Trade Rumors: Phil Jasner: Trade deadline rumblings for Sixers
By Phil Jasner
HERE'S WHAT YOU REALLY need to know about the NBA trade deadline:
It's Feb. 18 at 3 p.m.
Between now and then, you will read and hear dozens of rumors involving
the 76ers. Some will have validity, others will not. Remember, there
are Web sites devoted to having something different every day. I'd be
more inclined to pay attention to ones in which people actually sign
their names and take responsibility.
That's not to say anyone is inventing anything. It's not unusual for teams or agents to send out trial balloons, just to see how the media and the public might respond.
But here's what you really need to know. Teams won't start putting their best offers on the table until, say, 2:30 p.m., Feb. 18.
Maybe 2:45.
Maybe 2:55.
Maybe a few general managers will even ask the NBA office for an extension because they have discussions under way but might not be able to finalize a deal until after 3 p.m.
To me, that means if there's going to be a bidding war for Andre Iguodala, it might not begin in earnest until then. And that's assuming that, between now and then, the Sixers remain interested in trading their best player. Or even whether they remain interested in trading Samuel Dalembert. (Last time I checked, they really don't have another center or another player capable of consistent double-figure rebounding and consistent shot-blocking.)
I can't tell you I hear everything, but I do hear some things. We all have "sources;" some are more reliable than others. I have a handful that I trust implicitly. Still, I can't guarantee the information is totally pure, but here is some of it:
Carmelo could force trade to Knicks this season: report
It seems more and more likely Carmelo Anthony will not sign a contract
extension with the Nuggets, which likely will force the team to trade
him, perhaps to the Knicks.
ESPN.com reported last night that Anthony is "going to make it real
clear that he's not coming back" to Denver, according to an NBA source.
"Both Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke and Anthony already are well aware that
they don't have a future together, sources say. That became clear to
Kroenke at a reception after Anthony's July 11 (wedding) to La La
Vasquez in Manhattan," the report says.
Not only does Carmelo Anthony apparently have his heart set on playing
in New York, but a close confidant of the NBA superstar told The Post
yesterday that he is a better fit for the Big Apple than LeBron James.
"Nothing would bother him," the confidant said of Anthony playing here.
"The media wouldn't bother him because he really likes people. The
pressure wouldn't bother him because he loves to have the game in his
hands. Nothing bothers him."
Ellsbury could be done for the season Jacoby Ellsbury is scheduled to return to Boston today and could be shut down for the season after his exam in Los Angeles with Dr. Lewis Yo***** revealed a possible rib fracture, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Wigginton, Scott won't be traded this season The Orioles are virtually finished running their 25-man roster through nontrade waivers, and several players, including potential trade chips Ty Wigginton and Luke Scott, did not clear and cannot be traded for the remainder of this season.
