Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 18

Sacramento Bee

"An ESPN report Tuesday morning said the Kings are involved in talks for a three-team deal with Philadelphia and Boston that would include sending Kenny Thomas to the 76ers and bringing center Samuel Dalembert to Sacramento. And while a league source confirmed the Kings and Philadelphia have discussed a deal involving Thomas and Dalembert, the deal appears to be dead for the foreseeable future largely because of the Kings' lukewarm interest in the eighth-year veteran, who has two years and a combined $24.9 million left on his contract. Yet if it's up to Marc Cornstein, the talks won't stay quiet for long. Dalembert's agent, who is clearly on the lookout for a better situation for his ..."

Time to look for some help?

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November 18

Boston Globe

"With the Celtics having lost three of their past five games, and their lineup struggling with outside shooting, rumors are beginning to surface about potential trades. While the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to rid themselves of the underachieving Samuel Dalembert and the Sacramento Kings are seeking to deal the disgruntled Kenny Thomas, the Celtics have been rumored to be part a three-way deal that would send Tony Allen, Brian Scalabrine, and J.R. Giddens out of Boston and net them the Kings' Andres Nocioni. An ESPN report said there have been discussions to send Allen, Scalabrine, and Thomas to Philadelphia and Giddens to Sacramento along with Dalembert while the Celtics would get the ..."

Thomas mentioned in a deal for Okafor

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November 15

Sacramento Bee

"Kenny Thomas is familiar with being used as a cost-cutting measure, so this isn't entirely different. The Kings veteran forward didn't travel with the team for the second half of last season, a move that never would have been made if he had any significant role to speak of.And now the once-forgotten man is the player with the $8.7 million expiring contract, a deal the Kings are looking to trade to any team looking to cut salary next summer. For a worthy price, of course. A source with knowledge of the situation said the Kings have had discussions with New Orleans about a trade involving Thomas and Hornets center Emeka Okafor. Acquiring the 6-foot-10, 255-pound big man, who is in his sixth ..."

Nocioni's DUI arrest extends Sacramento Kings' streak of bad news

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November 6

Sacramento Bee

"The arrest of Sacramento Kings forward Andres Nocioni early Thursday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence is just the latest chapter in a three-year span of bad news and bad luck that have cast a shadow on the franchise. Nocioni, 29, was arrested by Sacramento police and booked into Sacramento County jail at 3:30 a.m., a posting on the jail's Web site shows. He was released Thursday morning on $1,482 bail and practiced with the team in the afternoon. "I want to apologize to Sacramento Kings owners, coaches, general manager, players, fans and especially my family," Nocioni said. "I have two kids so this is not a good example for my kids. I'm really sorry for what has ..."

Martin may be out 6-8 weeks

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November 6

Sacramento Bee

"Kevin Martin leaned against the wall in the Kings' practice facility Thursday afternoon, still very much in shock, his damaged left wrist dangling at his side. Hours earlier, an MRI revealed that the league's third-leading scorer – and the Kings' best player – sustained a hairline fracture Monday night in a collision with the Memphis Grizzlies' Allen Iverson. Martin was presented with three options, all of them terrible: He can wear a soft cast and attempt to play, risking further injury and possibly a complete break. He can undergo surgery and have a screw inserted to stabilize the bone, with recovery projected at six to eight weeks. Or he can have the arm casted and hope that the wrist ..."

Bobby Jackson to announce retirement

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October 23

Sacramento Bee

"If Bobby Jackson picks his wardrobe appropriately today, he'll stand at the Arco Arena podium and formally announce his retirement in a three-piece suit and sneakers. He's leaving behind a 12-year playing career and joining the Kings in a varied capacity that often will involve business attire, but the player in him is far from gone just yet. And if the moment is truly destined to capture the spirit of one of the Kings' most popular players of all time, it will be the pair of Nikes with the cut-off hi-tops. He used scissors to create a unique size and spark eye-rolls from the company's reps last season because, well, they just didn't get the job done in their original form and he wasn't ..."

Mayor begins push to sell out Kings' first two home games

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October 14

Sacramento Bee

"When it came to Arco Arena these past few years, the only talk of magic arose when Disney on Ice came to town. The Kings' gradual decline didn't spark such a description, with the team's record only part of the problem as the lack of a new venue continued to put the organization's future in doubt. But some of the region's most influential men gathered Tuesday to sprinkle pixie dust on the organization, collaborating on an effort dubbed "Operation Sellout" with the hopes of helping the Kings get off the ground again. The program's objective is to sell out the Kings' first two home games Nov. 2 against Memphis and Nov. 4 against Atlanta. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson asked his local A-list ..."

