Former King, Maverick Peja Stojakovic Calls It A Career

By: Tyler Ward

Former Kings and Mavericks player Peja Stojakovic, one of the best sharpshooters in NBA history, has decided retire after a 13-year career in the NBA.

Stojakovic, 34, told ESPN.com on Monday that he decided to call it quits after a history of back and neck troubles that have plagued him over the last few seasons. The three-time All-Star won his first championship with the Mavericks last season and thought to end his career on a high-note.

"When you start competing against your body more than you're preparing for the actual game, it's a wakeup call," Stojakovic said.

He was a key component in the Mavericks' title run last season, scoring 15 and 21 points in home games against the Los Angeles Lakers, as the Mavericks swept the then-defending champions in the playoffs. In Dallas' Game 4 rout of the Lakers, the sharpshooter went 6-for-6 from beyond the arc, perhaps the best postseason performance of his career.

Stojakovic had a bitter rivalry with the Lakers throughout his career as the starting shooting guard of the Sacramento Kings. At the beginning of the 2000's, the Kings-Lakers rivalry was among the best in the NBA, successfully fueled by such players as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Vlade Divac, Doug Christie, Rick Fox and Stojakovic.

Stojakovic was chosen with the 14th overall selection in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. He would not make his professional debut until the start of the 1998-99 season, averaging 8.4 points per game in his rookie season.

He would get better over the next few seasons, eventually landing in the starting lineup as the shooting guard, beginning in the 2000-01 season. In just his third season, Stojakovic averaged 20.4 points per game and in the following season, he set a then-career high in points per game with 21.2 per contest -- in that same year, he also became the first European player to win the Three-Point Shootout, annually held during All-Star Weekend. He would then go on to successfully defend his title the following year, becoming the fifth player to win at least two consecutive shootouts since it's inception -- Larry Bird, Craig Hodges, Mark Price and Jeff Hornacek are the others.

During the 2003-04 season, Stojakovic averaged a career-high 24.2 points per game, while also making the All-Star team. He also led the NBA in free-throw percentage (92.7%) for the first time in his career.

The following season, Stojakovic's stats started to decrease, as it would become the last season in his career that he averaged at least 20 points per game.

Just 31 games into the 2005-06 season, Stojakovic would get traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Ron Artest on Jan. 25, 2006. It was the first time that he would be traded, but it surely would not be the last.

He would finish out the season with the Pacers, playing in 40 games while averaging 19.5 points and a career-high 6.3 rebounds per game. Many thought that the Pacers would re-sign him, but instead he was dealt to the New Orleans Hornets on July 12, just a little over six months after he arrived in Indiana -- he was subsequently dealt for Andrew Betts, who has not played in an NBA game thus far.

Stojakovic would miss most of the 2006-07 season, playing in just thirteen games. However, in one of those thirteen games, Stojakovic became the first player in NBA history to score his team's first 20 points, as he accomplished that feat against the Charlotte Bobcats on Nov. 19, 2006.

The subsequent year, Stojakovic would have his best year as a Hornet, averaging 16.4 points per game and leading the NBA in free-throw percentage for the second time in his career (92.9%). He would go on to play just a little more than two seasons for the Hornets before being dealt to the Raptors along with Jerryd Bayless for David Andersen, Marcus Banks and Jarrett Jack on Nov. 20, 2010.

Stojakovic played just two games for the Raptors before being waived just two months after he was sent up north. Four days after being waived, he signed a one-year, $636,320 deal with the Dallas Mavericks and it couldn't have ended any better.

He would quickly become friends with Dirk Nowitzki, once a bitter National team rival over in Europe. Stojakovic, along with a team comprised with other veterans, would help the Mavericks win their first ever NBA Championship, defeating the Miami Heat in six games.

Dallas' defeat of the Heat was perhaps one of the best championship teams ever, as quite a few players won their first ever championship after playing in the NBA for ten or more years -- including Stojakovic, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Brian Cardinal and DeShawn Stevenson. The team also consisted of Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood, both of whom were in their ninth year of professional basketball when they struck gold with the Mavericks.

Stojakovic's decision to retire from the NBA was not a surprise, however. After a stellar 13-year career, it was time to call it quits.

"Peja will go down as one of the great shooters in the history of the NBA. His success was the result of a tireless work ethic and an unquenchable desire to be the best at what he did. Peja's legacy, however, goes way beyond his 3-point skills and that elusive Finals title he won last season with the Dallas Mavericks," NBA commissioner David Stern said of the retirement. "Peja was part of the wave of international stars that helped introduce the world to the NBA game and inspired thousands of fans to begin playing the sport of basketball."

Stojakovic said in a statement released on Monday, "I feel so blessed to have been given the athletic gifts to play professional basketball. I have always loved the game and have great respect for it and I know the time is right to step away. I promised myself a long time ago, if it came to the point where my heart and body were not 100 percent committed, I would step away. I have reached that point and I know the time is right to retire."

