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Pacers trying to trade Dunleavy and Ford The two players they’re trying to move are T.J. Ford and Mike Dunleavy, according to sources. Ford isn’t surprising because the Pacers have been trying to unload him for some time. Dunleavy is the surprising one because coach Jim O’Brien … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/29

Wolves owner okay with risks of Darko, Beasley Kurt Rambis had no problem with the players’ effort. But he needed players who played his style, which is passing and defense. So immediately after the season, he went to president of basketball operations David Kahn and requested a different … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/29

Knicks Amar’e Stoudemire becomes a Jew Amar’e Stoudemire signed with the Knicks a few weeks ago, now all of a sudden he’s announced he’s Jewish. It makes you wonder if he had inked a deal with the Jazz, would he have become a Mormon? Here is … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/29

Report: Gun shots heard during Wright 911 call New information is out on the death of NBA player Lorenzen Wright in Memphis. This report from the Memphis Commercial Appeal gives new information on what might have happened to the former Clippers No. 1 pick in 1996. According to … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Ex-Cav Delonte West to Celtics? One option could be former Celtic Delonte West, who was dealt to Minnesota Monday but is expected to be waived. If the Timberwolves do that by Aug. 5, the full amount of West’s contract is not guaranteed. The Celtics could … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Hornets Chris Paul won’t answer questions about trades Hornets Chris Paul said there would be a later time to discuss everything that was discussed during the meeting and refused to address trade rumors. A camper even asked Paul earlier that morning if he was going to play in … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Former Rockets star wants comeback with Heat? Retired or well-past-their-prime point guards keep lobbying to play for the Heat. First it was Penny Hardaway and Stephon Marbury (forget those). Now, Steve Francis plans to contact Miami; he’s 33 but hasn’t played since a quadriceps tendon injury in … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Ainge: Celts have talked about Shaq The speculation that hasn’t died down since the start of free agency revolves around Shaquille O’Neal’s interest in the Celtics. The 38-year-old center wants to play for a contender, and even though Danny Ainge wouldn’t directly address the team’s interest … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Blazers Rudy Fernandez to Celts, Bulls or Knicks? At the urging of Rudy Fernandez and his agent, the Trail Blazers have engaged in accelerated trade discussions to deal the disgruntled, once-popular shooting guard to one of three Eastern Conference teams.  Boston, Chicago and New York are all in … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Lakers could re-sign Shannon Brown Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said he remains “optimistic” about re-signing Shannon Brown and that he expects a resolution in negotiations in the next seven to 10 days. — LA Times Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Wilson Chandler could be delt by Knicks Wilson Chandler is calm amidst the trade-rumor storm. The Knicks’ swingman is being dangled as part of a potential trade package for Hornets point guard Chris Paul, but the swirling rumors haven’t affected Chandler’s offseason preparation. Chandler told The Post … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

LeBron uses chopsticks to eat his Chilean sea bass LeBron James spent part of this past weekend at Tao in Las Vegas. As family style plates of miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and crispy lobster and shrimp dumplings are brought to the table, James effortlessly picks up the food with … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Bulls eye Eddie House The Bulls are still seeking to add outside shooting for their 12th contracted player after witnessing an underwhelming workout by Tracy McGrady on Monday. The Bulls also have had conversations with representatives for shooting guards like Keith Bogans, Roger Mason … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Lakers Matt Barnes: Kobe liked my crazy game Matt Barnes explained that his route to L.A. was largely because of Bryant, the player with whom he has a bumpy past. “He told me one day that anyone crazy enough to mess with me is crazy enough to play … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Heat player to ring opening bell at New York Stock Exchange The New York Knicks missed out on signing Chris Bosh, but that doesn’t mean he won’t spend time in the city. He’s scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, according to his agent, … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Ramon Sessions could lead Cavs? Ramon Sessions is exactly the type of player the Cavs should be adding at this stage of their life without LeBron James. That’s especially true because the price for Sessions was minimal, in terms of contract ($12 million left over … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

O.J. Mayo, Tyreke Evans to be cut by Team USA? It’s not looking good for Tyreke Evans, O.J. Mayo and Gerald Wallace. Sources close to the situation told FanHouse on Tuesday they’re expected to be among the cuts when Team USA on Wednesday reveals the 15 out of 19 remaining … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/28

