Odds & Ends: Howard, Morris, Anderson, Knicks
While there haven't been any big Dwight Howard rumors so far today, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel indicates that there has been a "shift in tone" in how Howard's desires are perceived. As we documented yesterday, the rumors are running wild, seemingly due to Howard's ambivalence. Here is what else is going on around the league on this Wednesday evening:
- Brian Schmitz from the Orlando Sentinel takes a look at the some of the hardships facing the Magic leading up to the trade deadline, including their tough schedule and inconsistency.
- Eddie Sefko from the Dallas Morning News says (via chat), should Dwight Howard not get traded by March 15th, he considers the Mavericks the heavy favorites to land both Howard and Deron Williams. He also mentions Gerald Wallace and C.J. Miles as potential complimentary fits around Dirk Nowitzki, Howard and Williams.
- According to Yahoo's Marc Spears, Lakers assign rookie guard Darius Morris to the NBDL D-Fenders. Mike Bresnahan, Lakers beat writer for the L.A. Times, adds that Morris is still counted on the roster and will continue to get paid as a Laker.
- Chris Bernucca from Sheridan Hoops examines some of the recent deadline deals, and their impact on the league today.
- Magic forward Ryan Anderson has been trying to block out the Dwight Howard rumors, says Brian Schmitz from the Orlando Sentinel. Anderson knows he could be packaged with Howard, or traded to get Howard help.
- Mike D'Antoni recognizes that the Knicks are struggling with Carmelo Anthony and Jeremy Lin on the floor, but D'Antoni thinks it's a solvable problem, writes Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
Northwest Notes: T-Wolves, Morrow, Blazers, Jazz
A pair of Northwest teams are on the road tonight to open the second half — the Jazz play the Kings in Sacramento, while the Timberwolves head to the Staples Center to face the Clippers. As we wait for the season to resume following the All-Star break, let's check in on some updates out of the Northwest Division….
- The Timberwolves inquired on Anthony Morrow but were told the Nets intend to keep him, reports Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 Twin Cities (via Twitter).
- Acting Blazers GM Chad Buchanan talked to Ben Golliver of Blazer's Edge about why Portland waived Armon Johnson and what the team expects from Joel Przybilla.
- The Jazz are open to making a trade to improve their roster, but nothing is imminent, tweets Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune. The club doesn't feel any pressure to move Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap, though Devin Harris and C.J. Miles could be had, Smith adds.
- Gordon Monson of the Salt Lake Tribune says the Jazz need to find a way to add a star or two if they want to become serious contenders.
Odds & Ends: Thomas, Jones, Miles, Howard
With the All-Star Game about to kick off in Orlando, here are some other things going on around the league:
- After signing Lance Thomas to a couple of 10-day contracts, league sources have confirmed that the New Orleans Hornets will now sign the forward for the remainder of the season, according to John Reid at the Times Picayune.
- Reid also indicates that the Hornets will offer big man Solomon Jones his second 10-day contract this year. Both of these moves will be announced later this week.
- Utah Jazz forward C.J. Miles discussed his upcoming free agent status with Brian Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune. Miles indicates that while he will explore his options, he is definitely open to re-signing with the Jazz.
- Smith also talked to Jazz forward Josh Howard, who like Miles, will also consider re-signing with Utah.
Howard, Miles Open To Re-Signing With Jazz
Utah's 2012/13 roster doesn't have many question marks at this point, with most of its current players either under contract or eligible for restricted free agency following the season. Only two players aren't under team control for next year, and both Josh Howard and C.J. Miles say they're interested in staying in Utah, according to Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune (Twitter links).
Howard, 31, signed with the Jazz as an unrestricted free agent prior to the season on a one-year deal worth $2.15MM. He has seen his usual minutes reduced in Utah, having come off the bench for most of the season — his 8.0 PPG and 21.7 MPG would be career lows.
Miles, meanwhile, had his $3.7MM team option exercised by the Jazz before the lockout began. This summer will represent his first opportunity to hit unrestricted free agency and fully control his future, so he intends to explore all his options before making a decision, according to Smith (Twitter links). Miles has contributed 10.5 PPG and 12.6 PER in 245 games (23.2 MPG) over the course of his four-year contract with the Jazz.
If Utah is interested in keeping both Howard and Miles past this season, the team could probably do so without dipping into its mid-level exception. The Jazz would have Bird rights on Miles and non-Bird rights on Howard, which is likely all they'd need if both players continue to produce like they have so far.