"I want to thank the great fans in Sacramento, Indiana, New Orleans, and Dallas who supported me throughout the years. I also want to thank the Dallas Mavericks for believing in me this past season and for giving me the chance to end my NBA career with a championship," Stojakovic continued. "I look forward to taking some time to spend with my wife, Aleka, and my three children. I will slowly figure out the next steps in my life and determine what my second career will be. I'm sure I will stay involved in basketball in general and the NBA in particular."

Stojakovic averaged 17 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting 40.1 percent from beyond the arc and 45 percent from the field for the Kings, Pacers, Hornets, Raptors and Mavericks.

Nuggets Retain Nene On Five-Year, $67 Million Contract

By: Tyler Ward

Perhaps the most sought-out player left on the free agent market, Nene is now off the board and has officially re-signed with the Denver Nuggets on a five-year deal that could be worth more than $67 million.

Nene was courted by teams such as New Jersey, Golden State, Indiana, Houston and possibly a few more, but ultimately decided to stay in Denver, the city he's been in since his NBA career started in 2002. However, it wasn't his intention to ever leave Denver and his suitors knew that, which is likely why they didn't push harder to sign Nene.

According to sources, the contract will pay the forward an average of $13.5 million over the next five seasons -- no team could offer five years, which is possibly why he stayed.

Earlier Tuesday, the Nuggets acquired guard Rudy Fernandez and forward Corey Brewer from Dallas in exchange for a future second-round pick. This trade benefits the Nuggets, as they lost three players to China when the lockout was still in place -- Wilson Chandler, J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin.

They still hope to re-sign Chandler, who is likely to return to the United States in March. There is no doubt that Chandler is one of the marquee free agents still on the board, but no team can sign him, as he is still currently under contract in China.

But yesterday was Nene's day, as he could likely stay in Denver for the rest of his professional career. It was clearly Denver's No. 1 priority to re-sign the big man and they have successfully done that, as they look to make some noise in the playoffs.

Nene's wife is from Denver and he has close ties to the organization and is a favorite among the community.

He has said in the past that he has copious amounts of respect for the team, as they helped him through a serious knee injury just three minutes into their opening night game of the 2005-06 season -- Nene was also diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008 and has since successfully beaten the bout.

Last summer, Nene and his agent, Dan Fegan, turned down an offer from the Nuggets that would have paid him $50 million over four seasons. He would have made a little over $12 million per season, so they should be glad to strike the newest deal, as he is guaranteed almost $2 million more per season, and perhaps more depending on the incentives of the contract.

Nene, born Maybyner Rodney Hilario, was chosen with the seventh overall selection by the New York Knicks in the 2002 NBA Draft -- he was traded by the Knicks on draft day with Marcus Camby and Mark Jackson to Denver for Antonio McDyess, Frank Williams and a 2003 second-round draft pick.

Over his career, Nene has played in 527 games (424 starts), while accumulating averages of 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting 56.3 percent from the field. His best season perhaps came last season, as he started 75 games and shot a career-best 61.5 percent from the floor -- he also averaged 14.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2 assists per game for the Nuggets in his ninth year in the NBA.

Orlando's Dwight Howard Narrows His List Down To Four Teams

By: Tyler Ward

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, along with Hornets point guard Chris Paul, have been subject to many trade rumors as of late and it has become apparent that one of both will be traded before the NBA season opens Dec. 25.

There are currently 30 teams in the NBA and Howard doesn't want to go to 26 of them -- he has made a list for the Magic that consists of four teams that he wants to play for.

This list consists of the Orlando Magic, who drafted Howard in 2004 and have made one NBA Finals appearance since then, mainly due to Howard's spectacular play. There is also rapper Jay-Z's New Jersey Nets, last season's champions Dallas Mavericks and of course, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lately, there has been speculation that the Chicago Bulls could also be on Howard's list, as they have a budding superstar in Derrick Rose, who was last season's MVP. There is also Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, who both form one of the best frontcourts in the NBA. The Bulls also have players that could entice the Magic in dealing Howard to the Windy City.

However, this list limits trade possibilities for the Magic, which has said that they won't exclusively deal to a few teams and that they will field offers from the league's 29 other teams. Unfortunately, no team is going to make a blockbuster trade to acquire Howard if he won't sign a lengthy contract extension with whichever team lands him. So, this practically means that it really is just four teams that he'd ideally play for because he won't sign an extension with any of the other 26 teams and would become a free agent after this upcoming season is over.

Alex Martins, the team's new CEO, met with Howard on Monday morning at the Amway Center and after the meeting, Howard apparently had toned down a little about wanting to get out of Orlando as quick as possible.

