Wizards Show Interest In Udrih, Miller
THURSDAY. 8:20am: The Wizards have offered Maynor, Singleton and Trevor Booker, among others, in their search for a backup point guard, according to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders. Their interest in Udrih makes sense, since they offered him the same deal they wound up giving Maynor this past summer, Kennedy observes (Twitter links). Washington also made an identical offer to Mo Williams, Kennedy says, but he’s clearly not in the trade conversation.
FEBRUARY 19TH: The Wizards maintain their interest in Miller, tweets Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report, who suggests Chris Singleton and Eric Maynor as possible trade bait for the Nuggets. It’s not clear whether the Wizards are thinking of including those guys in a deal, or if Zwerling is merely speculating.
FEBRUARY 11TH: Multiple reports in the past few days have indicated Washington’s interest in acquiring a backup point guard, and one of their primary targets is Beno Udrih, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Washington also covets Andre Miller, Stein tweets, but the Wizards have been unable to find a workable deal with the Nuggets.
Udrih quickly backed away last month from a report that he asked the Knicks to trade him. Still, New York didn’t seem averse to the idea at the time, and apparently the Knicks wouldn’t have minded receiving a second-rounder in return for Udrih, whom they believed was siphoning playing time from Toure’ Murry. Udrih hasn’t played since January 24th, while Murry has made five appearances in that span.
Though Nuggets GM Tim Connelly says the team has nothing “definitive” in the works for Miller, the Timberwolves still have an eye on the point guard, tweets Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. Similarly, the Kings continue to express interest in Miller, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. I predicted that offers for Miller would improve closer to the deadline when I examined his trade candidacy last month.
Washington has been going with minimum-salary signee Garrett Temple as the backup to John Wall instead of Eric Maynor, whom the club used its biannual exception to sign this past summer.
Knicks, Nuggets Talk Udrih, Jordan Hamilton
THURSDAY, 7:09am: The swap of Udrih for Hamilton could depend on whether the Nuggets are able to unload Andre Miller, according to Begley and Stein’s latest piece.
WEDNESDAY, 8:02pm: The deal appears to be Udrih for Hamilton right now, with the Knicks yet to convince Denver to part with Faried, write ESPN’s Begley and Stein. In a separate tweet, Stein indicates that the Wizards are still interested in Udrih’s services and are lobbying the Knicks to switch trade partners.
FEBRUARY 19TH, 1:09pm: The Knicks are still making an effort to acquire Faried for Shumpert, tweets Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, who also confirms that Hamilton and Udrih remain a part of the talks (Twitter links).
FEBRUARY 11TH, 5:02pm: According to Stein, a source close to the situation says that if talks were to progress into a serious stage, one likely scenario would involve Shumpert and Beno Udrih in exchange for Faried and swingman Jordan Hamilton. The issue, however, is that New York hasn’t been able to persuade Denver to consider the idea.
Faried’s $1.4M salary for 2013/14 makes it difficult to find a deal that would yield equal value, leading Stein to presume that Denver would require any potential trade partner to additionally take back a long-term contract. The Knicks are wary of making any moves that would hinder their cap flexibility in 2015, especially one that would involve taking back long-term money for short-term gain.
2:38pm: The Knicks are once more trying to pry Kenneth Faried from the Nuggets in exchange for Iman Shumpert after their initial push for such a trade failed in November, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com. Those talks fell through when Denver asked New York to include multiple draft picks, presumably including a first-rounder. The Knicks already owe this year’s first-round pick to the Nuggets from the Carmelo Anthony trade, and they can’t trade their 2015, 2016 or 2017 first-rounders, either.
A pair of reports from the last two days say the Nuggets are open to trading Faried, even though they deny it. Shumpert has largely remained out of rumors since a late-December meeting in which Knicks owner James Dolan told the team’s players that there would be no trades or coaching changes. Nevertheless, a report soon thereafter noted that New York’s front office was continuing to pursue deals.
The Knicks have also reportedly thrown Shumpert into a proposal to the Celtics for Rajon Rondo, but they were cool on talks to send him to the Raptors for Kyle Lowry. The Cavs and Lakers are among the teams that also have been linked to the defensive-minded wing. Ryan Raroque of Hoops Rumors examined Shumpert as a trade candidate in late November.
There’s been less chatter about Faried, but opposing GMs still expect the Nuggets to move him. He, like Shumpert, will be up for a rookie scale extension this summer, though Denver is reluctant to shell out significant money for the power forward.
Wizards, Others Interested In Luke Ridnour
The Wizards are among the teams casting an eye toward Luke Ridnour, tweets Sam Amick of USA Today. Gery Woelfel of The Journal Times suggested the possibility earlier this week. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reported last week that the Bucks and Wizards had talks about the veteran point guard.
Ridnour seems a likely trade candidate for the Bucks. The 33-year-old has been in and out of the starting lineup this season and is averaging 5.7 points and 3.4 assists per game, both near career lows.
