Paul's comments on Twitter indicated he felt as though his words were taken out of context.

"Come on now people," Paul tweeted, "I did 3 different interviews about the Jordan Brand Classic this morning and was asked if Michael Jordan had influence on free agent signings and I said at the end of the day guys want to win...they askd would I want to return home and I told them I'm focused here in NO and that's the future and anything can happen...Hate when people try to turn things around just to make it a story.. #slowdown."

"That's the whole goal now," Stoudemire said. "I always play better in the postseason. I want to be 100 percent healthy to keep that trend going. The good news is it's getting better by the second. I'll play sooner than later."

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Williams' contract expires after next season, and the Knicks could have the cap space to sign him. Anthony said. "I haven't seen it but he's going to be in New York too, so you'll see a lot more of that -- the competition thing. We got another Subway Series coming."

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Knicks star Amare Stoudemire has set his sights on Grammy-winning singer and model Ciara. New York's hottest sports hero has been spotted dining out with the stunning songbird in recent weeks, and on Monday night, the pair shared dinner at STK with a group of 15, including fellow Knick Carmelo Anthon and his wife, LaLa Vazquez.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call:  It’s nice to know Amar’e Stoudemire’s on-court struggles haven’t impacted his off-court game.

Not one bit, in fact.

Standing Tall and Talented is no longer with Amber Rose, the model famous for being with Kanye West, and is reportedly wooing Ciara, the R&B singer who many also describe as easy on the eyes.

Stoudemire apparently met his newest love interest through LaLa Vasquez, Carmelo Anthony’s wife and the best friend of Ciara.

Clearly, Stoudemire and Anthony work well off-court, helping each other with the females. If only they could recreate this chemistry on-court for the inconsistent New York Knicks.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Which brings us to whether Isiah, on behalf of his good friend, Knicks owner James Dolan, was instrumental in helping New York land 'Melo and Amar'e. So I ask him: Was that you? He takes a long time to answer. "I do have a lot of friends," he says carefully. "And I am asked to advise in a lot of different scenarios. Players, coaches, and ..." A very long pause. "I won't comment on the Knicks situation, but I do like helping the Knicks, and I do want them to do well."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Are the New York Knicks for real? Are they really having disgraced coach and executive Isiah Thomas talk to players?

The answer is yes.

Yes, Knicks owner James Dolan still consults Thomas – the financial mismanagement, poor trades, Stephon Marbury fiasco, Larry Brown disaster, sexual harassment suit, and other indiscretions don’t matter.

Yes, Dolan overlooks Thomas’ flaws and failures. Just like Dolan overlooks Donnie Walsh bringing the Knicks back to respectability.

Here’s a scarier thought: Thomas could be 'helping' the Knicks full time next season. Walsh doesn't have a guaranteed deal for 2012. Thomas, of course, is available, and would be willing to lead 'his' signings of Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Dolan may let Walsh go and say yes to Thomas, giving one of the game’s most tarnished individuals a second chance at running this classic franchise.

Thomas leading the Knicks was a nightmare. Somehow, Dolan believes a sequel will be better. And yes, this is 'for real'.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The way the Knicks have struggled with Chauncey Billups running Mike D'Antoni's offense has rival executives wondering whether one of them -- or both -- won't be back next season.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The coach and coach on-the-floor could soon be out of work.

There are rumors the New York Knicks will cut ties with sideline boss Mike D’Antoni and point guard Chauncey Billups at season’s end.

Like all things New York Knicks, it’s complicated.

D’Antoni’s future is linked to executive Donnie Walsh. Unbelievably, Walsh, who brought the Knicks back to respectability after years of dysfunction under Isiah Thomas, may be pushed out at year’s end.

This would trickle down to the bench. D’Antoni was Walsh’s choice. And the 'Seven Seconds or Less' guru is protected with Walsh in the executive suite.

Walsh wasn’t the choice of owner James Dolan, though. He was the choice of Commissioner David Stern, who ‘suggested’ Dolan hire the veteran executive after Thomas’ shenanigans and tomfoolery became too great a black eye for league head office to ignore.

Dolan, who resents being told what to do, may re-hire his buddy Thomas. And ‘Zeke’ would then replace D’Antoni with his guy on the sideline.

This brings us to Billups. He has struggled to appease the club’s two scorers, Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire.

Billups is slated to earn $14 million in 2012; however, he can be bought out for $3.7 million. Expect the Knicks to exercise this clause –especially if the muscular table-setter can’t become Mr. Big Shot down the stretch or in the playoffs.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Billups won’t be back. The club could buy him out and re-sign him for considerably less money. Or, player and team could simply part ways. Nothing is set in stone.

