Paxson Not Done Dealing

Bulls GM John Paxson has been seriously discussing trade scenarios with the Memphis Grizzlies, surrounding a deal involving Eddy Curry. Lorenzen Wright and Bo Outlaw are the likely return pieces, and Paxson may choose to expand the deal by including Eddie Robinson.

There are also trade negotiations involving Tyson Chandler and Dikembe Mutumbo being sent to the Houston Rockets. Scottie Pippin's name has also come up under a variety of trade scenarios.

Via Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets

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Francis Settling into New Franchise

Steve Francis was initially very public about being very hurt that Rocket management was attempting to trade him to the Orlando Magic for Tracy McGrady. Francis was optimistic about the future of Houston basketball with he and Yao Ming as nucleus.

Now that some time has passed since the trade, Francis is settling into his future with the Magic.

"I've learned a lot," he said. "So many guys were traded. I've never seen this much action in the NBA in my life as far as so many different moves being made.

"I have no hard feelings toward the NBA. I'm pretty sure anybody will tell you, it's a business. The Rockets traded away their best player in team history, Hakeem Olajuwon. I'm no different."

Francis' first return to Houston will be on January 24th.

Via Houston Chronicle

Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets

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Payton says no to Boston

As expected the controversy surrounding Gary Payton and his trade to Eastward to the Boston Celtics continued to be drama-riddled yesterday, with Payton making it clear via telephone that his non-presence in Boston at the time when he was meant to report after being traded from the Lakers was no accident.

While he says it is nothing against the Celtics organization, Payton is quite aminant that he will not be playing in the East this season. Despite his rights currently being owned by Boston he says he'll retire before he reports, claiming he has been disrespected by the Lakers organization.

"I wasn't going to Boston to take a physical," he said. "I ain't going to move my family no more. I can't take my family to Boston. It ain't no disrespect to Boston."

Payton says he prefers to be moved on to either Houston, Minnesota or the Clippers, but if the Celtics decide not to make another trade Payton will have no choice but to become a Celtic or forfeit the $5.4 million remaining on his contract.

"I don't care about that," Payton said. "If it goes down, I'll quit. I can go on and do something else."

Payton said had he known the Lakers were going to trade him, he wouldn't have exercised his contract option for next season.

"They used me to sign so they could get other players," Payton said. "Boston is going to lose out on this. They ain't going to get (nothing). It's about respect. They (the Lakers) didn't respect me. Why should I respect them?"

Via The Press-Enterprise

Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves

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