So while Shane Battier still has some trade value left, the Rockets NEED to package him with an expiring contract like Steve Francis and their 1st rounder to land a Corey Maggette or Ron Artest. These two pieces could take the load off of Tmac on the offensive end. He could also slide back to shooting guard and really use his height to create his own shot off penetration from someone else. I like Ron Artest working out especially with his relationship with Rick Adelman. I think they can make this happen with a bit of due diligence

It looks like Elton Brand has turned his back on the western conference and will join the 76ers. According to ESPN Brand will sign a 5 years deal in the neighborhood of $80 million dollars. Baron Davis has to be really shocked with Philly signing Brand considering he opted to join the Clippers to play along side Brand in his hometown. Corey Maggette will now work the phone to get a deal with the Clippers and the Clippers will welcome him back with open arms. Don't expect the Clippers to become a major player with the remaining free agents as Donald Sterling is the cheapest owner in sports.

Late Breaking Draft Day trade reported by ESPN has O.J Mayo being traded to the Memphis Grizzles for Kevin Love.

Two league sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves have reached an agreement in principle with the Memphis Grizzlies that will send the draft rights of Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner to the Grizzlies in return for the draft rights to Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins.

Breaking news! According to ESPN, Richard Jefferson has just been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons.

Not sure how I feel about this but I am 100% sure the Bucks won't be picking Joe Alexander with the 8th pick tonight. Look for the Bucks to go Big ( Kevin Love, Lopez or Arthur) which should help them compete in the NBA Central

The Grizzles have been working the phones communicating with Miami in hopes of securing the 2nd pick in the draft tonight. Miami, in true Pat Riley fashion, asked for the moon and the stars from the Grizzles.

After balking at the Jermaine O'Neal trade for T.J Ford, The Pacers have agreed in principle to this trade this afternoon according to Yahoo Sports. I was one of many that thought this deal was dead but I guess two injured players cancel each other out.

With ESPN Turning in a Gossip Site - I have the correct understanding of the rumors making there way around the Internet.

After working out for the Bulls the past two days a reporter asked Derrick Rose if he will be working out next for the Miami Heat. His response is a small sign the Bulls have made him a guarantee, check for yourself.

Memo to Reinsdorf as a Bulls fan: THIS IS NOT TOLEDO, SIOUX FALLS, OR GRAND RAPIDS - THIS IS CHICAGO A MAJOR MARKET THAT DESERVES EXPERIENCED COACHING AND PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS. WE KNOW YOU HIRED DEL NEGRO BECAUSE YOU FEEL ANYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO WIN WITH THE TEAM WE HAVE (INCLUDING DERRICK ROSE).

Kobe has to shoot 15 Free throws in order for the Lakers to win. In the two games combined Kobe has shot 13 free throws the same number as Leon Powe! Kobe is working too hard on the perimeter to put up 25-30 points. Head fakes, pump fakes, back doors and playing in LA should help Kobe get to the line at least 15 times tonight.

Every year NBA GM's covet the next great European talent who they picture dominating in the league. This year Danilo Gallinari is the next great Euro talent ready to make his mark in the NBA. I have watched tapes of Danilo's game and have come to the conclusion that he might be the most overrated player in this years draft.

If I am Michael Beasley I would have a chip on my shoulder from all the mock-ery drafts being published. The lastest comes from HoopsWorld (this is Mock Draft version 3.0 for them) where they place Jerryd Bayless at the 2nd pick in the NBA draft.

I have always supported the moves made by my home team ( Chicago Bulls) but the latest news that Doug Collins has backed out of the coaching job really makes mad. Chicago front office is a joke and Paxson is the joker of them all. Why even leak stories that you are talking to Collins if Reinsdorf has the final say?

Nothing like watching your idol ( Michael Jordan) shattering a backboard in Italy.

It appears that Joey Dorsey knows who the Chicago Bulls are going to draft. At the pre-draft camp Dorsey announced that the Bulls will select Beasley. He doesn't cite any logic or information only stating that Chicago has alot of pressure on them because Rose is from Chicago.