Rumors...baseball/basketball/football

[YesSir]

Rumors...baseball/basketball/football/hockey

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Friday, June 29</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Kobe Bryant
Lakers

</TD><TD>Trade Request

</TD><TD>Respect The Team
Jun 29 - Lakers coach Phil Jackson didn't back away from questions about disgruntled Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, saying he expects Bryant to be on the team when the Lakers head to Hawaii for training camp in October.
"Kobe has got to respect what this team is trying and has to do and we're trying to work our way through this," Jackson said. "In my heart of hearts, I believe that when it comes time in Hawaii for this team to step on the floor, Kobe Bryant is going to be wearing a uniform."
Jackson said Bryant was unreasonable to make demands to be traded. "He has his reasons," Jackson said, "and I have to respect that, and Mitch alluded to the fact that those are staying within our private conversation. So we'll leave them there." -- Riverside Press-Enterprise


</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Jermaine O'Neal
Pacers

</TD><TD>Lakers?

</TD><TD>Still Available?
Jun 29 - Indiana is still discussing trades for Jermaine O'Neal. A league source says the Pacers have interest from a team other than the Lakers.
They can reportedly have O'Neal for Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom but, to date, have decided that's too much. -- Los Angeles Times
Larry Bird took time from the draft to shoot down the latest trade rumor surrounding forward Jermaine O'Neal. Bird called a supposed deal with New Jersey for small forward Richard Jefferson and centers Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins "bogus."
"We're not close (to making a deal)," Bird said. "We haven't even talked to anybody. All these trade rumors out there, it's all bogus."
Nets officials told Jefferson he won't be traded. -- Indianapolis Star
The Nets thought they could get Indiana interested in parting with O'Neal, the perennial All-Star power forward. The Nets, who have been shopping Richard Jefferson throughout the league the last few weeks in hopes of landing a quality big man and also put Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins on the table, initiated the talks.
According to two members of the Pacers' organization who requested anonymity because of the nature of the topic, discussions were still going on yesterday afternoon, but both believed that the deal had very little chance of happening. -- Newark Star-Ledger
They have had discussions with the Indiana Pacers about Jermaine O'Neal, offering Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic as the two biggest pieces, multiple league sources said. Other players may have to be involved to make it work for salary cap purposes. Indiana wanted Marcus Williams, too, but the Nets are reluctant to part with the talented point guard. That could change, of course. -- Bergen Record


</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Marcus Camby
Nuggets

</TD><TD>Trade Rumors

</TD><TD>Nuggets Love Camby
Jun 29 - Nene is set to make $8.8 million in 2007-08, and Marcus Camby's cap number will be more than $11 million. Camby's name has been a staple in trade rumors for much of the past two seasons, but Chapman gave no indication he is looking to move the center, 33. "Personally, I don't know where these rumors would have come from," Rex Chapman said. "It's a shame. We absolutely love Marcus Camby. Marcus is a pro. He doesn't have to prove himself to anybody." For now, Camby and the rest of Nuggets Nation can only wait and see what Chapman and the Denver front office does. -- Rocky Mountain News


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Jerry Sloan
</TD><TD>Head Coach
</TD><TD>Sloan To Return?
Jun 29 - The operating assumption has been that Jerry Sloan will return for a 20th season as Jazz coach, though Sloan cautioned reporters that he always could wake up one morning and change his mind.
Owner Larry Miller took things a step farther in an interview with 1320 AM on Thursday. Miller was asked about Seattle's interest in assistant Tyrone Corbin for its head coaching job. "If he's got a shot at a head coaching job, he has to take it" Miller said, "because Jerry, we know, is back for next year and we don't know how many years after that." -- Salt Lake Tribune