"I love this city, there is no place I'd rather be but Orlando. I just want to make sure we have the right things here so we can win a championship," Howard said. "I'm all about change. If you're willing to change and you're willing to do what it takes to win, then, you know, you got me."

Martins, who became the CEO last week after the resignation of Bob Vander Weide, has made no secret that he wants Howard to return to Orlando and help the team win their first ever championship.

Last Friday, the Magic gave Howard permission to speak with the teams on his list -- the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers.

The All-Star has seemed to be most frustrated with the fact that he feels the Magic haven't made enough changes to become a championship-caliber team. They did make the NBA Finals a few seasons ago, but haven't been close to going back since that campaign. General Manager Otis Smith has made the team into a perennial playoff team, but hasn't made significant roster changes.

If you look at the past couple of seasons, the teams that have won a championship have had multiple All-Star talents with key role players -- Los Angeles Lakers with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum; Boston Celtics with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo; Dallas Mavericks with Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd and Tyson Chandler.

For the Magic, there seems to be just Dwight Howard. He has solid players around him such as Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson, but those three players aren't going to land Orlando their first NBA championship. There needs to be more pieces added to the puzzle and Howard feels that Smith and the rest of the team's personnel have failed to surround him with multiple great players that could succeed in the playoffs.

And I can't blame Howard for being frustrated. When you enter a professional sport, the main thing to do is win a championship; not filling up stats in the record books -- for instance, Dan Marino in the NFL; Marino was one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, but he never won a championship. He put up gaudy numbers for the Dolphins, but was never able to win the big game. If he had won at least one championship, he'd be considered the greatest at his position of all-time.

Howard is undoubtedly the best center in the NBA. There is no doubt about it. But if he wants to go down as one of the all-time great centers, he needs to win a championship. And the Magic have failed to provide him with that opportunity to hoist the trophy above his head.

So now, with Howard threatening to leave, it may just strike that fear into Martins and Smith that they need to acquire a big name or they will never win a championship, as they would have to deal away the best player in the franchise's history. When you look at it, Howard on the Nets with Deron Williams have that opportunity to win a ring. Going down to Dallas with Dirk Nowtizki has that chance. He, Derrick Rose and Co. has a chance to win it, too. And of course, Kobe Bryant, the best center of our generation, and the rest of his Lakers, also. All these teams listed above with Howard make them among the league's best to win a ring.

If the Magic want to be among the league's best, they will give Howard a superstar to team up with, no matter what it costs. And it'd be a wise decision to do so. I can't blame the former No. 1 overall pick for one second. Maybe he can finally win a ring whether it be with Orlando or some other fortunate team.

Report: Chris Paul To Clippers Deal Falls Through

By: Tyler Ward

Chris Paul just can't seem to catch a break. He cannot end up in Los Angeles, whether it be with the Lakers or the Clippers.

Sources close to the deal say that the league-owned Hornets were shot down by the Clippers, after it appeared that the Hornets were wanting too much for their All-Star point guard, who is arguably the best player at his position.

New Orleans was apparently asking the Clippers for Minnesota's unprotected first-round pick, point guard Eric Bledsoe, center Chris Kaman, forward Al-Farouq Aminu and shooting guard Eric Gordon, one of the best up-and-coming players in the NBA, for Paul.

The Clippers thought of the deal to be "too steep", even after Paul told the Clippers that he would accept the option for the 2012-12 season, meaning that he would be with the team for at least two years before entering free agency, if he chose to do so.

Paul has recently expressed interest in playing with former No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin, who is widely considered to be one of the most prolific players in the NBA.

It was not immediately known if the Hornets and Clippers would still continue to try and make a deal, especially after the Lakers backed out almost a week ago of a possible re-submitted trade.

Last Thursday, commissioner David Stern vetoed a trade that would have sent Paul to the Lakers in exchange for Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. The Hornets, in turn, would have sent Gasol to the Rockets for shooting guard Kevin Martin, power forward Luis Scola, point guard Goran Dragic and an unprotected first-round pick that the Rockets acquired from the Knicks.

The Hornets are currently owned by the league, after former owner David Shinn sold the team for an estimated $300 million in December 2010.

New Orleans is very persistent in trying to unload Paul, as they do not want to go through the same thing the Nuggets did last season when Carmelo Anthony wanted out. Denver ultimately dealt Anthony to the Knicks in the middle of the season, after the "saga" dragged on for quite a while. The Hornets are trying to avoid that and deal the point guard before the season begins on Christmas Day.

Orlando is also trying to do the same thing with Dwight Howard, one of the best players currently in the NBA. Although they have not officially come to a deal with any team, Howard has expressed his interest in leaving the team that he was drafted by in 2004. Rumors have circulated that Howard wants to go to the Nets and has requested a trade to the future Brooklyn-bound team. He has also been interested in playing with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles and it appears the Lakers could pursue him heavily, that being the reason they backed out of negotiations with the Hornets after Stern vetoed the deal.

