News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

« January 2008 | Front page | March 2008 »

---

February 29, 2008

Lue to Denver?

With the buyout of Tyronn Lue official, the word from around the Kings is that he's headed to Denver.
Even if this wasn't the Kings player so many expected to help the Nuggets in their push for the playoffs (see Ron Artest), Lue can certainly help in the Mile High City. Anthony Carter is the starter as it is, with rookie Taurean Green the lone backup because Chucky Atkins' back hernia has kept him out since early January. - Sam Amick

Weekly Web Watch

DALLAS - The Kings blog took a hit today, so long as the buyout of Tyronn Lue goes through as expected.
You see in the two weeks since Lue joined the team, I can't count how many media/coaching types have told me how good of a guy Lue is, how funny he is, how great of a quote he is. Surely, he would've filled up this space with some enjoyable content. Feel like I never knew ya, Tyronn, but we're going to keep looking for entertainment in other places nonetheless. From the web this week, in reverse order chronologically...

MAD MAVS

Three hours until tipoff between the Kings and Mavericks. And if Dallas' 24-3 home record wasn't intimidating enough, how about the fact that they just lost to their cross-state rivals (Spurs, not Rockets) and had a bit of controversy in the process. You think they won't be motivated to get back on track? Cue doomsday music...

MARTIN DEBATE ENSUES

By the time my piece on Kevin Martin came out today, I was the tempered one in the bunch when it came to discussing the shooting guard's struggles.

* Mike Moreau of Hoopsworld penned a scathing article on how Kings coach Reggie Theus is using Martin. In in the interest of full disclosure (which you can find at the bottom of the story), Moreau has worked with Martin at the Pro Training Center in Bradenton Fla. and is associates with Kevin's personal coach, David Thorpe.

* David Berri at Wages of Wins takes the story even further, making it much more personal along the way in a breakdown of Martin vs. Theus as players.

FREE AGENT BREAKDOWN

With the Feb. 21 trade deadline behind us, look ahead to this summer's free agent market.
This breakdown from ESPN's Chad Ford (ESPN Insider only for access) is only slightly more comprehensive than the one Ron Artest dictated from memory on Sunday at Orlando. Asked about possibly becoming a free agent, Artest rattled off the names of the league's biggest names who could be looking for big paydays with the sort of ease that made it obvious this had been heavy on the mind of both him and his agent, Mark Stevens.
Their latest stance, of course, is that Artest is "not likely" to opt out. And after peeking at the guys who will also be fighting for the minimal dollars out there, it's probably the wise move.
For those who don't have Insider, here's a list of some of the names.

Early Termination Option candidates (have the right to terminate their contract after this season): Elton Brand, Gilbert Arenas, Shawn Marion, Baron Davis, Jermain O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Corey Maggette, Artest.

Restricted free agents: Emeka Okafor, Josh Smith, Andre Iguodala, Jose Calderon, Luol Deng, Andris Biedrins, Monta Ellis, Josh Childress, Ben Gordon, Nenad Krstic.

Unrestricted free agents (a much less-impressive list that I shortened): Antawn Jamison, Kurt Thomas, Mickael Pietrus.

OF MAYORS AND DANCERS...

Proving that context truly is everything, a mayor in Arlington, Ore. was recalled because of a "racy" photo of herself. Meanwhile, the Kings dancers who are paid to look sexy and whose own controversial photos were far racier than those of this public servant will go on without much, if any, reprimand. I'm not weighing in on either matter here, just found it interesting.

NBA'S BEST FROM WEDNESDAY

Because it has one Kings clip (sort of) and because Linas Kleiza makes it in here, too, check out the best from the league from Wednesday's games. Before you do, though, it should be noted that Denver is 1-3 since not trading for Ron Artest. Kleiza, the third-year small forward who the Nuggets didn't want to give up in the deal, has scored a combined 23 points in three games since the deadline on 10 for 26 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds. He missed one game with an ankle injury.

- Sam Amick

Tyronn Lue to be bought out

DALLAS - The agent for Tyronn Lue said the Kings are close to buying him out of his expiring contract.
Read story here. - Sam Amick

---

February 28, 2008

"Reef" ripple effect

EAST POINT, Ga. - Shareef Abdur-Rahim wears a suit instead of a jersey these days, following his Kings teammates at home and on the road while the right knee that's been operated on twice since June keeps him away from the game he loves.
But make no mistake. "Reef" is still making an impact.
The "Reef House" is an afterschool safe haven for kids on the outskirts of Atlanta, a labor of love where Abdur-Rahim has poured his resources and his soul into using his hoops career to have a positive influence. The facility that sits on Washington Road near the airport is in the neighborhood where he grew up, from his elementary school and junior high days that came before he found fame at Wheeler High School in Marietta some 30 minutes away.
As the Kings headed from Atlanta to Dallas for Friday's night against the Mavericks, I stayed behind to check out the site which had long drawn my interest. It was part of the reason he won a Trumpet Award on Jan. 13, becoming one of an esteemed class of African-Ameican winners that included actress Halle Berry, actor Danny Glover and rapper-actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges.

But when I rang the doorbell on the "Reef House," it was less about big names than it was big hearts. Abdur-Rahim's sister, Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim, certainly fit that bill. She is one of 11 Abdur-Rahim siblings, and so close in age to Shareef that she can't remember how close (a year or a year and a half, she says). Her 31-year-old brother by the way, isn't the only athlete in the family, as she ran track while attending Cal just like her brother had. He, of course, had slightly greater athletic fame, having been dubbed "The Future" for his talents that were just that promising.
Now though, Qaadirah is the executive director of the "Future Foundation," where the only gameplans are the ones which involve helping kids develop in a healthy and happy manner. There are two facilties, one which offers free programs of varying kinds to elementary and junior high-aged kids and another some five minutes away which services high school students.
As could be expected, there are rooms to study and rooms to play (with an XBox, if you choose, or head outside to the basketball court). But there are also rooms to talk about life, Qaadirah said, whether it's a chat on how to treat your parents with respect or the importance of staying out of trouble.
"We like to think that this is a lot more than a daycare service," Qaadirah said. "This is where kids are growing up right before our eyes and we offer them support."
Which is what their own parents did, of course. Their father, William, was the Imam (preacher) of a large congregation in Atlanta while also working long hours as an operations manager for a freight company. Their mother's name is Aminah. When Abdur-Rahim was 6, they opened a private Islamic school in Atlanta that eventually taught children from the first grade to the eighth grade. The lessons continue.
"Reef built this facility from the ground up with his own money," Qaadira said. "A lot of his money initially supported the foundation. Now we have over a million dollars in grant money. His funding still serves as a strong financial support for the foundation as well."
It began in 2004.
"It started with fourth and fifth graders," she continued. "Now they’re all in the 7th, 8th, 9th grade. Initially we were just going to service fourth and fifth graders, but Shareef came back and said, ‘Well if we just service fourth and fifth graders what’s going to happen when they go to sixth and seventh grade?"
So what happened, of course, was expansion. And while the Kings' schedule of back-to-back games in Miami and Atlanta didn't lend enough free time for Shareef to pay a visit on this trip, he has certainly done more than attach his name to this project.
"He always comes back to our back-to-school rally," Qaadira said. "He knows the kids by name. There are 12 (original kids) from 2004. It’s been exciting to see them grow." - Sam Amick

