Our morning look around the NBA with stories worth reading and notes that are not their own post here at PBT.
Don’t be shocked if the Chicago Bulls try to get in the Dwight Howard mix, but it is a longshot.
If you read on thing today it should be this: Lakers trainer Gary Vitti talks about dealing with the wear and tear on players bodies of this condensed season.
It’s official, Vince Carter is a member of the Dallas Mavericks.
Deron Williams says David Stern is a “bully.”
Rodney Stuckey’s negotiations for a contract extension with the Pistons are apparently stuck because he wants $10 million a year. I like Stuckey, but that would be seriously overpaying.
Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer are on the trade block as the Mavericks try to create cap space.
Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov is going to run for the Russian presidency.
Marreese Speights could be traded from Philadelphia to Denver for a second round pick. If it goes down like that it’s a steal for Denver.
Here’s another interview where LeBron James says he didn’t like being the bad guy last season, that he played angry, but now he’s back to being himself. This has been his preseason mantra, but we’d like to see a few games before we say he — and the Heat — look any different.
Golden State’s owners have started to have meetings with San Francisco officials about building a new arena in the city, next to AT&T Park (home to the Giants).
Baron Davis has missed the first three days of Cavaliers camp with an injury. No, we’re not surprised either.
Kurt Thomas has signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. Go ahead and scoff that he played pre-World War II, coaches love him. He sets a mean pick and his pick-and-pop skills help space the floor with a second unit.
Your dad, er, Brian Cardinal just re-signed with the Mavericks on a one-year deal.
Jeremy Lin — your favorite NBA player from Harvard — has landed with the heady Houston Rockets, who claimed him off wiavers.
Chris Wilcox is now a member of your Boston Celtics. One year deal at the veteran’s minimum. Can’t complain about that.
Roger Mason is officially a member of the Washington Wizards, as expected.
Hamady Ndiaye is back with the Wizards, too.
Looks like Anthony Carter will have a 14th NBA season, this one with the Raptors.
Carlos Boozer has entered camp 20 pounds lighter this year compared to last, according to the Bulls GM. I always take these numbers with a grain of salt, but if he did show up in better shape that’s a good thing for Chicago.
Josh Howard has an offer from the Spurs in hand, but is still talking to the Jazz and Wizards.
Chauncey Billups is not yet done ripping the Knicks.
Kyrie Irving has the starting point guard job in Cleveland. Also known as baptism by fire.
Tim Duncan is not thinking about retirement. Yet.
Linas Kleiza is hoping to return from knee surgery in mid-January.