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Chad Ford

  (12:59 PM)

Aloha everyone. Trade deadline now just about 48 hours away. Obviously lots of talk going on. We'll spend the whole hour talking trades and then I'll come back on Thursday and we'll do it again. Let's roll.

Mo (Chicago)

Any truth to the rumors of Bosh going to Chicago in a 3-way deal involving Amare?

Chad Ford

  (1:01 PM)

I don't think so. We've talked to a lot of the parties involved. Sounds like Toronto has zero interest. And we continue to hear that Phoenix wants to now keep Amare Stoudemire and see how he fits with new head coach Alvin Gentry. I know the Bulls would love to do that deal, but I don't think the Raptors or Suns are interested.

Will (Dallas, Texas)

Chad,What is the latest on the Phoenix drama?

Chad Ford

  (1:04 PM)

Right now ... sounds like everything has calmed down. But we're keeping an eye on it. Owner Robert Sarver may be satisfied that his team will play better with Gentry at the helm. But ... much of the interest in trading Amare was financial. The Suns still need to clear roughly $7 to $10 million off their cap for next year to avoid the luxury tax. Ideally there's a Shaq trade out there or a Jason Richardson trade that does that. But if they can't, I still think there's a chance they move Amare.

Ralphie Bristol CT

Who do you expect Portland to end up with at SF? It seems like its gonna be Wallace, Butler, Jefferson or Carter going by what your article says.

Chad Ford

  (1:05 PM)

Sounds like their primary target is Gerald Wallace. The problem is that Charlotte wants them to take back Nazr Mohammed in any deal. Richard Jefferson is an easier get, but he's got a bigger salary, is older and isn't as good of a defender. I think Caron Butler is the best fit, but I'm not convinced Washington will let him go. Vince Carter is intriguing, but you have to worry about chemistry a bit with him. Bottom line, I think the Blazers will do a deal and I think it will be something that lands them Wallace or Jefferson.

Anthony (New York City)

Which team says no to the trade of Brad Miller, Kenny Thomas, and Mikki Moore for Stephon Marbury and Jared Jeffries? Knicks clear cap space for 2010 and the Kings clear cap space for next year.

Chad Ford

  (1:09 PM)

I know the Knicks and Kings spoke Monday about a deal with Brad Miller and Malik Rose as the principals. The talk never got too detailed. I think for the Knicks to pull the trigger Jared Jeffries has to be in the deal. For the Kings to do it, they'd like Nate Robinson back. I do think there is a deal there for both teams that makes sense. Kings get cap relief now. Knicks get it in 2010. I think ultimately, both sides say yes if they can work out the details.

Josh ( Houston )

What are the chances the Rockets land Vince in a deal that would send T-Mac to New Jersey for Trenton Hassell and Vincanity?

Chad Ford

  (1:12 PM)

They've talked. Ideally the Rockets would like the deal you mentioned. For the Nets, a better deal would be Carter for Ron Artest, Carl Landry and change. The problem for the Rockets with that deal is ... unless TMac is done ... how do you play him with VC? I don't see it. Either way the Nets ultimately get tons of cap space either this summer or in 2010 which is their real target anyway. TMac doesn't have to play a game for NJ for this deal to work for them. But if TMac is seriously injured, the Rockets may have to sweeten the deal.

Chris (Nyc, Ny)

Yo, Mr Ford. If the knicks can only choose on free agent to resign between Nate and Lee which do thing would be a better player to sign?

Chad Ford

  (1:14 PM)

Lee all the way. If they can move Jared Jeffries or Eddy Curry now, it greatly increases their chances of being able to sign Lee this summer and an elite free agent next summer. If they can't move Jeffries or Curry, I don't think they can afford to do both.

Mucha (CP)

Who do the Bulls end up with by Friday?

Chad Ford

  (1:16 PM)

Right now, it doesn't look good folks. They were seriously in the Stoudemire talks, but it sounds like they've cooled down. Bosh isn't happening. I don't see any other scenario that's cooking for them right now. Here's what I think they should do (though I don't think this has been discussed by either team) Tyrus Thomas and Larry Hughes for David Lee, Malik Rose and Jared Jeffries.

Lebron (Cleveland)

Chad - I realize Danny Ferry publicly keeps saying he doubts we'll do anything. But, don't we have to go get one more big man for the title run? We were clearly beaten inside by the Lakers, even with Z back. Tell me whether I'm going to get the final piece and who that is!

Chad Ford

  (1:18 PM)

I'm shocked the Cavs aren't at the center of the trade storm. So many GMs are looking for cap relief and the Cavs have a great piece in Wally Szczerbiak's expiring contract. But from what we can gather, Danny Ferry isn't bluffing when he says he'd be surprised if the Cavs do a deal by the deadline. Things are pretty quiet in Cleveland. The Cavs have enough pieces to win the title now, but I'm surprised they don't pull the trigger on a deal that brings them back more help for the future. If they don't, the lose a pretty good asset for nothing this summer.

Mike Miller (Minnesota)

Chad, any rumors on where I may end up?

