What the hell's goin on here! We got who? What? No Dwight? Mo' Dwight?. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

After saying he couldn’t see himself in a Lakers jersey, Steve Nash is now their point guard.

After saying they’d match any offer for Jeremy Lin up to “$1 billion”, the Knicks will probably let Linsanity flow out of Houston.

It is “highly doubtful” NY will match Jeremy Lin’s offer sheet with HOU, source tells Y! Sports. NY likely to wait 3 days before declining.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 15, 2012

Dwight Howard trades to LA, Houston and Brooklyn have been “imminent” a dozen times, Ray Allen is on the Heat and Landry Fields got $20 million to play in Toronto.

With Nets out of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, Rockets have emerged as the front runners.

— Legion Sports (@MySportsLegion) July 12, 2012

The 76ers waived Elton Brand and let Lou Williams walk to Atlanta. Speaking of the Hawks, they did the unthinkable and managed to find a team willing to take on Joe Johnson’s contract; The Nets.

The Charlotte Bobcats got a first round draft pick AND Ben Gordon out of Corey Maggette from the Pistons.

Eric Gordon spoke glowingly about Phoenix after receiving a max contract from the Suns only to have New Orleans match it.

Eric Gordon: “There is always a business element to the NBA when dealing with contracts but I never lost my appreciation for the NOLA fans.”

— Doug Mouton (@DMoutonWWL) July 14, 2012

Kyrie Irving broke his hand slapping a wall (and called out Kobe Byrant) and Blake Griffin hurt his knee with team USA.

Cavs’ Kyrie Irving breaks hand slapping wall padding. espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id…

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 15, 2012

And that’s not everything that went down.

Holy crap.

This summer has been far from slow for the NBA, after last summer ceased to exist.

It has to be a given that the upcoming season will be just as wild, right?

May 18, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions (7) celebrates after scoring a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of game three of the Western Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

The Charlotte Bobcats have finally made some moves in free agency.

Former Myrtle Beach High School star Ramon Sessions signed a two year deal with the Bobcats, probably worth around $4.4 million (the qualifying offer Charlotte rescinded from D.J. Augustin).  In 19 starts for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, Sessions scored 12.7 points, dished out 6.7 assists and grabbed 3.4 rebounds per game.

Augustin scored 11.1 points, dished 6.4 assists and grabbed 2.3 rebounds a game for Charlotte last year.

As a replacement, Sessions does have the better numbers, but it’s somewhat shocking the Bobcats didn’t try to work a sign and trade with a team that really needed a point guard. The Indiana Pacers nabbed Augustin off the market just one hour after he became an unrestricted free agent. Surely Charlotte could’ve got something back for him.

The Bobcats are still in desperate need of a proven player at the power forward spot and anyone who can play (true) center.

Charlotte’s number one option at center is Brendon Haywood who could be picked up off the waiver wire. The Mavs amnestied Haywoood, taking his remaining $35 million off their books (they still have to pay the remainder of that minus whatever the team that picks him up off the wire pays him). Teams under the cap have first dibs at amnestied players, and the Bobcats are expected to put in a serious bid for him.

Another amnestied player could be the guy Charlotte is looking for at PF. Elton Brand won’t be with the 76ers next season, because they’re going to use the one-time amnesty clause on him to clear cap space. The Bobcats will have serious competition with the Dallas Mavericks on this bid; The Mavs have had one of the worst off seasons of any team this year, and they’re in desperate need of proven players to surround Dirk Nowitzki.

The three other players the Bobcats are interested in at power forward are Antwan Jamison (who is deciding between signing for not so much money with a contender, taking more money to be part of a sign and trade that would send him to New Jersey, or taking the most money to play in his home town, Charlotte) and Kris Humphries (who’s probably going to end up in Brooklyn; The nets have reportedly offered Humphries a 3-year, $23 million deal while the Bobcats only offered a 3-year $22 million deal. The Nets are better, and offering more money… kind of a no-brainer).

