NBA Rumours

[jrmzt]

Sourced from NBA Rumour Central :

C's cautious with K.G. :

Kevin Garnett could have played during the three-game road trip, but the Celtics are taking a cautious approach as Garnett recovers from a hyperextended right knee.

"With Kevin, we're just going to wait," head coach Doc Rivers told The Boston Globe. "The only thing you do know, historically, with hyperextended knees, if you want them to be 100 percent, you've got to allow it to heal 100 percent before you put them back in. Kevin could play today but then it would just get worse, it would get tighter, and we're just not going to go down that road."

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Griz claim Hudson :

The Boston Celtics waived Lester Hudson on Wednesday and on Friday the Memphis Grizzlies claimed him before he cleared waivers.

"He's a proven commodity as a scorer," general manager Chris Wallace told The Commercial-Appeal. "We've talked a lot about adding offensive firepower. We're also taking a look to see if he's somebody who can be a fit long term."

"He's a quick and athletic player," head coach Lionel Hollins said. "He'll get an opportunity once we get to see him in practices. You never know in this league."

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Gambling okay with Celtics :
7:24AM ET


The Nets and Wizards have banned gambling on team flights, but the Celtics won't since they don't feel it's a problem for them.

"I am not going to that extreme," head coach Doc Rivers told The Boston Globe. "I think we always overreact to that stuff. Gambling didn't cause that problem, Gilbert Arenas' actions caused this problem. There has been gambling before I got in the league. There's been arguments and obviously, because guys make more money now, the stakes are higher. But, having said that, our rule on the plane is they can do whatever they want as long as they keep it under control. They are going to have some arguments every once in a while, but if it divides the team, then it's a problem."


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Ankle broken? :

Anthony Randolph hurt his left ankle Friday night and he could miss a significant amount of time.

Team sources told The Oakland Tribune that X-rays showed Randolph suffered a sprain and a possible fracture. A fracture could sideline him between four and six weeks.

Randolph will have a CT scan today to confirm the initial diagnosis.


( *personal opinion : Guess there's no point trading for Randolph now )

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Anyway thats all for now. Will keep this page updated with more info as they come in daily.

[freshnthehouse]

Ugh, I hope Randolph didnt break anything. Dude has really been helping my fantasy team.

[jrmzt]

Bosh on the block?
1:30PM ET
Chris Bosh | Raptors
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All-star power forward Chris Bosh could be traded before next month's trade deadline, writes ESPN.com's Marc Stein, and the Houston Rockets are one potential landing spot, despite Bosh's pending free agency.

Stein writes that teams will be worried about giving up value for Bosh and then losing him to free agency after less than half a season. "But Houston is different," Stein says.

He's right, with Bosh a Texas native, sources tell Stein that the Rockets believe they could easily convince Bosh to stay long term. Furthermore, Stein continues, it's believed that Houston not only has enough to include in a trade package for Bosh, but wouldn't have to include the contract of Tracy McGrady to make it work.

Miami, New York and Chicago are also possibilities, since they are the three most likely to sign him via free agency during the summer.
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The Nets building blocks
11:45AM ET
New Jersey Nets
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When your team is 3-32, there aren't a lot of untouchables on the roster, but Brook Lopez has developed into one of the top young centers in the game, while Devin Harris' down season may have some concerned in the Meadowlands.

But it's Yi Jianlian that has people talking right now, since the forward has averaged 20 points and seven rebounds after his return from a knee injury.

Jianlian scored in double figures seven straight games -- a streak broken with his eight points versus New Orleans Saturday night -- and scored 20 or more four times, including 29 in 42 minutes versus Oklahoma City.

It's probably safe to say that the Nets see a building block in Jianlian now, too. That two down, 10 spots to go, unless Harris still counts. But there is hope in New Jersey.
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Carter's status
11:53AM ET
Vince Carter | Magic
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Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter has a mild shoulder separation and is day-to-day, according to team officials, and doesn't expect to miss much time.

J.J. Redick will start in Carter's place, but the former North Carolina star expects to be back as early as Tuesday. "I don't think it's a long-term thing by any stretch of the imagination," said head coach Stan Van Gundy.

