It depends on a few things. Are other teams willing to 'rent' Howard for a year while giving up significant pieces? Because, again, if Howard says he'll only sign an extension with the Nets, then he has all leverage on the situation....btw, Nets only have 4 players definitely under contract right now, so who knows what they might look like next year...

There is "mutual interest" between unrestricted free agent Ray Allen and the Heat, multiple sources tell ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
There has been a ton of previous speculation connecting Allen to Miami prior to this, so this shouldn't come as a huge shocker. As much as it may make some Celtics fans cringe, Allen would be a solid fit in South Beach as a shooter in the second unit. Allen could certainly draw a larger salary elsewhere, but the chance to win a championship ring could be too great to ignore.


The Rockets are attempting to make a trade offer for Dwight Howard, according to ESPN.
ESPN broke news late on Sunday night that the team was having discussions about moving up in the draft with Sacramento and Toronto, and Houston may be prepared to part with Kyle Lowry in order to get it done. One GM believes the "real aim" of GM Daryl Morey is to acquire two top-10 selections and then flip both as part of a "considerable trade offer" for Howard. The team had interest in acquiring Howard previously, and it will be interesting to see just how active Morey is on draft day.

The Wolves are reportedly "set to offer" free agent Brandon Roy an undisclosed two-year deal.
This doesn't mean he is ready to accept the offer, as Wolves beat writer Darren Wolfson writes "there's a strong belief Roy favors a championship contender." Wolves assistant coach Bill Bayno has convinced David Kahn that Roy is worth the injury-risk, but unless he received some truly magical German knee therapy, I can't see his comeback working out.

some pics from Artests 2 weeks spent here

Van City Trip - AMG

The Bulls, Mavericks, Pacers and Timberwolves "have emerged as serious suitors" to sign Brandon Roy, sources tell Yahoo! Sports.
Per Wojnarowski, Roy's recovery from knee problems has "been spurred by undergoing the platelet rich plasma therapy" that Kobe Bryant made popular among NBA players. Wojnarowski also notes that the Warriors maintain some level of interest, but they're not considered a top suitor. The most interesting part of this is that Wojnarwoski reports that some teams would be willing to use their full midlevel exception on the shooting guard. There is still a ton of risk involved in signing Roy given the chronic nature of his knee issues.

Wolves Acquire Chase Budinger For 18th Overall Pick

The Wolves have acquired Chase Budinger in a trade with the Rockets in exchange for the 18th overall pick, according to sources.

Houston has also included the draft rights to Lior Eliyahu.

The Rockets now own the 14th, 16th and 18th picks in the first round.
Via Adrian Wojnarowski/Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter)

Rockets Offer Lowry, 14th, 16th Picks To Kings For Evans, 5th Selection

The Rockets have offered Kyle Lowry along with the No. 14 and No. 16 picks to the Kings in exchange for Tyreke Evans and the No. 5 pick.

Sacramento is currently deciding whether to accept the offer.
Via Jonathan Givony/DraftExpress (via Twitter)

Celtics Awarded '13 2nd Round Pick From Thunder As Compensation For Green's Medical Condition

The Celtics have been awarded a 2013 second round draft pick from the Thunder as compensation for a dispute over Jeff Green's medical condition, according to sources.

Boston filed a complain with the NBA after Green was revealed to have a heart condition.

Oklahoma City will convey Charlotte's second round pick in 2013, according to a source.
Via Adrian Wojnarowski/Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter)

Weird trade for sactown if this goes down. Lol.

But maybe Houston trades Evans + pick for pau gasol. Lol. I could dream right

Personally, I don't think it is enough to trade for Evans and 5th.

Let just say Lowry and Evans are equal in value. Essentially you are trading the 14th and 16th for the 5th pick

Rockets would need to add the 18th pick they just received OR add Kevin Martin.

But I doubt they want to include the 18th pick. If the traded successful, they are probably going to repackage Evans + 18th for another high pick say Golden States or Raptors.

Houston is not too far from Dallas, in which they can probably pursue DWill then perhaps D12 willing to stay along with Josh Smith that Houston also could be targeting (Highschool bball buddy)

this trade doesnt make sense.

If anything SAC needs a SG not another PG.

Well, if they get rid of Evans, then theyll defnitely need a SG.. If they keep him, they'll need a PG for sure unless Isaiah thomas keeps it up... I can't think of any other PG in Sactown that's actually good or if they even have anyone else beside thomas

You guys forget about Marcus Thornton?? Evans played SF for most of last season while Thornton played SG. Lowry, Thornton, Salmons, Thompson/Hayes, Cousins would be their starting line-up if this trade goes down....Lowry is better than Evans - I just don't know if he's 14th+16th pick over 5th pick better than Evans...intriguing offer though, to say the least.

Rockets are stock piling draft picks in an effort to try and package them with either Lowry or Scola for a higher pick or a veteran star Josh Smith? Howard?

CBS' Ken Berger wrote today that the Dallas Mavericks fear that Deron Williams is leaning toward returning to the Nets next season.
Free agency begins on Sunday morning, so we should soon have answers on where Williams will play next season. It sounds like he's narrowed his choices down to Dallas and Brooklyn, and based on this latest report, it looks like the Nets are winning the race for his services.

The Pistons have traded Ben Gordon and a protected future first-round pick to Charlotte for Corey Maggette, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The move will save Detroit about $15 million on the two remaining years on Gordon's contract, while Maggette's got an expiring deal.

Bobcats Acquire Gordon, Future First Round Pick For Maggette

The Bobcats have acquired Ben Gordon and a lottery protected 2013 pick in a trade with the Pistons for Corey Maggette, according to sources.

Gordon has two seasons remaining on his contract while Maggette's deal expires in 2013. Gordon is owed $25.6 million on his contract while Maggette will earn $10.9 million. Detroit will save $14.7 million with the trade.

Via Adrian Wojnarowski/Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter)

Charlotte got the better end of this trade. That 1st round pick is key. I wonder if Gordon will get a starting role in Charlotte or stick to his reserve role. Guy has potential so this might be good for him as Detroit wasn't a good fit at all

BG has 2 years left on the contract, next year he'll will be a BIG expiring contract @ 13 Mil. A lot of teams who wanted to shed $$$ will likely ask Charlotte for trades.

Warriors Talking To Denver About Swapping No. 7 For Chandler

The Nuggets have been fielding several trade calls on some of their depth of young players.

One move that has been discussed is sending Wilson Chandler to the Warriors for the No. 7 pick.
Via Chris Broussard/ESPN (via Twitter)

he ought to be a starting SG like it was back in chicago before Rose got drafted

9 first round prospects have medical red flags

Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
I'm told that as many as nine 1st round prospects have medical red-flags that could impact their standing. Could be a rough night for some.

Possible ones are:
1. Sullinger - back issue
2. Lamb - shoulder issue (questionable)
3. White - psychological issues related to flying, unspecified predraft injuries preventing workouts
4. Marshall - wrist and elbow
5. Miller - lingering concerns about ACL?

^ yea dude was unstoppable on most nights, they called him Ben Jordan
big big time scorer, it's obvious he went with the Pistons strictly for the payday... he's been one of my favorite players for a long time, but it bothered me to see him in Detroit, hopefully Charlotte is a refresher for him and he starts producing like before...

anyone remember that Epic Bulls Celtics playoff series in 08/09 season ? i think i still have them recorded on my dvds somewhere, shit was crazy, Gordon was a straight killer

^ that is one of my fav series ever, holy fuck allen was clutch in that game...