NBA Trade Rumors

"When the Bulls hire Tom Thibodeau or Dwane Casey or Michael Curry or even someone with head-coaching cachet such as Avery Johnson, general manager John Paxson will talk about the coach's strengths and the solid fit he provides. Paxson won't be lying. But he might be talking through gritted teeth. Paxson made clear with a statement he released Saturday, shortly after getting spurned by Mike D'Antoni, that the new Knicks coach had wowed him...Yes, Paxson had asked D'Antoni to hire a veteran defensive-minded assistant. But instead of stuffing current Bulls personnel into a box, Paxson wanted to hand D'Antoni the keys to the car and find the accelerator."

" After weeks of informal conversations, Davis' agent, Todd Ramasar, met with Warriors officials Thursday to discuss a potential contract extension for his client. But the talks failed to provide any satisfaction for Davis, a two-time All-Star who just turned 29. In fact, the sides are so far apart that Ramasar brought up the specter of Davis using his opt-out clause to void the final year on his current deal and become an unrestricted free agent as of July 1."

"With Doug Collins, Avery Johnson and Jeff Van Gundy already crossed off the list, who might be next in line to follow Mike D’Antoni as head coach of the Suns — and who might join that person on the bench? In alphabetical order, here’s a look at the potential candidates: Vinny Del Negro, Alvin Gentry, Jeff Hornacek, Eddie Johnson, Steve Kerr, Dan Majerle, Tom Thibodeau."

"Kerr is expected to hire someone with NBA experience (but not limited to head-coaching experience) and a balanced approach to improve defense and depth while not moving away deterring from the Suns' style and identity as a top offense. It is easier to identify who the coach won't be, with Kerr and TNT analyst Doug Collins each squashing speculation that they would be candidates. A guess such as Avery Johnson would be wrong, too, with names under consideration that haven't been speculated upon publicly...Suns broadcast analyst Eddie Johnson is the first to come forward, saying Saturday that he would ask to interview for a job that might prove attractive, with star power and a 58-win average over the past four seasons under D'Antoni."

"Paxson also plans to interview Avery Johnson, although the former Mavericks coach is owed close to $12 million from Dallas and has hinted at sitting out next season. It could take a large deal to woo Johnson, and Paxson appears inclined only to pay top dollar for D'Antoni. Paxson has contacted Johnson's representatives, but no formal interview has been scheduled as of late Friday."

"After a week of courting Mike D'Antoni, the Bulls still had reservations, while the New York Knicks reached for the company checkbook. So now the former Phoenix Suns coach has a job in New York and can be crossed off the list of candidates for the Bulls' coaching vacancy. D'Antoni agreed to a deal reportedly worth $24 million over four years. At this point, it appears the Bulls' coaching search, which began on April 17, will drag on for a few more weeks, perhaps into late June."

"Other than Iguodala, the Sixers' only consistent scorer was point guard Andre Miller, whose job is to pass first and shoot second. Samuel Dalembert still is too inconsistent, Thaddeus Young still is too young and Reggie Evans is, well, Reggie Evans. Sixers president and general manager Ed Stefanski knows this, of course. He has about $11 million in salary cap space to do something about it this offseason."

"Mike D’Antoni, who turned the Phoenix Suns into one of the N.B.A.’s most entertaining and successful teams of the last half-decade, has accepted the Knicks’ head coaching job. The Knicks have made no announcement and will not confirm reports that a deal has been consummated. But a Western Conference executive who is monitoring the talks said Saturday that a deal was “getting close.”"

" The Mavericks finally got their man. Rick Carlisle reached an agreement in principle with the Mavericks on a four-year contract Friday night to become the ninth coach in franchise history, sources from both sides confirmed... It is believed Carlisle's salary will be similar to what Johnson was being paid before he was fired, roughly $4 million per season. Because of numerous commitments by all parties, the news conference on Carlisle's hiring probably won't come until Wednesday."

"Signs continue to point toward the Knicks New York Knicks landing Mike D'Antoni as coach, and he could receive an offer from Knick president Donnie Walsh as early as today, according to a league source. Meanwhile, the Bulls are either cooling off or not prepared to come close to matching the Knicks financially, despite a report that Chicago would make an offer by tomorrow. The Bulls are talking about interviewing more candidates, and may not make an offer this weekend, putting the Knicks in good shape."

