Pacers Rumors

Pacers GM Says Danny Granger Won’t Be Traded

Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld heard from an executive who said Danny Granger was no longer untouchable, and could be dealt before the deadline. Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard responded with a strong denial, saying that executive has it wrong, as Kennedy notes via Twitter.

Most of the talk surrounding Granger of late seemed to indicate a deadline deal is unlikely, with a greater probability that the Pacers would move him in the offseason. That sentiment was echoed by ESPN.com's Chad Ford as he chatted today and shared that rival executives believed the Pacers would likely stick with Granger through the deadline. Ford speculated that the Pacers could trade Granger by tomorrow if the right deal came along, but it appears Indiana is standing pat.

Granger has yet to make his season debut, but appears close to coming back from an injury that the Pacers have called patellar tendinitis. Kennedy hears that Granger actually had a small hole in the cartilage on his knee, which is why he's been unable to return all season. He's due $14MM next season in the final year of his deal, so any team that thinks about taking him on in a trade this summer will no doubt want to see Granger demonstrate he's 100% before the end of the season.

Odds & Ends: Kings, Hickson, Pacers, Blair

The Sacramento City Council voted in favor of supporting mayor Kevin Johnson's quest to keep the Kings in town yesterday, by a 7-2 margin, according to Ryan Lillis of the Sacramento Bee. While the vote was mostly symbolic, it shows that the city is open to providing a subsidy for a new arena that would be vital to Johnson's cause.

Here are a few more odds and ends from around the NBA, with a focus on tomorrow's trade deadline:

  • The availability of big men like Marreese Speights and Jermaine O'Neal has softened the market for J.J. Hickson, according to Ben Golliver of Blazer's Edge (via Twitter).
  • While Danny Granger is viewed as the Pacers' top trade candidate, a deal involving Granger is unlikely, albeit not impossible, says Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. According to Kyler, the Pacers would prefer to move Gerald Green, though he doesn't have much value on the trade market at this point.
  • Despite the fact that the 2013 draft class is perceived as subpar, teams around the league are very reluctant to part with first-round picks, tweets Chris Mannix of SI.com.
  • DeJuan Blair isn't letting himself be affected by trade rumors involving him and the Spurs, as he tells Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News. "Of course I would like to stay," Blair said. "I’d like a better opportunity, also, so it goes both ways. It’s a business at the end of the day, so it’s not about what I want. It’s about what they want."
  • Tim Bontemps of the New York Post spoke to Ersan Ilyasova about the Nets' pursuit of him last summer in free agency, before Ilyasova re-upped with the Bucks.
  • ESPN.com's 5-on-5 panel names the ideal landing spots for a handful of trade candidates.

Latest On J.J. Redick, Iman Shumpert

We have a handful of noteworthy links to share on two Eastern Conference shooting guards who have been part of many trade rumors in recent weeks, including one involving a possible swap for each other:

  • Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that J.J. Redick would expect to command a contract offer worth around $40MM over 4 years (according to his agent, Arn Tellem). While Wojnarowski doesn't think Redick will receive that type of deal, he thinks one that pays $7MM annually is realistic. The Pacers, Bucks, Bulls, and Timberwolves have all shown interest in the 6'5 guard, but are unwilling to concede a first-round pick and a young player for what could be a rental. 
  • Wojnarowski feels that the 76ers could be a real possibility as a free agent destination for Redick, taking into account the strong relationship between Redick and Doug Collins' son.
  • Steve Kyler thinks that Redick's time in Orlando could be up soon, as the Magic have been in touch with several teams about the sharpshooting guard's availability as of late. Orlando's asking price for the former Duke star has been relatively steep (an unprotected first round pick), and interested teams have also had to consider that Redick could possibly test the market this summer as an unrestricted free agent. However, Kyler thinks that with the Magic involved in lots of discussions, it's within reason to believe that they could lower their asking price by Thursday. 
  • One player linked to Redick trade rumors has been Knicks guard Iman Shumpert, who Alex Kennedy says has been shopped in order to see if anything else can be had that brings New York closer to title contention. While nothing appears imminent, Kennedy says that the Knicks are clearly weighing their options right now and should be a team to keep an eye out for over the next few days. 

