King Scouts, Murphy Waits and Barron Moves Ahead of Morrison

In their post-game notes, Fred Kerber and Al Iannazzone report on player personnel moves from scouting college games to signing 10-day contracts and finding a new home for Troy Murphy.

--Iannazzone reports that Billy King appears to be spending more time scouting than worrying about whether Masai Ujiri will call.  In the last week, King has scouted: Kentucky-Tennessee, Duke-North Carolina and Baylor-Texas. That would mean the Nets GM looked at Harrison Barnes, Terrence Jones, Perry Jones, Jordan Hamilton, and Kyle Singler, among others. King (and Bobby Marks) had previously scouted Jared Sullinger.

--Kerber reports that the Nets have moved beyond the idea of signing Adam Morrison and are now interested in a big man, with former Knick Earl Barron mentioned prominently. Barron, a 29-year-old journeyman, last played for Phoenix earlier this season.  Morrison was nearly a Net a month ago, but hurt his ankle, which he's still rehabbing.

--Iannazzone adds that the Nets are looking for an expiring contract in return for Murphy but are willing to take on a younger player with a year left on his contract.  Iannazzone reports King told him, "We’re exploring. We’re looking, but we’re not going to make a trade just to make a trade."

--Kerber adds that Damion James is excited about returning to the game, possibly as early as Wednesday, that his layoff has given him a greater appreciation of the game and his situation.  "The game is great. It means a lot to me, and I realize that more now."  And Kerber colleague Peter Vecsey still thinks Carmelo Anthony will be a Net.

• Nets' Humphries almost snags another double-double - Fred Kerber - New York Post
• Nets notes: GM Billy King on scouting mission - Al Iannazone - The Record
• Prokhorov tactics could still land ’Melo - Peter Vecsey - New York Post