberwolves' backcourt. The Pioneer Press' Mike Wells reports that Latrell Sprewell and Troy Hudson may both opt out of their contracts.


Dr. J still in hunt for Raptors job
Toronto Star

The Raptors need to get their stories straight. Although interim GM Jack McCloskey said yesterday that Julius Erving is no longer in the running to be the team's new GM, sources told the Star's Doug Smith that the Raptors still may be interested in hiring Dr. J for a front office job.

Originally posted by TRD
Bulls may deal pick to Jazz or Pacers
Daily Herald

The Daily Herald's Mike McGraw reports that the Bulls could trade the No. 3 pick along with Eddie Robinson, Jerome Williams or Scottie Pippen to the Jazz for Matt Harpring and the No. 14 or 16 pick. The Bulls could also try to package the pick for Indiana's Al Harrington or Ron Artest.


Ostertag deal could leave Walker on bench
Dallas Morning News

The Morning News' Eddie Sefko reports that the Mavericks may tell Antoine Walker to take a seat on the bench. If the Mavericks sign Jazz center Greg Ostertag, they will likely make Walker their sixth man.


Sprewell, Hudson may opt out
St. Paul Pioneer Press

Changes could be coming to the Timberwolves' backcourt. The Pioneer Press' Mike Wells reports that Latrell Sprewell and Troy Hudson may both opt out of their contracts.

All I have to say to these rumors in particular is Why? Why trade up in this particular draft? Why start Ostertag over Walker? And why not stay in Minnesota, guys?

Pacers may shake up roster
Indianapolis Star

The Pacers could have a different look next season. The Star's Mark Montieth reports that the Pacers could part ways with Reggie Miller, Al Harrington, Jonathan Bender, Kenny Anderson, Jamison Brewer and Scot Pollard.


Walker still wants to be a Maverick
Dallas Morning News

Antoine Walker doesn't appear to have been upset by rumors that the Mavericks plan to either bench or trade him. Agent Michael Higgins told the Morning News' Eddie Sefko that Walker is "intending to be a Maverick next season".


Knicks may trade Thomas
New York Daily News

The Daily News' Frank Isola reports that Knicks forward Kurt Thomas may "welcome a change of scenery". Thomas could be dealt to the Spurs, Mavericks, Rockets or Blazers.


Divac could re-sign with Kings
Sacramento Bee

The Bee's Martin McNeal reports that Vlade Divac is hoping to re-sign with the Kings. Divac, who would like to play for one more season, says that staying in Sacramento is his "first choice".


Will Magic trade No. 1 pick?
Orlando Sentinel

Several teams may be interested in moving up to the top spot in the NBA draft. The Sentinel's Brian Schmitz reports that "as many as a dozen teams" have asked the Magic about the No. 1 pick.

It's hard to imagine Reggie iin any other uniform, I can't beleive he'd be let go.

I think it would be an easy decision for Vlade to stay in Sac, he's had his best years there.

I wonder who the players are who have been involved in the rumors about the #1 pick trade?

Magic could take Howard with No. 1 pick
Florida Today

High School star Dwight Howard could bump Emeka Okafor out of the top spot in the NBA draft. Florida Today's John Denton reports that the Magic are "seriously considering" picking Howard at No. 1.


Jackson may have to go if Lakers want to keep Kobe
Washington Post

Even an NBA championship may not be enough to keep the Lakers from splitting up. The Post's Steve Wyche reports that the Lakers may have to get rid of coach Phil Jackson if they want to re-sign Kobe Bryant.


Nets could ship Kittles to Portland or Seattle
Bergen Record

The Record's Steve Adamek reports that the Nets could trade Kerry Kittles. The Nets may try to include Kittles in a package deal for Shareef Abdur-Rahim or Ray Allen.


Harrington could be first Pacer to go
Indianapolis Star

Coach Rick Carlisle thinks that the Pacers will make a move in the offseason to address the team's "glut of guys at the small forward". The Star's Mark Montieth reports that Al Harrington's name has come up the most often in trade rumors.


Bulls may re-sign Curry
Chicago Sun-Times

The Sun-Times' Lacy J. Banks reports that the Bulls could sign center Eddy Curry to a contract extension. Bulls operations chief John Paxson says that Curry could get a new deal if he "gives me good reason to go out and really pin him down".

