got these from the Spursreport.com page. Go to it for links to the following stories.
Deadline arrives for dealing Wallace
February 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Hawks general manager Billy Knight continues to field calls from several teams interested in acquiring Rasheed Wallace before today's 3 p.m. trade deadline."
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To Wallace, Trade to Knicks Is Urgent
February 19
New York Times : "The only question regarding Rasheed Wallace's future with the Knicks is when he will join the team, not if he will, according to a person close to Wallace. Wallace, a talented yet controversial 6-foot-11 forward, is so intent on playing for the Knicks that he is willing to turn down millions of dollars from other teams, the person said."
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Isiah Doesn't Stop Trying
February 19
Newsday: "After making three trades in less than two months as Knicks president, Isiah Thomas is running low on trade bait, but he still was working last night to land the big fish, Atlanta's Rasheed Wallace."
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Knicks Waiting Out the Trade Deadline
February 19
New York Times : "But the Knicks are still listening to trade offers, with the Atlanta Hawks trying to redirect the recently acquired Rasheed Wallace and the Golden State Warriors discussing deals for center Erick Dampier. The most talked-about Knicks pieces — Mutombo and Kurt Thomas, as well as Frank Williams, Othella Harrington and Mike Sweetney — are waiting for the decisions to be made."
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Pistons receptive to a deadline deal
February 19
Detroit News: "There is a possibility the Pistons were searching for a third team (Boston?) to get involved in a deal, presumably to take Atkins and send another player to the Hawks. The Knicks have one big advantage — Wallace has made it clear he wants to play in New York, if not now, certainly next season."
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Trade for Hawks' Wallace unlikely
February 19
Detroit Free Press: "Pistons fans hoping to see Rasheed Wallace in a red, white and blue uniform by the end of the week likely won't get their wish."
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Whether or not Pistons make deal, they have to do something new
February 19
Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski: "The Pistons’ 102-98 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday night ended a six-game losing streak and was a sorely needed balm. But the game featured the standard blemishes, which don’t seem to fade. That’s why Joe Dumars was contemplating a bold trade for Atlanta’s Rasheed Wallace by today’s deadline, and talking to other teams about other possibilities."
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Thomas, Dumars build teams with different philosophies
February 19
Detroit News columnist Terry Foster: "Question: Former Pistons backcourt mates Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are running their own teams. They visited with one another briefly Tuesday night when the Pistons played the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. What paths will they take in attempting to build championship teams?"
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Isiah trying to seal 1 more blockbuster
February 19
New York Daily News: "Thomas, who has been active since taking over Dec. 22, was in talks last night with the Warriors about a possible deal that would bring center Erick Dampier and guard Nick Van Exel to New York for Kurt Thomas, Dikembe Mutombo and Shandon Anderson."
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Isiah Eyes Dampier And Doleac
February 19
New York Post: "With Isiah Thomas expected to strike out with Erick Dampier and Rasheed Wallace at today's 3 p.m. trade deadline, the Knicks still might add a new center - and an old face. Thomas is bent on bringing back Michael Doleac, who was placed on waivers by the Hawks yesterday."
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Isiah Hears Penny Offers
February 19
New York Post: "Suns GM Bryan Colangelo spent two seasons trying to trade Hardaway and his contract and found mild interest. Yesterday, according to sources, Isiah Thomas was actually fielding inquiries about Hardaway before today's 3 p.m. trading deadline."
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Mutombo Hopes to Stay
February 19
Newsday: "Dikembe Mutombo hopes that his phone doesn't ring this afternoon. If it does ring, he hopes the caller ID does not read 'Falk, David.' Mutombo is glad he hasn't heard from his agent recently as today's 3 p.m. NBA trading deadline approaches."
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Deadline here -- Dampier still a Warrior
February 19
Oakland Tribune: "Erick Dampier insists he's considering terminating his contract with the Golden State Warriors this off-season, even though voiding the final two years of the deal would cost him more than $17 million. Today, Warriors management must decide if it wants to call his bluff."
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Are Dampier's days as a Warrior over?
February 19
Contra Costa Times: "A dozen reporters gathered around Dampier before the Lakers-Warriors game, all wanting to know if Dampier believed this might be his final game as a Warrior. Dampier has been mentioned numerous times in trade talk this week."
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Warriors' big decision: Is Dampier trade wise?
February 19
San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami: "Will the Warriors trade Dampier? My guess: Yes, either to Memphis, for young power forward Stromile Swift and some players with expiring contracts, or to New York, for a bunch of junk that will come off the cap almost immediately."
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Hawks should jettison Terry
February 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley: "Billy Knight has done a splendid job clearing space for those players, as yet unsigned and unknown, who might someday make the Hawks win, but he has one bit of business to do. He has to dump Jason Terry."
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King must bid his superstar a smart farewell
February 19
Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith: "Iverson will be saying goodbye to the city of Philadelphia shortly, probably in the summer rather than by 3 p.m. today, the NBA trading deadline. And though it's easy to place the blame at Iverson's doorstep over issues of punctuality, the process goes a little deeper than that."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does Ford Really Think He'll Change Iverson?
