Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 2

Bergen Record

"As Nets president Rod Thorn explained on a conference call with season-ticket holders the reasons Vince Carter was traded, he talked about what the team could do next year. "We're going to be far enough under the salary cap if we so choose to [we can] sign two max-out type players," Thorn said. As of this writing, the Nets should be roughly $27 million under the cap next summer when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer could be free agents. But does anyone really believe the Nets will sign two maximum contracts next summer? This is no knock on Thorn, one of the NBA's best and shrewdest executives. He's going to do everything he can to make the Nets ..."

Yi ready to go to work

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July 2

Bergen Record

"Yi Jianlian left China more than a month ago and has been on U.S. soil working on his body and his game. The Nets hope it translates onto the basketball court in the fall. Some in the organization are banking on the athletic 7-foot forward producing consistently and picking up some of the scoring slack left by the trade of Vince Carter to Orlando. Yi has had fewer commitments to his national team this off-season and has been able to work on areas of his game that needed improvement. He's up about five pounds, has worked on becoming more effective inside, and looks forward to his third NBA season. "For me, every year is important," Yi said Wednesday at the Nets' training facility. "I have ..."

Rafer Alston happy to join Nets

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July 2

New York Daily News

"Barring a major traffic jam, Rafer Alston should be able to get from his new place of business in New Jersey to the borough he grew up in a lot quicker than Vince Carter can get from downtown Orlando to his hometown of Daytona Beach. That's why Alston was smiling Wednesday as much as Carter was during his introductory press conference last week in cental Florida. Like Carter, whose new team is about an hour drive from where he grew up, Alston is home now. Though admitting that he dreamed of someday playing for the Knicks while growing up in Queens, Alston - acquired as part of the Carter trade last week - said that playing at the Meadowlands this coming season will be the next best thing ..."

Rafer Alston happy to join Nets

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July 2

New York Daily News

"Barring a major traffic jam, Rafer Alston should be able to get from his new place of business in New Jersey to the borough he grew up in a lot quicker than Vince Carter can get from downtown Orlando to his hometown of Daytona Beach. That's why Alston was smiling Wednesday as much as Carter was during his introductory press conference last week in cental Florida. Like Carter, whose new team is about an hour drive from where he grew up, Alston is home now. Though admitting that he dreamed of someday playing for the Knicks while growing up in Queens, Alston - acquired as part of the Carter trade last week - said that playing at the Meadowlands this coming season will be the next best thing ..."

New Net Alston OK Going Back to Backup

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July 2

New York Post

"When the Nets announced their draft-night trade -- acquiring Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie from Eastern champ Orlando for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson -- an opposing coach asked about the trade gave a low whistle. "I don't know if Skip's going to be happy as a backup," the coach said. "Skip" would be "Skip to My Lou," who would be Rafer Alston, who yesterday insisted he would be only too happy to accept whatever role the Nets envision, whether it's playing with or behind starting point Devin Harris. "I've been in that situation before. I'm coming into a situation where Devin's our starting point guard," said Alston, the city playground legend from Queens who could not ..."

Nets will wait for next year's free-agent class

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July 1

Bergen Record

"The free agent negotiation period began at midnight with Nets' executives Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe on their phones, but not ringing any doorbells. Next summer, with about $27 million to spend, the Nets will be in position to show up at the home of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh. This time around, Net officials will abuse their cellphone minutes' plan, maybe dine with a player here or there, and mostly bide their time before signing someone. "I think we're going to sit back and see what happens," said Thorn, the Nets' president. "I think at the end of the day it's a more prudent way to do it. We're not in the ballgame for those guys who think they're going to get a ton of ..."

Newest Net Courtney Lee dealing with 'shock' of trade from Magic

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July 1

New York Daily News

"When Vince Carter was introduced in Orlando last week, he was all smiles, leaving no doubt that he was thrilled to have been traded from the Nets to the Magic, his hometown team. But when Courtney Lee was introduced Tuesday as one of the newest members of the Nets, it was even more obvious that he was not exactly thrilled to have been on the other end of the deal. "It was definitely a shock," said Lee. "Going all the way to the Finals on a good team, just expecting to regroup for next year and make it back to the playoffs again and just to get the news that you've been traded, it definitely was a shock. But it's one I have to live with." Lee, a 6-5 shooting guard who averaged eight points ..."

