As the NBA trade deadline comes to a close, a flurry of last minute activity has been reported as contending teams strike deals to improve themselves for the stretch run.
By Sam Sharpe, US Presswire
Gerald Wallace, the last original member of the Bobcats and the franchise's only All-Star, averaged 15.6 points and 8.2 rebounds for Charlotte this season.
By Sam Sharpe, US Presswire
Gerald Wallace, the last original member of the Bobcats and the franchise's only All-Star, averaged 15.6 points and 8.2 rebounds for Charlotte this season.
Thursday, the Boston Celtics traded guard Nate Robinson and center Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder for forward Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic.
In a separate move, Boston traded big man Luke Harangody and Semih Erden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 2012 second-round pick.
The Cavaliers have been interested in Erden, a 7-footer from Turkey, for some time. He's averaging 4.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 37 games. Harangody, who played at Notre Dame, averaged 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 28 games.
The Celtics later sent swingman Marquis Daniels�(FSY) and cash to Sacramento Kings for a future draft pick.
Boston will get a protected second-round pick in the 2017 draft.
Daniels has appeared in 49 games for the Celtics this season. He is averaging 5.5 points and 2.3 rebounds. He has been out since bruising his spinal cord on Feb. 6 against Orlando.
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Blazers land Gerald Wallace from Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats have agreed to trade forward Gerald Wallace�(FSY) to the Portland Trail Blazers for a package that includes two first-round picks as owner Michael Jordan cuts payroll and eyes the future.
Coach Paul Silas confirmed Thursday the deal made just before the deadline would also give the Bobcats center Joel Przybilla�(FSY) and reserve forward Dante Cunningham�(FSY), who are in the last year of their contracts.
The Bobcats also sent backup center Nazr Mohammed�(FSY) to Oklahoma City for reserve forward D.J. White�(FSY) and the expiring contract of guard Morris Peterson�(FSY).
Both trades were awaiting league approval to become official, and the Bobcats would need to trim two players to get to the 15-man limit.
Wallace, averaging 15.6 points and 8.2 rebounds, was the last original member of the Bobcats, taken in the 2004 expansion draft. Wallace developed from a benchwarmer in Sacramento to an All-Star last season and was clearly the face of the fledgling franchise on the floor.
Wallace's numbers had tailed off some this season and he's due to make about $21 million over the next two years. Without Wallace, the Bobcats will likely face a difficult task staying in playoff contention, where they sit 1 games behind eighth-place Indiana in the Eastern Conference.
The move gives Portland another athletic scorer and rebounder just as Brandon Roy�(FSY) returned from knee surgery. Despite numerous injuries, the Blazers had won six straight before Wednesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and sit in seventh place in the crowded Western Conference standings.
The Bobcats had been shopping Wallace for months. They had discussions with Cleveland and had been in on-and-off talks with the Blazers over the past few days, haggling over different combinations of players and draft picks.
Wallace had expressed a desire to stay in Charlotte right through Thursday's practice, which ended about three hours before the trade.
"I love the city of Charlotte. I love the fans," Wallace said. "I feel like I owe the city. The city doesn't owe me anything. I was given an opportunity to showcase my skills here in Charlotte."
It marks the second time since Jordan bought the team last year that the six-time NBA champion has sliced payroll from the team losing tens of millions of dollars a year.
The Bobcats last summer traded center Tyson Chandler�(FSY) to Dallas for center Erick Dampier�(FSY), then voided Dampier's $13 million contract and waived him to get under the luxury tax threshold.
With two first-round picks and lowering their salary-cap figure by $8 million for next year, the Bobcats will have more flexibility to reshape the roster in the next few seasons. It's a departure from the past few years when Jordan was quick to trade draft picks for veterans.
The 7-foot-1 Przybilla was averaging 1.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 31 games this season, including nine starts. He sat out the team's first 18 games, recovering from a knee injury he first suffered last season and the stomach flu.
While rumors about the deal swirled Wednesday night, Przybilla started in Portland's 106-101 loss to the two-time defending NBA champion Lakers.
Afterward, Przybilla said that trades were an inevitable part of the business.
"It's been a great journey," he said. "If it's come to an end, I've enjoyed it."
Przybilla will likely replace Mohammed as Kwame Brown's�(FSY) backup. Mohammed, who was in the final year of his deal and recently lost his starting job, will now join the athletic and talented Thunder.
Cunningham, a second-round pick from Villanova in 2009, thanked Portland fans on his Twitter page Thursday. Averaging 5.1 points and 3.4 rebounds, the 6-foot-8 forward has recently been wearing a facemask during games after he fractured his right eye socket earlier this month in a victory over Cleveland.
