The Raptors and Chicago Bulls are reportedly in talks about a trade involving Bulls swingman Jalen Rose, Raptors centre Antonio Davis and others, a source close to the proceedings told The Associated Press.
Other names mentioned in the potential deal include Raptors forward Jerome Williams, guard Alvin Williams and guard/forward Morris Peterson and Bulls forwards Donyell Marshall and Eddie Robinson.
Could Jalen Rose be joining the Toronto Raptors? (CP File Photo)
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According to the source, the teams planned to speak again Saturday and were likely to focus on a two-for-two deal.
Rose, however, said he had been assured by Bulls vice-president John Paxson that he would not be dealt to Toronto.
"It's blown up and become the kind of item that everybody that I know is calling me about," Rose said prior to Chicago's game against the Lakers. "People that I know in L.A. feel like they're coming to see my last game as a Bull.
"If it does happen, that means he went back on his word," Rose said. "I see him as somebody that's a man of his word and I have no reason to believe otherwise."
Chicago has reportedly been shopping Rose around to interested teams in recent weeks. The 10-year veteran is the Bulls' top scorer this season, averaging 15.3 points per game, but after briefly losing his spot in the starting lineup, Rose was said to be disgruntled with head coach Bill Cartwright.
Rose had started in 323 straight games until that point.
Still, Rose said he had no plans on leaving Chicago.
"I've never said that I wanted to play for another team. I'm not saying that now," said Rose, adding that he doesn't believe anyone in the Bulls organization wants him gone.
Marshall said he hadn't heard from Paxson and didn't know anything about a possible deal.
The Raptors also hadn't heard of the trade buzz until they arrived in New Jersey Friday for a Saturday afternoon tilt against the Nets.
"The first thing I heard about that rumour was when I landed," said Toronto coach Kevin O'Neill.
Raptors all-star Vince Carter was overheard outside the team's hotel, saying, "Is it going to go down?"
Davis, an 11-year veteran, has said in the past that he wouldn't oppose a trade out of Toronto. The power forward is averaging just 7.7 points per game for the Raptors, who are scoring only 77.5 points -- the lowest in the league.
Jerome Williams, known by fans as the "Junk Yard Dog," has played with the Raptors since 2000-01 and quickly became a crowd favourite. He said he heard the rumours, but was hoping he wouldn't be included.
"I live for the city of Toronto," said Williams, whose role has been reduced this season with the arrival of first-round draft pick Chris Bosh. "I heard a few things, but I assume it's just rumours."
Jerome Williams is averaging 5.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per outing in 11 games this year.
Alvin Williams, whose minutes have been limited due to painful bone spurs in both ankles, has a career average of 9.0 points and 4.1 assists per game over his career, but is managing just 2.6 points per game this season.
Peterson is also struggling this year, averaging just 6.5 points over his first 11 games. The former NBA rookie of the year has averaged 12.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game during his four-year career.
with files from Associated Press and Sports Network