"The Knicks continue to deny reports that they are on the verge of offering Mike D'Antoni a contract to become their next coach. Donnie Walsh, the team's new president, sent word Friday through the Knicks' media relations department that reports of D'Antoni receiving a five-year deal are "inaccurate." "

"If the reports out of New York are accurate, the Knicks are ready to offer Mike D’Antoni a five-year contract worth $30 million or more to become their next coach. But one of those reports was wrong when it had the Bulls preparing to make an offer to D’Antoni by Sunday. Sources said the Bulls have no plans to extend a contract to D’Antoni by this weekend. "

"The field appears clear this weekend for the Knicks to take their best shot at bringing Mike D’Antoni to New York. While the Chicago Bulls, once believed to be D’Antoni’s most ardent suitor, have fallen back to a “wait-and-see” approach, several sources expect the Knicks to present a lucrative deal — expected to be five years in the $25 million to $30 million range — today to see if the still contractually obligated Phoenix Suns coach is serious about taking his act to Broadway."

"Friday came and went without any word on Mike D'Antoni's coaching status with the Suns, Chicago Bulls or New York Knicks. How's Saturday sound? Or maybe Sunday? A resolution regarding D'Antoni's status with New York and Chicago is expected Saturday or Sunday. It might have something to do with the fact that Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf was expected to travel to the Valley, where he has a home. He was expected to arrive Friday and at some point meet with D'Antoni."

"The Bulls are considering hiring Mike D'Antoni strongly enough that club Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, who owns a home in the Phoenix area, will meet with the Suns' coach this weekend, sources said. General manager John Paxson spent parts of Sunday and Monday interviewing D'Antoni in Phoenix. On Friday at the Berto Center, Paxson gathered background on coaching candidates for other possible interviews while still contemplating the good and bad D'Antoni presents."

"Donnie Walsh efuted an Internet report that the Knicks were preparing to make Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni a "staggering" offer to succeed Isiah Thomas. The Knicks president has not given any indication that D'Antoni has supplanted Mark Jackson as the favorite to become his team's next coach. Instead, Walsh is doing what he normally does: playing it close to the vest. Jackson, according to sources, remains Walsh's top choice while D'Antoni could emerge as a candidate as well. "

"Bernie Bickerstaff, the original architect of the Charlotte Bobcats' basketball operation, is leaving the franchise, the Charlotte Observer has learned. Bickerstaff served the team's first three seasons as both coach and general manager/president of basketball operations. After the 2006-07 season, he stepped down, taking the title of executive vice president. In that role, Bickerstaff scouted extensively in preparation for the 2008 draft and acted as an adviser to managing partner Michael Jordan."

"If Mike D’Antoni is using the Knicks as leverage to get a better deal from the Bulls, those around him are constructing an impressive mirage. Sources in both Phoenix and on the East Coast told the Tribune that the expected face-to-face meeting between D’Antoni’s agent, Warren LeGarie, and Knicks president Donnie Walsh didn’t come off Thursday. But there were some telephone discussions, in which mutual interest was made clear enough to take talks to the next level."

" Sources indicated yesterday Knicks president Donnie Walsh is torn on whether to offer the job to the star coach available, Mike D'Antoni, or take a slight gamble on someone with no head-coaching experience, Mark Jackson. Last night Walsh, through a spokesman, emphatically said he has not offered the job to anybody, contrary to a report. "

"There were reports that Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey would interview soon for Atlanta’s vacant general manager spot. Lindsey said before Thursday night’s game at the AT&T Center that he heard about the reports, but had not heard from anyone in Atlanta and did not believe anyone in the Spurs organization had been asked for permission to speak with him."

"Rick Carlisle is nearly off the market, and Mike D’Antoni — who never officially hit the market — could be the next top-tier N.B.A. coach to land a new job... D’Antoni, who is also represented by LeGarie, is anticipating offers from the Knicks and the Chicago Bulls by the weekend. If that happens, D’Antoni could make a decision by early next week. LeGarie contradicted reports that D’Antoni was already weighing an offer from Chicago."

"Donnie Walsh has interviewed at least five candidates for the Knicks' head coaching job and has reached out to several others. And yet Mark Jackson, who was the favorite last month, remains the odds-on favorite to succeed Isiah Thomas. "I would say that's a pretty good bet," said a Knicks source. "It is still Mark's job to lose." "

"A radio report out of New York late Wednesday said Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni has an offer from another NBA team, but sources indicated that team is not the Bulls, who still intend to line up an interview with Avery Johnson. Bulls general manager John Paxson remained in town for a second consecutive day Wednesday, and the interview with Johnson has not been scheduled. Johnson, fired by the Dallas Mavericks last week, reportedly met in Houston on Tuesday with New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh. Walsh is expected to meet today in New York with Warren LeGarie, the agent for D'Antoni."

