HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Signing with the New York Knicks would have been a good business decision.

New York is the media capital of the world, so calling Madison Square Garden home would have allowed LeBron James to maximize his brand.

Each day, he could’ve spent a few hours on basketball. After practice or games, he could’ve jumped in his limo, rubbed shoulders with Fortune 500 CEOS, and furthered his business empire.

However, signing with the Miami Heat was a good basketball decision.

The Heat could, and did, attract three superstars because they had the cap space to offer three max contracts. The Knicks could only attract two superstars because they only had the cap space to offer two max contracts.

And that’s why James picked Miami over the New York. He wanted to play with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in Miami. Not Bosh or Wade in New York.

More specifically: he wanted to win multiple championships with Bosh and Wade in Miami. Not contend for multiple championships with Bosh or Wade in New York.

Whatever your thoughts on how James left the Cleveland Cavaliers, you can’t fault him for signing with Miami and ignoring New York.

--Oly Sandor.

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According to Yahoo! Sports, the Nuggets look ready to part ways with Carmelo Anthony who has made it clear he wants out of Denver. Anthony's camp has advised the Nuggets to deal the superstar forward since he plans to leave as a free agent next summer.

The relationship has become contentious, with Anthony's representatives making heavy-handed demands and Stan Kroenke responding in kind. "It’s almost a given they’re going to move him," said a team executive who has talked with both the Nuggets and Anthony’s agents.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Carmelo Anthony saga has hit the Denver Nuggets at an inopportune time.

George Karl, the coach, is battling cancer, so his future is uncertain. Masai Ujiri, the GM, is brand spanking new. The Kroenke family, the owners, are shuffling who oversees the various holdings in their empire, which includes the basketball team.

The Nuggets are in flux. Anthony - or any superstar - wouldn't sign a multi-year extension under such dire circumstances

The only thing harder than re-signing Anthony: getting equal value in a trade.

Consider Ujiri's predicament. He’s new. He has no leverage since Anthony can bolt as a free agent in July. Opposing GMs will likely lowball the former Raptors’ executive. And it’s never easy to get fair compensation when moving a superstar.  

Help will also be limited. Karl is trying to get healthy, while the Kroenke clan are preoccupied with buying the NFL’s St. Louis Rams.

At least, the Nuggets have decided to trade Anthony. However, the hard part, the actual deal, is just starting.

--Oly Sandor.

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Anthony has hesitated to sign a three-year, $65 million extension and expressed intrigue with opting out of his contract next summer to become a free agent. Despite significant speculation the New York Knicks are the team that Anthony would most likely want to join, two sources close to him insisted the Knicks have been overstated as an object of his desire. Privately, Anthony has expressed more enthusiasm over joining the Houston Rockets than the Knicks, sources said.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For Carmelo Anthony, it's not all about New York.

Recent reports indicate Anthony is lobbying for a trade to the Houston Rockets, which would leave the Knicks in the cold. 

This is a surprise, but not a shock.

The Knicks lack the parts to trade for Anthony, so team and player would have to link up in July when the superstar hits free agency.

This may be too great a risk for Anthony, especially with a three-year, $65 million offer on the table from the Denver Nuggets. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires next summer, and a new CBA would likely reduce the salary Anthony could earn as a free agent.

The star is trying to protect his earning power by engineering a sign-and-trade. And it explains why Anthony is considering taking the Nuggets' money and heading south to the Rockets.

The Rockets possess the assets to trade for Anthony and can still provide a solid supporting cast. He'd also remain in the Western Conference, away from the Boston Celtics' veterans, the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, and the Miami Heat's Three Kings.

Bottom line: Anthony isn't sleeping on Houston. Neither should we.    

--Oly Sandor.

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Us being in New York is a possibility," LaLa said. "It depends on Melo's career and where it takes him. There's a lot of talk about the Knicks, I mean, there's a lot of teams out there, he's a great player and I think collectively we just need to think about what makes sense for our family. But I would never say that being in New York is not an option. I'd be lying to you if I said that."

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Their interest in the New York Knicks is understandable.

LaLa Vasquez and Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony have ties to the east coast. Both were born in Brooklyn. She was raised in New York; he spent his formative years in Baltimore and won an NCAA championship at Syracuse University.

So we get it. They’re connected to The Big Apple.

Then there’s the culture de jour of the NBA. Today, most superstars want to play in sexy markets for big revenue teams who’ll spend to win. In fact, they believe this is their divine right.

Translation: New York, the Knicks, and Madison Square Gardens appeal to Vasquez and Anthony.

But ‘Melo has a contract. For 2011. With Denver. And he doesn’t become a free agent for ten months, and then, and only then, will he get to pick his next home. All the chatter is premature.

Of course, a trade could happen. Key word: could. The Nuggets – not Anthony or Vasquez – will make this decision.  

Until the organization that has supported and paid him so handsomely makes this call, Anthony and Vasquez should tone things down.

Anthony needs to release a statement saying he won’t discuss the future because he’s focusing on the upcoming season, while Vasquez needs to avoid the press.

Not only will the league’s power couple look professional, it will provide a much needed cooling off period for the Nuggets and Knicks to, perhaps, swing a trade.

After all, such a trade is complicated. The Nuggets would be cutting ties with their franchise face. The Knicks would have time to find an appropriate mix of assets to offer.

Bottom line: the publicity, the 24-hour Carmelo Anthony news cycle, the gossip, the rumors aren’t in anyone’s interest.

In fact, it’s only making a migration to the NYC more complicated for Vasquez and Anthony.