The Magic need Carter in the worst way right now, too, having lost four straight, all to bad teams, and looking ahead, their schedule isn't getting easier with Denver, Portland and the Lakers on the coming road trip after Sacramento.
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[jrmzt]

Magic still adjusting to Carter?
6:45AM ET
Vince Carter | Magic
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The Orlando Magic has played 37 games, but their offense still isn't clicking. The players say they are still adjusting to Vince Carter.

"It's different. We weren't used to playing like that last year Hedo Turkoglu had the ball, Jameer Nelson had it. It was pretty balanced at the end of every game. Everybody got about the same amount of shots," Rashard Lewis tells the Orlando Sentinel. Vince is the type of player who needs the ball in his hands. He dominates the ball sometimes. That's how he became Vince Carter. ... We got to adjust to that, learn how to play with him dominating the ball. We're still adjusting to it, but he's not going anywhere. He's our teammate."
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Kings rely on Evans too much?
7:49AM ET
Tyreke Evans | Kings
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Kings rookie Tyreke Evans has been terrific this season, especially in the absence of Kevin Martin and Francisco Garcia. Is it possible the Kings are putting too much on the shoulders of the 20-year old during crunch-time?

"I think that he's handled everything so well, you tend to heap things on him," head coach Paul Westphal told The Sacramento Bee. "But it's a concern, for sure. It doesn't necessarily stop me from giving him a lot of responsibility, but it's something to think about. You wish that you had the type of team where you could take it a little slower, but we don't."

Evans made the game winning shot Saturday with 0.7 seconds left to beat the Nuggets 102-100.
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T-Mac to Knicks unlikley?
10:02AM ET
Tracy McGrady | Rockets
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The New York Knicks would like to acquire Tracy McGrady, but Rockets general manager Daryl Morey told the New York Post that the Knicks are a long-shot to get McGrady.

"There might not be a fit with New York because their goals don't necessarily meet our goals," Morey said. "I think they like him but there's an issue of fit."

Morey doesn't think a deal for McGrady will get done until the February deadline.

"I think there's a deal to be done, probably at the deadline," Morey said. "Teams don't generally move early, especially on one this big. I think there's enough interest from enough teams who either like McGrady or are looking to save money."
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Iverson to skip All-Star game?
10:07AM ET
Allen Iverson | 76ers
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Allen Iverson might be voted in as a starter for the All-Star game, but there is a good chance he won't play. Iverson has been hobbled with arthritis in his left knee and has had the knee drained four times.

"As much as that's something I really want to do for the fans, I'm definitely going to be smart about it and discuss it with my medical staff," Iverson told PhillyBurbs.com. "I'm going to make the best decision for this team."
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Bosh for Bynum possible?
10:39AM ET
Andrew Bynum | Lakers
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There was an item in the New York Post on Sunday about a possible trade scenario that could send Toronto's Chris Bosh to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum.

What does Bynum think about that? "Nah, what rumor is that?" he asked the Los Angeles Times.

"Ah, that's crazy," Bynum said. "I didn't know that. ... I love playing basketball. Whatever happens, happens."

Raptors team president Bryan Colangelo responded to the scenario by writing the following to The Post: "For the record, I am not actively seeking a deal or discussing Bosh with any team, much less the Lakers. I haven't traded him yet and our position has been the same. We will not make a deal just to make a deal. Our intention is to keep him here long term."
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Nuggets love Foster?
10:48AM ET
Jeff Foster | Pacers
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The Denver Nuggets want to add another big man and the player they would love to acquire is Jeff Foster of the Indiana Pacers.

ESPN.com Marc Stein gives some insight into the obstacles the Nuggets will face in landing Foster.

Stein writes: "Foster has one more season left on his contract and has a 15-percent trade kicker in his contract. ... the Nuggets would almost certainly need to find a third team to facilitate a deal for Foster unless they were willing to surrender rookie guard Ty Lawson. And you obviously presume Denver won't be surrendering the speedy Lawson."

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Thomas still available?
11:16AM ET
Tyrus Thomas | Bulls | Interested: Trail Blazers?, Knicks?, Raptors?
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ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports Tyrus Thomas is still available to be traded.

Stein writes: "No trade partner has emerged for the enigmatic former No. 4 overall pick, but moving Thomas before the deadline is still Chicago's intention."