February 19
Philadelphia Daily News columnist Rich Hofmann: "If the answer to the big question is that they're trying to trade Iverson, well, didn't it just get harder? The whole practice thing had ceased to be an issue - it wasn't this year and it wasn't last year, either."
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Iverson upset; could trade be next?
February 19
Trenton Times: "Yes that was Allen Iverson making it perfectly clear that as bad as things have gotten with the Sixers now, they likely are about to get worse. Because from here on, as far as he is concerned, when it comes to interim coach Chris Ford, 'The relationship between us goes out the window.'"
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Teams call about Kobe
February 19
Los Angeles Daily News: "The All-Star weekend frenzy sparked by Kobe Bryant's free-agency musings had hardly subsided when Mitch Kupchak's phone began ringing. Bryant isn't available, but it doesn't stop anyone from asking, even if only in jest."
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Sonics, Barry can't come to contract accord
February 19
Tacoma News Tribune: "The three-year, $15 million contract offer the Seattle SuperSonics made to shooting guard Brent Barry was rejected, according to multiple sources, but Barry's representatives made the Sonics a counter offer that the team thought was out of its price range. Discussions have been shelved until next summer."
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Rumor mill puts Sonics in middle of trade action
February 19
Seattle Times: "According to several NBA sources, the Sonics last night were working on as many as three trade deals — two involving guard Brent Barry and reserve forward Vladimir Radmanovic and one that centered around Jerome James — but nothing had been completed before general manager Rick Sund left his office at 9 p.m."
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Barry at center stage for Sonics
February 19
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "The free-agent-to-be is the oldest player on a relatively young team. He's also a guard at the focal point of most trade rumors involving the Sonics. One year ago, that described Gary Payton before the Sonics traded him to Milwaukee on Feb. 20, 2003. This season, it's Brent Barry."
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Beyond Fizer, little interest
February 19
Chicago Tribune : "Orlando, pondering some combination of Gordan Giricek and salary-cap equalizers, is a possible destination for Fizer. But talks with Philadelphia about a Jerome Williams for Aaron McKie and Amal McCaskill swap have cooled. Efforts to make sure the Bulls don't lose Jamal Crawford for nothing as a restricted free agent this summer have produced little interest."
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Barring last-minute surprise, Bulls deal unlikely
February 19
Chicago Sun-Times: "It's still possible the Bulls will send forward Marcus Fizer to the Orlando Magic for Gordan Giricek and another player. At least two other teams are interested in Fizer. But it doesn't appear Jerome Williams will be headed to the Philadelphia 76ers for Aaron McKie."
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Magic working the phones
February 19
Orlando Sentinel : "One of the deals the execs were pursuing was with the Utah Jazz -- Wednesday's opponent -- that would include sending Gordan Giricek and Steven Hunter to Salt Lake City in exchange for DeShawn Stevenson."
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Paxson doesn't foresee any deals
February 19
Daily Herald: "The Bulls have decided not to take either of the contracts Detroit is trying to unload - guard Chucky Atkins or forward Corliss Williamson - for Fizer. Even if Pistons general manager Joe Dumars gets desperate and offers to throw in a first-round draft pick or the rights to Argentinian forward Carlos Delfino, the answer is probably still no."
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Giricek getting mixed messages
February 19
Orlando Sentinel : "The Orlando Magic have been shopping G-F Gordan Giricek to at least seven teams, including East contenders Detroit, Indiana and New Jersey, but his agent said Orlando has asked about re-signing him."
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Raptor GM in trade mode
February 19
Toronto Star: "What the Knicks would want for Mutombo, the kind of interior defender the Raptors desperately need, is unknown. New York had expressed interest in Morris Peterson earlier this season but the Raptors may be loathe to deal him with Jalen Rose out and Vince Carter suffering a sprained ankle last night. But there are other players are the market who could help: Golden State has centres Erick Dampier ($7.8 million U.S. salary this year, $16 million left on his deal) and Adonal Foyle ($4.4 million this year) on the market; Phoenix is dangling Jahidi White ($5.3 million this year, $5.8 next)."
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Grunwald stands at trade crossroads
February 19
Toronto Sun: "Isiah Thomas still is influencing the Raptors' future, both directly and indirectly. One of the biggest chunks of bait, as of yesterday at least, was New York Knicks centre Dikembe Mutombo."
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Raptors talking but without keen interest
February 19
Globe and Mail: "But at least two sources discounted the most recent proposal: that the Raptors would send Donyell Marshall and Morris Peterson to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Vladimir Radmanovic and Brent Barry. Marshall is one of the players the Raptors obtained from the Bulls."
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Raptors could get Davis, Radmanovic in three-way deal
February 19
Toronto Sun : "That Toronto-Seattle trade reported in the Sun yesterday may end up being a three-team swap involving Portland."
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Raps will stay quiet on trade front
February 19
Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk: "For what do you trade when you need exactly everything; when you need size and skill and ideally a combination of both? If you're the Raptors, it's likely you'll do exactly nothing. Because doing nothing, at least, might be good enough to get general manager Glen Grunwald his contract extension."
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Deadline no concern to Pacers
February 19
Indianapolis Star: "One rumor that seemed less ridiculous than most had Harrington and Scot Pollard going to Golden State for Erick Dampier and Speedy Claxton, but officials from both teams have privately denied it."
