J.A. Adande, ESPN.com: Zero percent. Why would anyone want a guy who’ll cost $19 million next season when he can’t play for you this season? Anyway, the Lakers can’t afford to ship him out until they get Dwight Howard to sign on the line which is dotted.

Chris Broussard, ESPN The Magazine: Two percent. I didn’t think the
Lakers were going to trade him before Pau’s foot injury, but now the
chances are incredibly slim. The only potential trade seems to be to
Toronto, but the Lakers have thus far shown no interest in the Raptors’
Andrea Bargnani, who would be the centerpiece of Toronto’s package.

Chad
Ford, ESPN.com: Two percent. Given his injury status, I think Gasol’s
value is almost nil. The teams that were considering Gasol were all
hoping he could give them a serious playoff push. Now that he’s out the
next six to eight weeks, I don’t see it.

Marc Stein, ESPN.com:
Five percent. Probably should have gone even lower. And it wouldn’t be
any higher even if Pau was healthy right now. The Lakers know they can’t
go through any more adjustment periods. So they can’t make a big move
and then try to work in a couple of new guys when they’re already facing
so many issues. All they can do is persist with what they have, try to
make the best of the rest of the schedule and then figure out their next
big moves when this circus of a season is over.

Brian Windhorst,
ESPN.com: 15 percent. There’s no doubt a market for Gasol exists, but
there are two issues: 1) He’s hurt and may not be able to contribute
this regular season. 2) The Lakers will have significant demands — this
will not be a fire sale. I’d say it’s much more likely Gasol gets moved
in the summer if Dwight Howard re-signs.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/5-on-5-130213/nba-chances-top-trade-targets-get-moved

McGrady, a seven-time All-Star,
couldn’t secure a guaranteed NBA contract for this season and decided
against trying to make a roster in training camp.

McGrady, 33, will likely complete the deal within the next couple days and leave for China within the next one to two weeks, sources said. McGrady’s long-time partnership with former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming made McGrady a popular player in China, and he’ll be afforded star status there.

McGrady worked out for the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks in the past month, but neither franchise had a roster spot to commit to him. After 15 years in the league, McGrady had career-low numbers in Atlanta a season ago, averaging 5.3 points in 16 minutes per game. McGrady has been slowed with knee problems in recent years.

The Chinese season ends in March, allowing McGrady to return to the United States and possibly sign with an NBA playoff contender.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba–tracy-mcgrady-finalizing-deal-to-play-in-china.html

Despite his exceptional defense, freakish athleticism and jaw-dropping
play-making ability, the writing on the wall is simply too large to
ignore at this point.

His seven years of service should be greatly appreciated by 76ers fans,
but the fact remains that Andre Iguodala can not—and should not—be a
member of the Philadelphia 76ers next season.

He clearly doesn’t want to be in Philadelphia any longer. Iguodala’s
quasi-excused absence from his postseason exit interview spoke volumes,
even more so than his non-committal answers during his season-ending
session with the media.

The last time the 76ers had a player who made no secret of his disdain for the organization (Samuel Dalembert), a cloud of negativity surrounded the team for several years until he was finally—mercifully—traded to the Sacramento Kings this past offseason.

Many of the team’s younger players (Evan Turner, among others) appear to take cues from Iguodala—a fact that should only serve to hasten his departure.

The death knell for the Iguodala era was sounded shortly after the final buzzer of the Sixers’ first-round series against the Miami Heat. As one of the 76ers’ co-captains (and the supposed best player on the team), his lackluster scoring output during the team’s five-game playoff run (11.4 PPG) was completely unacceptable.

Those in the pro-Iguodala camp will argue that the seventh-year swingman played remarkable defense against all-everything small forward LeBron James, let the record show that James averaged 24.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG and 6.2 APG versus the 76ers.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/733042-philadelphia-76ers-why-the-iguodala-for-ellis-deal-has-to-happen

ESPN.com is reporting that the Sixers discussed a potential trade with the Los Angeles Clippers to get Chris Kaman in exchange for Iguodala.

Kaman was an All-Star in 2010. The 6-foot-11 center has averaged 12 points and eight rebounds for his career.

The Sixers aren’t hiding the fact they are on the market for a big man.
The team could end up drafting a big in the upcoming draft.

However, with DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin in the fold, the Clippers
have an excess of quality post players to use in any potential trade.

The deal would free up a starting spot for Evan Turner, who the Sixers took with the second overall pick last year.

According to the report, trade negotiations are only in the preliminary
stages, but the trade makes sense for both sides as the two teams would
deal from positions of strength.

http://www.csnphilly.com/06/08/11/Report-Sixers-Clippers-talk-Kaman-Iguoda/news_sixers.html?blockID=533599&feedID=694

“It’s pretty hot,” the person familiar with the talks said.

UPDATE: The Trail Blazers, Lakers, and Hawks, are among the teams that made exploratory calls after word leaked that the Warriors and 76ers were discussing an Ellis-for-Andre Iguodala swap, league sources said Thursday. Ellis-for-Iguodala is a “50-50” proposition at the moment, a person with knowledge of those talks said. A third person with knowledge of the Warriors’ strategy described trading Ellis as a secondary priority to the draft.

