It appears that the Jason Kidd deal that would send him to the Dallas Mavericks is going to happen, writes Marc Stein of ESPN.com.
Per Stein:
The Nets and Mavericks are again on the brink of a deal that would send Kidd back to his original team, according to NBA front-office sources. The teams have reached an agreement in principle on the two major changes needed to save a blockbuster swap that appeared to be crumbling as recently as Friday. One source close to the process told ESPN.com that a conference call with the league to review the trade details is tentatively scheduled for Monday.
Rod Thorn, New Jersey Nets president, told the Newark Star-Ledger that Keith Van Horn’s involvement in the transaction may be an issue. Van Horn hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2006 Finals and would have to leave his home in Colorado, take a physical and make himself available to play for New Jersey.
***UPDATED at 12:39 AM ET***
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the deal is “likely done”after Kidd was excused from the club’s first post-All Star Game practice on Monday.
ESPN: The Magazine’s Chris Broussard reports that the much ballyhooed deal that would send All-Star Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks may hit another pothole on its way to possible completion: Jerry Stackhouse’s mouth.
Sources tell Broussard that Stackhouse’s post-trade comments regarding a return to Dallas just 30 days after the trade’s completion isn’t sitting well with the NBA.
“I get 30 days to rest, then I’ll be right back,” Stackhouse told The Associated Press on Wednesday in response to the proposed trade. “I ain’t going nowhere.”
To follow, Stackhouse assumes that the New Jersey Nets would buy out his contract. Should they do so, under NBA rules, a player who has his deal bought out must wait at least 30 days before signing with another club. The part that doesn’t sit well with the league is that it shows that Stackhouse has talked to Mavericks owner Mark Cuban about a return to the club, which could end up having him removed from the deal.
According to a report by ESPN.com hoop insider Marc Stein, the Jason Kidd deal to the Dallas Mavericks is back in play.
Sources tell Stein that the New Jersey Nets and Mavericks have agreed in principle on a deal that has the Mavs sending 24-year-old point guard Devin Harris, veteran swingman Jerry Stackhouse, the expiring contracts of center DeSagana Diop and swingman Devean George and guard Maurice Ager to New Jersey for Kidd and forward Malik Allen.
***UPDATED at 10:32 PM ET***
It looks like there’s a snag in this proposed deal: Devean George has exercised his right to block his involvement in the deal, writes ESPN.com’s Stein. George utilized his “Early Bird rights,” a clause earned by being in his second year and on his second contract with the Mavericks, made the move possible.
Strahan living it up (Y! Sports) Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports writes that New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is enjoying his second crack at an NFL title.
Tollner named QBs coach/assistant to the head coach (The Press Democrat) Matt Maiocco of The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, Calif.) writes that the San Francisco 49ers have officially tabbed Ted Tollner to coach to quarterbacks and will also be an assistant to head coach Mike Nolan.
Brooks not hired, yet (PFT.com) Despite Len Pasquarelli’s confirmation, ProFootballTalk.com states that the Washington Redskins have not hired — or have come to any agreement — with Larry Brooks to coach the defensive line.
Fresno St. OC will take same job with ‘Bama (SportingNews) Sources have told Sporting News’s Tom Dienhart that Jim McElwain will replace Major Applewhite as offensive coordinator at Alabama.
Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com reports that the recently-released Damon Stoudamire might not be in the Boston Celtics picture afterall.
According to Sheridan, Stoudamire is slated to talk to both the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suna via telephone Tuesday, with a decision expected as early as Wednesday.
Stoudamire clears waivers late Wednesday afternoon, thus making him free to ink a deal with anyone.
Browns, Crennel agree to two-year extension (AP/NFL.com) The Cleveland Browns extended the contract of Romeo Crennel after he led the club to a 10-6 mark, their best record since 1999.
A thank you to Larry Smith (STLToday.com) Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that Missouri football fans owe Larry Smith, who passed away Monday at age 68, thanks for getting the program on the road to respectability.
Kidd: Time to ‘move on’ (ESPN.com) Ric Bucher, who seems to get more things wrong than right as it relates to Kobe Bryant, reports that the agent for New Jersey’s Jason Kidd is seeking a trade for his client.
Webber: ‘Done deal’ to return to Warriors (AP/SI.com) In an email to the Associated Press, Chris Webber has confirmed that he has agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors.