White, who is due only $2 million next season, has played in 28 games and is averaging 2.8 points this season.
The 33-year-old Peterson has not played in a game since Dec. 12.
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Rockets trade Brooks, Battier
The Rockets sent point guard Aaron Brooks�(FSY) to Phoenix and forward Shane Battier�(FSY) to Memphis in separate deals Thursday that bring guard Goran Dragic�(FSY) and center Hasheem Thabeet�(FSY) to Houston.
The Rockets also get first-round draft picks from both teams and ship rookie guard Ish Smith to the Grizzlies.
By Jason Miller, US Presswire
The Rockets Aaron Brooks was averaging 11.6 points and 3.8 assists for the Rockets, far below his 2009-10 averages.
Houston is 28-31, 11th in the Western Conference. General manager Daryl Morey has said in recent weeks that virtually every player on the roster was in play for trades leading to Thursday's deadline.
Brooks and Battier have contracts expiring after this season, coveted commodities for teams looking to create salary-cap space. But in acquiring the 7-foot-3 Thabeet and Dragic, the Rockets are parting with two of the team's most popular players among fans.
Brooks was a first-round draft pick by the Rockets in 2007 and shined in the 2008-09 playoffs. The 6-footer averaged 16.8 points and 3.4 assists and nearly led Houston to a second-round upset of the Los Angeles Lakers. He was honored as the NBA's most improved player in 2009-10, but a sprained ankle limited his production earlier this season and he wound a reserve, backing up Kyle Lowry�(FSY).
Unhappy with his playing time, Brooks left the bench during a game against Memphis on Feb. 5, and the team suspended him for a game. He was averaging 11.6 points and 3.8 assists, far below his 2009-10 averages. He was also shooting 28.4% from three-point range, a career-low in his four NBA seasons.
The 24-year-old Dragic is averaging 7.4 points and 3.1 assists this season, but he's shooting only 27.7% from three-point range. Dragic has a team option for the 2011-12 season left on his contract.
Battier, 32, is valued as much for his play and leadership as for his contract. He's to make about $7.4 million this season.
Memphis originally selected Battier with the sixth overall pick in the 2001 draft. He played five seasons in Memphis, helping the Grizzlies to three playoff appearances, before he was traded to the Rockets in July 2006 for Stromile Swift�(FSY) and the draft rights to Rudy Gay�(FSY).
The 6-8 Gay, the Grizzlies' second-leading scorer (19.8), is expected to miss about three more weeks after dislocating his left shoulder Feb. 15.
Battier has started all 59 games this season and averaged 8.6 points and 4.8 rebounds. He's also the team's top active shot blocker and its third-best three-point shooter (39.5 percent).
The 7-foot-3 Thabeet has disappointed since Memphis took him with the second overall pick in the 2009 draft. He's to make about $4.8 million this year and $5.1 million next season. The Grizzlies held the option for the 2012-13 season.
Thabeet, born in Tanzania, attended high school in Houston before playing for Connecticut from 2006-09. He's averaged only 1.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in 45 games this season.
But the Rockets have been desperate to add size since Yao Ming�(FSY) went down early in the season with a stress fracture in his left ankle. Chuck Hayes�(FSY), at 6-6, is the shortest starting center in the NBA and 7-foot Brad Miller�(FSY), acquired in the offseason to back up Yao, missed 15 games with a knee injury.
Smith, a 6-foot rookie out of Wake Forest, has bounced between the Rockets and their developmental league affiliate this season. He averaged 2.6 points and 2.3 assists in 28 games with Houston this season.
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Baron Davis goes from Clippers to Cavs for Williams and Moon
With the NBA's power shifting eastward, the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't want to fall too far behind.
Just hours before the league's trading deadline, the struggling Cavs acquired point guard Baron Davis�(FSY) and an unprotected 2011 first-round draft pick from the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Mo Williams�(FSY) and forward Jamario Moon�(FSY).
While it's not comparable to the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony�(FSY)-to-New York or Deron Williams�(FSY)-to-New Jersey deals, it's an important step for a Cleveland team rebuilding in the wake of LeBron James'�(FSY) departure.
"We're excited about the future here," coach Byron Scott said.
By Tony Dejak, AP
Guard Baron Davis, the Clippers' third-leading scorer, was dealt to Cleveland as the Cavs attempt to rebuild.
At 10-47, the Cavs, who recently lost a record 26 consecutive games, have the league's worst record in their first season without James, the two-time league MVP who bolted for Miami as a free agent last summer. Cleveland general manager Chris Grant's goal has been to add draft picks to replenish his roster, and he'll go into June's draft with two first-round and two second-round picks.