--Oly Sandor.

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Although the Knicks credited Isiah Thomas with helping the team land Amar'e Stoudemire this summer, Stoudemire himself told the media that he never even spoke to Thomas before making his decision to sign in New York.

"No. I didn't talk to him once," said Stoudemire. "I never talked with him once." Asked if he's ever met Thomas, Stoudemire said, "A while ago, I think.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This is exhibit 4,489 that the New York Knicks are dysfunctional.

For weeks, owner James Dolan has publicly credited Isiah Thomas - his disgraced former coach and executive - with helping the Knicks to sign free agent Amar'e Stoudemire.

Dolan then rehired Thomas as an outside consultant because of his supposed success with Stoudemire.

It didn't matter that Thomas once ran the organization into the ground. It didn't matter that Thomas was sued for sexual harassment. And it didn't matter that Thomas' consulting gig would pose a conflict of interest with his day job as coach of Florida International University.

According to Dolan, Thomas could relate to stars like Stoudemire. So he was back.

Now we discover Thomas had no role in the Stoudemire signing. Zero. Zilch. None. In fact, the All-Star four-man can't even confirm if or when he talked to Thomas.

Either Stoudemire has a sudden case of amnesia or Dolan is a liar. My money is on the latter.

Why would the Knicks' madman go to such lengths to bring Thomas back? And why would he credit Thomas for a signing he had no part in?

The answer: Dolan wants Thomas to replace Donnie Walsh as head suit.

Eventually, Walsh's health will force him to retire. Dolan and Thomas are still close, and this relationship could result in Isiah returning to the city and franchise he once terrorized.

Dolan wanted Thomas in the loop, so he could quickly transition from consultant to executive whenever Walsh calls it quits.

And if that hiring ever happens, it will be even more evidence that the Knicks are dysfunctional.

--Oly Sandor.

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I mentioned this in my report yesterday on the feud/pending divorce between Rudy Fernandez and the Portland Trail Blazers, but it belongs in the lead paragraph for this site: The Knicks are among the teams trying to acquire the Spanish shooting guard, and they have offered Wilson Chandler.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For many reasons, Wilson Chandler isn't enough.

The on-going and never-ending Rudy Fernandez trade saga has backed the Portland Trail Blazers and their rookie GM Richie Cho into a corner.

So the New York Knicks offer of Chandler, an athletic swing, won't get a deal done and bring the Spaniard to The Big Apple.

The Blazers are peeved at Fernandez's constant whining to the international press. And Cho, who was just hired as head suit, can't accept anything but equal value in a trade.

Put yourself in Cho's situation. This is your first test as GM. Why cave to Fernandez's demands, take back less than equal value, and bear the brunt of a fan backlash? Instead, why not make a strong first impression with 'Rip City' and try for a home run?

Chandler's mixed record doesn't help. On-court, his athleticism is obvious. Off-court, is a different story: in May, he was arrested for possession of pot during a traffic stop in Queens, New York.

Of course, Portland is weary of acquiring such players because they endured years of 'Jail Blazer' antics and arrests.

Bottom line: the Knicks must up the ante if they want Fernandez's three-point shooting and energy in Madison Square Gardens next season.

--Oly Sandor.

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If the Rockets or Nets can present an offer that is agreeable to the Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony is open to being traded to, and signing a long-term extension with, one of these two clubs. The story was reported by Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, citing multiple league sources familiar with the situation.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If Carmelo Anthony wanted to stay with the Denver Nuggets, he would've taken their three-year, $65 million contract offer.

This thing would've been signed, sealed, and delivered long ago. There's no deal and the speculation is hitting fever pitch.

After all, reports indicate Anthony has zero intention of re-upping with Denver. Instead, he wants to opt-out of his contract next July, hit free agency, and pick his new home.

So the Nuggets have two options. First, they can ignore the headlines, hope the seemingly inevitable doesn't occur, and pray that Anthony re-signs.

This is unlikely, and will result in Anthony's pending free agency becoming such a distraction the season will be compromised. Then he'll leave.

Second, they can accept the inevitable and trade him for a new cast of players to surround star point guard Chauncey Billups. The list of suitors for Anthony reportedly includes the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic.

The Nuggets should be able to find a deal to their liking. In fact, it seems they don't have much choice.

--Oly Sandor.

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A "methodical connecting of dots" is beginning to paint a grim picture in Denver. These are some of the dots: Carmelo's selling his Littleton estate; the constant reports of Anthony telling friends that he wants to play for the New York Knicks; his New York wedding; his East Coast upbringing; summer trade talk that has cropped up twice in his time in Denver, which hasn't always made him feel wanted; oh, and not signing a contract that averages around $21.6 million per year for the next three years, a sizable amount of money that he may not be able to earn under a new collective bargaining agreement.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s starting to feel inevitable.

Perhaps, Carmelo Anthony passes on the Denver Nuggets three-year, $65 million extension and takes less money and term to sign with the New York Knicks.
 
One sign has been overlooked: the All-Star forward has been especially active in negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with owners. The old CBA expires next summer, which is when Anthony can become a free agent.

His participation in union-owner meetings shows Anthony is very much weighing what he’d have to sacrifice to leave Denver for New York. Heading east has crossed his mind.

Whatever his decision, Anthony must handle free agency better than a certain player selected ahead of him in the 2003 Draft (for the record, we’re not talking about Darko Milicic).

--Oly Sandor.

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Stefan Bondy: Asked eva longoria if tony parker wants to play in new york: her answer, "yes"

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: No surprise here.

