NBA Free Agency Rumors: Nets Looking To Extend Gerald Wallace's Contract Or Re-Sign Him Long-Term

Gerald Wallace is likely to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent, but the Brooklyn Nets won't let him go without a fight.

General manager Billy King said the Nets hope to sign Wallace to a long-term deal if he opts out of the final year of his contract, which he is expected to do. The Nets could also extend Wallace's contract before he hits free agency.

"Obviously he's a big part of it and his reality being 30 years old, this is probably going to be one his last chances to get a big contract before he gets beyond that," King said Tuesday. "So our goal is try to get him where he's comfortable with the numbers, we're comfortable with the numbers, and we keep him in the fold."

The Nets acquired Wallace at the trade deadline in exchange for a package that includes a top-3 protected pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Losing him to free agency would make the trade look like a poor decision in retrospect, but Wallace is among the players King wants to bring back next season in Brooklyn.

"There are guys that I want back. There are guys that I let know that probably wouldn't be back. Gerald Wallace and Deron Wallace are obviously key pieces we want back in the fold. Brook Lopez. There our major free agents," he said. "Then you add Humphries in there as our starting top 4. Those four I think are core pieces that you look to build with going forward. But it all comes down to negotiations."

For more coverage of the Nets, visit our team page or our blog Nets Daily.

2012 NBA Draft Lottery Odds: New Jersey Nets Have 25.3% Chance Of Keeping Pick

The New Jersey Nets have more reason than most NBA teams to hope for NBA lottery luck: If the Nets' pick is top three, they will keep it. If not, they will be forced to surrender the selection to the Portland Trail Blazers in completion of the Gerald Wallace trade.

Given that the Nets finished the season tied for the fifth-worst record, they have a 25.3 percent chance of landing in the top three. In other words, they have a 25.3 percent chance of keeping their lottery selection in one of the deepest drafts in years.

A table of NBA lottery odds follows, courtesy of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer:

For more coverage of the Nets, visit our team page or our blog Nets Daily.

Armon Johnson Signs With New Jersey Nets For Remainder Of Season

The New Jersey Nets have signed Armon Johnson for the final three games of the season, general manager Billy King announced on Friday.

Johnson has played in five games with the Nets this season, averaging 4.4 points in nine minutes per contest. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound guard was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 34th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Since then, he's played a combined 44 games in the NBA, averaging 3.0 points and 1.1 assist per game.

Johnson also played six games this season with the NBA D-League's Idaho Stampede, averaging 11.0 points, 6.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 38.4 percent from the field.

The 23-year old will be available on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks, Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers and again during the Nets' season finale Thursday, April 26 against the Toronto Raptors.

For more coverage of the Nets, visit our team page or our blog Nets Daily.

Deron Williams Injury Update: Point Guard Out Wednesday Against New York Knicks

The New Jersey Nets will be without Deron Williams' services again on Wednesday against the New York Knicks. The star point guard is still bothered by the sore right calf that kept him from competing in Monday's 101-98 loss to the Miami Heat.

Coach Avery Johnson is hoping Williams can return in New Jersey's following game on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

"He hasn't improved enough to where he can play in a game," Nets coach Avery Johnson said after the team took its official team photo. "We're treating him ... hopefully once we get past tomorrow, we'll have those two days off."

Gerald Wallace is questionable for Wednesday with a sore hamstring and Shelden Williams' status is likewise unsure with a hyperextended left knee. The Nets plan to put Wallace through a difficult workout on Tuesday and determine how he recovers.

For more coverage of the Nets, visit our team page or our blog Nets Daily.

Dennis Horner Signs With New Jersey Nets

With Shelden Williams joining the long list of sidelined New Jersey Nets this week, the Nets announced on Friday that the team has agreed to terms with Dennis Horner on a 10-day contract.

Horner, a 6-foot-9 rookie out of North Carolina State, played five games earlier this season with the Nets before being released and returning to the Springfield Armor of the NBA D-League. During 25 games with the Armor, 20 starts, Horner averaged 17.0 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting .471 percent from the field and .373 percent from behind the arc.

During his five games with the Nets, the 24-year old averaged 0.8 points and 0.6 rebounds in 16 total minutes of play.

The Nets have been devastated by a rash of injuries recently, with Brool Lopez, Jordan Williams and Shelden Williams all among those missing time in the front court.