"We feel good about it," he said. "We're eager to keep going and keep moving. Our scouting department just got a little busier, which is a good thing."
Grant said the club could make another move before the deadline.
In Cleveland, the 31-year-old Davis will be reunited with Scott. The two clashed repeatedly during their time together in New Orleans, but Scott said they fixed their relationship last summer.
Scott said Davis approached him before a preseason game and apologized for his past behavior.
"He hugged me and said, 'I love you,'" Scott said. "It's water under the bridge. We let it go."
Scott said he was moved by Davis' gesture.
"I was very touched," he said, "to the point that I was speechless. From that point on, our relationship has been very good."
The Cavs are taking on Davis' huge contract, another sign of owner Dan Gilbert's determination to get his team back on top. Davis, the Clippers' third-leading scorer, is making $13 million this season and has two years and nearly $28.8 million left on his contract.
The Clippers are taking on Williams' $9.3 million contract this season. He has player options over the next two years, so Los Angeles may be able to get him off their books if things don't work out. Moon's $3 million contract expires after this season, and the Cavs were probably going to buy him out.
Both Davis and Williams sat out their games on Wednesday night with apparent injuries. Davis didn't play in New Orleans because of swelling in his left knee while Williams, who has battled injuries all season, missed Cleveland's loss against Houston with a sore ankle.
Scott is counting on Davis being a mentor for young guard Ramon Sessions�(FSY), who is excited about the chance to play with one of the league'e top point guards.
"He's a guy who can teach me a few things," Sessions said.
Williams is getting another fresh start.
He's had a rough few months in Cleveland. Acquired by the Cavaliers before the 2008 season to help James win a title, Williams was deeply troubled by the two-time MVP's decision to leave as a free agent for Miami. Williams injured his groin before training camp opened and has been slowed by a hip flexor for weeks.
Before the deal was officially complete, Williams reached out to Cleveland fans on his Twitter account.
"I wanna say thank you to all Cavs fans," he wrote on mogotti2. "It's been great. We've had some really good yrs and memories. I will never forget u guys."
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Hawks get Kirk Hinrich from Wizards
The struggling Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Kirk Hinrich�(FSY) from the Washington Wizards in a five-player trade, upgrading their backcourt for the playoff run.
By Jason Miller, US Presswire
The Hawks look to improve at point guard with the acquisition of Kirk Hinrich, who averaged 11.1 points and 4.4 assists for the Wizards.
The Hawks also received forward Hilton Armstrong�(FSY) for guard Mike Bibby�(FSY), rookie guard Jordan Crawford�(FSY), swingman Maurice Evans�(FSY) and a first-round pick in this year's draft.
The Hawks have lost four out of five games and slipped to fifth in the top-heavy Eastern Conference. Not only do they have to worry about catching the teams ahead of them; the sixth-place New York Knicks, who began the night five games behind Atlanta, made one of biggest splashes ahead of Thursday's trade deadline by acquiring Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony�(FSY).
Bibby, 32, had lost a step defensively and was no longer the creative force offensively he was in his younger days. Hawks coach Larry Drew had hoped second-year player Jeff Teague�(FSY) would take on a larger role at the point, but he was averaging fewer than 12 minutes a game.
Hinrich should be an improvement over Bibby at both ends of the court. He was averaging 11.1 points and 4.4 assists as on off-and-on starter, frequently playing alongside rookie star John Wall�(FSY).
"We felt we had a good opportunity to improve our ballclub by adding Kirk and Hilton," Hawks general manager Rick Sund said. "Kirk is a well-rounded player that gives us options at both guard positions. In addition to being a solid and hard-nosed defender, he is a good shooter who can also distribute the ball. His resume includes significant playoff experience as well. Hilton can play both center and power forward, and will add frontcourt depth."
Bibby was averaging 9.4 points and 3.6 assists. The Hawks gave up some depth on their bench by dealing Evans (4.5 points a game) and Crawford (4.2), but clearly felt it was worth the expected improvement at the crucial point.
It was clear a deal was imminent when Hinrich was scratched from the Washington lineup just before a game in Philadelphia against the 76ers. He and Armstrong watched the first half from the bench, but neither came out for the second half.
The Wizards, going through another dreadful season, are focused on building for the future around Wall. While Bibby and Evans add experience, the team should reap more long-term benefits from landing a prospect such as Crawford and adding another first-round pick to its haul.
"We were able to acquire a proven, clutch leader in Mike, a hard-nosed veteran in Maurice, and an intriguing prospect in Jordan, as well as a first-round draft choice to add to our own first-round pick this summer," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said. "This trade continues our plan to build with draft picks and prospects, develop our young players and stay financially flexible."
