NBA Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

China fighting decision to let Martin return to NBA

February 3

Yahoo! Sports

"Chinese Basketball Association officials are fighting FIBA's decision to allow Kenyon Martin to immediately return to the NBA, demanding that Martin be forbidden to play until later this month, sources told Yahoo! Sports. China has forwarded an affidavit to FIBA and the NBA – signed by Martin upon his departure in late December – that stipulates he wouldn't play in the NBA until his Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers' season had ended. China is demanding the contract be honored and Martin have to wait until the Flying Tigers finish their season. The Flying Tigers have six games left and need a winning streak to catapult them into the playoffs. Their final regular-season game is Feb. 16.."

Gordon Hayward earns a stat he's never had before

February 3

The Deseret News

"Gordon Hayward didn't become a bad boy overnight — or at all, really — but the squeaky clean Utah Jazz player earned a little bit of street cred on Wednesday. The second-year player finally had a technical foul put on his record. "A lot of people were happy about it," he said, "which is kind of weird." Another oddity? The "T" he received for trying to get separation from the Clippers' feisty guard, Mo Williams, on an inbounds play was the first tech Hayward has ever received."

Nets have Dwight stuff to deal for Howard

February 3

New York Post

"Raise your hand if you've heard this before: The Nets view their chances to eventually land Dwight Howard as anywhere from "favorable" to "confident" to plain old "good." All those who remember the Knicks' pursuit of Carmelo Anthony last season, put your hands down. But the Nets like where they are. The Magic have tried everything to keep Howard, 26, but little suggests the franchise center is amenable to remaining in central Florida. The Orlando Sentinel reported that, despite Howard's recent endorsements of the Bulls and Celtics, his preferred landing spots remain the Nets, Lakers and Mavericks. There will be talk, but the Nets do not expect Howard to be dealt before All-Star weekend,"

No word from NBA on whether Carlisle, Cuban will be fined or penalized

February 3

Dallas Morning News

"The fines and any other penalties against coach Rick Carlisle or owner Mark Cuban were put off for at least a day on Thursday by the NBA office. Carlisle is virtually assured of at least a fine for kicking the ball into the seats near the baseline early in the fourth quarter Wednesday."

Mavericks' Marion improved; Haywood, Odom hopeful, not definite

February 3

Dallas Morning News

"The Mavericks expect to have Brendan Haywood and Lamar Odom back Friday night. That's particularly good news because the Pacers have emerged as an Eastern Conference force with 7-2 Roy Hibbert as one of their anchors. The Mavericks will need Haywood's bulk against Hibbert. Haywood missed Wednesday's game against Oklahoma City with lower back tightness but was able to go through a brief workout Thursday."

Kenyon Martin cleared to return to NBA

February 2

Yahoo! Sports

"In a surprising turn of events, the governing body of international basketball – FIBA – has granted free agent Kenyon Martin his letter of clearance to immediately return to the NBA, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Martin has visited with several teams interested in signing him, including Atlanta on Thursday, and will huddle with agent Andy Miller in New York over the weekend to reach a decision. The Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat are leaders for Martin, but the Hawks, Lakers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs remain in pursuit of him. New York has faded from contention in recent weeks, sources said, because of more pressing guard needs."

Hawks meet with rep for Kenyon Martin

February 2

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Hawks met Thursday with a representative for center Kenyon Martin, according to a person with knowledge of the team's thinking. Martin, 34, averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 48 games for the Nuggets last season. The 11-year veteran signed a one-year deal to play in China with Xinjiang during the NBA lockout last summer. He is eligible to return to the NBA following the Chinese season in several weeks. Martin has reportedly been offered a contract by the Heat. ESPN recently reported that he is also interested in signing with the Clippers, Spurs and Knicks, along with the Hawks and Heat."

Sources: Clippers are willing to offer Kenyon Martin mini mid-level exception of $2.5 million

February 2

Los Angeles Times

"Count the Clippers as one of the many teams still trying to get free-agent power forward Kenyon Martin, according to two people not authorized to speak publicly on the situation. Martin recently met with Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro and Neil Olshey, the team's vice president of basketball operations, to gauge his interest in playing for the team, both people said. The Clippers would be willing to offer Martin the mini mid-level exception of $2.5 million, though they haven't made him an offer yet, one person said."