Ruling could delay Nets move to Brooklyn

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June 30

Bergen Record

"New York State's highest court has agreed to review whether the use of eminent domain is permitted at the proposed Atlantic Yards housing and Nets basketball arena in Brooklyn - further jeopardizing the Nets' already-tenuous hopes of moving out of the Meadowlands by 2011. The New York Court of Appeals informed all parties Friday of the decision, which keeps alive project opponents' hopes to derail the multiphase, $4.9 billion project. Nine tenants and property owners in the project footprint, including lead appellant Daniel Goldstein, have until July 31 to file paperwork with the court, explaining what substantial state Constitutional issue is involved to support an appeal. Responses by ..."

Nets' Lopez set to step up

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June 30

Bergen Record

"A rare sight occurred inside the Nets' practice facility Monday. Brook Lopez was seen without Ryan Anderson. The two were inseparable during their rookie seasons, but only will see each other when the Nets face the Magic. But Nets' fans, and the rest of the NBA, will be seeing much more of Lopez. When Vince Carter and Anderson were traded to Orlando on Thursday, it meant the face of the Nets was changing again. Lopez, 21, will have to do more and is ready to take on the new challenge of being one of the faces of the franchise, along with Devin Harris. "Whatever happens, I'm not going to turn it down," Lopez said. "I'm excited for it. Even though it's my second year, I'm going to try and ..."

Nets Brook Into Vince-less Future

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June 30

New York Post

"Brook Lopez saw the teammate who helped his rookie development most, Vince Carter, along with the player who became his closest friend on the team, Ryan Anderson, traded by the Nets in one move to Orlando. "It's definitely tough. Those were two of the top guys who made the transition easier for me," Lopez said yesterday. "It's definitely going to be difficult without them. We still got a strong group and loads of good friends." And, of course, the Nets still have Lopez. So when the Nets try to overcome the loss of Carter's near 21-points a game, they'll look to the trade's return, young, speedy wing Courtney Lee and two veterans, point guard Rafer Alston and forward/center Tony Battie, ..."

Nets Brook Lopez prepares for life after Vince Carter, Ryan Anderson

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June 30

New York Daily News

"In addition to his strong play, there were two things that everyone knew about Brook Lopez last season - his love for all things Disney and his tight relationship with fellow rookie Ryan Anderson. So when Lopez got a call last Thursday and someone told him that Anderson, his best friend on the team, had been included in the Vince Carter trade to Orlando, he was affected in more ways than one. "I was telling (Anderson) I'm kind of jealous of him though. He's going to be down by Disney (World) now. He can go whenever he wants," said Lopez, who was working out at the Nets practice facility Monday. As tight as Lopez was to Anderson last year, the 7-footer will definitely be more impacted by ..."

Nets feel new pieces fit together

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June 28

Bergen Record

"Vince Carter's jersey no longer hangs in the lobby of the Nets' practice facility. In its place is a photo of coach Lawrence Frank. Other Carter pictures are down, too, and soon enough photos of Terrence Williams and Courtney Lee will hang. The Nets' walls have changed so many times in the last 17 months as have the expectations for the team. They keep going lower and lower, outside of the Nets' offices, of course. "We expect to win," Frank said. "Any other expectation, you're selling everyone very short of their talent. We have talented players." Some of the most talented players the Nets have ever had, however, are on different teams. Starting with the Jason Kidd trade in February 2008, ..."