The Desperate Housewife wants hubby Tony Parker to take his talent to the media capital of the world, New York City. So Parker - a free agent at season's end - could be on the move.

The San Antonio Spurs have young George Hill waiting in the wings at point guard. And Manu Ginobili found his game when Parker was injured during the latter months of the 2010 regular season.

A move to New York is slightly more complicated than Mr. and Mrs. Eva Longoria realize, though.

The Knicks have their eyes on prying superstar Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets. However, the Knicks could add Paul and Parker.

Coach Mike D'Antoni would love the scoring opportunities Paul and Parker would collectively create, and he wouldn't worry about their lack of size on defense.

This isn't such a crazy idea. Remember, Coach Gregg Popovich once considered moving Parker to the two-spot when the Spurs were chasing free agent point guard Jason Kidd.

Now Kidd is bigger than Paul and Parker. He can easily defend opposing two-guards. But Paul and Parker would compensate for their smaller stature by pressuring the ball full court, and they would be protected in D'Antoni's up-tempo system.

Again, it's no surprise Parker has interest in New York. The surprise could be having Paul as his backcourt mate.

--Oly Sandor.

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Trevor Ariza was traded to the Hornets on Wednesday as part of a four-team trade.His departure may help team chemistry, as Ariza reportedly had a 'troubled relationship' with Aaron Brooks.

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New York Knicks president of basketball operations Donnie Walsh announced Thursday that the team has signed guard Andy Rautins, the 38th overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft, to a player contract.

Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Rautins, 6-4, 194-pounds, played four seasons at Syracuse University and averaged 12.1 points and 4.9 assists as a senior in 2009-10.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: On Tuesday evening, I had a press pass for the Jack Donohue International Classic between Canada and China in Vancouver, BC.

Andy Rautins is the starting off-guard for the Canadians. What New York fans have heard is true: the former Syracuse star has serious range.

On Tuesday, he was 4-of-6 from behind the three-point line. Two of his three-pointers were from well beyond the arc. His jump shot can punish opposing defenses for cheating or double-teaming.  

Rautins, at 6-6, also has nice size for the two-spot. He’s an above average passer and competes on both ends of the floor.

However, his mid-range game is an area of concern. Rautins needs to develop an in-between game to complement his outside shot.

Rautins does have a strong basketball IQ. His father is Leo Rautins, a former center with the Philadelphia 76ers, broadcaster, and the current coach of the Canadian national side.

Maybe Rautins sticks in New York. Maybe he doesn’t. He only needs the right opportunity to show he’s an NBA player.

--Oly Sandor.

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Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is a free agent next summer and he has told friends that he's "eager to explore playing" for the New York Knicks when his contract is up, according to CBSSports.com.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will he ‘eagerly’ sacrifice millions of dollars to leave the Denver Nuggets and sign with the New York Knicks?

This, of course, is the important point. Not that Anthony likes the Five Burroughs. 

Carmelo Anthony, a free agent in 2011, obviously has his eyes on the bright lights of Madison Square Gardens and New York City.

After all, Anthony and wife Lala Vaszuez were both born in Brooklyn. The Knicks are a classic franchise with the resources to sign the scorer and provide a supporting cast.

Problem is, the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires next summer. And NBA owners want a new CBA that limits the power superstars like Anthony have over franchises.

So the Nuggets will have even greater leverage over Anthony. Perhaps they’ll be able to offer him even more money than other teams. Perhaps they’ll be able to tack on an additional two years to his contract. Or perhaps the entire system changes and Anthony doesn’t become a free agent.

Eager or not, there are many factors to be determined before Anthony heads east for New York.

--Oly Sandor.

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Stephon Marbury told The Post yesterday that he is done with the NBA. He will never get a second chance with the Knicks like Isiah Thomas, whose NBA life was resuscitated by James Dolan on Friday.

"Good luck, New York," Marbury said wryly in reacting to Thomas' return to the Knicks as a part-time consultant. "Good luck, New York."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Do I detect a note of sarcasm from the one they call The Starbury?

Stephon Marbury and Isiah Thomas were once allies with the New York Knicks. Thomas traded for Marbury, a former New York high school star. And for a while, the two were connected at the hip.

Once the losing started, once the negative press began, once Thomas' sexual harassment case made national headlines, they turned on each other.

Marbury refused to support Thomas and the organization during the sexual harassment case. The problems then spilled over to the basketball court, and the two had a confrontation on the team plane. For their shenanigans, both were run out the NBA.

There is a difference between these two: Thomas is getting a second chance, Marbury is not.

Perhaps, Marbury's sarcasm is really sour grapes.

--Oly Sandor.

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Carmelo Anthony may soon face the same predicament close friend LeBron James was in -- playing for a club good enough to compete but not to win a championship. We all know what choice LeBron made, and Anthony could make a similar decision next year. Anthony has been long rumored to favor the Knicks, who didn't waste their remaining salary cap money on lesser free agents, choosing to save the cash. The Nuggets stayed relatively quiet in the offseason besides the additions of Al Harrington and Shelden Williams, and they don't look dramatically different from the team that lost in the first round to Utah in May. Unless the Nuggets make some dramatic moves over the next 12 months, they risk losing Anthony for nothing.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It could happen.

Carmelo Anthony could leave as a free agent. The Nuggets could get nothing back. And the city of Denver could get angry with Anthony like Cleveland did with LeBron James.

