NBA Rumors Round-Up
NBA Rumors: Udrih Demands Trade
Updated15 Oct 2021
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New York Knicks point guard Beno Udrih has requested a trade, sources told ESPNNewYork.com.
League sources say the 31-year-old veteran communicated his wishes to the Knicks in recent days and the team will try to honor the request.
Udrih signed with the Knicks over the summer for the veteran’s minimum at $1.27 million. At the time, Udrih hoped to be a part of the Knicks’ three point guard rotation along with Raymond Felton and Pablo Prigioni.
Udrih, who has averaged 5.9 points and 3.7 assists in 19.9 minutes this season, thought he’d be a key piece for a contending team when he signed with the Knicks last summer.
However, this season obviously hasn’t gone as planned for New York, as they currently find themselves at 15-26 and in the Eastern Conference’s 11th seed.
Udrih has been playing less and less as of late, logging zero minutes against the Clippers on Friday and four minutes against the Nets yesterday.
Just because Udrih is demanding a trade doesn’t mean he’ll actually be dealt before the Feb. 20 trade deadline. Udrih is still a productive player, but it’s not like teams will be lining up to acquire him. It’s possible that Udrih could be included in a larger deal, but the Knicks don’t have many trade assets.
»In Related: New York Knicks Salary Cap Information
Kobe has no intention of playing in 2016 Olympics, said he would “spectate,” watch “Pau win another silver.”
Kobe on Thibodeau convincing him to play ’16 Olym.: “He can try all he wants. I love Tibs. That convers. w/ him would be more than welcome.” Though Kobe said that about Thibodeau, still said later he does not plan on playing.
This is sad news, but it’s not a surprise. At 35 years old – and coming off of injuries – it’s understandable that Bryant doesn’t even want to think about the Olympics that are still two years away.
Bryant could always change his mind, but it’s hard to imagine him competing, especially with how much wear and tear he has on his body. At the 2012 Olympics in London, Bryant told reporters that it would be his final Olympics as a player, which is why this update isn’t too shocking.
This means that Bryant’s Olympic career will likely end with two gold medals. Bryant would likely have more, but he wasn’t able to start his international career until 2007 for a variety of reasons (offseason wedding, various surgeries, etc.).
»In Related: Kobe Bryant Vows to Return This Season
Dirk Nowitzki said in an interview with Sport1 that he will likely extend his deal with the Mavs in the summer for two or three years.
“In the summer I will be free agent and likely extend the contract for two or three years,” said Nowitzki. “As long as the body supports me, it is still fun to play basketball. After the new contract I will be 38 or 39 and I will probably stop. For a few years it will work out all right.”
Added the German forward who spoke about his friendship with Mark Cuban:“It is clear that our relationship is amicable. We had so many ups and downs together. The championship was the best part. Mark has always supported me. Even when things were not going well, he has always told me: ‘You are and will remain my franchise player.’”
Cross another notable free agent off of the 2014 free agency list. It sounds like Nowitzki has already decided to re-sign with the Mavericks and finish his career in Dallas, rather than weighing his options and spending his final years in another jersey.
At one point in time, it seemed like the 2014 free agent class was going to feature plenty of notable players who were potentially on the move. Now, it’s growing less and less interesting.
Nowitzki clearly wants to stay in Dallas out of loyalty to Cuban. Now, it’s on Cuban to surround his superstar with talent so that the Mavs can contend and not waste the final years of Nowitzki’s career.
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