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Rashard Lewis
SuperSonics
</TD><TD>Sign-And-Trade
</TD><TD>Will Lewis Remain In Seattle?
Jun 29 - Ray Allen thinks that if the Sonics are again undertaking a youth movement, Rashard Lewis will ask the Sonics to do a sign-and-trade deal.
"Now that I'm no longer there, I'm not even sure Rashard is going to want to come back," Allen said in a telephone interview. "He wants to win and you almost think they are starting to rebuild with all these young players. I'm not sure Rashard is going to want to be a big brother to all these young guys."
Houston, the New York Knicks, Portland and Boston are expected to contact Lewis' agent on July 1 and express an interest in signing him. -- Tacoma News Tribune
According to an NBA source close to the situation, the Heat plans a push to acquire forward Rashard Lewis from the SuperSonics. Earlier this month Lewis opted out of the final two years of his Seattle contract, bypassing a guaranteed $21 million to become a free agent as of Sunday. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Houston
</TD><TD>NBA Draft
</TD><TD>Rockets Wanted Fernandez
Jun 29 - The Rockets tried to move up to the 20th pick, and had a deal arranged with Miami. But as the draft unfolded, the deal was lost. The 76ers acquired the Heat pick to take Jason Smith of Colorado State. The Heat moved back one slot to select Daequan Cook of Ohio State.
The Rockets would have used the pick to take Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez, who brings tremendous speed, though he likely will remain overseas for one more season. "We didn't know (the trade would fall through) until the pick," Rockets GM Daryl Morey said. "The direction we had gotten from the team up until that point was we were getting it. Then the draft unfolded unexpectedly for them, and their guy was there. "We didn't get the top guy we were looking for, but Aaron Brooks was the next guy. We feel very good coming out with Aaron." -- Houston Chronicle

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Antonio McDyess
Pistons
</TD><TD>Player Option
</TD><TD>McDyess Opts To Stay
Jun 29 - Antonio McDyess notified the Pistons that he would be picking up his $6.3 million option and return to the team next season. "We analyzed everything," said Andy Miller, McDyess' agent. "At the end of the day, he decided that he was comfortable with the situation in Detroit and he wanted to repay the loyalty the Pistons have shown him." -- Detroit News

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Dallas
</TD><TD>Counterclaim
</TD><TD>Dispute Worsening
Jun 29 - Regardless of whether Warriors coach Don Nelson returns to the sidelines next season, his fall schedule is likely to include a stop in court, where his arbitration suit against Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is taking on new dimensions.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Cuban filed a counterclaim against Nelson last month, contending that the former Mavs coach violated his non-compete clause by using insider information against Dallas during the playoffs. The source also said that Cuban is seeking an injunction against Nelson working for Golden State, though the litigation has no bearing on Nelson's pending decision on coaching again or retiring. -- San Francisco Chronicle

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Los Angeles
</TD><TD>Teams Options
</TD><TD>Ross Stays, Singleton Goes
Jun 29 - The Clippers picked up the option for defensive stopper Quinton Ross, who will make $826,000 this season. This will be Ross' fourth NBA season, after going undrafted out SMU in 2003. The Clippers also have the option on forward James Singleton, but have not picked it up and will allow him to be an unrestricted free agent. -- Los Angeles Daily News

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Phoenix
</TD><TD>No. 8 Pick
</TD><TD>Suns Turned Down
Jun 29 - The Suns' pursuit of Charlotte's No. 8 pick, where Phoenix would have grabbed Florida power forward Joakim Noah, crashed before the draft started when the Bobcats told the Suns they had a better offer. Phoenix threw options at Charlotte, one with its No. 24 pick and the 2008 Atlanta pick that it owns, and another more convoluted one involving Kurt Thomas.
"We made a great offer," Suns GM Steve Kerr said. "It definitely surprised us (to be turned down)."
Charlotte acquired Jason Richardson and draftee Jermareo Davidson from Golden State for the eighth pick, North Carolina's Brandan Wright. -- Arizona Republic
other Suns's news ...
The Suns have taken notice that Allan Houston is considering a comeback. The 36-year-old Houston was the league?s second-highest paid player last year ($20.7 million) but his $100 million deal will expire Sunday. He missed the last two seasons with chronic knee pain, but is feeling good. Money is not an issue, and Houston wants to play for a winner. -- East Valley Tribune

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Los Angeles
</TD><TD>Euro Guard
</TD><TD>Report Denied
Jun 29 - Team officials denied a report in a Greek newspaper that said the Lakers had offered a contract to Theodoros Papaloukas, who is generally considered to be one of the best point guards in Europe.
Papaloukas, listed at 6-7, was the Euroleague player of the year last season with CSKA Moscow. -- Los Angeles Times
The Lakers are interested in Greece's Theodoros Papaloukas, a 6-foot-7 point guard who was the European player of the year with CSKA Moscow, but they have not made an offer. Any team that signs Papaloukas, 30, would have to buy out his contact he signed last season. -- Riverside Press-Enterprise

