Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 12

The Oklahoman

"Happy New Year! What, you don't remember stuffing yourself at Thanksgiving or fighting mall Christmas shoppers? Kevin Durant's 30 points and a solid fourth-quarter defensive effort produced an 83-79 Thunder win over the Clippers Wednesday night at the Staples Center. It was win No. 4 which is noteworthy. Last season the Thunder didn't record its fourth win until New Year's Eve. "Wow!" Durant said, pausing to soak in that fact. "But we don't even think about last year no more. This is a new year for us with some new guys and a new staff. " A 3-29 start a year ago is even more sobering when you consider the Thunder didn't post its fifth win until Jan. 6, a total Oklahoma City can reach ..."

Thunder rookie James Harden suffers second setback of training camp

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October 1

The Oklahoman

"Thunder rookie James Harden has had a forgettable start to his first NBA training camp. The No. 3 overall pick sprained his left ankle midway through practice Wednesday and couldn't complete a session for the second time in as many days. Coach Scott Brooks said following the first of Wednesday's two-a-day sessions that Harden sustained a mild rolled ankle during a routine pick-and-roll play but "probably would be back" for the evening portion. Harden, however, left the team's training facility walking with the aid of one crutch, which could be a preventative measure or indicate the injury is more serious."

Heat looks at two low-end centers, including Wade dunk "victim"

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September 11

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The Miami Heat's will-work-for-food portion of its personnel process included tryouts recently by two players vying for a spot in the team's power rotation. Former Arkansas center Steven Hill, who appeared in one game last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and center Paul Davis, who spent the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, are the latest to receive auditions. Despite the presence of Jermaine O'Neal, Jamaal Magloire, Joel Anthony, Udonis Haslem and Michael Beasley on the roster, Heat President Pat Riley said he is looking to add at least one more power player before the Sept. 28 start of training camp at AmericanAirlines Arena. Even with O'Neal spending recent weeks ..."

Team discussing Desmond Mason's future

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July 16

The Oklahoman

"General manager Sam Presti has had ongoing discussions with Desmond Mason's agent regarding the possibility of re-signing the unrestricted free-agent forward and fan favorite. A deal, however, is not imminent and a potential agreement could take until the end of the summer to crystallize. The Thunder and Mason and his agent, Roger Montgomery, have mutual respect for one another and both sides have interest in finding a common ground. But potentially complicating Mason's return is Oklahoma City's logjam on the wing positions. The Thunder already has Kevin Durant starting at small forward, No. 3 overall pick James Harden as a quality shooting guard and Thabo Sefolosha, who was acquired in ..."

Thunder interested in Orlando free agent center Marcin Gortat

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"Add Marcin Gortat to Oklahoma City's free-agent wish list. The Thunder has expressed legitimate interest in Orlando's reserve center, making the restricted free agent one of a handful of players the team targeted as soon as free agency began late Tuesday night. Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti called Gortat's agent, Guy Zucker, about 45 minutes after teams could begin negotiating with free agents at 11 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday. An offer isn't believed to have been made, but the two sides did have more of an in-depth discussion regarding contract possibilities although the nature of the call was more along the lines of general interest. Gortat, however, appears to be a secondary ..."

Thunder talking with 2 free agents

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"In the opening hour of free agency, the Thunder targeted two players who could help solidify Oklahoma City's inside game for the foreseeable future. Thunder general manager Sam Presti made calls to representatives of forward Paul Millsap and center Marcin Gortat shortly after teams could begin negotiating with free agents at 11 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, according to multiple sources.Millsap, a 6-foot-8 forward with Utah, and Gortat, a 6-foot-11 center with Orlando, both are restricted free agents, giving their teams the right to match any offer Oklahoma City presents.Millsap, 24, and Gortat, 25, are both reserves but are considered two of the best up-and-coming big men in the league. ..."

Thunder enters preliminary talks with Utah's Paul Millsap

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July 2

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder has reached out to representatives for Paul Millsap, the Utah Jazz restricted free agent forward, according to a source with knowledge of negotiations. Oklahoma City entered into preliminary talks with Millsap's camp about 30 minutes into the start of free agency late Tuesday night. Teams were permitted to begin negotiating with free agents at 11 p.m. Central Time. Jazz officials were the first to call Millsap's agent, DeAngelo Summers, but the Thunder was second in line shortly after Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor ignited talks of re-signing the 6-foot-8 Millsap. Early discussions between the Thunder and Millsap's representatives have been described as positive, but there ..."

