Hooped Up

Damon Stoudamire will sign a pro-rated contract with the Spurs as early as Thursday, after two conversations with Suns general manager Steve Kerr within the past 24 hours led nowhere. “We spoke to him. He understands what we had to offer and he felt San Antonio was the better opportunity,” Kerr said.

East Valley Tribune

Hawks captain Joe Johnson said he was informed before Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers that he would be making his second straight trip to the NBA All-Star Game, which is next month in New Orleans. He will represent the Eastern Conference as a reserve, chosen by the Eastern Conference coaches.

Atlanta Journal Constitution

Frustrated for a second consecutive season, Orlando Magic shooting guard J.J. Redick said Wednesday that he had his agent explore possible trades to see if he could find playing time elsewhere. “We want to see what’s out there,” Redick said. “I want to stay here, but it’s been frustrating.” Magic General Manager Otis Smith, however, said he has told Redick’s agent, Arn Tellem, that he currently has no plans to deal the club’s 2006 first-round pick out of Duke.

Orlando Sentinel

Stromile Swift may not work in a Grizzlies uniform much longer once he returns today from a team-imposed, one-game suspension. The on-again, off-again flirtation with potential trades involving Swift were on again Wednesday, although totally unrelated to the recent disciplinary action against the forward/center.

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Nine years of refinement produces this minimalist classic, complete with an outsole featuring symbols and languages of numerous countries. Michael helps design it and loves it unreservedly, yet for the first time never wears it in competition.

Its November 1993 release follows his retirement the previous month following back-to-back-to-back championships and countless individual awards and accolades. MJ turns to pursue a childhood dream and embarks on a minor league baseball career. Naturally, the AJIX is redesigned as a baseball cleat.

Charlie Villanueva: “I would really like to make Milwaukee a part of my future, but it doesn’t seem realistic at this point in time unless something changes. The moves made by management in the last few months indicate to me that I’m not as important as I once was to this team. I’m not completely sold on my role with the Milwaukee Bucks. And listen folks, I’m just being honest here with you guys. I’m not trying to start any more ‘rah-rah’ to add to the rumors.”

NBA.com

Gerald Green said the reason he wants to be traded is simply a matter of business. He averaged only 12 minutes in 21 games through the first half of the season, leaving him with questions about his future with the team. The Wolves didn’t pick up his contract option for next season, so he will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

St. Paul Pioneer Press

For this years edition of the All-Star weekend dunk competition. You at home can decide which rookie will join Nate Robinson, Rudy Gay and defending dunk champ Dwight Howard in the action. The three rookies you have to choose from are Rudy Fernandez, Joe Alexander and Russell Westbrook. Not a bad bunch, lets hope voters get it right!

Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny presents the Air Jordan 8.

Soon-to-be free agent point guard Damon Stoudamire said yesterday that it would be “dumb” not to seriously consider the Celtics if they wanted him.

Stoudamire’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, confirmed yesterday that his client has agreed in principle to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, expected to become official tomorrow. While terms were not disclosed, Stoudamire was guaranteed $2.1 million this season and $2.3 million next season, excluding bonuses.

Stoudamire acknowledged yesterday that the Celtics, Suns, and Raptors are among the teams expected to have interest in him. The 5-foot-10-inch, 171-pounder could be an unrestricted free agent Wednesday after clearing waivers.