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January 26th, 2010

BestProPicks.com sources are getting word that Amare Stoudamire extention talks are almost complete and a deal should be reached before the end of the weekend. Suns GM Steve Kerr was unable to get trade talks going with teams other than Minnesota. A proposed deal to send Stoudamire to the T-Wolves for group that would include Al Jefferson never got off the ground floor.

Suns GM Steve Kerr also reached out to Toronto in another deal that would involve the Suns getting Jose Calderon. This deal still has potential we understand.

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January 21st, 2010

BULLS TARGETED NEW COACH FOR 2010-11 SEASON ALREADY

BestProPicks.com has learned that the Chicago Bulls will not have Vinny Del Negro back as coach next season, although he will finish out the 2009-10 season. That was the plan all along and the reports from ESPN at the time we knew were false. In Del Negro's contract, only the first two years are guaranteed, therefore, they can wash their hands of him at the end of the season, or bring him into a management position. Bulls' management were not happy about the idea of paying another coach to come in and try to 'save' this season.

Our sources are reporting to us that Bulls' management have now targeted Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan as their front man for the position. Bulls’ vice president John Paxson is likely to keep Del Harris and the rest of the coaching staff in place for Donovan, according to our sources. It is also being whispered that the Bulls asked Joakim Noah, ‘off-the-record’, if he thought Donovan would consider coming to the NBA after the Orlando stunt.

Donovan is said to be frustrated with the Gators slow start again this year and not being in top 25 at this point. Donovan is also intrigued with the Chicago situation and the chance to be reunited with Noah and possibly David Lee as a free agent. He also would have reigning Rookie of the Year Derrek Rose and also another solid piece with Luol Deng to build around. He also knows he will always be second at Florida to the football program and Urban Myer.

Sources say he is still haunted by the Orlando Magic experience and wants to redeem himself. Donovan has more than 350 career wins coaching in the NCAA.

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January 18th, 2010

T-MAC CHECKUP

Tracy McGrady is in Chicago rehabbing from microfracture knee surgery. A trade to the Bulls is among the possibilities for the Rockets forward.

"Tracy looks unbelievable," said Tim Grover, who has trained numerous NBA stars, including Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. "There are no physical limitations that he has. Any team that gets him is going to get a very fine-tuned and hungry player to prove himself over again."

Seven teams reportedly are interested in McGrady, and the Rockets expect a deal by the Feb. 18 trade deadline. McGrady has an expiring $23 million contract. -CHICAGO TRIBUNE

*** Bestpropicks.com has learned that a trade for T-Mac was never an option for the Bulls. Only a trade involving Salmons and/or Tyrus Thomas are the only possiblities right now for Chicago. T-Mac's expiring contract was not enough to get them involved in any talks.

BOOZER RUMBLES

Utah general manager Kevin O’Connor loudly insisted Monday that those of us who presume that the Jazz will do anything they can to get under the luxury-tax line between now and June 30 have it way wrong.

The Dallas Mavericks got the same message when they tested Utah’s resolve early last week. -ESPN.COM

***Bestpropicks.com has talked with numerous sources who confirm the Jazz have a framework trade already in place that would send Boozer back to Cleveland. Dallas talks were never serious from the beginning.

HEY LOOK, THERE'S GO DARKO!

Center Darko Milicic told The Post he is hoping his agent can work out an agreement with the Knicks to be released.

Milicic said he doesn't want to leave money on the table, but feels it's best for him and the Knicks to part ways. Milicic said he doesn't want to play for another team, but rest for next season when he plans to return to Europe.

Milicic, the Serbian 7-1 enigma, hasn't dressed since Dec. 15 and hasn't played since mid-November. -NYPOST.COM

*** Bestpropicks.com has confirmed with sources within the Knicks brass that Milicic will be bought out of his contract by the trade deadline. After the game in Houston, a source very familiar with the situation said player Milicic won't agree to anything where he loses one penny from what he is owed. Bestpropicks.com was told that Milicic is prepared to stay 'Inactive' the rest of the season before returning to Europe ... (Where we learned his value is also dropping daily.)