Disclaimer: Some information written in this section is strictly rumor, and has no factual information outside of what has been heard, or speculated upon, via outside sources.

The Knicks are a-dealin!!!

The Knicks, looking to add even more expiring contracts, are trying to finalize a deal that will bring Tracy McGrady to NYC. In addition to this, the Knicks are also looking to trade for Tyrus Thomas in exchange for Al Harrington. Insiders have reported that it is likely for both of these deals to happen. What’s hilarious to me, is that the WHOLE WORLD knows New York is trying to get as many expiring contracts as possible, in order to get LeBron, and then some (Chris Bosh, Rudy Gay, Dwyane Wade, etc). It must be some type of conspiracy.

Amare Isn’t Going Anywhere.

The biggest name of the deadline was Amare Stoudemire, but it seems more and more likely that he will be staying put in Phoenix. The writing was on the wall after Cleveland received Jamison, and no one else put in serious offers. Will Chicago make a late push? We’ll see, but it seems like in trades involving Stoudemire or McGrady, a third team would have to be involved. Stoudemire may have shot himself in the foot with his talk of picking up his player option. He seems like he doesn’t know what he wants. Does he want to stay? Does he want to go? Well, regardless of what he wants, my guess is that he isn’t going anywhere.

O.J. Mayo for Monta Ellis!

This would have been a wild move by both teams. Both are young players who have no issues at putting the ball into the basket. It is being reported that the Warriors rejected a deal from the Grizzlies that would have sent Monta Ellis to Memphis in exchange for O.J. Mayo and another player to even the salaries. That would have been an interesting move. I don’t even know why Memphis would want to do this deal, as Mayo has the height to guard the shooting guard position…but hey, what do I know?

Dallas to go after Big Z?

With Erick Dampier being out after Tuesday’s game due to a dislocated finger, the Dallas Mavericks will make a run for Zydrunas Ilgauskus if he is waived from the Wizards. Interesting. Will Big Z choose Dallas over Cleveland? Will Cleveland even want him back? He’s spent his whole career there. Before he can return to Cleveland, he’d have to sit for 30 days.

Tidbits

• The Rockets reportedly offered Philadelphia Tracy McGrady and Chase Budinger in return for Andre Iguodala and Sam Dalembert. Philly declined this offer. Sigh.
• Mike Conley has been offered to various teams for cap relief.
• Multiple teams have inquired about Kings’ PG Sergio Rodriguez.
• Sources have confirmed that Spurs’ SF Richard Jefferson is on the market.

At the end of the day, the teams to keep an eye on are the Knicks, Bulls, Suns, and Rockets. There have already been a bunch of trades to make for an exciting second half…now let’s see what the deadline day has to offer.

(aaaaahh) I can breathe now.

-G