There’s a famous saying ‘Only in New York’. Perhaps this should be revised to ‘Only in New York with the Knicks’.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

It wouldn’t be shocking at all if the New York Knicks make a play for Dwight Howard next season, perhaps offering either Amare Stoudemire or Carmelo Anthony at trade deadline.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Did you enjoy Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire battling Dwight Howard last night?

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the main characters in yesterday’s epic battle between the Knicks and Magic could switch places. Reports indicate the Magic would consider sending Howard to the Knicks for Anthony or Stoudemire.

A few thoughts:

1) The Howard rumors will continue to fly because he can opt-out of his contract at the end of 2012 and become an unrestricted free agent.

No matter how much Howard tries to defuse rumors, the feeling is he wants to bolt Orlando for a larger market. Like Los Angeles. Or New York.

The Magic have a dilemma. They could try re-signing Howard and risk having their top player as an unrestricted free agent without compensation.

(This would decimate the franchise. See the Cleveland Cavaliers. See the Toronto Raptors.)  

Or the Magic could concede that re-signing Howard would be tough in today’s era of super-teams and move him. Cutting their losses would bring back some assets.

(See the Denver Nuggets. See the Utah Jazz.)   

2) Anthony and Stoudemire are an awkward pairing. Their partnership doesn’t seem natural. Given time, things will improve. The supporting cast will be upgraded; a training camp together will make a difference.

Here’s the question for Knick fans: would Howard with Anthony or Stoudemire be superior to Anthony and Stoudemire?

3) The new Collective Bargaining Agreement to be negotiated between players and owners this summer could sideswipe all plans.

Small market owners may try to eliminate the super-team trend that’s permeating the NBA. They could gain the ability to keep star players by using an NFL-style franchise tag.

So the Magic could hang onto Howard –whether he likes it or not- by slapping him with the franchise player tag.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Wade is controlling the ball late in games, which lets LeBron James be used in a simple pick-and-roll. James has been accustomed to playing with the ball in his hands in crunch time, but it appears Wade and Erik Spoelstra have convinced him to try something new. “I think he's starting to see that this can open up his overall game, and he's going to want to do it more," Wade said last week.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Talent isn’t enough in the NBA. Teams must also have chemistry.

Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the Miami Heat learned this the hard way, with their up-and-down year.

So have the New York Knicks, who broke up a squad with established chemistry to acquire the talented but sometimes difficult Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets.

Credit the Heat for trying new things, though. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, James acted as a screener and ran several pick-and-rolls with Wade.

This is a welcome change from the Heat’s steady diet of predictable ‘iso’ plays and one-on-one attempts at the basket.

Doug Collins, the coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, is right: this option will work. James as a four-man setting picks will be tough to prevent from rolling to the basket or slipping the screen.

Opposing defenses will be helpless. If defenders try to switch on the screen, James and/or Wade will have a clear mismatch, which should lead to a scoring opportunity.

If defenders try to show and adjust to the screen, James and/or Wade will have an advantage, which should also lead to a scoring opportunity.

The Heat would be wise to run more of these sets. Variety is important in basketball, and a two-man game involving their best players will upgrade their mediocre half-court offense.

After all, chemistry, not talent, is the key to winning in the NBA. It seems James and Wade are learning.

--Oly Sandor.

For LeBron James, the signs are all familiar. The initial discomfort in a new system. The frustrating losses. The growing pains. The private bickering, questioning and second-guessing. The attitude issues. Even the turbulence during particularly heated timeouts. James knows that script all too well. He's lived it during the honeymoon period with the Miami Heat, the one that sent the team into a brief stretch of disarray following a difficult 9-8 start.

"I know exactly what he's going through right now," James said of his friend Carmelo Anthony's more-difficult-than-expected indoctrination with the Knicks. "And it's going to take time. Everybody knows we were 9-8. We had to figure things out. And we're still figuring things out.

"We all know Melo is a great player, but I don't think one player has ever won a championship in this league," Kenyon Martin told HOOPSWORLD. "He's a great player, but it's all about us playing together right now. That's what we're trying to do."

"We're just going out and playing basketball," he continued. "Everyone here knows how to play and we're competing every single night. When you compete, you put yourself in position to win. It's just playing basketball. Once you know how to play this game the right way, you can really fit into any system."

After the buzzer, (Carmelo) Anthony sat alone on the Knicks bench long after his teammates left the court. Asked what he was thinking, the Brooklyn native said, "This ship is going to turn right."  For now, the ship be sinking -- to borrow Micheal Ray Richardson's famous Knicks quotation.

"We just got to a point where I thought we panicked," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "This is a work in progress and we have a month to get this thing figured out. If we can figure out fourth quarters, we can get a lot smoother. With two scorers on the floor like Carmelo and Amar'e, we just have to figure it out." We're going to get it right," Anthony said. "There's no need to panic."