For more coverage of the Nets, visit our team page or our blog Nets Daily.

New Jersey Nets News, Shelden Williams Injury Update: Williams (Eye) Out At Least A Week

Shelden Williams, the only New Jersey Nets player who suited up for each of the first 52 games, will be sidelined at least until April 5 after suffering an eye injury, according to a New York Post report.

With Williams shelved, the Nets are expected to re-sign 6-foot-9 forward Dennis Horner on Friday. Horner began the season with New Jersey after impressing during training camp, but played just five games before being released and heading back to the D-League. During his time with the Nets, Horner averaged 0.8 points and 0.6 rebounds in 3.2 minutes.

The Nets continue to be struck by the injury bug. Jordan Williams is doubtful for Friday's road game against the Golden St. Warriors due to concussion-like symptoms, Brook Lopez continues to sit with an ankle injury, Anthony Morrow has missed two straight games with a bruised shoulder and Jordan Farmar has a sore groin.

For more coverage of the Nets, visit our team page or our blog Nets Daily.

Brook Lopez Injury Update: Nets Center Suffers Yet Another Setback

Poor Brook Lopez cannot catch a break. The New Jersey Nets center suffered yet another setback when a CT scan revealed another small crack in the fractured foot that has kept him on the bench for all but five games this season. The latest bad news will keep Lopez sidelined for at least two more weeks.

"Brook had another CT scan and in looking at it, the doctors noticed a little line that's healing, but hasn't completely healed, and so we're going to keep him out for two more weeks and re-evaluate then," General manager Billy King told the New York Post. "It just hasn't completely healed.

"He has no pain whatsoever.''

The SB Nation blog NetsDaily points out that the new fracture was not the result of his original break on Dec. 21, but rather due to his ankle sprain suffered March 4. Lopez' bad feet bring up the question of whether the Nets should even activate him again this season. The team at one point hoped the center could be used as a chip in a deal for Dwight Howard, though his injury problems made that impossible.

For more on the Nets, visit Nets Daily and stay tuned to SB Nation New York.

NBA Free Agency Rumors 2012: Kevin Garnett, Ryan Anderson High On New Jersey Nets' List

After missing out on Dwight Howard -- at least for now -- the New Jersey Nets have quickly moved onto surrounding Deron Williams with talent.

The Nets acquired Gerald Wallace prior to the NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday and have already reportedly established at least two targets for the 2012 NBA free agency period this summer.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reported Thursday that the Nets will go after Kevin Garnett and Ryan Anderson this summer.

There's no surprise there on either name, since both could be among the most sought-after free agents. Garnett can still impact games on both ends of the court like very few others in the NBA, and Anderson has erupted this season, averaging an efficient 16.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Neither will come dirt cheap, but they almost certainly won't command maximum salaries either.

For more on the Nets, visit Nets Daily. And for more on the NBA Trade Dealine, check out SB Nation NBA.

Deron Williams Rumors: Nets Star Still Plans To Opt Out

Dwight Howard chose to opt in for the final year of his contract, but Deron Williams isn't interested in playing a game of follow the leader.

The New Jersey Nets' star point guard said Friday that he still plans to opt out.

"I'm not going to opt-in. It's not monkey-see, monkey-do," Williams told the New York Daily News on Friday morning. "Wherever I go is hopefully where I'm going to retire."

As for comparing his own situation to Howard's, Williams wouldn't do it.

"I'm not (going through the same things) because I've said all year I'm going to play this whole year out and see what happens," Williams, who announced his intentions to opt out through his agent before the 2011-12 season began, told the newspaper. "So I haven't been flip-flopping and gone back-and-forth. It's not even close to being the same situation."

For more on the Nets, visit Nets Daily. And for more on the NBA Trade Dealine, check out SB Nation NBA.

This Is Plan B For The Nets?

NBA Trade Rumors 2012: New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers Agree On Gerald Wallace Deal

The New Jersey Nets have reportedly come to agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers on a deal that will bring Gerald Wallace to the Prudential Center.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the teams have finalized terms to send Gerald Wallace to New Jersey in exchange for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams and a first-round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

The draft pick is reportedly protected only if it is a top 3 selection, meaning the Nets could possibly have to surrender a top-5 pick in what is considered one of the deepest drafts in years.

