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NBA: Feb. 21, 2007

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Grizzlies president Jerry West still is holding out for at least two players from the Bulls' main core of Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni if a trade involving Pau Gasol is to happen, according to team insiders. Both sides are describing talks as dead. -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal

As for a report that the Bulls could get Zach Randolph from the Trail Blazers without losing a young talent such as Ben Gordon or Luol Deng, Blazers president Steve Patterson laughed before telling the Portland Tribune, "Guess again." -- Chicago Sun-Times

While several NBA execs put a damper on the possibility of Jason Kidd moving anywhere by tomorrow's deadline, other league sources claimed new talks were initiated regarding Vince Carter, despite his ability to opt out of his contract at season's end. One exec said there was a 50-50 chance of a trade. -- New York Post

Despite rumors of Pau Gasol heading to Boston, several league sources said yesterday that things were relatively quiet, especially around the Celtics. It seems logical for Danny Ainge to wait until the offseason to make a big move. -- Boston Globe

There has been much speculation that Vince Carter would like to go to the Orlando Magic because he is from nearby Daytona Beach, Fla. But in a telephone interview Tuesday, the Magic's general manager, Otis Smith, said he had not seriously thought about acquiring Carter. -- New York Times

Isiah Thomas wants Jason Kidd out of New Jersey, and preferably out of the Eastern Conference. He has no interest in acquiring Kidd, however. There is zero chance, Thomas insisted yesterday morning, the Knicks will make a trade before tomorrow's deadline. -- New York Post

During a brief lull in the war between the Kidds, Jason Kidd and his spurned spouse agreed yesterday to drop the criminal domestic violence complaints they filed against each other. But the bitterness remained palpable in the courtroom where the NBA star sat stone-faced and refused to acknowledge Joumana Kidd even when she passed within inches of him. -- New York Daily News

Lakers officials are privately livid that Vladimir Radmanovic hurt himself during the All-Star break, although they're taking his word that he wasn't skiing or snowboarding. Radmanovic said he fell while stepping into the street after getting coffee Saturday afternoon with a friend. -- Los Angeles Times

Phil Jackson said he hadn't talked with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak about the possibility of reuniting with 41-year-old Scottie Pippen, who said over the weekend that he would like to come out of retirement and play again. -- Los Angeles Daily News

Will James Posey -- provided he's not traded -- make a strong case for Miami to re-sign him, despite luxury-tax issues? Unless owner Micky Arison surprisingly agrees to pay a tax, Miami likely will need to choose between Posey and Jason Kapono this summer. -- Miami Herald

Heat guard Gary Payton, 38, said Tuesday ''he's leaning 75 percent'' toward retiring this summer. -- Miami Herald

Michael Jordan is living large. The soon-to-be-divorced NBA great flew a gorgeous woman from Miami to Las Vegas for last week's Hoopology Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, sources said. -- New York Post

Luther Head and Bonzi Wells, with proven abilities to contribute off the bench and modest contracts, have been the most sought-after Rockets. But for the same reasons, the Rockets will be cautious about moving any players in the rotation. -- Houston Chronicle

Knicks guard Steve Francis turned away at Mansion on Friday and Prive on Saturday because he and friends were deemed underdressed. -- Miami Herald