Let's round up a few afternoon links relating to a handful of Northwest Division squads….
- The Trail Blazers have hired Dale Osbourne as an assistant coach, the team announced today (Twitter link). Last season, Osbourne served as the head coach for the Tulsa 66ers, the Thunder's D-League affiliate.
- Speaking of the Thunder, Royce Young at DailyThunder.com takes an in-depth look at a few of the options available for Oklahoma City and Eric Maynor. Young thinks Maynor is unlikely to be extended this offseason, but says that doesn't mean the point guard won't remain part of the Thunder past this season. Our Zach Links examined Maynor as an extension candidate over the weekend.
- In his latest column, Josh Cohen of OrlandoMagic.com poses three potential trade scenarios that he feel would benefit each team involved. Cohen's ideas include the Timberwolves acquiring Pau Gasol in a three-way deal with the Lakers and Hawks, and the Jazz trading for Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Jimmy Butler.