Let's get right to it before I head to the Nets' training facility, where I have a strong hunch I will find out that neither Jason Kidd nor Vince Carter is getting traded:
The Knicks' alleged talks with the Nets about Vince Carter, in my opinion, were probably nothing more than Isiah Thomas doing his due diligence. I don't think the Knicks have near the package of players and/or draft picks the Nets would want. It looks good for the Knicks that the conversation is out in the open, but there doesn't appear to be a serious chance that Carter will hop across the river. One person who is plugged into the Knicks' and Carter's situation wasn't even aware of the talks, which tells you how brief and quiet they were.
The latest on Mike Bibby: The deal with Cleveland was hitting a snag this morning, said a person involved in the situation. The reason? Bruised egos over the leaking of the proposal that would've freed Bibby from Sacramento. That's only one of the many reasons why it's so hard to get trades done at the deadline. A few years ago, Miami's Pat Riley pulled the plug on a trade for Jamal Mashburn because he was so miffed that his secret discussions got out.
It still appears that Bibby will be dealt, and his destination probably still will be Cleveland. If the Cavs can't get Bibby, they've discussed a Damon Jones-for-Marcus Banks deal with Phoenix, as ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan reported here http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&id=2774443
Check back soon for more updates before 3 p.m., and for analysis and reaction afterward.
Comments (2)
Jagr!! did he forget that a captain is supposed to lead his team? How can one of the best shooters in the league not take part in a shootout especially when Shanihan is out. Not much of an example. Michael Bodnar Miller Place 828-1376
Vince Carter was not traded by the Nets and can sign with any team as an un-restricted free-agent after the end of the season. Vince who still is an NBA marquee player will probably be selected to his 3rd straight All-Dunkadelic First Team this coming June