The Thunder has offered Joe Smith to Sacramento in exchange for John Salmons, according to a report in the Sacramento Bee. However, the report, citing league sources, said the Kings haven't heard any trade offers they're interested in.
Salmons, 29, is in his seventh year out of Miami (Fla.). Salmons is averaging career-highs of 18.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. The 6-foot-6 forward has two years remaining on his contract following this season, totaling about $11.2 million. "He's a great kid. I enjoyed working with him for the year," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks, who per team policy doesn't comment on trade rumors but was an assistant one season with the Kings. "He's a very talented player. He does a lot for their team. He passes. He shoots. He defends. He's a terrific player."
ANOTHER CARMELO HEARTBREAK
The Nuggets played without point guard Chauncey Billups (sprained ankle) and forward Kenyon Martin (flu), but Carmelo Anthony still broke Thunder fans' hearts for the second time this season with a driving, go-ahead, basket in the lane with 5.3 seconds left.
"I was trying to hold the ball for the last shot," Anthony said. "I didn't even think it was going to go in to be honest with you. There were a bunch of people on me. But it went in. I'll take it."
The Thunder had three defenders on Anthony.
"He hit a tough shot over a couple of our guys," Brooks said. "Jeff (Green) did a good job staying in front of him. We did a good job of coming over and helping. Carmelo just made a heck of a circus play."
HIGH PRAISE
Denver coach George Karl said he wouldn't be surprised if Kevin Durant some year leads the league in scoring. Durant is sixth in the NBA (25.0) in his second pro season. Durant was second in the NBA in January (27.8).
"When he's making jump shots, he's basically undefendable," Karl said. "You have to choose (trying to deny) the ball from him or double-team him. He'll have to learn to move around and play different places on the court better. But his athleticism is huge. His size is long. When his jumper is going in, you can be three inches from the ball, and it's still going in."
SMITH RETURNS
Smith returned after missing the last 10 games with a cyst on his knee. Smith hadn't played since Jan. 10, an overtime win against the Bulls.
"Joe gave us good energy," Brooks said. "He did a good job of protecting, a good job on the offensive boards. It doesn't surprise me. He is such a smart player and takes care of his body."
Fast break
Russell Westbrook injured his right wrist in the first quarter but returned with his wrist taped. ... Former Thunder center Johan Petro got some playing time with Martin in street clothes. Petro was traded to Denver for Chucky Atkins a month ago. ... The first 20 fans outside the Ford Center received free Thunder rally monkeys. ... In celebration of Black History Month, Langston's marching band performed at halftime.
