Donnie Nelson On Trades, CBA, Marion, Carter
We already heard a little this afternoon from Mavs GM and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, who indicated the team probably won't make a trade before the February 21st deadline. He left himself a little wiggle room, however, adding that "we're not afraid to pull the trigger" if the right deal comes along. He had more to say to reporters at the team's shootaround today, including a response to Shawn Marion's plea that he not be traded to a team that's out of contention. We'll round up the highlights here, courtesy Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News.
On whether there are any new developments on the trade front:
"No. It’s a little bit before All-Star (break), and then of course (the deadline) after that. But you know us. We’re always going to be active. There’s certainly nothing to report. We like the boys in blue. We like the guys in our locker room. And we’re at a real critical point right now.Our focus is on getting into the playoffs, but certainly we’re knowledgeable about what’s going on."
On whether the Rudy Gay trade is indicative of the economic restraint needed under the new CBA:
"I think that’s kind of testament to the belt-tightening that Mark’s been predicting for a while. That’s a reality that’s coming up. So you’ll definitely see teams that are looking to be more flexible."
On the franchise's championship aspirations:
"We’re going to get back there. With Mark, my bet is it’s going to be sooner rather than later. But there’s no guarantees. That’s why every year, we try to put ourselves in position to make deep playoff runs and compete. Because once you get in the playoffs, anything can happen. And that’s our focus this year. We’re certainly fighting for our playoff lives, we understand that. We’re starting to kick in. We’ve got a nice little home stretch here where we can hopefully make up some ground. Who knows?"
Whether stability is important following a summer of upheaval:
"Listen, we really go out of our way to get good people in that locker room. You’re talking about Shawn Marion, Vince Carter. Those are the kind of guys … Shawn and Vince have probably been our most consistent players all year long. We like guys like that — veterans who know how to win. We’re looking to get those kinds of guys into our locker room, not out of our locker room. The fact that Shawn recently expressed an interest to stay here? Well, it’s mutual. We’re looking for guys like that. Shoot, the guy guards three and a half positions? That’s a commodity. You’re never the same team from year to year, but those are the kind of pieces championships are made of."
Nelson Says Mavs Unlikely To Make Trades
Dallas Mavericks president Donnie Nelson tells Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he doesn't expect the team to make any major trades before the February 21 deadline, saying they would prefer to keep their current roster together to make a run at the playoffs.
"I don't think this team needs more change unless there's good reasons for it,'' said Nelson, the Mavs' president of basketball operations. "We've got nine new faces and Dirk [Nowitzki] kind of in the lineup, then out of the lineup, then in the lineup.
"We need to really kind of settle things down if we're going to make a real solid run at (the playoffs). We'll be opportunistic and educated on what's going on out there and if there's something that's an over the top type move, you know us, we're not afraid to pull the trigger around here.''
Mavs owner Mark Cuban has previously stated that the team is looking to make trades with their many moveable assets before the deadline.
Marion Wouldn’t Report If Traded To Bad Team
If a non-contender is thinking about acquiring Shawn Marion in a deal with the Mavericks, that team may want to reconsider, according to Marion. The Mavs forward told reporters, including Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com, that he'd refuse to report if Dallas trades him to a bad team.
"If I’m going to get traded, they’re going to tell me what’s going on and where I’m going," Marion said, matter-of-factly. "Because if I’m going to a (expletive) situation, I’m not going. It’s just that simple."
According to MacMahon, Marion would be open to the possibility of joining a contender, but considers himself "too old" to enter a situation where he wouldn't be playing for anything.
"That’s the only way I’m going, yeah," Marion said of being traded to a contender. "Yeah, that’s it. That’s the only possibility that could come out of that. Other than that, it ain’t happening."
Given Marion's contract situation, which reduces his trade value, he probably doesn't have a whole lot to worry about — he's earning about $8.4MM this season and has a player option for about $9.07MM next season, along with a 15% trade kicker. If a lottery-bound team were to acquire him, it would likely only be for salary-matching purposes, in which case perhaps a buyout could be negotiated.
The more likely scenario for Marion involves him remaining in Dallas beyond February 21st. Of course, it's also worth pointing out that the Mavs aren't exactly title contenders themselves, five games out of a playoff spot with a 21-28 record.