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Trade deadline looms for O'Connor, players
February 19
Salt Lake Tribune: "Will O'Connor acquire Magic guard Gordan Giricek, who hit six of nine shots for 15 points against the Jazz, as NBA sources believed on Tuesday? The second-year guard from Croatia, who was traded from Memphis to Orlando last February, said it's hard not to be convinced that it might happen."
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Jazz talking trade, but Arroyo won't be included
February 19
Deseret News: "Contrary to reports in Orlando, Jazz point guard Carlos Arroyo will not be part of a trade with the Magic — or any other team, for that matter.That is because Arroyo's status as a third-year player with a one-year contract and so-called 'Early Bird' rights prevents him from being dealt, O'Connor said."
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All quiet on Suns' plans for trades
February 19
East Valley Tribune: "With the NBA's trade deadline set for today at 1 p.m. (Arizona time), Phoenix president Bryan Colangelo was not taking calls from the media Wednesday. The Suns have reportedly been active in deadline negotiations with most rumors involving center Jahidi White or forward Tom Gugliotta."
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Miller's back and trade are still Griz puzzles
February 19
Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Don't be surprised if the Grizzlies stand pat. Their pursuit of Golden State center Erick Dampier had proven futile as of Wednesday evening."
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Wizards Insider
February 19
Washington Post : "Knight's expiring $5 million contract is attractive to teams trying to clear salary-cap space this summer and league sources have confirmed ongoing trade talks that would send Knight to the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Keyon Dooling and forward Melvin Ely, both reserves."
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Wizards Report
February 19
Washington Times: "With the trade deadline looming today at 3 p.m., Christian Laettner, the one-time starter who has all but disappeared from the rotation in recent days although his name is being bandied about most in the rumor mill, says he has no problem if the Washington Wizards are looking to move him."
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On the deal front
February 19
Boston Herald : "As of last night, the Celtics were still in play for Seattle's Brent Barry (either straight up for Mills or in a package that would see the C's taking on a less desirable contract to get Barry in the fold before he becomes a free agent) and San Antonio's Malik Rose (but the Celts would have to get more than a pick with him)."
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He's hoping to unload
February 19
Boston Globe : "Director of basketball operations Danny Ainge has been working the phones 'nonstop' for the last three days, trying to deal Chris Mills's $6.6 million contract."
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Waiver wire could hold big man
February 19
Denver Post: "The Nuggets' biggest area of concern is adding a big man. An option is trying to pick one up off the waiver wire, such as former Atlanta Hawks forward/center Michael Doleac, or someone who has cleared waivers, such as former Boston Celtic Vin Baker."
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Vandeweghe weighing options: to deal or hold
February 19
Rocky Mountain News: "For the first time in nine years, the Denver Nuggets have an important decision to make as the season enters its final two months. Do they stand pat and rely on the current cast of characters to make a playoff push?"
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Mavs likely to stand pat
February 19
Dallas Morning News : "The chances are slim that the Mavericks will make a trade-deadline deal today. Slim, but not none."
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Mavs likely to stand pat
February 19
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson isn't ruling out a trade by today's 4 p.m. deadline, but maintains the team's objective is to stand pat."
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Deadline Quiet Time For Thorn
February 19
New York Post: "There was a time when the trading deadline meant the Nets would do something. Yeah, but there also was a time when the Nets stunk. So the Nets are expected to stand pat and let today's 3 o'clock deadline pass without a deal."
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Hornets GM not likely to make trade
February 19
New Orleans Times-Picayune : "Bob Bass, the Hornets' executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager, said he does not expect to make a deal before today's 3 p.m. trading deadline. But Bass said several teams have inquired about forward George Lynch and guard Stacey Augmon."
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Choice: Stand pat, or swap
February 19
Miami Herald: "While Heat president Pat Riley and general manager Randy Pfund field phone calls and mull possible trade scenarios, the Heat coaches and players are going about business as usual."
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Van Gundy: Playoffs now, big moves later for Heat
February 19
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel: "Today at 3, the league will close out its trading period for 2003-04. It has been six years since the Heat has made a move at the deadline. `I'm certainly not clamoring for a move,' coach Stan Van Gundy said Wednesday, with his team now tied with Boston for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference."
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No trades appear imminent
February 19
Palm Beach Post : "The NBA trading deadline is 3 p.m. So either the Heat makes a deal and says it believes it needs help, or it continues with its current group and says it thinks its players are good enough to get into the playoffs."
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Heat improves, but must shoot for even better
February 19
Miami Herald columnist Greg Cote: "Is there no one out there who can help the Heat be better today or brighter in a year or both? Has Miami tried to pry 21-year-old center Eddy Curry from Chicago?"
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Cavs will stand pat, for now
February 19
Akron Beacon Journal: "The trade deadline strikes at 3 p.m. today and it will come and go without the Cavaliers even making a blip on the landscape."
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Lakers could sign Baker
February 19
Los Angeles Times : "The Lakers could have interest in Vin Baker, though Baker's situation remains unclear. Baker's agent, Aaron Goodwin, will first protect the money he says Baker is owed by the Boston Celtics — about $36 million — before embracing free agency."