---

February 27, 2008

Ron-Ron and his rose-colored glasses

ATLANTA - Friday's coverage will hit on the plummeting playoff picture and the struggles of Kevin Martin. In other words, nothing real rosy to read about for Kings fans.
So in a half-hearted attempt (isn't that only fitting considering the way the Kings have played lately?) to offer something positive, I decided to pick a positive topic. Before we get there, it should be known who sparked this idea of ultra-optimism. None other than Ron Artest, who gave this take about his team's third straight loss.
"It's going to get better," he said. "It's going to get better. We needed to lose three in a row. It was a good thing for us because we were on a roll. We've got to get brought back down to earth and we'll start going hard again. It was good for us, the best thing that could happen right now."
OK, OK, OK, I'll get on with the power of positivity.
Beno Udrih was phenomenal tonight. He scored (25 points on 11 of 19 shooting). He dished (eight assists). He valued the ball (one turnover). He went toe to toe with the player who is gone largely because of him and surely made Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie feel good about the possible future ahead at that position.

Udrih, to review, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. And for all the talk of how trading Mike Bibby to Atlanta was to clear salary cap space (which it was) or to remove a core piece in attempt to let the young guys come along (which it also was), it can't be overstated how much Udrih factored in as well. If they didn't trade Bibby, it would have guaranteed Beno would have bided his time - mostly on the bench - in these last few months before signing elsewhere. But now he's in audition mode, one in which he was in bad need of a pick-me-up performance. Udrih had a combined six points in the losses to Orlando and Miami on 3 of 13 shooting while dishing out a combined nine assists.

GAME NOTES

* There are some nights when you could probably write a game story in one sentence. Tonight, this probably would've worked: The Kings blew it at the free throw line and fell 123-117 to Atlanta on Wednesday night at Philips Arena.
Not much of a read, sure, but the Kings did blow this game by missing 12 of 35 free throws.

* Bibby could be really good for the Hawks if he keeps this up. By this, I don't just mean the obvious production, but he penetrated and looked for his teammates more than I'd seen him do in years.
He finished at the rim when the defense didn't come to help, whipped bullet passes to the perimeter when they did and added in a couple threes for good measure. The locals were buzzing afterward, with Hawks beat writer Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal Constitution noting afterward that these fans have seen either rookies or lesser-name veterans for years now. This is new territory, and Bibby has a real chance to put himself back in the national spotlight.
"I think when you make the playoffs you’re already on the national scene," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said before the game. "If your team struggles to get in the playoffs, you’re forgotten about. I’m sure (Bibby) is looking at our situation as (the fact that) we're a younger team and maybe he can be the guy to jumpstart us and get us over the top....He’s still got to learn our system, learn the players he’ll play with each night on the floor. There’s an adjustment period."
And it just entered the next stage.

* Breaking the promise to stay positive, chew on this as Friday's game at Dallas nears and threatens to leave the Kings with a 1-4 record on this trip. The Mavericks are 24-3 at home, having averaged 8.1 more points per game on the home court than they have on the road (103.5 to 95.4).

COMMENT BOX RE-OPENS!

Just when we were starting to get some momentum with the comments on the blog, our system had a meltdown and they were taken down for about a week. But alas they're back, just waiting for your feedback. Like I said before, I will read them and - when inspired - react to interesting things that are being said. - Sam Amick

---

February 26, 2008

Can't beat the Heat

MIAMI - I don't see this working. I just don't.
The youth movement, combined with the playoff push, combined with the integration of the Atlanta trade pieces, combined with keeping the core happy and the role players from getting restless. Something's got to give. And right now, it's the Kings' record.
From two games under .500 to the current four, they slid when the to-do list just got too long. Ten Kings had played by halftime, and that was before Shelden Williams had even seen the floor to get his work in. That's telling in and of itself, as the new forward is seen as a fairly important project at the moment.
Kings coach Reggie Theus has an unenviable position. And while his moves in the Orlando loss had everything to do with the outcome, this one was on his players. Their lack of energy reeked of the "South Beach effect," with Ole' defense from nearly the entire lot and half-hearted attempts to get back in transition. (Kudos to the reader who corrected me in the comments section - the only wreaking was the havoc wreaked by of the Heat. And by the way, if you haven't noticed, the comments are finally working again).
Kings rookie center Spencer Hawes did a nice job, scoring a career-high 16 mainly by finishing his dunks and burying the jumper no one ever doubted he had. But therein lies the quandary, as anything that takes Brad Miller off the floor like this did (he played 22 minutes) doesn't help the end game. And it's not as if Hawes - even at his best - can offer more defensively than Miller, who struggled to keep pace with the running Heat or elevate alongside so many alley-oops.
Theus said that Hawes was the only one who really showed up, then later went out of his way to add forward Mikki Moore to that list. Otherwise? Not a one. And now, it's not only the tail end of a back-to-back but a revenge game of sorts against an Atlanta team that is 1-4 since the Mike Bibby trade and badly in need of a win to crawl closer to eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The way the Kings are playing, they just might get it. - Sam Amick

Lights, camera, action...(Yes, lights too)