Nets trade Vince Carter much to coach Lawrence Frank's chagrin

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June 27

New York Daily News

"Lawrence Frank was all smiles when the Nets introduced top draft pick Terrence Williams to the media Friday. But Frank could be frowning once the season begins. Heading into the final year of his contract, Frank may need to win early and often to keep his job. However, he will no longer have the player who would have given him the best chance to do that - Vince Carter. Carter was traded to the Magic on Thursday and will take his 20-plus point scoring average with him to Orlando. He was also the team captain and the player opposing teams focused on most, which helped free up Devin Harris last season, the best of his career. But even though Frank lost the player who would have given the ..."

Nets want Yi to fill Carter's shoes

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June 27

Bergen Record

"The Nets lost more than 20 points and about five assists a game, not to mention some fans, when they traded Vince Carter to Orlando. This should make their supporters feel even better: The Nets think Yi Jianlian can help fill some of the void. After Yi's disappointing first season with the Nets, it was believed a top priority would be upgrading the power forward position. Nets president Rod Thorn said not so fast. "Our feeling and our hope is that Yi will step into that position and play that position," Thorn said Friday. "He's going to be given every chance now. He's the guy now. He's working really hard this summer. He's gaining strength in his upper body. We feel he's a guy that we're ..."

NJ Nets: Post-VC, Day 1

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June 27

Trenton Times

"Just what you need - more mystery. L-Frank said, "This is a step. I don't think it's the final step." Kiki said, "This is a flexibility move -- it allows us to move in a lot of different directions. We're not done yet." And The Boss said, "I think you'll see us do some other things before next season rolls around." Here's an idea: Start looking around for a way to plug the leadership vacuum, because it seems they never thought about that before sending Carter south. And it wouldn't hurt to find a power forward, either. (Insert soundtrack of chirping crickets here.) Uh, right? A power forward? That's where the focus is? Frank looked at us like we were speaking conversational Japanese. ..."

Nets creating new identity in wake of Vince Carter trade

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June 27

Trenton Times

"He dusted off the 'R' word again. And no, it wasn't "Rebuild" or "Raze" or "Ravage." "We are obviously retooling our team," Rod Thorn said Friday, "heading in a different direction." Right off the deep end, some might say -- because one day after trading Vince Carter to Orlando, he suddenly wasn't so willing to overlook Carter's flaws anymore. Even the imagined ones: "As long as you have Vince, because of how good he is, you're going to play to him," said Thorn, the team president. "You're going to throw him the ball most of the time. That's the way he is. Vince at this stage of his career is not a runner. He's more of a halfcourt player. If you don't include him in most of the plays, ..."

Nets trade Vince Carter much to Coach Lawrence Frank's chagrin

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June 27

New York Daily News

"Lawrence Frank was all smiles when the Nets introduced top draft pick Terrence Williams to the media Friday. But Frank could be frowning once the season begins. Heading into the final year of his contract, Frank may need to win early and often to keep his job. However, he will no longer have the player who would have given him the best chance to do that - Vince Carter. Carter was traded to the Magic on Thursday and will take his 20-plus point scoring average with him to Orlando. He was also the team captain and the player opposing teams focused on most, which helped free up Devin Harris last season, the best of his career. But even though Frank lost the player who would have given the ..."

Nets Ready to Run with Youth Movement

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June 27

New York Post

"The NBA is going smaller, quicker, more athletic. And with their most recent makeover, the Nets are trying to stay at least one step, if not a giant leap, ahead. So the Nets now have the start of a relay team with incumbent Devin Harris, draftee Terrence Williams and trade acquisition Courtney Lee. "With the way the game is called, if you have athletic ability and you can handle the ball, you're almost impossible to stay in front of," team president Rod Thorn said yesterday. "With Williams and Lee and Devin, we have three guys who can handle the ball and are very quick. I'm sure we'll play them together a lot. . . . We've got a real nice cadre of young players that have a lot of talent." ..."

Nets take Louisville's Williams

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June 26

Bergen Record

"Terrence Williams' sprained ankle and rumored guarantee didn't scare off the Nets. They used the No. 11 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft on the versatile Louisville swingman, who perhaps more than anything brings a defensive mind-set to a team that believes defense is optional. "I can come in right away and help on the defensive end and be an off guard who can help bring the ball up the court with [Devin] Harris, get rebounds, and I love to pass," Williams said after his only workout with the Nets. The Nets wanted to bring in Williams for a second workout Tuesday, but he canceled after suffering an alleged ankle injury in Charlotte the day before. Speculation was that the Bobcats had given ..."