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Grant Hill
Magic
</TD><TD>Free Agency
</TD><TD>Hill Optimistic About Future
Jun 29 - Grant Hill, who was in New York Thursday for an NBA symposium for players about to be drafted, sounded optimistic about his chances of returning to the Orlando Magic.
Hill said he's had extensive talks with new Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, and those meetings have helped enhance his desire to return to Orlando. Playing time and role on the team are extremely important to Hill, 34, who still thinks he can be a major contributor. "(Van Gundy) feels the same way about me as I do, and that's a very good thing," Hill said with a big smile. "He still thinks I can play, and so do I." -- Florida Today

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Orlando
</TD><TD>2005 Draft Pick
</TD><TD>Conflicting Reports
Jun 29 - Spanish newspaper SUR quoted 2005 Magic draft pick Fran Vazquez on Thursday as saying he wanted to play for Orlando next season, but an official from Vazquez's FC Barcelona club denied it. Club official Oriol Bonsoms told the Orlando Sentinel in an e-mail exchange that Vazquez was misquoted. Vazquez, said Bonsoms, will honor the two remaining years of his contract. "I spoke with Fran and he told me it was a misunderstanding with the journalist from Malaga who did the interview," wrote Bonsoms. "What he said it was he wants to be in Barcelona during the length of his contract and when this finishes he wants to play in the NBA. He now feels ready to play in the NBA but he won't come until this contract expires." -- Orlando Sentinel

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Joakim Noah
</TD><TD>Summer League
</TD><TD>Noah May Sit
Jun 29 - Joakim Noah has a slight tear in his right rotator cuff and might not participate in any summer-league activities. The Bulls will have entries in both the Orlando and Salt Lake City leagues.
"We may take a cautious approach with him to get him to rest up," GM John Paxson said. "He had hurt it before the season ended, then he went through all these workouts. "I'm probably leaning toward taking a cautious approach with him in the summer to get him healed up and rested. We'll just have to take that a step at a time." -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Cleveland
</TD><TD>NBA Draft
</TD><TD>Cavs Don't Pull Trigger
Jun 29 - The Cavaliers came close to pulling the trigger on two deals late in the first round, including the Phoenix Suns' pick at No. 24. "We explored every opportunity," Cavs GM Danny Ferry said. "We have two pretty good opportunities - one being Phoenix - and one later than that (which might have been Philadelphia at No. 30)." "We did our work and research," Ferry said. "I'm happy we didn't make any bad decisions. We were close in the first round. I thought we had one at one point toward the end of the first round. I think we made a good decision." -- Willoughby News-Heral

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Lindsey Hunter
Pistons
</TD><TD>Retirement?
</TD><TD>Hunter Gone?
Jun 29 - It seems almost inevitable now that Lindsey Hunter's playing career is over. Nothing has been announced, and things could change, but with Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo coming in the writing is on the wall for Hunter. He has one year left on his contract, but my guess he will begin his front office career in some capacity. Flip Murray's days are probably numbered, too. The Pistons are expecting Stuckey to be the first guard off the bench next season. Alex Acker, by all accounts, is going to have a chance to make the team next year, as well. So, it's not a matter of if Murray's getting traded, it's when. -- Detroit News

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Bobby Simmons
Bucks
</TD><TD>Rehab
</TD><TD>Light Running
Jun 29 - Bobby Simmons, who missed all of last season after undergoing ankle and foot surgeries, said he began light running last week. Simmons said there's a possibility he may play for the Bucks? summer league team next month in Las Vegas. -- Racine Journal Times

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Friday, June 29</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Tony Armas
Pirates
</TD><TD>Pirates?
</TD><TD>End of the road?
Jun 29 - Tony Armas' days in Pittsburgh appear to be numbered, and there's a chance he will be released soon, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Armas was relegated to mopup duty a month ago, and he has been ineffective. Armas was GM Dave Littlefield's only major league free-agent signing of the past offseason, getting a one-year contract with a salary of $3 million plus a $500,000 buyout if his $5 million option for 2008 is not exercised, which it won't be. That adds up to $3.5 million guaranteed.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

New York
</TD><TD> </TD><TD>Help on the way?
Jun 29 - The Yankees have inquired about the Rangers' Akinori Otsuka and Eric Gagne, Newsday reports. Both relievers are available for the right price. Royals closer Octavio Dotel, who pitched for the Yankees last season, also could be available.