Heat eye Kenyon Martin, Joel Przybilla

February 2

ESPN.com

"The Miami Heat, interested in any and all veteran big men who become available on the market, are in the race for two such players that could make their decisions by the end of the week. The Heat have offered contracts to both Joel Przybilla and Kenyon Martin, their agents told ESPN.com. Przybilla is expected to make a choice between the Chicago Bulls and Heat, according to agent Bill Duffy. Martin is interested in several teams, with the Heat in the mix, according to agent Andy Miller. The Sporting News reported Wednesday that Przybilla is planning to make a choice by the end of the week. Heat president Pat Riley has been recruiting both players as the Heat look to add depth to their"

Dirk Nowitzki: 'I'll play for at least two more years'

February 2

Dallas Morning News

"Friday, Jan. 27 was a big day for Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavericks superstar didn't play in his team's 116-101 victory over the Utah Jazz that day but he left American Airlines Center with his first NBA championship ring and his sixth La Gazzetta dello Sport Europlayer of the year award. After receiving the award, Nowitzki stated that he wanted to win one more Europlayer crown, which would allow him to pass former Portland Trailblazers center Arvydas Sabonis. And speaking of goals, Nowitzki was also asked about his future in the NBA. "I'll play for at least two more years," he responded."

Teams starting to show interest in trade for New Orleans Hornets backup center Chris Kaman

February 2

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Another day, and another rumored destination for Hornets backup center/forward Chris Kaman, still in limbo and away from the team while New Orleans attempts to negotiate a trade that will satisfy another NBA team and the league office, the de facto team owners. On Wednesday, SI.com was reporting that the Houston Rockets had moved to the front of the suitor line, with various offers of young players and draft picks, apparently the price the Hornets have placed upon any potential deals. Hornets General Manager Dell Demps was unavailable for comment."

Magic waive Hughes, on verge of signing PG Ish Smith

February 2

Orlando Sentinel

"The Orlando Magic were on the verge of signing Ish Smith late Wednesday night to shore up their injury-depleted point guard spot. To make room for Smith on their roster, the Magic waived Larry Hughes after Hughes played 14 minutes in the team's 109-103 victory over the Washington Wizards. Smith, 23, is a truer point guard than Hughes. Team officials decided that they needed to make a move largely because the regular starter, Jameer Nelson, is recovering from a concussion and probably won't return to playing until Monday at the earliest."

Bulls going cautious with Hamilton

February 2

Chicago Tribune

"One day after Luol Deng took contact on the torn ligament in his left wrist for the first time, the Bulls confirmed Richard Hamilton will sit until fully recovered from his groin and thigh bruise issues. "We don't want to keep going down this road where he plays a game or two and then he's out again," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "It's not fair to him or us. We have to get him healthy.""

Knicks make 'point' to look at Cavaliers' Sessions

February 2

New York Post

"As the Baron Davis injury saga gets increasingly murky, Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni didn't dismiss a query about the club's potential interest in a long-time target, Cavaliers point guard Ramon Sessions. D'Antoni didn't knock down the possibility of upgrading the roster, and the Knicks also are linked to free agent Kenyon Martin. The Cavaliers are shopping Sessions, and the Knicks have had interest since 2009 free agency when they were close to a deal. Perhaps D'Antoni didn't evade the question because he's trying to light a fire under Davis, whose debut is delayed because he was unable to compete in scrimmages Monday or yesterday because of back soreness."

Will we see Tim Duncan play Thursday night?

February 2

San Antonio Express-News

"Gregg Popovich has thrown down the gauntlet, telling anyone who would listen that he plans regular rests for Tim Duncan as part of his lockout schedule strategy. The only problem might be that the 35-year-old Duncan still prefers playing a lot more than sitting on the bench and practically vowed to play Thursday night against New Orleans. By looking at the substitution patterns after the Spurs' 99-91 victory over Houston Wednesday night, it appeared that Duncan might be ripe for a night off against the Hornets and Emeka Okafor Thursday night."