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Close Shaves, Not Smooth Ones
Los Angeles Times

"Once again, there's a happy ending possible, perhaps even extending to the summer, when their free agents will include Bryant, Jackson, Malone, Gary Payton and Derek Fisher. Insiders say Bryant now considers the Lakers a viable option, which might not sound like much but is a lot better than what he thought about them six months ago."

Magic should make T-Mac disappear
Jacksonville Times-Union

"What it does with McGrady might impact what the Magic does with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. If it plans to keep McGrady, look for Orlando to take Connecticut's Emeka Okafor, considered the most NBA-ready among the top prospects. If the Magic expects to unload McGrady and prolong rebuilding, then high school sensation Dwight Howard becomes more appealing."

Wolves owner Taylor looks long-term with Sprewell
Minneapolis Star Tribune

"On paper, the choice facing Timberwolves swingman Latrell Sprewell later this month seems to be a simple one: Hang on to his guaranteed salary of $14.625 million for next season or opt out to test free agency and seek something better. Wolves owner Glen Taylor wondered Friday, though, why it's such an either-or proposition."

Kings begin their search for additions
Sacramento Bee

"At this point of the offseason, Petrie said there has been little trade talk, and he reiterated he has no plans to trade star forward Chris Webber. Petrie said he's looking forward to seeing an improved, healthier and more athletic Webber next season."

Kings could leave Peeler, Wallace unprotected
Sacramento Bee

"Upon perusal of the roster, an educated guess suggests the Kings will protect forwards Peja Stojakovic, Brad Miller, Webber and Songaila and guards Mike Bibby, Doug Christie and Bobby Jackson. Peeler and/or guard-forward Gerald Wallace could be left unprotected."

it will be interesting to see what happens in Orlando, I'd like to see them keep T-mac and draft Okafor, and maybe get another good veteran in the mix. They should do well next season.

Also, i hope that the Wolves can hold on to Spree, he fit in quite nice, I thought, a good compliment to KG.

Originally posted by Gibbs Baby!!!:

All I have to say to these rumors in particular is Why? Why trade up in this particular draft? Why start Ostertag over Walker?

Well Ostertag gives Dallas what they need. Rebounding, defense and blocked shots. Antoine Walker doesn't really do that.

And why not stay in Minnesota, guys?

Just to angle for more money. It's like Kobe opting out this Summer. It doesn't mean he wants to leave, it just means he wants a new contract for more money and to see options.

More workouts for Bulls
Chicago Tribune

"The Bulls are close to finalizing an important workout that will feature Nevada shooting guard Kirk Snyder, Stanford swingman Josh Childress and Arizona swingman Andre Iguodala. Management is hopeful Duke forward Luol Deng also will attend the workout, which will take place shortly after the June 8-11 NBA predraft camp."

Raptors may talk with Casey
Toronto Sun

"One of Babcock's first tasks will be finding a coach. The Raptors have received permission to speak with Seattle SuperSonics associate coach Dwane Casey."

Jazz can be picky
Denver Post

"Because the Jazz has picks 14, 16 and 21 and the Celtics have picks 15, 24 and 25, Utah has a better chance to move up. With the Jazz possibly losing center Greg Ostertag to free agency, it is considering taking either BYU center Rafael Araujo or Colorado center David Harrison."

Wolves may not lose Hudson
St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Troy Hudson's opting out of a Timberwolves contract that would pay him $2.1 million next season doesn't necessarily mean the departure of the point guard, but a desire to improve his status."

Lakers dynasty may end at conclusion of Finals
Newark Star-Ledger

"The coach seems willing to let it ride, even if it means a ride out of town on his Harley. One superstar, who is stuck here for at least two more seasons, has lobbied vigorously to keep it together. The other star, who is occupied with such frivolous matters as his freedom, tells different people different things every week about his free-agent intentions."

Pacers will have to make changes
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Because of roster redundancy -- when factoring in Ron Artest, Jonathan Bender and even former University of Miami forward James Jones -- Harrington sets up as the odd man out."

Pacers may put Artest on block
Chicago Tribune

Will the Pacers trade Ron Artest? Tribune columnist Sam Smith writes that the Pacers may try to unload Artest and replace him with a "big man or a scorer to take pressure off Jermaine O'Neal".