Kings' Garcia breaks wrist

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October 10

Sacramento Bee

"Kings swingman Francisco García will miss "a significant period of time" with a broken right wrist that will be operated on today. Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said the injury was the result of "a failure of a piece of equipment" during a weightlifting session before Friday's practice. García, one of the team's more versatile players, was injured Friday morning while lifting weights when an exercise ball he was on while lifting burst. Team officials would not elaborate. "It's just one of those random events that you really can't protect yourself from," Petrie said. "But he will get better. It's unfortunate for him and for us in that he's one of our most dedicated players in ..."

Swingman Garcia fractures forearm

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October 9

Sacramento Bee

"Kings forward Francisco Garcia fractured his right forearm during a weight-lifting session this morning before practice. He will undergo surgery Saturday. Garcia started the first two preseason games at small forward. His injury would seem to guarantee a roster spot for Desmond Mason, who signed a non-guaranteed contract last month and would have started the first preseason game if not for back spasms."

Hawes sits after ankle injury flares up

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October 8

Sacramento Bee

"It's not how Spencer Hawes wanted to start the exhibition season. The third-year center missed Wednesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Arco Arena because of a sprained left ankle. The injury occurred when rookie guard Lanny Smith landed on Hawes' ankle during a practice last week. So rather than battle the likes of Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge again, Hawes watched a night after playing against the Blazers in their exhibition opener Tuesday night in Portland, Ore. "It's not healing as fast as I'm used to or as I would hope," Hawes said. "I guess the silver lining is it is preseason. It had been feeling better a couple of days ago." It felt healthy enough for Hawes ..."

Evans has bone bruise

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October 1

Sacramento Bee

"Tyreke Evans' pro career will have to begin on the training table. The Kings rookie had an MRI Wednesday afternoon which revealed acute patellar bone bruise in his left knee and is considered day to day. Evans had experienced soreness during Tuesday's workouts and the team took the safe route and ordered the MRI."

Kings can't forget about Rubio

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September 6

Sacramento Bee

columnist Ailene Voisin

"Spanish sensation and one-time Kings draft prospect Ricky Rubio recently spurned the Minnesota Timberwolves for reasons that are thought to include any or all of the following: He hates cold weather. He hates competition. He hated the thought of relinquishing millions in a contractual buyout, although the New York Knicks would have been tempting and, from the beginning, Sacramento was his desired location. So what this tells the Kings is that Rubio is confused, is still a kid, and they need to be aggressive and alert. You know. As proactive and persistent as wounded T-wolves president David Kahn, but with the backroom panache of the San Antonio Spurs. There's plenty of time to plot. Rubio ..."

Kings' Udrih suffers minor knee injury

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September 4

Sacramento Bee

"With the Kings' voluntary conditioning program set to begin Tuesday and training camp starting Sept. 29, their starting point guard finds himself in a less-than-desirable condition. Beno Udrih suffered a left knee injury last Tuesday while playing for the Slovenian national team in Bonn, Germany. According to Eurobasket.com, he limped off the court in his team's Eurobasket win over Germany and is expected to miss up to three weeks. Yet Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said an MRI on Udrih's knee was negative and the injury is not considered serious. "I talked to (Udrih's agent) Marc (Cornstein), and he had talked to Beno and said … that it was a strain or sprain of some kind and ..."

Kings likely to sign forward May

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July 18

Sacramento Bee

"Sean May appears to be the frontcourt player the Kings have sought in the free-agent market this offseason. But hold that thought. A deal could take days or perhaps weeks to happen - if it doesn't fall through. But indications are that the fifth-year, 6-foot-9 forward will become a King with a one-year agreement worth the league minimum for veterans of $884,881. "There is strong interest on both sides, but nothing has been formalized," his agent, Bob Myers, said Friday. "Hopefully, we'll know soon.""

Many possibilities for potential Boozer trade

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July 5

Salt Lake Tribune

"Should they explore a Carlos Boozer trade in the wake of the two-time All-Star forward's decision Tuesday to opt against free agency in favor of playing out the final year of his contract, the Jazz can expect to have several options. A Boozer trade is expected in some circles if the Jazz re-sign restricted free agent Paul Millsap, to avoid a lame-duck season in which Boozer would be expected to leave afterward while Millsap possibly would have to continue to come off the bench. To make it happen, though, the Jazz would have to find a team interested in adding a power forward in Boozer or a team trying to save on a long-term salary commitment and/or clear salary-cap space for the ..."