Western Notes: Nuggets, Miller, Lakers, D12, Mavs
The Nuggets were firing on all cylinders in last night's victory over the Bulls, putting up 128 points against one of the league's best defenses en route to their eighth straight win. But even with the team on a roll, not everything is perfect in Denver, as Paul Klee of the Colorado Springs Gazette writes (hat tip to Matt Moore of CBSSports.com). Here are the highlights from Klee's piece along with a few more notes from around the Western Conference:
- Andre Miller would like to see more playing time in Denver, as he tells Klee. While he says he'd "really be complaining" if the Nuggets were losing, Miller still doesn't seem satisfied with the current arrangement. "I don't know how much longer they want me here. I definitely would like to contribute more," Miller said, when asked if he wanted to finish his career in Denver. "I’m not just going to sit back and settle in and be a backup and let my career just fade away. I’m competitive in that way."
- Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post isn't convinced that offseason acquisition Andre Iguodala has been a worthwhile investment for the Nuggets.
- The future of the Lakers could depend on whether Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard are committed to getting on the same page, says Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
- Hakeem Olajuwon, who is close with Howard and has worked with him in the past, still believes D12 will re-sign with the Lakers this summer, according to Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida.
- With the trade deadline approaching, the Mavericks must make another tough call and decide whether they're going to be buyers or sellers, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPNDallas.com.
Western Notes: Burks, Carter, Lakers, Kings
Let's check out a few afternoon links related to Western Conference clubs….
- In his report about Luke Ridnour's availability, Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops mentioned Alec Burks as a player the Timberwolves have discussed with the Jazz. However, Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities tweets that Burks has been given some sort of assurance that he won't be moved in a deal for Ridnour.
- A league source tells NBA.com's Jeff Caplan it's a "long shot" that the Mavericks will decide to trade Vince Carter in the next two weeks.
- Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni expects to meet with GM Mitch Kupchak soon to discuss the team's roster, according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News.
- Dwight Howard is growing tired of people questioning his shoulder injury, telling reporters, including Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com, that his career and future would be at stake if he tries to play through it.
- Although he said last July when he signed an offer sheet with the Suns that his heart was in Phoenix, Eric Gordon is happy to still be a member of the Hornets, as he tells Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic. "Whether I was here or there, I would’ve been fine with it," Gordon said. "It was nothing over the top that I wanted to be here or there."
- Tom Ziller of Sactown Royalty is very pleased that commissioner David Stern seems to be suggesting the NBA's Board of Governors will be taking a holistic approach when evaluating Seattle's and Sacramento's bid for the Kings.
Lakers “Very Confident” Howard Will Re-Sign
We began yesterday with a round-up of the latest Lakers rumors, and there's enough going on in Los Angeles lately that we're starting off today the same way. Here are the latest Lakers-related links:
- Besides asserting publicly that Dwight Howard won't be moved this month, the Lakers have also assured Howard privately that he won't be going anywhere, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com.
- The Lakers haven't asked Howard directly whether he plans to stay or go in free agency, but Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com (within Broussard's piece) says the team is "very confident" that Howard will re-sign.
- The Hawks, Mavericks, and Rockets figure to make a play for Howard in free agency, but the Lakers will have the ability to offer D12 about $30MM more in guaranteed money, as I outlined here. According to Broussard's sources, that extra money means a lot to Howard, who may be less inclined to give up an extra year of security given his recent injury woes.
- Of the rival suitors for Howard, the Rockets may be the most dangerous, says Broussard. While Howard wasn't interested in going to Houston a year ago, he recognizes that the club is much improved since then.
- Speaking to Stephen A. Smith of ESPN.com about his future, Howard said he's committed to the Lakers — for this season.
- Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are "very concerned" about the injury Pau Gasol suffered last night, writes Chris Mannix of SI.com, adding that the club needs Howard more than ever now.
Odds & Ends: Amundson, Wolves, Harkless, Mavs
Wolves forward Louis Amundson has been talking with his agent about the very real possibility that he will be traded or waived Friday if the club signs Chris Johnson and Mickael Gelabale for the rest of the season, writes Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune. "Everything's on the table right now. You never like to get traded, but sometimes the situation isn't what you hope to it to be. It can work out for the best sometimes," Amundson said. Here's more from around the Association…
- Maurice Harkless says that he doesn't have any ill will toward the Sixers for trading him last August to the Magic in the three-team deal that sent Andrew Bynum to Philly and Dwight Howard to the Lakers, writes Jabari Young of CSNPhilly.com. Harkless is being given a chance to shine in Orlando and has been impressive as of late.