It is very likely however, that neither Dwight Howard or Chris Paul will play a full season with their current team and both should be dealt before the trade deadline. Two questions remains for both of them: Where will they go and what will their current teams get for them?

Only time will tell.

Orlando Magic Use Amnesty Clause On Former All-Star Gilbert Arenas

By: Tyler Ward

A team has finally used the new amnesty clause and that team is the Orlando Magic. According to reports, the Magic have reportedly used the clause on Gilbert Arenas, a three-time All-Star and 2003's Most Improved Player.

The Magic officially waived Arenas on Friday, the first day teams could sign and waive players.

Arenas is currently owed $62 million scattered over three years and he will eventually receive the money, but it will not count against the Magic's salary cap and their luxury-tax.

Arenas played in 70 games last season as was primarily used as a back-up behind point guard Jameer Nelson. The former Wizard and Warrior averaged 10.8 points and 3.9 assists per game for the Magic last season.

After entering the NBA in 2001 with the Golden State Warriors, Arenas was considered to be one of the best up-and-coming players in the NBA. In the 200-03 season, Arenas averaged 18.3 points per game and entered free agency.

He chose the Washington Wizards to sign with, but did it in a very odd way -- Arenas flipped a coin to decide which team to pick. His list included the Wizards, Clippers and the Warriors, but ultimately decided to go to a new team.

However, in his first season with the Wizards, Arenas battled a strained abdominal muscle injury all year, appearing in just 55 contests, while averaging 19.6 points per game in the process.

He would come back the following season and team up with Larry Hughes, as they formed one of the most potent backcourt duos in the NBA. The duo also led the league in scoring for a backcourt combination (Hughes - 22 PPG, Arenas - 25.5 PPG).

That season, Arenas made his first All-Star squad, while helping the Wizards to their first playoff appearance since 1997. Arenas and Co. defeated the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs, including a 16-foot fadeaway by Arenas in Game 5 that gave them the 112-110 victory. It was the Wizards' first playoff series victory since in more than a decade.

The following season, "Agent Zero" averaged 29.3 points, a career-high in that category. He made his second straight All-Star appearance after Jermaine O'Neal was forced to sit out because of injury.

During the 2006-07 season, Arenas scored a career-high 60 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, while also adding eight rebounds and eight assists in the Wizards' 147-141 victory. Arenas' performance set a franchise record for most points in a game, successfully out-doing Earl Monroe's 56 in 1968. Additionally, with the outing, Arenas is just one of twenty players in NBA history to score 60 points in a single game.

Arenas tore his MCL towards the end of the season when Charlotte's Gerald Wallace fell on his leg. The Wizards struggled the rest of the way without Arenas and Caron Butler, but still made the playoffs and were eventually swept in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

During the offseason, Arenas told The Washington Post that he would opt out of his contract following the 2007-08 season. On June 9, 2008, Arenas opted out of his contract, but stated that he'd re-sign with the team if they kept Antawn Jamison. They did retain Jamison and Arenas eventually signed a six-year, $111 million contract on July 13, 2008-- the Warriors also offered him a five-year deal worth more than $100 million.

However, in the 2008-09 season, Arenas played in just two games for the Wizards and his contract seemed to be regrettable.

On. Dec. 24, 2009, it was revealed that Arenas had admitted to storing firearms in his locker room at the Verizon Center and had surrendered them to security. Arenas violated NBA rules in the process, along with D.C. ordinances as well. On Jan. 1, 2010, it was reported that Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton had unloaded guns in the locker room during an argument that regarded gambling debts.

On Jan. 27, 2010, commisioner David Stern suspended Arenas and Crittentoon for the remainder of the season. He was convicted on March 26 and was sentenced to two years probation and 30 days in a halfway house.

24 games into the 2010-11 season, Arenas was dealt to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Rashard Lewis, both of whom have humongous contracts. Arenas decided to wear No. 1 in honor of his favorite player, Penny Hardaway.

His stint with the Magic didn't even last for a year and now he will be looking for a new team.

Arenas will definitely be grabbed up by somebody, the one question that remains is who? It is likely that a team such as the Warriors, Nets, Lakers, Hornets, Bulls, Knicks, Blazers, Thunder, Bobcats and Pacers could take a shot at him. Of course, Arenas will have to sign a mid-level exception to sign with some of these teams, as a few do not have much cap space. But if Arenas wants to win a championship, he will attempt to take a pay cut in exchange for a championship ring.

Report: Knicks' Chauncey Billups Would Rather Retire Than Leave New York

By: Tyler Ward

Reports have surfaced that Billups will retire if he is waived by the Knicks, according to his agent, Andy Miller.