Nets trade Vince Carter to Orlando

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June 26

Bergen Record

"Vince Carter won't get a chance to lead the Nets back to the playoffs, but they hope his departure will help them land a superstar next summer. The Nets traded Carter, their best and most popular player, and young forward Ryan Anderson to the Orlando Magic for guards Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston and veteran big man Tony Battie on Thursday. The Nets also received trade exceptions worth $3.7 million and $1.2 million that they have one year to use. Getting rid of Carter could mean a third straight season without postseason basketball. But cutting his salary - $33.6 million guaranteed for the next two seasons - opens up about $17.5 million next summer when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris ..."

NBA DRAFT: Nets should get one on their list

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June 26

Bergen Record

"Nets president Rod Thorn wants a talented, versatile player and seems to think someone possessing both characteristics will unexpectedly be available to him tonight. The Nets are confident at least two players on their short list will be there when they pick 11th in the NBA Draft. It's possible a third player, as well as someone who seemed improbable a few days ago, could be available, too. "I think it's more likely that our pick will be decided by who goes ahead of us," Thorn said Wednesday. "We have three or four guys we like. At least two of them are going to be there." Those two likely are Louisville swingman Terrence Williams and North Carolina power forward Tyler Hansbrough. The ..."

Nets deal Vince Carter to Orlando, draft Louisville's Terrence Williams

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June 26

New York Daily News

"TheÂ Nets had plenty of reasons to hold onto Vince Carter, but 33.6 million reasons not to. Months after they first entertained the possibility of shipping Carter out to save money - and nearly one year to the day since they pulled off another draft-day shocker - the Nets sent Carter to the Orlando Magic Thursday for promising but unproven shooting guard Courtney Lee and the expiring contracts of Tony Battie and New York playground legend Rafer Alston. The Nets also sent Ryan Anderson to the Magic and received a pair of trade exceptions. After trading Carter, the Nets took Louisville swingman Terrence Williams with the 11th pick in Thursday night's draft. Williams could compete with Lee ..."

Nets take Louisville's Terrence Williams with 11th pick in NBA Draft

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June 26

New York Daily News

"The Nets selected Terrence Williams of Louiville with the 11th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. After the trade of Vince Carter, Williams could compete for the starting shooting guard spot, as well asÂ supply some much-needed help at small forward. He also possesses the ball-handling skills to play point guard, a position the Nets are looking to add depth to. With the Nets likely to trim their roster size due to economics, Williams' versatility could make him extremely valuable. His desire and skill on the defensive end could also make him a Lawrence Frank favorite. Williams was invited to work out for the Nets twice but turned down the second offer, saying he had a sprained ankle. Still, when ..."

The Carter Years

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June 26

Newark Star-Ledger

"A sampling of Vince Carter's more memorable performances in his tenure with the Nets: Jan. 28, 2005: Carter hits spinning finger roll and mugs for the camera at Staples Center, dominates "SportsCenter" for days. Scores 30 points (13-for-26). Nets win, 109-103. April 15, 2005: In his first return trip to Toronto, he scores 39 points on 15-of-26 shooting as the Nets win, 101-90. Nov. 7, 2005: The famous, full-windup, windmill dunk over Alonzo Mourning in Miami. Finishes with 32 points, but Nets lose, 90-89, when Carter doesn't get a whistle on the final play. Dec. 23, 2005: Ties a career-high with 51 points in Miami, shooting 13-for-25 from the floor and 23-for-24 from the line. Nets win, ..."

