Reminder: How This Week Works (Diop Lesson)

   It’s midnight. Do you know where your free agents are?

   You knew this was coming: Twitter and the internet being used as tools for pursuing a free agent! Check out how the Houston Rockets are trying to stroke their top target. … plus a weird top target for the Suns. … a contrary approach by the Magic. … the “ideal’’ partnership of Birdman and Dallas. … Artest's agent speaks. ...  and a reminder of how Mavs Midnight Madness works that might allow you to go get a little sleep. …

   Meeting in a few w/ Gortat.Send a note to him NOW at rocketsfanslovegortat@gmail.com .He will receive.Show him how much we want him in Red!

   *The Suns announce they have their prioritized sights set on signing. … Grant Hill?

   *Orlando GM Otis Smith is quoted as saying he won’t call anybody “for a few days.’’ Well, in comparison to Morey’s approach. … that’s different.

    *Bill Simmons (The Sports Guy) says Birdman’s “ideal new home’’ would be with Dallas. Cute. But I’m going to need a little more to go on, Bill.

    *Ron Artest's agent, David Bauman, says Option 1 is to return to Houston -- regardless of the Yao situation. "Our first choice is to do a deal with Houston," Bauman told The Houston Chronicle. "Yao's situation doesn't change that. It has not affected us one way or another. He's concerned more for Yao than anything."

    *Sefko mentions Charlie V in his Wednesday morning story. I've been wrong before, but. ...

    * I cannot find an NBA brain -- not one -- who thinks Ariza is leaving LA.

     *All Avery joking aside (I got a million of 'em) the smart bet says he's on Detroit's very short list. ... and this time, it's actually somebody besides Avery who is saying it.

    *We’re all sitting here. … drinking Chardonnay and eating M&M’s (or is that just me?) wondering what news might bust tonight. Right? A reminder: A year ago, we were speculating about ‘Gana Diop’s signing in late June. But it didn’t leak as “official’’ until July 7. And it wasn’t able to become “official-official’’ until July 9.

    So sip the Chardonnay. Eat your M&M’s. And relax just a little.