Western Conference

[Kings113]

ESPN - Suns forward Amare Stoudemire, who remains on course to resume basketball activity after the All-Star break next month, told ESPN.com on Friday that he doesn't expect to play his first real game until sometime in March.

"Right now, we're looking at about two months out," Stoudemire said following a rehab session for his surgically repaired left knee.

"That's what we're striving for right now."

Stoudemire underwent microfracture surgery Oct. 11 after knee soreness that surfaced during the offseason worsened during the first week of training camp. The Suns announced at the time that Stoudemire would miss "approximately four months," citing the nominal size and location of the defect and Stoudemire's age (he turned 23 on Nov. 16) as the basis for their belief that he could return to the practice floor in February.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38674/20060113/suns_stoudemire_not_expected_to_return_until_march/

Good. The Suns simply don't need to have him come back earlier, best decision long-term as well.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Erick Dampier is on the verge of losing his starting job.

The Mavericks coaching staff is making preparations to bench the starting center, perhaps as early as Saturday night against New Jersey at American Airlines Center.

In what would be the first non-injury influenced change to the starting five of the Avery Johnson era, DeSagana Diop would replace Dampier. Despite his relative inexperience, Diop potentially brings to the table many of the emotional qualities missing from Dampier this National Basketball Association season.

More than rebounding or shot-blocking, Diop, the 7-footer who spent four seasons in Cleveland before signing with the Mavs, plays with passion. Diop, 23, is willing to give the hard foul, if necessary, and his teammates have responded to Diop’s energy all season.

Diop practiced with the first team Friday. He would be given the opportunity to prove his reliability over the second half of the season.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38672/20060113/dampiers_run_as_mavs_starting_center_nearing_end/

Really good to see that as a possibility for a guy like Diop, and the turn-around season he's had, indeed. I hope Diop gets the spot, he's truly impressed me since pre-season. Dampier's blech, and hasn't impressed me much at all from what I've seen.

 

[Kings113]

Denver Post - Atlanta forward Al Harrington is expected to be the next big name moved before the Feb. 23 trading deadline. Atlanta loves Nuggets injured forward-center Nene, but don't expect Denver to give in.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38875/20060129/harrington_trade_looks_inevitable/

N.Y. Daily News - Minnesota failed to get Ron Artest, turned down a chance to get Steve Francis and instead, took on Ricky Davis and Mark Blount, each of whom were regarded as a cancer in Boston. It proves that Kevin McHale still has a soft spot in his heart for his old team. Now with Wally Szczerbiak, the Celtics have the flexibility to deal off Paul Pierce.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38874/20060129/wolves_turned_down_deal_for_francis/

N.Y. Daily News - The Pacers didn't get the first player they wanted in the Artest deal. Golden State didn't want to part with Ike Diogu, even though he's a backup.

Although that would indicate that the Warriors really didn't want Artest - how could they make Diogu a deal-breaker? - the Warriors were serious enough about Artest that they had already assigned assistant coach Mario Elie the job of babysitting Artest in the event that he would join the team. They figured that Elie, another New Yorker, could help keep Artest under control. But since they wanted to part only with Mike Dunleavy, the Warriors never made themselves serious players.

The New York Post, meanwhile, reported that despite being unable to get anybody from St. John's or Indiana to recommend Artest sources say Golden State boss Chris Mullin was prepared to take the gamble. His only requirement was to meet with Artest one-on-one before meeting the Pacers' demand for Ike Diogu, Mike Dunleavy or Troy Murphy in a four-player package.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38873/20060129/mullin_was_prepared_to_deal_on_condition_of_a_meeting_with_artest/

Ah, that's just too bad GS . I'd say keeping Diogu is good also though.

Salt Lake Tribune - Carlos Boozer is at this point in his rehabilitation again.

Boozer said he is healthy enough to rejoin the Jazz's practice, and he intends to take part in a workout or two sometime this week. "Not jumping in full steam, just working in and getting comfortable playing again," Boozer said after Utah's loss to the Mavericks. "Being careful about it."

That's because the last three times he began pushing his strained left hamstring, he re-injured it, a mistake that has kept him out of all 44 games this season.