Thunder to get second lottery pick?

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June 24

The Oklahoman

"ESPN reported late Tuesday night that one rumor "that won't go away" is the Oklahoma City Thunder obtaining Phoenix's No. 14 pick in Thursday night's draft. According to the report, the Thunder would return the unprotected first-round pick in 2010 that general manager Sam Presti acquired as part of the Kurt Thomas trade two years ago when the team was in Seattle. The report went on to say if the Thunder obtains Phoenix's first-round pick Oklahoma City could be leaning towards selecting B.J. Mullens, the Ohio State center."

NBA Draft rumors: Thunder's trade options waning

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June 24

The Oklahoman

"It appears highly doubtful the Thunder will swap first-round picks with Detroit and move up to No. 15. There were reports the Pistons, trying to clear cap space, might give up their first-round pick if a team would take Amir Johnson's expiring contract in a trade. But a source told ESPN that Detroit plans to keep the pick and still be aggressive in free agency. And the Pistons sent Johnson to Milwaukee for Fabricio Oberto.Oklahoma City could still be involved in other trade talks, but those opportunities could be dwindling with news Minnesota might end up with the No. 2 pick. When the Thunder is on the clock, general manager Sam Presti might have to decide whether he wants toHasheem ..."

Deal heats up race for Ricky Rubio

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June 24

The Oklahoman

"Just when it seemed the Thunder had become serious about going all in for Ricky Rubio on Tuesday afternoon, Oklahoma City appeared to lose ground in the race for the Spanish point guard sensation by Tuesday evening. The Washington Wizards have reportedly agreed to trade the fifth overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft and three players to Minnesota in exchange for Randy Foye and Mike Miller. It's a deal that would give Minnesota four first-round picks - Nos. 5, 6, 18 and 28 - or enough to entice Memphis at No. 2 to trade down and allow the Wolves toRubio.The deal, which was first reported by Yahoo! Sports, came just hours after The Oklahoman confirmed a Yahoo! Sports report that the Thunder ..."

Thunder schedule pre-draft workouts

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June 23

The Oklahoman

"The Oklahoma City Thunder has scheduled another round of pre-NBA Draft workouts for Tuesday. The group, all forwards, is highlighted by Arizona's Chase Budinger. Here's a quick look at the rest of the group:Player: Position: Height,: SchoolAntonio Anderson, Forward, 6-6, MemphisDwayne Anderson, Forward, 6-6, VillanovaChase Budinger, Forward, 6-7, Arizona"

OKC Thunder meet with Ricky Rubio

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June 21

The Oklahoman

"The Sacramento Bee is reporting that representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder met with NBA Draft prospect Ricky Rubio on Saturday In his Sacramento Kings blog, reporter Sam Amick said the 18-year-old point guard and the Thunder met in Los Angles. Rubio was supposed to work out for the Kings this week, but became ill and was unable to participate. He is expected to head to New York City for the draft sometime Sunday."

OKC Thunder schedule pre-draft workouts for Friday

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June 19

The Oklahoman

"The Oklahoma City Thunder has scheduled another round of pre-NBA Draft workouts today. The group is highlighted by former Oklahoma player Taylor Griffin and former USC forward Taj Gibson. Workouts are closed to the media and the public. Here's a look at who will be in town for the workouts: Player--Position--Height--School * Taj Gibson--Forward--6-9--USC"

Ricky Rubio to visit Oklahoma City?

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June 19

The Oklahoman

"Ricky Rubio's visit to Sacramento has officially come to an end, the Sacramento Bee is reporting, and now the question is whether the Spanish point guard and his representatives will come to Oklahoma City to meet and greet Thunder officials. Rubio flew back to Los Angeles from Sacramento today, leaving California's capital city without working out for the Kings after becoming ill. What's growing more and more evident is Rubio doesn't appear likely to workout for any of the additional teams he might visit over the next week."

Two Currys Impressing Knicks' Walsh

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May 29

New York Post

"Knicks team president Donnie Walsh's past two days have been a tale of two Currys -- one player too heavy, one too light. But right now, Walsh is ecstatic about both Currys -- Eddy and Stephen. Before settling into Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine, Walsh took a side trip to Detroit on Wednesday to visit Knicks center Eddy Curry, and gave Curry high marks after watching him work out. The 7-foot, 300-plus Curry is on a rigorous summer weight-loss program in the Motor City, training at Oakland University to save his career. Yesterday, Walsh was in Chicago for the combine, watching leading Knicks draft candidate Stephen Curry -- and 50 other potential first-round wannabes -- perform drills ..."