- Rival executives believe the Mavericks will look to unload some of their older money if they keep losing, writes Sam Amick of USA Today. Shawn Marion, who is owed $9.3MM in the last year of his deal in 2013/14 and Vince Carter, who is owed $3.1MM to finish out his deal next season, are both candidates to be moved.
- In today's edition of Sheridan Hoops Radio (audio link), Moke Hamilton explained why Will Bynum could be the next member of the Pistons on the move.
Amico On Josh Smith, Cavs, Blatche, Granger
Water-cooler conversation this morning may be dominated by talk of Super Bowl XLVII, but at Hoops Rumors, we're still focused on the NBA, including the latest trade rumors from around the league. Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio has a few updates on players and teams that could be in the mix as the February 21st deadline approaches, so let's round up the highlights from his piece….
- Amico names the Mavericks, Bobcats, Rockets, Hornets, and Kings as potential suitors for Josh Smith. Many recent reports have suggested the Kings likely won't be too active at the deadline, but Amico notes that expiring contracts typically appeal to new ownership groups.
- Cavaliers GM Chris Grant wouldn't mind making another move before the deadline. Nothing concrete is in the works yet, but Grant is still working with some cap space and a few expiring contracts (Luke Walton, Daniel Gibson, Omri Casspi).
- Amico hears from multiple sources that the Nets have made Andray Blatche available in hopes of landing a draft pick. The Trail Blazers may have some interest, according to Amico.
- The Rockets are keeping a "keen eye" on Danny Granger, who has missed the entire season with a knee injury. The Pacers aren't actively shopping Granger, but could be more open to moving him given the emergence of Paul George.
- The Mavericks figure to be more active in trade talks as the deadline nears, as plenty of clubs are interested in Chris Kaman's expiring contract.
Kyler On Gay, Magic, Smith
Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.com took questions from his followers on his Twitter account on Saturday morning, covering the Raptors' acquisition of Rudy Gay along with other topics.
- Until they see how Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan play together, the Raptors plan to keep both on the roster.
- Bryan Colangelo's next move should be to get out of Andrea Bargnani's contract, Kyler writes.
- The Grizzlies offered Gay to the Magic for J.J. Redick, and were rejected.
- The Magic would be willing to trade any player on their roster for the right price, Kyler writes, although they value players like Maurice Harkless very highly.
- The Hawks would prefer to keep Josh Smith, but they are exploring their options before the trade deadline.
- Kyler thinks everybody on the Mavericks is available at the trade deadline, with the exception of Dirk Nowitzki.
- The Celtics are very active in trade talks, but don't have many assets to offer.
- Given the Kings' ownership situation, Kyler doubts they move Tyreke Evans or any other player before the deadline.
- Kyler doesn't think the Jazz will trade Paul Millsap or Al Jefferson unless they can preserve flexibility.
Odds & Ends: Mavs, Van Gundy, Howard, Barbosa
Shorthanded following the completion of the Rudy Gay trade, the Pistons and Raptors were both beaten in their respective games on Wednesday night. Tonight, in the first game of the post-Gay era in Memphis, the Grizzlies will be tasked with what would be a tough matchup under normal circumstances, as they travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder. While we look forward to that game, let's round up a few odds and ends from around the NBA:
- The Mavericks were never going to be a part of a three-team trade with the Grizzlies and Raptors if it meant giving up Vince Carter, team president Donnie Nelson tells Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
- Jeff Van Gundy, who admits that he misses being on an NBA bench, is expected to explore potential coaching opportunities starting next summer, according to Sam Amick of USA Today.
- Dwight Howard re-aggravated the torn labrum in his right shoulder on Wednesday night, but intends to play through the pain and isn't currently considering surgery, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com.
- Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News wonders if Howard's injury woes could open the door for the Mavericks to buy low on the All-Star center in a trade.
- Appearing on WEEI's Mut & Merloni in Boston, Leandro Barbosa said the idea he had asked the Celtics to trade him was "definitely a miscommunication" (link via Victor Barbosa of WEEI.com).
- Jeremy Pargo, who was recently waived by the Cavaliers, hasn't ruled out playing overseas, and has drawn some interest from Greece's Olympiacos, reports David Pick of Sportando (Twitter links).