The Jazz have estimated that Boozer, who last played on Feb. 14, will need several practices before he is ready to enter a game again, and they have refused to put any sort of timetable on his return. But the power forward, who averaged 17.8 points in 51 games last season, seems to be on track to play in early to mid-February.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38872/20060129/boozer_ramps_up_rehab_for_a_third_time/[/I]

 

[KevinMartin'sShotDoctor]

Francis and Garnett would be a fun team, though not a title bound one. I have a feeling that Francis' auto accident did a lot more harm than is let on. That might scare away potential trades.

Nothing but love for Diop. I like the Mavs. Benching Dampier will make him even worse, though.

No one at St. John's recommedning Artest? Is there anyone associated with Artest's stay there still at the University?

 

[Kings113]

Press Release - The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets announced today that they have acquired forward Aaron Williams from Toronto in exchange for second round picks in 2006 and 2009.

“Aaron will be able to step right in and provide us with an inside presence off the bench,” said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower. “We’ve been looking for someone to help us to solidify our frontline, and he definitely fits the bill.”

Williams, a 11-year NBA veteran, holds career averages of 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds in 612 games. He had averaged 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds through 13 games with the Raptors this season.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38900/20060131/hornets_acquire_aaron_williams/

Not a bad pick-up, replaces Chris Andersen.

 

[Kings113]

Tacoma News-Tribune - The atmosphere around the Seattle SuperSonics , forward Danny Fortson said, is beginning to feel very much like it did at the end of his stints in Golden State and Dallas.

He has, it seems, become persona non grata within the organization, a forgotten entity who moves about like a shadow, seen but disregarded, cast to the side like so much detritus.

And because of that, the embattled power forward said, he would not mind at all if he were traded, another unhappy player in the transition from Bob Weiss to Bob Hill.

“To be honest with you, I would love to play here again, but the way Bob Hill thinks of me and my abilities, I don’t think he really wants me to mess up what he has,” Fortson said. “Considering I am saying that, it is probably better to move me to somewhere that I fit in better. I wouldn’t disagree with that.”

There is, of course, the small matter of Fortson’s reputation, which has been sullied by the way his stint ended with the Warriors, and then with the Mavericks.

Now Fortson is on the outs with Hill, and seemingly is a target for the league’s referees, it would seem difficult for the Sonics to trade him.

“Considering my reputation is pretty much ruined around this atmosphere, it don’t look like I could get traded,” Fortson said. “Maybe I have to consider other options. You never know.”

Other options?

“You never know,” he said, “maybe retirement.”

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38916/20060201/evasive_fortson_suggests_a_trade_maybe_retirement/

I actually forgot about him till this came out, Bob Hill replacing his and Evans minutes with the young bigs.

Other than his attitude, he can still help teams.

 

[Kings113]

"Sonics coach Bob Hill said he has talked with GM Rick Sund about acquiring another point guard. And NBA sources said the Sonics have renewed interest in former Sonic Earl Watson, who is in the first year of a five-year deal with the Denver Nuggets." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"The Sonics had interest in Watson in December, but they would need to trade players whose salaries come within 15 percent of Watson's $5 million salary. Forward Reggie Evans has requested a trade, but he only makes $1.1 million." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Seattle would love to deal Danny Fortson, but his $6.4 million salary that increases to $6.9 million next season is likely to scare off many teams." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Sonics chairman and principle owner Howard Schultz vowed Wednesday to look at moving or selling the team if the state Legislature fails to earmark $200 million for the Sonics to refurbish KeyArena or build a new home." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Schultz also said he has given the OK for club officials to begin negotiating with other cities interested in having an NBA team." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Schultz held a news conference before the Sonics' game with the Golden State Warriors and expressed concern about the city's and state's lack of action regarding the requests of the Sonics' 58-man ownership group for relief on KeyArena." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Schultz wants to begin reconstruction of KeyArena or the groundbreaking on a new arena by 2008, two years before the team's lease expires. The Legislature meets until March 9 in Olympia but has not indicated it will hear the Sonics' proposal for a new arena." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"We've lost almost $60 million in five years," Schultz said. "The KeyArena's day has come and gone." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Schultz reiterated the ownership group plans to honor the remainder of the lease but could possibly look to move the team after 2010 or sell it to an ownership group that could relocate. San Jose, Las Vegas, Kansas City and Anaheim are among cities seeking an NBA team." Seattle Post-Intelligencer

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/257974_schultz02.html

 

[Kings113]

ESPN - The Warriors are still exploring trade possibilities after declining to part with rookie forward Ike Diogu as part of a package for Ron Artest, but they're working from a different deadline than the Feb. 23 trade buzzer.