"As John Paxson still pondered the pros and cons of hiring Mike D'Antoni, a relatively quiet day in the Bulls' coaching search passed with one very important detail. Paxson remained at the Berto Center. Instead of traveling to Houston to follow the Knicks in interviewing Avery Johnson, Paxson and Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf appear willing to pay top dollar only for D'Antoni—if even him. Sources close to Johnson confirmed a Tribune report that the Bulls are cooling on Johnson, who still is owed $12 million from the Mavericks."

"Mike D’Antoni is likely headed elsewhere by this weekend, but not much progress toward his final destination was made Wednesday. That could change quickly today. ESPN.com, citing NBA coaching sources, reported the New York Knicks are prepared to make a “staggering” financial offer to D’Antoni to prove he is the No. 1 choice to lead that once-proud franchise out of the wilderness. The offer, which could top $30 million for five years, would figure to far outdistance any offer D’Antoni’s other suitor, the Chicago Bulls, could muster."

"If Suns coach Mike D'Antoni could get what he wanted for his 57th birthday today, it would be a long-term contract with just compensation from the Chicago Bulls. An NBA source close to the situation said three things could make that happen: "

" Rick Carlisle's agent said Wednesday agreement for Carlisle to become the new Mavericks coach should be completed today and he is expected to be announced as the franchise's ninth head coach Friday. "We're headed for a successful landing, I believe, in the next day or so," agent Warren LeGarie said. Carlisle, 48, was the only candidate to interview for the position. The Mavericks were drawn to his passion for defense, a part of the foundation left from the Avery Johnson era management did not want to lose."

"Center Dikembe Mutombo has told the team he will decide in the next two weeks whether to retire or return for an 18th season. Guard Steve Francis on Wednesday exercised an option on a second year of his contract, as he announced he would in January, though it will take much longer before the Rockets know what Francis can offer as he attempts to return from surgery to repair a torn quadriceps tendon in his right knee."

"Six potential replacements for outgoing Hawks general manager Billy Knight, who resigned Tuesday after six years on the job (in alphabetical order): Chris Grant, Billy King, Milt Newton, Scott Perry, Tommy Sheppard, Steve Smith."

"WHO'S No. 1? If the question is whether Andre Iguodala is the No. 1 player around whom the 76ers will build their future, the answer remains more than somewhat hazy. If the question is whether Iguodala, as a restricted free agent, is president/general manager Eddie Stefanski's No. 1 priority, the answer is unequivocally yes. In a teleconference yesterday with reporters, Stefanski said Iguodala, " . . . is a very good basketball player. I think - I know - he's a guy we'd like to keep, going forward here. "Now, negotiations are negotiations," Stefanski said. "What I've said numerous times is, we're trying to get a 'team.' We're not built to run [the Detroit Pistons'] style, but if we can get a team like that and have a style we'd like to play, which is an up-tempo style, that would be our goal.""

"Ed Stefanski said he has a number of off-season priorities, but deciding the future of 76ers point guard Andre Miller isn't at the top of the list. That doesn't mean the Sixers' president and general manager doesn't value Miller's huge contributions. It's just that because Miller is signed through the 2008-2009 season and can't be a free agent until afterward, Stefanski can focus on other issues. At some point, however, Miller's future will have to be addressed both by him and the team, because the decision will affect many of the other decisions the team is going to make this summer."

"The Sonics will name Utah Jazz head scout Troy Weaver as their assistant general manager, two NBA sources told the Seattle P-I on Wednesday. Weaver replaces Scott Perry, who spent one season in Seattle before returning to the Detroit Pistons as vice president of basketball operations. The Sonics had no comment on the assistant general manager search."

"Troy Weaver, a front-office executive with the Utah Jazz, is the top candidate to fill the Sonics' vacant assistant general manager position and he's expected to accept an offer from the team, according to two NBA sources. The sources spoke anonymously because an official announcement is forthcoming. Sonics general manager Sam Presti was unavailable for comment Wednesday. Weaver joined Utah in 2003 as a head scout and spent the past season as director of player personnel. He built a reputation as a keen talent evaluator and was instrumental in the Jazz drafting guards Deron Williams, C.J. Miles and Ronnie Brewer and forward Paul Millsap."

