There's still time before Thursday's trade deadline, but the Kings are having a difficult time moving Mike Bibby. The challenge is simple, with most of the difficulty coming because of the size of his contract ($28 million in the next two seasons) and the uncertainty of his situation. A team willing to pay for his services has no guarantee he won't opt out after this season, and those looking for salary cap space that would come by acquiring him and Bibby opting out have no guarantee he won't stick around. His recent play is probably a small factor, but it can't help matters that he's offering very little on the floor.
Cleveland remains the closest thing to a frontrunner, though a three-team situation continues to appear the most likely way. Interestingly, I was playing craps at the Palms a few days ago when I could hear a conversation between Cleveland's Eric Snow and Chicago's P.J. Brown, both of whom would seem to have some chance of landing in Sacramento. Snow was venting about how he'd recently lost his starting job, and Brown -- who has wanted out of the Windy City for some time -- was saying the trade talk had been quiet but he was sure the Bulls would pull something off when he least expected it.
The Cavs could send Snow and Drew Gooden -- who I was told the Kings want -- for Bibby, but obviously that deal hasn't had legs. As for Brown, he matters only because a source told me the Bulls are interested in Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Brown makes $8 million while Abdur-Rahim makes approximately $5 million, so another piece would have to be offered from the Kings. But Brown would not only offer a veteran, defensive-minded, rebounding presence behind Brad Miller but an expiring contract.
-- Sam Amick
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