Golden State has a sizable trade exception ($5.3 million) from last year's Clifford Robinson deal that would allow it to absorb more salary than it gives away, but the exception expires Feb. 14.

The size-craving Warriors remain interested in Milwaukee's Jamaal Magloire after pursuing him hard in New Orleans, but the Bucks -- trying to avoid the slip from playoff contention that has befallen Golden State -- aren't expected to consider offers for Magloire until the offseason.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38976/20060204/warriors_after_magloire/

"Dallas and Phoenix naturally see what's happening with Duncan and Ginobili and privately believe San Antonio is more vulnerable than anyone anticipated when the season began. But the Spurs are known for their second-half surges and chances are that'll apply to their health as well."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-060204-05

 

[Kings113]

Denver Post - With four point guards on the roster, look for the Timberwolves to attempt to deal two of them. Expect recently acquired Marcus Banks to stay, because Minnesota is intrigued by him. The Wolves are open to trading Marko Jaric in the right deal. But Minnesota's preference is to trade Anthony Carter and Troy Hudson.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/38991/20060205/wolves_open_to_dealing_jaric/

What a difference it's become for Banks with a new team and system, I love it.

 

[AriesMar27]

i wonder if we could trade for jaric.... that way bibby doesnt have to play the point and adelman doesnt have to play midget ball in the back court....

i wanted jaric during the offseason but we ended up with bonzi..... i like bonzi but it be nice to trade for jaric, would they take thomas or corliss? no one wants thomas...... what do the wolves want for jaric?

what about denver, what do they want for nene? a sg? id gladly trade bonzi for nene..... bonzi for nene, lenard and elson....

get it done petrie.....

bibby/jaric/hart
jaric/martin/garcia
artest/garcia
reef/nene/thomas
miller/nene

i like that team.... great passing and balanced scoring with flashes of defense....

 

[Kings113]

Denver needs a quality/proven 3 point shooter for the two spot

No idea what Minny needs (check/post on RealGM T'Wolves board). I dig Jaric though, he's having it kinda tough in Minny in 2006.

Don't know if we could get/have that roster though .

Not sure if I'm allowed to do this (if not, okay), but found these:

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=472876

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=472962

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=472984

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=472027

 

[Kings113]

"Even Danny Fortson appears worn out by his repeated suspensions. The Seattle SuperSonics power forward, whose rough style has put him on permanent alert by NBA referees, now sees a particularly barren market out there where his services are concerned. Neither Fortson nor fellow bruiser Reggie Evans have fit into coach Bob Hill’s plans, and both are being shopped furiously over the period leading up to the Feb. 23 trading deadline." Boston Herald

http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=124500

 

[Kings113]

The Sonics aren't good this season because their key players got contract extensions, so they don't feel the need to play defense or go 110 percent anymore. Am I wrong, Sonics players reading this? Then prove it. Show the effort you displayed last season when tens of millions were on the line...

www.insidehoops.com

Uh, ouch... may be true in a way(s) though. Losing Daniels/James/Nate was key.

 

[Kings113]

ESPN - The Clippers are getting plenty of low-post production from Elton Brand and Chris Kaman and thus have targeted Minnesota's Eddie Griffin -- a big man who prefers the perimeter -- as an ideal catch before the Feb. 23 trading deadline.

L.A. is offering Chris Wilcox, according to NBA front-office sources, but the Wolves have resisted, even though Griffin is in and out of coach Dwane Casey's rotation.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39051/20060208/clippers_offering_wilcox_to_wolves_for_eddie_griffin/

Griffin's shot has been so off this year... regardless, I'd still take him in a flash.