MIAMI - We only have a few minutes here before tipoff. But for those who are curious, the lights are on inside American Airlines Arena.
The entire state went dim for a bit earlier today, when a nuclear plant shutdown caused outages up and down Florida. The only evidence I saw of it was the hotel room alarm clock that was flashing when I returned from spending most of the day outside.
That makes me different from Ron Artest, who spent most of the day inside when he missed shoot-a-round this morning because he wasn't feeling well. Of course his absence came with all the local jokes about "South Beach flu," that well-chronicled ailment that makes mornings rough for NBA players who - like the Kings - had an entire night free in Miami leading up to the game (two nights, actually).
Kings coach Reggie Theus reported that Artest is feeling better and will start, although I already had evidence of how Artest was feeling on my own. Long before the game, Artest bound onto the floor while the song "Proud Mary" was booming through the speakers (Tina Turner version). He burst out of the tunnel spinning, then danced around the floor busting a move.
"I do it all baby," Artest said near myself and Jerry Reynolds on the bench. "Offense, defense, dancing."
One quick final note: There's no one here! Seriously, the crowd has got to be less than 40 percent full. Not the scene it was a few years ago, for sure. Then again, you can't blame them. In 27 home games this season, the Heat fans have only gone home happy five times. - Sam Amick

---

February 25, 2008

Welcome to Miami

MIAMI - I wore shorts today for the first time in months, and have absolutely no problem rubbing that little factoid in at the start. From what my Sacto sources tell me, there's wind and rain back home where us Florida folks have sun and fun.
This place really is ridiculous, from the beaches that may as well be in Hawaii to the landscape of hotels, restaurants and nightlife that is on a level California doesn't have. All of which made me think of one poor sap: Shaq.
Phoenix is nice and all, but it's not Miami. Arizona just can't offer perks like Celebrity Island, the gorgeous plot of land where Shaq had placed his palace and passersby in cars and cigarette boats gawked at all his extravagance. It can't offer experiences like "Monster Shark" fishing, the ocean fishing get-up in the Biscayne Bay where Shaq's day of hauling in big game from the waters is part of their promotional materials. Just like the man himself, this place is larger than life.

Time will tell if the Suns - with Shaq's help - can provide a chance to sit on the top of the NBA mountain as the Heat did in 2006 (Phoenix is 1-2 since the trade with losses to the Lakers and Detroit and a win over Boston). Yet while the big fella is with his new squad trying to make it work, he hasn't completely left his old city behind.
As I made my way to the Heat's practice facility today at American Airlines Arena, I went through some of the office halls where there must have been at least a couple hundred pictures on the walls that had Shaq in them. The championship season is captured on every square inch of the inner offices, with my favorite the enormous shot of Shaq sitting at his locker after Miami won the crown. He's holding both of Pat Riley's hands as their connection is captured.
The outside of the building, though, is just a little different. A huge banner covers nearly all of one of the arena's sides and encourages fans to renew their season tickets. The picture is a puzzle-shaped collage of fan mug shots giving thumbs up - as in "I'm renewing even though these guys are 9-44!" If you look quickly, you might miss the fact that Dwyane Wade is one of the mug shots, although he's not smiling. And really, why would he be?
For a little perspective, here's a pic of the old banner that used to hang in that very same spot.

***

ARTEST BEAT

It has to die down here at some point, but I'm starting to feel like Pedro Gomez.
You know, the ESPN guy whose actual beat was to cover Barry Bonds. That's how it's been lately with Ron Artest.
The material just kept coming at Sunday's Orlando game. Here's a few out of town looks at the man who left the media chuckling...

* John Denton of Florida Today throws a box of kudos at Reggie Theus with Artest material at the end. Despite what it says here, though, remember that the latest stance from the Artest camp is that he is "not likely" to opt out this summer.

* Tim Povtak of the Orlando Sentinel has a good read on Artest that isn't online yet (it was sent to me from the wires). But if you check here tomorrow, it should be there and I'll update this post as well.

WILL THEY BRING THE HEAT?

Theus was pleased with practice today. He called it "spirited" and there was definitely plenty of spirit left by the time I rolled in for a few brief discussions.
My interviews weren't nearly as long as the conversation between Theus and forward Shelden Williams, though. The coach and the new forward who was considered the lone piece for the future in the Atlanta trade were engaged what seemed to be a very specific conversation.
If I'm guessing, there was much talk of continued integration into the system and roles and expectations etc. It will be a process, but it's been a slow one so far. Williams has played a combined 27 minutes in four games, hitting 9 of 22 shots and grabbing seven rebounds. I'll try to flush that situation out in the next few days. - Sam Amick

---

February 24, 2008

Do the Kings have the Magic?

ORLANDO, Fla. - The word from coach Reggie Theus at this morning's shoot-a-round is that John Salmons (left thigh contusion) and Tyronn Lue (calf strain) aren't likely to play tonight.
And considering the way Francisco Garcia has been shooting and the way Salmons has been struggling, the Kings will get along. Speaking of Garcia, I had a lengthy note omitted from today's paper (not sure why yet) that I may as well post here as a pre-game read...

'CISCO SIZZLING

It’s been more than two weeks since the painful impact, when the knee of Utah point guard Ronnie Price found its way into Francisco Garcia’s back and the crowd at Arco Arena watched with concern as the Kings swingman lay so still on the floor.
The injury that was dubbed a lower back strain gave Garcia an early headstart on the All-Star break, 10 days of rest in all that appears to have healed more than his injury. Apparently, it fixed his shot too.
The third-year player who has endured the constant fluctuation of his role to have a breakout season has hit 21 of 32 shots in the three games since his return while burying 15 of 21 three-pointers. Two 23-point outings and a 14-point night have lifted a bench that is somewhat deep but not all that consistent, the production aiding the current three-game winning streak heading into tonight’s game at Orlando.
“Right now, every time he shoots it you think it’s going in,” Kings coach Reggie Theus said. “That’s a comforting feeling.”
The timing of it all is welcome for him and the Kings, too, as Garcia’s toughest stretch to date had been the one immediately preceding the current uprising.
It began with Charlotte on Jan. 30, a 12-minute outing in which he missed all four of his shots and two of three free throws to boot to finish with one point. It was enough for a temporary disappearance from Theus’ rotation – six minutes two days later against New Orleans, 13 minutes against Chicago, and 23 minutes against Chicago as his shot mostly disappeared just as his playing time had. In the four-game stretch, Garcia was 4 of 18 from the field.
“In some ways, I thought his injury came at the perfect time,” Theus said. “He had a stretch of three or four games where he was playing horrible.”
Garcia said the back has given him no troubles since his return. The side benefit to it all, as it turns out, was the slowed pace that allowed him to study his team and his role within it from afar.
“When I was at home watching the games, I realized how I was going to get open,” Garcia said. “That helped my game.”

