NBA Rumors

Some reports have Paxson talking to the Houston Rockets about a deal for seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady. The 6-8 McGrady, who is averaging 22 points and has two NBA scoring titles, would fill the Bulls' voids of backcourt size and star power but would be costly in both players and money. McGrady, who has a history of back trouble, is making $19 million this season, and his contract has two more years worth $44 million.

Center Ben Wallace, who makes an average of $15 million per season and also has two years left on his contract, likely would have to be part of such a deal.

This was out of character for Isiah Thomas. Normally, he confines himself to saying stupid stuff, and last night was no exception. Beforehand, he was asked about possible trades, which was appropiate considering the Tracy McGrady's name has started coming up in trade rumors.

Thomas, of course, would welcome McGrady to New York with a ticker-tape parade. He drafted T-Mac in Toronto, so he has a history with him. And there are a few things that make McGrady perfect for the Knicks.

On Jose Calderon: the unassuming 26-year-old has shone since stepping into the starting lineup for injured guard T.J. Ford. He leads the league in assists to turnovers with a 6.15 ratio - 289 assists to 47 turnovers - and is on pace to break Terrell Brandon's record of 6.14 set in 2001-2002 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Records on this statistic only go back to 1988-'89). Ford was one of five Raptors on the all-star ballot, but has missed 13 consecutive games with a neck injury. Now Calderon is being mentioned as a favourite to be a coach's pick for the team.

Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo said yesterday he is going to continue to try to acquire another point guard even though T.J. Ford will begin working out this week. "I've been in communication with a number of teams, doing the normal course of activity in terms of making and receiving phone calls and talking about improving our basketball team," said Colangelo, adding that acquiring a point guard is a priority.

Some point guards mentioned as possibly being available include former Raptor Damon Stoudamire of the Memphis Gizzlies, Jason Williams of the Miami Heat and Luke Ridnour of the Seattle SuperSonics. The Raps have previously expressed interest in Ridnour, but his game has tailed off and he is due $6.5 million US in each of the next two seasons.