LeBron James leaves door open for dunk contest

February 2

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"To say LeBron James' dunking juices are stirring would be an understatement. Two days after the fact, he still was talking Wednesday about what Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin did Monday night to Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins. So could this finally be it, the year James takes his dunks to the show level and enters the dunking contest during All-Star Weekend in Orlando, perhaps to go one-on-one against Griffin? "I don't know. I'll be on the fence every year about it," he said following the Miami Heat's shootaround at the Bradley Center, in advance of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks."

Rockets trying to acquire Kaman

February 1

SI.com

"The Houston Rockets have had extensive discussions with the New Orleans Hornets about center Chris Kaman and appear to be in the lead to trade for him, numerous sources told SI.com. The NBA-owned Hornets, who acquired Kaman from the Clippers in the Chris Paul deal on Dec. 15, rendered him inactive last week and publicly acknowledged their decision to trade him. Hornets general manager Dell Demps has been shopping for a deal involving young players and draft picks while the big man awaits his next destination. Kaman, 29, an All-Star in 2009-2010 when he averaged 18.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, is making $14 million in the last year of his contract. Dealing with the Hornets means any trade"

Kenyon Martin deciding which contender to join

February 1

Yahoo! Sports

"Kenyon Martin is expected to decide by this weekend which NBA team he'll join, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have expressed interest in signing the veteran forward. Martin signed with Xinjiang Gyang Hui of the Chinese Basketball Association, but has since returned to the United States. He's not eligible to sign with an NBA team until Xinjiang's season ends, which could be as soon as Feb. 16. "He's a veteran guy who knows how to win at a high level and in a playoff environment," one NBA general manager said. "He also plays multiple positions. If you get him to a situation"

Hold on, Bulls fans . . . Dwight's preferred trade list remains the same

February 1

Orlando Sentinel

"Fans of the Chicago Bulls probably rejoiced when Dwight Howard indicated to the Chicago Tribune that he would be open to playing on the same team as reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose. "If I could play with Derrick right now and God wanted that to happen, it will happen," Howard said. "It has nothing to do with me not wanting to play with Derrick Rose. I love him. That's my brother.'' But not so fast, Bulls fans. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Orlando Sentinel that Howard's camp has not indicated to the Magic that the superstar center has expanded his list of preferred trade destinations beyond his original three teams: the New Jersey Nets, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas"

Lakers scrounge around in search of backcourt help

February 1

L.A. Daily News

"The search continues. The Lakers have spoken to the Cleveland Cavaliers about trading for point guard Ramon Sessions in an attempt to bolster their backcourt, according to Yahoo Sports. The website, citing unnamed sources, also reported Tuesday no deal was imminent. Yahoo also wrote the Lakers recently held a workout for Morris Peterson. Free agent Gilbert Arenas also has been contacted (Grant)about signing. Sessions, 25, would be a younger alternative to either Peterson or Arenas. Coach Mike Brown acknowledged the Lakers have been looking for help."

Kenyon Martin deciding which contender to join

February 1

Yahoo! Sports

"Kenyon Martin is expected to decide by this weekend which NBA team he'll join, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have expressed interest in signing the veteran forward. Martin signed with Xinjiang Gyang Hui of the Chinese Basketball Association, but has since returned to the United States. He's not eligible to sign with an NBA team until Xinjiang's season ends, which could be as soon as Feb. 16."

Curry's ankle better, but still not quite right

February 1

San Francisco Chronicle

"On the surface, everything appears fine with Stephen Curry and his surgically repaired right ankle. He ran without a limp and shuffled without a hitch in starting his fifth consecutive game Tuesday night - his longest stretch without re-spraining the ankle this season. He's averaged 19.3 points on 42.9 percent three-point shooting, four rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals since missing eight straight games last month. But then there's this: "The ankle is feeling good, but it doesn't respond well after games," the Warriors' point guard said. "It takes a while to get the soreness out of it.""

Loss of George Hill takes gleam off Pacers' 14-6 start

February 1

Indianapolis Star

"George Hill said he must take the bad with the good. The Indiana Pacers had some of both Tuesday night. Hill was sidelined indefinitely by a small chip fracture in his left ankle during the Pacers' 106-99 victory over the New Jersey Nets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. That injury, and letting an 18-point lead shrink to three, were negative notes for the Pacers in a game that otherwise featured a breakout by Paul George."