However, two things work in the Nuggets' favour. First, there isn't a crew of superstars to lure him from Denver. The New York Knicks have cap space, Amar'e Stoudemire, and play in the media capital of the world.

They don't have a once in a generation swingman like Dwyane Wade, though.

Second, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is coming next summer, likely before Anthony hits free agency. The new CBA will surely give teams' greater power in retaining top free agents because owners are frustrated with the leverage superstars have.

So Anthony may have to sacrifice significant money and/or term to leave Denver for the New York Knicks.

This could still happen. Anthony could also decide to take the most money available and re-sign with the Nuggets

--Oly Sandor.

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Tracy McGrady might be playing in the Central Division next season, but not with the team he was anticipating. The Detroit Pistons are seriously weighing whether to sign the two-time scoring champion after McGrady's recent flirtation with the Chicago Bulls, according to sources with knowledge of Detroit's thinking.

DraftExpress.com's Jonathan Givony reported earlier Saturday that the Pistons have already committed to sign McGrady to a one-year deal at the league's $1.35 million veteran minimum, but one source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Pistons officials were "taking the weekend" to discuss the move.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will ‘T-Mac’ spend 2011 in Motown?

Currently, there are conflicting reports on the World Wide Web as to the Detroit Pistons’ interest in former superstar Tracy McGrady.

Some reports claim he’s already a Piston. Other reports claim the club only had a 'discussion' about signing him.

Bottom line: this should happen. It’s a fit for the team and player.

The Pistons failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2010, and – as currently constructed - they stand zero chance of qualifying in the revamped Eastern Conference in 2011.

They need to rebuild, but must field a team in the interim. McGrady’s name and previous life as a superstar will keep things somewhat interesting at The Palace in Auburn Hills.

Meanwhile, the mediocre Pistons are ideal for McGrady. He’ll get the shots, minutes, and touches to re-establish his name and prolong his career.

After all, the Houston Rockets told McGrady to take a hike. And the New York Knicks took a pass after providing an end of year audition in 2010.

So the Pistons would get a distraction. And McGrady would get an opportunity. Sounds like a win-win for all involved.

--Oly Sandor.

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In a Friday telephone interview, Donnie Walsh said there were no plans for Isiah Thomas to resume a full-time position with the Knicks. Walsh said Thomas had initiated the discussions on returning to the team in some formal capacity.

"Isiah can help us in the areas that he’ll consult with us in," Walsh said.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Insanity is repeating the same behaviour and expecting a different result.

On the surface, it would appear reasonable to call the New York Knicks decision to re-hire Isiah Thomas insane.

Thomas, of course, decimated the franchise. He traded for Stephon Marbury and Eddy Curry. He signed Jerome James for mid-level money. And he got involved in a sexual harassment case.

Why would new Knicks executive Donnie Walsh bring ‘Zeke’ back as an outside consultant? Why would Walsh and this classic franchise seek such drama?   

To be fair, Thomas has always been an astute judge of talent. For instance, he drafted sleepers like blue-collar swingman Trevor Ariza and scoring post David Lee.

Thomas can supposedly relate to today’s players better than Walsh and coach Mike D’Antoni. This apparently helped the club sign pogo-stick free agent Amar’e Stoudemire.

And the Knicks are hoping Thomas’ communication skills can land them two more free agents. Next summer, they want Carmelo Anthony. Two summers from now, they’re scheming on Chris Paul.

Perhaps, this isn’t insanity. Perhaps, this is a calculated risk.       

After all, the Knicks have Thomas on their terms. Most of the time, he’ll be coaching at Florida International University. When needed, he’s available to give his opinion on prospects or help woo free agents.

The Knicks will only be utilizing Thomas’ strengths, and not giving him an opportunity or chance to show his obvious weaknesses as an administrator.

Perhaps this isn’t insanity or even a calculated risk. Public relations aside, this type of ad hoc, casual arrangement could work for the team and Thomas.

--Oly Sandor.

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Shannon Brown is "leaning" toward returning to the Lakers to go for a "three-peat", according to his agent Mark Bartelstein. Brown is expected to make his final decision on Thursday. The free agent has also been considering the Knicks.

"The Knicks did a great job selling Shannon on everything and their vision for him," Bartelstein said. "They did a great job, but the chance to go back and win a third championship for the Lakers is a tough thing to pass up. He'll make a final decision [today]."

Carmelo Anthony is not expected to sign an extension with the Nuggets this summer, according to sources close to the situation. "Sources close to the situation don't expect Carmelo Anthony to sign an extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer," Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld wrote on his Twitter page.
If Anthony doesn't sign an extension this summer, he'll hit the free agent market next July.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It is risky business -and we're not referring to that bad Tom Cruise flick from the eighties.

Carmelo Anthony could lose millions of dollars if he passes on the Denver Nuggets' three-year, $65 million contract extension and opts for free agency next July.

Of course, July of 2011 is also when the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement expires. After the inevitable lock-out, a new CBA will be ratified, and all players, even superstars such as Anthony, will likely face a pay cut. The length of  their max contracts will also be reduced.

So the Nuggets, along with every team in the league, will have less to offer Anthony.

There's also the stumbling economy. If ticket sales and sponsorships don't improve, the free agent market will sag. The great equalizer is, as always, the New York Knicks. This wealthy franchise has the resources to offer Anthony the largest contract possible under whatever financial system is being used.

Relying on the Knicks is still a risk, though. It's one Anthony seems willing to make. 

--Oly Sandor.