Will Birdman fly south to OKC?

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May 28

The Oklahoman

"The Birdman will be a free agent as soon as his Denver Nuggets finish, in victory or defeat, their NBA playoff push. Should the Thunder make a play for Chris Andersen? The Birdman, the 6-foot-10 flying cartoon character of a basketball player, was a Ford Center fan favorite for the first couple of months of the Hornets' two-year stay in Oklahoma City, before the NBA banned him for drug use.His spiked hair and wild tattoos belie the truth, that the Birdman, when healthy, is one heck of a ballplayer.The Birdman is just what the Thunder needs, an interior defensive presence. Despite making just one start and averaging just 20.6 minutes per game, the Birdman placed second in the league in ..."

Trade in works? Thunder has shot at Blake Griffin

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May 25

The Oklahoman

"Hours after last Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery, the official Web site for the lottery-winning Los Angeles Clippers had already plastered a photo of Blake Griffin on its home page in hopes of generating season ticket sales. But by Friday morning, the team's site had adjacent shots of Griffin and Ricky Rubio, implying this year's top selection is a debate rather than the no-brainer decision that led general manager and coach Mike Dunleavy to pronounce, "Clearly we're taking Blake Griffin."It was a not-so subtle switcheroo that suggested Griffin might not find his way on the Clippers' roster after all come opening night, and the Thunder still has a shot at nabbing the homegrown star ..."

Thunder to schedule workout with Ricky Rubio

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May 22

The Oklahoman

"A Web site report on Thursday suggested Oklahoma City might now be facing a sizeable concern regarding 18-year-old Spanish point guard sensation Ricky Rubio. But the Thunder is in the process of scheduling workouts with all the players it is considering with the third pick in next month's draft, including Rubio. The Thunder has not encountered any issues with Rubio or his representatives regarding playing in Oklahoma City, contrary to a report on the Web site Draftexpress.com.The holdup in scheduling Rubio's workout most likely stems from the fact that Rubio's DKV Joventut team is still playing in the postseason.The Web site, citing "people around the league," reported Rubio's camp might ..."

Getting Blake Griffin: A trade? It could happen

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May 18

The Oklahoman

"If hoping, wishing, praying and keeping your fingers crossed isn't enough to bring Oklahoma City the No. 1 overall pick Tuesday night during the NBA Draft Lottery, there is one last possibility that could put Blake Griffin in a Thunder uniform. A trade.It's the unlikeliest of possibilities. Only twice in NBA history has a team with the first pick traded the selection. But, hey, it could happen, especially since there seems to be a few teams in lottery land in position to part with Griffin should they land the top spot.But any hope of the Thunder brokering a trade is contingent on Oklahoma City jumping to the second overall pick and selecting Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, the consensus ..."

Ricky Rubio: A new look to draft for OKC Thunder

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April 27

The Oklahoman

"The deadline for early entrants to submit their names into the NBA Draft came and went Sunday, and, for now, Spanish point guard sensation Ricky Rubio's name will be listed among the applicants. We won't know for sure whether the 18-year-old prodigy will remain in the draft until the arrival of the June 15 deadline for withdrawal. But Rubio's announcement last week that he wants in could alter the entire landscape of the 2009 draft if he stays in.Above all, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound Rubio gives this year's class a legitimate big/small dilemma for NBA GMs to ponder leading up to the June 25 draft. Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin has long been the consensus No. 1 pick.But in a copycat ..."

Griffins should demand a trade to the Thunder

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April 13

The Oklahoman

columnist Mr. Monday

"Hold onto your Cheerios, Sam Presti, because Mr. Monday is about to make things a little more complicated for ya leading up to the NBA Draft. Here's what Mr. Monday has figured out. This year's draft is the equivalent of a Target clearance rack with 19 extra-small white V-neck sweaters and one XXL blue button-up. Unless you're an unusual European, there's only one real choice.In this case, the one good choice is Blake Griffin.You know it, Mr. Monday knows, Sam Presti knows it and hopefully Blake knows it.So what should everyone do with that information?Well, Mr. Monday's suggestion is for the Griffins to press the ol' leverage button. Give Eli and Archie Manning a call, Tommy Griffin, and ..."