O’s deny Bedard deal in place (Baltimore Sun) On Sunday, The Seattle Times reported that the Mariners and the O’s were close to finalizing a trade for lefty Erik Bedard. Now comes word from The Baltimore Sun that the Orioles are denying that a deal is done. Also, Bedard’s agent told The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec that he hasn’t been notified of such a transaction.
Brady acknowledges injury, says he’s ‘ready to go’ (USATODAY.com) Tom Brady of the Patriots says he’s ready to go for the match-up against the New York Giants after getting some therapy and doing drills to test his injured right ankle.
Carroll turned down Redskins (NFL.com) Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder flew to St. Louis, MO to talk to USC head coach Pete Carroll about the vacant head coaching position in the nation’s capital. Carroll reportedly turned down the overture.
Right now, I’d take Brady over Joe (The Press Democrat) Matt Maiocco of The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, Calif.) writes in his Super Bowl XLII blog that he’d take Tom Brady over NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana…sorta.
Sources: Warriors to sign veteran Webber (ESPN.com) Marc Stein, the NBA reporter for ESPN.com, writes that the Golden State Warriors are on the verge of inking veteran Chris Webber despite the fact that he and head coach Donn Nelson have a feud that dates back some 14 years.
…and finally…
50 thoughts from Australian Open (SI.com) Jon Wertheim of SI.com drops his top 50 list of things that captured his fancy “Down Under.”
Marlins inch closer to stadium deal (MLB.com) The seemingly never-ending saga of the Florida Marlins landing a new stadium in south Florida apparently is inching forward as a Feb. 5 meeting of the Miami-Dade County commissioners looms.
Royals lead Santana race? (Joe Posnanski) The Kansas City Star’s Joe Posnanski pokes a little fun at the ridiculousness of the daily updates regarding the “race” for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana. Final Vick defendant gets probation, fine (USATODAY.com) The final defendant connected to Michael Vick’s dogfighting case netted three years probation and a $500 fine after he cooperated with prosecutors.
Phoenix Suns president has outdoor pre-season game in works (Business Journal of Phoenix) The Phoenix Suns are planning to play the NBA’s first outdoor game during next year’s preseason at the Indian Wells (Calif.) Tennis Garden, Suns president and CEO Rick Welts said, according to the Business Journal of Phoenix.
IUPUI hoops coach’s shoe drive for charity a huge success (Indianapolis Star) UPUI coach Ron Hunter, who coached barefoot against Oakland University Thursday, got a huge response, with more than 110,000 pairs of athletic shoes donated.
…and finally…
Whitlock: ‘Mike & Mike’ aren’t big stars (FOXSports.com) Another Kansas City Star writer shares this space as Jason Whitlock, writing for FOXSports.com, takes a look at the Dana Jacobson controversy and offers an opinion on it within this notes column. (ifive to The Big Lead for the info.)
Committee reviewing McNamee tapes (New York Times) According to Duff Wilson of The New York Times, the House oversight committee is reviewing the tapes and transcripts three conversations that feature Brian McNamee, Roger Clemens’ former personal trainer who claims he injected the multi-time Cy Young Award winner with PEDs.
Redskins still trying to find their man (AP/NFL.com) After rumors of the hiring of Jim Fassel being inaccurate earlier this week, the Associated Press reports that other candidates have yet to be interviewed. Josh McDaniels or Steve Spagnuolo, anyone. (ifive to PFT.com for the tip.)
Iverson, Garnett make All-Star squads (AP/SI.com) Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets and Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtic headline the 2008 NBA All-Star Game starters, which will be held in New Orleans.
Cyclist sues USADA for drug testing plan (AP/USATODAY.com) An anonymous cyclist is suing the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for “overreaching its own rules and protocols.”
David Aldridge of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes that former NBA referee Tim Donaghy’s sentencing on two felony charges stemming from a basketball gambling scam has been delayed again until April.
Donaghy, who pleaded guilty last August to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and transmitting betting information across state lines, is scheduled to be sentenced April 18 in New York.
Congress to investigate Clemens denials (New York Times) Duff Wilson and Michael S. Schmidt report that Congress postponed next week’s scheduled PEDs hearing — featuring accused users Chuck Knoblauch, Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens and trainer Brian McNamee — due to the subcommittee wanting to investigate Clemens’ denials.