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Deadline arrives for dealing Wallace
February 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Hawks general manager Billy Knight continues to field calls from several teams interested in acquiring Rasheed Wallace before today's 3 p.m. trade deadline."
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To Wallace, Trade to Knicks Is Urgent
February 19
New York Times : "The only question regarding Rasheed Wallace's future with the Knicks is when he will join the team, not if he will, according to a person close to Wallace. Wallace, a talented yet controversial 6-foot-11 forward, is so intent on playing for the Knicks that he is willing to turn down millions of dollars from other teams, the person said."
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Isiah Doesn't Stop Trying
February 19
Newsday: "After making three trades in less than two months as Knicks president, Isiah Thomas is running low on trade bait, but he still was working last night to land the big fish, Atlanta's Rasheed Wallace."
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Knicks Waiting Out the Trade Deadline
February 19
New York Times : "But the Knicks are still listening to trade offers, with the Atlanta Hawks trying to redirect the recently acquired Rasheed Wallace and the Golden State Warriors discussing deals for center Erick Dampier. The most talked-about Knicks pieces — Mutombo and Kurt Thomas, as well as Frank Williams, Othella Harrington and Mike Sweetney — are waiting for the decisions to be made."
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Pistons receptive to a deadline deal
February 19
Detroit News: "There is a possibility the Pistons were searching for a third team (Boston?) to get involved in a deal, presumably to take Atkins and send another player to the Hawks. The Knicks have one big advantage — Wallace has made it clear he wants to play in New York, if not now, certainly next season."
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Trade for Hawks' Wallace unlikely
February 19
Detroit Free Press: "Pistons fans hoping to see Rasheed Wallace in a red, white and blue uniform by the end of the week likely won't get their wish."
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Whether or not Pistons make deal, they have to do something new
February 19
Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski: "The Pistons’ 102-98 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday night ended a six-game losing streak and was a sorely needed balm. But the game featured the standard blemishes, which don’t seem to fade. That’s why Joe Dumars was contemplating a bold trade for Atlanta’s Rasheed Wallace by today’s deadline, and talking to other teams about other possibilities."
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Thomas, Dumars build teams with different philosophies
February 19
Detroit News columnist Terry Foster: "Question: Former Pistons backcourt mates Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are running their own teams. They visited with one another briefly Tuesday night when the Pistons played the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. What paths will they take in attempting to build championship teams?"
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Isiah trying to seal 1 more blockbuster
February 19
New York Daily News: "Thomas, who has been active since taking over Dec. 22, was in talks last night with the Warriors about a possible deal that would bring center Erick Dampier and guard Nick Van Exel to New York for Kurt Thomas, Dikembe Mutombo and Shandon Anderson."
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Isiah Eyes Dampier And Doleac
February 19
New York Post: "With Isiah Thomas expected to strike out with Erick Dampier and Rasheed Wallace at today's 3 p.m. trade deadline, the Knicks still might add a new center - and an old face. Thomas is bent on bringing back Michael Doleac, who was placed on waivers by the Hawks yesterday."
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Isiah Hears Penny Offers
February 19
New York Post: "Suns GM Bryan Colangelo spent two seasons trying to trade Hardaway and his contract and found mild interest. Yesterday, according to sources, Isiah Thomas was actually fielding inquiries about Hardaway before today's 3 p.m. trading deadline."
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Mutombo Hopes to Stay
February 19
Newsday: "Dikembe Mutombo hopes that his phone doesn't ring this afternoon. If it does ring, he hopes the caller ID does not read 'Falk, David.' Mutombo is glad he hasn't heard from his agent recently as today's 3 p.m. NBA trading deadline approaches."
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Deadline here -- Dampier still a Warrior
February 19
Oakland Tribune: "Erick Dampier insists he's considering terminating his contract with the Golden State Warriors this off-season, even though voiding the final two years of the deal would cost him more than $17 million. Today, Warriors management must decide if it wants to call his bluff."
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Are Dampier's days as a Warrior over?
February 19
Contra Costa Times: "A dozen reporters gathered around Dampier before the Lakers-Warriors game, all wanting to know if Dampier believed this might be his final game as a Warrior. Dampier has been mentioned numerous times in trade talk this week."
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Warriors' big decision: Is Dampier trade wise?
February 19
San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami: "Will the Warriors trade Dampier? My guess: Yes, either to Memphis, for young power forward Stromile Swift and some players with expiring contracts, or to New York, for a bunch of junk that will come off the cap almost immediately."
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Hawks should jettison Terry
February 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley: "Billy Knight has done a splendid job clearing space for those players, as yet unsigned and unknown, who might someday make the Hawks win, but he has one bit of business to do. He has to dump Jason Terry."
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King must bid his superstar a smart farewell
February 19
Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith: "Iverson will be saying goodbye to the city of Philadelphia shortly, probably in the summer rather than by 3 p.m. today, the NBA trading deadline. And though it's easy to place the blame at Iverson's doorstep over issues of punctuality, the process goes a little deeper than that."
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Does Ford Really Think He'll Change Iverson?