Terrence Williams trying to overcome reputation as bad shooter with New Jersey Nets considering him for draft

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June 26

Newark Star-Ledger

"Terrence Williams knows what you're thinking. He doesn't particularly like it, but he acknowledges it -- he has no other choice, because it comes up every time he's in a gym and there's a scout around. Why can't the Louisville Leaper shoot? That's a facile analysis, of course, because Williams can virtually do everything else, and do it well on an NBA level. But he also knows that you can't play if you can't knock down shots, and that glaring number -- .400, his four-year shooting percentage with the Cardinals -- follows him around like a bad smell. So as he arrived at the Nets practice facility Friday -- where he was put through his 13th workout in 17 days -- the 6-6 wing wanted to leave ..."

Magic acquire Vince Carter from Nets; Hedo return unlikely

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June 26

Orlando Sentinel

"The Orlando Magic's blockbuster formula for winning the NBA Finals now involves shooting guard Vince Carter as the go-to-guy and very likely not small forward Hedo Turkoglu, who probably will move on after turning down an offer from the club. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel that he made Turkoglu a "decent" initial offer before receiving Turkoglu's official letter this week notifying the team he had opted out of his contract. Smith didn't go into details, but said that Thursday's acquisition of Carter - an eight-time all-star - will make re-signing Turkoglu something of a long-shot."

NJ Nets: The VC Deal, By The Numbers

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June 26

Newark Star-Ledger

"Looking ahead on the big board, we've lopped off Vince Carter's $33 million, factored in Terrence Williams' new contract numbers, and came up with this: Cap space for 2010-11 before the Vince trade -- $9,724,569 (10 players). That was with a $46,775,431 payroll. Cap space for 2010-11 after the Vince trade -- $27,303,344 (9 players). And that's with a 29,196,656 payroll. And all those figures are based on a $56,500,000 salary cap, and assuming that they'll pick up the options on CDR, Yi, and Sean Williams (which they won't, in his case). More numbers: Those two trade exceptions the Nets received from Orlando are valued at $3.75M and $1.2M. Williams will earn salaries of $2.06 and $2.2 ..."

Vince Carter 'can't wait to get started' in Orlando after trade from New Jersey

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June 26

Newark Star-Ledger

"Vince Carter didn't have far to travel when he got the news the Nets had traded him to the Orlando Magic -- he found out at his basketball camp in his hometown of Daytona, according to the Orlando Sentinel. "What a day," Carter said. "I don't know where to start. I was surprised when they told me. They told me I was going to get traded and I was like 'Where?' They told me back home. Now I just can't just wait to get started. It's going to feel like old times.""

New Jersey NetsTerrence Williams out of Louisville in first round of NBA Draft

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June 26

Newark Star-Ledger

"Less than a week ago, Terrence Williams came to town to work out for the Nets and extolled the value of a Jersey career path because he could "learn a lot from Vince Carter." So much for that plan. The Nets are going to have to ask Williams to grow up a bit faster than he thought necessary. Hours after sending Carter to Orlando, the Nets made the athletic and versatile Williams the 11th pick in the NBA Draft, and the Louisville wing proved he can learn on the fly: Now he says he doesn't need any mentoring. "It shows you the direction where the team wants to go," said Williams, who figures to compete for Carter's job with Chris Douglas-Roberts and the newly acquired Courtney Lee. ..."

Nets deal Vince Carter to Orlando, draft Louisville's Terrence Williams

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June 26

New York Daily News

"Months after they first entertained the possibility of shipping Carter out to save money - and nearly one year to the day since they pulled off another draft-day shocker - the Nets sent Carter to the Orlando Magic Thursday for promising but unproven shooting guard Courtney Lee and the expiring contracts of Tony Battie and New York playground legend Rafer Alston. The Nets also sent Ryan Anderson to the Magic and received a pair of trade exceptions. After trading Carter, the Nets took Louisville swingman Terrence Williams with the 11th pick in Thursday night's draft. Williams could compete with Lee and Chris Douglas-Roberts for Carter's starting shooting guard spot, or play small forward. ..."

