I feel like this guy is legitimate. Here is his twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Powell2daPeople

Shaun Powell of nba.com and espnnewyork.com is reporting that:

"Larry Bird is trying to talk Nene into accepting slightly lower money so the Pacers can chase other free agents."

"Bird won't spend money just to spend; he will wait until next year if necessary."

Regardless, I would really like to see the Pacers get Nene. I would not give him more than $16 million for 4 years, but adding a piece like him could really take our team to the next level. This report, assuming it is legitimate, shows that the Pacers are true players in the Nene sweepstakes.

If Bird has the guts to play hardball in negotiations with Nene, he is showing how frugal and unwavering the Pacers front office is. I applaud Bird for his efforts with Nene. If Nene truly wants to win a championship and wants to put the team first, sacrificing a marginal sum of money should not be a deal-breaking issue.

Here's to hoping we hear more about Nene in blue and gold in the near future.