Nevertheless Anthony's pouty behavior in Friday night's 99-95 loss to the Pistons, his bad oncourt body language, his failure to join a timeout huddle when not in the game has raised red flags about his readiness to handle the pressure for being a basketball star in New York.

The honeymoon is officially over. Anthony, coming off an historically awful 6-point, 2-of-12 outing in the terrible loss, will resume talking and playing today when the Knicks face the Bucks at Bradley Center, with the club having fallen into seventh place.

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Johnson on Wednesday stood by a claim he made Tuesday on the radio that there is "no doubt" the team will be able to re-sign point guard Deron Williams when he becomes a free agent. "I have no doubt and I'm really, really confident that we'll be able to re-sign him,"

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Nuggets nation may be able to breathe a sigh of relief, because the Brazilian born star says he has no intention of leaving Denver. "I want to be a Nugget for now and forever," Nene told HOOPSWORLD." But I know there is a lot of business [to handle], so I can say that today. "

“I love Orlando. The city has been very good to me and I would love to finish my career here. I want to win a championship and I want to win it in Orlando,” Howard said on the Dan Patrick Show Monday morning. “That’s all I’ve been thinking about.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You’ve heard rumors Dwight Howard will leave the Orlando Magic as a free agent and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012.

Well, not so fast. According to the massive five-man, this isn’t so.

Howard recently told scribes he wants to finish his career in Orlando, and bring an NBA Title to Disney World. There are a few reasons for these comments:

• Clearly, the Magic aren’t trading Howard, so he and the team want to avoid the publicity that plagued Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and, most recently, Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets.
• He may choose to stay in Orlando. Howard is comfortable, the Magic are competitive, and Executive Otis Smith is committed to providing him with a top flight supporting cast.
• Of course, he may have to stay in Orlando. The league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement expires July 1st, and owners may prevent superstars from building super squads by allowing teams to apply a ‘franchise’ tag to top players.Translation: Orlando could keep Howard. It may not matter whether he wants to stay or go.

So Howard has to keep all options open. And that’s exactly what he’s doing with his comments.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Jazz CEO Greg Miller said he made the move because of a "gut feeling" that he wouldn't be able to sign Williams to a long-term deal after next season. "If you look at what happened with Phoenix, Toronto and Cleveland ... they all lost their marquee player and had very little if anything to show for it," Miller said. "This trade allows us to be competitive now and beyond the 2012 season."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Could this be the trigger that pushes the NBA’s small market owners to demand wholesale changes to the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and financial system?

Consider the Utah Jazz’s predicament. Their superstar and best player, Deron Williams, longed for bright lights, a big city, and a chance at a championship.

That wasn’t happening in Utah, so Williams likely informed management he was opting-out of his contract in July of 2012.

Translation: he was gone.

The Jazz could’ve spent the next sixteen months convincing Williams to stay. Of course, the end result wouldn’t have changed and the Jazz would’ve lost their prime asset without compensation.

Just like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors with LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

Or, the Jazz could’ve spent the next sixteen months negotiating a trade. They’d be daily fodder for pundits and fans on-line and on-air. Maybe Conan O’Brien would get in on the act.

Just like the Denver Nuggets with Carmelo Anthony.

Neither situation was appealing, which led to the Jazz suddenly shipping Williams to the Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and a pair of first round draft picks.

The Jazz did well, especially when considering Williams held all the cards, possessed all the leverage, and was hell-bent on using it. They were also lucky, though, because the Nets were willing to trade after losing out on Carmelo Anthony.

In four months, they –and the other small market owners- will get revenge. Much to the chagrin of the players, they’ll demand a hard cap, revenue sharing, and franchise player tags.

No more Anthony, Bosh, James, and Williams holding them hostage. And the looming lockout will be nasty, bitter, and long.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Warriors and Nets are close to finalizing a multi-player trade, according to sources. Golden State will send Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright to New Jersey for Troy Murphy and a 2012 second round pick.

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More than half the NBA has called Denver about Nene's availability in trades, but the team's first order of business after trading Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks is convincing their offensively talented center to remain with the team. Nene is eligible to opt out of his contract this offseason, despite being owed $11.6 million for the 11-12 season.

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Chauncey Billups, who had a non-guaranteed contract for the 11-12 season, but that deal will not be bought out. Billups is locked into his $14.2 million contract for the 11-12 season, according to a source. Because Billups' contract will expire for the 2012 offseason, the Knicks retain the flexibility to acquire a potential free agent such as Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

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The Knicks acquired Carmelo Anthony in a blockbuster trade on Monday, but the price was steeper than Donnie Walsh was hoping to pay.New York's front office has been suffering from a power struggle, with Isiah Thomas consulting James Dolan and the franchise also recently hired Mark Warkentien who is a CAA client. "This is all Dolan. All Isiah. All (Worldwide) Wes and Leon Rose," said an ally of Walsh.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony is heading to the New York Knicks, and Isiah Thomas might soon join him.