"A year ago, Kobe Bryant was ready to bolt. Now, he's prepared to stick with the Lakers for the rest of his NBA career. "I would like to, absolutely," Kobe Bryant said during a formal news conference Tuesday afternoon to announce his selection as the NBA's MVP...Bryant had made it clear he did not wish to leave the Lakers, ending a 12-month melodrama he initiated by asking for a trade after demanding the team upgrade its roster following its second consecutive first-round playoff ouster. "

"After interviewing with Knicks president Donnie Walsh in the Phoenix area on Monday, D'Antoni reportedly is headed to Chicago to succeed Scott Skiles as soon as the two sides can agree on a contract, according to NBA sources. Walsh traveled from Arizona to the Houston area Tuesday and met with former Mavs coach Avery Johnson to continue his "due-diligence tour." But Jackson is still regarded as the overwhelming favorite to replace Isiah Thomas. Before Walsh talked to D'Antoni, the Bulls interviewed him on Sunday, apparently coming away thinking that his prolific offensive system will be a good fit for Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and other players who underachieved this season. "

"D'Antoni has made it clear to general manager John Paxson that he covets the Bulls' job. But D'Antoni also interviewed for the Knicks' job, and talk in league circles centered on D'Antoni's camp using the Knicks as leverage to drive up the Bulls' price tag... The cat-and-mouse game of musical chairs should end soon, with D'Antoni's camp telling both franchises it expects a conclusion by the end of this week. Despite several reports to the contrary, neither the Knicks nor the Bulls had presented D'Antoni with a formal offer as of late Tuesday."

"The Knicks and Bulls may lock horns in a bidding war for Suns coach Mike D'Antoni. According to a source close to the Suns coach, D'Antoni is expecting to receive formal proposals from the Knicks and Bulls by week's end. At least that's what he hopes. The imminent nature of these two offers likely was urged by D'Antoni, who has been told by Suns GM Steve Kerr the club wants a decision by Friday."

"Mark Jackson remains the favorite because of skepticism that D'Antoni would actually join the 23-59 Knicks laughingstock, that he's using the Knicks to drive up the Bulls' price. Stephon Marbury is still their starting point guard, and D'Antoni was not a big fan."

"General manager John Paxson has declined to comment, but ESPN.com is reporting, citing NBA front-office sources, that the Bulls and Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni are close to agreeing on a deal. But a Phoenix radio station reports that D'Antoni is closer to a deal with the New York Knicks because money is getting in the way of a Bulls' deal."

"A Phoenix source said D'Antoni would like to know by Friday which team he will be coaching next season and that the door to return to the Suns has not been shut completely by owner Robert Sarver. Sarver's stance, however, is likely based on the fact the Suns owe D'Antoni $8.5 million for the two years left on his contract unless he is hired by another team. Reports out of New York say Mark Jackson, whom Paxson also interviewed, remains the Knicks' top choice. Rick Carlisle, the first candidate Paxson interviewed, is regarded as the favorite to take over for Johnson in Dallas."

" The Mavericks and Rick Carlisle are inching closer to an agreement that would make him the team's new coach. While no deal is done, Carlisle said Tuesday that both sides continue to discuss the options about him becoming the ninth coach in franchise history. "My agent has returned from Europe, and we're still talking," Carlisle said. "We're moving in a good direction. Things are moving along." "

"Mike D'Antoni is on the short list in both Chicago and New York - but he remains the coach of the Phoenix Suns because there are complications keeping both those lists from shrinking down to just his name. League sources confirm that two meetings with D'Antoni and Chicago general manager John Paxson progressed well enough for D'Antoni to be considered the front-runner for the Bulls' position. "

"Rumblings soon might start about whether Mike Dunlap eventually could succeed Lute Olson as coach at the University of Arizona. Olson would like to head them off at the pass. "We're getting way ahead of ourselves," Olson, 73, told the Rocky Mountain News on Tuesday about whether Dunlap, a Nuggets assistant the past two seasons, could be his successor. Olson said the ball is in Dunlap's court whether he'll become Arizona's associate head coach. Barring the unforeseen, he will."

"Nuggets assistant coach Mike Dunlap is likely headed to Lute Olson's staff at Arizona as associate head coach. "My arrow is pointed in that direction," Dunlap said, confirming the offer and his interest Tuesday. He said he has yet to sign a contract. "I've covered it with Coach (George Karl) and they know what's on the table," Dunlap said. "It's just a matter of going into Arizona and seeing Coach (Olson) one last time to complete everything." "

"Mike D'Antoni has told John Paxson he wants to be the Bulls' next coach, according to sources. Whether Paxson has the same wish remains to be seen after the Bulls' general manager spent parts of Sunday and Monday with the Suns' coach in Phoenix. If nothing else, Paxson is staying true to his word to keep this critically important search wide-ranging and open-ended. Not many searches travel from relatively anonymous Nuggets assistant Mike Dunlap to the high-profile D'Antoni within a wild 24 hours."