Rather than deal Deron Williams, the Nets are apparently trying to convince him to stay by making the team more competitive. It's unclear what affect this deal will have on Williams' impending free agency since Gerald Wallace does not instantly make the Nets contender, but it is a sign that the Nets are committed to winning now.

For more on the Nets, visit Nets Daily. And for more on the NBA Trade Dealine, check out SB Nation NBA.

NBA Trade Rumors 2012: Gerald Wallace For Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams And Draft Pick 'Close'

It's not often that 15-29 teams are buyers at the NBA trade deadline, but the New Jersey Nets are a special case.

Looking to please Deron Williams by adding legitimate talent, the Nets are close to acquiring Gerald Wallace from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams and a first-round pick, Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday afternoon.

Williams has already stated his intention to opt out of his contract after this season, which will make him a free agent in the summer of 2012. After 'Plan A' didn't pan out (Dwight Howard), the Nets have moved on to looking for smaller pieces in hopes of building a roster formidable enough for Williams to stay with the organization after this season.

Wallace, who has a player option for $11.4 million next season in the final year of his contract, may not be the type of acquisition who makes Williams' decision to stay in New Jersey easy, but he's a step in the right direction.

For more on the Nets, visit Nets Daily. And for more on the NBA Trade Dealine, check out SB Nation NBA.

NBA Trade Rumors 2012: Gerald Wallace 'Close' To Joining New Jersey Nets From Portland Trail Blazers

With Dwight Howard signing away his right to opt out, the New Jersey Nets have moved on to 'Plan B' for surrounding Deron Williams with enough talent to persuade him to stay.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Nets are engaged in "advanced talks" with the Portland Trail Blazers to bring Gerald Wallace to New Jersey, and the deal is "close."

Based on rumors coming out of New Jersey, it seems that the Nets have decided not to move Deron Williams prior to the NBA trade deadline. Rather, they are attempting to upgrade the roster in hopes of proving the Nets can become a viable contender in the future.

While Wallace would certainly help the Nets become more competitive, it's unclear whether he's the type of player who can entice Williams to stay with the Nets beyond this season.

For more on the Nets, visit Nets Daily. And for more on the NBA Trade Dealine, check out SB Nation NBA.

NBA Trade Rumors 2012: Nets Interested In Jamal Crawford, According To Report

While reported efforts to land center Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic have proved futile, there's another player who the New Jersey Nets have their sights set on, and that's Portland guard Jamal Crawford, according to Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski. Wojnarowski also says the Nets are actively searching for trades with multiple teams.

Crawford has been a subject of much speculation leading up to today's 3 p.m. EST deadline, and a recent report indicated he was close to being dealt to Minnesota in a three deal team centered around he, Michael Beasley and Steve Blake of the Lakers.

Crawford, an 11-year veteran, has ties to the New York market, having played four plus seasons with the Knicks earlier in his career. He signed with Portland prior to this season after spending two years in Atlanta.

It is not clear what the Nets would offer up in exchange for Crawford.

-- For more on the Nets, visit Nets Daily.

Deron Williams Trade Rumors: Nets Point Guard Unlikely To Be Moved

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, it's become increasingly clearer that New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams is going nowhere. ESPN's Marc Stein was the latest to echo that sentiment, as highlighted in this Tweet. In fact, Stein says that the Nets are telling other teams that they won't move Williams before 3 p.m. EST today.

The entire Williams situation has been complicated by Dwight Howard's fickle insistence on the Orlando Magic trading him, which now looks to be off the table is at appears he will opt-in to the next year of his contact and remain with the Magic through the 2012-2013 season. The Nets have long been presumed to be the favorite to land Howard in a trade, but his recent move eliminates that possibility. For now.

In the meantime, the Nets are ready to move forward with Williams, who has grown increasingly fond of the New York market (the Nets will move to Brooklyn next year), and may sign an extension this summer.

For more on the Nets, visit Nets Daily. For more on Howard and the Magic, head over to Orlando Pinstriped Post. And for more on the NBA Trade Dealine, check out SB Nation NBA.

Deron Williams Trade Rumors: Nets Not Trading Star Point Guard

In the wake of Dwight Howard's on-again, off-again pronouncements about whether or not he is willing to remain with the Orlando Magic, the New Jersey Nets have been left to wonder what is next for them. One thing that won't happen if Howard does not agree to a trade to New Jersey is a trade of Deron Williams.

