WTF?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-03-mitchelljun03,0,1176219.story


Ex-Richards star flattered by trade talk as he rehabs

Fred Mitchell Around town
June 3, 2008

Dwyane Wade says he keeps hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors involving the Bulls and Miami Heat.

Would the Bulls give up the No. 1 draft position to the Heat in exchange for Wade and the No. 2 overall selection? Or some combination of other players and picks?

"I have heard my name being talked about, and I can't worry about it," Wade said Monday at the Attack Athletics training facility on the West Side. "There is one thing in this league that you have no control over. If another organization wants you, then you should feel good to be wanted."

Wade grew up idolizing Michael Jordan while starring at Richards High School and then Marquette.

"I have a lot of history with the Bulls," Wade said. "And for them to come out with the first pick like that (with a 1.7 percent lottery chance) ... it was fitting that they would do something like that. Nobody thought that would happen.

"To be in that position and sit back and listen to anything and go back to a team and say: 'How about this? and 'How about that?' ... If [the Bulls] don't make any big moves like that, they're still going to have a great player."

Memphis guard Derrick Rose and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley are expected to go 1-2 in the draft.

"We're going to get a great player, as well as [the Bulls] are going to get a great young player. I look at it as there is not as much pressure on [Miami]," Wade said.

Wade will host his basketball camp Wednesday and Thursday at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island. A charity basketball game will be played at 7 p.m. Thursday, when Wade and other Richards alumni take on the defending state champions at the Oak Lawn school.

Wade played only 51 games each of the last two seasons because of knee and shoulder injuries. Yet the 26-year-old All-Star guard still managed to average 24.6 points and 6.9 assists last season. He was the NBA Finals MVP two years ago.

When he is not dealing with trade rumors and tabloid gossip regarding personal relationships with the likes of Star Jones, Wade has been rehabbing his body at Tim Grover's elaborate facility.

"Not just for now, but for the rest of my career I want to make sure my body is strong," Wade said.

The Bulls swept the then-defending NBA champion Heat in the 2006-07 Eastern Conference playoffs. The Heat, largely because of injuries, sank miserably last season.

"The Bulls looked like they were on the up and up. They looked like a young team on the rise that was really going to do some damage over the next couple of years. To see them stumble like they did this past year was kind of shocking.The one thing I noticed about the Bulls the two years I played against them in the playoffs ... they were very together. But the togetherness wasn't there. The trust wasn't there."

The title is horrible. I spent like two minutes staring at it to figure it out before I got low enough in the article to realize Richards is the name of the dude's high school.

Next time I hope they describe him by the street he grew up on. "Ex-84th Star Shopped Like a Mother-Fucker".

It is horrible. I thought about leaving off the headline altogether, but thought that would be too confusing.

Would the Heat really trade D-WADE?

Would the Heat really trade D-WADE?


Well, fucking obviously not to move up one pick. This isn't Tim Duncan vs. Keith Vanhorn here. But the Bulls have lots of other pieces to toss in like Noah or Ty Thomas who wouldn't have a spot with Beasley there. It could be made fair and give MIA a chance at a real rebuild.

Do you think that Wade is intentionally floating this himself, kind of an informal trade request?

That would make 2006 the strangest Championship team in a while.

This is going down the Dwyane.

Per RotoWorld...


Draft Express is reporting that the Pacers are offering the #11 pick and Jermaine O'Neal to the Cavaliers.

The Pacers would get expiring contracts such as Wally Szczerbiak and Eric Snow in return. The Pacers don't want to give O'Neal away, but with not much to play for currently, losing his $23 million contract from their cap figure is priority No. 1.


Jermaine & LeBron would make a formidable tandem, but you can't count on Jermaine O'Neal playing a full season anymore...

C- Ilgauska
PF- O'Neal
SF- LeBron
SG- #11 pick
PG- Delonte West

Bench- Varejao, Ben Wallace, Pavlovic


^^^that could put them ahead of us next year

Wait, the Pacers are paying the Cavs with the #11 pick for taking O'Neal off their hands?

I don't think so.

Wait, the Pacers are paying the Cavs with the #11 pick for taking O'Neal off their hands?

I don't think so.