Magic Gets Carter and Hope From Nets

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June 26

New York Times

"The Nets acquired Vince Carter from the Toronto Raptors more than four years ago in the hope that he would combine with the team's established stars — then Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd — to lift them to an N.B.A. title.Now, the Orlando Magic has that same hope for Carter. On Thursday, the Nets traded Carter and the 2008 first-round draft pick Ryan Anderson to the Eastern Conference champion Magic for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie. "With Vince, this was a deal that we feel helps us as we go forward," Rod Thorn, the Nets' president, said. "Maybe not today, but we think this is a deal that really helps us." On Thursday, the Nets had one pick in the N.B.A draft, and they ..."

Nets take Louisville's Terrence Williams with 11th pick in NBA Draft

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June 25

New York Daily News

"The Nets selected Terrence Williams of Louiville with the 11th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. After the trade of Vince Carter, Williams could compete for the starting shooting guard spot, as well as supply some much-needed help at small forward. He also possesses the ball-handling skills to play point guard, a position the Nets are looking to add depth to. With the Nets likely to trim their roster size due to economics, Williams' versatility could make him extremely valuable. His desire and skill on the defensive end could also make him a Lawrence Frank favorite. Williams was invited to work out for the Nets twice but turned down the second offer, saying he had a sprained ankle. Still, when ..."

Nets Agree to Move Vince Carter to Orlando

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June 25

Trenton Times

"Vince Carter is heading home, to central Florida - and he's bringing Ryan Anderson with him. The Nets have agreed in principle to trade their leading scorer and major gate attraction to the Orlando Magic in exchange for three players, which will effectively help them clear more than $18 million off their 2010-11 salary cap. Coming to New Jersey are point guard Rafer Alston, power forward Tony Battie, and rookie shooting guard Courtney Lee. Anderson will be sent to Orlando in a separate deal for Orlando's trade exception. It is now likely that the Nets will lean toward drafting a two-guard to take Carter's place, such as Terrence Williams."

Vince Carter to Magic trade official

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June 25

Boston Globe

"An NBA source told The Boston Globe that a trade was just consummated sending Nets forward Vince Carter to Orlando for guard Rafer Alston, forward Tony Battie and guard Courtney Lee."

Sources: Nets, Magic in serious talks for Vince Carter

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June 25

ESPN.com

"The New Jersey Nets are in serious talks with the Magic about a deal that will send Vince Carter to Orlando for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee, two league sources told ESPN.com. The talks have reached a point that a deal could be done by the end of the day Thursday, according to sources. The trade would give the Magic even more star power on their quest to win an NBA championship. The addition of Carter to a lineup that already consists of All-Star players Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson would make Orlando the favorite to win the Eastern Conference title next year if the franchise also finds a way to bring back Hedo Turkoglu, who will opt out of his contract this ..."

Rod Thorn not likely to Net a major trade before NBA Draft

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June 25

New York Daily News

"One year ago Friday, Rod Thorn pulled off a draft-day surprise trade when he shipped Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee in exchange for a journeyman forward and a 7-footer with untapped potential. But even though the odds are against Thorn duplicating the salary-dump deal that sent Jefferson to the Bucks for Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian last June 26, there is always a chance the team president could pull the trigger on a major trade before the Nets pick 11th in tonight's draft. If it does happen, it's likely that Vince Carter would be the one to go this time. Although rumors persist that the Nets rejected San Antonio's effort to acquire Carter before the Spurs traded for Jefferson on ..."

Nets Get Good Look at Hansbrough

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June 25

New York Post

"Tyler Hansbrough did everything expected, even more. He wowed them with his jumper, showing not just accuracy but impressive lift. He ran the floor. He played as hard yesterday as anyone has played in any workout at the Nets' practice facility. So why isn't Hansbrough from NCAA champ North Carolina the consensus, no-brainer pick for the Nets at No. 11 in the NBA Draft? Well, the Nets have a lot of power forwards already. Hansbrough is 24, and though he'll improve, some feel the upside is not as great. And teams are always looking for the upside savior. Duke guard Gerald Henderson has risen dramatically on the Nets' list. So though Hansbrough certainly is in the mix, he probably ranks ..."

