The World Famous Layup Drill RumorMill
1/18/09
We haven’t heard much on the Stephon Marbury-Knicks buyout since the holidays, but now, it looks like both sides are trying to make something happen sooner than later. The NY Post reports today that Marbury seems to be more proactive about getting a buyout done, so he can resume his playing career, more than likely after the All-Star break in mid February. The original $1 Million dollar giveback is back on the table from Marbury, and he told the Post he is waiting on hearing back from the Knicks management.
As previously reported, Marbury and the Boston Celtics have flirted openly about the possibility of Steph joining the club. Marbury has received interest from many teams across the league, but his best chance at playing for a contender may come from joining the champs. Stay Tuned…
In other news, The New Jersey Nets are looking to make a deal before the trade deadline. GM Kiki Vandeweghe told the NY Post that “We’ll be active” when questioned on the Nets potential to make some moves. The player most coveted by many would be veteran swingman Vince Carter, who is the last piece of the Nets teams that made it to the NBA Finals earlier in this decade. Carter’s trade value is still high, and New Jersey may be intrigued to move him now. Teams that could find use for Carter could range from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who could cause all sorts of potential matchup problems with a Carter/Lebron/Mo Williams line up. A better fit though would come in New Orleans, where Carter could be sent along with Sean Williams, for basically any combination of Tyson Chandler, Hilton Armstrong, Morris Peterson, and Julius Wright. Chris Paul would get another explosive offensive weapon to help him win now, and the Nets would continue their rebuilding process, while clearing cap space.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have turned things around somewhat since Kevin Mchale has taken over as head coach, and according to Wolves owner Glen Taylor, it will be up to him if he remains the coach. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Taylor will let Mchale make the call on his coaching future, and will not press him on a deadline. The Wolves are currently 12-26, though the the play of many of their young players, such as Randy Foye, has greatly improved since the coaching change.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
1. Vince Carter didnt play on either of the Nets NBA Finals teams…or the team that went to the EC semifinals in 2003-04. He joined the team in December 2004.
2. The Nets would demand a package of young player(s), expiring contracts and draft picks, plus cash and the ability to construct the trade so they receive a trade exception, as they did with Kidd. Find that combination and someone as crazy as Mark Cuban to do it. Not likely.
3. The Nets lost HALF their season ticket holders in 2004 after trading Kenyon Martin then regained all that back plus more when Carter joined the Nets. They are in a financial crisis now. If they dump him to save cash, the IZOD will be empty next season. It would be a strong indicator the team is for sale. When youre selling a money-losing operation, the first thing you do after deciding to sell is get the most you can for your best assets.
Bobbo thanks for the comments. I am corrected regarding the NBA Finals portion of the story, thanks for pointing that out. As for finding someone who is willing to trade for Carter, finding a potential suitor wont be as hard as you may think.
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