Diogu might stay; McCants out

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July 1

Sacramento Bee

"As the beginning of the free agency process approached Tuesday, Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said the club would not extend qualifying offers to reserves Ike Diogu and Rashad McCants. Both players were scheduled to become unrestricted free agents and able to sign with any team after Tuesday's 9 p.m. deadline. While the Kings have no interest in re-signing McCants, they plan to approach Diogu about returning. The 6-foot-9 center-forward spent most of his time on the bench after being acquired at midseason. In his final five games, however, he averaged 20.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 29.3 minutes, and provided a physical presence at both ends. "We need to add at least one more big ..."

Kings rule out Rubio, focus on Flynn and Evans

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June 25

Yahoo! Sports

"The Sacramento Kings have all but ruled out drafting star Ricky Rubio with the fourth pick and have focused on two other guards: Tyreke Evans and Jonny Flynn, league sources said. The Kings' front office is fearful of the legal wrangling needed to free Rubio from the contractual mess with his Spanish team, and doesn't feel strongly enough about him as a "can't-miss" star to endure the saga. For now, the Kings' front office and coaching staff is largely divided on Evans and Flynn. They'll debate it well into Thursday. The Kings could be inclined to take Israeli Omri Casspi with the 23rd pick, but opposing teams say they're still interested in packaging Nos. 23 and 31 to move up."

Kings appear to favor Evans over Rubio

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June 24

Sacramento Bee

"The shovel came flying Paul Westphal's way from the start, with his official hiring as Kings coach June 12 followed by the request to help with the rebuilding project and the reality that the NBA draft was just 13 days away. And Westphal, who longed to be an NBA coach again after nine years, has enjoyed every minute. "It hasn't been too hard to fill my days since this hurricane hit," Westphal said by phone with a laugh. "It's a 24-hour-a-day job, but it's been great. I'm really enjoying it. The organization was advertised as being first class, from the Maloofs on down, and I've been really happy with what I've been finding out about the people I'm working with." As for the next colleague ..."

Mills states case in Kings' point-guard evaluations

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June 22

Sacramento Bee

"If this was to be one of the last battles royal among point guards, Patrick "Patty" Mills would not be left out. So Mills called the Kings and asked to be included in Sunday's workout at the team's practice facility. The Kings have worked out every top point guard available in Thursday's draft. Only Ricky Rubio, who became ill during his visit, did not work out. Sunday's group included Memphis' Tyreke Evans and Syracuse's Jonny Flynn, both back for a second look. Evans previously worked out alone. Florida State's Toney Douglas, Florida's Nick Calathes and Davidson star Stephen Curry also were in Sacramento with Mills, the Saint Mary's standout. Curry and Evans are considered locks to be ..."

Kings to see whether Curry makes their grade

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June 21

Sacramento Bee

"Stephen Curry knows there is a price to pay when the homework doesn't get done before the hoops. And the debt collector, more often than not, is his mother. Sonya Curry - the principal at a Lake Norman, N.C., Montessori school that she and Curry's father, Dell, founded in 1995 - wouldn't have it any other way. So even with the NBA draft fast approaching Thursday, her sharpshooting son from Davidson had work to do before heading off for today's Kings workout. "I was taught growing up that education was first," Curry told The Bee early Friday evening from his Sacramento hotel. "My mom made that a point of emphasis early, when I'd have to sit out games because I didn't do my homework or got ..."

DeRozan will strut his stuff for Kings today

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June 20

Sacramento Bee

"When Brandon Jennings called fellow point guard Ricky Rubio "all hype" June 12 at the Kings' practice facility, the hype machine was indeed in full effect. But it was Jennings, not Rubio, who was the guilty party. Just as the 19-year-old who played last season in Italy later admitted he was trying to play the hype game when talking about his high-profile Spanish counterpart, countless NBA draft prospects who came before him have done the same. It's an age-old tactic, an attempt to move a player's stock up mock draft boards and create big-time buzz entering the big day. And for the record, USC's DeMar DeRozan was the first to play that game in this draft season. DeRozan, the athletic ..."