Magic will hold on to top pick
Orlando Sentinel

Sentinel columnist Brian Schmitz doesn't think that the Magic will trade the No.1 overall pick. Schmitz believes that the Magic will keep the pick and use it to select Emeka Okafor or Dwight Howard.


Jazz could be on Hudson's list
Deseret News

Former Jazz guard Troy Hudson could make a return trip to Utah. The News' Tim Buckley reports that Hudson, who plans to opt out of his contract with the Timberwolves, may be interested in signing with the Jazz in the offseason


Deng wants to be a Bull
Chicago Tribune

Duke forward Luol Deng wouldn't mind making his home in Chicago. Deng told the Tribune's K.C. Johnson that he "would love to play for the Bulls".


Bzdelik still waiting for word from Nuggets
Denver Post

The Post's Marc J. Spears reports that the Nuggets have yet to decide on coach Jeff Bzdelik's fate. Although owner Stan Kroenke says that Bzdelik "has done a very good job", he still isn't ready to offer his coach a contract extension.

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Originally posted by TRD
Jazz could be on Hudson's list
Deseret News

Former Jazz guard Troy Hudson could make a return trip to Utah. The News' Tim Buckley reports that Hudson, who plans to opt out of his contract with the Timberwolves, may be interested in signing with the Jazz in the offseason

Even though I wouldn't like to see him leave Minnesota, there is no better place for him than back in Utah. With Kiralenko, and a quality big man in the draft, they could be onto something.

Raptors' Carter could ask to be traded
Toronto Sun

Sun columnist Bill Harris writes that the Raptors' relationship with Vince Carter "has grown rocky". Harris believes that there is a chance that Carter will ask to be traded.


Timberwolves should target Iverson
Minneapolis Star Tribune

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse thinks that the Timberwolves should try to swing a deal for Allen Iverson. Reusse suggests that the Wolves swap Wally Szczerbiak and Michael Olowokandi for Iverson.


Howard wants to play for hometown Hawks
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Journal-Constitution's David A. Markiewicz reports that Atlanta high school phenom Dwight Howard is hoping that the Hawks will move up in the draft and select him. The Hawks may have to strike a deal with the Magic for the No.1 pick or the Clippers for the No. 2 pick if they want to select Howard.


Hawks could deal Terry to Clippers for pick
Chicago Sun-Times

The Sun-Times' Lacy J. Banks reports that the Hawks may have put Jason Terry on the trading block. There is talk that the Hawks have offered Terry and the No. 6 pick to the Clippers for the No. 2 pick in the draft.


Bobcats may have their pick of Blazers
Oregonian

Several of the Blazers' high-priced players may be exposed in the expansion draft. The Oregonian's Jim Beseda reports that the Blazers could leave Dale Davis, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Derek Anderson, Ruben Patterson or Damon Stoudamire unprotected.

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Kobe may meet with Knicks
New York Post

The Knicks may have a shot at signing Kobe Bryant. The Post's Marc Berman reports that Bryant is willing to make a "recruiting visit" to New York this summer if Knicks president Isiah Thomas invites him.


Odds in Jackson's favor
Los Angeles Daily News

Phil Jackson's girlfriend believes that there is a "95 percent chance" that he will be coaching the Lakers next season. The Daily News' Howard Beck reports that Jeanie Buss, the daughter of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, also doesn't put much stock in talk that Kobe Bryant will try to force Jackson out.


Big man could help Mavericks
Dallas Morning News

The Mavericks could sign a center in the offseason. The Morning News' Eddie Sefko reports that the Mavericks could pursue Erick Dampier or Greg Ostertag.


Camby hoping to re-sign with Nuggets
Denver Post

Just because Marcus Camby is opting out of his contract doesn't mean that he won't return to the Nuggets next season. Agent Rick Kaplan told the Post's Adam Thompson that his "priority is to get [Camby] signed with the Nuggets".


Bulls are Crawford's first choice
Chicago Sun-Times

The Sun-Times' Roman Modrowski reports that restricted free agent Jamal Crawford's first choice would be to re-sign with the Bulls. The Knicks, Nuggets and Clippers could also make offers to Crawford.