February 19
Philadelphia Daily News columnist Rich Hofmann: "If the answer to the big question is that they're trying to trade Iverson, well, didn't it just get harder? The whole practice thing had ceased to be an issue - it wasn't this year and it wasn't last year, either."
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Iverson upset; could trade be next?
February 19
Trenton Times: "Yes that was Allen Iverson making it perfectly clear that as bad as things have gotten with the Sixers now, they likely are about to get worse. Because from here on, as far as he is concerned, when it comes to interim coach Chris Ford, 'The relationship between us goes out the window.'"
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Teams call about Kobe
February 19
Los Angeles Daily News: "The All-Star weekend frenzy sparked by Kobe Bryant's free-agency musings had hardly subsided when Mitch Kupchak's phone began ringing. Bryant isn't available, but it doesn't stop anyone from asking, even if only in jest."
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Sonics, Barry can't come to contract accord
February 19
Tacoma News Tribune: "The three-year, $15 million contract offer the Seattle SuperSonics made to shooting guard Brent Barry was rejected, according to multiple sources, but Barry's representatives made the Sonics a counter offer that the team thought was out of its price range. Discussions have been shelved until next summer."
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Rumor mill puts Sonics in middle of trade action
February 19
Seattle Times: "According to several NBA sources, the Sonics last night were working on as many as three trade deals — two involving guard Brent Barry and reserve forward Vladimir Radmanovic and one that centered around Jerome James — but nothing had been completed before general manager Rick Sund left his office at 9 p.m."
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Barry at center stage for Sonics
February 19
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "The free-agent-to-be is the oldest player on a relatively young team. He's also a guard at the focal point of most trade rumors involving the Sonics. One year ago, that described Gary Payton before the Sonics traded him to Milwaukee on Feb. 20, 2003. This season, it's Brent Barry."
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Beyond Fizer, little interest
February 19
Chicago Tribune : "Orlando, pondering some combination of Gordan Giricek and salary-cap equalizers, is a possible destination for Fizer. But talks with Philadelphia about a Jerome Williams for Aaron McKie and Amal McCaskill swap have cooled. Efforts to make sure the Bulls don't lose Jamal Crawford for nothing as a restricted free agent this summer have produced little interest."
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Barring last-minute surprise, Bulls deal unlikely
February 19
Chicago Sun-Times: "It's still possible the Bulls will send forward Marcus Fizer to the Orlando Magic for Gordan Giricek and another player. At least two other teams are interested in Fizer. But it doesn't appear Jerome Williams will be headed to the Philadelphia 76ers for Aaron McKie."
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Magic working the phones
February 19
Orlando Sentinel : "One of the deals the execs were pursuing was with the Utah Jazz -- Wednesday's opponent -- that would include sending Gordan Giricek and Steven Hunter to Salt Lake City in exchange for DeShawn Stevenson."
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Paxson doesn't foresee any deals
February 19
Daily Herald: "The Bulls have decided not to take either of the contracts Detroit is trying to unload - guard Chucky Atkins or forward Corliss Williamson - for Fizer. Even if Pistons general manager Joe Dumars gets desperate and offers to throw in a first-round draft pick or the rights to Argentinian forward Carlos Delfino, the answer is probably still no."
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Giricek getting mixed messages
February 19
Orlando Sentinel : "The Orlando Magic have been shopping G-F Gordan Giricek to at least seven teams, including East contenders Detroit, Indiana and New Jersey, but his agent said Orlando has asked about re-signing him."
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Raptor GM in trade mode
February 19
Toronto Star: "What the Knicks would want for Mutombo, the kind of interior defender the Raptors desperately need, is unknown. New York had expressed interest in Morris Peterson earlier this season but the Raptors may be loathe to deal him with Jalen Rose out and Vince Carter suffering a sprained ankle last night. But there are other players are the market who could help: Golden State has centres Erick Dampier ($7.8 million U.S. salary this year, $16 million left on his deal) and Adonal Foyle ($4.4 million this year) on the market; Phoenix is dangling Jahidi White ($5.3 million this year, $5.8 next)."
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Grunwald stands at trade crossroads
February 19
Toronto Sun: "Isiah Thomas still is influencing the Raptors' future, both directly and indirectly. One of the biggest chunks of bait, as of yesterday at least, was New York Knicks centre Dikembe Mutombo."
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Raptors talking but without keen interest
February 19
Globe and Mail: "But at least two sources discounted the most recent proposal: that the Raptors would send Donyell Marshall and Morris Peterson to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Vladimir Radmanovic and Brent Barry. Marshall is one of the players the Raptors obtained from the Bulls."
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Raptors could get Davis, Radmanovic in three-way deal
February 19
Toronto Sun : "That Toronto-Seattle trade reported in the Sun yesterday may end up being a three-team swap involving Portland."
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Raps will stay quiet on trade front
February 19
Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk: "For what do you trade when you need exactly everything; when you need size and skill and ideally a combination of both? If you're the Raptors, it's likely you'll do exactly nothing. Because doing nothing, at least, might be good enough to get general manager Glen Grunwald his contract extension."