The Knicks are expected to cut Billups to free up salary cap space to sign Tyson Chandler, one of the biggest free agent names in this year's class. Chandler helped the Mavericks to their first ever NBA Championship last season and was looking to team up with Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire.

Billups is scheduled to make $14.2 million this season and the Knicks are expected to use their one-time amnesty clause to free up cap space. If released, Billups would go to the waiver wire, once released.

Billups' agent said of Billups, "But I wouldn't be surprised if Chauncey retired rather than play for a team he wouldn't want to play for. He doesn't need the money, his kids are getting to an age where he wants to be an active participant, and he doesn't need the frustration and instability he's constantly dealing with. So he may choose not to play."

"Chauncey's pissed off, but he's not pissed at the Knicks," Miller continued. "He understands it's a business and they have to do what they have to do."

"But he's in a very frustrated state of mind because this has happened to him twice now," he said. "The way the league is structured, if you're a hot name and teams have interest in you, you have the ability to manufacture mass hysteria, and guys like Chauncey who put in years of high-level leadership, production, and service get lost."

Miller said that his client brought up the retirement after it was reported that the Knicks were virtually close to signing Chandler.

In order for the Knicks to sign Chandler, the 14-year veteran would need to be released.

Billups also didn't want to be traded last season when he was a member of the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets traded Billups before the trade deadline last season to the Knicks, as part of the Carmelo Anthony blockbuster trade.

According to multiple reports, Billups may not be the only player to be released to make room for Chandler. Sources have told ESPN's Ric Bucher that the Knicks have been offering forward Ronny Turiaf and $3 million to multiple teams across the league to free up more cap space.

Billups' agent has stated that there are quite a few teams that are interested in the former All-Star, but nothing has come into fruition.

Miller would continue to tell reporters that "it's been a very trying time for Chauncey."

"He enjoyed the city life in New York and had no gripes about his time there. But if he's picked up in a situation he doesn't want, maybe he retires, or he retires for one year, I don't know," Miller said. "If he can't choose his destiny and he's only there for 66 games, I think he'd much rather stay at home until the season is over."

There are quite a few teams in the market for a point guard and if Billups decides not to retire, it is almost undoubtedly certain that the 35-year-old will land somewhere else.

Such teams that could express interest in Billups include Sacramento, Toronto, New Orleans, Cleveland, Memphis, Minnesota, Utah, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami and Detroit.

Billups won a championship with the Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. The team is considered to be one of the best defensive teams in NBA history that also featured Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace, Richard Hamiltion, among others.

Billups has career numbers of 15.5 points, 5.6 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. He also has a lifetime shooting percentage of 41.7 percent.

The former All-Star has also played for Boston, Toronto, Denver, Minnesota, Detroit, and New York.

Report: Orlando's Dwight Howard Seeks Trade To Nets

By: Tyler Ward

It was announced late last night that it has been rumored that Orlando's franchise player and perhaps the best center in the game, Dwight Howard, could be on his way out of Florida -- and to the New Jersey Nets (who will be the Brooklyn Nets, starting in 2012).

Howard intends to ask the Magic for a deal to the Nets that would likely include forward/center Brook Lopez and two first-round picks. If the deal went down, the Nets are also likely to take Hedo Turkoglu and the remaining three years and $34 million they currently owe him.

If there was a trade, Howard would join fellow All-Star point guard Deron Williams, who could become a free agent after the season is over. Howard is also set to become a free agent in 2012, but it appears that if they play together for the Nets, they will sign extensions with the team.

On Monday, Williams told reporters that he'd definitely re-sign with the team if they somehow landed Howard.

The All-Star point guard said of Williams, "He's a monster. He's like a created player. He's not real."

"I've talked to him a lot. We've had some conversations. He knows I want to play with him. I don't think there's a player in the NBA who doesn't want to play with Dwight Howard," Williams continued. "I think he would love to play with me, as well."

If Howard demanded a trade to the Nets, the Magic will still have to agree to the terms of the deal.

However, there is very big incentive for them to take the deal, as they could get something in return for Howard this season, maybe including a superstar, instead of Howard opting out of his contract after the season. If he opts out, the Magic would get nothing for him, so it would be wise for them to get something out of it while they still can.

According to reports, Howard is ready to boycott the start of training camp until he gets what he wants -- a trade to the Nets.

The Nets have done little so far in free agency, while watching Tyson Chandler sign with the Knicks, Caron Butler sign with the resurgent Clippers, defensive stalwart Shane Battier leaving Memphis for the Heat and the Pistons re-signing veteran Tayshaun Prince.

However, if the Nets somehow land Howard, it really wouldn't matter if they had missed out on multiple free agents as they have practically caught the biggest fish in the sea.

Reports have surfaced Friday that the Nets and Howard met with each other Thursday except there was something wrong with that meeting. It can't happen right now.

