(From the diaries. Bucher still thinks Kobe's getting traded, so pound of salt mates. - TZ)

Well, like a creature that just won't die, the Artest to NY rumors appear to be back....at least according to ESPN's Ric Bucher. These are questions from his Friday chat session.

Cory (North Dakota): Rick, The internet is buzzing with a rumor that claims you said Artest going to New York. Any truth to the rumor?

Ric Bucher: (3:11 PM ET ) Good to know the Homeboy radio program by Roger B. Brown in Dallas gets that much attention. I spoke with Roger yesterday and said that I'd heard a rumor that a Artest deal was in the making, but the terms I'd heard didn't work under the cap. That said, Artest would love to be in New York, Sacramento would love to move him and the Knicks would love to have him. When you have three parties who want something, I have to believe -- much like the Minny/Boston/KG situation -- it's going to get done.

And then the follow-up question... Anthony, NYC: You said you heard about terms of the proposed Artest to NY deal (eventhough they didnt work under the cap)... care to share some details? Is Isiah true to his word that Lee/Balkman are off limits for Artest?

Ric Bucher: (3:41 PM ET ) a first-round pick, Nate Robinson and either David Lee or Balkman. They'd have to include Malik Rose to make the numbers work and Sac only wants expiring contracts. Hence the problem.

I don't know about you guys, but I could do without Nate Robinson and Malik Rose. I have problems with Robinson's maturity and shot selection. Still, if that nets us a 1st round pick and Lee/Balkman, I would have Artest on the first bus out of town.