It figures: mere hours after reports that the Nets were in "serious talks" with the Orlando Magic to trade for superstar Dwight Howard, Orlando has made it clear that they aren't planning on trading the face of their franchise (for now). For what it's worth, according to Yahoo Sports, Howard "is not a happy camper" with that decision. Which means we can all look forward to going through all this again in four months! more ›

The NBA season starts next week, and new superstar Amare Stoudemire has looked very, very good so far for the Knicks; he scored an NBA preseason high 39 points yesterday against future crosstown rivals the Nets. The two teams have been do-si-do'ing for the past few months in pursuit of Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony, who has expressed a desire to be traded to a bigger market team. And coming out on top of the trade rumor pile today is...the Knicks. more ›

The Knicks might not have been able to convince Lebron James to come to NYC (let us not forget the gospel of delusion), even with the huge resources and dollar signs at their disposal, but leave it to a pro organization to show you how it's done: the Yankees are on the verge of completing a trade for ace pitcher Cliff Lee from the Seattle Mariners. And they're so Fonzie about this stuff, they're trying to get the trade completed before tonight's game, when Lee is scheduled to pitch against them! more ›

Steakhouses have been slowly watching the death of the power lunch, and they won't stand for it anymore. First Maloney & Porcelli wanted you to lie about your steak, and now this: Smith & Wollensky will take your stock bonuses in exchange for a meal. In a Times ad (up on S&W's Facebook page), Smith & Wollensky "will swap NYSE and NASDAQ stock certificates (priced at the close of business) for our USDA Prime, dry aged steaks at both lunch and dinner." Grub Street has the lawyer's disclaimer, which says the diner must present "the original stock certificate, plus a separate stock power with a medallion signature guarantee affixed.' The ad says they'll even take GM, which at $.61 will at least buy you a nice whiff of someone else's steak. more ›

With the U.S.'s decision to put tariffs on tire imports from China—and China's unhappiness with the decision—there are concerns that China may impose retaliatory action on imports of U.S. poultry and vehicles. However, the NY Times suggests there's a secret weapon that Chicken Little might appreciate (or might not). A poultry economist and consultant, Paul Aho, tells the Times, "We have these jumbo, juicy paws the Chinese really love so I don’t think they are going to cut us off." While exports of U.S. chicken to China and Hong Kong only amount to 2% of the total poultry export revenue, it's very profitable: "About half of the chicken parts sold to China are wings and feet, which are worth only a few cents a pound in the United States. As delicacies in China, they fetch 60 cents to 80 cents a pound, a price that no other foreign market comes close to matching." And apparently U.S. poultry companies are the "world’s leading supplier of king-size chicken feet." Cato Institute trade expert Daniel Griswold said there's some risk, "If we are playing a game of chicken with China we are going to be big losers." In the meantime, China wants talks with the U.S. at the WTO. more ›

With one All-Star catcher facing season-ending shoulder surgery, the Yankees acquired another All-Star today when they made a huge upgrade at catcher by trading for Ivan Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers. In return for the 36 year-old catcher, the Yankees sent relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth to the Tigers. Long-time Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, who is in the first year of a 4 year, $52 million contract with the Yankees, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery today and will miss the rest of the season. Rodriguez, who is batting .295 this season with 5 HR and 32 RBI is a 14-time All-Star, 13-time Gold Glove winner, and former MVP (AL, 1999). more ›

NY Giants players Jeremy Shockey has been traded to the New Orleans Saints for 2nd and 5th round draft picks, according to Fox Sports. The tight end has been vocally unhappy this past season, after breaking his leg in a December game against the Redskins (and missing out on the Giants' Super bowl victory), and had complained about coach Tom Coughlin and his teammates. Also, a recent meeting between Shockey and Giants general manager Jerry Reese allegedly became a "shouting match." Fox Sports adds that the deal is subject to league approval and Shockey passing a physical. more ›

While nothing is done until the players actually change teams, the Nets and Mavericks have agreed again on a trade that will send Jason Kidd to Dallas. After Devean George sabotaged the first deal with his refusal to waive his no-trade clause and Jerry Stackhouse incurred the wrath of the NBA with his comments, it took some creativity on both sides to complete the deal. more ›

Jason Kidd has finally gotten his wish and is heading out of town. ESPN is reporting that the Nets and Mavericks have agreed to a deal that will send Kidd to Dallas. While the transaction has not be finalized, it is believed that Kidd and Malik Allen will head to Dallas in exchange for Jerry Stackhouse, Devin Harris, a couple of expiring contracts, some future draft picks and some cash. more ›

It may have taken a few extra hours, but the Mets finally got their man. The Mets and Johan Santana agreed to a six-year, $137.5 million contract, with a club option for a seventh year. When the Mets and Twins agreed to the trade on Tuesday, Major League Baseball gave the Mets and Santana until 5 p.m. Friday to reach a deal. With the deadline approaching yesterday, but no agreement reached, the two sides asked for, and were given, a two-hour extension. What's a couple of hours when you're working out the richest contract for a pitcher in baseball history? All that's left now is a physical for the players involved in the trade. Santana will take his today. more ›

The big sports news of the day isn't the Super Bowl. It's the probable Johan Santana trade that the Mets and Twins agreed to yesterday. And from the reaction of the local papers and sportswriters, it seems like the Mets pulled a fast one on the rubes from Minnesota. If the Mets can sign Santana to a contract extension, it's likely that he will become the highest paid pitcher in baseball, surpassing Barry Zito of the San Francisco Giants. It's believed that Santana and his agent Peter Greenberg are looking for a 6 or 7-year deal in the range of $20-25 million per year. more ›

The Mets have finally landed a much needed arm to lead their rotation. USA Today is reporting that the Minnesota Twins and the Mets have agreed to terms for pitcher Johan Santana. The two-time Cy Young winner comes to the Mets at a high cost, with the Mets delivering outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey to the Twins. Conditions of the deal include the Mets and Santana reaching agreement on a contract (rumored at six or seven year contract extension in the area of $150 million) and that Santana passes a physical. According to USA Today Santana and the Mets have between 48-72 hours to reach an agreement. more ›