Draft options still there for Kings

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June 16

Sacramento Bee

"The magic number drops to single digits today for the Kings, who would love nothing more than to pull a rabbit out of their purple hat in the June 25 NBA draft. With nine days remaining, the evaluations continue. As expected May 19 when the Kings learned they would pick fourth, their place in the process meant plenty of options at that spot. Nearly a month later, it is believed they still are considering more than a few players at No. 4 while rumors abound about the possibility of trading the pick. An ESPN.com report indicated the Kings had "reached out" to Boston regarding a trade for point guard Rajon Rondo for the No. 4 pick and other potential pieces, but a Celtics source with ..."

Petrie denies offer to Rambis

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June 11

Sacramento Bee

"The comparisons between Paul Westphal and Rick Adelman began almost immediately Wednesday, when Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie sat in the practice facility and discussed at length his team's latest new coaching era. There was the similar record of achievement, with the new Kings coach and the former one regularly winning 50-plus games and guiding their teams into the playoffs only to fall short of a championship. There were the similar stories about style, with both men known as creative offensive coaches who manage with tact more than toughness. There was the reality that both coaches entered Sacramento with plenty of critics, their previous NBA head-coaching jobs (Adelman at ..."

Westphal leaving Dallas Mavericks to become Kings coach

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June 10

Dallas Morning News

"Paul Westphal, a member of the Mavericks' organization the last two seasons, has been selected as the new coach of the Sacramento Kings. Maverick officials became aware of Westphal's new job Tuesday evening. He served as vice president of basketball operations, assisting president Donnie Nelson. In 2007-08, Westphal was on Avery Johnson's coaching staff. Westphal's appointment with the Kings eliminates the final year of his contract with the Mavericks. Formerly a head coach at Seattle and Phoenix, Westphal replaces Kenny Natt and is expected to be named officially today."

Kings interview Rambis for head-coaching job

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June 2

Sacramento Bee

"Kurt Rambis had come the Kings' way before, interviewing for their head-coaching job in 1998 in Sacramento and again nine years later at the Las Vegas hotel of co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof. But the Kings came to Rambis this time around, interviewing the longtime Lakers assistant in Los Angeles on Monday so as to accommodate his busy schedule and maintain the minimal momentum in their coaching search. With the Lakers set to begin the NBA Finals against Orlando on Thursday and Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie back East dealing with a personal matter, the meeting took place despite the complications. Petrie joined in by way of conference call, while the Maloofs flew in from Las Vegas ..."

Tyreke Evans' NBA potential reverberates all the way to White House

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May 31

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"He is the president's choice. That doesn't exactly count for anything in professional basketball, but Tyreke Evans' name certainly resonates in high places as the NBA draft approaches. When President Barack Obama was recently invited to the Palms Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas -- operated by Sacramento Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof -- he told their brother, Phil, whom the Kings should take with the fourth overall pick. "(Obama) liked Blake Griffin, of course, (Hasheem) Thabeet from Connecticut, and he loved the kid from Memphis -- Tyreke Evans," Palms co-owner George Maloof told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Evans' reaction? "That's big," the former University of Memphis combo guard ..."

Kings lose candidate as Jordan goes to 76ers

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May 30

Sacramento Bee

"Months before the Kings' latest coaching search would officially begin, there was only one name connected to the job that was so widely expected to be open: Eddie Jordan. But on Friday, the Kings' courting of the former Washington and Kings coach came to an involuntary end as he agreed to become the next head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Jordan - who was the first to interview for the Kings' job - signed a guaranteed three-year deal in which he will be paid $2 million in the first season, $3 million in the second and $3.1 million in the third. Jordan is owed $4 million from Washington for next season, but that amount will be offset ..."

Count Rambis Out

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May 27

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Count Kurt Rambis out of the running for the vacant 76ers' coaching job. A source in Los Angeles tonight confirmed that the Sixers have informed the longtime Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach that they are going in another direction in their search. Rambis was in the first wave of prospective candidates to meet with Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski, that session taking place last week in Santa Monica, Ca. Rambis, though, remains in the running for the Sacramento job, but the same source indicated that he would not meet with the Kings until after the NBA's Western Conference finals series against the Denver Nuggets that continues tonight in Los Angeles. The Kings have also let ..."