***

Otherwise, the Orlando Sentinel says the Kings might have trouble scoring in tonight's game (3 p.m. tip Pacific time). They also had a well-done feature on Theus for today's paper. - Sam Amick

---

February 23, 2008

Q&As (Now a Saturday affair)

So as I keep telling you Kings faithful, there's a slow-moving attempt here to establish a schedule to this blogosphere. As it stands, we're looking at daily updates with a few standing elements along the way. Friday is 'Web Watch' day (look below), and I'm deeming Saturdays the Q&A day. This is being done because the alternative is the Q&A bin growing larger and larger and weeks going by until I get to them. I would also like to provide a weekly segment of original content, interviews and such that wouldn't normally find a home in the print edition of the newspaper (Exhibit A, this recent sitdown with David Thorpe). All of this is self-monitoring, really, for I operate best under a set schedule. Anyways, enough blabbing. This is a short version of Q&As, so I'll squeeze another one in early next week...

Question: So, Sam, is there any seller's remorse on the part of Kings' brass that they did not pry a first-round pick out of Atlanta, given that Bibby's presence does not automatically equal playoffs for the Hawks? Or is Shelden Williams supposed to be that pick? - Zack, Rome, Louisiana

Answer: The deal was what it was, and Atlanta's first round pick from this year already belonged to the Suns anyway.
Shelden Williams is definitely a big piece of it, but only one of the many. The Kings wanted to see Beno Udrih run the team again before he became a free agent this summer, wanted the young guys to have more minutes and the core guys to stop fighting over the ball (not in a personal sense - it was just the reality of the way styles didn't mesh between Bibby, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest). None of those things were going to happen with Bibby around. In the meantime, they likely saved $11 million with expiring deals and may have left the door open for Ron Artest's return (for a year as his choice, and the future thereafter up to them).

Question: If Ron was not traded, Does this mean:

A) They like Ron better than what was being offered?

B) Ron Ron is the Real Deal. He has what it takes?

C) Ron isn't worth anything and we are stuck with him hoping he opts out so we can use his money to get free agents than might not even be as good as Ron.?

D) The Kings are somehow in a better position if they wait till this summer in a sign and trade. Ron gets More money, and we get back what Artest is worth in return ? - faSTRman, Lincoln

Answer: It's definitely not option "C." There's some truth to "A" and "B," and "D" remains an option as well.

Question: I don't get why the Kings don't tell Ron they love him and make a long-term commitment to him. He's a great asset and seems to always maintain composure on the court. Why don't the Kings keep him? I really wish they would. Thank you for your time. – Michael, Roseville, Calif.

Answer: Everybody knows there’s a past there, and Artest continues to try and prove that the past is the past. Nonetheless, his style and history clearly scared off more than a few teams before the trade deadline that could’ve used his skills in the second half. But since his agent came out and said Artest “isn’t likely” to opt out, you may eventually get your wish of seeing him here long term. And for the record, there has been much made about Artest not professing his joy of remaining with the Kings after the deadline. Our own Scott Howard-Cooper hit on it today, as did the Washington Post in this story. On the day Stevens came out with his client's stance on the matter, I e-mailed Artest to see if he had anything to add. His response, as I see it, should explain the borderline awkwardness with which he handled the queries about remaining with the Kings. He said he was taking Stevens' advice of not discussing the business of basketball and sticking to basketball itself.
"You have to call (Stevens)," Artest wrote. - Sam Amick

---

February 22, 2008

Weekly Web watch (Post trade-deadline edition)

This weekly edition of 'Web watch' will be a little more brief than usual, mainly because my typing fingers have grown weary. But it will be here in some form every Friday.

ARTEST AFTERMATH

* There was a time late Wednesday night when I began to wonder if the Kings would still trade Ron Artest to Denver even if they did include Linas Kleiza. He had just destroyed Atlanta at Arco Arena, and the offensive makeup that no longer included Mike Bibby seemed to show promise in what was the second game without him. And while only Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie really knows, Nuggets coach George Karl claims he's not sure the Kings were ready to let Artest go.

* Until Artest is wearing that Knicks jersey, the New York media will continue to track that angle. Marc Berman of the New York Post does so here.

* In the weeks leading up to the deadline, I'd always heard that Karl didn't want Artest and Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien did. The deciding vote, I started to assume, would be that of owner Stan Kroenke. But as it turns out - according to Ian Thomsen of Sports Illustrated - Karl's nay vote was enough to kill the deal.

* Travis Heath of Hoopsworld seems to be pretty well tapped in as it pertains to Denver. He breaks down the Artest non-deal and other Nuggets goings-on in this video.

* Not trade related, but Artest found his way into our news section today by donating to a good cause regarding dogs.

TRADES THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED

* Charley Rosen of FoxSports breaks down all the trades.

And because the majority of Kings fans couldn't spell 'Linas Kleiza,' let alone tell you about his game, take a peek at the man who was nearly a King.

- Sam Amick

---

February 21, 2008

The rest of Artest and more

So Ron Artest's agent says the small forward may not opt out this summer after all, and it sure didn't take long for fans to start wondering where this whole thing was heading.
Well, Geoff Petrie and Joe Maloof said today that you just can't predict the future, and I'm no different. But considering this is the start of another lengthy process to see if Artest will indeed be part of the long-term future, then consider the following stances of the involved parties. I pretty much summed up Petrie's thoughts in the actual story, so here are some leftovers from Joe Maloof and Artest's agent, Mark Stevens.

MARK STEVENS (Artest's agent)

On the general approach even if Artest does opt out...

Whether it’s one summer or two summers (until Artest is a free agent), Ron still has to play for a contract because that’s the name of the business. Now of course if we can enter into a negotiating process with Sacramento this summer and we can both agree on a contract, it would be favorable because it’s security. Why would we wait an extra year to be put in the same situation that we’re in that same summer? If we can get something done, and it’s favorable and it’s honest, then of course we’d look to do it.

On the level of Artest's desire to remain with the Kings long term...

Ron is a Sacramento King. They took the risk on him in making the trade (from Indiana). That has gone a long way with Ron and myself. Ron is a loyalist. He appreciates the chance they took on him to help build his career back, and that will never be forgotten.