Earlier this season, there were talks of Thomas heading to the Knicks in exchange for Al Harrington, and last week a rumor surfaced he could head the Raptors along with Kirk Hinrich and a pick for Chris Bosh.

Without Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla for the rest of the season, the Blazers could swing a deal for Tyrus Thomas to shore up their frontline depth. His restricted free-agent status this summer could work well for the team, as they'd could just keep him for the back half of this season as a replacement for their injured players if they so choose. But the Bulls would likely want some value back in a trade, and the Blazers might not be willing to trade any of their young chips if Thomas is only a temporary solution.

Steve Blake and Andre Miller are two players that have been rumored to be on the block, and the Blazers have expressed interest in Hinrich before. Hinrich could be included in the deal, and either of those two could replace Hinrich's role on the Bulls' depth chart.
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Haywood a better fit for Denver?
12:07PM ET
Brendan Haywood | Wizards | Interested: Nuggets?, Trail Blazers?
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Earlier this morning, we noted Denver's infatuation with Jeff Foster. But as ESPN's Marc Stein wrote, for a team already concerned about their luxury-tax payment of more than $5 million in July, taking on Foster, who has another year left on his deal at $6.7 million and a 15-percent trade kicker, might not be an ideal option.

So CBS Sports' Ken Berger has another option for Denver today if they're looking for a big man: Brendan Haywood. He's on the last year of his contract, and has been playing well at both ends of the floor. And the Wizards, by all accounts, are likely in sell mode.

With Gilbert Arenas suspended, and possibly out the rest of the season once the legal process on his gun probe plays out, the Nuggets could ship rookie point guard Ty Lawson as one of the trade pieces. But Stein notes the Nuggets aren't likely amicable to parting with one of the steals of the draft. A third team may need to get involved for the Nuggets to make it work.

Berger also notes Portland as a possible destination for Haywood, as both Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla out for the year. With Steve Blake and Andre Miller both rumored to be on the block, they could ship either back to the Wizards. Miller and Haywood are both making in the $6 million range this season.
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Nets sticking with plan?
12:38PM ET
New Jersey Nets
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It was believed any personnel moves were put on hold for the Nets while their ownership changes were pending.

But with a flurry of moves -- picking up Chris Quinn from Miami, buying out Rafer Alston, sending Eduardo Najera to Dallas -- it appears that edict has been lifted, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

Yet, don't expect the Nets' main goal -- having the cap space to acquire a big-name free agent such as LeBron James, which is currently well within play -- to change at all. A deal for a large contract likely isn't in the cards for the team this season as they prepare for the free-agent season this summer.
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Redd injuries preventing trade?
2:12PM ET
Michael Redd | Bucks
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Last week, we noted the possibility of Michael Redd being traded to a contender, such as the Cavs, because he had a chance to be a member of the team before the 2004-05 season.

But might his mounting knee injuries give pause to his trade value?

Redd's injury issues have limited him to only 18 games this season, and he's averaging only 11.9 point per game, well under his career average of 20.3

And his injury problems crept up again last evening in a loss to the Lakers. ESPN's J.A. Adande reports that Redd left the game with "left knee soreness," though he writes "watching (Redd) limp to the tunnel with his arm around a teammate and an athletic trainer, it looked more than sore."

That's the same left knee Redd had surgery on last year in January that ended his season.

An MRI today will determine the severity of the injury, but teams looking to add a shooting spark to their arsenal for a playoff run might look elsewhere besides Redd even if the MRI comes back in his favor.
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[jrmzt]

Some of the latest rumors around town :

Sourced from ESPN.com


Prince feud fueling trade talk?
1:11PM ET
Tayshaun Prince | Pistons
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During Detroit's loss to the Pacers on Friday, Tayshaun Prince got in a verbal spat with coach John Kuester on the court.

In today's Detroit Free Press, Prince explained it was just a heat-of-the-battle thing, and everything is all good now.

"It was something that just happened during the course of the game, and we had our differences at that time," Prince told the paper."Obviously we were down 20 points at the time and it could all be a part of that.

"You move on from it, and you have more games to play."

