Amico On Jamison, Pistons, Evans, Calderon
In his latest column updating us on a few rumors from around the league, Sam Amico of FoxSportsOhio.com had a conversation with Cleveland forward Antawn Jamison about the likelihood he could be moved before Thursday's deadline. Traded four times in his 14-year career, the veteran believes that with the Cavaliers currently sitting just a game behind New York for the eighth and final playoff spot, that the team will keep him instead of making a move just to save money. Jamison's name has been mentioned in trade speculation with Charlotte, Atlanta, and New Orleans, Amico said, but the 35-year-old is firm in believing he'll stay put.
- With his team now in the hunt for a playoff seed, Detroit GM Joe Dumars has "probably called every team twice" looking for a move that could improve the Pistons. Young standouts Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight are the team's only two players who're off the table.
- Of all the popular names being discussed in a deadline deal—including Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, and Monta Ellis—Toronto's Jose Calderon is the most likely to be dealt. I believe a team like the Lakers would be prime to acquire the sure-handed point guard (Calderon leads the NBA in assist to turnover ratio) who's a career 38.1% shooter from the three-point line and has familiarity playing with Pau Gasol from Spain's national team.
- Ever since he fell out of favor in Keith Smart's rotation, Sacramento has been trying to rid themselves of J.J. Hickson. The forward has been one of the league's biggest disappointments this season. The Kings are also apparently open to moving everyone on the roster except for DeMarcus Cousins and Marcus Thornton, which means Tyreke Evans could be available.
Hoops Rumors Originals: 3/4/12 – 3/11/12
Here's a look at some original posts from our Hoops Rumors writers this past week:
- Our Luke Adams takes a look at some injuries that could have a serious affect on this week's trade deadline.
- In a poll, I asked who is the league's least tradeable point guard. The overwhelming answer? Derrick Rose.
- Five Western Conference contenders who could be active at the deadline.
- Our Alex Lee inspected why Philadelphia might be interested in dealing Andre Iguodala.
- Five Eastern Conference contenders who could be active at the deadline.
- In a poll, Alex Lee asks which team could use a trade to boost them into elite status. With several playoff teams available to choose from, voters indicated that no trade could put a team on Miami or Chicago's level.
- Our Chuck Myron takes a look at Kirk Hinrich's status on the trade market.
- Taking a look at the 2011 trade deadline, one year later.
- Our Ryan Raroque wonders what could happen if Houston looked to deal Terrence Williams.
- In a poll, we ask which injury will most affect the trade deadline? Voters are siding with Brook Lopez.
- Chuck Myron looks at a few recent first-rounders who were dealt at the trade deadline.
Odds & Ends: Granger, Wilcox, Chandler
Danny Granger‘s status as Indiana’s best player has gone into question over the course of this season. With his drop in scoring and overall contribution not matching up with his significant salary, there’s a growing chance that he could be traded. According to Fox Sports’ Chris Tomasson, when asked if he could be dealt before this Thursday’s trade deadline, Granger said, “possibly.”
Here’s a look at a few other notes from around the league:
- In a tweet from ESPNBoston’s Chris Forsberg, Doc Rivers said that Chris Wilcox‘s heart issue could be similar to Jeff Green‘s in that it might end his season. Boston was already looking for more front court depth before news of this injury was revealed, and it could now ratchet up their hunt. CSNNE.com’s A. Sherrod Blakely added in another tweet that Wilcox used to receive monthly check-ups when he was in Detroit. Right now he’s officially listed as out indefinitely.
- According to The Denver Post’s Benjamin Hochman’s twitter feed, Wilson Chandler is currently working out in Denver, waiting for his agent to negotiate a contract with the Nuggets.
Week In Review: 3/4/12 – 3/11/12
A look back at all the most important news and rumors that happened last week:
- Minnesota point guard and league-wide sensation Ricky Rubio tore his ACL earlier this week. He will miss the rest of this season, along with this summer's Olympic games.
- After missing out on signing Kenyon Martin and Joel Przybilla, Miami still find themselves in search of a reserve big man.
- After taking over for the fired Paul Westphal, Keith Smart's contract option to serve as Sacramento's head coach for the 2012/13 season was officially picked up by the team.
- Jamal Crawford is reportedly drawing interest from Minnesota. It'll be interesting to see how Ricky Rubio's torn ACL affects this report.
- Boris Diaw and his agent asked for Charlotte to buyout his contract.
- Journeyman Leon Powe has officially signed a deal with a professional team in Puerto Rico.
- Despite the names of several high profile players appearing constantly in rumors, NBA executives don't believe this deadline will be an especially active one.
