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.
Devin Harris
Rumor: Nets and Nuggets 'further along' on Carmelo trade?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Written by HoopsVibe News
Rumor: Avery Johnson and Troy Murphy beefin` in New Jersey?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Written by HoopsVibe News
Troy Murphy will be activated for tomorrow's game against Portland, coach Avery Johnson says, which should represent his first NBA action since Nov. 13. But the 30-year-old said that's news to him. The New Jersey native indicated that he doesn't speak with Johnson -- "not at all" -- and expressed frustration with the coach's critiques of his fitness. "You have to ask (Johnson why he thinks I wasn't in shape)," Murphy said. "I've been in this league for 10 years. I know what I do. I pride myself in all that. You have to ask him." Just minutes earlier, Johnson said he has held Murphy out of the lineup and off the roster "out of respect to him."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Both are at fault. Both should be careful.
Like it or not, Avery Johnson has a reputation. Known as The Little General during his playing days, Johnson’s demanding style has rubbed players the wrong way.
For instance, he clashed with Devin Harris when they were together with the Dallas Mavericks (Harris did endorse Johnson as coach of the Nets). Clearly, he and Troy Murphy are having issues.
Beefing with good players is fine, especially when you have championship rings from your playing days. Beefing with a future member of the basketball Hall of Fame is not fine.
Johnson couldn’t click with legendary table-setter Jason Kidd in Dallas. This was part of the reason he was fired by Team Mark Cuban.
The NBA is a small world. Players, executives, and owners talk. Right or wrong, confrontational coaches are a thing of the past.
So Johnson may want to be less antagonistic –or he’ll find himself on the outside looking in like former Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell and basketball genius Eric Musselman.
(For the record, Mitchell and Musselman can coach. Both deserve better.)
Of course, Murphy is walking also rather precarious line. He’s had moments, but never lived up to his potential with the Golden State Warriors or Indiana Pacers.
Murphy also never lived up to the six-year, $60 million extension he signed with the Warriors in 2004. Murphy’s hometown Nets acquired him for his expiring contract.
The southpaw will be looking for a team this summer. Feuding with Johnson will cost him millions of dollars; after all, the free agent market will be affected by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Johnson and Murphy need to find common ground. Or they must keep their squabbles private. The current situation isn’t good for either of them.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Like it or not, Avery Johnson has a reputation. Known as The Little General during his playing days, Johnson’s demanding style has rubbed players the wrong way.
For instance, he clashed with Devin Harris when they were together with the Dallas Mavericks (Harris did endorse Johnson as coach of the Nets). Clearly, he and Troy Murphy are having issues.
Beefing with good players is fine, especially when you have championship rings from your playing days. Beefing with a future member of the basketball Hall of Fame is not fine.
Johnson couldn’t click with legendary table-setter Jason Kidd in Dallas. This was part of the reason he was fired by Team Mark Cuban.
The NBA is a small world. Players, executives, and owners talk. Right or wrong, confrontational coaches are a thing of the past.
So Johnson may want to be less antagonistic –or he’ll find himself on the outside looking in like former Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell and basketball genius Eric Musselman.
(For the record, Mitchell and Musselman can coach. Both deserve better.)
Of course, Murphy is walking also rather precarious line. He’s had moments, but never lived up to his potential with the Golden State Warriors or Indiana Pacers.
Murphy also never lived up to the six-year, $60 million extension he signed with the Warriors in 2004. Murphy’s hometown Nets acquired him for his expiring contract.
The southpaw will be looking for a team this summer. Feuding with Johnson will cost him millions of dollars; after all, the free agent market will be affected by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Johnson and Murphy need to find common ground. Or they must keep their squabbles private. The current situation isn’t good for either of them.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Rumor: Clippers and Nets leading Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Written by HoopsVibe News
According to one report, the Nets are not willing to include Brook Lopez in an attempt to trade for Carmelo Anthony. But New Jersey's offer of Devin Harris, Derek Favors and draft picks may still give the Nuggets the best pieces in return for Anthony.
The Nuggets have had discussions with the Bulls that center around Luol Deng and Taj Gibson. The Warriors may offer Stephen Curry, Andris Biedrins and draft picks but are not sure that they will make Curry available. The Clippers are called a long shot with Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon the likely two targets whom Denver would look to acquire.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Going, going, not quite gone.