Chad Ford

  (1:24 PM)

Sounds like he's not going anywhere, which is strange given that they could package him and their two expiring contracts of Jason Collins and Rashad McCants for something really good.

Amit (Chicago, IL)

Can you elaborate on the breaking news that the Hornets are going to trade Chandler to the Thunder???!!!

Chad Ford

  (1:27 PM)

Marc Stein is reporting that they'll send Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox there (both expiring contracts) for Chandler. Great trade for the Thunder in my opinion. They needed a young, athletic big. They are stacked with talent now with Durant, Westbrook, Green and Chandler. If they add a two guard like James Harden in the draft ... wow.

Chad Ford

  (1:28 PM)

Clearly this is a cap cutting exercise for the Hornets.

Ed (Saginaw, MI)

Hi Chad. Anything going on is Piston land? Seems pretty quite. Is Joey D just going to stand pat with the Pistons reeling?

Chad Ford

  (1:29 PM)

Sounds pretty quiet in Detroit. I think Joe D is content to have lots of cap room this summer and then make a few plays then. With the Thunder making a deal for Chandler, Detroit will have the most cap space of any team. They'll be in the drivers seat.

Charlie Villanueva (Milwaukee, WI)

please tell me were gonna trade Jefferson so theres enough money to resign me and sessions this summer..?

Chad Ford

  (1:31 PM)

They're trying, but honestly, I think that Portland is their best bet. If they go another direction, the Bucks may have to consider a Villanuva or Sessions trade now to get back a few assets in return. Like a lot of teams in the league, the Bucks are hurting financially at the moment.

Matt (Boston, MA)

Any news on what the Celtics will be doing towards the deadline?

Chad Ford

  (1:33 PM)

I don't think they're doing anything. The Cassell deal was tax related and to free up a roster spot to sign a veteran if a team waives a player after the deadline. I think Danny Ainge is anticipating a couple of veterans (read Stephon Marbury, etc.) could be available.

Cameron, Chicago

I had read that OKC was going to be gunning for Ben Gordon this summer. Does the trade for Chandler change that?

Chad Ford

  (1:36 PM)

Depending on where they pick in the draft, the team will still have something like $7 to $8 million in cap space left. That's probably more than enough to get Ben Gordon.

Disco (Chicago)

Will Kaman be moved?

Chad Ford

  (1:38 PM)

He's out there as a possibility but he's been out of the line-up for a month. That doesn't help his trade value much.

Cory (Indy)

Chad have the Pacers looked into any deals with their expiring contracts or are they just focused on trading Tinsley?

Chad Ford

  (1:40 PM)

Pacers have been unusually quiet. They've tried to trade Tinsley and I've heard there's interest (Larry Brown's a fan, for instance), but they have to take back another bad contract to do it. I'm surprised they haven't heard more offers for their two expiring contracts -- Rasho Nesterovic and Marquis Daniels.

Theodore, Florida

Do you think the Miami Heat will make another move, maybe for a pg? I've read that they are interested in Earl Watson, any truth to that?

Chad Ford

  (1:41 PM)

I do think they'd like to make one more move for a veteran PG. Watson fits their parameters of not adding contracts that extend past the summer of 2010. Kyle Lowry and Raymond Felton have also been mentioned.

Gaines (Memphis, TN)

I havent seen many trade discussions or scenarios involving Memphis (besides Amare talks), which puzzles me. Aren't the Grizz in a prime position to make a trade offer with their young talent and TONS of cap space?

Chad Ford

  (1:42 PM)

Yes, but it sounds like they're not inclined to take back salaries despite their small payroll. Again, I think Michael Heisley's among the owners hurt by the financial crunch.

ted (Florence SC)

How about the lakers? Anything at all?

Chad Ford

  (1:46 PM)

Sounds like nothing is going on with the Lakers. You can understand why. The team looks great, even without Bynum. I doubt there's a deal out there that really makes a difference for them. The Shaq deal is the closests, but I doubt it happens.

Tim (DC)

Do you think the Spurs are seriously considering trading for Vince Carter, in light of how it could affect their future cap space? If not him, are they going to get anyone?

Chad Ford

  (1:48 PM)

I don't think they are seriously in the hunt for VC. I think if VC gets traded, the Rockets are the most likely option. Maybe Blazers second.

dan (fort lauderdale, fl)

Please tell me the Mavs with make some moves because they are going nowhere with their current lineup.

Chad Ford

  (1:50 PM)

Doesn't sound like it ... Mark Cuban's been saying Kidd and Josh Howard aren't getting traded. Stackhouse has some appeal, but won't get you back a major piece in return.

Kevin (Toronto, ON)

hey chad, I really like your trade proposal of GS and Toronto. Is it being discussed by both teams, or it is just speculations that you heard from other GMs? Biedrins will be great for Bargnani!

Chad Ford

  (1:52 PM)

This was totally me. Just putting a scenario out there that I think would work for both teams. Love it for both teams. But I doubt it happens.

Chad Ford

  (1:54 PM)

Guys got a call coming in from a GM. Nothing else to report right now. With Chandler deal going down ... let the trades begin! I'll chat again on Thursday.