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Feigen On Rockets’ Deadline Possibilities

March 8th, 2012 at 11:23pm CST by Sean Highkin

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen assesses the state of the Rockets as the deadline approaches:

  • Head coach Kevin McHale admits that the trade rumors are getting in the heads of players, but notes that it's like that for every team in the league.
  • In Feigen's estimation, the Rockets are among the teams aiming to bring in an impact player—if not Dwight Howard, then possibly Gerald Wallace or Omer Asik.
  • Unlike last year, when they had Shane Battier as a trade piece, the Rockets don't have any notable expiring contracts outside of Courtney Lee and Goran Dragic.
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Amico On Lakers, Clippers, Celtics, Magic

March 8th, 2012 at 7:52pm CST by Sean Highkin

Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico has posted a rundown of the trade-deadline needs of four teams: the Lakers, Clippers, Celtics, and Magic. Here are the highlights:

  • Amico believes the Lakers should surrender first-round draft picks for Ramon Sessions to address their point-guard issues, arguing that they will not likely find an equally-skilled player in the draft.
  • Kirk Hinrich would be the safest bet for the Clippers, with Ray Allen likely costing too much. Amico also mentions Jamal Crawford as a possibility.
  • Amico points to J.J. Hickson as a potential low-cost trade target who could benefit from being around Kevin Garnett.
  • Amico says the Magic should do everything in their power to convince Dwight Howard to stay, and trade him only if it becomes clear that is impossible.
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Berger On Howard, Pierce, Jackson, Beasley, Nash

March 8th, 2012 at 12:53pm CST by Luke Adams

The latest Postups column from Ken Berger of CBS Sports is packed with interesting deadline notes, so let's dive right in…

  • While Berger doesn't necessarily predict a quiet deadline, he points to other factors that could contribute to reducing trade activity this season: For potential contenders, the need to roll the dice on a veteran is offset by a strong draft class this summer. Additionally, the amnesty clause gives teams an alternative to trying to offload bad contracts in trades.
  • The Rockets and Warriors maintain interest in trading for Dwight Howard without assurances that he'd sign long-term. Houston also continues to be "in hot pursuit" of Pau Gasol.
  • The Celtics are "prepared to entertain offers" on Paul Pierce, but he may be the hardest of Boston's Big Four to move, since he doesn't have an expiring contract like Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, or the youth of Rajon Rondo.
  • One executive says the Trail Blazers, who have been among the most active teams, need to make major changes.
  • Rival execs think that the Hawks may deal Kirk Hinrich in the next week.
  • The Cavaliers are open to absorbing salary in exchange for the right assets.
  • Stephen Jackson has drawn an "amazing" number of inquiries, though most interested teams would want the Bucks to take on future salary to complete a deal.
  • The Magic and Nets could look into trading for Michael Beasley, with both teams ultimately sharing the same goal — enticing Dwight Howard by upgrading their rosters at other positions.
  • Steve Nash is content to remain with the Suns this season, in part because it's not in his nature to ask out and become the bad guy. "He'd like to go and win," a person connected to Nash said. "But he's not prepared to play the Carmelo [Anthony] card." To me, that suggests he'd be a long shot to re-sign in Phoenix at season's end.
  • Berger also shared an update on Jamal Crawford, which we covered in today's Crawford rumor round-up.
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Odds & Ends: Howard, Morris, Anderson, Knicks

March 7th, 2012 at 11:31pm CST by Alex Lee

While there haven't been any big Dwight Howard rumors so far today, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel indicates that there has been a "shift in tone" in how Howard's desires are perceived.  As we documented yesterday, the rumors are running wild, seemingly due to Howard's ambivalence.  Here is what else is going on around the league on this Wednesday evening:

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Dwight Howard Rumors: Tuesday

March 6th, 2012 at 10:55pm CST by Luke Adams

Another day, another round of Dwight Howard rumors. You can check out yesterday's updates here and follow along with today's Howard-related items below. You'll find any new updates up top throughout the day:

  • A person close to Howard tells Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel (via Twitter), "We want to work it out [in Orlando]."
  • The Magic are still telling anyone who calls on Howard that they're buyers, not sellers, and that they aren't interested in moving D12, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Some teams believe the Magic, while others think they'll eventually change their stance. One source tells Wojnarowski that Howard's apparent uncertainty is validating the Magic's confidence: "Don’t underestimate how much it means to Dwight to be a pillar in that community. Everyone else wants to pull him out of there, but I’m not so sure that’s where his heart is."
  • Some clubs believe no one in the Magic organization wants to tell owner Rich DeVos that they recommend trading Howard, says Wojnarowksi. Adds one rival exec: "They’re going to reach a dead end here. It’s just a matter of time."
  • Jason Fleming of HoopsWorld breaks down five hypothetical trades involving Howard and potential suitors, ultimately concluding that Orlando won't receive equal value in any of them.
  • In talking with Magic brass, Howard has conveyed his love for the team and city, sources tell Fred Kerber of the New York Post. "I really don’t think [Howard] knows exactly what he wants to do," said one of Kerber's sources.
  • If Howard had decided to remain with the Magic for another year, we would have heard about it by now, says Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel. Schmitz expects that Howard still intends to test free agency this summer.
  • Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel says Howard should know the Magic are serious about winning without the team having to force a deadline deal to try to bring in more reinforcements around him.
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Kennedy On Clippers, Allen, Celtics, Crawford

March 6th, 2012 at 7:37pm CST by Zachary Links

Here's a look at some highlights from tonight's column from Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld..

  • Over the next week and a half, the Clippers will make a strong push to land a starting shooting guard, according to multiple sources close to the situation.  Los Angeles has been in search of a two-guard ever since losing Chauncey Billups for the year.  As of right now, Randy Foye and Travis Leslie are the only true shooting guards on the roster and the club has expressed interest in Ray Allen and Jamal Crawford, according to sources.
  • The Celtics aren’t actively shopping Allen but are listening to offers.  It’s unclear what Boston would want in exchange for the 36-year-old, though many teams have expressed interest in him.
  • Sources say that Crawford will opt-out of the final year of his contract to test free agency this summer and the Trail Blazers may look to move him before the deadline.  The Clippers are expressing interest along with the Timberwolves.  The Clips tried to sign-and-trade for Crawford over the offseason, but the Hawks didn’t want to take back any contracts.
  • Other two-guards who could be on the move include the Grizzlies' O.J. Mayo, Courtney Lee of the Rockets, and Anthony Morrow of the Nets.  If any of the three guards are made available, the Clippers can be expected to be in the mix.  Recently, I broke down the case for New Jersey parting with Morrow.
  • Sources believe that the Magic will hold onto Dwight Howard past the trade deadline.  There are members of the organization who remain optimistic that Howard will re-sign this summer if the right moves are made.  The Magic will pursue players like Steve Nash and Monta Ellis before the deadline, but it'll be an uphill battle due to their lack of trade chips outside of Howard.
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Smith: Six To Eight Teams Calling About Howard

March 5th, 2012 at 8:40pm CST by Michael Pina

Before Orlando defeated Toronto tonight by a score of 92-88, Magic General Manager Otis Smith told reporters that there were six to eight teams that still believe they have a shot at acquiring Dwight Howard in a trade before March 15, according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel. Since the season began, the Magic has spoken to "everybody in the league" regarding Dwight's availability, Smith said, but there's nothing new to report on whether there are any front runners, or even if the team is willing to strike a deal at all. 

Magic CEO Alex Martins has been talking to Howard directly, trying to convince him that staying with the only team he's ever known is the right decision.  

