IC Cold Links: Trade Talks Continue With Pacers Involved; All-Star Weekend Begins

The latest trade rumors swirling around the NBA seem to always have Troy Murphy involved in some capacity. That hasn't ended with the All-Star Weekend upon us.

As goodlucksaturday noted in his fanpost this morning, the Cavaliers are still pushing for talks involving the Pacers power forward, but it's apparently taken a backseat to conversations involving Amar'e Stoudemire. According to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, over the past few days the Cavs have had advanced talks with the Suns about Stoudemire. That doesn't mean the Cavs are neglecting their other targets. There are still long-term-target forwards Antawn Jamison and Murphy, but the Cavs are focusing on Stoudemire.

Brian Windhorst wrote, "The Cavs are believed to still have talks open with the Pacers for Murphy and the Wizards for Jamison, plus options for three-team deals. But sources indicated the Stoudemire talks were the most advanced."

Just like the Pacers, the Suns are apparently pulling strong for J.J. Hickson to be involved in any type of trade with the Cavs. Phoenix is suggested to have a leg up on the competition due to Cavs GM Danny Ferry and Suns GM Steve Kerr having a strong, long relationship that also brought together the Shaq deal this summer. The Plain-Dealer also noted that Jason Richardson is being added to the trade talks with hopes of dragging a third team into the mix.

More trade talks after the jump, along with some links from the first night of All-Star Weekend.

• Trade Talk: More on Murphy, possible Ridnour destinations
  SB Nation's Brew Hoop discusses the possibility of the Bucks adding Murphy to their roster.
• Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans fuels rookie team to rare Challenge win - ESPN
  Just in case you want to get sick to your stomach, while our rookie Tyler Hansbrough is sitting at home trying to balance himself while sitting on the couch this All-Star Weekend, DeJuan Blair set a rookie record with 23 rebounds and 22 points while leading the rookie squad to a rare win against the sophomores.
• Gordon dunks out
  Local standout Eric Gordon was bounced from the dunk-in competition Friday night.
• PETA asks Bird to stop endorsing McDonald's | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
  Larry Bird's two seconds of face-time during the Super Bowl has PETA up in arms about his supporting of McDonald's.
• Courtney Lee, Jared Dudley among those rising in NBA fantasy value, especially in turnover formats
  Brandon Rush leads ESPN's list of promising pick-ups in NBA fantasy leagues.
• Players, owners already at odds
  Sports Illustrated's Frank Hughes takes time during the All-Star Break to examine the already strained relationship between the owners and players.