Eastern Notes: Heat, Nelson, Sixers
This Thursday’s trade deadline is an important date for many teams in the league. The right moves can not only help a franchise in their quest to make the playoffs this season, but also influence what a team can do in the off-season personnel wise. But it’s nine days later that is a potentially even more significant date for the Heat, writes Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel. March 1st is the date that players have to be waived by in order to be eligible for another team’s playoff roster, a date informally known as the buyout deadline. Winderman believes that since the Heat don’t have much to offer other teams in potential deals, the team will be more active in looking to pick up a player who has been waived, similar to them picking up Chris Andersen last year. Winderman also opines that any deadline moves the Heat might make would be salary dumps with avoiding luxury tax penalties in mind. Potential waiver candidates to keep an eye on are Caron Butler, Keith Bogans, Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, and Chris Kaman, according to the article.
More from the east:
- Despite the team being in re-building mode, veteran guard Jameer Nelson remains committed to the team, and wants to be a member of the Magic for his entire career, writes Jared Zwerling of The Bleacher Report. Nelson, who is a free-agent after the season says his first choice is to re-sign with Orlando.
- The Sixers‘ focus leading up to the trade deadline is to acquire as many draft picks as they can, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The franchise wants to move Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, and Thaddeus Young for future compensation, but that’s not a given, since the team has been impressed with how the trio have developed this season. With the most cap space in the league, Pompey says that the Sixers would consider adding an expiring contract from a team looking to dump salary, but that would only be if a draft pick was included. The holdup is that the team wants first-rounders, preferably lottery picks, which teams are reluctant to part with. According to the article, the Sixers should be one of the most active teams this week, but will probably have to wait until the final hours before the deadline to accomplish anything.
- Knicks fans are already talking about the summer of 2015 and the team’s potential free agent targets. One of those mentioned was LaMarcus Aldridge, but he might not be a fit if the team holds onto Carmelo Anthony, tweets Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. Anthony and the Knicks have been much more effective when ‘Melo is at power forward, which would make the pairing difficult. Anthony could switch back to small forward, but he has expressed that his preference is to stay at the four.
Knicks Notes: Anthony, Deadline, Frazier
Carmelo Anthony fully intends to opt out of his contract at the end of the year, but he might just be stuck in New York, writes Mitch Lawrence of The New York Daily News. The Lakers are shooting for Kevin Love when he is a free agent in the summer of 2015 and maybe another star in 2016. The Clippers are seeing Blake Griffin evolve into a complete player and probably wouldn’t be willing to trade him, even for a player of Anthony’s caliber. Los Angeles is one of very few markets outside New York where ‘Melo would be willing to take his considerable scoring prowess, opines Lawrence, and neither L.A. team seems like a fit. The Bulls don’t seem to have their eyes on Anthony either, according to the article, so there isn’t another major market in the NBA for Anthony to go to, so that leaves him “stuck” at the Garden.
More on Anthony:
- ‘Melo has very low expectations for what the Knicks will be able to do before the trade deadline, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Anthony stated, “I don’t know man, I don’t know who’s tradeable, who’s on the block. Not many people that I think can come right now in February and change our whole season around. This is a difficult time.”
- Anthony takes losing extremely hard, and Al Iannazzone of Newsday wonders if the team can do enough by the trade deadline to give him a reason to re-sign. Whatever the Knicks do will likely be to help a playoff run this season and put them in position to make future moves. But if the team can’t unload the big salaries of Amar’e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Andrea Bargnani, who are all signed through 2014/2015, then it won’t matter if ‘Melo takes a pay cut next season. They would have to hope he would be willing to hang in until 2015, when Rajon Rondo, Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge can become free agents.
- Knicks great Walt Frazier thinks Anthony will stay with the Knicks, writes Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. Frazier stated, “Why would Melo leave New York? Where would he go? Where would he go to reach the same fame and acclaim that he’s reached here?” Frazier also mentioned that Anthony was a good businessman, and since the Knicks can pay him the most, it makes sense for ‘Melo to stay in New York.
- If ‘Melo wants to take less money, then he should do it for a team that knows what it is doing, writes Mike Lupica of The New York Daily News. Lupica believes that if Anthony is serious about winning, he should take a pay cut to go to a team with a more competent front office.
Atlantic Rumors: ‘Melo, Woodson, Knicks, Sixers
Carmelo Anthony assured reporters that both he and Mike Woodson would be present at the Knicks’ Monday morning’s practice after the All-Star break, reports Marc Berman of the New York Post. Woodson has been on the hot seat seemingly all season, and trade rumors involving Anthony have started circulating in recent months. For the time being, it looks like both Woodson and Anthony will remain in New York. Here’s more on the Knicks and the Atlantic Divsion:
- The Knicks roster looks to be set for now, as Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports (via Twitter) that no trades appear imminent in New York.