Reports indicate Knicks owner James Dolan used Isiah Thomas, a former employee, and consultant ‘Worldwide’ Wes to acquire Anthony because current Executive Donnie Walsh wasn’t bullish on the Denver Nuggets’ forward.

Clearly, there’s a power struggle occurring in the Knickerbockers’ front office. And the daggers are out since Walsh's contract expires at season's end.

Here’s the question: would Dolan actually let Walsh, a respected front office guru, leave and replace him with Thomas, a man who has slashed and burned everything he has touched since taking off a Detroit Pistons jersey?

Sadly, the answer is yes.

Yes, Dolan has reservations about re-signing Walsh –even though he cleaned up much of the cap mess Thomas created during his ‘Reign of Terror’ at Madison Square Garden.

Yes, Dolan has something against the class, stability, and professionalism Walsh exudes and has a soft spot for Thomas’ tomfoolery, shenanigans, and lawsuits.

And yes, Dolan seems apathetic to Dolan’s more restrained personality and seems taken by Thomas’ Cheshire-cat smile and charm.

If Walsh is given the boot for Thomas, the Knicks will again sink to the bottom of the standings –regardless of how much talent they have on-court.

After all, great organizations have stability at the top. Zeke only knows the opposite: instability. Since leaving the Pistons, he has walked on the Continental Basketball Association and Toronto Raptors, while also destroying the Knicks, one of the NBA’s great franchises.

To be fair, he had mediocre results as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers.  

Don’t be surprised if Anthony’s return to his home of New York marks the return of Thomas. And the sequel won’t be better than the original.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Carmelo Anthony has been traded to the Knicks, according to a sources that spoke to the Denver Post and New York Daily News. New York will give up Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov, Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry's expiring contract, their own first round pick in 2014, Golden State's second round picks in 2012 and 2013, and $3 million in cash.

Randolph and Curry will go to Minnesota. Corey Brewer is also expected to be traded to the Nuggets. Going to the Knicks with Anthony will be Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The ‘Melo-Drama’ is over. The superstar got what he wanted –a return home.

The New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets have reportedly completed a three team, twelve player trade that would see Carmelo Anthony play regularly at historic Madison Square Gardens.

This deal, however, raises several questions for the Knicks.

First, can Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, two Alpha Males with egos the size of Manhattan, share the ball and spotlight?

Second, should New York have gutted their roster for Anthony, a scorer who has yet to prove he can make those around him better?

Third, wouldn't they have been wiser to sign Anthony as a free agent when the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed and keep their supporting pieces?

Finally, are the Knicks better with Anthony?

Nevertheless, they deserve credit for taking a chance and acquiring Anthony –even if they had to sacrifice most of their team to do so.

Only time will tell if their gamble pays off, though.

Come back to HoopsVibe News for more on the Anthony trade.

--Oly Sandor.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

Deron Williams began informing associates after last season that if Amar'e Stoudemire wound up in New York, he would follow him there as a free agent in 2012, according to sources.

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Carmelo Anthony has informed people close to him that he will not sign an extension with the Nets, according to sources.  Anthony has had a longstanding preference to play for the Knicks.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets?

For months, Carmelo Anthony has been going back-and-forth on where he hopes the Denver Nuggets trade him. Anthony, of course, has considerable leverage because he can become a free agent at season’s end and pick where he plays.

A trade between Denver and New Jersey is now unlikely because reports are surfacing that Anthony told the Nets he wouldn’t sign an extension with them.

So the Knicks it is, apparently.

The Nets won’t mortgage the house, farm, and family compound in a trade for Anthony if he intends on crossing the Hudson River and signing with the rival Knicks. That would be a public relations disaster.

The Anthony saga is like a crime fiction novel –with twists and turns each day. Don’t completely count the Nets out.   

Today, the Knicks are the frontrunner. Tomorrow is anybody’s guess, however.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe’s News in the comment box below.

The Nets and Nuggets reportedly have reached a tentative agreement on a trade that would send Carmelo Anthony to New Jersey. The deal is pending Anthony's agreement on a long-term contract extension with the Nets. The trade would send Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Sheldon Williams, Melvin Ely and Renaldo Balkman to New Jersey, and Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, Ben Uzoh and four first-round draft picks to Denver.

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Through his assistant, Mikhail Prokhorov apparently denied that the Nets have re-entered trade talks with the Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony.