 

[Kings113]

Houston Chronicle - The Rockets moved close to a deal to acquire Keith Bogans from the Charlotte Bobcats as soon as today, three individuals within the NBA who had knowledge of the deal said Wednesday.

Bogans, a 6-5 forward/guard who is signed through this season, would offer a strong defender and another catch-and-shoot option.

The Bobcats, devastated with front-court injuries, would likely seek Lonny Baxter in the deal, but because they are under the salary cap, they would not have to make the salaries match.

The Rockets could trade a player with a greater salary or use a trade exception they still hold from last season to make the trade.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39056/20060209/rockets_close_to_trade_for_bogans/


That'd be a good deal for both teams. I've come to like Bogans, and would give the Rockets another true SG in size, and a young one . While the Bobcats would get another youngish PF to help make up for the in and outs for Okafor, and Sean May. Who's out for awhile with another knee surgery.

Rockets would look like:

Alston
Bogans (don't know whats going on with DA, assume he's injured)
T-Mac
Howard
Yao

 

[Kings113]

Star Tribune - Timberwolves guard Marko Jaric, for the moment, is saying the right things.

"Definitely, I don't see it as a compliment," said Jaric, who started the first 46 games for the Wolves at point guard, then dropped out of both the lineup and the rotation Monday night at Phoenix. Anthony Carter started again Wednesday against Cleveland at Target Center.

"All I can do is keep working hard," Jaric said. "I know my time is going to come again, and be ready for that. If this team is winning and I don't play, there's nothing I can complain about. I don't want to think about long-term."

Jaric's facial expressions and body language, however, suggest that he is not handling the move well. Coach Dwane Casey repeatedly has said that dropping Jaric and center Eddie Griffin from the starting five was not meant as "punishment," but at least one of the two appears to be taking it that way. Before sitting out Monday's game entirely, Jaric had averaged 4.9 points and 2.0 assists while shooting 39 percent in his previous eight appearances.

"I'm not down on Marko. It's just productivity right now. I'm looking for that spark," Casey said. "I'm going to treat him just like everyone else. I'm going to try to get him playing time if he earns it.

"He'll have an opportunity to earn it back, get his minutes in, play with passion, have fun, run the team, just relax and play basketball. Right now we're trying to win some games, more so than worry about psyche and that type of thing. I've got to do what's best for the team."

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39058/20060209/jaric_trying_to_stay_positive/

Banks has indeed come in, and made an impact. I love it. Jaric though, has been struggling in 2006, be interesting if he ever gets back to form like in the first couple months or so.

 

[Kings113]

Newsday - There's no question Denver has offered Kenyon Martin around the league, but the Nuggets are going to have a hard time finding any takers. Not even the free-spending Knicks are crazy enough to take on the remaining five years valued at $70.9 million for a player with bad knees.

If the Knicks succeed in landing Denver point guard Earl Watson, Martin won't be involved because of the health risk.

Reports are also coming out of Denver that while Martin was sitting on the bench in street clothes during Wednesday's game and was being heckled by a fan.

During the next timeout, friends of Martin confronted the heckler and threats were reportedly made and a police report has been filed.

More information on this story as it becomes available.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39060/20060209/knicks_will_pass_on_k_mart/

 

[Kings113]

To follow-up on the story before, Bogans is now a Houston Rocket:

ESPN - The Houston Rockets acquired guard Keith Bogans from the Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday for forward Lonny Baxter.

The 6-foot-5 Bogans is averaging 8.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 39 games with Charlotte this season. He has started nine games and scored 10 or more points 17 times.

But Bogans has missed nine games after a right knee sprain at Milwaukee on Jan. 21.

The move reunites Bogans with his former Kentucky teammate, Chuck Hayes. Bogans played in 135 games at Kentucky between 2000-03, averaging 14.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. He finished fourth on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,923 points.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39064/20060209/rockets_finish_deal_for_bogans/

 

[Kings113]

Star Tribune - The Wolves still are trying to make a deal for a big man who can help Kevin Garnett rebound inside.