Even though things appear to be rectified, this mini-feud could further propel the Pistons' desire to trade Prince, something that they are actively trying to do.
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Could Rubio be Nash's successor?
12:58PM ET
Ricky Rubio
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We told you earlier today that the Timberwolves are interested in trading for Amare Stoudemire. ESPN's Chad Ford tweets today that it's a "strong" interest.

Stoudemire would likely have to agree to re-sign with a team in the offseason before a trade happened.

But we'll throw this one out there: The Suns should inquire about receiving Ricky Rubio in any trade talks with the Wolves. Minnesota GM David Kahn has been reluctant to trade Rubio's rights in the past.

And for now, Rubio is playing for FC Barcelona, and as reported by ESPN this past summer, it's likely the earliest he'd come play in the NBA would be 2011.

And that's why he could be a perfect fit for the Suns. Steve Nash will turn 37 in the 2011-2012 season, his last season under contract with the Suns. He could play a mentor to Rubio, a talent who'd be an ideal fit for the Suns' uptempo brand of basketball. He's a playmaker and sees the floor extremely well.

The Suns would probably want to find out if Rubio had interest in playing for them before they made such a deal, and again, Kahn might have Rubio off limits. But at only 19 years of age right now, Rubio has plenty of years left in which to grow into a star point guard in the NBA.

And Nash could certainly help him along with that.

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Wizards unwilling to help Cavs?
12:03PM ET
Antawn Jamison | Wizards
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It's long been rumored that Antawn Jamison is atop the list of players the Cavs would like to trade for before Feb. 18's deadline. With the Wizards in sell mode and Cleveland looking for a stretch 4, Jamison fits the bill.

If it happens, it's a move that could put the Cavs over the top in the East.

But would the Wizards really be agreeable to helping out a rival?

"One league source questions the Wizards' willingness to help the Cavs," writes Bob Finan of the News-Herald. "There are some natural competitive issues there, fueled by the playoff losses and the Larry Hughes signing in 2005. Again, things can change."

It's one thing to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches.

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The Martin watch
11:45AM ET
Kevin Martin | Kings
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We've noted previously in this space that several teams are monitoring the Kevin Martin-Tyreke Evans backcourt situation in Sacramento. The thinking goes that if Evans and Martin can't co-exist and the team struggles, Martin may be on the trade market.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported last week that the Mavs were agreeable to trading Josh Howard for Martin.

So far, so bad for Martin and the Kings. After getting routed by the Heat by 31 on Saturday, the Kings are now 0-6 with Martin back in the lineup. Martin only scored five points in 40 minutes against the Magic on Friday, and added only five against the Heat. The six straight losses were all on the road, though.

The Kings return home tomorrow night against the Warriors. If they continue to struggle, even on their home court, that may intensify Martin's trade likelihood.
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[jrmzt]

Coupla new rumors:


Bulls prefer Hinrich for T-Mac?
3:46PM ET
Kirk Hinrich | Bulls
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It's been known for some time now that the Bulls are making Kirk Hinrich available in trade talks. As the Lakers are looking for perimeter defense, he's been linked to them. Hinrich has also been rumored in trade talks with the Celtics. First, when the team was looking for a third guard, and now again with the team possibly shopping Ray Allen.

The Bulls are looking to clear cap space in an effort to sign two max free agents this summer, so the idea is to get expiring contracts in return for Hinrich's contract, which has two years and $17 million remaining.

But as ESPN's Chris Sheridan notes in his chat today, the Bulls aren't looking to jump at a swap with L.A. Instead, a more preferable route might be pawning of Hinrich and John Salmons to Houston for Tracy McGrady, which would clear even more space, as Salmons has a player option for next season, which he's not expected to opt out of.

The Bulls would also get an All-Star caliber player in return for the rest of the season, an added bonus as opposed to a deal with the Lakers for spare parts.

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Thomas done with Bulls?
1:14PM ET
Tyrus Thomas | Bulls
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When the Bulls decided not to extend Tyrus Thomas' contract and instead let him slide into restricted free agency status this summer, some surmised that meant he was likely done with the Bulls for good after this season, if he wasn't traded before the deadline first.

