NBA News Blog – Page 1303 – NBA Blog

Bobcats trade Gerald Wallace to Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired forward Gerald Wallace from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for center Joel Przybilla, forward Dante Cunningham, forward/center Sean Marks, a 2011 conditional first round pick acquired from New Orleans and a conditional 2013 first round pick, it was announced today by General Manager Rich Cho.

“I want to welcome Gerald to the Trail Blazers,” said Trail Blazers Owner Paul Allen . “He is just the sort of talent we were looking for. I’m sure our fans will embrace him and hopefully he can help us make some noise in the playoffs.

“I also want to thank Joel, Dante and Sean. Joel has been a warrior for this franchise over the past six and 1/2 seasons and Dante has played an important role in the success this team has had this season.”

Wallace, 28, posted averages of 15.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.23 steals, 1.00 blocked shots and 39.0 minutes in 48 games (all starts) with the Bobcats this season. He scored 20 points or more 17 times and recorded 14 double-doubles.

“I’d like to thank Joel, Dante and Sean for their hard work and professionalism while in Portland,” said Cho. “We are very excited to add a player of Gerald Wallace’s caliber to the roster and feel that his athletic, defensive-minded style of play will be a great fit for us.”

Wallace (6-7, 220) was named to the 2010 Eastern Conference All-Star Team and the 2009-10 All-Defensive First Team.

Rockets trade Aaron Brooks to Suns

The Phoenix Suns have acquired guard Aaron Brooks from the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard Goran Dragic and a protected 2011 first-round draft pick, the team announced.

“We are excited to add Aaron Brooks to our team,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. “We are confident that he will upgrade our backcourt now and in the future. He should add scoring to our second unit, which is important to our success.”

The 6-0, 161-pound Brooks is an established NBA point guard who owns career averages of 12.8 points and 3.6 assists in 247 games (124 starts). Originally selected by the Rockets with the 26th overall pick (first round) of the 2007 NBA Draft, Brooks was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player a season ago after averaging career highs of 19.6 points and 5.3 assists while starting all 82 games for Houston. Brooks garnered the honor after registering the largest scoring increase of any NBA player (+8.4 points) last season, and leading the NBA in three-point field goals made (209).

Brooks became just the sixth player in league history to tally at least 200 three-pointers and 400 assists in a single season.

The 26-year-old Brooks joins the Suns with 2010-11 averages of 11.6 points and 3.8 assists in 34 games (seven starts). After dealing with injuries early, Brooks has appeared in 21 of the Rockets’ last 22 games and has scored 15 or more points in seven of those games.

A fourth-year pro, Brooks has made two playoff appearances in his first three NBA seasons, appearing in 19 postseason contests (13 starts), and averaging 12.8 points and 2.5 assists. Brooks started all 13 playoff games for the Rockets in 2009, as Houston won a series and pushed the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers to seven games in the semifinal round.

Celtics trade Marquis Daniels to Kings

The Sacramento Kings today acquired forward-guard Marquis Daniels and cash considerations from the Boston Celtics in exchange for a protected second-round pick in the 2017 draft, according to Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.

Daniels, in his eighth NBA season out of Auburn, appeared in 49 games for the Celtics this season, averaging 5.5 ppg (.491 FG%, .684 FT%), 2.3 rpg, and 1.3 apg, before suffering a bruised spinal cord on February 6 versus Orlando and has not seen action since then.

Carmelo Anthony debut was highest-rated regular season Knicks game on MSG in 16 years

Last night’s New York Knicks-Milwaukee Bucks game on MSG Network, featuring the Knicks debut of All-Star Carmelo Anthony, scored a whopping 6.75 household Nielsen rating (507,285 households) to become the highest-rated regular season Knicks game on MSG in 16 years.

The game narrowly missed topping Michael Jordan’s famous “Double Nickel” game from March 28, 1995 (6.78 HH) when Jordan scored 55 points in his return to Madison Square Garden after his first retirement from the NBA.

The game easily surpassed this season’s previous high of a 3.61 HH rating for the Knicks-Celtics game on December 15, 2010. Last night’s game also beat MSG and ESPN’s combined HH rating of 6.27 for that Knicks-Celtics matchup.

“Last night’s Knicks game was a defining moment at The Garden, and the production team translated that into a stunning experience on television for more than half a million fans watching at home,” said Mike Bair, president, MSG Media.

The game registered season-high numbers in every measurable demo, specifically the key M18-34 demo which scored an 8.42 HH rating that more than doubled this season’s previous high of a 4.06 HH rating for the Knicks-Lakers game on January 9, 2011. The quarter-hour high for the game was an 8.20 HH rating between 10:00-10:15 p.m.

Through 52 games on MSG Network this season, the Knicks are averaging a 1.62 HH rating, up 60% over last season at this time (1.01 HH). The Knicks are also averaging a 2.30 rating in the M18-34 demo, up 147% over last season at this time (0.93 M18-34).