Kings add Tom Thibodeau to search

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May 21

Boston Herald

"Sources yesterday confirmed that the Sacramento Kings, in the market for a new head coach, have expanded their search to include Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau. The Philadelphia 76ers already have contacted Thibodeau about their vacant head coaching position. Thibodeau is competing with veteran coach Eddie Jordan and Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis for both jobs. Dwane Casey also is being considered in Philadelphia. Thibodeau's main issue appears to be the perception that he is a defensive specialist who might not be able to make the transition to head coach. "I have no doubt about that, and he's been in my locker room for two years, so I should know," C's coach Doc Rivers said yesterday. ..."

Westphal to be interviewed this week

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May 11

Sacramento Bee

"The Kings announced today that they plan to schedule an interview with Paul Westphal for their head coaching vacancy this week. Westphal joins Eddie Jordan as the first two candidates to be targeted for interviews, and the former Phoenix and Seattle head coach is relevant beyond the obvious. While Jordan appears to be in a class all his own in this race, there are signs from his camp that he would strongly consider the Philadelphia job that - oh by the way - just became open. The 76ers today announced that interim coach Tony DiLeo will return to the team's front office. And considering that every coach I've spoken with sees the Sixers' situation as more appealing on almost every front, not ..."

Are Kings looking to Eddie Jordan?

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May 10

Sacramento Bee

columnist Sam Amick

"The dust will soon settle on the latest Kings coaching search. And when it does, the consensus among many inside the Kings organization and others close to the situation is this: Eddie Jordan will stand alone. The announcement late Friday that the former Kings and Washington coach would be interviewed this week merely formalized what many saw as apparent for some time, that Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie has eyes for one candidate above the rest. And while the timing of an eventual hiring, as well as the number of other candidates to be interviewed, remains a mystery, there is growing perplexity over the pace and direction of the process and a sentiment that the search will be ..."

Louisville: Pitino not a Kings candidate

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May 9

Sacramento Bee

"Rick Pitino wasn't alone. Take solace in that, Louisville fans. When the Cardinals' coach recently sent word to the Maloofs through whichever chosen channel that he would be interested in coaching the Kings, he was the latest to do so. According to numerous league sources, the same could be said for known candidates Dave Cowens, Mike Fratello and Paul Westphal. While the Pitino inquiry led to a media blitz this week and the need for a statement from Louisville officials that he was going nowhere, that was the atypical part of this time-tested process. The conversations remain confidential, with coaches themselves or perhaps someone calling on their behalf hoping to have their names ..."

Scott coming back next season

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May 7

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"A source close to Hornets Coach Byron Scott said he will return next season to fulfill the final year of his two-year contract, but whether he is offered an extension will be based on evaluations by team executives that will occur throughout next season. Until Wednesday, Scott remained in limbo after Hornets owner George Shinn said he planned to meet with his brain trust to evaluate his coach's performance after the team's quick ouster in the playoffs. If the Hornets had fired Scott, they would've remained on the hook for his $5.5 million salary next season on top of paying a new coach. With the team facing the prospect of having to pay a luxury-tax penalty because player payroll is ..."

Leading Off: Kings fans seem to want Scott

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May 3

Sacramento Bee

"Another week, and all is quiet on the Kings' coaching front as basketball president Geoff Petrie scouts European players. When he returns, though, let's hope he is cognizant of hiring a coach who will put butts in Arco Arena, where there were lots of empty seats this season. This is not all-star voting, so the fans have no say-so in the next guy who gets the keys to the Kingdom. Yet from the polls and comments on our sacbee.com stories to the message boards at the fan pages, a pattern is emerging on the masses' choice for a coach. Byron Scott (if he leaves the Hornets), Avery Johnson, Eddie Jordan and Jeff Van Gundy appear to be fans' leaders in the clubhouse. While I'm a self-professed ..."

Kings seek veteran coach after firing Natt

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April 24

Sacramento Bee

"When it came to the Kings and the offseason coaching searches that took place two of the past three years, the question most often asked but not ever truly answered was the one about who exactly was running the operation. Was it Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie, or was it Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof? And while the answer was certainly far more complicated than picking one side or the other, the first day of the latest coaching search offered more clarity on that front than ever before. Some 80 minutes after the Kings announced that interim coach Kenny Natt would not return next season, Petrie made his preferences clear to the media as they pertain to the team's fifth coach ..."

Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Fratello rumored for head coaching job in Sacramento

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April 22

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"A story in the Sacramento Bee named Mike Fratello as a possible candidate to coach the Sacramento Kings next season. The former Cleveland Cavaliers coach was in a group that included Eddie Jordan, Jeff Ruland and John Whisenant as replacements for current coach Kenny Natt. Fratello, 62, coached the Cavaliers from 1993 to 1999, compiling a 248-212 (.539) mark. He also coached the Atlanta Hawks (1980-90) and the Memphis Grizzlies (2005-07)."

