SuperSonics Trade Rumors

"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."

"While Kevin Durant receives the rookie of the year award Thursday morning, club officials still will be pondering the future of coach P.J. Carlesimo. Two weeks ago, Sonics general manager Sam Presti did not commit to Carlesimo returning as coach next season. According to a league source, the team's brass is still deliberating about Carlesimo's future. Presti has not spoken with the media since April 17, but when asked three times during the postseason session, he would not confirm Carlesimo's return."

"Avery Johnson was fired by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, and Mike D’Antoni clung loosely to his job in Phoenix — their fates underscoring that success is no guarantee of security for N.B.A. head coaches. The Mavericks fired Johnson a day after his team was eliminated from the playoffs by the New Orleans Hornets. The Suns also lost their first-round series, to the San Antonio Spurs, amid widespread reports that D’Antoni would be replaced."

"As stated from the giddy-app, Billy King and Mark Jackson are the common sense choices to become GM and coach... Sources say Scott Skiles is being romanced by the Bucks and Grizzlies. . . . Rick Carlisle appears to have a clear path to the Bulls. . . . P.J. Carlesimo's future with the Sonics is real shaky; too many players aren't fond of him and none are named Latrell Sprewell. . . . Should the Raptors, losers in 13 of last 20, get bounced in the opening round, Sam Mitchell, word has it, could be in jeopardy with two years left on his deal."

"Sonics general manager Sam Presti addressed the media at the team's practice facility Thursday and did nothing to dispel rumors that head coach P.J. Carlesimo's job may be in jeopardy. Presti said he and Carlesimo would sit down and evaluate the roster and coaching staff, but the GM did not come close to saying Carlesimo will coach the Sonics next season. While it was widely assumed Carlesimo had a long leash during the reclamation project, his status is uncertain."

"The Pistons are in talks with Seattle SuperSonics assistant general manager Scott Perry -- who got his start in the Pistons front office -- to replace vice president of basketball operations John Hammond."

"The leading candidate to replace John Hammond as vice president of basketball operations is former Pistons director of player personnel Scott Perry , with the Sonics. The Pistons have asked Sonics general manager Sam Presti for permission to speak to Perry about the opening."

"Sonics forward Chris Wilcox said he'd like to remain with the organization in the future. Wilcox is out the remainder of the season with a dislocated right pinkie. His contract expires after next season, but he said he'd like to have an extension before training camp."

"Seldom-used Boston Celtics forward and Enumclaw High School graduate Brian Scalabrine grew up attending Sonics games. “It would be hard to imagine Seattle without a team,” said Scalabrine, who said he would be willing to be part of an investment group that pursues an expansion team after he retires if the Sonics leave."

"Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and wireless magnate John Stanton are among the local investors behind an effort to buy the Sonics and cover half the cost of a $300 million KeyArena expansion to try to keep the team in Seattle, sources confirmed Wednesday."

"He's as true a native son as you'll find in Seattle, a man so committed to the city that he and his wife live downtown on Fourth Avenue and don't own a car between them, choosing to walk, bike or ride the bus wherever they go. So when the Seattle developer says he wants to help provide solutions for KeyArena and the Sonics, you know where his heart lies."

"Even though he was nearly dealt to Denver last week, his future with the rebuilding Sonics is unclear and he's averaging a career-best 9.1 points and 3.2 rebounds. Wilkins said he will not opt out of the final two years of his contract that will pay him $6.4 million over the next two seasons."

" Brent Barry will be free soon. The Sonics have waived him, and he can sign with any team after a 48-hour period. Any team except the Spurs, of course. Because they traded him, they wouldn't be able to re-sign him for 30 days. "

"The Rockets plan to begin pursuit of guard Brent Barry, who was dealt to the Seattle SuperSonics on Wednesday but will be released, a person with knowledge of the Rockets' intentions said Thursday."

"The Suns failed to make a trade before Thursday’s 1 p.m. deadline. Efforts to acquire Los Angeles Clippers guard Quenton Ross did not pan out... The Suns would prefer keep an eye out for players who might get bought out of their contracts. Potential buyout candidates could be Brent Barry, who was dealt from San Antonio to Seattle in the Kurt Thomas trade; Gordan Giricek of Philadelphia; and Tyronn Lue, was traded to Sacramento in the Mike Bibby deal."

"The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to have beaten the NBA's annual trade buzzer to get LeBron James some of the fresh help he's been openly craving. In a three-way trade with Chicago and Seattle that has been submitted for league approval, NBA front-office sources say that Cleveland will come away with four new teammates for James, headlined by Ben Wallace from the Bulls and sharpshooter Wally Szczerbiak from the Sonics."

"The Suns may not be done wheeling and dealing. A team source said that Phoenix would like to find a way to acquire veteran sharpshooter Brent Barry, who was traded Wednesday from the San Antonio Spurs to the Seattle SuperSonics."