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Deadline no concern to Pacers
February 19
Indianapolis Star: "One rumor that seemed less ridiculous than most had Harrington and Scot Pollard going to Golden State for Erick Dampier and Speedy Claxton, but officials from both teams have privately denied it."
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Trade deadline looms for O'Connor, players
February 19
Salt Lake Tribune: "Will O'Connor acquire Magic guard Gordan Giricek, who hit six of nine shots for 15 points against the Jazz, as NBA sources believed on Tuesday? The second-year guard from Croatia, who was traded from Memphis to Orlando last February, said it's hard not to be convinced that it might happen."
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Jazz talking trade, but Arroyo won't be included
February 19
Deseret News: "Contrary to reports in Orlando, Jazz point guard Carlos Arroyo will not be part of a trade with the Magic — or any other team, for that matter.That is because Arroyo's status as a third-year player with a one-year contract and so-called 'Early Bird' rights prevents him from being dealt, O'Connor said."
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All quiet on Suns' plans for trades
February 19
East Valley Tribune: "With the NBA's trade deadline set for today at 1 p.m. (Arizona time), Phoenix president Bryan Colangelo was not taking calls from the media Wednesday. The Suns have reportedly been active in deadline negotiations with most rumors involving center Jahidi White or forward Tom Gugliotta."
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Miller's back and trade are still Griz puzzles
February 19
Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Don't be surprised if the Grizzlies stand pat. Their pursuit of Golden State center Erick Dampier had proven futile as of Wednesday evening."
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Wizards Insider
February 19
Washington Post : "Knight's expiring $5 million contract is attractive to teams trying to clear salary-cap space this summer and league sources have confirmed ongoing trade talks that would send Knight to the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Keyon Dooling and forward Melvin Ely, both reserves."
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Wizards Report
February 19
Washington Times: "With the trade deadline looming today at 3 p.m., Christian Laettner, the one-time starter who has all but disappeared from the rotation in recent days although his name is being bandied about most in the rumor mill, says he has no problem if the Washington Wizards are looking to move him."
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On the deal front
February 19
Boston Herald : "As of last night, the Celtics were still in play for Seattle's Brent Barry (either straight up for Mills or in a package that would see the C's taking on a less desirable contract to get Barry in the fold before he becomes a free agent) and San Antonio's Malik Rose (but the Celts would have to get more than a pick with him)."
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He's hoping to unload
February 19
Boston Globe : "Director of basketball operations Danny Ainge has been working the phones 'nonstop' for the last three days, trying to deal Chris Mills's $6.6 million contract."
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Waiver wire could hold big man
February 19
Denver Post: "The Nuggets' biggest area of concern is adding a big man. An option is trying to pick one up off the waiver wire, such as former Atlanta Hawks forward/center Michael Doleac, or someone who has cleared waivers, such as former Boston Celtic Vin Baker."
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Vandeweghe weighing options: to deal or hold
February 19
Rocky Mountain News: "For the first time in nine years, the Denver Nuggets have an important decision to make as the season enters its final two months. Do they stand pat and rely on the current cast of characters to make a playoff push?"
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Mavs likely to stand pat
February 19
Dallas Morning News : "The chances are slim that the Mavericks will make a trade-deadline deal today. Slim, but not none."
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Mavs likely to stand pat
February 19
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson isn't ruling out a trade by today's 4 p.m. deadline, but maintains the team's objective is to stand pat."
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Deadline Quiet Time For Thorn
February 19
New York Post: "There was a time when the trading deadline meant the Nets would do something. Yeah, but there also was a time when the Nets stunk. So the Nets are expected to stand pat and let today's 3 o'clock deadline pass without a deal."
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Hornets GM not likely to make trade
February 19
New Orleans Times-Picayune : "Bob Bass, the Hornets' executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager, said he does not expect to make a deal before today's 3 p.m. trading deadline. But Bass said several teams have inquired about forward George Lynch and guard Stacey Augmon."
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Choice: Stand pat, or swap
February 19
Miami Herald: "While Heat president Pat Riley and general manager Randy Pfund field phone calls and mull possible trade scenarios, the Heat coaches and players are going about business as usual."
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Van Gundy: Playoffs now, big moves later for Heat
February 19
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel: "Today at 3, the league will close out its trading period for 2003-04. It has been six years since the Heat has made a move at the deadline. `I'm certainly not clamoring for a move,' coach Stan Van Gundy said Wednesday, with his team now tied with Boston for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference."
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No trades appear imminent
February 19
Palm Beach Post : "The NBA trading deadline is 3 p.m. So either the Heat makes a deal and says it believes it needs help, or it continues with its current group and says it thinks its players are good enough to get into the playoffs."
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Heat improves, but must shoot for even better
February 19
Miami Herald columnist Greg Cote: "Is there no one out there who can help the Heat be better today or brighter in a year or both? Has Miami tried to pry 21-year-old center Eddy Curry from Chicago?"
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Cavs will stand pat, for now
February 19
Akron Beacon Journal: "The trade deadline strikes at 3 p.m. today and it will come and go without the Cavaliers even making a blip on the landscape."