Reports indicate the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Jersey Nets have made offers to the Denver Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony.
Consider all the proposals: the Bulls are dangling Luol Deng and Taj Gibson; the Clippers have made Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman available; the Nets are willing to part with Derrick Favors and Devin Harris; and the Warriors are assembling a package around Andris Biedrins.
Reports indicate the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Jersey Nets have made offers to the Denver Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony.
Consider all the proposals: the Bulls are dangling Luol Deng and Taj Gibson; the Clippers have made Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman available; the Nets are willing to part with Derrick Favors and Devin Harris; and the Warriors are assembling a package around Andris Biedrins.
Two teams stand out: the Los Angeles Clippers and New Jersey Nets.
The Nuggets have to be intrigued by the Clips’ offer. Gordon would solve a hole at the two-spot, while Kaman would provide a much-needed seven-footer down low.
The Nets’ offer is also interesting. Favors is a spectacular blue-chip talent; Harris can play next to Chauncey Billups, learn the tricks of the trade from the veteran, and eventually replace him at the one-spot.
Also, Anthony would likely consider signing an extension with both the Clippers and Nets. Los Angeles is a major market. And New Jersey will soon be a major market when they cross the river to Brooklyn in a few years.
So expect the Clippers and Nets to be in play –if the Nuggets finally trade Anthony.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The Nets’ offer is also interesting. Favors is a spectacular blue-chip talent; Harris can play next to Chauncey Billups, learn the tricks of the trade from the veteran, and eventually replace him at the one-spot.
Also, Anthony would likely consider signing an extension with both the Clippers and Nets. Los Angeles is a major market. And New Jersey will soon be a major market when they cross the river to Brooklyn in a few years.
So expect the Clippers and Nets to be in play –if the Nuggets finally trade Anthony.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Jordan Farmar will sign, and excel, with New Jersey Nets
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Written by HoopsVibe News
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar has agreed to a three-year, $12-million deal with the New Jersey Nets, his agent, Arn Tellem, confirmed to ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher on Sunday night.
"Jordan will be an excellent complement to Devin Harris in the backcourt," Nets president Rod Thorn said in a statement released by the team. "He comes to the Nets with championship pedigree, which will prove to be invaluable to his teammates."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He still has upside.
Many have written Jordan Farmar off as a journeyman guard because he had mostly mixed results during his four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
This would be a mistake.
Farmar is just 23 years old. In New Jersey, he’ll get consistent minutes behind and next to Devin Harris. In New Jersey, he’ll get be tutored by demanding Coach Avery Johnson, a championship winning point guard with the San Antonio Spurs.
This will help the former UCLA star maximize his considerable skill-set. For instance, Farmar is one of the NBA`s fastest players, and Johnson will teach him to better use his quicks to control tempo.
The Nets – even though, they struck out on the summer’s top free agents – are having a solid summer. They’ve signed many young free agents to cost effective contracts.
For instance, Travis Outlaw - a talented, versatile player - inked a five year, $35 million pact; Johan Petro is an ideal back-up to budding star Brook Lopez, especially at $3 million per year; and Farmar, who will likely develop into a top reserve table-setter, will earn a reasonable $4 million per annum.
Farmar has upside. And so do the Nets.
-- Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Rumor: New Jersey Nets interested in Tyrus Thomas?
Friday, July 09, 2010
Written by HoopsVibe News
The Nets could sign restricted free-agent forward Tyrus Thomas to a significant, front-loaded offer sheet after swinging and missing on this summer's top free agents.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: After striking out on big-ticket free agents, the Nets have wisely avoided overpaying second-tier guys and instead targeted young, undervalued players.
For instance, they recently signed Travis Outlaw to a multi-year deal for a very fair $25 million. And word is their considering a run at restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas.
Thomas has the physical tools: athleticism, length, and skill. However, he’s still young, raw, and, frankly, a bit immature.
Enter Avery Johnson.
He is known as ‘The Little General’ for a reason. Johnson, a former Coach of the Year and champion-winning point guard with the Spurs, would be able to develop Thomas’ physical gifts, while also nurturing the mental side of things.
Thomas would also fit nicely with a developing core of Derrick Favours, Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Brook Lopez, and Outlaw.