</TD></TR><TR class=stathead><TD colSpan=3>Thursday, June 28</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Mark Buehrle
White Sox
</TD><TD>White Sox?
Dodgers?
Braves?
Mets?
</TD><TD>Buehrle deadline in place?
Jun 28 - Mark Buehrle needs to get a contract extension finalized with the White Sox by Friday or the team may get back to pursuing a trade involving the veteran left-hander, according to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times.
White Sox general manager Kenny Williams is believed to have set a Friday deadline to get an extension done with Buehrle (thought to be a four-year deal).
But if a new deal doesn't get finalized by Friday, the paper reports Williams has a plan in place to retool the White Sox without Buehrle. And if that plan doesn't include Buehrle, the Mets and Braves are considered to be the leading candidates to land him. The Dodgers are also thought to be seriously interested in acquiring the lefty.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Shea Hillenbrand
Angels
</TD><TD>Yankees?
</TD><TD>Shea to the Bronx?
Jun 28 - According to a report in Newsday, Shea Hillenbrand is expected to be designated for assignment by the Angels on Friday. Hillenbrand wants to play on an every-day basis, something he's not doing with the Angels. And the one team that could use an everyday first baseman and is also interested in acquiring Hillenbrand is the Yankees. The Yankees considered signing Hillenbrand as a free agent in the offseason, but he instead signed with the Angels.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Miguel Tejada
Orioles
</TD><TD> </TD><TD>Down goes ... the trade chip
Jun 27 - Miguel Tejada is expected to be out until August with a fractured left wrist, meaning there's little chance he will be traded before the July 31 deadline, the Baltimore Sun reports.
The Orioles' front office, led by new president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, never planned to deal Tejada, but the club was prepared to listen to offers.
"Right now, we're focusing on getting him healthy and helping us," vice president Jim Duquette told the newspaper. "But we realize that it's going to be a while."
The O's got a few calls inquiring about Tejada before he fractured his wrist June 20. However, it's unlikely a contending team will be willing to meet Baltimore's high asking price for a player who has been out for an extended period. The Orioles could try to trade him after the non-waiver trade deadline, but Tejada would have to clear waivers first, and that is unlikely. Tejada, who will wear a splint for the next two weeks, says he doesn't want to go anywhere.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Jacque Jones
Cubs
</TD><TD> </TD><TD>False alarm
Jun 27 - Jacque Jones will have to wait a little longer before he finds a new home, the Chicago Tribune reports. A deal with the Marlins -- Jones and cash to Florida for a minor-league prospect -- fell through Tuesday.
GM Jim Hendry is unlikely to go back to the Marlins, who want the Cubs to pay more of Jones' salary than Hendry would like. The Cubs were willing to assume $6.6 million of the remaining $7.2 million on Jones' contract through 2008 when the deal collapsed. "It wasn't really a good deal for us," Hendry said. "We got close in one scenario and talked to some other clubs [Monday], and I have another scenario. I just felt like I wasn't going to get rushed into it and make a deal that I didn't think was good for us, so it didn't get done."

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Baltimore
</TD><TD> </TD><TD>Patience pays
Jun 27 - The Orioles are in no hurry to find a long-term managerial replacement for Sam Perlozzo, the Baltimore Sun reports. All signs point to interim manager Dave Trembley's keeping the position for an extended period.
New president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail met with fellow Orioles executives Tuesday, but the issue of who will manage the Orioles wasn't on the front burner. "It's something that we are going to take our time with," executive vice president Mike Flanagan told the newspaper. "First, we'll come up with a list of potential candidates. We're going to get everyone's input and go from there." The Orioles have interviewed only former Marlins manager Joe Girardi, who turned down the club's offer last week. No other candidates are believed to have been contacted. Davey Johnson, Don Baylor, Rick Dempsey, Joey Cora, Terry Pendleton and Jerry Manuel are among the names that have been mentioned for the opening

