Sometimes it's not just the moves that are made, but the timing of said moves.

This afternoon the Charlotte Bobcats waived two players: Andre Brown and Linton Johnson III. A couple of weeks ago this would have raised no eyebbrows. Teams were cutting their rosters down to the required 15 for the start of the regular season. Now, however, it is more than a little suspisious.

There has been plenty of trade talk surrounding the Bobcats, who have made all but public overtures to the New Jersey Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers, and are openly shopping Gerald Wallace in their desire to land a true center to play next to Emeka Okafor.

Now they've suddenly waived two players, taking their roster down to 13.

Sounds like the Bobcats have a taker, and that in the deal they're getting back more players than they're sending out. According to a couple of well-informed sources the Bobcats have been aggressively working the phone lines as they watch their attendance drop in direct proportion to their winning percentage. It sounds like we could see a huge move made by the Bobcats in the next few hours.

Kaman Not On The Market?

It's an odd coincidence that earlier this morning we saw reports that Clippers center Chris Kaman is not on the market. Just last week we had the Clippers commenting on a public statement by the Charlotte Bobcats that they were in discussion about Kaman going to Charlotte.

How often do we see one team openly claim that a particular player is not on the market, only to see that very player traded soon afterwards?

Perhaps this is where we're headed. Maybe the Clippers wanted something the Bobcats didn't want to give up, or wanted to send the Bobcats something they didn't want to take. Perhaps the Bobcats have now relented, making room on their roster to make the deal possible?

This part is pure speculation, of course, but informed speculation. Sometimes it's as simple as adding one and one to get two.

A Cavaliers Coup?

It appears the Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to live up to their namesakes today, trying to not only improve their own team but also sabotage a key division rival.

A Cavalier can be a gentleman who rides horses, but can also be somewhat of a pirate. Thanks to Johnny Depp everyone pretty much knows that pirates love their plunder, and in this case Antonio McDyess may be the ultimate booty.

According to various reports, the Cavaliers have offered free agent McDyess a contract starting at $5 million per season to come over to their side. The multi-year deal would forego the need to participate in free agency, which can be difficult for an older player.

The comment from McDyess' camp has been and continues to be that Antonio wants to go back to the Detroit Pistons, which is like a family to him. This new offer from the Cavs will certainly test the theory that family is the tie that binds.

A First Look

Some interesting games around the NBA tonight, and here's a quick look at each one.

Washington @ Atlanta: If the Wizards can't beat a Hawks team that is now without both Josh Smith and Al Horford due to ankle injuries, they may as well give the Bobcats a call and send them Antawn Jamison. He's a Carolina guy, after all.

Cleveland @ Detroit: In case the McDyess situation isn't enough, the division rivals square off for the first time since Iverson came East. Expect a statement game from the Cavs tonight.

Toronto @ Miami: Few teams had expectations set as high as the Raptors did coming into the season, yet so far they're playing .500 ball. If they continue to lose, there will be a job opening on their bench. Avery Johnson, anyone?

Sacramento @ New Orleans: At this point the Hornets need an easy win to get their team back on track, and if you can't get one against the Kings minus Kevin Martin I don't know where you'd get one.

Dallas @ Houston: The Mavericks are winners of two in a row, but the Rockets promise to put a stop to that. They haven't quite got Artest worked into the system, but they're very tough at home . . .and the early word is Tracy McGrady will play in this one. Yao Ming and Josh Howard are out with minor injuries.

Philadelphia @ Minnesota: Speaking of job openings, Randy Wittman is rumored to be on the hot seat. Tonight's loss won't make his job any more secure. Philly needs a win badly.

Clippers @ Thunder: One of the league's worst teams is going to get a win tonight, as they're playing each other. Russell Westbrook has been coming on strong, but with Chris Wilcox out due to injury the Clippers should get this one.

Denver @ San Antonio: The Spurs are sitting ducks without Tony Parker and Manu Ginobil, right? Right? Denver better be ready, because the Spurs keep finding ways to win games. The Nuggets, though, have only lost once since acquiring Chauncey Billups.

Milwaukee @ Utah: Scott Skiles threw a tantrum after his team gave him no effort in their loss to Denver yesterday. He won't be much happier tonight in Utah.

Chicago @ Portland: This may be the game of the night. Greg Oden is really coming along quickly, notching his second double-double last night, and Derrick Rose is the early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. This one will be worth waiting up for!