Earl Watson says he doesn't think he'll be here next season

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April 13

The Oklahoman

"Earl Watson thinks the final two games will be his last in a Thunder uniform. The reserve point guard said coach Scott Brooks' future with the team won't impact him one way or the other. "I don't think I'm going to be here regardless," said Watson, who has one year remaining on his contract next season for $6.6 million."You never know, this business is incredible. But going into the last year of my deal business-wise you become an attractive contract. And for the last month I haven't been playing. So why would I be here?"Watson, who began the season as the starting point guard, was replaced by rookie Russell Westbrook on Nov. 29, two weeks into Brooks' tenure as interim coach. Watson was ..."

Sonics fans still fighting to get an NBA team again

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April 13

Seattle Times

"Save Our Sonics supporters are returning to Portland tonight to stage a rally in the Rose Garden during the Trail Blazers' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Seattle's former NBA team. It's the second time the SOS group has organized a trip to Portland. A few hundred Sonics fans wearing green and gold colors watched Portland defeat Oklahoma City 106-92 two months ago. SOS co-founder Steven Pyeatt said the Feb. 11 game, which was the Thunder's first game in the Northwest, gave fans a chance to vent their frustrations over last year's settlement between Mayor Greg Nickels and owner Clay Bennett, which allowed him to relocate the team to Oklahoma City. "The message we want to continue ..."

NBA interim coaches still on bubble

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April 5

The Oklahoman

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

Joe Smith looks to be on his way back to Cleveland

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March 2

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"It appears the Cavaliers are going to get some quality big man help for the playoffs. With just hours to spare before Sunday's midnight deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Joe Smith reached terms on a buyout agreement. He will be put on waivers Monday morning and is expected to clear them 48 hours later. Several league sources said Smith is then expected to sign with the Cavs for the rest of the season. It is possible Smith could be in uniform for Wednesday's home game with the Milwaukee Bucks and certainly should be available Friday when the Cavs visit the Boston Celtics. Smith and his agent, Dan Fegan, spent several days working with the Thunder on the deal, and the Cavs were ..."

Joe Smith closer yet to a reunion, though 'surprise' player may be available

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March 1

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Joe Smith could be just days away from providing the Cavaliers a needed talent injection. Multiple league sources said Saturday that Smith and the Oklahoma City Thunder are making progress in buyout talks, and there is a favorable chance the sides will come to an agreement by tonight's midnight waiver deadline. It has also become clear that the Cavs would be Smith's top choice if all the terms can be agreed on. If all the hur dles can be cleared, Smith would be put on waivers Monday and become an outright free agent by Wednesday. But there still may be some more drama surrounding the Cavs, who continue on the road tonight against the Atlanta Hawks in their second game since Ben Wallace ..."

Thunder's Smith nears buyout

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March 1

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Joe Smith could be just days away from providing the Cavaliers with a needed talent injection. Multiple league sources said on Saturday that Smith and the Oklahoma City Thunder are making progress in buyout talks and there is a favorable chance the sides will come to an agreement by Sunday's midnight waiver deadline. It has also become clear that the Cavs would be Smith's top choice if all the terms can be agreed on. If all the hurdles can be cleared, Smith would be put on waivers on Monday and become an outright free agent by Wednesday morning. But there still may be some more drama surrounding the Cavs, who continue their road trip Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks in their second game ..."

Thunder forward Kevin Durant to miss up to two weeks

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February 28

The Oklahoman

"Thunder forward Kevin Durant will miss up to two weeks with a Grade II ankle sprain, according to a team source. Durant is expected to miss seven to 14 days after rolling his right ankle in Friday’s game at Dallas when he stepped on the foot of Mavs forward Josh Howard while driving to the basket with 7:13 left in the first quarter. He remained in the game for about three minutes before walking off the court with a limp. Team officials said X-rays taken on Durant’s foot were negative, but Durant wore a protective boot on his right foot and walked with the aid of crutches following the Thunder’s 110-108 overtime loss. Grade II sprains can include damage or tearing of ligaments or a joint ..."

Cleveland Cavaliers, Joe Smith reunion still possible

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February 28

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"As they search everywhere possi ble, there is a stark reality the Cavaliers have to deal with as they look for someway to plug the hole left by Ben Wallace's broken leg. The list of realistic options is short. In fact, there appears to be just one player who could really help the Cavs in a rotation role and that is Joe Smith. The Joe Smith who is still a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Several league sources said Friday that Smith and his agent, Dan Fegan, have been talking to the Thunder about securing a buyout. The Cavs have expressed interest, setting up what could be intensifying negotiations ahead of Sunday's midnight deadline for players to be released and still join playoff ..."