Ellis would be interested in a trade to the Bulls, who have previously expressed interest in him. But a person with direct knowledge of Chicago’s offseason discussions refuted the notion that the Bulls have had recent contact with Golden State about the electrifying guard.

The Sixers have fielded several calls about Iguodala, but executives who’ve spoken with them detect reluctance in the Philadelphia front office to trade Iguodala in a salary dump. The Sixers want a player of value in return, sources said.

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/29914237

The thinking is since the Hawks just signed Joe Johnson (six years, $124
million) and Al Horford (five years, $60 million) to new deals, they
won’t be able to afford to keep the remaining three years and $37
million left on Smith’s deal.

Plus, the Pistons made a run at Smith in the summer of 2008, so it’s understandable that they (and several other teams) would be mentioned as possible landing spots for him by the February trade deadline.

However, there are some major factors working against a Pistons-Hawks swap. Take the Pistons’ two main trade chips — Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton.

The Pistons like Smith — front office personnel speak openly of getting players who can play above the rim and Smith fits the bill. But it’s doubtful they will be able to make any major financial commitments with the team’s sale still pending. When the sale becomes official, the Pistons would seriously consider a Hamilton-for-Smith swap as it appears Hamilton needs a change of scenery.

But the Pistons likely wouldn’t part with Prince for Smith. They like Smith better as a player, but Prince’s expiring deal is like gold.

http://www.freep.com/article/20101103/SPORTS03/11030388/1051/Pistons-looking-at-Josh-Smith-Chris-Kaman?

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2010/10/terrys_talkin_about_a_browns_r.html

In the proposed deal, the Houston Rockets will send Ariza to the
Hornets, who in turn will send Collison and James Posey to the Pacers.

The Pacers will send Troy Murphy to the New Jersey Nets. And the Nets will send Courtney Lee to the Rockets.

According to the sources the Rockets, Hornets, Pacers and Nets have agreed to the details of the trade and are awaiting a trade call with the league this afternoon to make it official.

The deal could fill some long-term needs for the Hornets, Pacers and Nets, as well as provide needed salary relief for the Rockets.

For the Hornets, while moving Collison leaves the team without a credible backup for Chris Paul, the addition of Ariza gives them a young, athletic wing entering his prime.

The Hornets are hoping that the addition of Ariza addresses Paul’s concerns about the team’s commitment to winning by showing that they’re willing to spend money to get better. Ariza signed a six year, $35 million dollar deal with the Rockets last summer.

For the Pacers, landing Collison gives them the young starting point guard they’ve been looking for and adds another piece to a young core of players including Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert and promising rookies Paul George and Lance Stephenson.

The Pacers did take on the last two years and $13 million of Posey’s contract, but the deal also sliced another $4 million off the team’s overall payroll.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5455472

2. O’Neal ticks off Heat

3. Marbury choosing China over Heat?

4. Mavericks trying to bring back Thomas

5. Paul leaning toward Magic?1. Okafor tied to Paul trade?

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting Speculation is that the Hornets would want a team to also take on the remaining four years and $52 million on power forward Emeka Okafor’s contract if they must deal Chris Paul.

To read more..

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-chris-paul-20100724,0,3555041.story

2. O’Neal ticks off Heat

The Miami Herald is reporting Which player irritated the Heat this offseason? Jermaine O’Neal, who wasn’t offered a contract by Miami but left Heat officials incredulous by saying he chose Boston over Miami because “it came down to winning now and not worrying about chemistry.

TO read more..

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/25/1745618_p2/fins-davis-smith-say-they-have.html

3. Marbury choosing China over Heat?

The Ny POst is reporting South Beach or Shanxi? Stephon Marbury told a Chinese newspaper that he passed on an opportunity to play with the Heat and is considering heading back to China, where he was a member of the Shanxi Zhongyu last season.

To read more..

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/marbury_no_to_heat_n43zs7CijRgRXBTVQhhIrI

4. Mavericks trying to bring back Thomas

The Dallas Morning News is reporting The Mavericks are in negotiations to bring back forward Tim Thomas, a team source confirmed Saturday. Thomas started last season with Dallas but took a leave of absence to care for his critically ill wife and missed the rest of the season and playoffs.

TO read more..

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/072510dnspomavsbrief.3fab971.html

5. Paul leaning toward Magic?

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting The talk about Chris Paul coming to the Orlando Magic is intensifying. An espn.com story, published tonight, says that the Magic have emerged as the superstar point guard’s most preferred trade destination. Paul reportedly is intrigued by the possibility of teaming with center Dwight Howard. Paul is no fool; he knows what he could do if paired with the game’s top center.

To read more..

