Hoops News Blog

When Matt Delzell takes a look at Ricky Rubio through his sports marketer's glasses, all he sees are dollar signs. "He's young. He's Spanish. He's a good-looking kid," said Delzell, a director for Los Angeles-based Davie Brown Talent, one of the largest talent buyers in the United States.

The Indiana Pacers are not bringing back guard Jarrett Jack and may sign Earl Watson to replace him. The Pacers said Monday that they will not match the offer sheet Toronto issued to Jack, a restricted free agent. The Pacers acquired Jack in a five-player trade a year ago. In his one season with Indiana, [...]

Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns have agreed on a two-year, $22 million contract extension, a person close to the negotiations said. The person confirmed the agreement Monday, requesting anonymity because the official announcement hadn't been made. The deal will keep the two-time MVP point guard under contract with the Suns through the 2011-2012 season.

Another round of change for the Timberwolves. Minnesota forward Mark Madsen said Monday that he has been traded along with Sebastian Telfair and Craig Smith to the Los Angeles Clippers for Quentin Richardson. Madsen said his agent confirmed the deal, which was first reported by YahooSports.com. Madsen's hustle and geniality made him a fan favorite [...]

The NBA defended its minimum age requirement to Congress, but a critical lawmaker was unmoved and is asking to meet with top league officials to discuss it, according to letters obtained Monday by The Associated Press. The rule, which is part of the league's collective bargaining agreement with the players union, requires that players be [...]

A lawsuit accuses Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban of wrongfully diverting millions of dollars from the NBA franchise's home arena to make up for shortfalls incurred by the team. Hillwood Center Partners filed the lawsuit last week in state district court in Dallas. The company is controlled by the team's former owner, Ross Perot Jr.

Shaquille O'Neal would deluge Michael Phelps in a cannonball competition. What about a race across the pool? We'll see. The NBA superstar will star in "Shaq Vs.," a TV series where the All-Star center will challenge top athletes in their respective sports. During one episode, which debuts on Aug.

Former NBA all-star Antoine Walker said nothing in a Las Vegas court Monday about criminal charges that he failed to repay $822,500 in casino gambling debts. The 6-foot-9 Walker also declined to comment outside the courtroom after appearing briefly with his lawyer, Jonathan Powell, on three felony counts of writing bad checks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have confirmed their pursuit of restricted free agent forward Jamario Moon, who finished last season with Miami. The Heat have seven days to match Cleveland's contract offer to the 29-year-old Moon. The Cavs announced the offer on Monday but did not release terms. Miami, which may be pursuing free agent Lamar Odom [...]

Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon and Golden State forward Anthony Randolph are heading to USA Basketball's minicamp, while four players are pulling out. Portland's Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, plus Houston's Trevor Ariza and Boston's Glen Davis will not be in Las Vegas. New York forward David Lee and Indiana's Danny Granger will attend [...]