Suns to target Thunder's Joe Smith?

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February 26

Arizona Republic

"The Suns must add a player to their roster, and March 1 is the deadline for players to be bought out by their current team, sign with another and be eligible for postseason play. General Manager Steve Kerr would not comment on specifics, but said the Suns hope to sign a veteran. If they can't find help there, they'll find it in the developmental league."

Joe Smith on radar for Suns to add?

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February 25

Arizona Republic

"The Suns must add a player to their roster, and March 1 is the deadline for players to be bought out by their current team, sign with another and be eligible for postseason play. General Manager Steve Kerr would not comment on specifics, but said the Suns hope to sign a veteran. If they can't find help there, they'll find it in the developmental league."

Scott Brooks opposed to buyout for Joe Smith

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February 25

The Oklahoman

"Thunder coach Scott Brooks said he would prefer to have Joe Smith remain on the roster for the final 25 games rather than see the front office come to terms on a buyout for the 14-year veteran forward. Smith must be released by Sunday in order to be eligible to join a playoff team for this season. "I admire Joe Smith's professionalism, how he takes his time with our guys," Brooks said. "And he's a great veteran leader. I'm not concerned with the business side of it. I have to coach the guys that we have. That's going to be between (general manager) Sam (Presti) and (Smith's) agent. I don't know what's happening. I just know I like what Joe brings to this team. Joe's perfect for this team. ..."

Cavs show interest in free agent Horry

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February 24

Akron Beacon Journal

"Last week's trading deadline wasn't the end of the line for possible roster moves for NBA teams and especially the Cavaliers. There still could be a big man in the Cavs' future. Mention has been made of the Oklahoma City Thunder's Joe Smith, who was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats until the deal was rescinded. Reports surfaced that Smith, a former Cavs player, would seek a buyout in time to be eligible for a spot on a playoff roster. He has since denied that to be true. Within the Cavs organization, Smith was a popular player. The team didn't particularly want to trade him, but it had to give up somebody to get somebody, and who could quibble with bringing Mo Williams here in that deal? ..."

Some Moore intrigue

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February 23

Boston Globe

"The Celtics are hoping to fill their need for a big man by winning the Mikki Moore sweepstakes. Moore's agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed the team has offered the center a contract, and said several other teams have done the same thing, although he wouldn't divulge their names. Moore is expected to make his decision today after clearing waivers and becoming an unrestricted free agent. "A lot of teams are very excited about him, so it's a tough decision for Mikki," said Bartelstein. If Moore, 33, selects the Celtics, they would sign him for the rest of the season. The 7-foot, 225-pounder was waived by Sacramento Feb. 19. He averaged 3.5 points and 3 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game in 46 ..."

Joe Smith: 'I'm not seeking a buyout'

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February 22

The Oklahoman

"One day after watching the trading deadline pass without seeing his name attached to a deal, Thunder forward Joe Smith said he is not seeking a buyout of his contract, contrary to media reports. "What for?" Smith asked before Friday night's game against Phoenix. "I've been here all year. Why would I want to do that now? I'm (not) seeking it."The 33-year-old Smith, who is in his 14th NBA season, quelled any theories that he hopes the Thunder agrees to a buyout so he can join a title contender and have a shot at a championship before the end of his playing days."A lot of people assume that when you reach a certain amount of years in the league that you always want to seek a title," Smith ..."

Band-Aid for KG: No ordinary Joe

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February 22

Boston Herald

"The fact Kevin Garnett will be out the next 2-3 weeks isn’t speeding the Celtics search for frontcourt help. That’s because they already were moving quickly on that front. The prime target remains Joe Smith. And while he’s said he’s not looking for a buyout from Oklahoma City, there are different rumblings behind the scene. Word is strong that, after being sent to New Orleans in a deal that was ultimately reversed last week, he could be on the move. “I don’t know too much right now,” Smith told the Herald. “This week has been a crazy week all around, as far as being traded and the trade being rescinded. I don’t have too many answers right now about what’s going on in the office or what’s ..."