Alex Raskin of Hoopsworld reports that the Nets will hold on to Williams, who can also be a free agent this summer, even if Howard does not join them via trade by Thursday's 3 p.m. ET NBA Trade Deadline. Raskin said the Nets believe "Williams will re-sign if they can make themselves competitive in the offseason."

Howard has vacillated between saying he wanted to leave Orlando to saying he would stay for one more year, and no one knows for certain how the Magic are reacting to Howard's indecision.

The only thing that is certain is that the trade deadline is Thursday afternoon.

New Jersey Nets Trade Rumors: Kris Humphries Might Be Willing To Go

There are no indications that the New Jersey Nets are trying to trade power forward Kris Humphries. There are no indications Humphries wants to leave, either. Humphries, though, says he would waive his no-trade clause for the right situation.

"Would you jump off a bridge?" Humphries asked reporters who inquired about his willingness to waive the no-trade. "It depends how high the water is (or) if there was a drowning baby in the water. I mean, because you (might) jump off in the summer, if it was warm out, (and) you know the water was deep underneath.

"It’s all circumstantial, is the point I’m trying to make," he said.

Humphries, 26, is averaging career highs in points (13.6) and rebounds (10.7) per game this season.

What would the right situation be? Humphries did not say, and you have to think Nets general manager Billy King is unlikely to ask.

New Jersey Nets Trade Rumors: Boris Diaw And His Expiring Contract?

The New Jersey Nets are reportedly interested in acquiring Boris Diaw and his expiring contract from the Charlotte Bobcats prior to Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline.

From the Observer [via HOOPSWORLD]:

The New Jersey Nets would like Boris Diaw’s expiring $9 million contract number, and they’d give up the future first-round pick the Houston Rockets owe them to accomplish that. The Bobcats would have to take players with financial obligations beyond this season.

I hear Jordan Farmar and Johan Petro would come to Charlotte.

Diaw reportedly has a $9 million contract, and this move would be entirely about clearing cap space for this summer as the Nets try to construct a team to begin their tenure in Brooklyn for the 2012-2013 season.

The seven-foot Petro is a replaceable spare part. Farmer is averaging a career-best 10.7 points per game this season.

At first blush it seems like a lot to surrender for the cap space. If, however, the Nets need the money for a summer pursuit of Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard it would be a price worth paying.

Nets Trade Rumors: Josh Smith A Fit For New Jersey?

Could unhappy Atlanta Hawks' forward Josh Smith, who has expressed a desire to be dealt by the March 15 NBA Trade Deadline [via HOOPSWORLD] be a target for the New Jersey Nets? Smith has one year left on his contract after this season at $13.2 million, and if the Nets can fit that number into their budget the move makes sense on a couple of levels.

First, the small forward spot Smith plays has been a sore spot for the 13-27 Nets all season. The 6-foot-9, 225-pound Smith, who is averaging 17.1 points, 9.8 boards and two blocks a game this season would certainly do that. Smith, 26, is an inconsistent offensive player and poor shooter, but is one of the league's most athletic small forwards and an outstanding defender.

"People look at the offensive end but defensively he changes the game," Hawks coach Larry Drew said recently. "He is one of the few players I think that can play a defensive game and impact the game even if his offense is not on that night."

The other factor that might make Smith an attractive acquisition for the Nets? HOOPSWorld reports that Smith and Dwight Howard, the star Orlando Magic center the Nets are desperately hoping to bring to Brooklyn, have been life-long friends.

HOOPSWORLD also mentions that the Magic, who are still clinging to the idea they can convince Howard to stay, might make a play for Smith for that very reason. It will be interesting to see if the Nets try to beat Orlando to the punch.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Does Howard Have Eyes For Brooklyn?

The future of the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets franchise may hing one what happens — or does not happen — in the next seven. The NBA Trade Deadline is March 15, and the question that hangs over the Nets — and really the entire NBA — is ‘will the Orlando Magic trade Dwight Howard to the Nets?’

Most analysts seem to believe that if the Magic — reluctantly — deal the start center before the deadline rather than risk losing him and getting nothing in return this summer that New Jersey remains the only realistic trade partner.

