Larry Bird Denies Trade Rumors

by Tom Lewis on Jun 24, 2008 5:06 PM EDT

Larry Bird just met with the media and Bruno reports that he snuffed out any hopes that the J.O. to Toronto deal was still alive.

Larry Bird didn't wait long. As he was settling into his seat before a pre-draft press brieding Tuesday, Bird said, "No big announcements."

Then, pointing to Indianapolis Star beat writer Mike Wells, Bird added, "and you're wrong, too."

Ouch. That's cold. He also added that they have talked to a number of teams but any serious trade talk at his point is pure speculation.

Here's Mike's story on the presser with interesting comments about which Pacers are available. Basically, everyone but Granger and maybe Dunleavy but he certainly wasn't protecting Shawne Williams.

"If I get another pick, I'd like to have it in the teens, maybe 20, about the highest," Bird said. "With the situation we're in now, we need somebody who can help us right now."

He acknowledged Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy are the closest players to being untouchable on the roster.

He said forward Shawne Williams "is on thin ice" and point guard Jamaal Tinsley was below him.

Read into that what you will, but I view it as Shawne not yet meeting the offseason expectations on the court.

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Unless JO doesn't have an opt-out/early termination clause in his contract

There is no WAY the Pacers can trade him before July 1st. It’s illegal under CBA bylaws. (I’m wondering why no gifted reporter hasn’t mentioned this. I’m guessing it’s because JO announced he’s not opting out, which makes no absolute difference.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Jun 24, 2008 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

Let me help you on a few pointers

I just wrote a diary on my mothership, and I suggest reading Larry Coon’s FAQ in case anything I say doesn’t strike your fancy.

I know JO’s said he isn’t opting out, but I can’t imagine that would change how his trading status would be viewed. Also Ford is BYC and Nesterovic is in the same position as JO (he has a player opt out too I imagine he’s not using) so that from 3 angles that trade wasn’t being contemplated.

I still can’t figure out what was so swell about the deal from the Raptors point of view, but then again I’m not a huge JO fan either. Especially since he signed his mega bucks deal and is trying to be a skinnier Charles Barkley (the interviews not the gambling—although I suppose that’s possible too).

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Jun 24, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I do think though

That there is a strong possibility that the franchise did let the rumor’s linger to see how much interest was left in JO and the Pacers at this stage of the game. As every Pacers fan knows, there hasn’t been much interest in the team lately, and what better way is there then to guage whether fans care by putting an impossible trade rumor out there to see how the fans react? (Oh, and it’s not like papers haven’t ever perpetuated anything like this to increase circulation or anything either.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Jun 24, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

I'm for any trade not involving Granger (well unless it's frickin' amazing).

I’m especally for trading JO, Tinsley, and Shawne. The night they drafted Shawne was my the lowest point in my Pacers-fandom. Such a horrendous pick which was only driven home by Bird declaring it’s who they’d wanted. That’s the day I lost faith in the Legend as a front office man.

Come on Larry. Do something to resotre my faith in Basketball Jesus!

by SethGrandpa on Jun 24, 2008 4:52 PM EDT reply actions

i dont think shawne

is as big of a bust as some people think. This year, to me at least, it seemed when he got minutes consistently and was comfortable out there he was pretty dam good. He’s athletic and is not perfect, but i think if you give him consistent minutes throughout the season, and he knew he would be getting them, that he would be productive. That draft though i really wanted marcus williams, and couldnt believe we didnt grab him. The nets should unleash him cause he can definitely be a solid guard in the league.

by captain flitzy on Jun 24, 2008 5:17 PM EDT reply actions