<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>1. The Miami Heat have found a taker in their quest to trade the No. 2 draft pick, a source familiar with the situation told Pro Basketball News. The source did not indicate which team would be the Heat’s trading partner, or what other draft picks or players are involved. 2. The supposed deal will reportedly be announced during or shortly after the draft. According to the source, the Heat will select USC guard O.J. Mayo and trade him. Kansas State forward Michael Beasley is expected to fall to No. 3 -- although not to Minnesota, which is expected to trade down. 3. Reports say the Timberwolves are aiming to deal the third overall selection for a veteran, or at the very least, trade down and select West Virginia forward Joe Alexander. Expect Milwaukee to get involved in these talks (if it isn’t already). The Bucks are also very high on Alexander and are considering selecting him at No. 8. That is, of course, unless the Wolves get to him first. 4. New York is one team rumored to be involved in the sweepstakes for the No. 2 pick, with the Knicks reportedly hoping to land Mayo. If that’s the case, the Heat would likely receive either Stephon Marbury or Jamal Crawford in return, as well as the Knicks’ No. 6 pick. As has been reported by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Knicks could also end up with Shawn Marion. 5. All of this is based on the assumption that Chicago will take Memphis point guard Derrick Rose with the top pick -- which the Bulls are expected to do. 6. Meanwhile, Seattle is expected to stand pat at No. 4 and try to make a move in free agency. If the Sonics go big in the draft (UCLA’s Kevin Love or Stanford’s Brook Lopez) they are likely to try to sign a veteran point guard in July or August. Sacramento’s Beno Udrih and Charlotte’s Earl Boykins are two names being floated. 7. Detroit president of basketball operations Joe Dumars has told PBN's Tony Mejia that a story in the Contra Costa Times indicating the Pistons are looking to obtain Golden State guard Baron Davis was a "totally bogus report." The story said the Pistons became interested in Davis after failing to get Denver's Carmelo Anthony. 8. After hitting a snag earlier in the week, the Jermaine O'Neal-for-T.J. Ford deal is now happening. According to various league sources, Indiana will send O'Neal to Toronto for Ford and the No. 17 pick. The Raptors will also send Rasho Nesterovic and another player-to-be named to the Pacers. The deal will be announced once O'Neal and Ford pass physicals. 9. The trade gives the Pacers the point guard they've been seeking, as well as the Nos. 11 and 17 picks in the draft. As for the Raptors, they now have a quality big man to pair with Chris Bosh. 10. In another deal, Denver has traded its first-round pick (No. 20) to Charlotte for a future first-rounder. The Bobcats now have the Nos. 9 and 20 picks. According to the Rocky Mountain News, the Bobcats are leaning toward taking Georgetown center Roy Hibbert with the 20th pick. 11. Expect San Antonio to make a strong summer push to land Kings swingman Ron Artest, a soon-to-be free agent. The Spurs are desperately trying to get better and more physical after losing to the Lakers in the Western Conference finals. Artest is the type of hard-nosed defender who would fit well into the Spurs’ scheme. They also believe tough coach Gregg Popovich and star forward Tim Duncan could help Artest tone down his sometimes knucklehead ways. 12. The Spurs would be willing to let unrestricted veteran free agents Michael Finley, Robert Horry, and Damon Stoudamire walk for nothing if it meant landing Artest. Even without Artest, Finley and Stoudamire aren’t likely to return, as the Spurs’ will focus on getting younger. 13. Despite a few reports to the contrary, the Lakers aren’t looking to move forward Lamar Odom. Lakers insiders say the team would prefer to keep the lineup intact and see what happens with a healthy Andrew Bynum at center. They feel that’s all they’ll need to win a championship. 14. Instead, the Lakers will likely try to sign a veteran who can come off the bench without trading one of their key parts. They are said to be looking at free agents such as Eduardo Najera (Denver), Bonzi Wells (New Orleans) and James Posey, who just helped Boston beat L.A. for the title. 15. Back to the draft. If the Knicks fail to land Mayo or trade the No. 6 pick, there’s a chance they’ll select Indiana’s Eric Gordon, even if UCLA’s Russell Westbrook or Arizona’s Jerryd Bayless are still available. The Clippers are supposedly high on Gordon, and are hoping to draft him at No. 7. So taking Gordon might give the Knicks some leverage in a possible three-way deal involving the Clippers and another team. 16. Interestingly, most of the rumors and speculation involving this year’s draft have been started by front-office types, as opposed to the usual nonsense fueled by the media. Basketball men such as New York’s Donnie Walsh, Minnesota’s Kevin McHale and New Jersey’s Rod Thorn have all been open when it comes to discussing their plans -- and the possibilities of other teams. 