Ian Thomsen of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED reports that the New Jersey Nets have traded Richard Jefferson to the Milwaukee Bucks.

In return, the Brooklyn-bound ball club gets Yi Jianlian. As a result of the deal, the Nets won’t have to pay Jefferson $15 million in 2010 - and the freed-up salary space could help lure LeBron James to the team when the Cavs star becomes a free agent that season.

The deal is also a win-win in other ways: Read more…

• John Jagler of 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee puts out an APB for this Bears motorist in Wisconsin taking license with a playful poke at the Packers.

• Not to be outdone by literary giant Jose Canseco, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY prints out word that Larry Bird & Magic Johnson will be teaming up to write a book together about their long-time rivalry & friendship.

• So, what’s Avery Johnson been up to these days? Well, THE MERKIN SPORTS drives up video oft the ex-Mavs coach now selling cars.

• Sam Smith of HOOPS HYPE guzzles down the opinion that it’s alcohol and not marijuana that should be the biggest cause of the NBA’s concern.

Read more…

Vince Carter is attempting to succeed where Vin Baker, George Brett & Jared Allen have failed - by starting up his own self-named restaurant.

The DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL serves up news that the New Jersey Nets star is working on establishing a local upscale eatery. Well, actually, it’s his mom that’s doing all the work: Read more…

Carmelo Anthony could soon be taking his game to the Jersey swamps.

(You should get a free bowl of soup with a hat like that)

Al Iannazzone of the BERGEN RECORD reports that deals are in discussion to send the Nuggets star to the Nets. The reality of the trade could depend on how well New Jersey places in Tuesday’s NBA Draft Lottery.

Read more…

An unannounced appearance by Richard Jefferson at a private hotel party got the birthday boy all choked up - but not in a good way.

The MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE reports that assault charges have been filed against the New Jersey Net for attacking a man at a Minneapolis hotel last January. The charges claim that Jefferson choked the man until he briefly lost consciousness. Read more…

Jason Kidd and Shaquille O’Neal both stepped back on the court in new uniforms Wednesday night. But their debuts could have gone better.

Kidd committed 6 turnovers while only scoring 8 points during the first game of his second go-around with the Mavericks. Shaq did a little better, scoring 15 points & 9 rebounds in 29 minutes of action for the Suns. But both stars performing on their new stages had their spotlights swiped. Read more…

DEADSPIN (via INDY CORNROWS) leaks out word of who may have secretly recorded one of Bobby Knight’s better-known locker room blow-ups: New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank.

On the heels of tonight’s Indiana-Purdue game, the INDIANAPOLIS STAR looks back at the 1991 tirade of the ex-Hoosier coach spewing out profanities in classic Knight form (definitely NSFW). And one former IU player says the Nets’ minder was the one who probably taped it. Read more…

CAN’T STOP THE BLEEDING has the most important aftermath of the soon-consumated player exchange between the Mavs and Nets - Jason Kidd’s tribute to everyone’s favorite New Jersey City. Make that City of New Jersey. Oh f— it, just let J-Kidd spell it out in the NEW YORK POST: “Jersey is a great city. It doesn’t get its just [due]. The state itself. The golf is great. The fans were wonderful. I wish them the best of luck.”

We’ve got an early bead on the location of Kidd’s next tee time.