Jerry Zgoda's short takes: Jan. 31

January 31, 2010 at 6:02AM

With the NBA trading deadline just 18 days away, expect:

• Phoenix will trade Amare Stoudemire. The only question is where and when.

• Golden State and Boston reportedly have talked about a Monta Ellis-for-Ray Allen swap that'd bring the Warriors Allen's expiring $19.8 million contract.

• David Kahn promises he won't trade any "core" players until he has evaluated them for full season, but he still has expiring contracts and the rights of Ricky Rubio and Nikolai Pekovic to dangle for the right deal.

• • •

Boston's Glen Davis last week proclaimed he's no longer "Big Baby." He said he'd solicit a new nickname when a reporter suggested "Uno Uno" in the tradition of Chad Ochocinco.

"I like that," said Davis, who wears uniform number 11. "That's my new name. Don't call me Big Baby anymore. I'm serious. If somebody calls me [Big Baby], I'll be really mad."

• • •

New Jersey on Wednesday avoided becoming the first team in NBA history to start a season 3-41 when it beat the Clippers 103-87 at home. Former Gopher Kris Humphries, acquired from Dallas, is getting noticed because of his energy and apparently hasn't been poisoned by the Nets' losing culture yet.

• • •

After starting a seven-game Western trip with losses at Golden State and the Clippers, the Bulls suddenly are surging after winning successive games at Phoenix, Houston, San Antonio and Oklahoma City. Last week, they also acquired Devin Brown -- whom the Wolves nearly received -- from New Orleans.

about the writer

about the writer

Jerry Zgoda

Reporter

Jerry Zgoda covers Minnesota United FC and Major League Soccer for the Minnesota Star Tribune.

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