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2010/07/report-the-magic-are-now-chris-pauls-most-preferred-trade-destination.html

2. Mavericks balked at Shaquille O’Neal’s salary demands

3. Rose believes McGrady could help Bulls

4. Lakers, Brown remain in talks

5. Appears Iguodala will not be a Clipper
1. Knicks would deal anyone but Stoudemire for Paul

The New York Post is reporting Why wait until 2012 when you have a shot at him now?

According to an NBA executive familiar with Knicks team president Donnie Walsh’s thinking, the Knicks are willing to include in a trade anyone other than Amar’e Stoudemire for Chris Paul, knowing how badly the superstar point guard wants to come to New York.

The Knicks will soon find out if Paul is available.

On Monday, Paul is expected to meet with new Hornets GM Dell Demps, new coach Monty Williams and president Hugh Weber in the Big Easy, according to a Hornets official.

"Amar’e won’t be traded, but everyone else is available," the executive said.

Three weeks ago, the Hornets president said New Orleans will not trade Paul this summer and the Knicks and Nets backed off. There is no assurance New Orleans will acquiesce to Paul’s demands."

To read more..

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/paul_out_effort_EcyvQVSiHUEs2x3BguzHoM

2. Mavericks balked at Shaquille O’Neal’s salary demands

THe Dallas Morning News is reporting There was a time, in the not-so-distant past, when Shaquille O’Neal rumbled across the country collecting nicknames and championship rings by the bundle, his career one great, giddy joyride, set to his own thumping soundtrack. He was the Diesel and the Big Aristotle, the Big Cactus and the Big Witness and always the life of the party.

Except the greatest, giddiest free-agent party in NBA history is proceeding without him. Shaq is the Big No-Show, which prompts the question: Is it time for the Big Farewell?

Twenty-three days have passed since the free-agent market opened. Sixty-five players have signed new contracts, including 13 centers. Darko Milicic got $20 million. Johan Petro got $10 million.

Yet O’Neal — the Most Dominant Ever, according to the syntactically awkward title he gave himself — is unemployed. Is this the end? Possibly.

This limbo is largely self-created. O’Neal, according to team executives, is seeking an $8 million salary. He wants a two-year deal. He is 38. He has trouble staying healthy. He can be helpful in spurts, but he is no longer the menacing figure who once ruled the paint.

”I don’t know who takes him," said an Eastern Conference scout, citing O’Neal’s diminished production.

Potential suitors keep drifting away.

To read more..

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/072410dnosposhaqmavs.12ba3d3f.html

3. Rose believes McGrady could help Bulls

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting "With the recent addition of Kurt Thomas, the Bulls have 11 players locked up and will be looking to add one more player — preferably a guard — to the roster in the next week or so.

Derrick Rose made it clear Friday he hopes that player is Tracy McGrady.

‘I think that if he comes along he can help our team,” Rose said after the Team USA workout at the Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus. ”A player like him, with his experience and how he plays, I think he’ll help us.”

That depends on the health of McGrady, who has had multiple surgeries on his left knee, including microfracture surgery about a year and a half ago.

McGrady, 31, is a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time scoring champion, but he wasn’t the same explosive player when he returned to the court last season. After being dealt to the New York Knicks before the trade deadline in February, he averaged 9.4 points in 26 minutes."

TO read more..

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/2529662,CST-SPT-jax24.article

4. Lakers, Brown remain in talks

the L.A. Daily News is reporting The Lakers’ pursuit of Shannon Brown continues.

After signing free agents Matt Barnes, Steve Blake and Theo Ratliff this month, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said he’s still negotiating with Brown’s agent about a possible return to the two-time defending NBA champions.

"We’re still talking to Shannon," Kupchak said Friday at the Lakers’ El Segundo training facility. "I think there’s a good chance that in the next couple of weeks we can have some resolution with Shannon.

"I’m optimistic."

Brown terminated his contract with the Lakers, leaving $2.1 million on the table in an attempt to land a bigger and better deal.

A return to the Lakers has always been one of several options for the high-flying backup guard.

The Chicago Bulls also have been mentioned as a possible destination for Brown, who averaged 8.1 points and 1.3 assists in 20.7 minutes last season.

The signing of Barnes and Ratliff on Thursday seemed to signal an end to his tenure with the Lakers, but Kupchak said he wouldn’t hesitate to re-sign Brown."

To read more..

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_15587340

5. Appears Iguodala will not be a Clipper

The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting "Various reports are saying that the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to get in touch with the 76ers about swingman Andre Iguodala.

When contacted yesterday, Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski said that he would not comment on any trade talks.

A trade of Iguodala now doesn’t seem to jive with what new coach Doug Collins has been saying since his May hiring, which is that he is looking forward to coaching Iguodala and it is his belief that the 6-7 Arizona product can be one of the best defensive players in the league.

"I think this summer is such a great thing for his career," Collins said yesterday, while on his way to the airport to catch a flight to Las Vegas to watch Iguodala practice with Team USA. "I’m very excited about being his coach. We need him for the type of defensive team we want to be. I think he can be the best defensive player at his position in the league."

To read more..

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/sixers/20100723_Appears_Iguodala_will_not_be_a_Clipper.html