Kyle Lowry
With Kyle Lowry, 23, to be a restricted free agent this off-season, his value has been at least as conspicuous when he was out as when he played.
Lowry sounded likely to be torn between his fondness for his place with the Rockets, sharing the point guard position with Aaron Brooks, and “a goal” to be a starter and full-time playmaker.
“I want to be in the best situation for me and to win,” Lowry said. “I think Houston would be a great home. I wouldn’t mind being with the group of guys and the organization is one of the best.”
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Trevor Ariza
Rockets guard Trevor Ariza will be out for the remainder of the week, missing games against the Magic, Spurs and Jazz, with a severe left hip pointer.
He underwent an MRI on Monday and will be re-evaluated next week.
Guard Kevin Martin will move into the starting lineup, coach Rick Adelman said.
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Tyrus Thomas
The Bulls are preparing to trade forward Tyrus Thomas prior to Thursday’s deadline and the Timberwolves could be a sleeper to land the former LSU star.
Minnesota general manager David Kahn has been researching Thomas and the team has a boatload of assets to use to acquire him. They have three first-round picks and a host of expiring contracts.
The Nuggets and Rockets have also expressed interest in Thomas.
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Tracy McGrady
The Knicks and Rockets have made progress on a proposed trade that would send Jared Jeffries, Jordan Hill and either Al Harrington or Larry Hughes in exchange for Tracy McGrady, Joey Dorsey and Brian Cook.
Sources claim that an agreement is within reach and that the two teams are increasingly confident that the trade will be completed before Thursday’s deadline.
In a part of the deal described as “fluid,” the Knicks might swap 2011 picks with the Rockets and/or send their 2012 pick to Houston. One of New York’s 2010 second-round picks could also be sent to the Rockets.
Real GM
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Richard Hamilton
The Cavs have intensified trade talks over the past several days and have been making some progress, according to sources that spoke to Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer.
Several sources have said Cleveland has included the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons in their conversations, possibly in an attempt to set up three-team deals.
The Cavs’ major targets are still believed to be forwards Antawn Jamison and Troy Murphy. But they have been having some conversations about shooting guards and the talks with the Pistons could involve Richard Hamilton.
Real GM
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Tracy McGrady
Knicks president Donnie Walsh said a misperception exists that his interest in the Rockets’ Tracy McGrady is solely as a rental to inject life into a dying season.
“There’s reasons other than that,” Walsh told The Post.
Walsh declined to specify, but a source said the Knicks might have long-term plans for McGrady.
At least they would have a fallback candidate if McGrady excels and they are unable to land one of the top free agents, LeBron James or Dwyane Wade.
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Al Harrington
The Houston Rockets are in the discussion stages of a complicated, three-team trade that would send Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks
The centerpieces of the trade would include the Washington Wizards shipping forward Caron Butler and center Brendan Haywood to the Rockets.
The Knicks would send the expiring contract of Al Harrington to the Wizards.
In order for the deal to work, additional pieces would have to be added.
Real GM
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Tracy McGrady
Donnie Walsh acknowledged last night it will be nearly impossible for the Knicks to clear more 2010 cap space by the Feb. 18 trade deadline.
Walsh is trying to make a deal in the next eight days — with acquiring a point guard and Houston’s exiled Tracy McGrady their chief priorities.
Walsh — who will not go to All-Star weekend, feeling he can get more trade work done in New York — said the chance of clearing more 2010 cap room by trading Jared Jeffries does not look good.
Walsh said if a deal is made, it is likely going to an exchange of expiring contracts.
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Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady would love to play for the 76ers, according to Stephen A. Smith.
Smith wrote a column in the Philadelphia Inquirer on the status of the 76ers, saying they should focus on a high draft pick and forget about winning this season.
“I’d love to finish this season in Philadelphia,” McGrady told Smith.
Real GM
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Caron Butler
By this time next week, it is almost a certainty that Caron Butler will be gone from Washington. The Wizards’ desire to move Butler has only increased in recent day.
Butler winding up somewhere in Texas is most likely, with Washington probably deciding between Dallas’ and Houston’s competing offers before next week’s All-Star Game.
Do not discount Portland, either. While much has been made of the Blazers’ pursuit of Washington center Brendan Haywood, the Blazers have just as much, if not more, interest in Butler, and are willing to put $3 million in cash toward a deal.
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