The most likely PF candidate to end up in Charlotte is Jamison, but don’t count out his desire to get a ring when penciling him in as the Bobcats starting 4 next season. He’s seriously considering playing for the Lakers in 2013.

There could always be more wrinkles, twists, and turns thrown into this off season, but right now, those are the moves Charlotte is pushing.

Not sure why, but this makes me smile. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Cavs have dropped out of the discussion between four teams involved in a 16 player trade that would ultimately send Dwight Howard to Brooklyn. The Charlotte Bobcats have stepped in.

The biggest cog in the deal is Kris Humphries’ assertion that he will not be part of any sign-and-trade that doesn’t end with him getting a long-term deal. Cleveland was only willing to take him on for one season.

There are indications that the Bobcats are willing to sign him for more than that one year:

Bobcats willing to give Kris Humphries multi-year deal in potential 3-way trade with Nets & Magic, source says. … sulia.com/c/basketball/f…

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 10, 2012

Some people say Charlotte might take the Clippers out of this deal too, because the Bobcats also want Marshon Brooks:

/SIGH RT @RicBucher report that Cha would take Brooks to be third team in Nets-Magic DH deal. Source says opposite: Cha wants a 1st rd pick.

— Spencer Percy (@QCsportscrave) July 10, 2012

In the old deal, the Clippers would have reportedly sent a first round pick to the Nets for Brooks, and the Cavs would have reportedly received a first round pick along with Humphries (before they backed out). So, perhaps Charlotte could just keep the pick they would have to send for Brooks and not receive a pick with Humphries (Orlando probably wouldn’t like that).

Here’s why taking on those two players would make (so, so) so much sense for the Bobcats: Brooks (in his rookie season) scored 15.5 points, grabbed 4.4 rebounds and dished out 2.9 assists per 36 minutes last season. Humphries is 26 and he’s averaged a double-double the past two seasons. Last year he scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds a game.

The Bobcats would have a log jam at the 2-guard position if they landed Brooks, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s better to have to find minutes for a few good players than be forced to give minutes to one bad guy. And he’s a productive player who’s signed to a rookie deal.

When it comes to Humphries, there’s really no reason not to take him on and give him the deal he wants; Charlotte was 28th in points in the paint last year and 29th in rebounding.

The other thing to take into account is the opportunities Charlotte probably won’t have in the future; The Bobcats tried to get in on the Eric Gordon sweepstakes, and they tried to bring Goran Dragic to town. Young, productive players aren’t breaking down the door to get to the Queen City anytime soon. Outside of the draft, Humphries might be the best available player the Bobcats could get over the next few seasons.

This move (these moves) would not make the Bobcats so much better that Rich Cho’s build-through-the-draft philosophy would be compromised. But it would make the Bobcats more competitive and watchable.

If the Charlotte Bobcats don’t have to give up any first round draft picks (and they probably wouldn’t to get Humphries, at least), there’s no reason they should back off of this trade. If they have to give up a pick for Brooks, they should just let the Clippers play that role and take on Humphries and the pick that was going to Cleveland.

It’s not like they’ll be competing with the Nets for an Eastern Conference title any time soon, and creating a salary clogged monster in Brooklyn could actually benefit the Bobcats when those players in NY are on the decline, and Charlotte’s future (hopefully… hopefully… maybe?) stars are on the rise.

Apr 14, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Nets power forward Kris Humphries (43) controls tip against Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Aside from the players I listed yesterday, Charlotte will take Ralph Sampson III and Othello Hunter to Las Vegas to be on on its summer league roster.

The other players on the squad will be Kemba Walker, Bismack Biyombo, Byron Mullens, Corey Higgins, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeffrey Taylor.

Charlotte plays five games in Vegas, and you can watch any summer league game you want on NBA.com.

The more interesting news of the day comes out of Orlando/Brooklyn. With trade talks somewhat stalled between the Magic, Nets, Cavs and Clippers, Charlotte could sneak its way into a deal that would send Dwight Howard to Brookyn.

