Odds & Ends: Kings, West, Thunder, Raptors

The Kings are reportedly exploring options for a potential move and Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson appears to be running out of patience.  "I don't like not being able to fight and not being able to determine the outcome," he said. "The Kings and the owners have to want to be here."  The Kings have reportedly spoken with officials in Seattle, San Diego, Kansas City, and St. Louis in recent weeks.  More from around the Association..

  • Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel writes that the Heat should look into signing free agents Kenyon Martin and Delonte West.  Both players have picked up less-than-sterling reputations in recent years but would provide Miami with some badly needed defense off the bench.  Earlier today we learned that the Celtics haven't checked in on K-Mart despite speculation to the contrary.
  • While the Jazz haven't been off to a hot start, they are likely to keep their core in place so long as they are in the mix for the playoffs, tweets Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.  Utah currently sits at 9-10 after losing 105-104 to the Clippers on Monday night.
  • It looks like the new-look Thunder are going to be much better than anyone expected them to be, writes Zach Lowe of Grantland.com.  Luxury tax concerns were the main reason for the James Harden trade but the club hasn't lost a step thanks to their increased defensive focus.
  • It's time for the Raptors to trade Andrea Bargnani in order for both parties to get a fresh start, opines Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun.  However, Wolstat notes that league chatter indicates that the market for the former No. 1 pick is underwhelming.
  • The Lakers' justifications for firing Mike Brown and hiring Mike D'Antoni aren't holding up, writes ESPN.com's J.A. Adande.  D'Antoni insists that things will improve upon Steve Nash's return, but Adande points out that he won't help solve their defensive woes.
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