JOE MALOOF

On his present-day view of Artest...

With the exception of one or two problems, he’s been tremendous in our community. He’s given back. He spends a lot of time with kids. People like him. They genuinely like him. He has a nice following.
I think he’s had some pretty good years with us now. He knows the (Maloof) family, knows the city. I think he feels more and more comfortable. We want what's best for him, for his family, if it's good for the organization. I think basically, his future depends on him, what he does. - Sam Amick

***

A FEW LAST NUGGETS (Because no Nuggets of any other kind came around these parts today:)

* Petrie on the fact that he didn't do any deals: "There wasn’t anything to consider doing. (The fans) don’t want to see anybody do something that doesn’t make any sense. Right?"

* Justin Williams update: The former Kings big man who was cut on Saturday because of the Mike Bibby trade has apparently left many fans behind, as so many of you continue to wonder why they let him go. And while I referenced that in this post, there is an update of sorts on where he might land.
Keep on eye on Atlanta (which had him in the original Bibby trade proposal) and Cleveland (which may have to use coach Mike Brown as a small forward after their blockbuster deal at the deadline).

* Coverage note: Bizarre as it may be, we'll have Scott Howard-Cooper covering the game in Charlotte and I'll pick up the road trip from Orlando on. And once we finally move past this trade talk, we'll actually start chatting about the new guys from Atlanta and how they're looking. - Sam Amick

Agent: Artest 'not likely' to opt out

In lieu of more musings, how about some actual reporting.
Ron Artest's agent had quite a lot to say about his client's possible future in Sacramento after the small forward wasn't traded today. Read here.
Unfortunately, the only forum for you folks to give your take will be below the story itself, as the blog's commenting software is having a few issues at the moment and is down. - Sam Amick

The deadline nears

(12:04 p.m.)
Nothing. Nothing big. Nothing small. The trade deadline has come and gone, and Kings PA announcer Scott Moak will not have to learn any new names other than the ones who came to Sacramento in the Saturday deal with Atlanta. But hey, I've got the next best thing! There are some former Kings on the move. I'm taking a breather, but I'll be back later to offer some final thoughts.

(11:46 a.m.)
No call from Denver. Might still be a small deal for a Tyronn Lue type or maybe one of the other new guys from Atlanta. Ron Artest will be on this team tomorrow.

(11:10 a.m.)
Phoenix is not in play for Artest, which I said before but not in such certain terms. That's just not taking place. And the Nuggets still haven't called either.

(11:02 a.m.)
One hour to go, and a source close to the Kings tells me Denver hasn't come back the Kings' way yet.
There have been other offers for Artest (not sure who) but nothing of real substance. As for the Phoenix chatter, ESPN's Chad Ford claims the Suns have interest, although I'm told they haven't expressed it to the Kings. And even if they were willing to give up the trade exception (read below), they may be reluctant to give up the first round pick from Atlanta that may very well end up in the lottery with the way the Hawks have played after the Mike Bibby trade.

(10:05 a.m.)
As a quick addition to the prior post, there are indications that - at the very least - the power struggle within Denver's front office continues. And with the vast majority now saying owner Stan Kroenke will have the deciding vote, consider this passage from the story from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo!
"Kleiza isn't just a player for Denver, but part of the ownership's family. Stan Kroenke has known Kleiza since his days at Missouri, when he was a teammate and close friend of Kroenke's son, Josh. The Nuggets traded for Kleiza, a 6-foot-8 Lithuanian, on draft day in 2005 and watched him develop into a terrific young player.
'There's a feeling from ownership that, ‘Hey, we've helped turn this kid into a player, so how can we let him go'" an Eastern Conference executive said."

(9:50 a.m.)
Chirp, chirp, chirp...
It really is quiet on both ends, I'm told. And for what it's worth, the Kings folks left a pretty clear message on their way out last night that they really didn't think Artest would be moved today. ESPN's Ric Bucher just said on TV that he is hearing that Denver may have softened on giving up Linas Kleiza, to which my Denver source quickly retorts, "Don't count on it."
While the waiting continues, let's hit on a few conversation topics for a moment.

* Artest to the Suns? Let us speculate - As a reader noted below, Phoenix has an $8 million trade exception and Atlanta's first-round pick that they could offer for Artest. And while I'm not aware of any current conversations between the two clubs, that would make some sense on both ends.
Phoenix lost most of its perimeter defense when they sent Shawn Marion to Miami, and Artest would not only add to the Suns' mix but he'd be a nice insurance policy of sorts talent-wise just in case Shaq gets hurt. The reason I'm told it likely wouldn't happen, at least in part, is because the trade that sent Kurt Thomas from Phoenix to Seattle in the summer and brought back the trade exception meant Thomas' salary came off the Suns' books. By acquiring Artest, they would be taking a serious luxury tax hit.
If the Kings did this deal, it would break down like this: they would get Artest's salary off the books (only because they're already over the salary cap) and have a chance to add a young piece with the draft pick. Then this summer, they could use the exception to make a move for someone in Artest's salary range, at which point that salary would be added on. Teams have one year to use an exception, which - according to NBA salary cap expert Larry Coon - is also referred to as a non-simultaneous trade.
From poking around a bit on the Kings-Suns front, however, there's no reason to believe it's taking place.

* Artest certainly not to the Spurs - The buzz about Artest going to San Antonio was something to behold yesterday, as the word was coming from within the Spurs organization and - in hindsight - was either leaked with some sort of motive or came from overzealous folks within the reigning champs' house who were hoping to spark a move for him. Who knows?
A similar version of the same package that was allegedly offered to the Kings (although that didn't happen) was sent to Seattle for Kurt Thomas. The Kings were quick to shoot the Spurs rumor down, which pokes holes in the theory that they were hoping to raise the stakes on those dealings by leaking this story. That most definitely was not the case.