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Bryant tries to quiet Knicks talk
Los Angeles Times

The Times' Tim Brown reports that Kobe Bryant isn't ready to pack his bags for New York just yet. Although Bryant has said that he's willing to take a call from the Knicks, he disputes the notion that he and Isiah Thomas are planning on "having a meeting".


Carter rumors dogging Raptors
Toronto Star

Does Vince Carter want out of Toronto? The Star's Doug Smith reports that there is talk that the Raptors upset Carter when they failed to hire Julius Erving.


Sonics looking to power up?
Seattle Times

The Sonics may try to swing a deal for a power forward. The Times' Percy Allen reports that the Sonics could target the likes of Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Al Harrington, Chris Wilcox or Pau Gasol.


Bobcats may be interested in No. 1 overall pick
Florida Today

Florida Today columnist John Denton writes that the Magic could trade the No. 1 pick in the draft to the Bobcats for the No. 4 pick and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Elden Campbell, Kurt Thomas, Antonio Davis, Michael Olowokandi, Kelvin Cato, Dale Davis or Chris Mihm. At No. 4, the Magic could draft point guards Ben Gordon, Shaun Livingston or Jameer Nelson.


Magic getting calls about Hill
Orlando Sentinel

Apparently Grant Hill is still a hot commodity in the NBA. The Sentinel's Brian Schmitz reports that Magic GM John Weisbrod has gotten calls from "four or five teams" about Hill.

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If Hill is really worth that much, (and I think he still can be) Orlando should hold on to him, and the number 1 pick. they have a chance to be great.

Magic set up meeting with McGrady
Orlando Sentinel

The Sentinel's Brian Schmitz reports that Magic owner Rich DeVos and team president Bob Vander Weide will meet with Tracy McGrady next week to discuss his future with the team. The Magic want to find out if McGrady plans to opt out of his contract after next season.


Bulls talking to Pacers about Harrington deal
Chicago Sun-Times

The Pacers could ship Al Harrington to Chicago. A source told the Sun-Times' Roman Modrowski that the Bulls have talked to the Pacers about swapping the No. 3 pick and a veteran player (Scottie Pippen?) for Harrington and the No. 29 pick.


Isiah isn't ready to call Kobe
Los Angeles Times

Knicks president Isiah Thomas was coy when informed that Kobe Bryant is willing to talk to him about a possible move to New York. Thomas told the Times' J.A. Adande that "any time a player talks about your organization, that's great".


Warriors could take run at Kobe
Oakland Tribune

The Tribune's Dave Del Grande reports that the Warriors could have up to $20 million to spend in the offseason if they can convince the Bobcats to take Nick Van Exel off of their hands. The Warriors would then have enough cap room to try to lure Kobe Bryant to Oakland.


Raptors should trade Carter's mom
Toronto Sun

Sun columnist Steve Simmons thinks that it's time for the Raptors to put Vince Carter's mother in her place. Simmons writes that new GM Rob Babcock would be wise to "keep the player and... trade the mother".

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Magic, T-Mac to talk
Florida Today

"Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos is scheduled to meet with Tracy McGrady next week in Orlando in a session that might very well be the franchise's last-ditch bid to retain the superstar guard."

'Sheed still in Knick mix
New York Daily News

"The agent for Rasheed Wallace is not eliminating the Knicks from signing his client this summer even should Wallace help the Detroit Pistons win the NBA championship. 'One could argue that if they win, Rasheed will say, 'I have my ring, now let me to go New York and see what I could do there,'' William Strickland said yesterday."

Kings may be shopping Webber
New York Daily News

"Rumors already have surfaced that the Sacramento Kings are looking to trade Chris Webber, a player who appeals to the Knicks. The Kings would want a big man in return."

Struggling Payton can't find himself in Lakers' scheme
Seattle Times

"If Jackson stays, the triangle stays and Payton will probably leave. If Jackson goes, Payton will stay. Payton's best option besides the Lakers could be the Portland Trail Blazers."

If Bobcats want Walker, he's available
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Antoine Walker heads the list of players the Mavericks left unprotected for the upcoming expansion draft, according to league sources. In addition, Charlotte can choose from a list that also includes Tony Delk, Danny Fortson and Tariq Abdul-Wahad."