Carlos Delfino

Odds & Ends: Hornets, Aldridge, Bulls, Chandler

The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Sunday night:

  • John Reid of the Times-Picayune writes that new Hornets owner Tom Benson's impact is already being felt, as Saints fans are opting to buy season tickets.
  • Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge, currently recovering from hip surgery that has his Team USA availability in jeopardy, tweets that he's fine after being hospitalized earlier this week for a blood virus.
  • Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico tweets that in addition to Steve Nash and Jason Kidd (both of whom the Bulls are said to be targeting), Nick Young and Carlos Delfino could be on Chicago's radar as well.
  • Newsday's Al Iannazzone reports that Dwyane Wade expects Knicks center Tyson Chandler to start for the U.S. Olympic team this summer. Dwight Howard had been expected to start until back surgery ended his hopes of playing in London.

Kyler’s Latest: Gasol, Mayo, Delfino, Williams

Earlier this week, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld began exploring trade options for all 30 NBA teams, sharing the latest rumors and rumblings along the way. Kyler discussed ten teams on Tuesday, and looks at ten more today. Here are some highlights from the piece:

  • The Pacers aren't looking to trade anyone, but would take advantage of their cap space to absorb salary if it meant acquiring a draft pick as well.
  • Lakers sources insist the team still views Pau Gasol as an All-Star and would only trade him if it meant getting another All-Star back. L.A. isn't currently pursuing Dwight Howard, and any move the team makes will probably involve its $8.9MM trade exception.
  • If the Grizzlies do anything before the trade deadline, it will likely involve O.J. Mayo, who has drawn interest.
  • Carlos Delfino is an attractive target for a few teams, but Beno Udrih is the more likely trade candidate to be dealt by the Bucks.
  • Trade talk surrounding Deron Williams could pick up before March 15th, if the Nets become concerned about their chances of acquiring Dwight Howard and signing Williams long-term.
  • Trevor Ariza and Jarrett Jack could be had, but the price for most Hornets is an unprotected first-round pick, which seems like a long shot.
  • The Knicks may consider moving Toney Douglas for a draft pick, in part to clear a roster spot for a player waived after the trade deadline.