- Chicago head coach Tom Thibodeau is perfectly content with the roster he has, and doesn't see why his team would need to make a deal.
- The Trail Blazers are apparently interested in replacing Raymond Felton with Jose Calderon.
- Indiana still has serious interest in acquiring Chris Kaman.
- After putting on a string of performances exceeding his low expectations, Gerald Green was re-signed to a second 10-day contract by New Jersey.
- For the first time since entering the league, Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut is on the trade block.
- The Clippers have re-signed Bobby Simmons to a second 10-day contract.
- New Orleans signed Jeff Foote to a 10-day contract.
- Houston continues to court Pau Gasol.
- Before the season started it was assumed that JaVale McGee would be extended a multi-year contract at some point by Washington in the near future. With his mercurial play making a gradual increase this season, the Wizards have made it clear that their one-time franchise center is available.
- The Warriors will look to keep Klay Thompson unless they receive Dwight Howard in the deal. They're also looking to acquire Andrew Bogut.
- The Grizzlies are not likely to move O.J. Mayo before the trade deadline.
Minor Moves: Macklin
According to MLive.com's David Mayo, Detroit announced today that they will be sending Vernon Macklin down to the D-league's Fort Wayne Mad Ants. The move is in direct response to Charlie Villanueva's long-delayed return from an ankle injury.
The six-foot, 10-inch Macklin has played 19 games for the Pistons this year, averaging 1.4 PPG and 0.9 RPG in just over 4 MPG.
Kennedy On Crawford, Allen
Hoopsworld.com writer Alex Kennedy just sent a couple tweets out that some may find interesting. Here they are:
- Minnesota is apparently making a strong push at acquiring Jamal Crawford. With the Trail Blazers beginning to slide out of the playoff picture, the shooting guard has had his name floated in several trade rumors in recent days. It'd be interesting to see what Portland would want from Minnesota. One financial match would be a straight up swap involving Michael Beasley, but apart from them saving about $4MM, not sure why Portland does that deal.
- According to a league executive, Boston is not actively shopping Ray Allen, but they are fielding calls. One team that's reportedly shown interest in his services is the Clippers, but it remains to be seen whether they'd be willing to include Eric Bledsoe in the deal, and that's probably who the Celtics are holding out for.
Smith: Six To Eight Teams Calling About Howard
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.
Rotation Notes: Udoh, Fields, Turner
- Despite playing a season-low 15 minutes in Boston yesterday, and often times struggling with assertiveness in his sophomore season, Landry Fields will remain in New York's starting lineup for the foreseeable future, according to Calvin Watkins at ESPNNY.com. However, in a tweet, the New York Post's Marc Berman says rookie Iman Shumpert could replace him sooner than later if he keeps playing as well as he's been.
- In an attempt to shake things up, Golden State head coach Mark Jackson has removed the deplorable Andris Biedrins from his starting lineup and replaced him with defensive savant Ekpe Udoh, Warriors beatwriter Marcus Thompson said in a tweet. Biedrins says he's "fine" with the decision.
- Philadelphia's Director of Public Relations, Michael Preston, mentioned on Twitter that Evan Turner and Nikola Vucevic would start tonight against the Bucks. Lavoy Allen and Jodie Meeks have been downgraded to the bench.
Poll: Who Is The Least Tradeable Point Guard?
Yesterday, Rajon Rondo and Deron Williams both put on historic performances that won’t soon be forgotten. Yet, funny as it may be, there’s a small possibility both of them could be traded before the trade deadline passes on March 15th. And so, as we ponder big names with franchise altering talent, let’s take a look at the point guard position (currently the deepest in the league) and ask which floor general do you consider to be the least tradeable; which guy would shock you the most if you heard his name switching teams sometime in the next 10 days.
Lakers, Trail Blazers Discussing Deal For Felton
According to CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes, the Lakers and Trail Blazers are in "exploratory talks" regarding Raymond Felton. This rumor sprouted last week via a string of tweets from Larry Coon, but this is the first official word we've heard of Steve Blake being a possible piece in the deal. The offer has yet to "get off the ground," but both teams are interested.
Felton has struggled mightily this season, putting up the worst shooting numbers of his career from both the field and three-point line. He's been benched and has had several verbal spats with Portland coach Nate McMillan in the season's first few months. But Los Angeles is desperate for youth at the point guard position, they have a trade exception Felton's contract would fit inside, and a change of scenery may do good for both teams.
In 23 games this year, Blake is shooting 34% on three-pointers, which would be the second worst mark of his nine-year career if it holds up throughout the season.
Our Chuck Myron covered Felton as a potential trade candidate last week.