Cleveland has been reluctant to take on Chris Humphries in a sign-and-trade for more than one season, and Humphries wants a long term deal.

If the Bobcats are trying to work their way into this trade, they’re probably willing to give Humphries that longer-term contract.

But, who knows if he’ll agree to a contract that keeps him in Charlotte for the foreseeable future.

For a more in depth version of this story (and other NBA rumors) read the always great Rick Bonnell from the Charlotte Observer.

"...The Bobcats are involved now? ... You serious? They tradin me where? Ahhhh! Good April Fools Joke, bruh!" : Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The Charlotte Bobcats could be the fourth team in a 16 player deal that would send Dwight Howard to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Bobcats would likely replace Cleveland, which is unwilling to take on PF Kris Humphries for more than one season. If this is the reason Charlotte replaces the Cavs, the Bobcats would likely take on Humphries for multiple seasons. The former Hopkins High School star wants a long term deal, and that, from all indications, is what’s holding up the trade.

Humphries scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds per game last season, and he finished the year with a 106 defensive rating and a 54 percent true-shooting percentage.

ESPN Radio was the first to report this news, and the person doing their “Sportscenter” segment said Ric Bucher was the guy who heard it first.

Apr 07, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Magic defeated the Sixers 88-82. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

I started to type this post with the idea of slamming the Brooklyn Nets for missing out on the chance to trade for Dwight Howard (and for taking on Joe Johnson’s crazy salary).

But, I’m listening to Mike and Mike in the Morning and Chis Broussard says the Nets are considering sending their 2013, 2015 and 2017 first round picks to Orlando along with Marshon Brooks, Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries for Dwight Howard.

Sweet Jesus help us all if this trade goes down.

Without Howard, a Big Three of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace would make the Nets a perpetual mirror image of their cross town rival Knicks for the past two seasons: Nothing better than the sixth best team in their conference and maybe nothing better than the second team in their division.

If they land Howard and put him with Williams, Jonson and Wallace, the Nets will fight the Heat in the eastern conference finals for the next five years.

And that wouldn’t be any fun… would it?

In other, less exciting news, of the three teams we know that have interest in J.J. Hickson, it seems like Golden State is his most likely destination.

The Charlotte Bobcats are one team that really wants to land Hickson, but he’ll probably go where the money is, and the Warriors will probably offer him the most money.

Speaking of Charlotte, one guy they’re probably going to land is Antwan Jamison; He told the Charlotte Observer last season that he would be open to signing with the Bobcats and Charlotte management has said one of their priorities this off season is signing a veteran who can still play.

There’s not much more to report on the Jeremy Lin front. The Knicks say they’ll let the market decide his price (and then most likely pay him) and we probably won’t know what that price is until Steve Nash makes his decision… which there isn’t much to report on either.

Mar 21, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (17) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

I just saw a tweet that said the Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets are interested in signing free agent power forward J.J. Hickson.

Hickson, who’s been in the league for four years, had a weird 2011/12 season.

He was signed by the Kings in the off season, played so poorly that Sacramento waved him, got picked up by the Trail Blazers, and averaged 15 points and eight rebounds over the last 19 games of the season.

He made less than three million dollars last season, and my guess is he’ll sign with the team that gives him the best deal.

Other free agent news on this great Monday morning includes… well not too much news.

The Nets are trying to swing so many deals that Chris Brousard’s head must be ready to burst. They’re willing to take on Joe Johnson and his horrifying salary, but they won’t give up Marshon Brooks. They also want to trade for Dwight Howard, sign Steve Nash and if they don’t get any of those guys, they’re likely to match any offer Brook Lopez receives.

The Houston Rockets and Omer Asik have reportedly agreed to a 3-year deal worth over $25 million, and while the Bulls say resigning him is a priority, 72 percent of Bulls fans don’t want their team to match that offer.

Finally, Knicks fans might need to worry about losing Jeremy Lin if the Raptors don’t sign Steve Nash.