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The Knicks have made a contract offer to Shannon Brown using a portion of their remaining salary-cap room, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

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Eddie House's agent says the veteran guard has agreed to terms on a $2.8 million, two-year contract with the Miami Heat. Agent Mark Bartelstein said Thursday that the second year is a player option.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Catch. Shoot. Pound chest.

This will be Eddie House's official job description with the Miami Heat in 2011. And for his ability as a sharpshooter, for his ability to punish opposing defenses that double-team the Three Kings, House will earn in excess of a million dollars.

However, the journeyman also brings certain intangibles.

In 07 Seconds Or Less - the best seller by CNNSI's Jack McCallum that covers the Phoenix Suns' 2006 season - House was universally loved by teammates and coaches. Same thing with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. 

Once again, the Heat did well with the House signing. He'll do more than 'catch, shoot, and pound chest'. He'll provide some much needed moments of laughter and entertainment.

This will be his unofficial job description.

--Oly Sandor.

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I think that if he comes along he can help our team," Rose said Friday. "A player like him, with his experience and how he plays, I think he'll help us."

McGrady's effectiveness will depend on his left knee. He had microfracture surgery about a year and a half ago.

The Knicks are willing to trade anyone aside from newly-signed forward Amar'e Stoudemire for Hornets guard Chris Paul, according to a league source.

Paul is scheduled to meet with New Orleans general manager Dell Demps, head coach Monty Williams and president Hugh Weber on Monday.

"Amar'e won't be traded, but everyone else is available," the executive said of New York.

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According to a source with knowledge of his plan, Chris Paul has requested that the Hornets trade him to the Knicks, Magic or Lakers before the season begins.

"He wants out," the source told Ken Berger of CBS Sports. "He wants to play with another superstar. He wants to follow LeBron's model of teaming up with other great players."

Tracy McGrady underwent a physical with the Clippers on Tuesday and was scheduled to work out for the team on Wednesday. It was reported last week that McGrady would work out for the Clippers on Tuesday.

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Wade said he will soon take time to thank the teams that interviewed him during free agency. "I'll send them all gift baskets or something," he said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He still has his sense of humour.

Clearly, Dwyane Wade isn’t troubled by the criticism, backlash, and negative publicity about how he handled free agency, or the conspiracy theorists claims that Bosh, James, and Wade had planned for years to play together with the Miami Heat.

Bottom line: this trio will have a giant bulls-eyes on their backs. They will be public enemy number one. They will be the team everybody loves to hate.

Instead of shying away from this, instead of downplaying, instead of worrying, Wade is embracing the situation.

Of course, he’ll be booed by fans of the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks. They’ll reign down their frustration on Wade when Miami comes to the United Center or Madison Square Gardens.

Why worry about being the villain? Why not enjoy the situation and just win games?

Heck, send the damn gift baskets.

--Oly Sandor.

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The agent for Timofey Mozgov was reportedly told that Eddy Curry, who is in the final season of his contract, will not receive playing time with the Knicks.

Mosgov's agent said that his client was guaranteed a spot on the Knicks' roster, as the backup to center Ronnie Turiaf.

Amar'e Stoudemire, whom the Knicks signed to a maximum-salary contract as a free agent, was apparently assured that he will be used in his natural position at power forward.

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The Knicks have reportedly discussed a sign-and-trade with the Cavs for free agent Shaquille O'Neal.

Reports, however, have O'Neal headed to Atlanta for Marvin Williams. A Knicks source said, "I don't think it would work with us on all kinds of levels."

The Clippers will bring in Tracy McGrady for a workout next week, Neil Olshey confirmed. The market for McGrady has yet to materialize after he had a mixed performance for the Knicks.

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The Denver Nuggets reached an agreement in principle Tuesday night on a five-year, $34 million contract with free-agent forward Al Harrington, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.

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Appreciate the Love and Concern. But I'm taking my Talents to the MILE HIGH. Lol. Love Yall Lego DENVER!! Brett Meeny THX!

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This is a good look for the Denver Nuggets, who are enduring free agent angst with Carmelo Anthony.

‘Melo hits the open market next summer, July of 2011. However, the Nuggets - with today's signing of Al Harrington - have begun the process of selling Anthony on staying long-term by inking an extension.

After all, Harrington is locked in for five years. He’s a versatile scorer, capable of producing in a starting role, if Kenyon Martin struggles with health issues, or coming off the bench as sixth-man.

Best of all, it shows the Nuggets want to win. It shows ownership - even in these tough economic times - will commit money and term to supporting pieces.

This is important with rumors swirling that Anthony is considering swapping George Karl and the Mile High City for  Amar’e Stoudemire and The Big Apple next summer, which coincidentally is Harrington's old team.

Today is the first step. Denver will have to impress Anthony for the entire season –if they hope to keep him.

-- Oly Sandor.

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

But if the job becomes available, Thomas looms as a serious contender to make an improbable return to the Knicks' front office.

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Raymond Felton and the Knicks reached an agreement in principle Friday on the broad parameters of a contract. The length of the deal has not yet been agreed upon, but Felton will earn a starting salary in the $7 million range.

The Warriors and Knicks have an agreement in place for a sign-and-trade that would send David Lee to Golden State, multiple sources have confirmed.

New York could acquire Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike in the deal.

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Nuggets all-star Carmelo Anthony is expected to take Denver's three-year, $65 million extension offer, an NBA source said, but Anthony doesn't have a timetable as he prepares for his wedding Saturday and waits to see how the Nuggets bolster their beleaguered frontcourt.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Does he play it safe or gamble?