Ken Berger of CBS Sports points out that Howard could want Brooklyn more than any other destination not only to play with start guard Deron Williams, but because of off-thecourt opprtunities that would come with being in New York. Berger wrote:

If Howard wants more global exposure and the opportunity to eclipse whatever money he’d be leaving on the table by leaving Orlando, those opportunities will be there for him if he chooses the Nets and joins Deron Williams in Brooklyn next season.

During a roundtable, several NBA experts agreed that, despite the logic of trading Howard and making sure they get something for him, that the Magic appear hell-bent on keeping him and convincing him to stay in Orlando.

If they can’t get Howard the Nets run the risk of losing Williams to free agency this summer.

Dwight Howard Rumors: Does Lopez Injury Impact Potential Deal?

As soon as New Jersey Nets center Brook Lopez went down Sunday with a sprained ankle that will sideline him for three weeks, the question became obvious. With Lopez being the prime bait, how does that impact the Nets ability to make a trade for Orlando Magic superstar center Dwight Howard before the March 15 NBA Trade Deadline? According to at least one report, Lopez' injury should not impact a potential deal.

Pro Basketball Talk writes that "a standard sprain is not going to scare a team off" and still considers the Nets the front runner. If, that is, the Magic actually decide to deal Howard before the deadline and not roll the dice on trying to keep him -- and potentially losing him without getting anything in return.

The Magic say that six to eight teams are still in contact with them about Howard.

The Nets, of course, are hoping to add Howard to a lineup that includes star point guard Deron Williams.

Nets Trade Rumors: New Jersey Interested In Michael Beasley?

Is Michael Beasley on the radar of the New Jersey Nets? The Minnesota Timberwolves forward has become expendable due to the emergence of rookie Derrick Williams. Now the Timberwolves are looking to deal Beasley, according to multiple reports. Among the teams interested in Beasley is the Nets.

In fact, the Nets were on the short list of teams contacted by Minnesota.

According to multiple FOX Sports Ohio sources, the Wolves have already spoken with New Jersey, Houston and the L.A. Lakers about Beasley. (Fox Sports Ohio)

However, the report also says that Beasley's most likely landing spot is with the Boston Celtics, which might unload Jermaine O'Neal to get Beasley.

Beasley is averaging the fewest points (12.8) and rebounds per game (5.3) of his career this season.

The Nets have been trying to upgrade their small forward position, and talent-wise the 6-foot-9 Beasley would do just that. If the Nets are trying to put together a trade for Beasley they have until March 15, the NBA trade deadline.

-- For more Nets coverage, visit our team page, or our blog Nets Daily.

Deron Williams Rumors: Nets Understand The Dallas Threat

There has been and will continue to be speculation that New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams could head home to play for the Dallas Mavericks next season if the Nets are unable to bring Dwight Howard to Brooklyn for the 2012 season. With the Nets playing in Dallas tonight Williams was, of course, asked about the Mavericks. As the Star-Ledger reported, Nets fans "won't get any reasurance" from what Williams said.

"It's probably my favorite (arena) to play in. I just enjoy playing here - I enjoy playing in front of my friends, family. It's always good they get the chance to come and see me play," Williams said.

That isn't exactly a "see ya later" shot across the bow of the Nets. It is, however, fair warning. And the Nets definitely do not have their heads in the sand on this one. Listen to coach Avery Johnson:

"For me personally, working for Mark Cuban, he's a threat, okay?" said Johnson, who coached the Mavs 2005-2008. "I know the guy. So I think because of the success he's had - and I know he got criticized a lot for ... all those years where he didn't win a championship - but he's had some really great success here that rivals any situation. So that's a threat. And for us, we don't make any assumptions until we get Deron signed on the dotted line."

The Nets are in a fight to change the fortunes of their franchise when they move to Brooklyn. How it turns out is still anybody's guess at this point.

Nets Rumors: If They Can't Get Howard, Will They Also Lose Deron Williams?

If the New Jersey Nets lose out on Orlando Magic superstar center Dwight Howard could they also end up losing point guard Deron Williams? Our friends at SB Nation's NetsDaily have uncovered a couple of reports indicating that is a distinct possibility.

The Nets, of course, have pinned their hopes on bringing in Howard via trade or free agency -- most likely the latter at this point -- and pairing him with the extraordinary point guard Williams as they move into their new home in Brooklyn for the 2012-2013 season this coming fall.