Possible Picks For Nets at 11

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June 25

New York Post

"Maybe more than any year in recent memory, you can flip a coin when it comes to the Nets' draft pick. And it wouldn't hurt if you can find a three-sided coin. If Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn or Arizona power forward Jordan Hill slip through the first 10 slots tonight, the Nets eagerly will scoop either at No. 11. If they both go, the Nets figure to look at a trio: North Carolina power forward Tyler Hansbrough, Duke shooting guard Gerald Henderson and Louisville wing Terrence Williams. Hansbrough's style intrigues. Henderson's reliability comforts. Williams' versatility impresses. "There is a tremendous difference of opinion about players (this year)," team president Rod Thorn said of ..."

Draft and Trade Buzz

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June 24

Yahoo! Sports

"As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to make a push for Memphis' pick at No. 2, it's become clear that they won't package the fifth and sixth picks to get there. The Wolves have made it clear to teams that are trying to pry their 18th pick that it isn't available. They want to use that in combination with one of the two higher picks to make a deal with Memphis. … The Utah Jazz are enamored with University of Pittsburgh tough guy Sam Young at No. 20, who is a perfect fit for head coach Jerry Sloan. … Golden State has long been enamored with Brandon Jennings at No. 7, but league sources say the Warriors are considering Wake Forest forward James Johnson there as well. Few teams would have ..."

Louisville's Williams skips workout

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June 24

Bergen Record

"Tyler Hansbrough's shirt was soaked and Jonny Flynn's bone dry. Gerald Henderson had a bloody nose and Terrence Williams a possible guarantee from another team. The Nets' last pre-draft workout Tuesday featured three players they're high on and another who loomed large in absentia. Williams canceled his workout with the Nets after suffering an alleged sprained ankle Monday in Charlotte, N.C., and went home. A rumor is the Bobcats guaranteed the versatile Louisville swingman they would take him 12th in Thursday's draft. That probably won't scare off the Nets. This would have been Williams' second time in East Ruthereford. It was Duke shooter Henderson's second workout. Both are on the Nets' ..."

Nets aren't picky with former UNC center Tyler Hansbrough

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June 24

New York Daily News

"Tyler Hansbrough has heard the talk since before his college career began. He's not that athletic, skeptics say. His professional ceiling, like his vertical leap, is not that high. Hansbrough has an answer for all the criticism. "Whatever," he says. Some team will say the same Thursday night, when Hansbrough is expected to be taken in the first round of the NBA draft. According to sources within the organization, that team could be the Nets. Hansbrough, the 6-9 forward who won a national championship at North Carolina this past season, was part of the Nets' final private pre-draft workout yesterday and was impressive, according to general manager Kiki Vandeweghe. Whether Vandeweghe and ..."

Nets looking at UNC's Tyler Hansbrough, Syracuse's Jonny Flynn

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June 23

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Two players who are said to be high on the Nets' list of potential draft picks - Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn and North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough - will be taking part in the team's final predraft workout Tuesday. The Nets also invited back a pair of players who have already worked out for them, which could be an indication of which direction the team plans to go in Thursday's draft. But while Gerald Henderson of Duke will be there, Louisville's Terrence Williams won't. He suffered a sprained ankle and backed out last night. Williams and Henderson, both swingmen, worked out for the Nets last week. Brandon Jennings, the point guard who skipped college to play in Italy last ..."

Nets get 22 years to pay for site

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June 23

Washington Times

"The owner of the New Jersey Nets will get a 22-year delay on paying the full $100 million for the right to build a new arena in Brooklyn under a deal made public Monday. Developer Bruce Ratner, the Nets' principal owner, will pay the Metropolitan Transportation Authority $20 million up front and another $80 million in installments under the plan, which the full MTA board will vote on Wednesday. He had originally agreed to pay the MTA $100 million upon closing for development rights to rail yards it owns. Under the revised deal presented to the MTA finance committee Monday, Ratner will pay $20 million at closing and then make additional payments until 2031. City and state officials have ..."