17. If you think the draft talk sounds crazy when it comes to the lottery portion of it, just wait until you hear what NBA types are saying about the middle of the first round and early part of the second. 18. One example: Duke guard DeMarcus Nelson, who isn’t projected to even be selected in most mock drafts, could be a late first-round pick, according to two GMs. Nelson gave a strong showing in Orlando and both Detroit and Boston are said to be interested in getting him early. 19. It seems more and more likely that the Suns will hang on to Leandro Barbosa, but do whatever it takes to deal Boris Diaw. One Western Conference GM said the Suns have called him twice about Diaw. “It was more or less a feeling out process,” the GM said. “But they seem to want too much in return.” 20. Finally, Ohio State center Kosta Koufos had the best individual workouts of any player not considered a lottery pick, as scouts were surprised and very impressed with his ball handling and passing skills, and overall athleticism. He very well could be drafted No. 12 by Sacramento, although that seems a bit high at this point. A more likely scenario would be Golden State taking him at No. 14, or Phoenix selecting him one pick later.</div> http://probasketballnews.com/amico_062508.html
This is the first I have heard of an interest in Joe Alexander for the Wolves. I'm so sick of these rumors. All of them contradict each other. Like for example, Chad Ford has said if Beasley falls to pick 3, they will take him. So, at this point, I'm trying not to look at this stuff as much. But I guess I'm lying, because I'm looking at this as we speak.
uh...not a chance. in regards to Minnesota. Were not in dire need of a veteran. And definitly not willing to pass up on Beasley to bring one in. Who comes up with this crap?!? Beasley has long been the guy that the Minnesota front office wants and if he drops to #3 there is no way in hell Minnesota gives up thier pick and trades down.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (o.iatlhawksfan @ Jun 25 2008, 11:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>probably because he doesn't want to go there</div> I have heard Beasley say numerous times in several interviews that he would be happy anywhere he went. If you are going to refer to the espn vid, remember, this was right after the lottery. And at this point, he was almost certain he was going 1 or 2 for SURE. Now that he has been able to digest it, it seems pretty evident that he will be comfortable no matter where he goes.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (o.iatlhawksfan @ Jun 26 2008, 12:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>probably because he doesn't want to go there</div> He's never said that. Minnesota interview him and they asked him (like they asked Mayo) if you wouldn't mind playing with the Wolves, not one picks has tried to pull a Kobe or Francis. No one has said anyone doesn't want to play for a certain team.. Even the deal with Gallinari saying he only wanted to play for NJ or NY was blown out of whack...when it was reveiled that all he said that he liked the idea of playing in those places because of the Italian population in those areas, but never said he wouldn't play anywhere else.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Jun 26 2008, 12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (o.iatlhawksfan @ Jun 25 2008, 11:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>probably because he doesn't want to go there</div> I have heard Beasley say numerous times in several interviews that he would be happy anywhere he went. If you are going to refer to the espn vid, remember, this was right after the lottery. And at this point, he was almost certain he was going 1 or 2 for SURE. Now that he has been able to digest it, it seems pretty evident that he will be comfortable no matter where he goes. </div> Damn, Tim....we're in stereo is see!!! Lol
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NattaNerNuttaMan @ Jun 25 2008, 11:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Jun 26 2008, 12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (o.iatlhawksfan @ Jun 25 2008, 11:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>probably because he doesn't want to go there</div> I have heard Beasley say numerous times in several interviews that he would be happy anywhere he went. If you are going to refer to the espn vid, remember, this was right after the lottery. And at this point, he was almost certain he was going 1 or 2 for SURE. Now that he has been able to digest it, it seems pretty evident that he will be comfortable no matter where he goes. </div> Damn, Tim....we're in stereo is see!!! Lol </div> NOBODY UNDERSTANDS!!!! lol
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (o.iatlhawksfan @ Jun 26 2008, 12:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I stand corrected then</div> So Hawks...what do you think ATL is going to do with J-Smooth? i heard he might want up to 11 mil a year...will the Hawks trade him in a sign-n-trade deal? if they do...I want Minnesota to make a swing for him
IDK hawks ownership said there willing to resign him at all cause, but this ownership is so unpredictable.