(7:38 a.m.)
Poker face? This was more like walking away from the table, then hinting on your way out the door that maybe, just maybe, you'll return.
And when you do that, you never know if your hand will still be there when come back.
The Kings and Denver never spoke on Thursday, with the Nuggets clearly not concerned about losing Ron Artest to any other suitors and deciding to push this situation until trade deadline day. With the cutoff time at noon, there remains a possibility that the Nuggets relent on including Linas Kleiza and land Artest. If not, then they're bounced from the table altogether. Even if that leaves the Kings with no one to play with.
The Kings aren't trading Artest without Kleiza. It's just not happening. And especially not with the way Artest is playing. In nine games this month, Artest has averaged 24.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range (12 of 25).
On a lesser note, it seems likely the Kings may do a smaller deal today. It will most likely involve new point guard Tyronn Lue, who is an attractive backup option for a handful of teams and may give them a trade exception or maybe a second-round draft pick in return. The Kings, to review, have three point guards in contract years between Lue, Anthony Johnson, and Beno Udrih, so that would shock no one. I'll provide updates until the noon trade deadline, so don't go anywhere... - Sam Amick

---

February 20, 2008

Artest staying...for now

(7:52 p.m.)
Pardon the prolonged absence there. Just got done chatting with Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie about a myriad of things. Among them, obviously, was how his day of potential dealings went.
His status report: "Might be time to turn the volume down," he said.
As in the volume of trade talk that has surrounded Ron Artest, and more specificially his situation as it pertains to Denver. There was talk from Petrie of a price of admission and how sometimes people just choose not to pay. The point, of course, was that Artest's price has not changed. If the Nuggets want him, they must give up Linas Kleiza in the deal.
It does not appear that the Kings have anything else of larger substance in the works, though I wouldn't be surprised if a role player is shipped out by tomorrow. All that being said, this is still a staring contest. If Denver blinks come morn, then the deal will get done.

(3:56 p.m.)
Let the staring contest begin.
The Kings and Denver are at a non-communicative standstill, but there may be some reason to believe the Nuggets are considering giving up Kleiza.
Not to simplify the matter, but I can safely say Denver has looked at possible acquisitions in this light from the beginning. Jason Kidd was the most talented guy available, and Ron Artest was the second. End of story.
And now that it doesn't appear as if Denver will land Memphis' Mike Miller, that could be leverage of sorts for the Kings. Remember, there's really no reason to give in now. Just wait for the other side to blink until the deadline draws even closer. Twenty hours and counting...

Quick sidenote: San Antonio is busy using Francisco Elson and Brent Barry to other ends. They landed Kurt Thomas.

The man himself

(2:49 p.m.)
Someone within the Spurs organization is steering folks astray, as it now seems as if that situation may not exist. It never made sense as it was, and wasn't anything close to a deal the Kings would consider. All is quiet at the moment, and my Denver source says if the Nuggets had relented on Linas Kleiza then the deal would be done.

(12:22 p.m.)
The Spurs may be nearing a deal for Artest, although it's also believed Denver may finally be willing to give up Linas Kleiza. Of course, my flight from Portland to Sacramento is at this very moment, so we'll see where things stand when I land.

(10:40 a.m.):
Add San Antonio to the list of teams that will try to steal Ron Artest.
I don't see Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie biting, but I'm told that the Spurs will (or maybe have) offer the expiring contracts of Francisco Elson and Brent Barry (combined $8.54 million) for Artest. A draft pick would likely be available, too, but this would seem to be yet another low-ball offer as the Kings see it. But if it did happen and Ron was united with the team he demolished in the playoffs two years ago? Oooweee. The rich would be filthy rich...

***

(8:24 a.m.)
Things change quickly when the trade deadline is fast approaching, but the consensus from this morning is that Ron Artest isn't going anywhere.
According to several league sources, the Kings had recent talks with Denver and Houston pertaining to the small forward. And for now, the discussions have left both teams leaning against making a move for Artest. The formula is the same in both scenarios, with the Kings looking for a combination of expiring contracts, draft picks and - insert snag here - young talent.
And while it's been well chronicled that the Nuggets are reluctant to give up third-year small forward Linas Kleiza, it appears the Rockets don't want to hand over their young talent either. Rookie point guard Aaron Brooks is a player the Kings wanted to draft and would love to trade for, but Houston is - for the moment - unwilling to include him on any deal. There was a call made to the Rockets weeks ago, and they only seem to have returned it in the last week. That's what led to this speculation on my part, but then the power of success came into play.
Houston has won 18 of its last 21 games, leading the Rockets to deduce that change just isn't necessary. The same goes for the Nuggets, who broke Boston's 16-game undefeated streak against Western Conference last night and have won seven of nine games.
For all the talk of where coach George Karl and vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien are on dealing for Artest (Warkentien for, Karl against), the final word from the Mile High City may come from owner Stan Kroenke. He was at the Pepsi Center last night, and is said to have walked away without any inclination to acquire Artest if it meant giving up Kleiza.
It should be noted that Warkentien, more than all the others, isn't averse to putting together a cast of characters dripping with controversy. This is the same guy who built the infamous "Jail Blazers" teams of the 1990s, and he came up alongside famed and equally-infamous UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian. It's the overlooked fact among those people who think it'd be insane to couple Artest with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony. For now, though, Artest doesn't appear on his way toward a new situation of any kind. - Sam Amick

Artest speaks, and speaks, and speaks...

PORTLAND, Ore. - I expected the reserved Ron-Ron, the one who'd offered no comments about all the trade talk the day before and who no one could blame for hitting the mute button until he was either traded or the deadline had passed.
Or not...
Ron Artest was candid and content after the Kings' win at Portland on Tuesday, hitting on everything from his daughter's health matters to his present and future. And because fatigue has the laptop monitor growing fuzzier by the minute, I'm going to simply dump the conversation for your absorbing pleasure here. And if for no other reason, then consider this: With less than two days to the noon Thursday trade deadline, it remains very likely he won't be speaking as a member of the Kings for that much longer.

On the game...

We played hard to the point where it hurt to run, and that’s how we’re supposed to play ever game. It should hurt. You should feel some fatigue in your legs. We played 48 minutes tonight.
Right now we’re thinking playoffs and championship. We just don’t want to be a rollover type team, so we’re making a push for something special this year. And we’re not out (of the playoff hunt) until we say we’re out.

On how he's feeling overall...

My daughter had the illness (cancer on her kidney). I hurt my elbow. That affected my play. And now that everything is great, I’m able to go out there and play ball. I’m having a pretty good season, but nowhere near where I’m supposed to be. Things happen for a reason, and God puts you in situations for a reason.

On how his four-year-old daughter, Diamond, is doing after having surgery on Feb. 12 to remove the cancerous tumor...