- By contrast, the Sixers are looking for potential deals, passes along Kyler (via Twitter). We heard last Tuesday that Philly was set to be “super active” in the days leading up to the trade deadline.
- Strong seasons by Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk prove that the Celtics are able to make the most out of their drafts, regardless of the position they’re picking from, writes Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. Sullinger was taken with the 21st pick in 2012, and Olynyk was taken 13th overall last summer.
Odds & Ends: Anthony, Williams, Hardaway Jr.
It was reported earlier that Carmelo Anthony might be willing to take a pay cut to remain with the Knicks if it would help the team contend for a championship. Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com examines what that would mean for the team going forward. According to Begley, it would be of no help to the team in 2014/2015 no matter how much money Anthony left on the table. If Amar’e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani remain on the roster by exercising their player options, the Knicks’ payroll would be over the projected salary-cap line of $62.9MM even without ‘Melo on the team. It is during the 2015/2016 season where the team could reap the benefits. If Anthony signs a max deal, his salary that season will be $24,142,789, and the team would have five players under contract at a total of $39,492,533. This is barring any high-priced additions between now and then with contracts that run through 2015/2016. If Anthony takes a pay cut, it would leave the Knicks enough room to pursue Kevin Love and Rajon Rondo, and would allow the team to add more depth to the roster, a necessary element to contend for a title.
More from around the league:
- LaMarcus Aldridge implored his team to make upgrades over the summer, but he doesn’t think the Blazers need to pull off a deadline move to make up for the loss of injured Joel Freeland, observes Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com (Twitter link). Aldridge believes that Meyers Leonard can fill the void.
- The Lakers may re-sign Shawne Williams to a second 10-day contract, but may wait until their next game to do so, or even until after the trade deadline passes, tweets Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders.
- Despite the pressure to appease ‘Melo by swinging a deadline deal, one of the Knicks few desirable trade assets, Tim Hardaway Jr.has been deemed “virtually untouchable”, tweets Marc Berman of The New York Post. This was prior to Hardaway Jr. dropping 36 points in the Rising Stars game.
- The Cavs took a four game winning streak into the All-Star break. Kyrie Irving believes the team meeting the players held after GM Chris Grant was fired is a big reason the Cavs are playing looser and enjoying the game again, writes Jason Lloyd of The Akron Beacon Journal. Irving stated, “We had a great team meeting and got a lot off our chest, things that needed to be said. I think it started a little bit of a change in our locker room.”
Eastern Notes: Gilbert, Wyatt, Bobcats
The Cavs are still trying to pick up the pieces in the wake of the firing of GM Chris Grant. Team owner Dan Gilbert is determined to learn from past mistakes, writes Ken Berger of CBSSports.com. The team is 3 1/2 seasons removed from LeBron James‘ departure for Miami and have only Kyrie Irving to show for their troubles. Gilbert is ferocious in his determination not to lose Irving the way he lost LeBron, writes Begrer, and Gilbert says the lessons learned from James’ decision to go to Miami in 2010 will be the guiding force behind his search for an executive to lead the franchise forward.
More from around the East:
- Also from the Berger article, he writes that the Bobcats will be aggressive buyers at the deadline, and their interest in the Sixers Evan Turner is real. Philadelphia GM Sam Hinkie wants a first-round pick for Turner (and the same for Spencer Hawes). The Bobcats can offer their Detroit pick (top eight protected) if they’re serious about making a push, opines Berger. The Bobcats could potentially have two other first-round picks, Portland‘s (top 12 protected), and their own, but that goes to the Bulls if it falls out of the top 10.
- Sixers camp invitee Khalif Wyatt, who signed with the D-League earlier this week, will play for the the Springfield Armor, the affiliate of the Nets, Gino Pilato of D-League Digest reports. Wyatt entered the NBA D-League player pool after playing in China for Guangdong Southern. In 27 games, he averaged 15.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, and 4.9 APG.
- With all the talk about whether or not Carmelo Anthony wants to remain with the Knicks, he seems to be sending mixed messages, tweets Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv.
- Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.com (via twitter), asked the Raptors DeMar DeRozan if the team has campaigned to keep their core together, and DeRozan said no, but also that he “didn’t think they had to.“
- Larry Brown thinks that Knicks owner James Dolan likes Mike Woodson and will “do the right thing by him“, writes Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv. Speaking further about the Dolan-Woodson relationship, Brown also stated, “I think he has a great relationship with him. Woody’s a strong human being, man. He just focuses on what he can do to make things better. He doesn’t look at the bad stuff.” Despite Brown’s feelings, Zagoria opines that even if Woodson remains as coach through this season, if the Knicks fail to make the postseason, it’s entirely possible he could lose his job over the summer.