"Mikhail has not changed his mind," the assistant wrote.When asked if that meant that New Jersey's owner is not interested in continuing his team's pursuit of Anthony, she replied as follows: What I said is what I said. Not what you said."

Reports surfaced on Wednesday and Thursday that the Nets were again engaged with Denver and the discussion was advancing.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: One minute Carmelo Anthony is on his way to the New Jersey Nets as part of a seven player blockbuster trade.

One minute later, the deal is off –and the Nets are maintaining their stance about not giving away the farm to the Denver Nuggets for Anthony.

What report to believe? Well, the truth is in the middle. On paper, a deal between the Nets and Nuggets makes sense.

Mikhail Prokhorov, also known as Russia’s richest man, needs to make headlines before his Nets bolt New Jersey and move into their new billion dollar Brooklyn digs.

Nothing would get the basketball world talking like the Nets acquiring and resigning Anthony, especially if they upstage the rival New York Knicks.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets know Anthony won’t sign an extension to stay in the Mile High City. They have to make a trade before the February 24th deadline.

If there’s no trade, the small forward will become a free agent at season’s end and head for New York. The Nuggets would get nothing back and become like the 2011 Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors post Chris Bosh.

In short, the Nuggets have to cut a trade. The Nets have the best assets.

Unfortunately, both teams know the other’s hand. And the Nuggets and Nets are determined to play hard ball with each other.

Perhaps a deal happens; perhaps not. These teams will have another conversation or two before the trade deadline passes.

Just don't either side to admit it. 

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Timberwolves are one of the teams that have called the Suns to check on the availability of Steve Nash, reports Marc Stein.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Should Minnesota Timberwolves fans laugh or cry after hearing Executive David Kahn tried to trade for the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash?

After all, Nash isn’t a fit for the Wolves. And the Wolves aren’t a fit for Nash. These two would be the worst match since Anna Nicole Smith married that old billionaire.

Nash is 37 years old. The two-time MVP has a limited time horizon, and will only leave the warmth of Phoenix for a contender. Not a good playoff team, but a class organization with legitimate championship aspirations.

Class and championships are words one doesn’t associate with Glen Taylor’s Wolves. And Nash may retire rather than suit up for the rebuilding Wolves.

This would actually be a positive for the Wolves, who must develop Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio -whenever the Euro sensation crosses the Atlantic for America.

Kahn doesn’t see it that way, though. Perhaps he’s inquiring about Nash and Anthony to prove to pending free agent Kevin Love he’s serious about upgrading the team’s talent.

However, Kahn has no chance at either superstar. And his failures only reinforce the Wolves’ inadequacies.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Recent rumors indicate that the Nuggets would like the Knicks to include Raymond Felton in a package for Carmelo Anthony, with Chauncey Billups ending up in New York as part of the deal as well.

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A report from ESPN on Tuesday indicated that the Lakers and Nuggets were holding preliminary discussions about a trade involving Carmelo Anthony and Andrew Bynum.

"What's out there is inaccurate," said a Lakers representative familiar with the negotiations. Denver is also in discussions with the Knicks, the team Anthony is reportedly set on playing for by the 11-12 season.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It sounded too good to be true. Glamour franchise gets glamour scorer and only gives up a talented but brittle center.

And it was.

The Los Angeles Lakers have shot down reports they were considering sending Andrew Bynum to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Carmelo Anthony.

The Lakers likely denied these reports because the Nuggets had little interest in Bynum, a massive five-man who has never fulfilled his considerable potential because of injury.

The only thing about an Anthony-for-Bynum swap that made sense was the money: their annual salaries were a rough match under the NBA’s salary cap.

Contracts aside, this idea was flawed.

For instance, the Nuggets would not give up their superstar and franchise face for an injury prone post with two years remaining on his big-ticket contract.

Instead, the Nuggets want expiring contracts, blue-chip prospects, and/or draft picks for Anthony. Bynum is none of these.

The Lakers have struggled of late; however, sacrificing Bynum’s size for Anthony’s scoring is hardly the answer. After all, Anthony is a shot-first, option-A player.

He doesn’t defer. In fact he can’t defer. And last I checked the Lakers already had the ultimate Alpha-Male scorer in Kobe Bryant.

Then there’s the issue of protecting the paint. The Lakers won game seven of last year’s NBA Finals in large part because Bynum, despite being hurt, controlled the glass against the Boston Celtics.

Without their starting five, the purple-and-gold would be vulnerable against bigger, physical squads, especially in a down-and-dirty playoff series.

Finally, Anthony will opt-out at the end of the season and become a free agent. Would Anthony re-sign out west? And would the Lakers offer an extension for the maximum available under the new financial system?