Bulls taking precautions with Hamilton

February 1

Chicago Tribune

"It's possible, if not likely, Luol Deng will return from injury before Richard Hamilton. All signs point to the Bulls resting Hamilton until he fully recovers from the deep right thigh bruise and lingering left groin issues he has battled. When he tried to play Jan. 4 in Detroit, he missed the next eight games. Similarly, Hamilton responded to playing 36 minutes against the Heat on Sunday by sitting Monday in Washington. Hamilton now has missed more games than he has played, 12 to 11."

Nuggets' Ty Lawson says he'll play vs. Memphis

January 31

Denver Post

"Ty Lawson confirmed today that Chico will play. The Nuggets' Lawson, whose on-court alter-ego is nicknamed Chico, said at shootaround that he'll play in tonight's Nuggets-Grizzlies game here at Memphis. Denver's starting point guard had missed three-straight games due to a sprained ankle. "Especially coming off a loss, I definitely want to get back out here and get on a winning streak," Lawson said, in reference to the Nuggets heartbreaker at home against the Clippers on Sunday."

Hamilton to sit awhile after 'playing on one leg'

January 31

Chicago Tribune

"Here's a crazy, yet likely, scenario: Luol Deng will return to play with a torn ligament in his left wrist before Richard Hamilton does the same with his leg ailments. Hamilton admitted that he likely will sit for a while in an attempt to put the groin and right thigh bruise issues in his rearview mirror for good. "It's frustrating, but I have to get healthy," Hamilton said."

Judge to Allen Iverson: I'm Garnishing Your Wages to Pay Back Your Jeweler

January 31

TMZ.com

"Allen Iverson's bank account has been commandeered by a Georgia judge ... who's garnishing the former NBA star's earnings so A.I. can repay a 6-figure debt to his flashy GA jeweler. According to court papers obtained by TMZ ... Iverson was sued back in 2010 for allegedly stiffing Aydin & Company Jewelers on a $375,000 bill. The records show ... A.I. never responded to the lawsuit ... so a default judgement was issued in favor of the jewelry store ... allowing A&C to collect $859,896.46 for the bling, court costs, interest and attorneys fees."

Miami Heat's LeBron James bikes to work to avoid marathon traffic

January 31

Miami Herald

"With the ING Miami Marathon backing up traffic Sunday, fans were advised to seek alternate routes to get to Sunday's game against Chicago. LeBron James took that advice to heart. Rather than driving, James biked about 40 minutes from his house to AmericanAirlines Arena before Sunday's game. James said he had biked to games "a few" times before. "You guys drove here?" James asked media after the game. "You guys are crazy.""

Dwight Howard open to being a Bull

January 30

ESPN.com

"Earlier this month Dwight Howard wouldn't say whether he would be interested in playing for the Chicago Bulls. He's open to the idea now. Just days after ripping his Orlando Magic teammates for their effort in a blowout loss to the New Orleans Hornets, Howard added MVP Derrick Rose's Bulls to his list of potential destinations. "If I could play with Derrick right now and God wanted that to happen, it will happen," Howard told the Chicago Tribune. "It has nothing to do with me not wanting to play with Derrick Rose. I love him. That's my brother." Media reports earlier this season speculated that adidas, which both Howard and Rose represent, would not want two of their stars in the same"

Lakers show interest in Cavs' Sessions

January 30

Yahoo! Sports

"The Los Angeles Lakers have talked with the Cleveland Cavaliers about possibly acquiring guard Ramon Sessions, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. No deal is imminent, but the Lakers view Sessions as a candidate who could help their depleted backcourt. The Lakers are without injured guard Steve Blake, and have relied heavily on rookies Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris to play behind 37-year-old Derek Fisher. The Lakers have an $8.9 million trade exception, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks for Lamar Odom, to absorb salary. Sessions makes $4.3 million this season and has a player option for $4.6 million for the 2012-13 season."