Agreed. As long as Beasley doesn't fall to us, he would fit in perfectly into what we are trying to do. hawksfan, what are the Hawks looking for assuming they deal Smith?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Jun 26 2008, 12:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Agreed. As long as Beasley doesn't fall to us, he would fit in perfectly into what we are trying to do. hawksfan, what are the Hawks looking for assuming they deal Smith?</div> When it comes to the Hawks...$$$ always works in the deal somehow so I was thinking something along the lines of this: Atlanta trades: J-Smooth Minnesota trades: C. Brewer/McCants (combined contracts are only 4.8 mil) Walker's expiring contract (9 mil) and one of our three 1st rounders for next year any thoughts
Maybe. That's giving up a lot on our part. I still really like Brewer and think he could turn into something pretty damn good. And along with that, the first rounder. Throw in McCants and that makes it a deal that, IMO, is too much for a still very good player.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Jun 26 2008, 01:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Maybe. That's giving up a lot on our part. I still really like Brewer and think he could turn into something pretty damn good. And along with that, the first rounder. Throw in McCants and that makes it a deal that, IMO, is too much for a still very good player.</div> Yeah, but were talking about J. Smith. We would have to come out the gate with an offer like this, since there will be planty of offers to get him Can you imagine how pumped up the fans would be watching this lineup?!?!? PG-Mayo SG-Foye SF-J-Smooth PF-Gomes C-Big Al
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NattaNerNuttaMan @ Jun 26 2008, 12:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Jun 26 2008, 01:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Maybe. That's giving up a lot on our part. I still really like Brewer and think he could turn into something pretty damn good. And along with that, the first rounder. Throw in McCants and that makes it a deal that, IMO, is too much for a still very good player.</div> Yeah, but were talking about J. Smith. We would have to come out the gate with an offer like this, since there will be planty of offers to get him Can you imagine how pumped up the fans would be watching this lineup?!?!? PG-Mayo SG-Foye SF-J-Smooth PF-Gomes C-Big Al </div> Boy that looks tempting. But then look at our bench, we might have another first rounder, assuming we use our two second rounders to trade up (maybe a Robin Lopez or JaVale McGee), Craig Smith, Telfair, we really have nobody who can contribute on a consistent basis on that bench. Now if we were able to keep McCants or Brewer, this would be a lot more attractive from my perspective.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NattaNerNuttaMan @ Jun 25 2008, 11:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>not one picks has tried to pull a Kobe or Francis. No one has said anyone doesn't want to play for a certain team..</div> While it might not be common knoweldge, Jerryd Bayless has made it clear he does not want to play in Memphis. Kevin O'Neill, who was the interim coach at Arizona last year was hired as an assistant in Memphis, and long story short Bayless isn't very fond of him. The one lock in the draft is that Bayless will not be drafted by Memphis.