Losing out on Howard then having Williams exit via free agency this summer is the nightmare scenario for New Jersey. Via Nets Daily, ESPN Insider Chad Ford thinks it is more than just a possibility.

The only scenario where he doesn't [leave as a freee agent] is if the Nets swing a deal for Dwight Howard at the trade deadline. At that point, I think Williams hangs around. If that doesn't happen, I think Williams will join Dwight Howard in Dallas next summer. Lots of signals pointing to this being the preferred outcome for both players."

That is not what the Nets, and their fans, want to hear.

Wojnarowski: Nets Or Mavericks For Dwight Howard

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, one of the most well-connected and knowledgeable NBA writers in the business, said Thursday he believes Orlando Magic superstar center Dwight Howard will wind up with either the Brooklyn Nets or Dallas Mavericks next season.

"There's really two scenarios for him in free agency," Wojnarowski told WEEI Radio. "One is going to Brooklyn with Deron Williams and the other is going to be Dallas."

Wojnarowski offered a scenario that would be a nightmare for Nets fans. He stated that the Mavericks would like to unload the contract of forward Shawn Marion, then use the cap space to pursue BOTH Howard and Williams as free agents during the offseason.

"If they can get rid of Shawn Marion Dallas is in the game for both those guys," Wojnarowski said.

The Nets, of course, have been hoping to add another marquee player to add to Williams as they move to Brooklyn next season. The most likely target at this point has been Howard. Losing out on Howard, then watching Williams follow him to the Mavericks, would be devastating for the franchise as it tries to get a fresh start in Brooklyn.

Nets Trade Rumors: New Jersey Still Favorite For Dwight Howard?

The Dwight Howard Saga has been ongoing since the off-season and much like when LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were threatening to switch teams, the New Jersey Nets have been in the forefront of rumors as potential suitors for the mega-starts.

Prior to the regular season the Nets appeared to be on the verge of acquiring Howard via trade, but talks fell through when the centerpiece of the deal in exchange for Howard, Brook Lopez, suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for the entire season up to this point.

According to the New York Post, the Nets are still confident about their chances of acquiring Howard:

The Nets have been quietly confident all along about Howard.As the Knicks thought about Anthony last year, the Nets and obviously believe if they land him they can keep him. And they believe they can land him. So some around the Nets have used those buzzwords "favorable ... strong ... good."

-- For more Nets coverage, visit our team page, or our blog Nets Daily.

Patrick Ewing Takes Another Shot At 'Brooklyn' Nets

The New Jersey Nets will soon be moving to Brooklyn. But Patrick Ewing doesn't think the change in location will be enough to win over New York City fans.

Dwight Howard Free Agency 2012: Carmelo Anthony Offers Advice

Carmelo Anthony remembers the endless questions about his future, the pack of reporters sitting at his locker each day and the rumors that swirled in the air every time he was inside an NBA stadium, or even when he wasn't. The New York Knicks forward has been through an ordeal similar to Dwight Howard's current situation, and has some advice. (via ESPN)

"Honestly, man, I haven't really been keeping up with the whole Dwight Howard situation," Melo said at Monday morning's shootaround at the Knicks' practice facility. "I've just seen he's been playing well, they've been playing well. That's all I've been keeping up with.

"As far as his situation, trust me I know mentally what he's going through. All I can say is, 'Keep playing the way you're playing and keep doing what you've got to do for your team and whatever happens, happens at the end of the day.'"

Anthony's future was one of the league's biggest storylines last year prior to the trade deadline, when he was moved from the Denver Nuggets, signed a contract extension and all the rumors finally ceased. Now, Howard has become the most desired trade target in the NBA and the top free agent should he decide not to sign a contract extension, if and when he is traded.

In the meantime, Howard has done his part to maintain focus, averaging 18.6 points and 14.6 rebounds during the Orlando Magic's 6-3 start.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

Deron Williams Free Agency Rumors: Williams Says '90 Percent Chance' He Stays With New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams said Thursday there's a 90 percent chance he remains a New Jersey Net, but believes the Nets need to make roster improvements.

Nets Trade Rumors: New Jersey Reportedly Preparing Huge Offer For Dwight Howard

The Nets are reportedly preparing a huge package to land coveted Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard before 2012