Thunder close to acquiring Chandler

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February 17

ESPN.com

"The New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City are closing in on a deal that will send center Tyson Chandler to the Thunder, according to NBA front-office sources. Two sources with knowledge of the trade parameters told ESPN.com that the deal is likely to be completed later Tuesday. Although the entirety of the package New Orleans would receive for Chandler was not immediately known, ESPN.com reported early Monday that the Hornets -- who are looking to move Chandler mostly for financial reasons -- were in talks with the Thunder on a trade that would net the expiring contracts of forwards Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox."

Hornets coach would prefer Tyson Chandler not be traded to OKC Thunder

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February 17

The Oklahoman

"Amid reports New Orleans is contemplating trading center Tyson Chandler to the Thunder, coach Byron Scott and All-Star forward David West both said at the team's shoot-around Tuesday morning at the Ford Center they would prefer he remains with the Hornets. Hobbled by an ankle injury that has sidelined him the past 12 games, Chandler did not attend the shoot-around session. After tweaking the injury at Monday's practice, Chandler is listed as doubtful for tonight's game."Tyson is one of my favorite guys, one of my favorite players I've ever had," Scott said. "I love him to death. But he understands it is a business and things do happen at times. Believe me, it's not going to be done just ..."

Suns, Bucks, Hornets could be looking to dump salary

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February 16

The Oklahoman

"Three teams that might trade to shed salary. Phoenix Suns The arrival of Shaquille O'Neal and his $20 million salary this year and next season has effectively hamstrung the franchise. It's put the Suns well over the luxury tax line with more than $75 million in salaries on the books this year and next. To recoup some of that coin, the Suns have put All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire and his $34 million contract over the next two seasons on the block and are asking for a mix of expiring deals, young talent and future draft picks in exchange. Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks have committed more than $180 million to Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and Dan Gadzuric. And they took on the final three years, ..."

Thunder players who could be dealt include Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox, Earl Watson

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February 16

The Oklahoman

"Three Thunder players who might be on the way out. Joe Smith He has the most value because of his expiring $4.7 million contract and also because of what he can add to a playoff team. The Thunder has already reportedly offered Smith to Sacramento for guard/forward John Salmons. A future first-round pick could also be enticing enough to part ways with Smith. Chris Wilcox Teams likely are interested more in his expiring $6.75 million contract than what he can do for them on the court in the second half. It's unlikely Wilcox alone could bring back much value. But if he's packaged with Smith and, say a draft pick, it could lead to a young quality defensive-minded center such as New Orleans' ..."

Amare Stoudemire expects to stay with Phoenix Suns

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February 14

Chicago Tribune

"Amare Stoudemire turned a corner at a downtown hotel Friday, saw about 50 reporters swarming a table reserved for him at NBA All-Star weekend and smiled. "What's going on at Stoudemire's table?" the four-time All-Star said. "Cocktails on me?" Actually, just another day of wild rumors and speculation regarding the 26-year-old forward's future. Some Bulls fans would buy drinks for management if it pulls off a trade for Stoudemire. And with Miami sending Shawn Marion and his $17.8 million expiring salary to Toronto on Friday, many believe the Bulls' chances to do so improved. Stoudemire isn't among them. "I do see the Suns keeping me," he said. "I'm leaning more toward 60-40, with 60 ..."

Oklahoma City Thunder's mascot will be a bison

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February 10

The Oklahoman

"Sources have confirmed a Bison will be the Thunder's mascot, which will be unveiled at halftime of the Feb. 17 home game against New Orleans in the Ford Center. The name of the mascot remains uncertain, but the costume design has been completed. Teams officials have said the mascot will be athletic similar to Benny the Bull in Chicago and the Gorilla in Phoenix."

Thunder's Joe Smith headed to Kings?

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February 5

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder has offered Joe Smith to Sacramento in exchange for John Salmons, according to a report in the Sacramento Bee. However, the report, citing league sources, said the Kings haven't heard any trade offers they're interested in. Salmons, 29, is in his seventh year out of Miami (Fla.). Salmons is averaging career-highs of 18.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. The 6-foot-6 forward has two years remaining on his contract following this season, totaling about $11.2 million."He's a great kid. I enjoyed working with him for the year," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks, who per team policy doesn't comment on trade rumors but was an assistant one season with the Kings. "He's a very ..."

