- Asked if he dreamed about having Anthony in a Nets uniform, Johnson said, “No, I dream about our center getting 10 rebounds”.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/11/sports/basketball/11nets.html?_r=1&hpw

Brian Cronin:
As we have seen over the last decade, a lot.  

I think the last decade has mostly shown how important a GM is — obviously Dolan should have dumped Isiah earlier, but if Isiah was a good GM, there’d be no issue. As much as I can’t stand Dolan, and as much as maybe this move was forced by David Stern, Dolan DID eventually fire Isiah and hire Donnie Walsh — a move that may lead to a decade of Knick resurgence. His biggest mistake may have been to believe Isiah that the Knicks were back when they briefly sniffed the #8 seed. That mistake probably cost 2 more years of suckiness. But overall, Isiah was only around for 4+ years (late 2003-2008ish) even though it felt like 462345 years. He also hired Layden, but at the time Layden was thought to be a good hire.

Honestly, I can’t stand Dolan but I think he’s probably somewhere in the middle of owner hate-fulness. He’s definitely better than the Sarvers, Sterlings, and non-owners of the Hornets. At least he’ll spend the money and not sell draft picks that become Rajon Rondo. The whole Marbury thing leaves a horrible taste of course.

I think an owner has to make a good GM choice, then just throw money at whatever that GM wants. Hopefully he’s learned his lessons and will either let Donnie choose the next GM or hire someone with a level head and good experience.

Re: the Nuggets front office – I actually think they’re doing a great job. No one has yet been able to get Melo to commit to signing with anyone but the Knicks, and even though they have ZERO leverage without that, they have this ridiculously huge offer from the Nets on the table – AND ARE ASKING FOR MORE!!! I think they know that Prokhorov will basically force Billy King to trade the entire house for Melo, and are just pushing this as far as they can.

Brian Cronin: But Billups’ expiring contract would need to be guaranteed for the Nets to use it to acquire Paul.  

Not if Leon Rose is able to get Paul out of NOLA by draft day this year. It may be a long shot, but why not keep that flexibility open if you’re the Nets? Billups’ contract is non-guaranteed until 5 days after the season ends. Players can be traded as soon as the season ends, a la Kevin Garnett. Seems like there is no reason Jersey would make Billups any promises that would hinder their ability to improve their team, especially considering Billups has no leverage except the ability to pout.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-anthonytrade011011

Billups just wants to make sure they give him the $14 million option for 2011-12.

I am loving how the Nuggets are trying to get about a gazillion different teams involved in this deal, and looking to dump Harrington and Renaldo Balkman in the process (Balkman must be the worst practicer ever outside of AR – he puts up great numbers when he plays but the Nuggets never play him).

My sentiments exactly! why would he stay in DEN and why wouldn’t he look for a new contract as a FA at the end of the season? I think the Knicks would be well served targeting nene right now (assuming Melo in NJ or anywhere else) . Maybe DEN might be willing to trade him right now for fear to loose him for nothing at the end of the season. nene would fit as a big that can run, rebound and provide offense when needed.