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Donovin Darius
Jaguars
</TD><TD>Raiders?
Bills?
Buccaneers?
Panthers?
</TD><TD>Darius taking his time
<Jun. 29> Darius, released by Jacksonville two weeks ago, visited with Buffalo officials and coaches early this week. The consensus from the teams that have seen Darius, or at least inquired about him, is that he still needs a little more time to rehabilitate from the broken ankle that ended his 2006 season, writes Len Pasquarelli.
Darius might not make a decision about where he will play in 2007 until later in the month, just before training camps open. Oakland, Tampa Bay and Carolina are the other teams that have shown interest.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Tank Johnson
Bears
</TD><TD>Cowboys?
Bills?
Saints?
</TD><TD>Tank has attractive price
<Jun. 29> Although there is plenty of interest in Johnson, a pretty decent player who mans a position (defensive end) that is traditionally difficult to fill, the consensus is that most teams will wait to see how Johnson's latest legal entanglement is resolved, according to Len Pasquarelli.
It may well be that some team simply "rents" Johnson for the second half of the 2007 season -- remember, he figures to miss half the year because of the suspension that was imposed by the commissioner. Johnson was scheduled to earn a base salary of just $510,000 for 2007. Deduct at least eight weeks from that for the suspension and some team might be able to nab Johnson for about $270,000, small price for a guy that might bolster a defense for the playoff run.
Don't be surprised if Cowboys owner-general manager Jerry Jones is at the head of the line for Johnson, writes Matt Mosley. Jones believes in taking risks on talented but troubled players (see Charles Haley and T.O.), and he will be tempted to sign Johnson at some point.
In fact, one member of the organization said Johnson would be a "perfect fit" in head coach Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense. He said the Phillips scheme actually works better with inside players who have flourished in the 4-3, as Johnson has, because it requires them to line up at different spots along the line and use their quickness to make plays. Buffalo and New Orleans could also be candidates, according to John Clayton.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Alex Brown
Bears
</TD><TD>Titans
Chiefs?
</TD><TD>Brown still on the block?
<Jun. 29> With the league in a lull period, and officials from most teams on vacation, trade talks involving Brown have slowed recently, writes Len Pasquarelli. However, the five-year veteran defensive end remains on the market and Tennessee remains his most likely new address if the Bears deal him. It's believed the Bears are seeking a third- or fourth-round draft pick, a pretty reasonable price for a player with Brown's résumé, in exchange. But the deal, sources said, would almost have to be a sign-and-trade arrangement, since Brown's contract, signed as an extension in December 2004, has become somewhat obsolete. The deal has three years remaining, at base salaries of $595,000 (2007), $550,000 (2008) and $670,000 (2009), and Brown is going to want to upgrade those numbers.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Will Smith
Saints
</TD><TD> </TD><TD>Saints extending Smith?
<Jun. 29> Although the negotiations are only in the nascent stages, Len Pasquarelli has confirmed that Saints officials have approached Smith -- the team's first-round pick in the 2004 draft and a player who is quickly emerging as one of the NFL's top two-way perimeter defenders -- about a new long-term contract extension. It should be emphasized that a deal isn't imminent. The two sides, in fact, haven't even swapped proposals yet. Smith, who turns 26 on July 4, has two seasons remaining on the five-year, $11.95 million contract (actually a six-year deal in which he has already earned the right to void the final season) he signed as a rookie. He is coming off a 2006 campaign in which he registered a career-high 10½ sacks and has now posted 26½ quarterback takedowns in three years.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>WHAT</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Kyle Turley
Chiefs
</TD><TD>Comeback?
</TD><TD>Turley eyeing comeback
<Jun. 23> Turley is ready to give football another try, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports. The left tackle worked out for Chiefs officials this week, and is ready to audition for other teams, too, if they are interested.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Daunte Culpepper
Dolphins
</TD><TD>Ravens?
Jaguars?
</TD><TD>Culpepper trade on hold
<Jun. 20> Don't expect much new this week on the Culpepper front, writes John Clayton. The Jaguars aren't going to give up a draft choice until after the July 29 grievance hearing in which Culpepper is trying to get the Dolphins to release him. The Dolphins front office is on vacation for a week, so trade activity -- if any -- will be minimized.
Jaguars starting quarterback Byron Leftwich and veteran backup David Garrard both said last week that they have been apprised by Jags management that Culpepper is definitely on the team's radar. "Yeah, they talked to me," Leftwich told the team's Web site. "[Offensive coordinator] Dirk [Koetter] did. He said it doesn't have anything to do with my status. He just wanted to make sure we knew it was true. They don't have to tell you what they're thinking. It was cool."