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Dwight Howard Rumors: Monday

March 5th, 2012 at 3:32pm CST by Luke Adams

Earlier today, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld reported that the Magic think their chances of retaining Dwight Howard for at least one more season are at least 50/50. As long as the team continues to feel that way, it's unlikely we see Howard traded before the deadline. For now, it appears any moves the Magic make will intended to improve the roster around Howard, though the club doesn't have many appealing assets to offer in any deals. Here are the rest of today's Howard-related updates, with the newest up top:

  • The Nets announced today that Brook Lopez has suffered a sprained right ankle and will be sidelined for three weeks (Twitter links). If New Jersey hopes to acquire Howard by March 15th, Lopez would almost certainly need to be involved, so Lopez's continued injury woes make a D12 deal look less and less likely for New Jersey. As Andy Vasquez of the Bergen Record tweets, Lopez's injury doesn't mean he can't be traded, but it certainly complicates negotiations for the Nets.
  • Ken Berger of CBS Sports hears from sources that serious trade talks around the league are on hold while teams wait for the Magic to decide whether or not they'll keep Howard.
  • While Howard's list of preferred destinations only includes three teams, Magic GM Otis Smith could try to work out a trade with a club not on Howard's list. But are there any teams that would be willing to acquire Howard without assurances that he'd stay long-term? Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel looks at a few clubs who might take that risk, though none of his hypothetical deals are particularly appealing for the Magic.
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Kyler On Thunder, Howard, Crawford, Young

March 5th, 2012 at 10:27am CST by Luke Adams

Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld wraps up his look at trade options for all 30 NBA clubs today, running alphabetically from Oklahoma City through Washington. You can find our recaps of the first two installments in the series here and here. Now, let's round up a few of the highlights from Kyler in part three….

  • The Thunder aren't actively engaged in any trade talks, but if they're concerned about Thabo Sefolosha's foot injury lingering, they could look into acquiring a defensive-minded replacement.
  • Sources close to the Dwight Howard process say the Magic are at least 50% sure they can keep D12 around for another season, if not longer. If that's the case, a blockbuster trade involving Howard is unlikely. Orlando is working hard to acquire pieces around its star center, though the team's lack of assets is making it a challenge.
  • Daniel Orton is "a safe bet" to be traded by the Magic.
  • While the 76ers have trade chips, they're unlikely to make a move before the deadline.
  • The Suns would gladly move Josh Childress, Hakim Warrick, or Robin Lopez.
  • Kyler hears from sources close to Jamal Crawford that the Blazers guard hasn't requested a trade, but that he wouldn't be opposed to being sent to a less chaotic situation.
  • The Spurs haven't had "meaningful discussions" with any potential trade partners, and will probably stand pat at the deadline.
  • The Raptors may be active in the next ten days, but Toronto continues to turn away proposals for Andrea Bargnani.
  • Although the Jazz have some strong trade assets, they probably would want to include Devin Harris in any deals, which could turn off potential suitors for other players.
  • Having accepted a qualifying offer from the Wizards this season, Nick Young can veto any deal that sends him out of town. However, Kyler hears that Young would welcome a move.
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Cuban On CBA, Free Agency, Chandler

March 4th, 2012 at 2:45pm CST by Michael Pina

Yesterday, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had a few interesting things to say during a live taping of Bill Simmons’ B.S. Report at the 6th annual Sloan Sports Analytics Conference.

Here were a few of the main points:

  •  When asked about his team’s financial strategy of clearing cap space to make a speculative run at Dwight Howard and/or Deron Williams, Cuban said that since there’s a lot of other teams who have cap space, “the market gets inflated, which means it’s a bad time to buy.” Cuban went on to say he’d be happy heading into next season with the exact same team if that were possible, and that signing multiple super stars who will clog the cap might not be the best team building strategy moving forward. 
  • The issue of whether or not Dallas should have re-signed Tyson Chandler after winning the championship was broached, with Cuban explaining that because of the new CBA and its noticeable luxury tax hike, the monetary value for most players will probably go down in the next few years. Instead of overpaying, in their minds, for Chandler, Dallas instead chose to improve their perimeter defense. Cuban cites the signings of guys like Delonte West, and the great play of Shawn Marion as key reasons why Chandler’s presence hasn’t been missed on the defensive end.
  • Cuban said that before the new CBA, whenever Dallas had a problem he would just spend more money. Now, with the increased luxury tax, it won’t be that easy, and the distribution of dollars will need to be done in a smarter way. 

 

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