Experienced coach needed for Kings

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April 19

Sacramento Bee

columnist Ailene Voisin

"While everyone awaits an official announcement from the Kings regarding the (doomed) fate of interim head coach Kenny Natt, which is expected any day, Geoff Petrie is compiling a lengthy list of potential successors. The wait is on, and once again, it won't be brief. Petrie tends to move judiciously, anyway, but with only a year remaining on his own contract, and the crumbling economy prompting many owners to trim staffs, reduce costs and restrain themselves from paying exorbitant salaries, he figures to be particularly careful during this coaching go-round. Here is an early list of candidates the Kings should at least have a conversation with, and why they might be hired. Men with the ..."

Kings' woes should reflect on Petrie, too

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April 19

Sacramento Bee

columnist Bill Bradley

"As we discuss the candidates for the next Kings coach, why aren't we talking about a new general manager? Basketball president Geoff Petrie has done a great job for most of the past 15 seasons. He reputedly is one of the NBA's savviest GMs. But how long can he live off the success of the Vlade Divac-Chris Webber era? Since winning 61 games in the 2001-02 regular season and falling in the Western Conference finals, the Kings have sagged every season except one (they improved from 33 to 38 wins in 2007-08) and missed the playoffs the past three seasons. While past Kings coaches have taken the heat, Petrie seems Teflon-coated. You can't fault Petrie for an aging lineup. But you can question ..."

NBA interim coaches still on bubble

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April 5

The Oklahoman

"NBA teams fired eight coaches this season. Six before Christmas. How many interim guys will be back next season?Lionel Hollins was given the job full-time in Memphis. But even Hollins' job security is tenuous since he was given only a one-year deal through the 2009-10 season.Of the seven interim coaches, Philadelphia's Tony DiLeo and Oklahoma City's Scott Brooks are expected to return.DiLeo hadn't coached in nearly two decades. His last coaching job was leading West Germany's men's and women's national teams in the 1980s. Implementing old-fashioned ideas that helped him win nine titles in his country's top division during an 11-year run in West Germany, DiLeo has done a stellar job with ..."

Natt makes pitch to return

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March 22

Sacramento Bee

"Near the end of Friday night's rare Kings victory - after the frequent booing and the man yelling "Fourteen wins!" in reference to Sacramento's win total - only Anthony Anderson could bring an arena full of frustrated New York Knicks fans to smile. The heavyset actor/comedian jumped up from his courtside seat during a late fourth-quarter timeout and unleashed a spirited Michael Jackson impression as the song "Thriller" played. He sparked laughter with his leg kick, then amazement when he pulled off the thighs-to-the-floor splits that had the Kings laughing harder than anyone at Madison Square Garden. It was quite a different scene than the last time the teams had met, when it was the ..."

Jackson may return before season's end

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March 18

Sacramento Bee

"With 15 games left in the Kings' season, it would seem conceivable a player scheduled to have corrective surgery on his broken left cheekbone this Friday might be done for the season. Except, of course, the particular player is veteran Bobby Jackson. "From what I understand, Bobby wanted to come on this road trip," Kings coach Kenny Natt said when asked if he expected Jackson to return. "He has been a leader in that (toughness) category." History would seem to indicate thatJackson could be back, as his gritty reputation precedes him and there is even direct relevant evidence from his pastthat pertains to this situation. On May 8, 2003, Jackson suffered a non-displaced right cheekbone ..."

Gooden could make smooth transition to Spurs

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March 3

San Antonio Express-News

"Nobody in the Spurs organization is saying anything on the record about Drew Gooden, the 6-foot-10 power forward cut loose by the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, in time to be added to the playoff roster of any team that might pick him up. But others around the league call a Gooden-to-the-Spurs signing nearly a done deal, as soon as he clears waivers. At the least, the Spurs appear highly interested in a player who started for the Cleveland Cavaliers when the Spurs played them in the 2007 NBA Finals. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich acknowledged that the Spurs approached Sunday's waiver wire news "professionally." In addition to Gooden's release, Oklahoma City negotiated a deal to buy out Joe ..."