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Keenan McCardell
Chargers
</TD><TD>Redskins
Texans?
</TD><TD>McCardell talking to Skins, Texans
<Jun. 20> McCardell might decide to finish his career with the franchise that originally brought him into the league. ESPN.com has confirmed through league sources that McCardell is in active negotiations with the Redskins, who chose him in the 12th round of the 1991 draft. Released by San Diego earlier this spring, McCardell is also discussing a contract with the Texans, where he visited club officials and coaches three weeks ago. McCardell, 37, didn't play much for the Chargers in the stretch run of the 2006 season, but he still registered 36 catches for 437 yards, although he failed to score a touchdown for the first time since 1994. The 15-year veteran has 861 career receptions and is still clever enough to know how to get open, even if he doesn't run very well anymore.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

Can A Mod Please Put Hockey In The Title Also

THANKS :shake:


<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Daniel Briere
Sabres
</TD><TD noWrap>Kings?
Sharks?
Canadiens?
Flyers?
</TD><TD>Briere prepares for market
Jun 29 - The Sabres made an offer to center Daniel Briere on Thursday, and some might say it was a lame one.
Multiple reports say it was a five-year, $25 million deal, the same pact Briere wanted last offseason. The Sabres said no and Briere was awarded a one-year, $5M arbitration award.
Briere told the Buffalo News he was headed to California to meet up with co-captain Chris Drury to discuss their futures.
"It's exciting," Briere told the newspaper. "I've never been through it before. If it gets there, I just want to be around where it's going to happen and where my agent's going to be, so we can deal with it directly and not over the phone, relaying messages. I want to be there when the offers come in."
"I wish things would have gotten done earlier with Buffalo, but they didn't," Briere said. "There's always a little fear that nobody's going to call and nobody's going to want you, but the point of going through this is you want to feel wanted, and you wonder how they're going to show it." Briere had 32 goals and 63 assists this season. Many teams, including the Canadiens, Flyers, Sharks and Kings have all been rumored to be interested in Briere.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Colorado
</TD><TD noWrap>Ryan Smyth?
Peter Forsberg?
Chris Drury?
</TD><TD>Could Avs bring back Drury, Forsberg?
Jun 29 - The Colorado Avalanche could have about $10 million to throw at free agents this offseason. If they do, depending on where the cap is set, some speculate they could be active in the market.
The Denver Post reported that the Avs could reach out to former Colorado stars Chris Drury and Peter Forsberg, both set to become unrestricted free agents Sunday.
"Like we've always said, we'll do whatever we can to make our club better, by whatever means necessary," Avs GM Francois Giguere told the newspaper. "Free agency is one avenue that a team can take to try to improve, so we're no different than any other team in that we will explore all our options available."
Drury was traded to the Sabres in 2002. Forsberg was signed by the Flyers via free agency before the start of the 2005-06 season. The Avs are also interested in forward Ryan Smyth, who is also set to hit the market Sunday.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Ray Emery
Senators
</TD><TD noWrap>Senators?
Blues?
Kings?
Bruins?
</TD><TD>Agent: Two teams interested in Emery
Jun 29 - Ray Emery is a restricted free agent, but that hasn't stopped a few clubs from contacting his agent.
J.P. Barry told Sun Media that he's talked to two teams willing to make an offer for the Senators goalie.
"He is an elite goalie, so I'm not surprised by the fact some teams would consider making an offer for his services," Barry said.
Boston, St. Louis and Los Angeles are rumored to be interested because of their need for help in net. But Sun Media reported the Bruins are the most interested.
There is a connection there, too. Boston GM Peter Chiarelli used to work in the Sens' front office. According to the report, the GM might be working up an offer between $3.5 million-$4.7 million for Emery. If that's the case, Boston would have to give up a first-, second- and third-round pick in 2008 to Ottawa.
Emery made $925,000 last season and has until July 5 to decide whether to file for arbitration. "Emery has an excellent arbitration case in any event, so the window for an offer isn't very long," Barry told Sun Media. "We will see if the interest is serious or not next week."