Guard Marko Jaric, who hasn't played in the past two games, could be part of a deal. The Wolves have nine of their next 11 games at home.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39074/20060210/wolves_trying_to_get_bigger_offering_jaric/

Interesting.

 

[Kings113]

SF Chronicle - After going two years without spraining an ankle, Troy Murphy has done it twice in the last month. And this time, it's likely going to cost him a game.

The Warriors' starting power forward wasn't optimistic about his status for tonight's matchup with the Pacers after his left ankle showed little sign of improvement Thursday.

"I'm always hopeful, but I don't know if I'm realistic," Murphy said. "It hurts and it's swollen, so it's probably not a good shot."

Unless IKE Diogu goes off, this only more enhances a loss for the Warriors tonight.

Just saw on the ESPN ticker that Seattle allows 106.9 PPG right now... I know they've been in the low 100s all season, but that's just wild.

 

[Kings113]

Seattle Times - Sonics forward Rashard Lewis left Friday night's game against Atlanta with an injury to his right quadriceps.

Lewis played the entire first quarter, but shot 1-for-5 and had just two points. He was not expected to return.

Lewis is averaging 21.9 points this season. He has scored in double figures in all but two games this season, and has played at least 20 minutes in every game but one.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39078/20060211/lewis_injures_right_quad/


Damn, Seattle would be even worse off without him

Hope he isn't out too long though, he's fun to watch.

 

[Kings113]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39056/20060209/rockets_close_to_trade_for_bogans/


Rockets would look like:

Alston
Bogans (don't know whats going on with DA, assume he's injured)
T-Mac
Howard
Yao

Well, looks like Anderson is on the block:

Houston Chronicle - One thing was clear: Keith Bogans was acquired for the purpose of contributing, so either Derek Anderson or Jon Barry would be jettisoned or remain inactive for the foreseeable future. On Friday afternoon, coach Jeff Van Gundy announced that the Rockets are actively seeking to trade Anderson.

"He was brought in here to help a good team make a move up, and we certainly aren't in the same position that we were at the start of the year," Van Gundy said. "Because I knew we were trading for Keith, I thought it was the right time to get together and evaluate where we were going to go forward, and we both came to the conclusion that it would be best if we try to find another team for (Anderson).

"And that's what we're going to try to do."

Phone calls to Anderson's agent, Tony Dutt, were not returned Friday.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39079/20060211/rockets_trying_to_deal_anderson/

Grizz/Pistons/Nets/Clippers could use DA. Assuming he'll be ready to return soon.

Also, think I remember the Lakers as one of the teams after him during the off-season.

 

[BMiller52]

I thought DA was already ready and that HTown just hates him and doesn't play him so he doesn't get injured again so they can trade him?

 

[Kings113]

I knew he got injured earlier in the season (2005), but haven't known his status since.

 

[BMiller52]

Oh. I heard he was ready to come back like last week. What teams need a solid backup two? Also, anyone know the status of Bob Sura? Is he done for the season, coming back, or done for his career?

 

[Kings113]

Oh. I heard he was ready to come back like last week. What teams need a solid backup two? Also, anyone know the status of Bob Sura? Is he done for the season, coming back, or done for his career?

Teams I listed above, I'd say. For versatility/scoring. Sura I heard could come back this season.. something like that.

 

[Kings113]

AJC - Nineteen-year-old Golden State big man Andris Biedrins is turning heads around the league with his play as of late. He recorded a career-high in blocks shots against Denver last week, swatting six, two more than his previous best and more than he could ever remember blocking in a single game in Europe.

"That's what coach expects from me," Biedrins told the San Francisco Chronicle. "That's my job. Rebounding the ball and bringing energy. Go for every ball and try to help my teammates."

His blocks are a Warriors season high. Biedrins is averaging 7.5 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in his last four games If he continues that rise he could make one of Golden State's high dollar veterans, say Troy Murphy or Mike Dunleavy Jr., expendable.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39088/20060211/biedrins_could_make_murphy_expendable/

St. Paul Pioneer Press - Timberwolves point guard Marko Jaric's frustration bubbled over, the former starter saying coach Dwane Casey hamstrung him with a lack of playing time that helped lead to his demotion.