The meeting was a violation of the league's tampering rules, according to league sources. It is mainly a violation because Howard's current team, the Orlando Magic, did not know of the meeting or give the Nets permission to talk to their star player.

Howard met with general manager Billy King and owner Mikhail Prokhorov in Miami yesterday.

According to Howard in a telephone conversation Friday, he said that he denied meeting with the Nets, saying, "There was no meeting. Right now, my plan is to show up to training camp for the Orlando Magic."

NBA.com has reportedly stated that they plan on file tampering charges against two teams -- the Nets and the Houston Rockets, who apparently also talked to Howard.

Sources say that Howard had planned on asking the Magic for a trade early Friday morning. The Magic had been discussing a possible deal with the Nets the last few days, but nothing has become official.

Report: Blazers' Brandon Roy To Retire

By: Tyler Ward

ESPN has reported that Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy is set to retire due to degenerative knees.

Roy has stated that he lacks cartilage in both knees, which means there is no cushion in either of his knees. He had arthroscopic knee surgery in January and came back to play a short time later. However, he averaged just 12.2 points per game, a career-low. Roy also just played in 47 contests.

The Blazers said earlier this week that they expected Roy to return to training camp on Friday.

The former All-Star has had many problems as of late with his knees and he has had a reduced role in the offense since succumbing to multiple knee injuries. Roy did not want to be released through the NBA's new amnesty clause when he would be able to sign with any team.

Apparently, Roy would rather retire than sign elsewhere and that's what he's going to do within the next few days.

Roy was well-loved by the Blazers community and it is prudent that he didn't want to go anywhere else. Since the Blazers were expected to release him, it made no sense for Roy to stick around.

However, Roy's retirement would give the Blazers salary-cap space as they look to make a big free agent splash in next year's free agency class. League rules state that a team must wait one year from the date of the player's illness or injury before their contract can come off the books.

Since Roy played with the Blazers throughout their playoff run last season, his contract is set to come off the books on Apr. 28, 2012, one year to the date he last played a game. If it happens that way, the Blazers will be just in time for the 2012 free agency class, perhaps one of the biggest classes in NBA history.

According to the NBA, a league doctor will have to rule Roy unfit to play in the NBA before his contract could officially end.

On Monday, Blazers officials stated that they had not planned to use the amnesty clause on Roy. The clause allows a team to release one player and get salary-cap relief; however, the team still must pay the player's salary.

But, head coach Nate McMillan, after a meeting with Roy and his agent, said today that he expects to see Roy in training camp as his starting shooting guard.

Roy has career averages of 19 points, 4.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game, with a 46 percent field-goal percentage.

Breaking News: Chris Paul To Lakers As Part Of 3-Team Deal

By: Tyler Ward

It was announced Thursday night that the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired perhaps the best point guard in basketball, Chris Paul in a three-team deal that includes the Houston Rockets and Paul's former team, the New Orleans Hornets.

The Lakers would send forward Lamar Odom to New Orleans and forward Pau Gasol to Houston. In turn, Houston would send point guard Goran Dragic, guard Kevin Martin, forward Luis Scola and a protected future first-round pick (formerly New York's) to New Orleans.

In six seasons with the Hornets, Paul has averaged 18.7 points and 9.9 assists per contest.

Paul's contract with New Orleans expired after this season and with his return doubtful, the Hornets had been fielding offers for the last few weeks, in hopes of getting something in return in a trade instead of him walking away, while they got nothing.

Paul is currently one of the best point guards in the NBA and is expected to sign an extension with the Lakers once the trade is finalized.

Last season, Paul averaged 15.8 points and 9.8 assists per game.

Now, the combination of Paul and Kobe Bryant will ultimately become one of the most formidable duos in the entire league. And not to mention, it increasingly helps the Lakers' chances in landing Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, who has also been shopped around as of late.

The Rockets, who receive former Grizzlie and Laker, Pau Gasol, recently lost former No. 1 overall pick Yao Ming to retirement, which left a humongous hole in the frontcourt.

So, in order for them to fill that gap, the Rockets dealt three players to the Hornets, in exchange for Gasol from the Lakers.

It turned out to be better for Gasol to end up in Houston because the Rockets actually wanted him and plan to keep Gasol, while New Orleans would have traded him again or let him walk once his contract was up.

From the Rockets' standpoint, it seems as though they are entering a re-building phase, as they give up two of their best players in Martin and Scola to acquire Gasol.

The Hornets had constantly stated that they wanted younger players if they were to deal Paul. The reason for that is that general manager Dell Demps wanted young talent that they could build around. It seems like a good deal for the Hornets, as they give up one great player for three solid players and a mid-first round selection that they acquired from Houston.

Now, all of a sudden, the Hornets have a pretty solid team that could help them climb the ladder in the Western Conference. With the trade of Paul, the Hornets' roster will now look like this: Odom, Scola, Martin, Dragic, Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza, Jarrett Jack and Quincy Pondexter.

