Rumor has it …
The NBA's trading deadline has passed but teams are allowed to stay on the line to complete a deal. Here was the latest talk around the league leading up to the 3 p.m. ET deadline.
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Davis |
The Rumor: Hornets point guard Baron Davis to Golden State.
The Reason: The Warriors need a franchise player in the worst way. Davis has been at odds with Hornets coach Byron Scott, who criticized Davis last week for wanting to extend the rehabilitation of his injured ankle in his hometown of Los Angeles.
The Latest: ESPN is reporting that the Hornets have traded Baron Davis in exchange for Dale Davis' expiring contract (worth $10 million of salary-cap space) and point guard Speedy Claxton.
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Payton |
The Rumor: Celtics point guard Gary Payton to Atlanta.
The Reason: Payton, who was never in Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge's long-term plans, had asked to be traded.
The Latest: Ainge granted Payton his wish – but not to a playoff contender. ESPN is reporting that Payton has been sent to Atlanta for – get this – Antoine Walker. Obviously, Ainge felt he had to do something in response to the 76ers' acquisition of Chris Webber.
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Allen |
The Rumor: Sonics guard Ray Allen to be shipped out of Seattle.
The Reason: Talks on a contract extension have stalled. Allen's agent is seeking a near-maximum deal of $90 million over five years, while the Sonics are offering a reported $68 million over five years.
The Latest: Allen told the Seattle Times that "there's a great possibility of me being moved" and that Wednesday night's game in New Orleans could've been his last with Seattle.
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Thomas |
The Rumor: Knicks forward Kurt Thomas to a championship contender.
The Reason: According to the New York Post, Knicks president Isiah Thomas is desperate to make his team younger by the trading deadline. Problem is, Isiah's only commodity might be the 32-year-old veteran.
The Latest: Kurt Thomas told the Post that he "won't be disappointed" if he is indeed dealt, especially to a title contender like San Antonio. The newspaper also reported Wednesday that Isiah Thomas is not allowed to trade the Knicks' first-round pick.
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Marshall |
The Rumor: Raptors forward Donyell Marshall to Indiana, Miami or San Antonio.
The Reason: The Pacers are the latest to join the sweepstakes for Marshall, who has been targeted as the next Raptor to go since Toronto dealt Vince Carter and shifted its focus to building around Chris Bosh. Marshall's expiring contract, which pays him $5.3 million this season, is as appealing as his three-point shooting and rebounding skills.
The Latest: The Indianapolis Star reported Wednesday that Pacers president Larry Bird had "serious conversations" about Marshall, including one deal that would send Scot Pollard to Toronto. Marshall told the Toronto Sun that his agent is trying to get the Raptors to ship him and Milt Palacio to Indiana for Austin Croshere, Anthony Johnson and James Jones. Raptors general manager Rob Babcock told the Toronto Star that the chances of making any deal are "more like 35-65" and wouldn't trade Marshall unless "you're going to get a player who is good for your future." According to the Miami Herald, the Heat are interested in Marshall but would have to include Michael Doleac, one of Miami's key reserves. The Spurs are looking to get rid of Malik Rose and the four years left on his contract.