Washington is on the lookout for a backup point guard for John Wall, having grown disappointed with offseason signee Eric Maynor. Ridnour is making $4.42MM in the final season of his deal.
Odds & Ends: Duncan, Oden, Wizards
ESPN analyst and former coach George Karl hears that Tim Duncan is thinking of retiring at season’s end, notes Dan McCarney of the San Antonio Express-News, but Duncan isn’t sure how Karl got that impression. The Big Fundamental says he’s undecided, as he tells reporters, including Express-News scribe Mike Monroe (Twitter link). Fellow Express-News writer Jeff McDonald would be “shocked” if Duncan retired. The sense around the Spurs is that Duncan will keep playing as long as he feels he’s useful, McDonald says, pointing out that the big man is still under contract for next year (Twitter links). Here’s more from the Association:
- Greg Oden considered a handful of teams last summer, but it came down to a decision between the Mavs and the Heat, tweets Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
- Most reports have suggested the Wizards are looking for a backup point guard, but Gery Woelfel of The Journal Times hears they’re seeking a backup who can play both guard positions, suggesting Luke Ridnour as a possibility (Twitter link).
- A veteran scout tells Woelfel that he has Creighton forward Doug McDermott No. 6 on his draft board, and Chris Mannix of SI.com examines a polarizing prospect who’s sparked a wide range of opinions in NBA front offices.
- The Cavs had discussions with the Lakers about acquiring Chris Kaman, but those talks are no longer active, notes Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.
- Free agent Malcolm Lee hasn’t played since December 2012 because of injury, but he’s about two weeks away from being ready to suit up for a team, USA Today’s Sam Amick tweets.
- The Warriors on Tuesday recalled Ognjen Kuzmic from the D-League, the team announced. Kuzmic’s latest stint in Santa Cruz lasted one day.
- Some members of the actors union are upset that executive director David White is a candidate for the same position with the National Basketball Players Association, observes Dave McNary of Variety.com.
- Lionel Hollins explains the root of his raw feelings from the end of his tenure as Grizzlies coach to Mearl Purvis of WHBQ-TV in Memphis.
Pelicans Open To Signing Pierre Jackson
The Pelicans are open to signing D-League standout Pierre Jackson, tweets Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio. Amico earlier today added the Wizards to a list of teams looking to trade for the 5’8″ guard that already includes the Cavaliers and the Nuggets.
Jackson has thrived in the D-League this year, but he can’t sign with any team other than the Pelicans, who hold his rights. The Sixers drafted him in the second round this past summer, and traded him to New Orleans, which has elected not to sign him.
The Pelicans have 15 guaranteed contracts, so they’d have to either trade someone or waive one of those deals to sign Jackson. The 22-year-old is averaging 29.1 points and 6.2 assists for the Idaho Stampede. New Orleans have given Jackson’s representatives permission to seek trades, though no deal appears imminent.
The league is poised to give New Orleans a disabled player exception worth more than $4MM, so perhaps the Pelicans will use part of that to sign Jackson.
Wizards, Cavaliers, Nuggets Eye Pierre Jackson
TUESDAY, 1:06pm: The Wizards are also in the market for Jackson, according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio, who says the Pelicans are trying to package Jackson with Austin Rivers (Twitter link). The Pelicans have fielded plenty of calls for the 5’8″ Jackson, but GMs around the league are worried about his size, particularly since he’s not a true point guard, Amico also tweets.
SATURDAY, 2:57pm: The Cavaliers and Nuggets have made inquires to the Pelicans about the rights of D-League standout Pierre Jackson, according to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. Neither club has come up with a deal to New Orleans’ liking, but Haynes hears from one GM that it’s “inevitable” the Pelicans make some sort of deal before next week’s trade deadline.
Jackson, whose rights are held by New Orleans, has excelled for the Idaho Stampede this season. He’s averaging 29 PPG while shooting 45% from the floor in 31 contests. He’s posted seven 40 point performances so far this year, but despite his success, the Pelicans haven’t given Jackson a shot to prove himself in the NBA. Haynes hears that it’s certainly possible the club hangs on to Jackson, but notes that their roster currently stands at the league maximum of 15 players, so the team would have to make some sort of move to make room for the rookie guard out of Baylor. Earlier this season, we heard the team was allowing Jackson and his agent to seek out a trade partner.
Reports this morning suggested Cleveland was primed to make some sort of deal before the deadline, but New Orleans reportedly doesn’t feel rushed to make any move with Jackson. However, the Nuggets could definitely use some help at the point guard position, with Nate Robinson out for the season, Ty Lawson missing time, and Andre Miller still inactive.