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Lakers could sign Baker
February 19
Los Angeles Times : "The Lakers could have interest in Vin Baker, though Baker's situation remains unclear. Baker's agent, Aaron Goodwin, will first protect the money he says Baker is owed by the Boston Celtics — about $36 million — before embracing free agency."
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Deadline arrives for dealing Wallace
February 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Hawks general manager Billy Knight continues to field calls from several teams interested in acquiring Rasheed Wallace before today's 3 p.m. trade deadline."
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To Wallace, Trade to Knicks Is Urgent
February 19
New York Times : "The only question regarding Rasheed Wallace's future with the Knicks is when he will join the team, not if he will, according to a person close to Wallace. Wallace, a talented yet controversial 6-foot-11 forward, is so intent on playing for the Knicks that he is willing to turn down millions of dollars from other teams, the person said."
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Isiah Doesn't Stop Trying
February 19
Newsday: "After making three trades in less than two months as Knicks president, Isiah Thomas is running low on trade bait, but he still was working last night to land the big fish, Atlanta's Rasheed Wallace."
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Knicks Waiting Out the Trade Deadline
February 19
New York Times : "But the Knicks are still listening to trade offers, with the Atlanta Hawks trying to redirect the recently acquired Rasheed Wallace and the Golden State Warriors discussing deals for center Erick Dampier. The most talked-about Knicks pieces — Mutombo and Kurt Thomas, as well as Frank Williams, Othella Harrington and Mike Sweetney — are waiting for the decisions to be made."
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Pistons receptive to a deadline deal
February 19
Detroit News: "There is a possibility the Pistons were searching for a third team (Boston?) to get involved in a deal, presumably to take Atkins and send another player to the Hawks. The Knicks have one big advantage — Wallace has made it clear he wants to play in New York, if not now, certainly next season."
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Trade for Hawks' Wallace unlikely
February 19
Detroit Free Press: "Pistons fans hoping to see Rasheed Wallace in a red, white and blue uniform by the end of the week likely won't get their wish."
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Whether or not Pistons make deal, they have to do something new
February 19
Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski: "The Pistons’ 102-98 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday night ended a six-game losing streak and was a sorely needed balm. But the game featured the standard blemishes, which don’t seem to fade. That’s why Joe Dumars was contemplating a bold trade for Atlanta’s Rasheed Wallace by today’s deadline, and talking to other teams about other possibilities."
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Thomas, Dumars build teams with different philosophies
February 19
Detroit News columnist Terry Foster: "Question: Former Pistons backcourt mates Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are running their own teams. They visited with one another briefly Tuesday night when the Pistons played the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. What paths will they take in attempting to build championship teams?"
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Isiah trying to seal 1 more blockbuster
February 19
New York Daily News: "Thomas, who has been active since taking over Dec. 22, was in talks last night with the Warriors about a possible deal that would bring center Erick Dampier and guard Nick Van Exel to New York for Kurt Thomas, Dikembe Mutombo and Shandon Anderson."
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Isiah Eyes Dampier And Doleac
February 19
New York Post: "With Isiah Thomas expected to strike out with Erick Dampier and Rasheed Wallace at today's 3 p.m. trade deadline, the Knicks still might add a new center - and an old face. Thomas is bent on bringing back Michael Doleac, who was placed on waivers by the Hawks yesterday."
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Isiah Hears Penny Offers
February 19
New York Post: "Suns GM Bryan Colangelo spent two seasons trying to trade Hardaway and his contract and found mild interest. Yesterday, according to sources, Isiah Thomas was actually fielding inquiries about Hardaway before today's 3 p.m. trading deadline."
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Mutombo Hopes to Stay
February 19
Newsday: "Dikembe Mutombo hopes that his phone doesn't ring this afternoon. If it does ring, he hopes the caller ID does not read 'Falk, David.' Mutombo is glad he hasn't heard from his agent recently as today's 3 p.m. NBA trading deadline approaches."
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Deadline here -- Dampier still a Warrior
February 19
Oakland Tribune: "Erick Dampier insists he's considering terminating his contract with the Golden State Warriors this off-season, even though voiding the final two years of the deal would cost him more than $17 million. Today, Warriors management must decide if it wants to call his bluff."
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Are Dampier's days as a Warrior over?
February 19
Contra Costa Times: "A dozen reporters gathered around Dampier before the Lakers-Warriors game, all wanting to know if Dampier believed this might be his final game as a Warrior. Dampier has been mentioned numerous times in trade talk this week."
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Warriors' big decision: Is Dampier trade wise?
February 19
San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami: "Will the Warriors trade Dampier? My guess: Yes, either to Memphis, for young power forward Stromile Swift and some players with expiring contracts, or to New York, for a bunch of junk that will come off the cap almost immediately."
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Hawks should jettison Terry
February 19
Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley: "Billy Knight has done a splendid job clearing space for those players, as yet unsigned and unknown, who might someday make the Hawks win, but he has one bit of business to do. He has to dump Jason Terry."
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King must bid his superstar a smart farewell
February 19
Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith: "Iverson will be saying goodbye to the city of Philadelphia shortly, probably in the summer rather than by 3 p.m. today, the NBA trading deadline. And though it's easy to place the blame at Iverson's doorstep over issues of punctuality, the process goes a little deeper than that."