On the one hand, Carmelo Anthony could go conservative and take the security of the Denver Nuggets' $65 million offer. After all, the the league`s financial structure is bound to change with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

So this could be the best offer he gets. His Nuggets are competitive. And Denver is a beautiful city. Add it up, and it seems an easy decision.

On the other hand, there's a case for playing out his contract, and rolling the dice on the open market. Anthony would be the prize of the 2011 free agent class, and could pick his next home.

For instance, Anthony could officially join Amar'e Stoudemire and the New York Knicks. And the Nets - if they strike out with free agents this summer - may save their cap space and chase 'Melo next July.

However, Anthony's decision won't come soon. The forward will first pressure the Nuggets to upgrade their roster.

It seems next summer's free agent drama is starting now.

-- Oly Sandor.

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

Free agent point guard Chris Duhon agreed to a four year, $15 million dollar contract with the Orlando Magic, his agent, Kevin Bradbury, told ESPN.com.

The 27-year-old Duhon was the starting point guard for the New York Knicks the last two seasons. He averaged 7.4 ppg and 5.6 apg last season for the Knicks.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Yesterday, a superstar arrived in The Big Apple, and a role player left.

While Amar'e Stoudemire was celebrating his five-year, $100 million contract with the New York Knicks, Chris Duhon was finalizing plans to leave Madison Square Gardens and join the Orlando Magic.

The former Duke star isn't a headline-grabbing free agent, but is a solid addition to the 2009 Eastern Conference champions.

Expect Duhon to back-up the talented but injury prone Jameer Nelson. And he'll get minutes next to Nelson when Stan Van Gundy goes small.

This situation should work. In Chicago, there were whispers Duhon liked the nightlife. Same thing in New York. Now 27, he should find his focus in sleepy Orlando.

Unfortunately, the Duhon signing means the Magic probably won't be keeping Jason Williams.

'White Chocolate' - despite posting a solid 6 points and 4 assists per game in 2010 as a reserve table-setter - will likely call it a career because he specifically came out of retirement to play for Orlando because it was close to his Florida home.

The Magic will continue tweaking their roster with other smart, low profile signings. Clearly, they want to return the NBA Finals. Except in 2011, they seem determined to win the championship.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Amar'e Stoudemire flew into New York yesterday, and he already is recruiting other stars around the league to join him on the Knicks. "I've talked to Carmelo Anthony to come out here, I've talked to Tony Parker," Stoudemire said last night after seeing a Broadway show. "Both those guys are ready to join me if I decide to come here, so I'm gonna see if we can work it out."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Ah Amare, there are problems with your plan.

First, you haven't officially signed a contract with the New York Knicks. Nothing is on paper; there's no deal. And if LeBron James suddenly decided he wanted to ink a multi-year pact with the NYC, he would get to pick the big he wanted to partner with.

So Chris Bosh or even Carlos Boozer could be in. And you could be out.

Second, say you end up with the Knicks. Well, guess what? You've broken the NBA's tampering laws because Anthony and Parker have contracts with the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs. They become free agents in July of 2011, and not July of 2010.

Perhaps, you were confused.

Fortunately, James Dolan has a relationship with Corporal Stern and the suits at league head office. He can probably smooth things over for you.

Third, you've thrown Anthony and Parker under the bus. These two may have privately expressed a desire to play in New York, but they expected these conversations to remain private and not end up in the news.

Anthony must now smooth things over with coach George Karl, Chauncey Billups, and Nugget fans, while Parker has to convince Tim Duncan, crazy coach Gregg Popovich, and the San Antonio Spurs that he's committed to winning an NBA Title in 2011.

After this, Anthony and Parker will feel they can't trust you. And if they can't trust you to keep hypothetical texts and private chats at the nightclub quiet, how can they trust you on-court as teammates? 

To be fair, you were probably excited about the possibility of signing in New York. This is understandable. The Knicks are a classic franchise. Madison Square Gardens is The Mecca of basketball. And forty-one evenings a year you'd get to rub shoulders with Spike Lee.

Now is not the time to revert to the immature antics of your past. Keep your cool. Remain a professional.

--Oly Sandor.

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

There are rumors of three-way trade discussions among Golden State, Minnesota and New York, in which Al Jefferson would be sent to the Warriors, David Lee to the Timberwolves, and Monta Ellis to the Knicks.

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A source with direct knowledge of the meeting said that when the Knicks told Wade they would build their team around him, he responded, "Just get me one player and I'll get you a ring."

The Knicks are expected to try and pry Tony Parker away from the Spurs in order to pair him with Amar'e Stoudemire.A person close to both players told the New York Daily News that Parker and Stoudemire have talked about playing together in either New York or Miami.

"It's perfect for Tony because he wants to be in New York and he wants to play with Amar'e," said the source.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Amar'e Stoudemire hasn't even signed with the New York Knicks, but he's already playing recruiter.

Or he is trying to.

Reports indicate the power forward is trying to get Joe Johnson and Tony Parker to join him in the NYC. There's a hitch, though. In fact, there`s a couple.

Johnson - despite being friends with Stoudemire and Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni - is considering a $119 million offer from the Atlanta Hawks, and is still listening to the Chicago Bulls.

Parker has a valid contract with the San Antonio Spurs; however, the team could be open to a trade because they have a young point guard in George Hill.

Of course, Stoudemire is also texting the big-ticket free agents: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Expect James and Wade to sign elsewhere, though.

Nevertheless, things are getting interesting with The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010.

-- Oly Sandor.