Thunder's Atkins remains interested in Magic

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February 5

Rocky Mountain News

"When Orlando inquired in December about then-Nuggets point guard Chucky Atkins, he was intrigued by a possible deal. Atkins was dealt to Oklahoma City on Jan. 7. But he still has interest in going to the Magic, which could use a point guard because of Jameer Nelson's shoulder injury. "Of course," said Atkins, who lives in Orlando. "I'm a veteran guy. If I had an opportunity to win a championship, that's what every guy at this level wants to do. . . . But I'm not sitting here and saying I want to be moved . . . If it happens, it happens." In the deal for Atkins, the Nuggets got center Johan Petro. Petro had two points and four rebounds in seven minutes Wednesday against his old team, while ..."

Scott Brooks likely to become Thunder's head coach

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January 19

The Oklahoman

"The interim tag on Thunder coach Scott Brooks' title could be lifted. General manager Sam Presti is leaning toward making Brooks the team's full-time coach, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation. The decision, however, isn't expected to be made before the end of the season, allowing the front office time to continue evaluating Brooks and his staff over the final 40 games.Presti, staying consistent with statements he's made since firing P.J. Carlesimo on Nov. 21, said his focus remains on this season and Brooks will have the opportunity to earn the job through his performance over the remainder of the year."We are pleased with the job that Scott has done," Presti ..."

Don't buy that house just yet

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January 18

Salt Lake Tribune

"One month before the NBA trade deadline, there has been plenty of talk but little action. That could change before Feb. 19. In a year when six head coaches were fired during the first two months of the regular season, some believe management will be just as impatient with unproductive and/or high-priced players, whose performance has done nothing for their team's won-loss record and whose salary limits future roster flexibility. Call it a sign of these economically-depressed times. Charlotte point guard Raymond Felton is a likely target of several suitors. Felton was the No. 5 pick in the 2005 draft, taken just behind Utah's Deron Williams and New Orleans' Chris Paul. While he is not ..."

Earl Watson, 3-team trade on hold

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January 13

The Oklahoman

"With Charlotte rookie point guard D.J. Augustin having aggravated an abdominal injury that could sideline him up to two weeks, a potential three-team trade between Charlotte, Dallas and Oklahoma City has been tabled. Veteran point guard Earl Watson, the Thunder player mentioned in the potential three-team deal, remains with the Thunder, which plays tonight at New Jersey. In a deal that was being discussed, Oklahoma City was going to receive a future second-round draft pick and veteran guard Jerry Stackhouse from Dallas, which needed to clear cap space to make the deal.In the trade proposal, Charlotte would deal point guard Raymond Felton and center Nazr Mohammed to Dallas. Charlotte would ..."

Thunder in trade talks with Charlotte, Dallas

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January 12

The Oklahoman

"A report in Sunday's editions of the Boston Globe cited a league source who said the Thunder is involved in a three-team trade that would send Earl Watson to the Charlotte Bobcats. The report did not indicate which player or players Oklahoma City would get in the deal, which would also send Bobcats guard Raymond Felton to Dallas and Mavs center DeSagana Diop to Charlotte. General manager Sam Presti, citing team policy, declined to comment on the trade report when contacted Sunday afternoon."

Sources: Bobcats talking trade with Mavs

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January 12

Charlotte Observer

"The Charlotte Bobcats are in ongoing trade discussions with the Dallas Mavericks, and possibly the Oklahoma City Thunder, that could move Raymond Felton and Nazr Mohammed, two NBA sources confirmed to the Observer. Some elements of a potential deal were first reported Sunday in the Boston Globe. The Observer has learned that any deal likely would include moving backup center Mohammed, who is owed about $13.3 million over the next two seasons. If a deal is consummated, the Bobcats likely would end up with Dallas Mavericks center DeSagana Diop. They pursued Diop during free agency last summer before he re-signed with Dallas. The deal Diop signed with the Mavericks is large - four more ..."

Nuggets trade seldom-used Atkins for Thunder's Petro

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January 8

Denver Post

"From Nene's stern statements to George Karl's subtle suggestions, it was understood the Nuggets desperately needed another big man. Help is on the way from Oklahoma City. On Wednesday, Denver acquired 7-foot reserve center Johan Petro and the Thunder's 2009 second-round pick for reserve guard Chucky Atkins, Denver's first-round pick in 2009 and cash considerations. The 22-year-old Frenchman averages 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He led the Thunder in the preseason with 8.0 rebounds per game. "You have four to five teams out West where there's a 10-15 minute window you want to play a (reserve) big guy," Karl said. "You've got Portland who plays big, Lakers who play big, Shaquille ..."

Thunder Trade Rumors