Carmelo Anthony Wants To Stay With Knicks
5:15pm: Supporting the possibility that was tweeted earlier today about Anthony being willing to sign for less money if it would help the Knicks be more competitive, comes this piece from Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. Anthony stated, “Any opportunity I have to build that up in New York, I’d do it. I told people all the time, always say, if it takes me taking a pay cut, I’ll be the first one on (Knicks owner) Mr. [James] Dolan’s steps saying: ‘Take my money and let’s build something strong over here.”’ The problem for the team is that even if ‘Melo agreed to a $1 contract for 2014/2015, the team would still be over the cap primarily because of the salaries of Amar’e Stoudemire ($23.4MM), Andrea Bargnani ($11.5MM), and Tyson Chandler ($14.6MM), writes Begley. That is working under the assumption that both Stoudemire and Bargnani trigger their options, which it seems most likely they will.
3:53pm: Carmelo intends to sit down with Knicks executives after the season, and Anthony’s impression of the team’s plan to become a contender will be critical as he makes his final decision, Berman writes.
1:51pm: Carmelo Anthony told reporters covering All-Star weekend today that his first priority is to stay with the Knicks, and that he’d like to remain with the organization for the rest of his career, as Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports tweets. ‘Melo also dispelled any speculation the Knicks will trade him before the deadline.
“I know for a fact I’m not being traded,” Anthony said, as Ben Golliver of SI.com observes (Twitter link).
Scores of reports over the past several weeks have cast the idea of an Anthony trade as unlikely after the Knicks and Clippers dismissed rumors they were considering an Anthony-for-Blake Griffin swap. Anthony also says he’d take less on his next contract if it would help the Knicks retain flexibility, as Marc Berman of the New York Post tweets.
Anthony reiterated his desire to opt out of his contract and become a free agent at season’s end in an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter today (video link), though his other comments today suggest he’s strongly leaning toward re-signing with the Knicks. Anthony says the Knicks should do whatever is necessary to become a title contender, notes Al Iannazzone of Newsday (Twitter link).
‘Melo also says there’s no doubt coach Mike Woodson will lead the team in practice on Monday, quelling speculation about the embattled coach for at least a few more days, Berman tweets. The Knicks have reportedly considered firing Woodson before Thursday’s trade deadline.
Anthony could re-sign with the Knicks for more than $129MM over five years if he takes a max deal. Just how much less he’ll accept remains to be seen, but New York is set to have about $66.5MM on its payroll for next season if Anthony opts out and Amar’e Stoudemire, Andrea Bargnani and Metta World Peace opt into their deals, which seems the most likely scenario. That would put the Knicks over the projected salary cap and unable to sign any outside free agents to more than the mid-level exception.
While Anthony apparently hasn’t made a definitive statement about whether he’ll re-sign, today’s comments should allow the club, which has remained confident about Anthony’s desire to stay, to focus on building around Anthony, rather than fretting about his decision. The team’s payroll doesn’t allow for much flexibility this summer, but the team has only about $10.35MM committed for 2015/16 in the form of player options for J.R. Smith and Raymond Felton. Anthony could help the team recruit marquee free agents in 2015, when Rajon Rondo, Kevin Love and perhaps LeBron James could all hit the market.
The Bulls, Clippers and Lakers have at various times appeared to be possible alternative destinations for Anthony, though just about any team with cap space this summer likely will make some sort of run at last year’s scoring champ to see if his mind can be changed. The Leon Rose client would appear to be the second most desirable player with a chance to hit free agency this summer, behind only James, as our list of 2014 free agents shows.
Eddie Scarito contributed to this post.
Western Rumors: Udrih, Clippers, Gordon, Jazz
Beno Udrih played three seasons for the Spurs, and Marc Berman of the New York Post thinks the veteran journeyman might end up back in San Antonio before the deadline passes. The Knicks have been trying to find suitors for Udrih, and former New York GM Scott Layden, now in the front office of San Antonio, was at attendance for Wednesday’s Knicks game. It might be too early to make assumptions, but it’s certainly possible Udrih might be on the move some time soon. Here’s more out of the Western Conference..
- Chris Paul wasn’t necessarily a fan of the Hornets franchise, but his love for the city of New Orleans made for a difficult move to the Clippers. Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports recaps the blockbuster deal that paired Paul with Blake Griffin in Los Angeles.
- A well placed source tells Bill Ingram of Basketball Insiders that the Bucks aren’t interested in Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (Twitter link). Ingram hears Milwuakee doesn’t have any interest in dealing for oft-discussed guard.
