Odds & Ends: Hughes, Smith, Martin, James
Here are a few miscellaneous tidbits from around the league…
- Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports (via Twitter) that the Magic have waived guard Larry Hughes. The 33-year-old guard had played in eight games for the Magic this season.
- Marc Berman of the NY Post reports that J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin are on the Knicks radar. The Knicks will have to wait until Smith and Martin are no longer obligated to their respective teams in China to be able to make an official offer. New York still possesses a 2.5MM mini mid-level exception and will have to waive one player to make room for any free agent addition this season.
- Mike James was waived by the Chicago Bulls after appearing in three games. The 36-year-old point guard has been looking to work his way back into the league and had earned a call-up by the Bulls after three games in the NBA D-League. The Bulls roster now stands at 13.
Cavs Notes: Harangody, Trades, Varejao
Let's check out the latest Cavaliers updates, as the team heads south to Orlando for a Friday contest against Dwight Howard and the Magic….
- The Cavs officially recalled Luke Harangody from the D-League today, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer beat writers (via Twitter). Harangody, who was assigned to the Canton Charge last week, played in three games before being recalled.
- Tom Reed of the Plain Dealer believes Cleveland will be a seller prior to the trade deadline, predicting the team will try to move Antawn Jamison and Ramon Sessions (Twitter links). Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld suggested on Monday that if the Cavs have a shot at making the postseason, they may be reluctant to sell.
- In a piece for the Plain Dealer, Reed wonders if Cleveland would consider moving Anderson Varejao, as his value continues to grow.
Nets Sign Keith Bogans
The Nets have signed Keith Bogans, waiving Larry Owens to clear a spot on their roster, the team announced (via Twitter).
Prior to the season, the Bulls declined their $1.73MM option on Bogans, making the 31-year-old a free agent. The former Kentucky Wildcat started all 82 games for Chicago last season, averaging 4.4 points and 17.8 minutes per game. Known as a three-point shooter and defensive specialist, Bogans will provide the Nets some backcourt depth while MarShon Brooks recovers from a broken toe.
Owens, 29, saw limited action for the Nets after signing with the team in mid-January. He appeared in seven games, and set a career-high by playing 28.7 minutes against the Bulls on January 23rd. Owens will become a free agent after he clears waivers.
Southwest Links: Kaman, Thomas, Green, Carter
Chris Kaman's availability has dominated headlines out of the Southwest division in recent days, as potential suitors contact the Hornets to discuss the seven-footer. Today, NBA.com's David Aldridge and SI.com's Zach Lowe each took the opportunity to run down the list of possible destinations for Kaman, concluding indepenently that the Hawks and Rockets are among the best matches. Let's check out a few more updates out of the Southwest….
- Continuing the Kaman discussion, Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com asks Warriors fans whether they'd be okay with sending Monta Ellis to the Hornets in exchange for Kaman and a first-round pick.
- The Spurs have assigned Malcolm Thomas to the D-League's Austin Toros, according to the Spurs' official Twitter account. Thomas, who was signed earlier this month, appeared in just 15 minutes over three games for San Antonio.
- Hornets head coach Monty Williams told John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he regrets not bringing back Willie Green, who ended up signing with the Hawks: "[Green] was somebody I was in contact with, and we were waiting for the right time… If I could do it over again, I’d probably would have pressed the issue more."
- Vince Carter, who signed for the mini mid-level exception introduced in the new CBA, tells Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com that he's starting to get comfortable with the Mavericks.
Ishmael Smith Signs With D-League
Free agent point guard Ishmael Smith has signed a contract with the NBA D-League, according to Scott Schroeder of Ridiculous Upside.
Smith, 23, appeared in six games earlier this season for the Warriors, earning a start in December against the Knicks as an injury replacement for Stephen Curry. As an undrafted rookie a year ago, Smith saw part-time action in 43 combined games for the Rockets and Grizzlies. The Wake Forest product will find a team after he clears waivers tomorrow, reports Schroeder.