If the Hornets are able to mesh, they could definitely make a run with the shortened schedule and could surprise some folks this upcoming season.

With the trade, the Hornets now have nine players under contract for the season and they will likely add some quality role players, just like the Heat did last season when they acquired LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

The trade seems to be a good fit for each team that was part of the deal.

Also, there are some losers in the trade. And those include the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, all of whom were trying to land Paul. It could also spell doom for the other Western Conference teams, as they will now have to deal with a Paul-Bryant combo.

Clearly, the Lakers just got a lot better and that is scary to think about.

Here's a quick breakdown of the trade:

- Houston Rockets receive: PF Pau Gasol
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: PG Chris Paul
- New Orleans Hornets receive: PG Goran Dragic, SG Kevin Martin, PF/C Luis Scola, F Lamar Odom, and a future protected first-round pick (From Houston via New York)

NBA Roundup: Flurry Of Moves, And There's More To Come

By: Tyler Ward

It has been a busy today so far in the NBA, and it looks like it's not going to be losing any steam anytime soon. There were a couple of surprises and a couple of no-brainers as teams are trying to build a championship squad, in hopes of dethroning the Dallas Mavericks.

* Los Angeles Clippers sign SF Caron Butler to three-year, $24 million contract

Caron Butler, who played in just 29 games last season before undergoing surgery and collected a ring in the process, announced today that he has signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, teaming up with young stars Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon.

Butler was also considering signing with Chicago, New Jersey and San Antonio, but decided to sign with the Clippers because of their bright future (I never thought I'd say that the Clippers have a nice future in front of them).

According to a source, the Spurs offered Butler a four-year deal worth $21 million, the full value of their mid-level exception. The Nets also offered the former Maverick a four-year deal worth $30 million, by far less than what the Clippers offered.

But Butler ultimately decided to go to Los Angeles, as the Clips are hoping to crash the postseason party this year.

* Miami Heat sign SF Shane Battier to a contract (terms undisclosed)

Battier hasn't officially signed with the reigning Eastern Conference champions, but has said that he has every intention on signing with LeBron James and Co.


A former Duke Blue Devil, Battier will be a solid upgrade to a bench that was just downright awful last season. He went to Twitter earlier today to say that he will sign with the team on Friday, the first day NBA teams can officially sign free agents.


Battier had been courted by quite a few teams, including the Spurs, Magic and his former team, the Grizzlies, but decided to sign with the Heat, as they are one of the main favorites to win the championship this season.


The former Grizzlies and Rockets defensive stalwart said on Twitter, "The lockout gave me lots of time to consider what was important to me at this stage of my life and career. Over the last week, I've played out every scenario in my head over and over. It always came back to one thing for me: a winning role."

Last season, Battier averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Rockets and Grizzlies.


According to reports, Battier is likely to sign a multi-year deal at a main proportion of the $5 million mid-level exception. However, the signing of Battier could mean the end of Mike Miller, who has rarely played since signing with the Heat prior to last season. Miller is currently recovering from hernia surgery.


* Detroit Pistons re-sign SF Tayshaun Prince to a four-year, $27 million deal and re-sign F Jonas Jerebko to four-year, $16 million contract

An unrestricted free agent, Prince could have signed elsewhere after playing for the Pistons his entire career. But he decided to stay with the only team he's known for $27 million scattered over four years.

Prince had garnered interest from multiple teams across the league, but decided to stay in Detroit, a place that he has considered home his entire career and has won a championship with.

Prince averaged 14.1 points per game last season for the Pistons, playing in 78 games.

The team also announced that they have re-signed forward Jonas Jerebko to a four-year, $16 million contract.

Jerebko, a restricted free agent, averaged 9.3 points and 6 rebounds per game for the Pistons last season.

* Phoenix Suns sign SG Shannon Brown to a one-year, $3.5 million contract

According to reports, the Suns will sign Shannon Brown to a contract, after Brown opted out of his contract for the 2011-12 season.

If he had stayed with the Lakers, Brown would have earned $2.4 million and by signing with the Suns, there will be an increase in his pay.

In his first four seasons in the NBA, Brown played for four teams before finding his way to Los Angeles to serve as Kobe Bryant's back-up. Brown quickly flourished in his new role with the Lakers and was one of the most sought out free agents in the offseason.

But he quickly found a new home in Phoenix, where he will pair up with two-time MVP Steve Nash.

Last season, Brown averaged 8.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game with the Lakers.

* Portland Trail Blazers re-sign C Greg Oden to a one-year, $8.9 million deal

As expected, the Blazers have re-signed the injury-prone Greg Oden, Portland's No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Oden will sign the Blazers' $8.9 million qualifying offer on Friday, the first day that free agents can sign with other teams.