Expect the Nuggets to go in a different direction when trying to move Anthony. Expect the Lakers to also go in a different direction with any trade deadline upgrades.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

In the three-team package, the Knicks would be giving up Wilson Chandler, Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry's expiring contract. That would seem too good to be true, and one person familiar with talks said there could be other pieces involved.

"I don't think we have anything going, but we're getting a feeling for possibilities,'' Walsh said before the Knicks played the 76ers at the Garden. "We have a better feeling for what's going to happen.'' In Donniespeak, that means things have progressed, with the trade deadline still a very long 19 days away. The Nuggets would get a first-round pick, Chandler and Minnesota's Corey Brewer, but the feeling is they would have to gain more for this deal to take place.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Trading for Carmelo Anthony makes as much sense for the New York Knicks as re-hiring Isiah Thomas.

Maybe less.

After all, Anthony wants to suit up for the Knicks. He’ll take less of everything – shots, cold hard cash, and spotlight- to call Madison Square Garden home.

Why give up an expiring contract, Eddy Curry, and two young assets, Wilson Chandler and Anthony Randolph, when Anthony will sign as a free agent and cost nothing but money?

Speaking of money, Anthony will cost less as a free agent. Suppose the Knicks acquire Melo before the February 24th deadline. They would need to honour the final year of his max contract and extend him under the old Collective Bargaining Agreement.

So Anthony would make $18 million in 2012 and possibly $20 million per year from 2013 to 2016.

Suppose the Knicks hold off on a trade. To become a free agent, Anthony would have to opt-out of the last year of his current contract and leave $18 million on the table.

His next contract would fall under the new CBA, which will reduce all player salaries –even those paid to superstars.

Waiting for Anthony would cost the Knicks far less in terms of assets and money. It’s the smart, prudent move.

Unfortunately, there are rumblings Thomas will return to New York and replace executive Donnie Walsh, despite causing nothing but mayhem and destruction.

Perhaps Anthony becomes a Knick before February 24th.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Several sources told Yahoo! Sports that Carmelo Anthony’s agent, Leon Rose, has recently begun informing teams that the All-Star forward is interested in signing a contract extension with only the New York Knicks.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony’s representatives are confirming the worst secret in sports. One way or another, the three-man will play for the New York Knicks.

Forget the Chicago Bulls or New Jersey Nets; same with the Denver Nuggets. Anthony has his heart set on Madison Square Garden.

The only thing left to be settled is when and how much: when will the All-Star suit up in New York? And how much will it cost the player and team?

Anthony’s representatives have hurt his trade value by making it known he’ll only sign an extension with the Knicks.

This changes Anthony’s situation, making him a two month rental for most teams since he can become a free agent in July. Perhaps a contender with a closing championship window, like Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks, makes a deal before the February 24th trade deadline.

Perhaps the Knicks and Nuggets end this Melo-drama by swinging a deal before the deadline. The Knicks and Anthony would, of course, agree on an extension.

Here’s the most likely scenario: Anthony ends up waiting for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement to be settled, opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent, and promptly signs with the Knicks.

After all, why would the Knicks sacrifice young assets like Wilson Chandler and Landry Fields in a trade for Anthony when they can simply sign him this summer?

There is a twist. Signing with the Knicks as a free agent will cost Anthony. The new CBA will reduce the value of every NBA contract, including those given to superstars. Anthony will bank several million dollars if he can get to New York and agree to an extension before season’s end.

One way or another, Anthony will be a Knick. Timing and money are all that is left to be settled.

--Oly Sandor.

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With a belief the injured Allen Iverson won't return this season, Besiktas of Turkey tried and failed to sign Sundiata Gaines, sources say.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is this his final answer?

Reports indicate Allen ‘The Answer’ Iverson won’t return to his Turkish club team this season because of a leg injury. Of course, next year has to be in doubt, too.

However, the real issue is whether Iverson retires or keeps trudging along, seeking a job overseas as a way to land one final audition with an NBA team.

The last few years have been tough on Iverson. There was his messy divorce with the Philadelphia 76ers; he and Carmelo Anthony never met expectations with the Denver Nuggets; Detroit and Memphis was a disaster; and his reunion with the 76ers was mixed.

Before getting injured, Iverson was having a mediocre season with a somewhat competitive Turkish squad.

Perhaps Iverson is at fault for the way his career is ending. But one of the greatest little men to ever play basketball deserves better than this.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment boxes below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Today, the NBA announced their starting line-up for the February 20th All-Star game in Los Angeles.

Of course, the fans vote in the starters. And the Western and Eastern Conference’s line-ups are filled with the usual suspects. Check out the list below and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

Western Conference:

G Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

G Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets

F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

C Yao Ming, Houston Rockets

Eastern Conference:

G Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

G Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

F LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

F Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks

C Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

 --Oly Sandor

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

ESPN Radio reported Friday that the Nuggets rejected an offer for Carmelo Anthony from the Knicks that included Chandler, Fields , Eddy Curry and a first- round pick.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Complicated is the only way to describe the Carmelo Anthony saga.