The Knicks travel to Cleveland on Friday to face the Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. and then to Miami on Sunday to take on the Heat at 8:00 p.m. Both games will be telecast live on MSG Network, and will be preceded by “Knicks Game Night” 30 minutes prior to tip-off.

Pistons reject Mavs offer for Tayshaun Prince

Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press reports:

Pistons reject Mavericks offer for Tayshaun Prince

The Detroit Pistons have spurned the Dallas Mavericks’ efforts to acquire small forward Tayshaun Prince — at least for now.

The Mavs offered the Pistons swingman Caron Butler and a 2011 first-round pick for Prince before today’s 3 p.m. deadline, according to a person close to the situation.

Butler is out for the season with an injury, but he has an expiring deal, so the trade, basically, would be Prince for the pick. Prince also has an expiring contract.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban jokes about wanting to sign Justin Bieber

Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports:

“If I signed Dennis Rodman, I’m not above signing Justin Bieber — if he’s old enough to play,’’ owner Mark Cuban said Wednesday night. “I don’t know if he’s eligible.

“Could you check on that for me, because I’ll sign him. We can ask for an exception for Bieber Fever. Get the Bieber Fever NBA exception.’’

Bieber, who turns 17 on Tuesday, was voted the Most Valuable Player of the NBA Celebrity All-Star game last Friday in Los Angeles. He scored eight points and distributed four assists, but his East team lost to the West, 54-45.

“That guy can play,’’ Cuban said. “If we’re down a man, he’s the one I’ll sign.

“You’re talking about selling tickets.’’

Cavaliers trade Mo Williams, Jamario Moon to Clippers for Baron Davis, pick

The Los Angeles Clippers today acquired point guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for point guard Baron Davis and a first round pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Williams, who has averaged 13.8 points, 5.0 assists and 3.1 rebounds over his eight-year NBA career, is currently averaging 13.3 points, 7.1 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 36 games played this season. He has notched 10 points-assist double-doubles on the year and has recorded eight games this season in which he has scored 20 or more points.

“Mo Williams is a 28 year old All Star whose skill set not only compliments our front court players but is an excellent running mate with Eric Gordon on both ends of the floor,” stated Clippers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey. “Jamario is an elite athlete that can play multiple positions and will help us improve defensively.”

Williams turned in his most productive campaign in 2008-09 when he tallied 17.8 points and 4.1 assists while being named to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team. He helped propel the Cavaliers to the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, scoring in double-figures in 13 of 14 playoff games played that season and tallying 20 or more points in four playoff games. In 30 career playoff games played, Williams has averaged 14.1 points and 4.2 assists per game.

Originally selected in the second round (47th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, Williams spent four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to Cleveland on August 13, 2008.

In his fifth NBA season, Moon has averaged 6.7 points and 4.5 rebounds over his career. During the 2010-11 season, Moon has tallied 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 19.1 minutes in 40 games played.

Moon was signed by the Cavaliers as a free agent on July 24, 2009 after having spent the 2008-09 season with the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors. As an undrafted rookie with the Raptors in 2007, Moon turned in a productive rookie year, averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds.

“On a personal level this was a difficult decision and I will miss Baron but it was the right move for the organization now and for the future,” Olshey said.

Originally signed by the Clippers prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, Davis has averaged 16.5 points and 7.3 assists over his career. In 43 games played this season, Davis has tallied 12.8 points and 7.0 assists.

Baron Davis, Mo Williams trade expected

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers both have tons of trouble racking up digits in the win category, and Thursday they are reportedly going to swap point guards. Scoring point Mo Williams will head to the Clippers where, when not shooting, he gets to dish to Blake Griffin. And aging Baron Davis will leave the warmth of Los Angeles to head to freezing Cleveland, where he gets to pass to old Antawn Jamison and bench players who act as starters.

It should be… interesting. Ramona Shelburne and Chad Ford of ESPN report:

The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed in principle to a trade that would send Baron Davis and the Clippers’ 2011 first-round draft pick to Cleveland in exchange for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon, league sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

The deal saves the Clippers considerable money the next two seasons while giving them a younger point guard who made the All-Star team while playing with LeBron James.

Davis is still owed nearly $28 million over the next two seasons and the balance of his $13 million contract this year. Moon’s contract expires after this season. Williams is owed the balance of his $9.3 million salary this season and, with player options of $8.5 million for each of the next two years, potentially could get out of his contract altogether. The savings should give the Clippers more flexibility in free agency the next two seasons.

The Clippers are getting the better player and a better contract, but they’re also giving up a first round draft pick.

Read fan reaction and discuss your own opinion in this forum topic.

Nets trade Troy Murphy to Warriors for Brandan Wright, Dan Gadzuric

The New Jersey Nets have acquired forward Brandan Wright and center Dan Gadzuric from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for forward Troy Murphy and the Nets’ second round draft pick in 2012, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

“We are very pleased to add Dan and Brandan to our roster,” said King. “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.”