Southeast Rumors: LeBron, Bosh, Beaubois
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert still believes strongly that LeBron James will entertain the idea of signing with the Cavs either this summer or next if the Heat‘s run of titles ends, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com. There are plenty of hypotheticals in that statement, but if James does return, Kyrie Irving‘s development means the move would more closely resemble James’ decision to hook up with other stars in Miami than a simple homecoming, Berger opines. Here’s more from another of the Heat’s trio of big names:
- Chris Bosh won’t pester LeBron about where he’ll choose to play next, but Bosh offered up a hint about his own free agency, explaining to Sam Amick of USA Today that he’s moved past the idea of being a team’s No. 1 option. “I’m over it,” Bosh said. “It’s just all about winning at the end of the day. It’s about being in the game. I mean everybody isn’t meant to take the last shot. Everybody isn’t going to be the MVP. It’s only for a very, very small percentage, for a small percentage of guys. I understand that, and I’m just lucky enough to be in this situation I am now, just competing at the highest level in the league. That’s good enough for me.”
- There’s no chance Rodrigue Beaubois will work out for the Wizards, two sources tell J. Michael of CSNWashington.com, contradicting a weekend report that indicated Beaubois would audition for the Wizards and Grizzlies.
- Gerald Wallace is still upset with the Bobcats for what he says happened when they traded him at the 2011 deadline, as he tells Jessica Camerato of Basketball Insiders. Wallace says the Bobcats told him they wouldn’t trade him, then dealt him anyway without giving him an explanation.
Odds & Ends: Beaubois, Jordan, Paul
Chris Paul told reporters at All-Star Weekend that he isn’t sure if he would have stayed with New Orleans or left as a free agent had he not been traded to the Clippers in 2011, reports Ken Berger of CBS Sports. “I can’t answer that because I don’t know,” Paul said. “It’s crazy; what was that, three years ago? It’s almost scary to think how much smarter I am now than I was then. That’s one of those that I don’t know.” Here are some more notes to pass along:
- Rodrigue Beaubois will work out for the Grizzlies and Wizards late next week, a league source tells Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. The four-year veteran point guard is still just 25 years old, but he has struggled to live up to the high expectations many had for the 6’2″ speedster. Beaubois recently recovered from a third surgery to his left hand, a procedure that has kept him from signing anywhere as a free agent so far this season.
- Jerome Jordan is leaving the Italian league’s Virtus Bologna to join the Lebanese pro league, according to Il Corriere di Bologna (translation via Emiliano Carchia of Sportando). The 7-footer spent his lone NBA season with the Knicks in 2011/12.
- St. John’s has multiple pros on the roster this year, scouts tell Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv, but none of them should come out for the upcoming draft. Zagoria runs down why the scouts think Rysheed Jordan, JaKarr Sampson, Chris Obekpa and D’Angelo Harrison, would all be best served by spending at least another year in college.
Knicks Target Glen Rice Jr.
The Knicks would “love” to acquire Glen Rice Jr. or a second-round pick in return for Beno Udrih, reports Marc Berman of the New York Post. The Wizards reportedly have interest in Udrih, while the Knicks considered drafting Rice in the first round this past June had Tim Hardaway Jr. been unavailable, according to Berman.
The Post scribe identifies Udrih and Metta World Peace as prime trade candidates, and says the Raptors had interest in World Peace when they discussed Kyle Lowry with the Knicks in December. The former Ron Artest reportedly would have been in line for a buy out if the Raptors took him on then, so I’m not sure that Toronto is all that interested in the 34-year-old. The Raptors appear to be shying away from engaging in Lowry talks with the Knicks again or with any other team.
World Peace is cognizant that there’s a strong chance he’ll be traded, and he’s open to the possibility, even if he isn’t asking the Knicks to move him, Berman hears. World Peace is in the first season of a two-year deal for more than $3.5MM that includes a player option for 2014/15, while Udrih and Rice are on minimum-salary contracts.
Wizards Seeking Big Man
The Wizards are seeking a big man in addition to their push for a backup point guard, tweets Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report. They’ve shown interest in Greg Monroe and Taj Gibson in recent weeks, though their willingness to pursue an extension with soon-to-be free agent Marcin Gortat suggests they’re not looking for a change at starting center. Power forward Nene is in the midst of a five year, $65MM deal that runs through 2015/16, so it would seem unlikely that Washington could send him away.
GM Ernie Grunfeld and company are probably in the market for a big man who’d back up either Gortat, Nene, or both. Gibson could fill that role, as he does for the Bulls, but it’d be difficult for the Wizards, who can’t trade any of their first-round picks, to accommodate Gibson’s $7.55MM salary without surrendering a starting player or going into the luxury tax. Washington is roughly $1.3MM shy of the tax line. Monroe is cheaper, since he’s still on his rookie deal, but he, too, would probably require a significant return.
Zwerling reiterates Washington’s interest in Andre Miller, which Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported Tuesday. The Wizards are also targeting Beno Udrih, as Stein noted.