"I feel like when he wanted somebody else to give the role to, he made me kind of give up the role …" Jaric said before Friday night's 94-80 loss to Utah at Target Center.

Jaric's comments came after he was informed of Casey's assertion that the veteran was given a fair chance to maintain the starting job.

Jaric didn't play in either of the previous two games after being demoted following a 109-77 loss last Saturday at Golden State. He started the first 46 games of the season but was averaging just 20.5 minutes a game in the first eight games since a multi-player trade with Boston on Jan. 26, not including Friday's meeting with the Jazz.

Jaric played seven minutes Friday night and did not score.

"When he wanted to give me a chance to play the point guard, I played the point guard position," Jaric said. "As soon as he thought that I'm not supposed to be the point guard for the team, he wanted to kind of prove to himself that I'm not supposed to play. I went from playing 30 minutes a game to 10 minutes a game. I couldn't even do anything in those 10 minutes a game."

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39091/20060211/jaric_says_he_was_unfairly_demoted/

I'd say Jaric's definitely gone by the deadline...

 

[Kings113]

ESPN - Lost amid all of the above was Denver's willingness to send Nene to the Magic in the proposed deal. The Nuggets clearly realize it'll likely be too expensive to match offers Nene receives in the offseason as a restricted free agent, with Chicago, Atlanta and Toronto all expected to make big bids even though the Brazilian is out for the season with a knee tear.

So the Nuggets are looking to move Nene now, with the backup hope that they'll be able to get something for him in a summertime sign-and-trade if nothing materializes before the deadline.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39094/20060211/nuggets_look_to_move_nene_now/

 

[Kings113]

Interesting thing I saw tonight during Hornets/Wolves - when Ricky Davis hit a three with 3 min left in the 4th, then they switched to a camera shot of the bench. While Madsen and a couple other Wolves were up cheering, Eddie Griffin was sitting down with a blank look, and didn't even have his head turned to the Wolves basket where the players were. Just shows more he probably isn't too happy, and with him being in Casey's dog-house, along with another DNP.

 

[Kings113]

"Forget the Marcus Banks-to-Seattle trade rumor for Flip Murray. The Wolves like Banks too much."

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/charley_walters/13851640.htm

And with that, booyah to the Boston Celtics

 

[Kings113]

Miami Herald - An NBA official in contact with the Heat said Miami has expressed interest in acquiring a capable defender such as Portland's Ruben Patterson.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/39103/20060212/heat_could_upgrade_defense_with_patterson/

"The NBA's trading deadline is 11 days away, and coach Nate McMillan remains adamant that the team needs to look at moving a small forward, if the deal make sense. The Blazers have four small forwards -- Darius Miles, Ruben Patterson, Viktor Khryapa and Travis Outlaw -- and a potential fifth in Sergei Monia, which McMillan says creates an imbalance on the roster." Oregonian

"The dilemma has been tempered lately because (Darius) Miles has been injured since Dec. 4 and Monia was sent to the Development League for three weeks. But Miles is expected to return Feb. 21 -- two days before the trading deadline -- and Monia since has returned from his assignment in Forth Worth." Oregonian

"You don't do something for the sake of doing it; it has to make sense for us," (Nate) McMillan said. "Even though we are overloaded at the small forward spot, the decision to make a move has to make sense for the future, it has to give us something, whether it's (salary) cap space, a pick, or a player. But we don't do something for the sake of getting something in the paper that makes us look like we've been busy." Oregonian

"McMillan also said he has some tentative feelings about trading young players, such as Outlaw, Khryapa and Monia." Oregonian

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/1139637368103710.xml&coll=7

If I was the Blazers, I'd definitely keep two of Khryapa/Miles/Outlaw/Monia. They're all good young swingmen with potential. Patterson's been great for the Blazers since coming back from susp., but he'd be the most likely to be moved because of his age, plus his past desire to be traded. Probably still has it in him, just not out-loud now .

I think he'd be a very nice pick-up for the Heat, considering what he brings to the basketball court, and has been quiet (verbally/behavior wise) since coming back from the suspension. Patterson could well be that spark to turn the Heat's play around.