CSN NBA Insiders Notebook: Where Will Carmelo Anthony Land?

AT AN ARENA NEAR YOU - Welcome to the latest and greatest edition of the CSN Insiders Notebook.
 
The rumor mill is starting to get hot and heavy with some of the game's biggest names being talked about as being on the move.
 
Atop the list these days is the New York Knicks and their star player, Carmelo Anthony.
 
Our CSN Philly insider Jessica Camerato gives us the latest on how 'Melo is handling this latest round of trade rumors.
 
Knicks: 'Melo on the move?
Who will Carmelo Anthony be playing for after the trade deadline?

Anthony holds a no-trade clause with the Knicks, but his time in New York seems like it will be coming to a close. If the Knicks find a team that Anthony agrees to join, this could mark the end of the 'Melo era in the Big Apple.

The Clippers have emerged as the main suitor for the 14th-year veteran who is averaging over 22 points, six rebounds and three assists this season. Now comes the challenge of finding a third team to make a deal work.

So far the Cavaliers and Celtics - two enticing destinations for a player looking to win - reportedly have said they are not interested.

This leaves Anthony waiting out his time on a losing Knicks team while he waits to see what the front office does before mid-February.

"You've got to deal with that, even though I try not to read it. And everywhere you go, even if you don't hear about it, somebody is telling you about it, somebody is saying something," Anthony said, via ESPN.com  
 
ATLANTIC DIVISION
 
Sixers: Simmons' recovery on track
While there is no timetable for Ben Simmons' return, the No. 1 pick in last June's NBA draft continues to make progress in his rehab from a Jones fracture in his right foot.

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Simmons had a scheduled scan with the operating specialist last week in New York. The results showed his recovery is moving along as expected. As part of that recovery, Simmons began one-on-one activity at the Sixers' training complex. He competed "very slow" at about "80 percent," according to Sixers head coach Brett Brown, against Delaware 87ers forward James Webb.

"If you said it's 20 percent, 10 percent I'd get thrilled," Brown said. "I can't wait to coach him. I really can't wait to coach him." – by Jessica Camerato
 
Raptors: Is Sullinger the answer? 
The recent skid by the Toronto Raptors only highlighted what many NBA execs have been saying all season: Toronto has a good team, but title contender? Nope.
 
And the Raptors know this, which is why they're in the market for an impact power forward.
 
Could they already have him and not know it?
 
Jared Sullinger was supposed to be that guy, but foot surgery has kept him off the court until recently.
 
And let's just say the early returns have not been encouraging, which is why the Raptors are open to trying to acquire another power forward such as Atlanta's Paul Millsap.
 
In his first five games, Sullinger averaged 4.0 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting a woeful 25.8 percent from the field and 18.2 percent on threes. The Raptors recently announced he would do a rehab stint with their D-League affiliate, the Raptors 905.
 
"I tell them all the time, when I come back I'm gonna bring one thing and that's probably rebounding right now," Sullinger told CSN's Abby Chin recently. "Just because everybody is in midseason form. It's gonna take time for me to fit in, know where my shots are, kind of know the offense." – by A. Sherrod Blakely
 
CENTRAL DIVISION
 
Bulls: Drama takes center stage
Drama, thy name is the Chicago Bulls.

First it was Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler calling out their teammates for a perceived lack of commitment, then Rajon Rondo calling out Butler and Wade on Instagram for their leadership style.

Then there was a team meeting, fines, pseudo-punishments and a blowout.

Well, a blowout loss to the Miami Heat Friday night.

But in the end, there were no regrets as Wade said he'd have no issues working and playing with Rondo despite Rondo's feelings. And Wade stuck to his sentiment even through the firestorm.

"When you're a leader, certain things you do and say aren't always going to be the popular thing in the locker room," he said. "As a leader, sometimes you can't be liked. It's the harsh truth and harsh reality. I'm probably not liked in this locker room today. I'm OK with that."

And with all that, the Bulls are still holding onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. – by Vincent Goodwill
 
Cavaliers: LeBron wants more help 
Drama seems to carry in the Eastern Conference or even more specifically, the Midwest as LeBron James again laid down the gauntlet for what he perceives is a lack of help from the Cleveland Cavaliers' management and ownership.

James, in his 14th year, is averaging a league-leading 37.5 minutes per game - not a great sign for a 32-year-old who's played deep into June every year since 2011.

After a losing streak that included a puzzling loss to a New Orleans Pelicans team playing without Anthony Davis, James said to reporters, "I just hope that we're not satisfied as an organization."

The Cavs have the highest payroll in the NBA and have paid the luxury tax in the two years since James' return from Miami, in addition to losing $40 million in operating losses, according to Forbes Magazine.

And with his relationship with owner Dan Gilbert always being a point of contention, one wonders if the Cavaliers will continue to press forward with personnel moves or try to save a few bucks. If so, will James try to save his ailing body before the playoff run? – by Vincent Goodwill
 

Pistons: Dumars interested in return to NBA
Hall of Famer Joe Dumars has been synonymous with the Detroit Pistons for 29 years, starting with being drafted in 1985 all the way through his playing career and run as president of basketball operations before his reign ended after the 2013-14 season.