Odds & Ends: Bargnani, Nets, Jennings, Greene

Earlier today, we heard that the Sixers are a good bet to stand pat at this year's deadline, and given how their last trade turned out, perhaps that shouldn't be a surprise. One player acquired by the 76ers in the deal, Jason Richardson, underwent successful surgery on his left knee this morning, according to a team release. Meanwhile, the centerpiece, Andrew Bynum, told reporters today that he still intends to play for Philadelphia this season, though it won't happen until at least March.

Here are a few more odds and ends from around the NBA:

  • According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), while the Raptors would move Andrea Bargnani in the right offer, teams don't sense an urgency on Toronto's part. That falls in line with comments Bryan Colangelo made today.
  • I questioned earlier today whether Nets GM Billy King was being honest when he told reporters there's a 10% chance he makes a trade, but Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News says (via Twitter) that's the same line King has been giving privately to rival teams.
  • Despite his agent change, Brandon Jennings really doesn't have a ton of leverage, and the Bucks should still be expected to match any offer sheet he receives this summer, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
  • Donte Greene, who was set to sign with the Nets last summer before he fractured his ankle, is back to 100% and is drawing interest, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link). The Nets, Pacers, Hornets, Spurs, Bulls, Knicks, Magic, Rockets, and Cavaliers have inquired on Greene, says Spears.

Odds & Ends: Aldridge, George, Oden, Knicks

The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Saturday evening:

Pacific Notes: Kings, Dwight, Curry, Lee

When Gary Payton was a rookie with the old SuperSonics, he faced a challenge when he went up against the division-rival Warriors, who boasted a backcourt of Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond as two-thirds of their "Run TMC" combo. Now, all three players could be a few weeks away from election to the Hall of Fame, as today the Hall announced the finalists for this year's class. Other finalists with NBA ties include Tom Heinsohn, Maurice Cheeks, Spencer Haywood, Bernard King, Rick Pitino and Jerry Tarkanian. A pair of ex-players have already made it into the Hall's class of 2013 as direct-elects from the ABA and Veterans committees, respectively: Roger Brown and Richie Guerin.

Another Pacific Division point guard from Payton and Hardaway's vintage is making news this evening, and there's more on him and others right here:

Broussard On Eric Gordon, Rockets, Pacers, Smith

Already today, we've passed along a few trade rumors from Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game and Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. Now, it's Chris Broussard's turn, as the ESPN reporter has published a lengthy Insider-only piece on the latest rumblings from around the league. Here's what Broussard has for us:

  • The Hornets have made some calls to gauge Eric Gordon's trade value, but Broussard hears that there's less than a 10% chance he's moved within the next week. The Mavericks, Rockets, and the Warriors are among the clubs believed to have inquired on Gordon.
  • The Rockets still figure to make a run at Dwight Howard this summer, but Andrew Bynum and perhaps a trade for Gordon are the team's Plan Bs. Since Houston is saving its cap space for the summer, the club isn't expected to be too active at the trade deadline.
  • Indiana will likely keep Danny Granger through the deadline, but is willing to move Tyler Hansbrough, D.J. Augustin, or Gerald Green. The Pacers dangled Hansbrough and Augustin when talking to the Magic about J.J. Redick, but Orlando didn't have interest.
  • Three different general managers told Broussard on Wednesday that Danny Ferry and the Hawks have decided not to re-sign Josh Smith this summer and are trying hard to trade him this week. Rival executives don't expect Ferry to settle for the Nets' offer of Kris Humphries and MarShon Brooks, however.
  • The Hawks have also discussed moving Kyle Korver and Anthony Morrow.
  • Teams have been calling the Suns, one of the league's most active clubs, about Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris, and Jared Dudley. A deal with the Knicks involving Dudley and Iman Shumpert is "not happening," according to Broussard's sources.
  • As has been the case for many reporters over the last few weeks, Broussard has received mixed reports on whether the Jazz are more likely to trade Paul Millsap or Al Jefferson. The Trail Blazers are one team that likes Millsap, says Broussard.
  • A few executives that have spoken to Broussard have mentioned the possibility of the Clippers trying to trade DeAndre Jordan and Caron Butler to create the necessary cap space to make a play for Dwight Howard this summer. That one sounds awfully far-fetched to me though, considering the team would have to make additional moves to clear enough room, and would have to acquire only expiring contracts in return. Even then, there's no guarantee they could land Howard as a free agent.