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Does Ford Really Think He'll Change Iverson?
February 19
Philadelphia Daily News columnist Rich Hofmann: "If the answer to the big question is that they're trying to trade Iverson, well, didn't it just get harder? The whole practice thing had ceased to be an issue - it wasn't this year and it wasn't last year, either."
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Iverson upset; could trade be next?
February 19
Trenton Times: "Yes that was Allen Iverson making it perfectly clear that as bad as things have gotten with the Sixers now, they likely are about to get worse. Because from here on, as far as he is concerned, when it comes to interim coach Chris Ford, 'The relationship between us goes out the window.'"
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Teams call about Kobe
February 19
Los Angeles Daily News: "The All-Star weekend frenzy sparked by Kobe Bryant's free-agency musings had hardly subsided when Mitch Kupchak's phone began ringing. Bryant isn't available, but it doesn't stop anyone from asking, even if only in jest."
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Sonics, Barry can't come to contract accord
February 19
Tacoma News Tribune: "The three-year, $15 million contract offer the Seattle SuperSonics made to shooting guard Brent Barry was rejected, according to multiple sources, but Barry's representatives made the Sonics a counter offer that the team thought was out of its price range. Discussions have been shelved until next summer."
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Rumor mill puts Sonics in middle of trade action
February 19
Seattle Times: "According to several NBA sources, the Sonics last night were working on as many as three trade deals — two involving guard Brent Barry and reserve forward Vladimir Radmanovic and one that centered around Jerome James — but nothing had been completed before general manager Rick Sund left his office at 9 p.m."
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Barry at center stage for Sonics
February 19
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "The free-agent-to-be is the oldest player on a relatively young team. He's also a guard at the focal point of most trade rumors involving the Sonics. One year ago, that described Gary Payton before the Sonics traded him to Milwaukee on Feb. 20, 2003. This season, it's Brent Barry."
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Beyond Fizer, little interest
February 19
Chicago Tribune : "Orlando, pondering some combination of Gordan Giricek and salary-cap equalizers, is a possible destination for Fizer. But talks with Philadelphia about a Jerome Williams for Aaron McKie and Amal McCaskill swap have cooled. Efforts to make sure the Bulls don't lose Jamal Crawford for nothing as a restricted free agent this summer have produced little interest."
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Barring last-minute surprise, Bulls deal unlikely
February 19
Chicago Sun-Times: "It's still possible the Bulls will send forward Marcus Fizer to the Orlando Magic for Gordan Giricek and another player. At least two other teams are interested in Fizer. But it doesn't appear Jerome Williams will be headed to the Philadelphia 76ers for Aaron McKie."
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Magic working the phones
February 19
Orlando Sentinel : "One of the deals the execs were pursuing was with the Utah Jazz -- Wednesday's opponent -- that would include sending Gordan Giricek and Steven Hunter to Salt Lake City in exchange for DeShawn Stevenson."
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Paxson doesn't foresee any deals
February 19
Daily Herald: "The Bulls have decided not to take either of the contracts Detroit is trying to unload - guard Chucky Atkins or forward Corliss Williamson - for Fizer. Even if Pistons general manager Joe Dumars gets desperate and offers to throw in a first-round draft pick or the rights to Argentinian forward Carlos Delfino, the answer is probably still no."
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Giricek getting mixed messages
February 19
Orlando Sentinel : "The Orlando Magic have been shopping G-F Gordan Giricek to at least seven teams, including East contenders Detroit, Indiana and New Jersey, but his agent said Orlando has asked about re-signing him."
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Raptor GM in trade mode
February 19
Toronto Star: "What the Knicks would want for Mutombo, the kind of interior defender the Raptors desperately need, is unknown. New York had expressed interest in Morris Peterson earlier this season but the Raptors may be loathe to deal him with Jalen Rose out and Vince Carter suffering a sprained ankle last night. But there are other players are the market who could help: Golden State has centres Erick Dampier ($7.8 million U.S. salary this year, $16 million left on his deal) and Adonal Foyle ($4.4 million this year) on the market; Phoenix is dangling Jahidi White ($5.3 million this year, $5.8 next)."
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Grunwald stands at trade crossroads
February 19
Toronto Sun: "Isiah Thomas still is influencing the Raptors' future, both directly and indirectly. One of the biggest chunks of bait, as of yesterday at least, was New York Knicks centre Dikembe Mutombo."
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Raptors talking but without keen interest
February 19
Globe and Mail: "But at least two sources discounted the most recent proposal: that the Raptors would send Donyell Marshall and Morris Peterson to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for Vladimir Radmanovic and Brent Barry. Marshall is one of the players the Raptors obtained from the Bulls."
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Raptors could get Davis, Radmanovic in three-way deal
February 19
Toronto Sun : "That Toronto-Seattle trade reported in the Sun yesterday may end up being a three-team swap involving Portland."
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Raps will stay quiet on trade front
February 19
Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk: "For what do you trade when you need exactly everything; when you need size and skill and ideally a combination of both? If you're the Raptors, it's likely you'll do exactly nothing. Because doing nothing, at least, might be good enough to get general manager Glen Grunwald his contract extension."
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Deadline n