Amar'e deflects heat from coach

January 30

New York Post

"At the very least, embattled Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni has the support of Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler. Those players' cutting postgame remarks late Saturday night in Houston were aimed at their teammates — not a coaching staff under fire. Stoudemire and Chandler have been around the league long enough to know D'Antoni will go from lame duck to dead duck soon if the club continues to come unglued. The Knicks next play tomorrow against the Pistons at the Garden. Stoudemire ripped some of his mates for not studying the game plan and "reading the board'' before games. Stoudemire, who mostly has been upbeat, is calculating in what he says to the media and his accusations serve a"

Source says Lakers showing interest in Gilbert Arenas

January 29

L.A. Daily News

"On a night the Lakers turned in another clunker far from home, losing Saturday to the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks 100-89, the Daily News learned they have reached out for help from someone from their own backyard. The Lakers have contacted free agent guard Gilbert Arenas in the hope they can sign him in order to provide the sort of offensive spark that, with the exception of Kobe Bryant, has been glaringly absent from their backcourt this season. A source close to the situation confirmed the Lakers' interest in Arenas, who averaged 17 points last season with the Orlando Magic. The source also said Arenas, a former Grant High of Van Nuys standout, was interested in signing with the Lakers."

Jason Kidd will miss at least a week with injury; Why that's good news for the Mavericks

January 30

Dallas Morning News

"Jason Kidd joked that "we're holding the guys back'' when the subject came up of his calf injury and Dirk Nowitzki's time away from the lineup, which ended Sunday. The Mavericks improved to 8-0 in games when either Kidd or Nowitzki or both have missed as they edged San Antonio in overtime Sunday evening. And that wasn't even the best news. Kidd's strained right calf muscle will cost him at least a week. But when it happened, the Mavericks were concerned it might be much worse."

New Orleans Hornets are getting some nibbles on Chris Kaman

January 30

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"The Hornets are getting inquires from several teams interested in obtaining center Chris Kaman in a trade, according to league sources. Since General Manager Dell Demps said this past Friday they intend to trade Kaman, at least five teams have inquired, including Southwest Division rivals the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. Kaman will not be with the team until he's traded, Demps said in a statement."

Celtics have interest in Kaman, if bought out

January 29

Boston Globe

"As team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has maintained for years, he is always looking to improve the roster and the Celtics are keeping its eyes open when it comes to New Orleans center Chris Kaman, who is being offered for trade by Hornets general manager Dell Demps. According to an NBA source, the Celtics would be interested in Kaman if the impending free agent is bought out of his contract. The Hornets have told Kaman, 29, to stay home while they try to orchestrate a trade. They acquired Kaman in the trade for Chris Paul last month but have decided to go with younger players."

Rip Hamilton (bruised thigh) uncertain to play against Heat

January 29

Chicago Sun-Times

"When the Bulls lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals last season, there was an epidemic of offensive ineptitude throughout the lineup. Though the Bulls seem to have found an antidote in shooting guard Rip Hamilton, they might be without him when they play the Heat on Sunday. Hamilton sat out the Bulls' victory Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center with a bruised thigh and is considered day-to-day. He was limited to some shooting at practice Saturday. ''We want all our pieces healthy, obviously,'' center Joakim Noah said. ''But we feel like we have enough to win. We're just going to go out there and compete as hard as possible.''"

Cavaliers reportedly interested in Hornets center Chris Kaman

January 29

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Although Cavs general manager Chris Grant declined to comment, NBA sources indicate the Cavs are interested in New Orleans center Chris Kaman, who is on the trading block. At this point, their level of interest is unclear, although the Cavs have long been admirers of the 7-footer obtained by the Hornets from the Clippers in the trade for Chris Paul earlier this season. A call to Kaman's agent, Rob Pelinka, was not returned on Saturday and Cavs coach Byron Scott refused to weigh in. "I have no thoughts on that whatsoever," Scott said as the Cavs prepared to leave for Boston, where they will face the Celtics today. "CG, that's his job to handle all that." Kaman, who will turn 30 on April 28,"