NETS WORK FLYNN

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June 23

New York Post

"The Nets will get their up-close look at Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn today as they stage their final workouts before Thursday's draft. And that may be as close as they get because Flynn is projected to be gone when they pick at No. 11. And they won't see one other guy they had hoped to give a second once-over, Terrence Williams. The Louisville wing sprained an ankle working out in Charlotte yesterday and won't do a second audition today as planned. But some other guys who are on their radar and are very likely to be available at No. 11 in Thursday's draft will be on hand today -- North Carolina power forward Tyler Hansbrough, Duke shooting guard Gerald Henderson (making a return ..."

Nets to reunite Gerald Henderson and Tyler Hansbrough at pre-draft workout

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June 22

Trenton Times

"As prominent players at Duke and North Carolina, respectively, Gerald Henderson and Tyler Hansbrough became quite familiar with each other over the past three seasons. But more so than other participants in college basketball's most heated rivalry, Henderson and Hansbrough have an interesting history, one that dates back to a violent collision in 2007. On March 4, 2007, during the closing seconds of North Carolina's victory over Duke in Chapel Hill, NC, Henderson went airborne as Hansbrough attempted a shot underneath the basket. Instead of blocking the ball, Henderson's elbow came crashing down on Hansbrough's face, breaking his nose and spilling blood all over the court. It was yet ..."

Gerald Henderson and Terrence Williams -- The Reprise

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June 22

Newark Star-Ledger

"You already know about the final round of workouts Tuesday, when they'll bring in Jonny Flynn, Brandon Jennings and Tyler Hansbrough for a look-see. But the Nets will have a few surprise guests Tuesday, when they bring in Gerald Henderson and Terrence Williams for a second workout. "We want to see how they do against each other, basically," said one eager arbiter. Right. With the No. 11 pick as the inducement to beat each other's brains in. As it so happens, both were in Charlotte Monday morning, and Larry Brown assessed both for Rick: Here's LB's take on how they're different: "The difference I see: Gerald, in my mind, is a (pure) two...and I think he has more room (to grow). He's ..."

Nets trust their draft guru

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June 21

Bergen Record

"Gregg Polinsky doesn't like to admit it, but at this time of year the former college coach is a big man on the Nets' campus. This is when Polinsky, the director of player personnel, puts all of his hours spent watching college games and DVDs of specific players and writing detailed reports on anyone that could help the Nets to good use. What team president Rod Thorn and general manager Kiki Vandeweghe do with the No. 11 pick in Thursday's NBA draft could hinge upon the recommendation of someone who has been under the radar most of his Nets' career but has been very valuable. "I'm supposed to make sure I have as much information as possible for us to have a successful draft and present that ..."

With solid positioning in the NBA Draft, the Nets eye strongest talent

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June 21

New York Daily News

"Vince Carter and Devin Harris both say the Nets need a third point guard. But based strictly on last seasonâ€™s statistics, the Nets need the most help at small forward. Still, both Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe say the Nets will be going into Thursday nightâ€™s draft holding the 11th pick in the first round with open minds and not necessarily looking to pluck a player who fills a specific need. â€œI think itâ€™s always dangerous to pass up what you think is the best player to take a positional player,â€ said Vandeweghe, the teamâ€™s general manager. In that case, the Nets may not have a good gauge on who they willuntil well into Thursdayâ€™s proceedings. Vandeweghe said that while most ..."

Wave of Rumors, No Substance to Carter Trade Talks

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June 21

New York Post

"WOULD Nets owner Bruce Ratner love to reduce payroll? Other than a select few, what NBA owner doesn't? League revenues are guaranteed to go down roughly 10 percent next season, meaning a consequent drop in the luxury tax number. At the same time, in-place salaries will continue to escalate incrementally 8-10 ½ percent. Should the luxury tax decline, say, $4-to-5 million, a bunch of teams, whose longterm financial strategy when assembling their rosters was to remain just below the originally projected number, will be on the hook to pay double for every dollar that exceeds it. With that in mind, contrary to a Yahoo! report, the Nets have had no conversation with the Cavaliers since ..."

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