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Detroit
</TD><TD noWrap>Danny Markov?
Mathieu Schneider?
Dominik Hasek?
Todd Bertuzzi?
</TD><TD>Wings try to lock up deals
Jun 29 - The Red Wings met with the agents for goaltender Dominik Hasek, forward Todd Bertuzzi and defensemen Mathieu Schneider and Danny Markov at the draft and now GM Ken Holland is rounding them up again to try to finalize deals before Sunday's start to free agency.
All four are set to become free agents July 1.
Holland said he believes all four want to return, but "they've certainly got a salary expectation."
Hasek, who reportedly told the Wings he wants to return for another season, will likely re-sign, albeit with a raise from the $750,000 he made in 2006-07. As for Bertuzzi, Markov and Schneider, Holland said the team is interested, but it will all come down to money and the cap.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Paul Kariya
Predators
</TD><TD noWrap>Predators?
</TD><TD>Kariya to hit market
Jun 29 - Paul Kariya, the Predators' leading scorer last season with 24 goals and 52 assists in 82 games, is likely on his way out of Nashville.
While Kariya enjoys both the playing atmosphere and the lifestyle in Nashville, his main reason for signing with the Preds after the lockout was he believed the team's direction suggested a Stanley Cup championship.
Now, without the financial wherewithal to compete with other teams, Kariya has told the team he'll test the market. The team's potential move played a factor in his decision, according to his agent. "He's definitely going to go into free agency and it's certainly looking doubtful based on our conversations and the uncertainty of our franchise that he'll be coming back here," Preds GM David Poile told The Tennessean on Thursday. "I don't close the door 100 percent, but I think we have to be realistic about where we are and what we have to offer -- or the lack of what we have to offer. What every player wants is certainty and we just don't have that to offer right now."

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Nikolai Khabibulin
Blackhawks
</TD><TD> </TD><TD>Hawks shopping Khabibulin?
Jun 28 - Sources have told the Daily Herald that the Blackhawks are shopping goalie Nikolai Khabibulin.
GM Dave Tallon admitted at the NHL draft that the team made some bad moves immediately after the lockout, so did he mean Khabby?
As the Herald speculated, "Khabibulin is no better than Patrick Lalime." Khabibulin has two years and $13.5 million left on his contract.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Michael Nylander
Rangers
</TD><TD noWrap>Flyers?
Rangers
</TD><TD>Rangers yet to contact Nylander
Jun 28 - According to a report from The New York Post, the Rangers have yet to have any serious talks with free agent-to-be Michael Nylander.
Sources told the newspaper that the lack of negotiations is a further signal that the Blueshirts intend to make a run at Scott Gomez and Chris Drury.
And it's not like Nylander isn't garnering interest from other clubs.
Multiple reports out of the NHL draft indicated that Philadelphia was putting out feelers for Nylander as a contingency plan in case the Flyers can't land Gomez, Drury or Daniel Briere.
Rangers coach Tom Renney told reporters at the draft that he thought of contacting Nylander before July 1, while Nylander's new agent, Mike Gillis, had brief talks with GM Glen Sather in Columbus.
Nylander led the Rangers in goals (six), points (13) and plus-minus (plus-9) in the playoffs after he notched a career-high 26 goals and 83 points in the regular season. Nylander made $2.026M this season, but the Post had expected him to get a raise in the neighborhood of Martin Straka's new contract ($3.3M for one year).