Suns free agent to Warriors, Bobcats or Raptors? Louis Amundson made a lot of friends. His popularity in Phoenix over the past two seasons prompted nearly as much local interest in his free-agency future but he said it still appears that won’t keep him in Phoenix. “It’s too … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/27

Magic Johnson predicts Lakers three-peat Magic Johnson still thinks the Lakers are the NBA team to beat next season, but he likes the new-look Miami Heat’s chances of winning a title or two down the road with LeBron James. Johnson had plenty of help from … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/27

Cavs set to add Nuggets free agent The Cavs may make another roster move this week. They have been in advancing talks with free-agent small forward Joey Graham. A defensive specialist who will likely be a backup, Graham averaged 4.2 points in 63 games with the Denver … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/27

Lakers player setting NBA California record Already a veteran of the Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, newest Laker Matt Barnes this fall would become the first player to have suited up for all four California-based NBA teams, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/27

Bulls passing on Tracy McGrady? Tracy McGrady left the Berto Center on Monday without a contract offer after working out for roughly an hour and then meeting with Bulls management after lunch. This time, it wasn’t McGrady’s choice. According to two people who witnessed the … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/27

Police interview Lorenzen Wright’s former teammates, agents Some family members think he may be the victim of foul play. But Herb Wright, Lorenzen’s Dad– told us: “I don’t think there’s any legitimacy to this. I’m refusing to concede that he’s missing at this time.” But others from … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Pistons sale could take more than year Karen Davidson would like to sell the Detroit Pistons by October, the start of the 2010-11 season. But if she wants the price to be anything close to the value of the franchise, built by her late husband, she may … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Thunder might get 1st round draft pick for cap space? Even with 16 players signed, Oklahoma City sits more than $6 million below the $58.04 million salary cap. That kind of cap space is enough to afford the Thunder the opportunity to swap a 15th man for a future draft … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Stephon Marbury: I want to play in Miami Stephon Marbury yesterday told The Post it was “total nonsense” that he turned down a chance to play for Miami Heat’s “Dream Team.” In fact, the former Knick, who played for Shanxi, China, last season, wants to play in Miami … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Doug Collins to meet with 76ers Elton Brand Doug Collins and 76ers assistant coach Quin Snyder are expecting to visit with Sixers power forward Elton Brand sometime in the next several days. Previous attempts to meet with Brand were canceled because of scheduling situations. “I want Elton to … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Sixers coach not worried Evan Turner is out of shape? Sixers coach Doug Collins seemed unconcerned with Evan Turner’s struggles in the Orlando summer league. “He was part of a group of guys who expected to go high in the draft and were told to stay away from contact drills … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Heat weren’t happy with Jermaine O’Neal Which player irritated the Heat this offseason? Jermaine O’Neal, who wasn’t offered a contract by Miami but left Heat officials incredulous by saying he chose Boston over Miami because “it came down to winning now and not worrying about chemistry.” … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Thunder might waive Kyle Weaver? Since the Thunder’s coaching staff and front office is pleased with the returning nine-man rotation, and No. 11 overall pick Cole Aldrich is entrenched in the long-term plans, that leaves Byron Mullens, D.J. White and Kyle Weaver as the most … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Lakers Ratliff makes NBA journeyman history Raise your hand if you knew Theo Ratliff was still in the NBA. Not only is the 37-year old still around, he just signed a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, making them the ninth franchise he’ll play for. In … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Ivy League hasn’t produced NBA player in five seasons Among the 20 college conferences that sent one team to this year’s NCAA Tournament, the Ivy was one of only two that hasn’t had a player in the NBA during the past five seasons (the Atlantic Sun kept it company). … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

LeBron’s former teammate launches coaching career Donyell Marshall’s new players sat on the couch of an office tucked in the back of a townhouse on George Washington’s campus, asking with interest about LeBron James’s “decision.” Marshall is now an assistant coach for the Colonials, his first … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/26

Follow Up: Lorenzen Wright’s family suspect foul play in his disappearance The family of Lorenzen Wright, a former University of Memphis and Memphis Grizzlies basketball player who has been reported missing, said Saturday they suspect foul play. The 6-foot-11 power forward was last seen Monday at a Memphis barbershop, where he … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/25