Wright, 6’10”, 220, was selected by the Charlotte Bobcats with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft. He was then traded to Golden State for Jason Richardson and the draft rights to Jermareo Davidson. The fourth-year forward from North Carolina holds career averages of 5.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per contest. Wright missed the entire 2009-10 season after having left shoulder surgery, an injury that he suffered in training camp. In 21 games, one start, with the Warriors this season, he averaged 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 9.3 minutes while shooting .603 (38-63) from the field.

Gadzuric, 6’11”, 245, was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks (34th overall) in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft. Currently in his ninth NBA season, the Den Haag, Netherlands native holds career averages of 4.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 14.9 minutes. In 511 career games, including 159 starts, he is shooting .502 (1,032-2,057) from the field and .501 (362-722) from the line. In 12 career postseason games, he averaged 3.3 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting .633 (19-30) from the field in 8.4 minutes. This season, Gadzuric has played in 28 games, four starts, and averaged 2.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 10.6 minutes while shooting .420 (37-88) from the field.

Murphy, acquired by New Jersey on August 11, 2010 from Indiana, has played in 18 games for the Nets this season, averaging 3.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16.0 minutes per game. The 6’11” forward has played in 639 NBA games with Golden State, Indiana and New Jersey, with career averages of 11.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Wizards trade Kirk Hinrich, Hilton Armstrong to Hawks for Mike Bibby, Maurice Evans, Jordan Crawford, pick

The Atlanta Hawks tonight acquired guard Kirk Hinrich and center/forward Hilton Armstrong from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Mike Bibby, Maurice Evans, Jordan Crawford and a draft pick, according to Hawks Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund.

“We felt we had a good opportunity to improve our ballclub by adding Kirk and Hilton,” 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.”

“I sincerely want to thank Mike, Mo and Jordan for their contributions both on and off the court in Atlanta, and wish them well in the future.”

In his eighth NBA season, Hinrich was averaging 11.1 ppg, 4.4 apg (tied for 29th in the NBA), 2.7 rpg and 1.3 spg in 30.6 mpg (.452 FG%, .384 3FG%, .876 FT%) with the Wizards, appearing in 48 contests (29 starting assignments).

Taken with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft by Chicago, Hinrich spent his first seven pro seasons with the Bulls before being traded to Washington on July 8, 2010 along with the draft rights to Kevin Seraphin in exchange for the draft rights to Vladimir Veremeenko. With career averages of 13.2 ppg, 5.7 apg, 3.3 rpg and 1.3 spg (.417 FG%, .379 3FG%, .814 FT%), Hinrich has played in 562 career regular season games (462 starts). In 34 playoff contests (27 starts), he has averaged 15.3 ppg, 5.8 apg, 3.7 rpg and 1.4 spg (.421 FG%, .405 3FG%, .757 FT%).

Named to the NBA’s All-Defensive second team in 2007, he is Chicago’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (812) and attempted (2,144), while ranking fourth in team history in assists (3,004) and steals (655). The former Kansas University standout was teammates with Joe Johnson on the 2006 USA Men’s World Championship Team. Kirk James Hinrich was born January 2, 1981 in Sioux City, Iowa.

Armstrong saw action in 41 games (two starts) for the Wizards this season, his first in Washington, averaging 1.9 ppg and 2.8 rpg (.484 FG%, .609 FT%). The fifth-year pro was drafted in the first round (12th overall) by New Orleans in the 2006 NBA Draft and spent his first three-plus seasons with the Hornets. Armstrong also played for Sacramento and Houston during the 2009-10 season. The 6-11 University of Connecticut product owns career averages of 3.2 ppg and 2.6 rpg (.502 FG%, .603 FT%) in 265 games (39 starts). He has also seen action in 12 career playoff games, putting up 3.0 ppg and 2.3 rpg (.538 FG%, .400 FT%). Hilton A. Armstrong Jr. was born November 23, 1984 in Peekskill, NY.

Bibby started 56 games this season for the Hawks, posting averages of 9.4 ppg, 3.6 apg and 2.6 rpg (.435 FG%, .441 3FG%, .630 FT%). He appeared in 248 regular season games and 29 playoff contests as a Hawk after being acquired by Atlanta from the Sacramento Kings on February 16, 2008, and re-signed on July 13, 2009.

Signed by the Hawks as a free agent on July 29, 2008, Evans has played in 47 games (12 starts) this season, posting averages of 4.5 ppg and 1.8 rpg (.393 FG%, .315 3FG%, .857 FT%). In his three years with in Atlanta, Evans has seen action in 206 regular season contests, and 22 playoff games (starting eight).

Acquired by the Hawks on draft night 2010 (June 24) from the New Jersey Nets after being selected 27th overall from Xavier University, Crawford has totaled 4.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg (.351 FG%, .333 3FG%, .667 FT%) in 16 contests.