The larger question that will receive increased attention as the Feb. 21 trade deadline approaches, though, is whether Ron Artest and Mike Bibby will be back for long. Both players have options in their contracts that would allow them to become free agents this summer, but Bibby is expected to play his final year while earning $14.5 million while Artest's salary due of $7.4 million makes it likely he will exercise his early termination option. Sacramento Bee

They remain the most talked about trade bait in the league, with Cleveland the most known interested party for the point guard and the Knicks long intrigued with the prospect of adding the small forward. Miami has shown an interest in both players in the past but is believed to be more focused on Artest at the moment. Sacramento Bee

But according to two league sources who didn't want to be identified because of the private nature of trade talks, New York has an interest in Bibby, as well. Yet a possible obstacle in those dealings could be forward David Lee. The athletic second-year big man out of Florida represents the very sort of piece the Kings are coveting as they enter this new rebuilding era at a pace of measured and patient deliberation. Lee has upside galore and a contract (two years and combined $2.8 million remaining) that lends itself to a more sane salary cap. Sacramento Bee



If Isiah Thomas is fired as team president, it is believed the Knicks would reconsider various offers Thomas has recently rebuffed. Among them are scenarios that include guard Jamal Crawford leaving town, and another – according to a source – that would have put New Jersey shooting guard Vince Carter in a Knicks uniform. Interestingly, Crawford is believed to be on Cleveland's radar as well, not surprising considering the Cavs continue to look for pieces to surround LeBron James. Sacramento Bee

- Jamal & Curry to CLE for Gooden, Newble, Pavlovic & CLE's 1st & 2nd round picks
- buyout Turd

C - Gooden / Jefferies / Morris
PF - Zach / D Lee / Malik
SF - Balkman / Chandler / Newble
SG - Q Rich / Pavlovic / Jones
PG - Marbury / Nate / Mardy

that gives us some nice cap relief as well as another 1st rounder in the draft... also opens up playing time for Chandler at the 3 by moving Q to the SG spot & improves defense in the starting unit by starting Balk at the 3... Gooden at C is serviceable & he's a better defender than Curry no question.

honestly- this is just other gm's and sportswriters and agents making crap up.

I think Lee could bring back a lot better player than a washed up, maxed out bibby.