- The Jazz would be wise to find a suitor for Gordon Hayward, suggests Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders in his weekly chat. Kennedy thinks Hayward might command max dollars from a rival team as a restricted free agent, but there’s still some doubt whether he’s worth that kind of money.
- Kennedy also believes the Lakers would be better off trading Pau Gasol for some assets that could help the team down the road. At this stage in his career, Kennedy thinks Gasol would like to play for a winner, so he might be likely to leave LA in free agency.
Atlantic Notes: ‘Melo, DeRozan, Ross, MCW
Carmelo Anthony will likely be a free agent next summer, and Justin Terranova of the New York Post reveals that Grant Hill thinks the Knicks’ unimpressive season might dissuade Melo from re-signing in the Big Apple:
“I think it could. He’s getting older and you want to be in a situation where you are going to win. And he came to New York, he got in the playoffs and now it’s almost like they are regressing. To go through a potential season with no playoff opportunity, it could play a role.”
Here’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- Raptors swingman DeMar DeRozan is proving he’s worth every penny of the $38MM extension he signed last season, writes Eric Koreen of the National Post. DeRozan was mentioned in a few trade rumors earlier this year, but we recently heard Toronto would like to retain the first-time All-Star through the deadline.
- Andrew Perna of RealGM.com examines Terrence Ross‘ progression from a one-dimensional dunker to a complete basketball player for the Raptors.
- Midway through the season, the Sixers’ Michael Carter-Williams looks like the front runner to win the Rookie of the Year award. Aaron Falk of the Salt Lake Tribune recaps how Utah almost prevented Philly from landing MCW but ended up with Trey Burke instead.
- Speaking of draft choices that might have been, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald revisits the 1997 draft, where the Celtics missed out on number one pick Tim Duncan despite having the best odds at landing the future MVP.
Odds & Ends: Suns, Bobcats, Pietrus
Executives from around the league say the Bobcats and Suns are the teams to watch with the trade deadline a week from today, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com. Both teams are buyers looking to improve their postseason chances, and Charlotte in particular has been involved in numerous trade rumors of late. Here’s more from around the Association:
- A recent conversation with Nicolas Batum sold Mickael Pietrus on the idea of joining the Blazers, but Portland, with a full 15-man roster, declined the free agent swingman’s pitch to join the team, according to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com.
- Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post figures Mike Woodson has coached the Knicks for the last time at Madison Square Garden, since New York follows up Wednesday’s home loss to the Kings with a tough road trip after the All-Star break.
- Dan Gadzuric has signed with Petrochimi of Iran, Sportando’s Enea Trapani reports. The 36-year-old is continuing his career overseas after retiring from the NBA this past fall.
- Hawks first-round draftee Lucas Nogueira is headed back to Spain to rejoin Estudiantes next week, observes fellow Sportando scribe Emiliano Carchia. The 16th overall pick this past June has been in the care of Hawks doctors, who’ve treated the severe tendinitis that’s sidelined him since December.
- The Rockets have sent Robert Covington to the D-League, reports Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). The assignment will allow the rookie to take part in the D-League All-Star Game this weekend.
Atlantic Notes: Woodson, Knicks, Humphries
Losing to the Kings at home was not a great way for the Knicks to quiet speculation about coach Mike Woodson‘s future heading into the All-Star break. Their turmoil continues, and Frank Isola of the New York Daily News doesn’t expect an end to the “nonsense” until owner Jim Dolan gives full autonomy to a head coach (via Twitter). Let’s take a look at more from the messy division:
- Dolan would rather keep Woodson for the rest of the season and does not want to make a change now, per Marc Stein of ESPN (via Twitter). Stein isn’t sure that he won’t be swayed by recent losses to the lowly Bucks and Kings, though.
- The Knicks are still targeting Rajon Rondo as their preferred upgrade at point guard according to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, although it’s unclear if Iannazzone is passing along new information or working from previous reports of the Knicks’ interest in Rondo. The Celtics have sent consistent signals that they wouldn’t give up Rondo for the kind of value the Knicks could offer.
- In the same piece, Iannazzone speculates that every Knicks player outside of Carmelo Anthony could be available, and thinks any one of Iman Shumpert, Raymond Felton, Metta World Peace and Beno Udrih could be in their final days with New York.
- Celtics power forward Kris Humphries wished team employees good luck heading into the All-Star break, “in case I don’t see you again,” as quoted by Scott Souza of MetroWest Daily News (via Twitter). The nine-year veteran is on an expiring $12MM contract, and is one of many Celtics players rumored to be available as Boston seeks to be active at the trade deadline.