Mikki back for Moore

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February 24

Boston Herald

"NBA sources continued to say last night that 7-footer Mikki Moore will join the Celtics once he clears waivers today at 10 a.m. The 11-year veteran, who played for the C’s in 2002-03, was waived by Sacramento after the deadline last Thursday, meaning he doesn’t clear the 48-hour business-day period until today. At that point, sources say Moore, who has a number of high-profile suitors, will select the Celts. Moore is on the West Coast and could fly to Los Angeles today to get his physical. While a number if logistical issues have to be worked out, he could be with the team tomorrow night against the Clippers. Moore played every game for the Kings last season and averaged 8.5 points and 6.0 ..."

Brad Miller off the table for Cavaliers

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February 18

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Sacramento Bee and Chicago Tribune are reporting a three-team trade that will send Brad Miller and John Salmons to the Bulls. Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Michael Ruffin and Cedric Simmons are going to Sacramento. The Kings are also moving Ruffin to Portland for Ike Diogu. The Cavs had been in talks with the Kings for Miller for an extended period and up until yesterday were still weighing its merits. They had been doing a fair amount of background research on Miller and were considering how he might fit."

Sources: Bulls, Kings pull off deal

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February 18

ESPN.com

"The Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings have reached tentative agreement on a trade sending Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden and Cedric Simmons to the Kings for Brad Miller and John Salmons, ESPN.com. One source said the Bulls players were pulled off the team bus Wednesday afternoon and were told they had been traded. Michael Ruffin of the Bulls also was told be was being traded to Portland in a separate deal, the source added."

Cavs free to spend if they choose

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February 18

Yahoo! Sports

"As NBA front-office trade discussions centered on teams desperately trying to shed payroll Tuesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the few franchises willing to bring on bigger talent and more salary, league executives said. After thus far failing to make a deal for Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire, the Cavaliers are trying to pry forward Antawn Jamison from the Washington Wizards, league sources said. The Cavaliers are offering Wally Szczerbiak and his $13 million expiring contract, sources said. The Wizards would have to add another player into the trade – possibly center Etan Thomas – to make the deal possible. So far, Washington wants no part of such a deal. Wizards executives aren’t ..."

Kings acquire Cassell from Celtics

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February 17

Sacramento Bee

"The Kings made a minor move today, finalizing a deal that sends a 2015 second-round pick to Boston and brings back veteran point guard Sam Cassell and cash considerations. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, the Kings - who announced the deal this morning - receive approximately $500,000 in the deal that will more than offset the remaining cost of Cassell's expiring contract ($1.2 million this season). While Kings basketball president wouldn't discuss the figures, he acknowledged that the move was financially-driven. "This was an economic move," Petrie told The Bee's Ailene Voisin. "We got some cash considerations and took his contract." Because Cassell is playing on a ..."

Ainge confirms trade

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February 17

Boston Globe

"Celtics president Danny Ainge confirmed that guard Sam Cassell is expected to be traded for a protected second round pick to the Sacramento Kings. The trade opens up a spot on the 15-man roster for Boston, which would aid in a trade before Thursday's trade deadline. If the Celtics don't make a trade before the deadline, the open roster spot also allows them to sign a free agent. The Kings are expected to waive Cassell, who got the news last night while in his hometown of Baltimore"

Cassell expected to join Kings?

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February 17

Sacramento Bee

"A source close to the Kings just confirmed an ESPN report that the Kings will likely trade a future second-round pick (which is heavily protected) to Boston for guard Sam Cassell and cash. But while the story said the Celtics and Kings had agreed to terms, I'm told there is more to discuss on Tuesday as it pertains to the amount of money and other details. Cassell comes in the final year of his deal worth $1.2 million, and the cash coming the Kings' way is expected to be in the neighborhood of $500,000. That would just about cover Cassell's remaining wages for the rest of the season, and so the question then becomes whether the Kings - who have a roster spot available for Cassell - would ..."

Kings' options abound near trading deadline

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February 16

Sacramento Bee

"The next few days would be easy for the Kings if there were merely a fork in the road. Yet as Thursday's trade deadline draws near and they remain in neutral, the options are far more plentiful and perplexing than the decision to go left or right. Do they dump player salary in these tough economic times as a quick way of improving the bottom line of Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof while hurting an already bad team? Do they do nothing, waiting for the summer to reevaluate their roster options while further frustrating a fan base so desperate for positive change? Do they go for the big move, getting involved in what appears to be a buyer's market that could bring an impact player and ..."

Kings Trade Rumors