"With only second-round picks or cash (or both) to offer, the Suns are trying to pry 6-foot-6 guard Quinton Ross away from the Los Angeles Clippers... Sources with the team said players like Denver's Yakhouba Diawara and Seattle's Mickael Gelabale were now secondary on the list, leaving Ross as the main target with the deadline approaching."

"Phoenix was talking about sending at least a second-round pick to various teams for the likes of the Los Angeles Clippers' Quinton Ross, Denver's Yakhouba Diawara or Seattle's Mickael Gelabale. Each of those players earns less than $1 million, making his pro-rated salary a mild hit on the payroll and luxury tax."

"The "it" is a trade of the veteran point guard. The trading deadline is this afternoon, and Cassell was still with the Clippers on Wednesday night at Staples Center when they beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 100-86, in their first game since the All-Star break... Cassell's name has popped up in discussions among a slew of teams, including the Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets."

"Wednesday night's game against the Pacers was a priority but rumors of a trade between the Cavs and Memphis - for Mike Miller - and even a deal for Seattle guard Delonte West circulated the locker room."

"Smith did admit he's had preliminary trade talks with the Seattle SuperSonics about power forwards Kurt Thomas and Chris Wilcox, but said nothing is imminent on that front. He also said there was no truth to a rumor the Magic were interested in Sacramento's Brad Miller, adding the Kings "only want one thing off my roster and that's (Hedo Turkoglu)... Barring somewhat of a miracle, the Magic won't be dealing with a Miami franchise that is trying to unload long-term contracts. "

"Former Knick Kurt Thomas could be the next big man on the move in the Western Conference. Thomas, who is in his final year of his contract with Seattle, has drawn interest from several teams including Orlando, San Antonio, Cleveland and Houston."

"Seattle power forwards Kurt Thomas and Chris Wilcox are available, but at what cost? Sacramento's Ron Artest could give the Magic the toughness they lack, but how would he affect the locker room dynamics? And the free-falling Miami Heat are willing to move Udonis Haslem (a Van Gundy favorite), but they are certainly in no hurry to assist the Magic after their summer spat over Van Gundy."

" The Magic might have a shot at getting someone like reserve power forward Brian Skinner of Phoenix, which recently acquired O'Neal. The Suns are looking for another guard, which the Magic have in Redick. Also available are veteran power forwards Kurt Thomas or Chris Wilcox of Seattle, a team that wants to rebuild with younger players."

"The lack of a true power forward is an issue, and Smith has been in talks with several teams about filling Orlando's gaping hole along the front line. Seattle's Kurt Thomas and Chris Wilcox are available and favorites of Smith's, but the package Orlando would send back to the Sonics is up in the air."

"The Lakers are said to be looking hard for a more traditional small forward with shooting range. Perhaps the Wizards' Caron Butler, who was injured and couldn't play in Sunday's All-Star Game... The Spurs don't make many major moves, but they are looking to deal Francisco Elson. The SuperSonics have had enough of their French connection and are offering Johan Petro and Mickael Gelabale. Seattle also would like to move Wally Szczerbiak and Damien Wilkins... The Rockets would like to be rid of Bonzi Wells. The 76ers are offering Gordan Giricek... And Ben Gordon's nameis another that has made the rumor rounds. "

"The rumors that the Sixers are interested in Sacramento's Ron Artest won't amount to anything, according to a person familiar with both teams. . . . One basketball source suggested that Denver is showing interest in Seattle guard Delonte West, the former St. Joseph's star."

"Szczerbiak will earn $13 million next season in the final year of his contract, a deal that is difficult to move, especially since the Sonics appear interested only in clearing cap space or acquiring young talent...Watson, who has started 44 games for the Sonics, said he's going to focus on games, starting tonight against Utah at KeyArena. He has been linked to deals with Miami the past two years."

"The question is, as the Feb. 21 trade deadline approaches, is whether Szczerbiak will be a hired gun for a playoff-contending team or continue his role as veteran leader for the youthful and retooling Sonics. Szczerbiak is split. Less than a month from his 31st birthday, Szczerbiak expresses a desire to play on a winning team, especially after years of team failures in Minnesota and two losing years with Boston."

"Time is slipping away for Wally Szczerbiak and Kurt Thomas. The SuperSonics veterans have been mentioned for weeks in trade speculation, and with the Feb. 21 trade deadline creeping closer, so too, perhaps, is the end of their careers in Seattle."

"Phoenix has a trade exception they acquired from Seattle in the Kurt Thomas trade, but the luxury tax would double the salary of whoever they bring aboard in a deal. That means free agents or other minimum-salary players would be likely targets. Some of the names the team is batting around..."

"Word in Seattle is that former Timberwolf Wally Szczerbiak, the SuperSonics' highest-paid player, is on the trading block. But he's being paid $12 million this season and is guaranteed $13 million next season."

"Thomas' remarks indicate the Knicks will seek a point guard at the Feb. 21 trading deadline as their No. 1 priority. Mike Bibby, Jason Williams and Seattle's Luke Ridnour reportedly are available. The Knicks have inquired about Bibby."