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Nets ship Troy Murphy to Warriors
By Rich Schultz, AP
Troy Murphy, being guarded by Semih Erden during a Dec. 5 game, is returing to Golden State after stints with the Pacers and Nets. The Warriors selected Murphy in the 2001 draft.
Hours after completing a blockbuster deal that landed All-Star point guard Deron Williams, the New Jersey Nets bolstered their bench with two backup big men while sending Troy Murphy�(FSY) and a 2012 second-round draft pick to the Golden State Warriors.
The Nets acquired the expiring contracts of Brandan Wright�(FSY) and Dan Gadzuric�(FSY), whose deals are worth about $11 million combined this year, close to the same for Murphy. The Warriors are expected to buy out Murphy's contract if they can't move him in another deal before Thursday's NBA trade deadline.
"We are very pleased to add Dan and Brandan to our roster," Nets general manager Billy King said. "Dan is an NBA veteran who will add depth to our frontcourt rotation, while Brandan is a young player who we feel has significant room to grow and develop in our system."
This will hardly be a Bay Area reunion for Murphy.
He was taken by the Warriors with the 14th overall pick in the 2001 draft. Then he was dealt to the Indiana Pacers in 2007 and traded to New Jersey before this season, never panning out. Golden State has no plans to keep him and was working to buy out the final year on Murphy's contract.
The 6-11, 245-pound center will likely draw strong interest from playoff teams who are looking for another big man, such as the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks. Murphy has averaged 11.8 points and 8.5 rebounds in his career, but has been limited to 18 games because of injuries this season.
The Warriors had been fielding calls all season hoping to land a big name. They'll have to settle on trying to stockpile draft picks, a formula new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber have said is a priority for a franchise that is used to trading them away.
"Our draft-pick situation could use some help. There's no doubt about that," Warriors general manager Larry Riley said. "So that's one of the things we actually are trying to address. We're trying to acquire draft picks. We're not going to be foolish about it. But whenever we have an opportunity to acquire a draft pick within reason, we'll do that."
Hornets acquire Carl Landry from Kings
The New Orleans Hornets and Sacramento Kings have agreed on a trade. Sacramento is sending forward Carl Landry�(FSY) to New Orleans for shooting guard Marcus Thornton�(FSY) and cash considerations.
By Rick Scuteri, AP
Forward Carl Landry, left, powering to the basket against the Suns' Channing Frye during a Feb. 13 game, averaged 11.9 points and 4.8 rebounds for the Kings this season.
"This is a trade that benefits both teams as Carl is a player we have looked to acquire for a long time and we hope to be a big part of our long term success," said Hornets general manager Dell Demps. "Carl is a high-character person that will add a scoring punch to our frontcourt while providing toughness and the ability to make plays. In order to get a good player, we had to give up a good player."
The move gives the playoff-contending Hornets depth in the front court, but at the cost of a popular former LSU star who can score in a flurry.
With the Hornets hosting the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, Hornets coach Monty Williams�(FSY) held Thornton out of the morning shoot-around.
Williams said he told Thornton to stay home because of a pending trade.
Landry, meanwhile, sat out the Kings' loss at the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
Landry, a 6-9 fourth-year pro out of Purdue, has averaged 11.9 points and 4.8 rebounds this season. He was acquired by the Kings in the middle of last season but has started only 16 games this season while vying for playing time with rookie DeMarcus Cousins (FSY).
Thornton, 6-4, is averaging 7.8 points in 16.2 minutes a game in his second NBA season.
While Williams cited NBA rules in declining to discuss the details of any pending trade, he was willing to talk generally about Thornton's role on the club this season and his improvement as a player.
"To me, Marcus and I have had a great relationship since Day One," Williams said. "He's improved in areas that don't show up in the stat sheet. To me, I feel good about that ? him moving forward. There were some defensive lapses, but he wasn't the only one. ... Marcus is a guy who has value around the league and is going to play for a long time."
Apparently, the value Williams spoke of is what made the Hornets feel compelled to part with him to improve their play inside behind starting power forward David West�(FSY).
"Our bench has been one of the worst benches in the league," Williams said. "It puts a lot of pressure on our starters to get leads, maintain leads and try to pull out games. ... Your bench is vital to your team, and it's an area where I've probably failed in rotations and things of that nature to put the right guys on the floor at the right time."
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
CHICAGO (AP) -- Out of patience after three straight playoff misses, many Chicago fans were calling for coach Lovie Smith to be fired a year ago.
HOUSTON (AP) -- A person familiar with the specifics of the trades says the 
By landing last year's Stanley Cup hero, goaltender 
