NBA trade rumors
The long-rumored Steve Francis deal went through on Wednesday.
The New York Knicks may not be done. Few people believe there are enough shots to go around with Francis and Stephon Marbury together in the same backcourt. Fewer still think keeping shoot-first guard Jamal Crawford in the mix makes sense.
According to Newsday, Crawford could be involved in yet another pre-deadline deal, this one between New York and the Denver Nuggets. The report has Crawford heading to the Nuggets in exchange for backup point guard Earl Watson.
The rest of Wednesday's chatter:
WEDNESDAY'S RUMORS
Lake Show's cast to stay intact: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told the Los Angeles Times that a pre-deadline deal is "unlikely." Forward Lamar Odom has seen his play slip of late, so naturally the Lakers' switchboard has lit up with bargain-hunting inquiries. A couple of rumors have surfaced. Odom has been linked with the Knicks in a deal that would bring Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson and Channing Frye to L.A. Frye, however, is pretty much off limits, according to reports.
Thomas waiting by the phone: The Chicago Bulls may waive forward Tim Thomas, who was sent home just three games into his stay in Chicago after complaining about his role. According to the San Antonio Express-News, the San Antonio Spurs will give Thomas a long look if he hits the market. The Spurs were able to successfully integrate Glenn Robinson into their late-season push in 2004-05.
San Antonio shopping for a Spree: Don't rule out Latrell Sprewell for the 2005-06 season just yet. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a good relationship with Sprewell while both were with Golden State and he acknowledged that San Antonio had considered bringing the free-agent swingman aboard, the San Antonio Express-News reported Wednesday. Popovich did add, however, that he's not sure a move of any kind makes sense.
Nets frustrated by Match Game: The New Jersey Nets don't expect to make a deal, but it won't be from lack of trying. The Nets would love to land a power forward. "Right now, there's nothing going on that's hot," general manager Ed Stefanski told the New York Daily News. "It takes two teams to make a trade and right now we haven't found that team."
Atlanta exodus could include Delk:Al Harrington rumors are making more noise. But Atlanta Hawks guard Tony Delk is available for teams looking for backcourt help. The 11-year-veteran, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, could be headed to the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers. Delk, a career 34-percent three-point shooter, has an expiring contract that many teams covet.
TUESDAY'S RUMORS
Pistons still fine tuning: With Carlos Arroyo gone, the Detroit Pistons' No. 3 point guard option is now Alex Acker, or maybe Carlos Delfino. General manager Joe Dumars isn't committed to making a deal, but he's exploring options. According to the Detroit News, the Pistons have their eyes on three players: Speedy Claxton, Tyronn Lue and Brevin Knight.
One less Outlaw in Portland?: Injured power forward Nene Hilario could wind up in Portland. According to the Oregonian, the Portland Trail Blazers have discussed a deal that would send Travis Outlaw and Joel Przybilla to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Nene, who had his season cut short by a knee injury on opening night.
You can still call A.H. a Hawk: For now, anyway. Forward Al Harrington is enjoying a career year. It also happens to be a contract year, which in Atlanta means team execs are crunching numbers.
The Atlanta Hawks have several young forwards, and they may opt to build around Josh Smith, Josh Childress and Marvin Williams rather than pay the $45 million to $50 million it would take to sign Harrington. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Hawks may deal Harrington to a contender in hopes of acquiring inside help or a veteran point guard.
MONDAY'S RUMORS
Attention K-Mart shoppers: Nuggets power forward Kenyon Martin, the Post reports, is not expected to move before the deadline. It had been rumored that Isiah Thomas was willing to overlook his balky knees and bulky contract, but K-Mart managed to play only eight minutes in his final pre-All-Star game, and teams, including the Knicks, appear to have lost interest.
A.I. not untouchable: The underachieving Philadelphia 76ers will listen to offers for any player – including Allen Iverson. Sixers chairman Ed Snider told the Philadelphia Inquirer that coach Maurice Cheeks' job is secure, but that he'll entertain offers for any player if the resulting deal improves his team. Iverson recently told reporters that he doesn't understand his role on the team.
Bonzi to Denver pipeline?: Earl Watson's name has surfaced in several trade rumors, one having the Nuggets guard headed to the Sacramento Kings along with Voshon Lenard in exchange for shooting guard Bonzi Wells. The deal, according to the Denver Post, makes financial sense for both teams.
– Yahoo! Sports report