And as the Chicago Tribune indicates today, now that Thomas went on a profanity-laced tirade on Friday night after the Bulls' loss to the Hawks, the sentiment that Thomas' days with the team are numbered has only risen.

So where might Thomas land before the deadline if the Bulls indeed deal him? Well, if the rumored deal of Kirk Hinrich to the Celtics for Ray Allen ever comes through, Thomas could be included in the deal, though his recent outburst might give the chemistry-minded C's some pause. As we noted earlier today, if an Allen-Kevin Martin swap ever happens, the Bulls could come in as a third team and include Thomas to the Kings, as they're looking for a big man.

The Blazers are also looking for some help up front with Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla out for the season, so that's another possible destination for Thomas as well, as the team is looking for a back-half-of-the-season rental as to not add more salary beyond this year.

Of course, if Thomas doesn't get traded before the deadline, the best way for him to get a fresh start might be for a team to offer him a decent contract in the offseason.
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[jrmzt]

Latest rumors. Only days now before the trade deadline :


Amare to Cavs heating up
10:53AM ET
Amare Stoudemire | Suns
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The Plain Dealer reported Friday that trade talk had advanced between the Cavs and Suns about Amare Stoudemire. The Cavs want to upgrade at power forward and have been linked with Antawn Jamison and Troy Murphy.

Asked by The Arizona Republic whether a third consecutive year of trade rumors was a slap in the face, Stoudemire said: "Somewhat, it is. I don't understand why. It's not being explained to me why every year there's always trade talk with me being involved. It's a little difficult to deal with. ... They never really explain why the trade talk is coming, why they want to trade me. I've done a lot of work in the community. I've been trouble-free forever, so I just don't understand."

Stoudemire's wish is to land on a title contender.

"That's my goal," he added. "The Phoenix Suns' goal may be a little bit different. I'm not sure. I don't know if they see me in their future plans. I don't know what they don't see within me."
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Bosh Miami bound?
10:36AM ET
Chris Bosh | Raptors
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A player agent thinks Chris Bosh will leave Toronto for Miami in the summer.

"I think he gets lured down to South Beach," the agent told SI.com. "I think his emotions are up and down, that he likes it up there. But I really don't think Toronto is going to max him out. The owners are going to have a new definition of who a max guy is, and there are only eight or nine players who are at that [level]. Pau Gasol is not max, Antawn Jamison got the max when he was at Golden State, Andrei Kirilenko got it [from Utah]. And those deals bit those teams in the [butt] because those guys are not major stars. The max is for Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant -- that echelon. As an agent, I want as much money as I can get, but I'm telling you how the owners are looking at it."

Some front office executives think Miami is perfect for the Raptors forward, however Bosh was emphatic when talking with ESPN.com's Marc Stein and ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher earlier this week that he wants to be "built around" and that means he's staying in Toronto.
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Wallace won't be dealt
9:12AM ET
Rasheed Wallace | Celtics
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The Celtics were rumored to be talking with Washington and Charlotte about potential trades, but Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge claimed Friday that neither of the two scenarios were true.

According to The Boston Globe, Ainge said he will not trade Rasheed Wallace.

Asked if he felt he needed to make a move to shake up the team, Ainge said, "All speculation. It's only a month ago [that the team was performing well]. We need to play better and I think we can."
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Mason wants to stay with Spurs
6:04AM ET
Roger Mason | Spurs
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Roger Mason has not been in the rumor mill this season and he wants to keep it that way.

"I want to be in San Antonio for my career," Mason told the San Antonio Express-News. "I want to win a championship here. That would be the ultimate."

"If something happens, it happens," Mason added. "You can't really worry about it or control it. I can only control what I can, and that's to help this team win."

The Spurs may take a run at Chicago's Tyrus Thomas and Mason's expiring contract could be attractive to the Bulls.
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Johnson's future in the ATL
10:53AM ET
Joe Johnson | Hawks
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Most of the 2010 free agent talk is about LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but another All-Star should get a lot of attention, too. Joe Johnson will be a target of most teams with cap room and told the media Friday that he's not sure what's going to happen and will not rule out re-signing with Atlanta.

"I told them the truth: Who knows what's going to happen in July?" Johnson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"I'd love to, (sign an extension) he added, "but who knows what happens, man."