If the Nuggets make Carmelo Anthony available via trade as expected, the Kings will make an offer.

"If and when the Denver Nuggets commit to a sign-and-trade for Carmelo Anthony, the Kings will thrust themselves into the conversation. Count on it," writes Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee.

"That said, Joe and Gavin Maloof have been consistent about two things: (1) They are not interested in adding role players to eat up the salary cap space they've finally created; and (2) They are absolutely interested in a game-changer type of player, someone who puts fannies in the seats and affects the won-loss percentage."

Yakhouba Diawara has signed a deal to play in the Italian League this season, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Diawara appeared in just six games for Miami in 2009-10, averaging less than eight minutes per appearance.

Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said Tuesday that he's been in contact with Carmelo Anthony and plans to meet with him soon.

Denver offered Anthony a three-year, $65 million extension through 2014, but if he rejects it, the team will have to consider trading the forward.

According to one report, the Nets are not willing to include Brook Lopez in an attempt to trade for Carmelo Anthony. But New Jersey's offer of Devin Harris, Derek Favors and draft picks may still give the Nuggets the best pieces in return for Anthony.

No mention is made of whether Anthony would agree to sign an extension with the Nets or the other interested teams as part of a trade out of Denver. Anthony's long-term commitment figures to be a prerequisite before teams offer the Nuggets quality assets in a deal.

The Nuggets have had discussions with the Bulls that center around Luol Deng and Taj Gibson.

The Warriors may offer Stephen Curry, Andris Biedrins and draft picks but are not sure that they will make Curry available.

The Clippers are called a long shot with Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon the likely two targets whom Denver would look to acquire.

The Suns have re-signed big man Dwayne Jones.

Phoenix traded Jones to Toronto as part of the Leandro Barbosa/Hedo Turkoglu trade last month, but the Raptors waived him.

The Suns are now carrying 14th players on their roster.

The Cavaliers are in no rush to replace assistant general manager Lance Blanks, who left this offseason to work with the Suns.

"I've talked to a lot of guys. It's not something I'm going to rush," general manager Chris Grant said. "We've got the coaching staff set and our training staff set. Those are the two most important things."

The Spurs opened their practice facility to potential training camp invitees on Monday.

Jawad Williams and Thomas Gardner were among the first players to participate.

"We're going to be looking at a lot of guys over the next few weeks," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. "Eventually, we'll decide on the players we want to bring to camp."

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed second-round draft selection Da'Sean Butler. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Butler, a 6'7", 230-pound forward, played all four seasons at West Virginia University appearing in 146 games (110 starts) and averaged 14.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.06 steals while shooting 44.8 percent from the field, 35.3 percent from three-point range and 73.3 percent from the foul line.

The Hawks would prefer that Al Horford doesn't hit the free agent market next summer.

Horford can become a restricted free agent after the 2010-11 season.

"The Hawks would prefer he not test the market because they know full well he'd be coveted from sea to shining sea," wrote the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The issue is that Jamal Crawford is looking for a contract extension and there have been reports that he'll request a trade if he doesn't receive one.

It was reported on HoopsHype.com over the weekend that the Hawks were close to signing veteran big man Etan Thomas.

Atlanta assistant general manager Dave Pendergraft confirmed the team had Thomas in for a workout but said Thomas is one of a handful of free agents the Hawks are considering.

"He's on a very, very short list," Pendergraft said. "We were pleased with the workout."

Pendergraft declined to comment on the other candidates for Atlanta's 13th roster spot.