"While Bulls general manager John Paxson maintained his vow of silence with the media Monday concerning his coaching search, Paxson apparently is doing plenty of talking. After reportedly interviewing Denver Nuggets assistant Mike Dunlap on Saturday, Paxson was in Phoenix on Sunday and Monday to meet with Suns coach Mike D'Antoni. Word out of Phoenix is that D'Antoni told Paxson he wants to be the Bulls' next coach. New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh also traveled to Phoenix over the weekend to interview D'Antoni."

"The innovative coach Mike D’Antoni and the Phoenix Suns appear to be moving toward a swift divorce, and it could be only a matter of days before he lands in New York or Chicago. In response to reports in the news media, the Suns confirmed Monday that D’Antoni had permission to speak with other teams, a reversal of the position the team took publicly last week. Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site that D’Antoni had already met with one team Sunday and was meeting with a second team Monday. Those teams were believed to be the Bulls and the Knicks."

"By tomorrow, Knicks president Donnie Walsh will have interviewed Mike D'Antoni and Avery Johnson as his decision on whom to offer the coaching job of the moribund franchise takes shape. Walsh had a reservation last night at a Phoenix hotel and was expected to have dinner with D'Antoni. A source said Bulls president John Paxson met with D'Antoni Sunday night, and Chicago appears to be the favorite. "

"A day after a lengthy meeting to discuss ways to mend the relationship with his bosses, Suns coach Mike D'Antoni was ready to move on - elsewhere. D'Antoni met with Chicago Bulls General Manager John Paxson on Sunday night and New York Knicks President Donnie Walsh on Monday about each team's head-coaching vacancy."

"Mike D'Antoni isn't wasting any time in his search for new employment. The Tribune confirmed a report from SI.com Monday that both Chicago general manager John Paxson and New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh have flown to the Valley to interview D'Antoni. He is still technically the head coach of the Suns, but was given permission to seek other employment after Friday's meeting with GM Steve Kerr and team owner Robert Sarver produced little common ground for moving forward together."

"Nuggets assistant coach Mike Dunlap has interviewed for the Chicago Bulls' head coaching vacancy. "I guess the 'fit' part of it is — they're a really young team, and I have a lot of experience with that," Dunlap said. "That was a curiosity of them with me." ...Members of the Bulls' brass, including general manager John Paxson, met with Dunlap in Denver. "I understand there's a process," Dunlap said of the Bulls' coaching search. "But it was a good meeting." "

"Nuggets assistant Mike Dunlap says he is a "dark horse" for the Chicago Bulls coaching job, but indications are he's a strong candidate for an associate coaching position at the University of Arizona under Lute Olson. Dunlap confirmed Monday he has interviewed for both jobs. Asked if Arizona has made an offer, he said, "No comment.""

" The Dallas Mavericks are in no rush to find their next head coach. I know this, because three days ago, Donnie Nelson said the club would "like to show some patience." So sit back, take a deep breath and ... What? The Mavericks have already met with Rick Carlisle, flown him to Dallas and entered negotiations? My suspicions are confirmed. Mark Cuban's definition of patience is different from any other sentient being on the planet. It could be that Carlisle is such a strong candidate that the Mavericks don't feel the need to search any longer."

" If the notion of Rick Carlisle as the next Mavs coach doesn't inspire, and you hoped for someone with a title in his résumé, consider the following trivia. Question: How many coaches have won NBA championships in the last 20 years? Answer: Only six, and one of them already could have been coach of the Mavs. No, it wasn't Phil Jackson, who owns nine titles, or Gregg Popovich with four. Pat Riley has won three of the last 21 and two more besides, and Mark Cuban once considered it. But it wasn't him, either. Chuck Daly or Rudy Tomjanovich, each of whom checks in with two? No and Lord no. And that leaves us with the peripatetic Larry Brown, who just packed again, this time for Charlotte. "

" If history holds, owner Mark Cuban and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson will not be shy about trying to fill those holes. But it won't be easy. In fact, it may be a multiyear process. Creativity is going to be needed to revamp the Mavericks' roster next season. Seven players, all of whom were in Johnson's rotation, are under contract for next season, with an eighth, Eddie Jones, able to exercise his player option for a guaranteed year. Those veterans put the Mavericks over the salary cap – way over, by about $23 million. They have no first-round draft pick. "

"The Indiana Pacers are preparing for the June draft just like they did a year ago. They've scouted players in person and watched them on video. This year, however, the Pacers will determine whether they use or trade their pick; last year, they had no pick. They had given it to Atlanta to complete a trade involving Al Harrington. The Pacers are slotted to pick 11th if lottery seeds hold, their earliest selection since picking Erick Dampier 10th in 1996. They believe the draft is the first step to improving."