Source: Sixers inquire about Stoudemire

January 29

CSN Philly

"Last year at this stage of the season, Amare Stoudemire was the toast of New York. Every time he stepped to the foul line during games at Madison Square Garden, Stoudemire was serenaded with, "M-V-P!" chants and was cited as the catalyst for the resurgence of the Knicks. These days Stoudemire and the Knicks are struggling to a degree that the inevitable trade chatter is beginning to heat up. According to a league source, the Sixers have inquired about Stoudemire, though it was categorized as "due diligence." Nothing is said to be imminent or even in the early stages other than just talk, the source said. Nevertheless, in past seasons the Sixers were reportedly discussing trade scenarios"

Chauncey Billups has reached out to Kenyon Martin

January 29

Los Angeles Times

"Kenyon Martin to the Clippers? Chauncey Billups would like to see that happen. In fact, the Clippers' veteran guard said Saturday that he has reached out to the free-agent forward, a former teammate of his in Denver, about signing with the Clippers. What are Martin's thoughts about doing so? "I'll let him tell y'all that," Billups said with a smile. Asked about reports that the Clippers are one of a handful of teams that have contacted Martin, Coach Vinny Del Negro declined to go into specifics. "Kenyon is an experienced guy that knows how to play, can play some [power forward], play some [center]," Del Negro said. "He brings a lot of athleticism …" Del Negro neither confirmed nor denied"

Sources: 5 teams eye Kenyon Martin

January 28

ESPN.com

"The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks are pursuing free-agent forward Kenyon Martin, according to league sources. Martin has spoken with executives from each of the clubs and is hoping to make his decision next week. The veteran of 11 NBA seasons will be eligible to sign and begin playing with a team as soon as the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers complete their season in the Chinese Basketball Association. Martin signed a $2.6 million deal with Xinjiang during the lockout, but left the team in late December in hopes of returning to the NBA. The CBA's rules, however, prohibit him from joining an NBA team until Xinjiang's season ends,"

Sixers find center in The Netherlands

January 28

Courier-Post

"Francisco Elson was in The Netherlands on Tuesday when the 76ers called to invite him for a workout and a chance to make the team. He worked out Thursday morning, and on Friday he signed a contract. So forgive him, he said, if he seemed a little tired. "I'm jet-lagged and everything," Elson said. "So if you catch me on the bench sleeping, you'll know where it's coming from." Sixers coach Doug Collins said he doesn't plan to use Elson during games, at least for now, even though his top two centers, Spencer Hawes and Nikola Vucevic, are still out with injuries. Hawes missed his sixth straight game with a left Achilles' strain and Vucevic his third straight with a quad strain. Hawes said"

Hornets center-forward Chris Kaman not with team, expected to be traded

January 28

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"New Orleans Hornets backup center-forward Chris Kaman is not with the team right now because of an organizational decision, team officials said Friday night. The Hornets are expected to pursue trade offers for Kaman, who has an expiring contract that pays him about $14 million this season. Although he is not injured, Kaman was put on the inactive list for Wednesday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder for the first time this season. In place of Kaman, Gustavo Ayon played 17 minutes and scored 16 points on eight-of-10 shooting against the Thunder. ``It's just something that we want to play our young guys and we certainly don't want to disrespect Chris at all,'' Hornets Coach"

Eric Gordon said mutual agreement was made to hold off contract extension

January 28

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon said Friday morning it was a mutual decision between him and the franchise to put off trying to get an extension agreement finalized before Wednesday's deadline. Gordon will become a restricted free agent on July 1, and the Hornets General Manager Dell Demps said they will make a push to re-sign him. ``It wasn't that I turned down anything, it works both ways,'' Gordon said. ``Yes, I'll be restricted, but I am just a basketball player right now and the future is unclear. ``All I can do is worry about coming back at this point to try and help the team win games at the end of the year. It's not the best situation, but it's also not the worst. As"

Center Chris Kaman being shopped

January 28

ESPN.com

"The New Orleans Hornets are actively trying to trade center Chris Kaman, who was not with the team for its home game Friday night against Orlando as the league-owned Hornets field trade calls for him. The Hornets have decided to shelve Kaman until they can find a trade home for him after making the decision to give his minutes to young players. Kaman had been made inactive for Wednesday's loss at Oklahoma City even though he's not injured. "We've informed Chris that we are looking into possible trades and he was understanding about the situation," Hornets GM Dell Demps said. "We're working together on this. "Chris has been the ultimate professional since he joined us. In no way is this a"

Vince Carter practices, nearing return

January 27

Dallas Morning News

"Vince Carter turned 35 on Thursday. He also returned to practice after missing five games with a sprained left foot. Carter did not rule out playing Friday night against Utah. Officially, he is listed as questionable. After several days of what he felt was "slow healing," Carter said he was pleasantly surprised Thursday by his ability to plant, cut and jump during some contact scrimmaging."