She's doing great. Doing great. They actually removed the tumor when we were in Memphis. She had surgery the same day we played. (The tumor) was the size of a softball and they took it out. It was the size of a softball. Thank God. Thank God. She’s walking. It's a thousand pounds, a million pounds off my shoulders. Ain’t nothing to be upset about. Great news.

On the trade rumors...

I read the Internet, because I like to read. I try not to run from anything. Anything in your life you’re dealing with, you’ve got to face it at some point in time. I read everything.
(Being discussed in trade rumors) is just great news. When I was young, I always wanted to be in the papers. I’ve got to thank God for my name being in the paper.
Like I tell people, if you’re not in the rumor mill then people are forgetting about you. There’s a lot of people who can’t get traded. There are people who actually want me. I’ve got to thank God for that, got to be grateful for that. There’s a lot of things I could’ve been doing with my life. I’m playing ball, and I got a chance to get traded. That’s beautiful.

Considering Artest has already made it clear he will opt out of his contract this summer, he was asked if he's all that concerned about where he is for the next few months knowing his future will be wide open come summertime...

(The Kings) gave me a big opportunity here, a chance to turn my career around. (Artest and his agent) asked (Kings basketball president) Geoff (Petrie) what was he thinking (a few weeks ago)? And he didn’t know yet, so I asked my agent if I could get traded somewhere.
So we spoke, and nothing happened yet, but you never know. Maybe they want me here, I don’t know. I don’t know if they want me here. We asked. We’ll see what happens. At the end of the day, I’m still with a class-A organization and we’re trying to make the playoffs.

On whether this team just had too many players with a scorer's mentality and whether the Mike Bibby trade could help the offensive flow...

It’s hard. Then you’ve got the stud Kevin (Martin). You’ve got to see what pieces fit around Kevin Martin, and I’m trying to be that piece to fit around Kevin Martin. It’s hard, because Kevin’s an up and coming 20-point scorer.
Kevin’s still learning. Everybody’s trying to get numbers. It’s hard. It’s hard. - Sam Amick

---

February 19, 2008

Let the "second half" begin

BLOG UPDATE: It's not quite the Ron Artest speculation some of you were hoping for, but I can say the Brad Miller rumor out of Orlando has no legs. From what I'm told, he hasn't been shopped at all.

PORTLAND - The All-Star break is often looked at as the halfway point of the season, but that's not the case by a longshot.
So with 31 games out of 82 left, welcome to the 62.2 percent point Kings fans!
The Kings can only hope the home stretch goes a little smoother than its beginning. The team didn't even leave Sacramento for tonight's game in Portland until late this morning because of mechanical problems with their charter plane, making for one long day as they'll fly home after the game as well.
As for the four new Kings and their status, Shelden Williams, Tyronn Lue, Anthony Johnson and Lorenzen Wright will all be available for debut action. I would expect Williams to get some significant time down low, but it sounds like Beno Udrih - rightfully so - will take up most of the minutes at the point guard spot.
On the trade front, I don't see any Ron Artest deal happening today. The deadline, for those who forgot, is Thursday at noon Pacific time. If Kings-Blazers isn't intriguing enough for you, then keep an eye on the Denver-Boston game in the Mile High City (6 p.m. tipoff Pacific time).
It's the Nuggets' final game before the deadline, and the unofficial point at which they can no longer stand still while staring at that fork in the road that is their future. On its own, it's worth watching (for those who have NBA League pass, anyway) because Kevin Garnett may return from injury and the Celtics' 16-0 record against the Western Conference is just incredible.
I continue to hear rumblings about other teams pushing for Artest, but won't share them until I can really confirm. Keep coming here for updates (and speak up, too, people - get those comments going! Geesh). - Sam Amick

---

February 18, 2008

Bibby back on Wednesday

BLOG UPDATE: Contrary to what was written below, the four new Kings may play Tuesday at Portland. It's a possibility at this point, but I should know more after tonight's practice. Because players are still returning from the All-Star break, the team is holding an evening practice before leaving for Portland.

***

If this writing thing just doesn't work out, I think I may have a future in promotions.
And who knows, maybe I'll just sell out and get hired on with the Kings to raise their 25th ranked attendance. OK, here goes...

"Come out to Arco Arena on Wednesday night, where the one and only Mike Bibby will play with the Atlanta Hawks at Arco Arena! There are only 12,000-plus tickets sold already. And the crazy part is that we (remember, this is the Kings talking) have only sold some 300 additional tickets since the trade went down on Saturday. So please, come welcome the four new Kings and show some gratitude to one of your favorite old Kings out at the old gas tank. To get tickets, the local paper was even nice enough to include a link on the right side of this page to our web site, and they have also recommended a number of other interesting basketball-related web sites you should check out."

Whoops - got a plug within a plug there.
If it wasn't so darn unethical, I'd half expect a check from the Kings for that kind of promo. Nonetheless, it is nothing short of absurd that the schedule fell in this way. And considering the Kings didn't promote the first regular season return of Peja Stojakovic recently, I figured I'd aid their cause.
What's more, it's looking like that will be the debut of Shelden Williams, Tyronn Lue, Anthony Johnson and Lorenzen Wright as well, as they aren't expected to be cleared of physicals and ready to play in Tuesday night's game at Portland. - Sam Amick

---

February 17, 2008

The week that was (Bibby fallout and more trade chatter)

So much for an All-Star "break."
A week that began with the increasingly annoying dancer story ended with the sort of trade that certainly required a full working day.
Now from the comfort of a recliner on a lazy Sunday, I'll try to answer a few of the most popular questions coming my way after Mike Bibby was sent to Atlanta for four players...

Question: Does Bibby being traded have any effect on the Kings' thinking in regards to possibly moving Ron Artest?

Answer: I don't think so, other than the fact that they now have different pieces they could move (after they pass physicals). This wasn't about getting Bibby and Artest away from each other, as that storyline was always overblown. They'd still be reluctant to take on big contracts that go beyond next year unless it's a player of enough significance that he who would fit into the long-term. Cheap young talent with huge upside and draft picks remain attractive.

Question: Why did the Kings cut Justin Williams and Dahntay Jones?

Answer: With the league's roster limit of 15 players and the pre-trade roster at 14 players, they had to cut two guys to get from 17 to 15.
It's as simple as that, and the fact that they were the cheapest options to pay off ($1,489,279 combined) who simply didn't play that often after the roster returned to near-health.

Question: Why would they let a young talent like Justin Williams go?