Kyler’s Latest: Knicks, Mavs, Kings, Granger

Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld shares a number of trade rumors and updates in his latest NBA AM piece, so let's dive right in and round up the highlights….

  • The Knicks likely won't make a deal in the next week, but if they do, it will probably involve Iman Shumpert being moved for a more proven veteran. Jared Dudley's camp claims there's nothing to reports of the Knicks' interest, but according to Kyler, sources in New York say Dudley is exactly the sort of veteran the Knicks are considering.
  • Sources say the Mavericks have assured Darren Collison he's not going anywhere, but Kyler says that may be simply to boost Collison's confidence rather than a set-in-stone stance. O.J. Mayo and Chris Kaman also have trade value, though the Mavs may prefer to keep Mayo.
  • Until the Kings are officially sold, the Maloofs and Geoff Petrie aren't prevented from making roster moves, but the team still isn't expected to do a whole lot at the deadline. One rival club that expressed interest in Tyreke Evans wasn't able to make much progress, says Kyler.
  • ESPN.com's Chad Ford suggested yesterday that Danny Granger might make more sense as a trade candidate this summer, a point Kyler echoes. Paul George will be extension-eligible starting in July, and Granger will be entering the final year of his contract, making a possible deal more logical for the Pacers.

Ford’s Latest: Smith, Hawes, Turner, Granger

In an earlier post, we passed along Chad Ford's report on Brandon Jennings' discontent in Milwaukee. Ford's latest Insider-only piece at ESPN.com featured plenty of additional trade notes though, so we'll round up the highlights here:

  • The consensus around the NBA continues to suggest that Josh Smith is unlikely to remain with the Hawks next season, whether he leaves by trade or free agency.
  • According to Ford, the 76ers have been "dangling" Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner as potential trade chips, and could be a team to watch in the Smith sweepstakes.
  • The Raptors would like to acquire a backup point guard in an Andrea Bargnani deal.
  • Danny Granger is probably out of the Pacers' price range over the long-term, so if he's not moved in the next week, he's a good candidate to be shopped this summer. Ford names the Clippers as a potential suitor for Granger.
  • While anyone on the Suns' roster is available for the right piece, it's not entirely clear what they're looking for in return, as they've been linked to everyone from Al Jefferson to Iman Shumpert. Ford suggests that's a sign that Phoenix doesn't necessarily have a "coherent rebuilding plan."

Amico’s Latest: Garnett, Josh Smith, Millsap

Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio is hearing plenty of chatter from around the league, and shares a lot of information in his latest dispatch. He identifies the player receiving the most attention as the deadline approaches, and dishes on several big names. We'll cover the highlights here:

  • The Celtics are open to trading Kevin Garnett, but president of basketball ops Danny Ainge is looking for something to get "really, really excited" about, Amico writes. Garnett has a no-trade clause, and reportedly will only waive it if he's dealt to Los Angeles and the Celtics also trade Paul Pierce away.
  • Josh Smith is the most-talked-about name on the rumor mill at present, and Amico reiterates that the Spurs, Nets and Bobcats are among the teams that have interest in the athletic forward. The Nets are anxious to deal Kris Humphries, and could be looking to get a third team involved in talks with Atlanta to faciliate a Smith-Humphries deal. Cavs GM Chris Grant spent time on the phone with Nets GM Billy King last week, and Amico notes the close ties Grant shares with King, as well as the connection between Hawks GM Danny Ferry and King.
  • Grant wants more draft picks, and is apparently willing to rent some of the Cavs' ample cap space for a player whose deal expires after next season, as Humphries' does.
  • If they can't land Smith, plan B for the Nets might be Paul Millsap. We heard about Brooklyn's interest in the Jazz power forward earlier today.
  • Bulls GM Gar Forman also covets Smith and Millsap. Chicago has talked to the Nets about Carlos Boozer, but there's been no recent movement on that front.
  • Ersan Ilyasova and Brandon Jennings are available, but only for a team that makes an overwhelming offer to Bucks GM John Hammond.
  • The Mavs are publicly downplaying the chances of a trade before the deadline, but that's not the case behind the scenes, where basketball president Donnie Nelson is seeing what he can get for Shawn Marion.
  • Eric Gordon would love to return to his Indiana roots and the Hornets have interest in Danny Granger, but the Pacers and New Orleans have not discussed a Gordon-Granger swap.