He is currently coming off left-knee surgery, but it is unsure when Oden will be able to return for the Blazers. It's doubtful that he will be ready on opening night, but he should not miss the entire season like he has in the past.

Oden missed all of last season because of microfracture surgery on his left knee. During his rookie season, he had microfracture surgery on his right knee, which caused him to miss the entire season. Oden also broke his kneecap during the 2009-10 season and was forced to sit out a majority of that season, as well.

Since his rookie season in 2007, Oden has played in just a total of 82 games, an average of 21 games per season. For his career, Oden is averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

* Atlanta Hawks sign SG Tracy McGrady to a one-year deal

As reported yesterday, the Hawks have signed Tracy McGrady to a one-year deal at the veteran's minimum.

The seven-time All-Star was once a dominant player, but his stats have declined drastically over the last few seasons.

He signed with the Pistons prior to last season and averaged 8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 72 games. The Pistons were McGrady's third team in two years.

The signing of McGrady means that it practically spells the end of Jamal Crawford, who is currently a free agent. Crawford has drawn interest from many teams across the league and it appears more and more each day that he will not reside in Atlanta for the upcoming season.

McGrady has battled injuries off and on for the last few seasons, which has caused a decline in his play.

He played 72 games for the Pistons last season, and the Hawks can only hope that the injuries are behind McGrady, who is likely to become one of the team's first players off the bench.

* Los Angeles Lakers sign G/F Jason Kapono to one-year, $1.2 million contract

The Lakers announced yesterday that they have signed sharpshooter Jason Kapono to a one-year deal worth $1.2 million, the veteran's minimum.

It is suspected that the Lakers brought him in mainly because of shooting, as he has been one of the league's best three-point shooters since arriving in the NBA in the 2003 NBA Draft.

Although his playing time has decreased drastically, Kapono averaged just 4.7 minutes per game last season with the Sixers in 24 games. In the 2009-10 season, he appeared in just 57 games.

His shooting has declined since making 51.4 percent of his shots in the 2006-07 season with the Miami Heat.

Although it is a very small investment for the Lakers, Kapono could contribute if he is making the best of opportunity, making three-pointers actively for the Lakers this season. 

Report: Knicks Close To Signing Tyson Chandler; Warriors Also Want Him

By: Tyler Ward

Reports have surfaced Thursday that the New York Knicks are extremely close to signing center Tyson Chandler, who was one of the heroes on the Mavericks' championship squad last season.

According to a source close to Chandler, "New York is Tyson's first choice. It's 98 percent sure that Tyson is going to end up with the Knicks."

Additionally, the Knicks seem to be ahead of the Golden State Warriors in acquiring Chandler. The Warriors have publicly stated that Chandler is their main priority and they will do whatever it takes to sign the big man.

To create cap space to sign Chandler, the Knicks will either have to trade or use the new amnesty clause on point guard Chauncey Billups and center Ronny Turiaf.

Signing Chandler could also free up cap space for the Knicks to offer forward Amare Stoudemire to the New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul, who has been subject to trade talks over the last few weeks. Paul apparently wants to badly reunite with Chandler, who he played with in New Orleans.

That's just one option that the Knicks are considering and it could very well happen.

To counter the Knicks, the Warriors are prepared to offer Chandler a four-year deal worth approximately $60 million, in hopes of cutting them out of the picture. But Chandler is still dead-set on going to the Big Apple and it could happen very, very soon.

It is very unlikely that the Mavericks will retain Chandler and they have been acting like he's already gone and he will not be on the roster when they play their first game later this month.

According to a report, the Mavericks offered Chandler to the Magic in a complicated sign-and-trade deal for center Dwight Howard, who like Paul, has been subject to many trade talks recently.

However, no one on the Mavericks, mainly owner Mark Cuban, has said that Chandler will not return to the Mavericks, but with contract talks currently stalled, there really isn't any doubt that Chandler won't return to Dallas.

But it looks like that Chandler won't return because the Mavericks are trying to have as much cap space in 2012, when players like Deron Williams, Dwight Howard and Chris Paul will hit the free agency market.

Mark Cuban and Co. are also trying to have some cap flexibility when their franchise player, Dirk Nowitzki, becomes a free agent somewhere down the road.

So, as of right now, the Mavericks will likely open the season without Chandler and it seems as though that the Knicks will be the ones to land Chandler's services.

And if Chandler lands with the Knicks, the one question that remains is: Will the Knicks land Chris Paul, if they acquire Chandler?

As stated above, Paul and Chandler want to play together and it will possibly take Amare Stoudemire to sweeten the deal. So if the Knicks are able to do what they want to do, they will be looking at a team that features Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler.

It may not be like Miami's Big Three, but they should be able to challenge the Heat and eventually be part of the Eastern Conference's supremacy.

Two sources close to Chandler apparently told ESPN.com, "He's not coming back."