Answer: First of all, he wasn't a draft pick and just never seemed to earn the confidence of the coaching staff or the organization at large. As he showed in the Wednesday loss at Houston, he could always hit the boards (he had 12 in 23 minutes). Last season, Williams' rebound-per-48-minute mark was an impressive 16.5. This year, it was 19.5.
The other note of interest here is that I was told Williams was originally part of the Atlanta deal. The Kings would have received Salim Stoudamire (expiring contract for $783,000) in return and Williams would've been in a better setting, except for one hitch. Because he had signed a one-year deal for the minimum, he had the same right to block a trade that Devean George has. And because of the way that stipulation blocked the Dallas-New Jersey deal for Jason Kidd, there was fear of a repeat occurence in this trade. Eventually, Williams and Stoudamire were removed from the table because of it.

Question: Is there any chance Williams or Jones are re-signed this season?

Answer: It's not likely. It would be unwise to cut the new Kings just to make room for Williams and Jones to come back because of their contracts. The expiring deals of new Kings Tyronn Lue, Anthony Johnson and Lorenzen Wright are worth a combined $9.6 million, and those pieces could certainly be used in a deal before the Feb. 21 trade deadline once they pass their physicals (expected by Tuesday). On credentials alone, the veterans have it all over Williams and Jones as well.

And none of them, most certainly, can play the game like Bibby...

KINGS FANS, WELCOME SHELDEN WILLIAMS...

Just last week, Steve Hummer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution had a nice piece on new Kings forward Shelden Williams, from his inability to fulfill expectations so far to his love-life with Tennessee hoops star Candace Parker.

ARTEST WATCH

* Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer shoots down buzz that Ron Artest could be headed to Philadelphia.

* Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post cites a source close to Artest who believes Ron will be with the Kings after the trade deadline.

* Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News discusses the sort of postseason-less finish the Nuggets want to avoid. They have one game left before the trade deadline (vs. Boston at home on Tuesday) and continue to ponder their plight and the potential pieces that could improve it. - Sam Amick

---

February 16, 2008

Petrie unplugged

BLOG UPDATE: I added a segment at the bottom that related to a rumor that swirled on Saturday.

With Saturday's trade that sent Mike Bibby to Atlanta and brought four players the Kings' way, I chatted with Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie about the deal.

On the trade as a whole...

It's another step in a new direction. I think we got some different potential parts of things that help us. You have a chance to have another young big (in Shelden Williams) who was a fifth pick in the draft and hasn’t had a chance to have an opportunity yet. You get some veteran point guards there (in Anthony Johnson and Tyronn Lue), some experience, and we’ll see what happens down the road and how they integrate.

On Williams' potential...

He had a great, great, college career (at Duke). He was extremely well-coached. We’re hoping he becomes part of a younger frontcourt we can go forward with on some level, but he hasn’t played enough yet. He hasn’t had a great opportunity, and hopefully this will be his chance to move forward.
Whatever shows up on the court will show up on the court over some period of time. We haven’t had a fifth pick in the draft since I’ve been here (Williams was drafted fifth overall in 2006).

On how the three expiring contracts of Lue, Johnson and Lorenzen Wright could help clear salary cap space this summer...

There’s the potential for like $11 million in savings, but I don’t want to say that’s written in stone and that’s what we’re going to do. That’s throwing those guys under the bus right away. Lue and Anthony Johnson, in particular, have been proven backup point guards. Right now, other than Quincy (Douby), we don’t have a point guard under contract for next year.
We have the last 31 games here to see what something different looks like. It puts Beno (Udrih) back out there the way he was before Mike got hurt, and we’ll go from there.

On how long the deal with Atlanta had been in the works...

There was sort of a general conversation a few weeks ago that didn’t go anywhere. It started to get a little more momentum here the last couple days. Late last night, it came to a more solid understanding.

On his conversation with Bibby...

It was good. We’ve talked periodically along the way. There’s always a little bit of nostalgia when you trade somebody who’s been somewhere a long time, and who contributed to and participated in some exciting moments.
We’re appreciative of what he’s done, and I think he enjoyed everything we did for him here too. I hope it works for him and I hope it works for us.
Their team, the way it is, (the Hawks) have some younger active guys there. There's Joe Johnson, who can handle (the ball as a point guard) where Mike doesn’t always have to be the primary ballhandler and could play off him some. It could work.

David Aldridge reported on TNT during Saturday's All-Star game coverage that the Kings were involved in three-team talks that would have sent Ron Artest to Denver, Brad Miller to Indiana and brought Jermaine O'Neal to Sacramento. Another version of the rumor popped up soon thereafter that had Denver forward Nene headed to Indiana instead of Miller. Either way, Petrie shot it down.

I don’t know anything about that. I’ve talked to Denver periodically over the last month or so, but there’s nothing like that floating out there that I know of.

Are you pursuing O'Neal?
Not today. (Yesterday, he was asked kiddingly?) Not yesterday. I don’t know anything about that.

I'll have more in tomorrow's paper, including an update on the Ron Artest-to-Denver situation and a few comments from Udrih on how this affects his situation and possible future with the Kings. - Sam Amick

Let the rebuilding begin

BLOG UPDATE: It's official. All the reported particulars were confirmed by the Kings in a press release, and it turns out Dahntay Jones and Justin Williams are the casualties of the deal as they were waived.

***

After all the talk of rebuilding, the Kings are actually doing it.
The deal that will send Mike Bibby to Atlanta is all about building for the future, from the approximately $11 million they may save by acquiring three expiring contracts to the acquisition of Shelden Williams.
The Duke product hasn't blown anyone in the league away, but he still comes with the fact that he was a No. 5 pick and a contract that gives the Kings all control as it pertains to his future. He has one year left on his deal at $3.3 million, and a team option for 2009-10 ($4.3 million). In essence, the Kings can either let him walk after that or sign him as a part of what they're trying to do, as they always say, "going forward." I haven't crunched all the numbers yet, but this certainly opens up possibilities in regards to the free agent market this summer as well.
The trade should be official in a few hours, and I'm told they will also receive a second round draft pick for this June in addition to the four players. The next question is how the roster shakes out, as the Kings will now have to waive two players to get to the league limit of 15.
Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution breaks it down here.
- Sam Amick

Bibby to Atlanta - a la Marty Mac

According to the Bee's Marty McNeal, Mike Bibby's days in Sacramento appear to be nearing and end, and he may have a new beginning