Two days after the New Jersey Nets announced they were pulling out of the Anthony sweepstakes, the Denver Nuggets reportedly turned down the New York Knicks' offer of Wilson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Landry Fields, and a first round draft pick.

The Knicks’ offer does contain an expiring contract (Curry), two nice young players (Chandler and Fields), and a first-round pick; however, the Nuggets reportedly want multiple first round draft picks and a blue-chip prospect for Anthony.

If true, the Nuggets miscalculated. The Nets easily had the best offer: 'Team Russia' was willing to part with Troy Murphy’s expiring pact, multiple first round draft picks, blue-chip talent Derrick Favors, and combo guard Devin Harris.

Instead of being greedy and holding out for more from the Nets, perhaps the Nuggets should have made a deal. Now the Nets are out. And now the Anthony saga has become, you guessed it, complicated.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Mikhail Prokhorov, owner of the Nets, announced at a Wednesday press conference that his team is ending negotiations on a trade to acquire Carmelo Anthony.

"It's been too long and too expensive," he said about the chase for Anthony. When asked if this was his final decision, he responded, "For sure." "It's my own decision," Prokhorov said. "(The Nuggets) had a very good proposal. They probably did their best to protect their interests."

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Carmelo Anthony isn't sure how things will end in Denver, but says he learned from LeBron James how not to leave a team. "I would never go about it the way LeBron did it," Anthony told Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Ian Thomsen.

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Uncharacteristically candid on the topic, Avery Johnson diffused reports stating Carmelo Anthony could join the Nets this coming week. "That's laughable," Johnson said about the reports. "It's straight comedy to me and that's the problem because we deal with this stuff everyday and I'm fine dealing with it, you know, but it's laughable. It's comedy.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: What can Avery Johnson say about Carmelo Anthony? After all, the New Jersey Nets’ sideline boss is in a no-win situation.

On the one hand, Johnson can’t admit the organization is trying to trade a third of the roster because the deal may not happen. And then Johnson would be stuck coaching players he tried to trade.

On the other hand, Johnson must be excited about the possibility of adding Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Rip Hamilton to a roster that already has seven-footer Brook Lopez.

But again, he can’t say anything publicly about other teams’ players because that would be tampering.  Johnson is right, though. The Anthony saga is comedy. It’s laughable.

Sure, the Denver Nuggets’ swing is a talented, but the Nets seem a little too willing to put their season on hold to acquire him.

Hopefully, the Nets have a fallback. Anthony has mentioned more than once that his preference is to return home and play for the New York Knicks. He even called it the ‘ultimate’.

And Anthony has leverage in that he can opt-out of his contract at season’s end and sign with New York, the team of his choosing.

The situation is complicated for all involved, so Johnson has no choice but to laugh. In fact, it’s all he can do.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Without specifying either the Knicks or Nets, Carmelo Anthony said on Friday that his "ultimate" dream would be to play in New York. "That's like the ultimate dream at the end of the day," Anthony said. "Who wouldn't want to go back home to play?"

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: New York, New York.

After months of keeping quiet and letting the internet news-cycle run wild, Carmelo Anthony finally stated his dream was to return home to New York and play for the Knicks.

Fair enough. New York is familiar. The Knicks are pretty good. Madison Square Gardens is legendary. And the city also happens to be the media capital of the world.

Now the parties involved –the Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Anthony, and possibly a third team like the Memphis Grizzlies- need to make this happen.

No more talking. No more hints. No more anonymous sources. Lock yourselves in a room and agree on a deal.

Of course, the New Jersey Nets and all other suitors must back off. After all, Anthony is a free agent, meaning he can pick where he wants to play at season’s end.

So the Nets could trade for him and have him walk at season’s end to sign with the cross-town Knicks.

Hopefully, this scenario scares off the Nets. And hopefully, a resolution to this Melo’ drama is coming.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Knicks have reportedly reached out to the Grizzlies to see if they would be willing to include O.J. Mayo in a three-team deal for Carmelo Anthony.

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The Nets are "further along" in talks with the Nuggets on a blockbuster trade for Carmelo Anthony than they have been ever before, according to sources. A three-team deal involving the Pistons that would include at least 15 players could be completed as soon as this week.

"Right now, in New York we have a solid team," Stoudemire said. "We don't really need much. We're playing well. We feel like the team we have can be very successful if we keep improving individually and as a team on the defensive end."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Suddenly, Amar’e Stoudemire is singing a different tune.