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Brendan Shanahan
Rangers
</TD><TD noWrap>Rangers?
</TD><TD>Shanny's decisions
Jun 28 - Brendan Shanahan has said that he wants to return to play for a 20th NHL season ... as long as it's with the Rangers.
So, can both sides get a deal done?
"If he's going to play hockey this year, there isn't much doubt in anyone's mind that he wants to play for the New York Rangers," said Rick Curran, Shanahan's agent, told the Bergen Record. Curran also told the newspaper that he has had preliminary talks with the Blueshirts, but there is no timetable to finalize a new one-year deal. Shanahan, 38, came to the Rangers via free agency last offseason, signing a one-year, $4 million deal.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Ryan Smyth
Islanders
</TD><TD> </TD><TD>Smyth's agent makes the rounds
Jun 27 - Ryan Smyth's agent, Don Meehan, is making the rounds for his client as the free-agent window approaches on Sunday.
Many teams have been rumored to express interest in the gritty veteran forward, the latest being the Flames, according to reports out of Canada.
But, Meehan said he'll start with the Islanders first and will hold talks with them this week.
Smyth, 31, was acquired from the Oilers on Feb. 27 for two prospects and a first-round pick. The forward reportedly told New York over recent weeks that he wouldn't do anything before the market opens on July 1. With Alexei Yashin out of town, many have speculated that Smyth would be a natural choice as the team's next captain. But Smyth will likely test the market hard, looking for a big, multiyear contract.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Carolina
</TD><TD noWrap>Joni Pitkanen?
Niclas Wallin?
</TD><TD>Carolina's deal still alive
Jun 27 - Reports continue to indicate the Hurricanes have an open deal for a defenseman to boost their lineup.
GM Jim Rutherford told the News & Observer a deal is still alive barring the decision of a Carolina player's no-trade clause (that player is reportedly D-man Niclas Wallin).
Rutherford would not confirm any trade details.
"This is still alive until the other team calls and says time's up," Rutherford told the newspaper Tuesday. "When they say time's up, there would be nowhere to go for us and that would be the end of it."
The newspaper speculated that Wallin, Mike Commodore, Tim Gleason and Dennis Seidenberg would be players likely involved in a deal for a defenseman. Out of that group, only Wallin has a no-trade clause. So who would the Canes get in return? The rumored name is Flyers restricted free-agent defenseman Joni Pitkanen, who Philly reportedly wants to trade to free up more salary so it can make a run on top-tier free agents like Chris Drury and Daniel Briere. Over draft weekend, the Oilers were interested in pulling off a three-way deal with the Flyers and Hurricanes. Reports had it that Philly would send Pitkanen to the Canes, Carolina would ship Erik Cole to Edmonton and Raffi Torres would go to the Flyers. All three teams denied the reports.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[YesSir]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Jarome Iginla
Flames
</TD><TD noWrap>Flames?
</TD><TD>Flames trying to lock up Iggy
Jun 26 - As Jarome Iginla enters the last season of his current contract, the Flames are talking to his agent about an extention.
According to a report from Sun Media, Iginla's agent, Don Meehan said he is talking to Flames GM Darryl Sutter about locking up the veteran forward for at least one more season. That would prevent the Flames captain from becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.
"Well, we're talking with Darryl," Meehan told Sun Media. "And I think we're going to talk a little bit more after the July 1st deadline, which is the focus, I think, of everybody's activity in the league."
Iginla has said he'd like to stay in Calgary over the long haul, but would still be open to a short-term deal with the Flames if that's the direction the team wanted to take. Iginla, who ironically turns 30 on July 1, had 39 goals and 55 assists in 70 games last season for Calgary.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Scotty Bowman
</TD><TD noWrap>Maple Leafs?
</TD><TD>Bowman turns down Leafs
Jun 26 - Well, the Maple Leafs can scratch Scotty Bowman off their coaching wish list.
According to a report from The Toronto Sun, Bowman turned down a three-year offer with the club because he apparently did not want to work for CEO Richard Peddie.
Bowman reportedly met with Peddie and other Leafs officials either over the phone or in person. His vision for the team included making serious changes in the Leafs' front office and coaching staff. The Sun reported that Bowman "balked" when asked if he would bring back GM John Ferguson. Bowman will stay on as a consulant for the Red Wings. Meanwhile, John Muckler's name as surfaced as another candidate for the Leafs.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Brian Rafalski
Devils
</TD><TD noWrap>Devils
</TD><TD>Rafalski wants to stay in Jersey
Jun 26 - Devils defenseman Brian Rafalski isn't as eager as teammate Scott Gomez to explore free agency.
His agent reiterated Monday that Rafalski wants to stay in New Jersey.
"Brian wants to stay, so we're going to do whatever we can to make it work," Bill Zito told The Bergen Record.
Zito also told the newspaper that he had a solid meeting with Devils GM Lou Lamoriello at the NHL draft.
Late in the regular season, the Edmonton Journal reported the Oilers "probably will make a run at" Rafalski if he didn't re-sign before July 1.
Rafalski, 32, made $4.2M last season.

</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD width=65>WHO</TD><TD>INTERESTED</TD><TD>THE SKINNY</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD noWrap align=middle>

Alex Auld
Panthers
</TD><TD> </TD><TD>Auld won't be back
Jun 26 - Alex Auld is the latest casualty of the Tomas Vokoun trade.
The Panthers did not give the goaltender a qualifying offer, deciding to go with a netminder pairing of Vokoun and Craig Anderson.
The Panthers acquired Vokoun from the Predators in a trade a day before the NHL draft.
Panthers GM/coach Jacques Martin said Auld (a $1.5M qualifying offer) was too pricey for the team's cap since it just took on Vokoun's $5.7 million annual salary. "With the acquisition of Tomas Vokoun, we didn't feel we could spend that kind of money on goaltending," Martin was quoted as saying in the Sun-Sentinel. "There was almost a million-dollar difference between [Auld] and Anderson. We're looking for our backup to play 15 to 20 games." Auld, 26, who was acquired in Roberto Luongo trade last June. He went 7-13-5 with a 3.34 goals-against average and .888 save percentage in 2006-07.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[B.A.R.]

thanks for the post Yessir...appreciate it

 

[Troutman]

Very NICE