However, there’s a catch: Thomas is a restricted free agent. The Charlotte Bobcats can match any offer he receives.
Look for the Nets to front-load any offer they tender, which would make it harder for the thrifty and small market Bobcats to match.
Despite losing out on Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, New Jersey is having a solid and productive off-season.
-- Oly Sandor.
-Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below with thoughts.
For instance, they recently signed Travis Outlaw to a multi-year deal for a very fair $25 million. And word is their considering a run at restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas.
Thomas has the physical tools: athleticism, length, and skill. However, he’s still young, raw, and, frankly, a bit immature.
Enter Avery Johnson.
He is known as ‘The Little General’ for a reason. Johnson, a former Coach of the Year and champion-winning point guard with the Spurs, would be able to develop Thomas’ physical gifts, while also nurturing the mental side of things.
Thomas would also fit nicely with a developing core of Derrick Favours, Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Brook Lopez, and Outlaw.
However, there’s a catch: Thomas is a restricted free agent. The Charlotte Bobcats can match any offer he receives.
Look for the Nets to front-load any offer they tender, which would make it harder for the thrifty and small market Bobcats to match.
Despite losing out on Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, New Jersey is having a solid and productive off-season.
-- Oly Sandor.
-Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below with thoughts.
Rumor: Nets to trade for Chris Paul so they can sign LeBron James?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Written by HoopsVibe News
There have been rumors that the Nets might pursue point guard Chris Paul through a trade. Since they don't seem to be all that high on any of the players they are likely to get with the No. 3 pick, such as Georgia Tech`s Derrick Favors, Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins or Syracuse`s Wes Johnson, they could trade the pick to get an established player.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’ve been making nice.
Since being named coach of the New Jersey Nets, Avery Johnson and Devin Harris have praised each other publicly. Johnson has insisted he’s proud of Harris’ development, while Harris has insisted his development is because of Johnson’s teachings.
Can you feel the love?
Such a dog-and-pony show is necessary because these two had a tumultuous run together with the Dallas Mavericks.
Johnson was coaching a Maverick team that was expected to win a championship. As a former point guard he was particularly hard on Harris, a young table-setter with heaps of potential.
Something was off, though. Johnson quickly lost faith in Harris and signed off on a controversial trade that sent him to, ironically, the Nets for Jason Kidd.
But Kidd couldn’t put Dallas over the top. Johnson was promptly fired. Harris made the All-Star team in 2009, but struggled with injuries in 2010.
Yet, they are back together, insisting fences have been mended and Kumbaya has been sung. For now.
Reports indicate the Nets are dangling their 2010 draft pick in hopes of plucking Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets. CP3 heading to The Swamps of Jersey/Borough of Brooklyn makes sense for three reasons:
First, New Orleans is a struggling market. With second year point guard Darren Collison in the wings, they could swap Paul and his max deal for cheap talent.
Second, New Jersey is now a have-market. New owner Mikhail Prokhorov - also known as Russia’s richest man with a net worth of $18 billion - wants to make headlines this off-season. Acquiring Paul, who is arguably the game’s best point guard when fit and healthy, would achieve this end.
Third, and most importantly, Paul is tight with LeBron James, the jewel of the 2010 free agent class. And Prokhorov would surely use Paul and rapper/minority owner Jay-Z to recruit James to the East Coast.
So the Nets are looking to upgrade the one-spot. If Paul is acquired, Harris would surely be dealt.
Before dismissing this rumor remember that Nets’ senior executive Rod Thorn admitted to reporters that Harris and center Brook Lopez do not have untouchable status and could be moved.
Maybe Harris` lovefest with Johnson shouldn`t be believed. And maybe New Jersey trades him.
Got thoughts? Well, get at us in the comment box.
Devin Harris Wants Avery Johnson in NJ
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Written by HoopsVibe News
Here's one vote for Avery Johnson as the next coach of the Nets.
"I love Avery. Love him," said Devin Harris, who played for Johnson in Dallas and hopes to do so again with the Nets.
"Avery would be a good coach anywhere."
The Nets will search for a coach when their catastrophic season, which continues tonight in Milwaukee (8:00, WBBR-1130 AM, no TV), concludes in another week.
There could be a pursuit of Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, though three times publicly he has said he is not interested. Jeff Van Gundy also is a favorite. And Johnson is in the mix.