According to SI [which cited Chris Brousard (who spoke hypothetically)]:

“While both Lin and the Knicks are hoping for a reunion, sources say that if any clubs offer Lin, a restricted free agent, a backloaded contract that pays him an eight-figure salary in the third and fourth years, the Knicks could be given pause about matching the offer.”

Don’t expect New York to let Lin walk, though. GM Glen Grunwald is going to wait to see what other teams offer his point guard, because he can match any deal.

April 10, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Injured Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard claps from the sidelines against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Dwight Howard and Steve Nash are both getting killed by Internet morons, but for very different reasons.

The backlash against Howard for his childish antics this past season was harsh. Still, for whatever reason (I think he was roofied) he decided to opt into the final year of his contract with the Orlando Magic.

Now, for reasons only he and the Magic are aware of, Howard wants out again. Whether promises were broken or trust was pushed aside, we may never know, but now Howard’s haters are back out in full force.

Steve Nash is catching flack for an entirely different reason; He might just decide to take a three year $36 million deal to go back to his home country and play out what will likely be the final years of his career in Toronto.

Some people think he should take less money to go after a title. And those people are killing him for thinking about signing with the Raptors.  

How can both of these situations exist? Howard being slammed for demanding a trade to a team that with him, could possibly compete for a title as soon as next year, and Nash being slammed for pretty much the opposite of that?

First of all, I don’t like what Howard has done the past few seasons. If he wanted to be traded, he should’ve quietly asked management for one. If he didn’t get it after that he should’ve just opted out of the last year of his contract. Those clauses are put in there for pretty much that exact situation; You want out? Don’t opt in!

If you’re giving Nash a hard time for thinking about going home to finish his career, you just need to take up a new hobby and get off the Internet. He’s given everything to this game and if he wants to sign a bigger deal and fight just to make the playoffs, so be it.

The way things are going, it looks like Nash will end up in Toronto, and Howard will be traded.

And when those things happen, both guys will catch a ton of flack for doing essentially the exact opposite of each other.

Crazy world we live in, huh?

June 1, 2012; Westwego, LA, USA; A detailed view of the winning lottery ball combination (6-4-9-7) and the winning envelope from the NBA draft lottery for the New Orleans Hornets at a press conference at the Alario Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Since this is a Bobcats blog, lets start off with the ongoing drama surrounding Charlotte and Cleveland.

From Ohio.com:

“The Cavs have to decide whether they want Beal, and if so, whether it’s worth trading up to ensure snagging him… The Washington Wizards, selecting above the Cavs at No. 3, insist their trade that brought small forward Trevor Ariza won’t affect their draft board. They’ve been high on Beal and Michael Kidd-
Gilchrist all along.”

The Cavs and Bobcats want to make a trade. But there are a few teams that NEED to make a trade if they want to pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft.

The Brooklyn Nets are one of them, and they are looking to get into the first round according to SI.com:

“The Brooklyn Nets are looking to make a splash with their move across the state line. Apparently that includes a new first-round draft pick to show off to fans, according to a tweet from HoopsWorld’s Alex Kennedy… The Charlotte Bobcats and Oklahoma City Thunder, with selections numbered 2 and 28 respectively, have both indicated a desire to part with their draft picks.”

It would take a whole lot for the Nets to move up to #2, but they might be able to work something out with OKC.

The Portland Trail Blazers could significantly improve their roster if they make the right choices with the #6 and #11 picks in the 2012 NBA draft. According to Yahoo! Spots, neither of them should be spent on Jared Sullinger:

“The red flag that some NBA doctors have assigned to Ohio State prospect Jared Sullinger should become enough to keep the Portland Trail Blazers away… I think that the Blazers really need to focus on getting a center and a point guard in the draft and that the team should not consider picking up Sullinger when he is still on the board at No. 11. Most NBA mock drafts have had Sullinger getting selected before that point, but it’s also very possible that he could drop out of the first round after these medical revelations.”

The 2012 NBA draft is just four days away, and some teams might not know what they’re going to do until they’re on the clock. Trade talk will heat up this week, and some moves might even be made before Thursday night.