Heat's Wade Watch appears to be in final stages

January 27

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The record is now 8-1 without Dwyane Wade. And yet all the Miami Heat want is their star shooting guard back on the court. That could happen as soon as Friday's home game against the New York Knicks, with Wade testing his sprained right ankle in an aggressive pregame workout Wednesday night in Detroit. The Heat had Thursday off. "We want our All-Star out there," LeBron James said after the Heat moved to 5-1 in Wade's absence during this latest injury. Wade also missed three games earlier this season with a bruised left foot."

Hornets say they still want to re-sign Eric Gordon as a centerpiece

January 27

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"As the centerpiece of last month's trade that involved All-Star point guard Chris Paul going to the Los Angeles Clippers, shooting guard Eric Gordon was in the Hornets' long-term plans to emerge as their franchise player. For those plans to continue, the Hornets are going to have to compete with other teams this summer to keep Gordon around after he declined to accept their four-year extension offer before Wednesday's 11 p.m. deadline passed. Gordon, 6 feet 3, 215 pounds, will become a restricted free agent July 1, and General Manager Dell Demps said they are going to make a strong push to re-sign him. "I'm still very optimistic that we will make Eric a big part of our team for years to"

Dirk Nowitzki unsure about return

January 26

ESPN.com

"Originally scheduled to miss only four games with a sore right knee, Dallas Mavericks star forward Dirk Nowitzki could possibly be out longer, he said Thursday. Nowitzki, who will miss his fourth game against the Utah Jazz on Friday, spoke to the media for the first time since being sidelined and said he's making progress. Nowitzki said a decision on his return will be made closer to game time before Sunday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs."

New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon could miss even more time

January 26

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"The Times-Picayune's John Reid just tweeted: "Guard Eric Gordon could miss up to six weeks to recover from his knee injury, according to Hornets." Reid is reporting that Gordon will be re-evaluated after three weeks, but the team is prepared for him being out longer."

Cleveland return in LeBron's future?

January 26

Foxsports.com

"Playing against the Cavaliers will always be special for Miami's LeBron James, even if he ever tried to deny it. So far, he hasn't done that — and that alone should really tell you something. James just has too much history with his hometown franchise to treat Miami vs. Cleveland as just another game. That includes everything from his upbringing in nearby Akron to the Cavaliers selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2003. You know the rest. It was all sunshine and roses for both James and Cavs fans and now James is said to feel largely unwelcome in Cleveland — and disappointed because of it. Those close to him say its affected him greatly on occasion. Even boos in other cities bugged"

NBA deal lifts value of Warriors franchise by 24%

January 26

San Francisco Chronicle

"Blockbuster TV deals and a new collective bargaining agreement lifted the value of the average NBA team to record heights, and only one team experienced an increase as large as the Warriors, according to Forbes' annual "The Business of Basketball" report. The Warriors netted a new TV agreement with Comcast SportsNet that boosted the overall value of the franchise to $450 million, a 24 percent increase over last year. The leap is larger than any team except the Lakers, who used a $200 million annual deal with Time Warner Cable to bump the franchise value 40 percent, to $900 million."

Wizards' JaVale McGee 'unlikely' to receive contract extension

January 26

Washington Post

"JaVale McGee is "unlikely" to receive a contract extension before Wednesday's midnight deadline, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. McGee is averaging career highs of 11.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots in his fourth year with the organization. He will become a restricted free agent this summer, but the Wizards remain high on the incredibly athletic 7-foot-1 big man and intend to keep him by matching any offer he receives or signing him outright, according to sources with knowledge of the talks."

NBA Trade Rumors