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

The New York Knicks and Amar'e Stoudemire continued to move closer to an agreement to bring the free-agent forward to Madison Square Garden next season, but sources told ESPN that the deal has yet to be struck.

A person involved in the talks told The New York Times the Knicks have offered Stoudemire a five-year, $100 million deal -- the maximum allowed -- and are waiting to talk to him in person to complete the deal, which can't be signed until July 8 at the earliest.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Hope is not a strategy.

After all, the New York Knicks and their fans spent years hoping for LeBron James. The front office cut salaries and practically encouraged losing, while fans watched a God-awful product shame their beloved Madison Square Garden.

Such a situation was tolerated because fans had hope -the hope they'd sign James this summer. Well, chances are they'll only end up with Amar'e Stoudemire.

Another second tier free agent may sign on. Maybe not.

Reports indicate Stoudemire and the Knicks are moving full speed ahead on an extension. STAT will score in bunches and entertain the NYC masses. However, the club is no closer to winning an NBA Title with him up front.

And wasn't that what the last two years were supposedly about? Weren't the Knicks losing so one day they'd win?

Well, their grand strategy looks to have failed. James probably isn’t coming; same with Dwyane Wade. 

Even with Stoudemire, the New York Knicks need a new plan for 2011. Turns out hope wasn`t enough.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Suns have agreed to terms on a four-year, $18 million deal with free agent forward Hakim Warrick, sources tell Marc Spears of Yahoo!

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Sources close to Je Johnson have told Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski the believe the All-Star guard will soon accept a six-year, $119 million deal the Hawks offered Thursday morning. Hawks GM GM Rick Sund delivered the offer to Johnson in Los Angeles shortly after midnight Thursday.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: At times, his swagger was too much.

Fair or not, the New York Knicks tired of Nate Robinson showboating like a WWE wrestler. And this led to Coach Mike D'Antoni and Executive Donnie Walsh moving the combo guard at the trade deadline.

To the dismay of his fans, the Sprite Slam Dunk champion toned down his act for the Boston Celtics, the defending Eastern Conference champions.

However, the old Nate recently appeared at the Steve Nash charity soccer event in downtown New York.

Robinson scored a beautiful goal and dropped a celebration that would make every player in the 2010 World Cup jealous. Click this link for the video and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni are seeking to arrange a meeting with Atlanta free agent Joe Johnson in Los Angeles Wednesday at midnight -- or 9 p.m. California time -- before flying to Ohio for the LeBron James' pow-wow. Even crazier, the Knicks are trying to fit in Amare' Stoudemire that evening, too, in either LA or Phoenix.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Not for a New York second.

Joe Johnson and Amar’e Stoudemire won’t satisfy hungry Knick fans who are thirsting for free agents Chris Bosh and LeBron James to turn Madison Square Garden into a contender starting in October of 2010.

Consider Knick-nation’s plight: former prodigal son Stephon Marbury imploded before their very eyes; GM and coach Isiah Thomas shamed the organization with his dysfunctional ways and irresponsible spending; and for too long owner James Dolan did nothing, content to count his profits.

Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni were hired to turn things around, but - instead of immediately competing for the playoffs – they purged the roster of big ticket salaries, so they could sign James and other free agents this summer.

That decision was made years ago. And the Knicks have intentionally tanked it ever since.

Management got fans to buy-in by selling hope, specifically the hope that they’d ink James – one of the game’s greatest stars – to a multi-year contract.

Cap space alone won’t secure James’ services. The King wants to win, and rumour has it he likes the Chicago Bulls’ supporting cast of point guard Derrick Rose and big Joakim Noah better than the Knicks’ depleted roster.

Bosh, who also wants to win now, has allegedly decided to follow the two-time MVP and serve as his co-star in The Windy City.

Walsh isn’t stupid. He sees how the free agent dominoes are aligning. He gets that the club will likely have to settle for Johnson and Stoudemire.

This won’t cut it in New York, where some of the NBA’s most educated fans reside. After all, Johnson and Stoudemire are good, but Bosh and James are great.

Unless Walsh and D’Antoni deliver great this July, fans will wonder why they suffered through the pain, torture, and punishment.

Got thoughts?

All the elaborate recruiting plans for LeBron James will have to change. James will not go on a recruiting tour, his longtime business manager Maverick Carter told ESPN.com Friday. LeBron is not going on a tour," Carter said. "He never planned to go on a tour and has not been a part of any team's plans for a recruiting trip."

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The King is wisely making his suitors come to his Ohio court.

The LeBron James 24-hour news cycle hasn't helped his image. There has been a backlash because some feel the two-time MVP has milked and encouraged the headlines.

For instance, critics have argued his interview with CNN's Larry King shouldn't have aired during the NBA Finals because it took the spotlight off the league's showcase event.

Another concern was that James was going to make a spectacle of visiting each potential suitor, creating a sort of rock star inspired tour -even if he has little interest in signing with certain teams.

The good news is the New York Knicks' star-studded tour of Manhattan won't matter. Neither will the lure of South Beach. Or, the glamour of Hollywood.

James is focused on one thing: winning an NBA Title. Now to find the best place for that to happen. 

Got thoughts? 

Rudy Fernandez was telling teammates last season, " New York, that's where I want to go."

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Spaniard won't end up in The Big Apple -even if he has a New York state of mind.

Two points on Rudy Fernandez and his current team, the Portland Trail Blazers. First, the energetic swing and coach Nate McMillan don't trust each other. And second, their relationship will be tough to repair.