Dumars has laid low from the public eye since but confirmed he wants to get back into the NBA in a podcast with The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski this week.

"Actually, it's been great," Dumars said. "The run in Detroit was tremendous on a lot of levels - on and off the court. I enjoyed every moment of it. Twenty-eight, twenty-nine straight years, I enjoyed every moment of it. But then sometimes, it's time to turn the page and have someone else come in and do this and carry that load."

Dumars led the Pistons to a championship in 2004, another Finals appearance in 2005 and was at the helm of a team that went to six straight Eastern Conference Finals from 2003-08.

His run in Detroit ended when he admitted he should've rebuilt instead reloaded, but his resume is as stacked as anyone not with an NBA job - and better than most who have jobs currently.

He should be back in the NBA and fairly soon. – by Vincent Goodwill
 
Bucks: NBA potentially impacted by President's temporary ban
The Milwaukee Bucks are mired in a terrible losing streak but recent world events have put that in the background as Thon Maker's status has come into question with President Trump's temporary ban on the entry of non-American citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Maker was born in Wau, Sudan, which became part of an independent South Sudan in 2011. Sudan is one of the seven banned countries, along with Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

With the NBA having several players who fit this description, the league has to get on top of this and league spokesman Mike Bass issued a statement Saturday saying, ""We have reached out to the State Department and are in the process of gathering information to understand how this executive order would apply to players in our league who are from one of the impacted countries. The NBA is a global league, and we are proud to attract the very best players from around the world." – by Vincent Goodwill
 
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
 
Wizards: Wall-Beal backcourt clicking
John Wall wishes Bradley Beal could be an All-Star with him, and after an offseason in which he raised eyebrows by admitting to CSNmidatlantic.com that they had a tendency to "dislike" each other, they've smoothed out their differences. It's a big reason why the Wizards were 27-20 heading into Sunday's game at the Pelicans.
 
The backcourt is having its best season together, and individually, as Wall and Beal are averaging career highs in multiple categories and defending as well as any duo in the league.
 
"People say we couldn't get to this road together. Whatever dislikes we had with each other we put that to the side when we stepped between those lines because we know how much we both want to win, how competitive we are," Wall told CSN after being selected to his fourth consecutive All-Star Game. "I know I can't be John Wall without Bradley Beal, and Bradley Beal can't be (himself) without John Wall." – by J. Michael
 
Heat: Waiters serving up wins 
With Rodney McGruder, Willie Reed and Luke Babbitt in the starting lineup - and no Hassan Whiteside - the Heat won their sixth game in a row entering the weekend to give themselves hope though they're still mired at the bottom of the East.

Babbitt, who Tony Allen of the Grizzlies admitted he voted for as an All-Star, plays reserve minutes to score 22 points during the streak has had an impact if you believe in plus-minus ratings. With him on the floor, the Heat have been on the positive side five times.
 
But it's the clutch shot-making of Dion Waiters that has keyed the hot streak as he beat the Warriors with a three and slammed the door shut with one vs. the Nets. Miami is 5-15 without him. They're 12-15 with him.
 
Waiters makes only $2.9 million when he signed as a free agent and is surely going to opt out of his second year to test the market. – by J. Michael
 
PACIFIC DIVISION
 
Kings: Out of the race

After a 1-6 homestand, the Sacramento Kings embarked on a season-long eight-game road trip that included three sets of back-to-backs. Six games in, the Kings are holding their own with wins over the Pistons, Cavs and Hornets. Following Tuesday's game against the Rockets, the Kings return home where they will play 11-of-13 at Golden 1 Center. They do not leave the Pacific time zone from February 1-March 5.

Rudy Gay, 30, underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon on Monday in New York. According to Dr. Martin O'Malley, Gay is expected to make a complete recovery in time for training camp before the 2017-18 season.  

DeMarcus Cousins is an All-Star again. The 26-year-old big man will make his third straight appearance in the annual event next month as a Western Conference reserve. Cousins is posting huge numbers across the board, but over his last 18 games, he's handing out 6.2 assists per game. Not bad for a 6-foot-11 big man. - by James Ham
 
Clippers: Doc Rivers willing to trade his son?
It could happen any day, any hour, any minute. Clippers coach/president Doc Rivers could bring Knicks star Carmelo Anthony to Los Angeles.
 
And Rivers' son, Austin, the team's backup point guard behind Chris Paul, reportedly is among the players that intrigue the folks in New York. Would Doc trade his son for a player entering his twilight years?
 
"Listen, I would trade anyone," Doc Rivers told ESPN. "You have to be willing to do that, so -- and (Austin) would be one of them, and any of them would be one. But I don't want to trade any of our guys. I like our team."
 
The Knicks have essentially placed Anthony in a "for trade" ad. The veteran forward, however, has a no-trade clause in his contract. He'd have to approve any deal.
 
