Post by Philadelphia 76ers on Apr 20, 2008 20:02:29 GMT -5
Kobe heading to the great white north?
AP- Who would have thought, Kobe Bryant joining the team he once scored 81 pts against. That's right folks, your eyes are not fooling you. Kobe Bryant could be dawning a Raptors jersey before the NBA Legends trade deadline if all goes right.Talks started off about a possible three team deal that would send Shaq to Toronto and Houston's 2008 first rounder to LA, reports have indicated that those talks have since fell apart. Although the trade fell apart, the Lakers and Raptors continued to discuss about a possible blockbuster trade. According to sources close to the situation, he two clubs agreed to a trade in principle that would send the NBA mega-star and Canadian Samuel Dalembert to Toronto for rising superstar Carmelo Anthony, Kirk Hinrich and former 1st overall pick Andrea Bargnani.
This trade would make sense for both teams, the LAL big 3 haven't worked out as the Lakers GM would like, making this trade would give them a more complete starting five and inject some youth to a team composed mostly of 30+ aged players. Toronto would get a true center in Dalembert to replace Bargnani who was clearly out of position at center. Obviously, adding Kobe is a big addition to any team. This trade would give Toronto one of the top defences in the league with a starting composed of Dalembert-Jermaine O'Neal, Carlos Delfino, Kobe and Larry Hughes.
When asked about the possible deal, the Lakers GM had this to say:
"Obviously, moving a player of Kobe's magnitude would be a franchise changing move for any team, we won't deny that we've talked to the Raptors about a trade but what we've talked about is not gonna be revealed to the public."
I guess we'll just have to see if this deal falls through in the next 48 hours, what we do know though, is this defintiely won't be a boring deadline.
LeBron on the move again?!?
AP- LeBron could be packing his bags and be playing for a new team for the THIRD team this season. This time, he could be headed to the Bay Area. According to the Oakland Tribune, the Warriors have offered a package that would send sharpshooter Rashard Lewis, power forward Al Harrington and highflyer Desmond Mason to the Suns for King James. Officials on both sides have acknowledged that there have been talks surrounding a LeBron deal. Golden State isn't the only team interested in Jame's services, according to ESPN's Chad Ford, the San Antonio Spurs have entered the sweepstakes as early as yesterday morning. They have put together a package that would send Andre Igoudala and Monta Ellis for James. Look for either one of these trades to go down right before the deadline. Since LeBron was acquired from the Magic, the young superstar has put up measley stats, 14 pts and 7 rbs. Not numbers you'd expect from the next "MJ". Although LeBron is having an awful season, you'd think a team would have enough patience with him and hope he bounces back next season.
Youth Movement continues in Houston, Dwade next superstar to be acquired by Rockets?
AP- Yet another superstar from the star ladden 2004 NBA Draft could be on the move, rumors have LeBron James heading to the Bay Area, Chris Bosh was recently traded to Washington and Dwayne Wade was traded to the Indiana Pacers two days ago. Two days later, the Pacers are actively trying to move him before the deadline. Houston, who recently traded their first rounders for Josh Smith, has seems to be the front runners in the Wade sweepstakes. The new Rockets GM has let it be known that nobody is untouchable. So it's no surprise that he's offered up recently acquired Josh Smith and Andrew Bogut for Wade. Sources close to the Pacers organization say they are considering taking that package but are still fielding offers for Wade. The 26 year old guard has struggled for the Heat this season, averaging a career low 15 pts. Hopefully a change of scenery can get this young star's career back on track.
Boston, Atlanta blockbuster deal in the works?
Several league sources have told me that the Celtics' GM was working the phone lines just days before the Legend's trade deadline. Word has it, the Celtics and Hawks are discussing a deal that would send young stud Kevin Durant and Marco Bellnelli to the Hawks for franchise cornerstones Al Horford and Yi Jianlian. The deal is still in the preliminary stages according to the same sources. The Hawks have been recently scouting top ranked prospect Michael Beasley and plan on drafting him if the ping pong balls bounce their way. This would leave them with 3 PF's in the frontcourt, which is why acquiring Durant to play SF makes sense. If this deal doesn't fall through, the Hawks will probably make a run at Dwayne Wade with the same package.
Abusing those PS'ed jerseys a little though, eh?
