I Love Rumors 7!

http://lebasketbawl.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-love-rumors-7.html

• It looks like Shaq instigated the trade to Phoenix. Who would have guessed? It's really not that surprising, the guy is about to retire and Phoenix gives him an outstanding chance at one last title.

• Mark Cuban not worried about all these blockbuster trades out west! "It doesn't impact us at all," he said about the trades in an e-mail interview. "If we play to our ability, we can match up with any team in the West."

• Bobcats growing accustomed to losing. What do you think about that Mike?

• The Blazers are falling off as of late and news of Rudy Fernandez coming over from Europe anytime soon would be a good thing, but he doesn't want to talk about it.

• Wondering why Jason Kidd didn't wind up in Dallas again? Maybe because Cuban loves him some Devon Harris!

• Ben Wallace to the Jazz for Andrei Kirilenko has to be the most absurd rumor I've heard in a while. Come on Chicago (Paxon), aren't you better than that?

• Shaq practiced, got a little winded, could play Wednesday?

• Phil Jackson is down with the Shaq trade. Maybe he just wants to be the one taking out the Diesel in his final championship run.

• The European invasion has been going on for a while and now you can start welcoming their coaches! CSKA Moscow coaching legend Ettore Messina wants to catch a flight to the U.S. for an assistant job.

• Rasheed Wallace had his vacation planned long ago. Well, he'll be canceling it and heading to New Orleans later this week for the All-Star game! Sucker.

• Ben Gordon is set to have an MRI on his knee. What a horrific season it has been for the not-so-Baby Bulls. Luol Deng missed his 10th straight and Kirk Hinrich has been in and out all season long.