"West deal getting slimmer and slimmer by the minute"

[Chris]

So switch Jermaine O'Neal for Brandon Bass and get 'er done.

We can't trade Bass (in combination with other players) for 30 days, I believe.

Was the deal finalized though?  I have not seen an official announcement by the C's.  So, I suppose there is a chance the deal could still be expanded.

[mc34]

woah. Woj just tweeted that the CP3 deal has fallen apart.

edit: now @ESPNsteinline reporting that LA is trading Odom into their trade exception. They must be up to something big (Howard trade?) if they're willing to help out an in-conference rival like that. This is getting interesting

[LB3533]

woah. Woj just tweeted that the CP3 deal has fallen apart.

edit: now @ESPNsteinline reporting that LA is trading Odom to the Mavs. Not sure for what. This is getting interesting

Good, maybe we are getting both CP3 and DWEst

[barefacedmonk]

Have to wonder if Boston, which has been in a holding pattern w/David West, will try to get back in and try and piece together a mega deal

Clippers are also a realistic possibility to make a play.

- Chris Mannix on Twitter.

[mc34]

Have to wonder if Boston, which has been in a holding pattern w/David West, will try to get back in and try and piece together a mega deal

Clippers are also a realistic possibility to make a play.

- Chris Mannix on Twitter.

Basically we're deciding between CP3 vs. Rondo/Green/West/draft picks. I'll take the latter.

I'd also be pretty bummed if he goes to the Clippers.. CP3 + Griffin is a near lock for a playoff team. We have their 1st rounder this year

[Chris]

Have to wonder if Boston, which has been in a holding pattern w/David West, will try to get back in and try and piece together a mega deal

Clippers are also a realistic possibility to make a play.

- Chris Mannix on Twitter.

Basically we're deciding between CP3 vs. Rondo/Green/West/draft picks. I'll take the latter.

Green can't be traded, so not quite.

[mc34]

Have to wonder if Boston, which has been in a holding pattern w/David West, will try to get back in and try and piece together a mega deal

Clippers are also a realistic possibility to make a play.

- Chris Mannix on Twitter.

Basically we're deciding between CP3 vs. Rondo/Green/West/draft picks. I'll take the latter.

Green can't be traded, so not quite.

Forgot about that. In that case, I don't think we have the assets to compete with other teams unless Danny gives up Ray or something.

[prov1ml34]

ChrisMannixSI Chris Mannix
Two rival GM's say they believe Boston will get back in it. "They have to sell Dell on Rondo," one GM says.

Talking about a CP3 deal. I would be so PUMPED if we got both CP3 and West.

[mc34]

As expected, Lakers are now making Dwight Howard their target instead of CP3, as reported by Woj. That would be awesome if they end up missing out on both.

[Chris]

Have to wonder if Boston, which has been in a holding pattern w/David West, will try to get back in and try and piece together a mega deal

Clippers are also a realistic possibility to make a play.

- Chris Mannix on Twitter.

Basically we're deciding between CP3 vs. Rondo/Green/West/draft picks. I'll take the latter.

Green can't be traded, so not quite.

Forgot about that. In that case, I don't think we have the assets to compete with other teams unless Danny gives up Ray or something.

Not necessarily.  I think teams might start lowballing the Hornets.  They lost their chance, and many of these teams have started to move on.  

I would not be surprised if Danny could get Paul for less than he was offering before.  Rondo/Bradley/2 picks could very possibly get it done.  

[Lucky17]

Jeff Green now cannot be moved for 30 days, correct?

I am wondering if the Celtics can scrape together enough payroll/assets to land both Paul ($16 million) and West ($9 million).

I don't think Rondo, JO, Bradley, JaJuan (signed to contract), and Celtics' and Clippers' 2012 1st rounders is quite enough per CBA requirements.

[mc34]

Can anyone think of a good reason why LA would just give Odom away to Dallas, one of the biggest threats to them in the conference? He was under a good contract so they're not likely to replace him with anyone of better or even equal value off the market. He also would've been valuable as a trade chip for Howard or Paul or whoever they want.

[prov1ml34]

Can anyone think of a good reason why LA would just give Odom away to Dallas, one of the biggest threats to them in the conference? He was under a good contract so they're not likely to replace him with anyone of better or even equal value off the market. He also would've been valuable as a trade chip for Howard or Paul or whoever they want.

I hope it blows up in their face come the playoffs when they face the Mavs. They are possibly trading 3 front court players for Howard. Not sure if that is smart or not....

[33_Larry Legend_33]

Can anyone think of a good reason why LA would just give Odom away to Dallas, one of the biggest threats to them in the conference? He was under a good contract so they're not likely to replace him with anyone of better or even equal value off the market. He also would've been valuable as a trade chip for Howard or Paul or whoever they want.

LA is going after Howard now (multiple twitter reports).  I believe they received Dallas' trade exemption in return.

[mc34]

Hm. Maybe LA is trying to clear space for Turkoglu's contract or something similar.

Edit: or not, according to Hollinger:

"Any exception created by dealing Odom isn't big enough to take in Turkoglu. I'm not seeing LA's endgame here, nor why Dallas would help."

i'm puzzled... plus, this is a gigantic gamble. If a Howard trade doesn't go through, then they just traded away last year's sixth man of the year TO AN IN-CONFERENCE RIVAL for a trade exception