Bedard to Mariners getting closer (FOXSports.com) Baseball insider Ken Rosenthal writes that things are progressing in the Erik Bedard sweepstakes, with the Seattle Mariners being the leading suitor for his services.
Golf Channel anchor suspended (AP/Y! Sports) Kelly Tilghman, the Golf Channel anchor who made ill-advised comments about golfer Tiger Woods, was suspended two weeks by the cable channel.
Heat’s Riley issues denial on coaching future (AP/SI.com) Despite rumors to the contrary, Miami Heat bench boss Pat Riley dismissed those, telling reporters that he’ll remain around and “things will work its way out.
The Kelly Tilghman video (YouTube/FanIQ) The blog FanIQ comes through with the video that has many in the sports world talking: The Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman talking to analyst Nick Faldo on what young golfers need to do to catch Tiger Woods.
A local group in the Seattle-area has ponied up the cash to purchase the WNBA’s Seattle Storm for $10 million.
The local group includes ex-deputy mayor, two Microsoft execs, and an 1984 silver medalist.
The purchase of the Force from Seattle Sonics’ owner Clay Bennett assures that that club will stay in Washington state.
Bennett has made noise late last year that the Sonics would move to Oklahoma City after attempts to land a new arena to replace KeyArena have repeatedly failed.
The New Jersey Nets announced Thursday that they will play most of their home games in New Jersey during the 2009-2010 season.
Late in 2007, the team’s principal owner Bruce Ratner told the Associated Press that the new arena probably would not be ready by the start of the 2009-2010 season.
Levy stepping down as Buffalo GM (WIBV-TV) Marv Levy, the only man to coach a team to four consecutive Super Bowls, will resign as Buffalo Bills’ general manager this week.
Darren McCarty to begin comeback at Fort Wayne (CP/The Hockey News) In his quest to continue his financial standing after financial issues, Darren McCarty plans to begin a comeback attempt with the Flint Generals.
Canseco plans ‘Juiced’ sequel (AP/SI.com) The former MLB slugger will reportedly name even more names in a book that is scheduled to be released just in time for Opening Day, 2008.
All of us at The Buried Lead would like to wish you the Happiest of New Years and a healthy and safe 2008. We won’t be around on New Year’s Day, so enjoy the festivities and be careful.
Sutton will un-retire to coach San Francisco (AP/SI.com) Legendary hoops coach Eddie Sutton will come out of retirement to fill-in for USF’s Jessie Davis, who is taking a leave of absence at the school. Sutton sits at 798 victories.
Knicks to fight Marbury grievance (ESPN.com News Services) Stephon Marbury was fined $200,000 for skipping a trip to Phoenix in November.
Legendary LA voice Nahan dies at 81 (MLB.com) While the name might not be recognizable, his face might: he was the fight commentator that appeared in all six Rocky movies and in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
News and notes while taking some time off to unwind over the holidays…
Bedard’s price tag too steep (Cincinnati Enquirer) The Orioles have backed off their demand for Jay Bruce in a deal for left-hander Erik Bedard. But they still want three top prospects — probably Homer Bailey, Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto — for Bedard.
Laying odds for the Pats’ playoff foes (SI.com) The focus has now gone from “will they go undefeated?” to “who can beat them?” Don Banks of SI.com tries to break it down.
Kobe is youngest to break 20K (AP/Y! Sports) Kobe Bryant scored 39 points, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach 20,000 in the Lakers’ 95-90 victory over the New York Knickerbockers.
Brodeur climbs to second on career shutout list (CP/The Hockey News) New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur broke a tie with George Hainesworth for second place on the NHL’s career shutout list. He has three shutouts this season to push his career total to 95. Terry Sawchuk tops the list with 103.
Mizzou’s Pinkel gets extension, raise (STL Today) After a Cinderella-like season, the University of Missouri-Columbia rewarded head coach Gary Pinkel with a contract extension that runs through the 2012 season.
FSU’s Fisher to remain at school despite WVU’s interest (ESPN.com) Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com reports that Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, who was being wooed by West Virginia officials to fill their head coaching vacancy, has decided to remain with the Seminoles after an official statement was released via the institution’s website.
…and finally on this Christmas Eve…
FOX’s Zelasko to undergo thyroid cancer treatment (Inside SoCal) Via the great information site SPORTSbyBROOKS comes word the FOX Sports anchor Jeanne Zelasko has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and will put off treatment till after the BCS Bowl Championship Series is completed.