Trade Speculation Candidate: Anthony Morrow

When he gets hot, Morrow is the most dangerous 3-point shooter in the NBA

In this truncated season, Anthony Morrow hasn't been amazing for all 35 games but has been one of the Nets' most reliable players on the offensive end. However, he could become a casualty of New Jersey's quest to clear cap space for this upcoming offseason as his 2-yr, $8 million contract, identical in pay and length to Jordan Farmar's, is one that GM Billy King would love to get rid of in a trade for an (hopefully) expiring contract that might be able to fill some of the production void left by Morrow's departure.

Honestly, Anthony is one of my favorite Nets right now and I would hate to see him go to another team but the truth is that may be necessary for New Jersey to acquire big-name free agents this summer (I think you guys know who I'm referring to explicitly). Let's take a look at two potential trade scenarios which could benefit the Nets, and the other team involved, in both talent and salary cap perspectives:

All-Star Saturday: Armor Do Well, the Nets Not So Much

The nice tribute Morrow made to Petrovic, a great shooter in his own right, didn't help him much in his debut appearance in the 3-point contest

In today's All-Star weekend festivities (ok, it was yesterday), the Nets and their D-League affiliate, the Springfield Armor, were really busy. On the D-League side, three Armor players (JameSon Curry, Jerry Smith, and Jeff Foote) played in the D-League All-Star game while L.D. Williams played (and won) in the dunk contest that took place at halftime of the game.

In the game, the East team (with all three Armor players) ended up losing 135-132 to the Western Conference D-League All-Stars. Curry scored a game-high 25 points off the bench on 10-for-16 shooting along with 8 assists. Smith started the game and scored 14 while Foote grabbed 7 rebounds but couldn't find his groove at the offensive end. In a weird note, Andre Emmett, whose 10-day deal with the Nets ended on Wednesday, played on the Western Conference team and scored 15. Emmett wasn't on the East squad because New Jersey didn't call him up from the Armor, but rather the Reno Bighorns.

Netlinked 2/21/12: Morrow loses some teeth, Shawne Williams needs surgery, Deron to the Skills Competition, and Much more

In the aftermath of last night's rousing Nets win over the hated Knicks, it was found that Anthony Morrow got a few of his teeth knocked out because of a dirty Carmelo Anthony elbow that didn't even get called a foul. The play in question was late in the 4th quarter and looked pretty serious but it obviously wasn't that bad if Morrow was able to re-enter the game just a few moments later. He is probably going to be able to play on Wednesday against the Magic.

Another Net got some injury news yesterday, albeit it was worse than Morrow's. The Nets have announced that Shawne Williams, who hasn't played since February 11th, will require surgery on Wednesday to remove a piece of bone in his left foot. A timetable isn't known on his return but I would give him all the time he needs. The Nets need healthy bodies but Williams has been so bad this year that I would rather have one less player than have him suit up and play.

We also have some news regarding the Nets involved in this week's upcoming All-Star festivities. First off, Anthony Morrow will pay tribute to the late Nets great Drazen Petrovic, who died in a tragic car accident in 1993 when he was only 28 years of age. Anthony will wear Petrovic's number 3 during the 3-point shooting contest.

After the jump are some more Nets news tidbits...

Anthony Morrow Makes First Career NBA 3-Point Shooting Competition

I'm not sure how Morrow hasn't been invited to the contest before, but regardless, I'm picking him as my favorite to win

According to the Star Ledger's Colin Stephenson, Nets' shooting guard Anthony Morrow has been invited to participate in the annual 3-Point Shooting Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend, which takes place later this month in Orlando. Frankly, this invitation is definitely deserved and is long overdue for a sharpshooter like Morrow who is the 2nd-most efficient 3-point shooter in the history of the NBA, just .011 percentage points behind leader Steve Kerr.

Morrow' invitation means that the Nets will have three of their own players participating in All-Star Weekend in addition to three of the Springfield Armor's, the Nets' D-League affiliate, players who will be playing in the D-League All-Star Game. Marshon Brooks will be playing in the Rookie/Sophomore game and, of course, Deron Williams will be playing in the actual NBA All-Star Game. For the first time in awhile, I will actually be able to have a rooting interest in that weekend's festivities because I can't stand rooting in games/contests that no Nets are in. Fans/selection committees, you done good!

Anthony Morrow to Miss Monday's Game vs the Bulls

Due to the death of his grandmother, shooting guard Anthony Morrow will miss Monday's Nets-Bulls game in order to attend her funeral, according to ESPNNewYork. One night after his career-high scoring effort against the Timberwolves, Morrow was mainly a non-factor in last night's loss to the Knicks (sorry, I didn't have enough time for a recap). Regardless, the news that he won't be available for Monday brings the Nets down to 9 players who will be able to play on Monday against one of the best teams in the NBA. Looks like this losing streak won't be snapped soon.