T-Mac could join Lakers or Heat? Tracy McGrady is still a man without a team. The former NBA superstar is deciding between four teams that have interest, according to his twitter feed. The Clippers and Lakers in Los Angeles are interested. T-Mac also said the Chicago Bulls … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/24

Source: Knicks would deal anyone but Amar’e Stoudemire for Chris Paul According to an NBA executive familiar with Knicks team president Donnie Walsh’s thinking, the Knicks are willing to include in a trade anyone other than Amar’e Stoudemire for Chris Paul, knowing how badly the superstar point guard wants to come … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Appears Iguodala will not be a Clipper Various reports are saying that the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to get in touch with the 76ers about swingman Andre Iguodala. When contacted yesterday, Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski said that he would not comment on any trade talks. … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Carmelo Anthony unsure about signing Nuggets extension? Recently hitched Carmelo Anthony is busy frolicking somewhere on a beach in Costa Rica right now enjoying his honeymoon. And, speaking of which, you wonder if that’s over in Denver. There’s a $22 million-a-season contract extension sitting by his locker … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Lakers could still add Larry Hughes, Tracy McGrady The Lakers have not decided whether they will add one more veteran player. Guard Shannon Brown has been negotiating with the team on a return; swingmen Tracy McGrady and Larry Hughes have also said they are interested in joining the … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Las Vegas rooting against Miami Heat “If the Lakers and Heat end up in the Finals, it could be the biggest Finals ever,” Las Vegas Hilton sports book director Jay Kornegay told Matt Youmans the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. “The Heat definitely have the ability to heighten … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Knicks: Isiah Thomas won’t return The Knicks gave their strongest denial yesterday regarding rumors Isiah Thomas could be hired this summer. It came one day after Thomas visited the Garden’s offices for several hours and met with owner Jim Dolan. A source close to the … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Pistons expected to extend Will Bynum? It sure seems like things are going nowhere between the Pistons and Will Bynum, even though both sides say things are progressing. Mark Bartlestein, Bynum’s agent, said he’s in constant contact with Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. “Joe … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Warriors could wait to deal Gadzuric, Radmanovic contracts Warriors GM Larry Riley could use the trade exceptions right away to add a guard or a big man. He also could re-sign Anthony Tolliver or Devean George and wait to use the exceptions at the trade deadline when the … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Lakers Matt Banres can be free agent next season The most the Lakers could pay Matt Barnes next season is $1.77 million, about half of what Cleveland was offering, and Barnes has a player option in 2011-12 for almost $2 million that would allow him to test the market … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Heat could add Eddie House, Jerry Stackhouse? The Heat can invite as many as 20 players to camp but can keep no more than 15. The final two roster spots likely will go to perimeter players. Free agent perimeter players still available include Jason Williams, Mike James, … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Kurt Thomas to Chicago Kurt Thomas now is a Bull, agreeing to a two-year deal late Thursday, a league source confirmed. Sam Smith of Bulls.com first reported the agreement. — Chicago Tribune Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

NBA expert: Steve Blake to Lakers underrated signing NBA television analyst Steve Kerr called Steve Blake’s signing with the Lakers “the most underrated” of the offseason so far. “It kind of went under the radar because it happened around all the LeBron [James] stuff,” said Kerr, who has … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Former Bucks star looking to coach Former UCLA All-American Marques Johnson, after 20 years in broadcasting, says he’s itching to get back into coaching after guiding the Belize national team this month in a tournament in the Dominican Republic. … Before getting into broadcasting, Johnson was … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Avery Bradley expects to be ready for Celtics camp Avery Bradley, who was selected by the Celtics with the 19th pick in June’s draft, has spent the past three weeks rehabilitating from surgery on his left ankle. Bradley sprained his ankle while working out for Oklahoma City on June … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23

Lakers sign 37-year-old center The Lakers took another step toward rounding out their bench, agreeing to terms with 37-year-old center Theo Ratliff on Thursday. Ratliff, who signed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum of $1.35 million, gives the Lakers an experienced defensive presence among their … Continue reading → Reference: benmaller - 2010/7/23