When the Standing Tall and Talented Post signed with the New York Knicks, he promised he’d recruit two or three of his superstar buddies –like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and possibly Tony Parker.

Well, Paul isn’t leaving New Orleans in the near term, unless the Hornets franchise leaves New Orleans. Parker has re-signed with the rejuvenated San Antonio Spurs.

Knick-nation can probably cross Anthony off the list, too, which doesn’t bother Stoudemire. Not one bit. 

Winning has changed things. After years of dysfunction, disgust, and dreadful basketball, New York is relevant. There’s chemistry. And Stoudemire doesn’t want to blow things up for Anthony.

Anthony, as a volume shooter, has to get his. His demand for touches and shots would surely impact Stoudemire and his supporting cast of Wilson Chandler, Ray Felton, Danillo Gallineri, and the promising Landry Fields.

And that impact could be good or bad. So Stoudemire seems comfortable with the status-quo. Hopefully, that appeases New York and Knick-nation.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Two sources confirmed to CBSSports.com Friday night that the Nets were trying to recruit the Pistons to enter a blockbuster three-team scenario in which New Jersey would've gotten Anthony and Chauncey Billups from the Nuggets and Richard Hamilton from the Pistons. The complicated and intriguing scenario was first reported by the The Record of Hackensack, N.J. 

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Not long ago, GM Joe Dumars was confident he could rebuild his Detroit Pistons on the fly.

The plan was simple enough: trade Chauncey Billups’ multi-year contract for Allen Iverson’s expiring contract; let Iverson’s contract come off-the-books; and ink a big-ticket free agent.

Then Detroit would be back. They’d have the horses to beat the Boston Celtics and win another championship.

Well, the plan never materialized. Instead of landing a big-ticket free agent, Dumars signed underachievers like Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. And instead of rebuilding on the fly, the Pistons have gotten worse.

They’re part of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. Only they aren’t competing for Anthony, the big-ticket piece they supposedly covet. They’ve been relegated to third team status.

Reports indicate the Pistons’ involvement will allow the Nets to get Anthony, and former Piston Billups, who Dumars originally dealt to the Denver Nuggets for Iverson three years ago.

Things have come full circle for Piston-nation. Rebuilding on the fly didn’t work. Now Dumars must tear the team he built down and start all over.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan was interested in making an offer to acquire Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets until, sources said, the All-Star forward informed Jordan through a representative that he had no interest in playing for the struggling Bobcats or signing a contract extension with them.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: As a player, Michael Jordan had influence. As an owner, he doesn’t have the same pull.

For instance, controversial forward Carmelo Anthony has politely said thanks but no thanks to joining Jordan’s Charlotte Bobcats.

The star forward recently told The GOAT he had no interest in signing a long-term extension in small market Charlotte and becoming the Bobcats’ saviour, so Jordan shouldn’t bother trying to acquire him from the Denver Nuggets.

Fair enough.

So Jordan has created a quagmire in Charlotte. As owner and head of basketball operations, he seems either unable or unwilling to draft and develop players.

This means he must build his squad through trades and free agency –which is problematic. For instance, superstars and top talent, like Anthony, prefer major markets with filthy rich owners to Jordan’s poorer, small market Bobcats.

Unfortunately, Jordan is again learning the hard way that owning and running a team is very different than starring for one.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Mavericks are aggressively trying to acquire Carmelo Anthony, according to league source. Dallas isn't concerned about receiving any assurances from Anthony about signing a long-term deal after the season.

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Another player the Nuggets will likely move is shooting guard J.R. Smith, who has drawn interest from the Chicago Bulls.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: 30 teams love his talent and hate his attitude.

Of course, we’re referring to J.R. Smith, the skilled but outlandish two-guard for the Denver Nuggets.

Smith can play: he can sink the three-pointer with ease; he can attack the basket and poster-job opponents; and he can involve others with his passing.

He can also alienate with his attitude. For instance, Smith and Denver Coach George Karl don’t talk. Assistant coaches have acted as go-betweens for several years.

An opposing GM might be tempted to deal for Smith before the February trade deadline. He has toned down his antics and recently set the viral world ablaze with last week’s facial on Gary Neal.

Best of all, Smith’s $6 million per year comes off the books July 1st, so there’s little risk. His expiring contract will provide financial flexibility whenever the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is settled.

Enter the Chicago Bulls. They could use a little more offensive punch, especially with Carlos Boozer struggling to find his form after a pre-season injury.

The hold-up is Carmelo Anthony. The ‘Melo-drama’ is complicated and Smith’s contract may be needed to complete any trade with the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks.

Bottom line: Smith’s future in Denver is uncertain.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Despite reports that Carmelo Anthony doesn't want to play in Newark, the Nets haven't been told that and they continue to pursue the forward, according to multiple sources.