However, the New York Knicks have little to offer Portland when compared to other teams. For instance, the Toronto Raptors are reportedly offering their lottery pick for Fernandez.

And the Vulcan group - the holding company that own, control, and, at times, micromanage the Trail Blazers - never give away assets without getting back something close to equal value.

So Fernandez shouldn't hold his breath about the NYC. It's unlikely he'll be donning a Knicks uniform anytime soon.

Got thoughts? Get at us in the comment box.          

The Lakers have the best player, but Boston's depth of big-time playmakers will prevail in a game like this. I count eight Celtics -- the four current or former All-Stars in their starting lineup, plus Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, Nate Robinson’s and little-used Michael Finley, a three-point shooter with the potential to become this game's Steve Kerr -- who have it in them to make the big shot. The absence of Kendrick Perkins may create more offense for the Celtics, and they'll make up for his rebounding with a team effort led by Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo. Anticipate nothing less than a tightly wound classic played to a tempo that suits Boston.

Click here for Ian Thomsen's official game seven prediction and more analysis from the CNNSI crew.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Boston Celtics are deserving of respect.

Consider their road to the NBA Finals. First, they took out Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat -despite some questionable tactics from Kevin Garnett. They made the Cleveland Cavaliers – the NBA’s best team in the regular season – implode, which, unfortunately, gave us an extra month of The LeBron Watch. They then coolly took out the Orlando Magic, the reigning Eastern Conference champions, in six games.

This was a most improbable run for a club that was supposedly dead, gone, and over at mid-season. Clearly, they saved their best for last, though.

The green-and-white have now pushed the defending champion and heavily favoured Lakers to the limit. The secret to Boston’s success: inspired team play on the defensive end.

Look at the NBA Finals: they’ve mostly contained Ron Artest and Lamar Odom; they’ve battled superstar Pau Gasol; and they’ve made the immortal Kobe Bryant look surprisingly mortal.

Doc Rivers’ crew is an all-time great defensive team. They can hang with any of Phil Jackson’s Chicago teams that had notable defenders like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Horace Grant/Dennis Rodman. And they hold their own against Detroit’s Bad Boys and any of Pat Riley’s squads in Los Angeles or New York.

Offensively, somebody different carries the load each night. For instance, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo have all had moments.

Of course, reserves Glen Davis and Nate Robinson – also known as Shrek and Donkey - won game four of the NBA Finals. And the defending Sprite Slam Dunk Champion went off in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals, too.

That said, the Lakers have the edge in the decisive game-seven. Here’s why:

1) Home-court matters: The purple-and-gold is a different team at home. They’re confident. They’re nasty. And they’re arrogant.     

2) No Perk’: The Celtics will miss Kendrick Perkins. They lack the size to win the paint, and contain Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

3) Kobe Bryant: He’s the best player on either team. He’s the best player in the NBA. And he understands tonight is a legacy game.

Bryant – if he wants to be considered an all-time great – can’t afford a loss. After all, five championships are far better than four. And two losses to the arch rival Celtics in the NBA Finals would be devastating.

Expect Bryant to drop a Jordan-like effort. And HoopsVibe News expects the Lakers to win.

Prediction for game-seven of the 2010 NBA Finals: Lakers 95, Boston 88.

Got thoughts? What is your prediction for game-seven of the NBA Finals?  

"Speaking of Collison, the Pacers have reached out to New Orleans about the former UCLA point guard."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Indiana and New Orleans are two of the NBA’s smallest markets. Both have limited budgets. Yet, both are desperate to upgrade their roster.

And this is Corporal/Commissioner David Stern’s post recession problem: his league has become increasingly fractured and polarized into have and have-not franchises.

The have franchises – think Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York – will spend their summer trying to land big-ticket free agents.

No expense will be spared. Mayors, politicians, celebrities, rap icons and even a president have tried wooing the game’s elite player to their club of choice 

The have-not franchises – think Indiana, Minnesota, New Orleans, Milwaukee, and Memphis – will spend their summer scheming up creative and cost-effective ways to compete.

With this in mind, a Darren Collison deal would make some sense for the Pacers and Hornets.

Larry Bird’s club has to get better at point guard. TJ Ford – and his $8 million dollar salary – isn’t the answer. And Jamaal Tinsley’s $5 million pact is still on the books, even though he was released years ago.

Collison, a lightning quick table-setter, filled in admirably for injured superstar Chris Paul. Best of all, the UCLA alum has three years remaining on his rookie pact.

Meanwhile, reports that the Hornets and Paul were considering parting ways are false. Team and player are apparently committed to each other and sticking together.

However, New Orleans was always a poorer NBA market. Then Hurricane Katrina hit. Then The Great Recession came. And now there’s the Gulf Coast oil spill.

All contributed to the city’s struggling economy, which means there’s less disposable income for citizens to spend on disposable goods –like NBA tickets and luxury boxes.            
 
So the Hornets can't generate the revenue to sign high or even medium priced free agents. Their best and only option this summer is trading the young and inexpensive Collison for other young, and inexpensive players.

Enter Indiana.

They've got lockdown defender Dahntay Jones, athletic swing Brandon Rush, and blue-collar bruiser Tyler Hansbrough.

All are young. All are cheap. And all could play a role in The Bayou. Perhaps, Bird, Indiana's head suit, lets New Orleans pick two of these three players.

That said, nothing is imminent between the Pacers and Hornets. Expect them to keep talking. As mentioned, in today’s NBA, their options are limited.      
           
Get at us with thoughts on this deal?