The season is over - but NBA action hasn't ended. Teams that got bounced from post-season play are looking to upgrade and teams who missed out are trying to get back in the hunt.
Saturday afternoon the LA Times reported Kobe Bryant told Jerry Buss to trade him. One month ago Kobe demanded a trade, 2 weeks ago Buss told Kobe he'd build around him and now Kobe appears serious about leaving LA.
Where could Kobe end up?
The Knicks president and head coach Isiah Thomas has said that he will be active in trying to land a big free agent (Jermaine O'Neal and Rashard Lewis) or trade for Kobe. Other teams that could use Kobe are Boston, Philadelphia or Atlanta.
LeBron James obviously needs better support if he wants to overcome a clearly superior Western Conference in the NBA Finals. Mike Bibby's name has been brought up since Thursday's Game 4. A shake up in Cleveland might be necessary.
Magic free agent Grant Hill could re-sign with Orlando and play his 13th season in the NBA under new head coach Stan Van Gundy. Other possibilities include joining the NBA Champion Spurs, Phoenix Suns or Detroit Pistons. It's been reported by the Arizona Republic that Hill favors Phoenix.
Pau Gasol was trying to get out of Memphis before the February trade deadline, but injuries and no takers kept Gasol from departing. Since he's staying, he's demanding that the front office bring in better players. According to PauGasol.com, Gasol himself wrote "If they are desperate to keep me, then they have to make the necessary effort to get players around me that can compete at the maximum level."
Trade talks involving Shawn Marion have been halted by Suns coach Mike D'Antoni. There have been radio people talking about Marion being an equal trade for Rasheed Wallace - I can't even imagine Phoenix believes that. Marion is a stat stuffer, extremely unselfish, a great teammate and perfect for the Suns high-flying system. Trading him would be a mistake. D'Antoni knows this. It's going to take a three headed monster (Nash, Marion, Stoudemire) to take down a three headed monster (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili).
The Denver Nuggets landed AI before the trade deadline. This summer they hope to land a three point threat. Conversations have been with Miami for Jason Kapono, Toronto for Mo Peterson, LA for Luke Walton and Charlotte for Matt Carroll.
Coach Rumors:
P.J. Carlesimo, fresh of his run with the Spurs, has interviewed for the head coaching job with Seattle. The Kings also need a coach and are looking very closely at Scott Brooks. Brooks was a former player and has been an assistant from the Kings and Nuggets.
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