"I'm sure a young team like Se attle, Memphis, Atlanta or Portland or even a veteran team like the Celtics could use someone like Snow."

"In the midst of trying to recapture the form that made him a valuable addition for the Sonics last summer, Delonte West stopped to reflect on a trying season and his quest to repair his reputation and improve his status for this summer's free-agent market."

"West, who hadn't played in four games before Tuesday's 88-85 victory against San Antonio, hasn't complained about his diminished role and he hasn't asked for a trade. Still he's unsure about his future with the Sonics. "I haven't necessarily been welcomed with open arms," he said. "I thought they would tell me to go to the D-League with [Mickael] Gelabale. I'm not even getting in the rotation in practice.""

"IT'S THAT TIME of year again, when rumors and speculation dominate the NBA headlines. The trade deadline is less than a month away, so -- as always -- there is talk about who could be dealt and where they could be going. To be sure, no one knows. Not even the general managers who are trying to rob each other blind. Nonetheless, here's a look at who could be on the move by Feb. 21."

"Kidd should headline the list of big-name players who could be traded next month. But you figure some names are being added every day like Jermaine O'Neal, whom the Pacers would love to move; Mickael Pietrus, falling farther with talk of Webber coming into Golden State; Andrei Kirilenko, still playing out of position in Utah now with Matt Harpring back; and Chris Wilcox, fading in Seattle's lost season."

"Players such as Nick Collison, Szczerbiak, Kurt Thomas, Earl Watson and Chris Wilcox could be pieces of the puzzle that is the team’s future. But will Carlesimo be around to coach this team when the Sonics are on the upswing? "

"With coach Pat Riley vowing to decrease the team's luxury-tax burden, the Heat continues to be mentioned in potential deals as the Feb. 21 trade deadline nears. But a proposed deal with the Sonics -- who would send forward Wally Szczerbiak and point guard Earl Watson to Miami for Ricky Davis, Jason Williams and Dorell Wright -- doesn't seem to have much traction."

"Anyone looking for small shooting guards could probably get Mike James from Houston or J.J. Redick from Orlando, neither of whom play much. Seattle also is a likely target with Wally Szczerbiak, Earl Watson and Luke Ridnour doing little and all available. Ron Artest, with the Kings last week beating the Pistons and Pacers back to back, amazingly listed Indiana and Detroit—where his fight helped ruin the Pacers' franchise—as two of his preferred destinations when he opts out after this season. He also said he could stay in Sacramento. Or go to New York or Miami."

"Sources said the latest — Szczerbiak and Watson to Miami for guards Jason Williams and Ricky Davis and forward Dorell Wright — is unlikely. Yet the Sonics, looking to clear cap space for another busy offseason building the team, could be in the market to unload hefty contracts."

"Szczerbiak’s name has been bandied about in the rumor mill. He’s said to be headed to Miami along with Earl Watson for Jason Williams, Dorell Wright and Ricky Davis, according to an ESPN report."

"For state house speaker Frank Chopp the new session of the Legislature is all about “kitchen table” issues that affect everyday people. And that does not include public funding for a $500 million arena for the Seattle SuperSonics. On Monday Chopp said securing public funding for a remodeled KeyArena or a new venue for the Sonics is not a priority for the Legislature."

" Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo said yesterday he is going to continue to try to acquire another point guard -- even though T.J. Ford will begin working out this week. "I've been in communication with a number of teams"...Some point guards mentioned as possibly being available include former Raptor Damon Stoudamire of the Memphis Grizzles, Jason Williams of the Miami Heat and Luke Ridnour of the Seattle SuperSonics."

"So what effect will the sale of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm to a local ownership group have on the effort to keep the Seattle SuperSonics in Seattle? Does it possibly indicate Sonics chairman Clay Bennett and his ownership group are strapped for cash in their legal battle with the city of Seattle over the KeyArena lease? Or does the sale show a strengthening of the group’s resolve to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City? It’s still unclear how the Storm’s sale ultimately affects whether the Sonics stay or go."

"Having Martin on the roster means Colangelo could potentially combine him and Dixon in a deal if a team is interested in clearing some room under the salary cap. Other pieces that have some appeal in that regard include Carlos Delfino, who is a restricted free agent after this season, while Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston and Joey Graham are all free agents after the 2008-09 season. Veteran point guards rumoured to be available include Jason Williams of the Miami Heat, Luke Ridnour or Earl Watson of the Seattle SuperSonics and Damon Stoudemire of the Memphis Grizzlies."

"There are no better alternatives to Isiah Thomas for the Knicks. No better candidate to run this team that already is running out of time at 8-24, eight games out of a playoff spot. No, according to club president Isiah Thomas, the best coach for the Knicks right now is Isiah Thomas... If the Knicks are looking for point guard help, the market is starting to fill with names such as Luke Ridnour (Seattle), Mike Bibby (Sacramento), Jason Williams (Miami) and Damon Stoudamire (Memphis)."