Because the Clippers one of the few teams Anthony would agree to join, there have been discussions regarding a deal. At issue is with whom, exactly, are the Clippers willing to part. Rivers and veteran guard Jamal Crawford are among the names.
 
Can Doc resist? – by Monte Poole
 
Lakers: Coach Kobe?
Retired Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in a recent radio interview made it clear he'd be available to assist his former team, which sits in the Western Conference cellar.
 
"The Buss family knows I'm always one phone call away," Bryant told ESPN Radio.
Though LA coach Luke Walton is a former Lakers teammate of Bryant and consistently expresses admiration for the future Hall of Famer, he's not sure the timing is right for a dose of Kobe.
 
"It depends in what capacity he will come in and help," Walton told reporters. "After losing by 40, he's not the first guy I'm calling.
 
"Kobe is more about tough love. At that moment, I didn't need tough love. I didn't hear (Bryant's comments), but it's good to know he's here for us."

Insofar as Bryant, who retired after last season, is notoriously intense, the concern is that might alienate a talented young team seeking growth under a first-year head coach. – by Monte Poole
 
SOUTHWEST DIVISION

 
Rockets: Harden continues MVP chase
James Harden went off for a historic 51-point, 13-rebound, 13-assist triple-double on Friday against the Sixers. With those remarkable numbers, he became the second player to record two 50-point triple-doubles in a single season, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Remember, we're not even at the All-Star Break yet.

Of those 51 points, Harden scored 19 points in the third and 17 in the fourth. He finished with a stat line of 16-28 FG, 6-11 3PG, 13-14 FT, 13 rebounds, 13 assists, 5 turnovers, 4 fouls, 2 steals and 1 block in 39:09.

"Tonight was me just scoring the basketball, being aggressive," Harden said after the Rockets' 123-118 win. "They were doing a really good job of not leaving our shooters and so I had to make plays." – by Jessica Camerato
 
Spurs: Gasol plans to stay with Spurs 
Pau Gasol intends to opt in to his $16 million player option for next season with the Spurs. The 36-year-old big man is currently out of action after undergoing surgery on his left hand. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with the injury.

Rookie DeJounte Murray went scoreless in two minutes of action in the Spurs loss to the Pelicans on Friday. But in the four games leading up to the contest in New Orleans, the 20-year-old guard averaged 13.3 points, including a career-high 24 against the Nuggets on Jan. 19. ... Jonathon Simmons has missed three straight games with a wrist injury. – by James Ham
 
NORTHWEST DIVISION
 
Thunder: Not the break Kanter, OKC wanted 
Enes Kanter, the high-scoring big for the Thunder was having a nice stretch of games before deciding to punch a chair during the Thunder's 109-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Kanter, 24, will miss the next two months with a broken forearm, leaving Oklahoma City without their third-leading scorer.

The Thunder have won three in a row heading into Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Russell Westbrook posted three straight triple-doubles early in the week to give him 23 on the season. His streak was broken against the Mavericks, but he still managed to drop in 45 points, grab eight rebounds and dish out three assists in the win. – by James Ham
 
Blazers: Twitter beef between McCollum, Parsons
There was quite the Twitter war last week in Portland between the Blazers' CJ McCollum and Memphis wing Chandler Parsons after the Trail Blazers beat Memphis.
Parsons, who was pursued by the Blazers in free agency in July and offered $94 million before he opted to sign with Memphis, air-balled a three-point attempt during the game.
 
After the game, the Blazers' team authorized Twitter account sent out a video of Parsons' air-ball, with a tweet that read, "To be fair, the NBA 3-point line is really, really far away from the basket."
 
Parsons immediately retaliated, tweeting back to the Blazers, "good luck in the lottery show this year" in reference to the Blazers being 21-27 at currently out of the Western Conference playoff seeding.
 
McCollum then fired back at Parsons: "We hit the lottery by not signing you'' in reference to Parsons being hobbled by knee problems this season.
 
Parsons tried to counter with a response aimed at McCollum: "Stop it. Technically, I hit the lottery."
 
When McCollum arrived at Blazers practice the next morning, his exchange was quite the topic. 
 
"A lot of jokes being made," McCollum said. "I always have a sense of humor, so when I see something that I want to respond to, I respond. I felt like that was something I wanted to respond to."
 
Teammate Evan Turner, for one, said he nearly lost himself when he first read the tweets on Friday night while dining at Departure in downtown Portland.
 
"I knocked like everything over at the bar," Turner said. "Everybody went crazy. I went crazy … threw my cellphone. It was unreal, man. It was crazy: On Chandler's part, on CJ's part ... very funny. Hilarious."
 
McCollum said he knows Parsons in passing from a few encounters throughout the years. He said he made the response mostly because he was defending his team.

"It's my team. I ride with my guys,'' McCollum said.
 
Turner said one of the things that made the exchange so funny is knowing the personality of the two players involved. Turner said Parsons is very sarcastic and McCollum is usually very conservative.
 
"I'm surprised CJ said it because he is always so politically correct like he's trying to run for president," Turner said. – by Jason Quick

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