IC Cold Links: Pacers Still In Amundson Discussion; Team USA Needs To Cut One

A few interesting stories floating around the links today, but one with a direct link to the Indiana Pacers is this blurb on free agent Lou Amundson in USA Today.

Forward Lou Amundson, the odd man out in the Phoenix Suns' offseason shuffle, is expected to sign this week with the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets or Indiana Pacers. "We're getting close to doing something," said Mark Bartelstein, his agent. "I think we'll get something done with Louis this week." 

It still seems like a stretch for the Pacers to sign Amundson unless another deal is made since there's currently no room on the roster for a free agent. Considering several Pacers, including Danny Granger and James Posey, are represented by Bartelstein the fact that the Pacers remain in the discussion about Amundson raises a couple of possibilities.

Either Bartelstein is working closely with the Pacers to find away to make room for Amundson on the team's roster or the Pacers are doing Bartelstein a solid by raising demand for the former Phoenix forward. At least we know the offseason activity continues at the Fieldhouse.

After the jump, more links of interest including Team USA still sitting on a player cut, a loot at Gordon Hayward and reaction to a wild radio interview yesterday by Memphis owner Michael Heisley.

Also, Mark Boyle's Wish Walk update reveals that Boyle will surpass the 100 mile mark today. Check out the site to donate and laugh at the updates on his trek.

• NBA.com: An NCAA star, Hayward ready to be a teammate in Utah
  Fran Blinebury profiles former Butler star Gordon Hayward and finds he shares some history with John Stockton. Both were booed by Jazz fans on draft night.
• NBA.com: U.S. roster still in flux as World Championship draws near
  Team USA still needs to cut one player and John Schuhmann takes a spin through the roster still wondering if Danny Granger didn't play on Sunday for a reason.
• Trading Rudy Fernandez won't be easy for Trail Blazers - USATODAY.com
  J. Michael Falgoust reports on Rudy Fernandez causing problems for the Blazers along with the blurb on Amundson.
• Michael Heisley Blows Up on Local Radio Host Chris Vernon - Straight Outta Vancouver
  Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley erupted on local radio man Chris Vernon's show during an interview this afternoon.
• Michael Heisley Defends Grizzlies' Stand on Xavier Henry
  Tom Ziller wades throught the Heisley interview.
• Michael Heisley talking turkey
  Henry Abbott is back on the True Hoop grind and just in time to opine on the jaw-dropping radio interview by Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley.
• Report: Denver Nuggets interested in trading J.R. Smith
  The Nuggets unstable offseason continues with reports that J.R. Smith is on the trading block. This after much buzz about Carmelo Anthony trying to work his way out of town which certainly unsettles any foundation in Denver.
• Calderon to miss world championships after tearing muscle in left leg against US
  Spain/Raptor point guard, Jose Calderon injured his leg during Sunday's game against Team USA and will now miss the FIBA World Championships.