I think they'd swap picks, since Indy didn't have a first rounder last year...Cleveland picks at 19, but it does seem a little excessive, if anything Cleveland should be giving up their pick

Yikes. If the Cavs do that they'll have 52 million locked up in big men for the next 2 years (JO, Ben, Varajao and Big Z). How are they going to find time for all those players? More importantly, how are they going to add scoring help for James with 52 million in big men? They'll be capped out and have Sasha and that's it.

if indy is willing to trade with cle, then they can trade with detroit(the same division trading)

id trade amir, tay and our pick for granger

They aren't giving up Granger.

yea but id drool having him on this team

also
Portland (as they do every season) may consider doing the same with picks #33 and #36. One player they reportedly may make a run at this summer is Chicago’s Ben Gordon, as they may feel like he is the perfect fit in their starting lineup next to Brandon Roy, where he can defend point guards but not have the burden of having to run a team.

Yikes. If the Cavs do that they'll have 52 million locked up in big men for the next 2 years (JO, Ben, Varajao and Big Z). How are they going to find time for all those players? More importantly, how are they going to add scoring help for James with 52 million in big men? They'll be capped out and have Sasha and that's it.

Well, Varjeao has a player option for next year and he's probably going to opt out after this next season, but still, between Big Ben, Z and Jermaine, seems like a waste, plus Donny Marshall is on the books this year too and Damon Jones, PLUS they still have to resign Delonte and Boobie who are restricted, that won't be cheap...thats a TON of tied up money, and even Joe Smith is making decent coin

lol@Donny Marshall

actually, scrap that, i forgot they traded Marshall to Seattle...my bad, shoudl've proofread my post...

I was actually laughing at Donny Marshall (http://www.nba.com/playerfile/donny_marshall/) vs. Donyell Marshall.

I meant the one who looks like Luda

There's some good Varejao to the GSW rumors out there.

GSW still has that big trade exception.

I just looked and the Cavs only have 3 contracts after next year (depending on opt outs). Lebron, Ben and Sasha. I doubt Big Z would opt out of his 11.5 mil though.

on WKNR (Espn Cleveland), one of their show hosts was preaching how the Cavs should 'go for it' just like Boston did last year and bring in both Michael Redd and Jason Kidd while keeping Z and Varejao...

delusional, they haven't won a title in so long (or ever) that it literally f's with their heads

Well, they could swap Wally (expiring) for Redd maybe. You'd have to move Varejao, Snow, Smith and Jones maybe for Kidd, but I'm not sure Dallas would do that after what they gave up to get him. They'd be better off going for Ridinour or maybe Hinrich. Maybe you could do Varejao and Snow for Hinrich or Ridinour (seattle would definately take a big man).

Hinrich/Redd/Lebron/Ben/Big Z would be a lot better than what they have now. Your bench would be Donkey/Sasha/Smith plus draft picks and MLE.

I read some interesting Richard Jefferson/Lamar Odom rumors/speculation this morning.

I may be off base here, but the fact that AI didn't opt out of his contract with Denver tells me that they're either going to try and trade him now or at the deadline.

If they wanted him there long term (and vice versa) it seems like he would have opted out of that huge $20m+ salary this year and negotiated a more cap friendly long term deal (sorta like Vince Carter did).

Yeah, I'd turn down a 20 million dollar option for my team too.

Let's try this. Edit: Ah, it worked! I can see this text. Off to do some investigating.

Yeah, I'd turn down a 20 million dollar option for my team too.

The idea is, turn down $20m and take $12m-$14m for 5 years instead ($60m-$70m).

Security.

I suppose -- I don't see a drastic injury or falloff from Iverson this year, so he should get a decent amount of monies on the market. But yeah, it could also mean he or Denver wants him out.

Something is going on with Melo.

ESPN says he is meeting with the Denver front office on Monday "about a trade"

He's either requesting one or involved in one or approving one, methinks

Well ESPN is saying that they want to meet to essentially say "either promise me now that you're not going to trade me, or I'm demanding a trade"

I'm guessing that the timing of this and AI not opting out are not coincidental.

The idea is, turn down $20m and take $12m-$14m for 5 years instead ($60m-$70m).
Who would've/could've offered AI that? Few have the cap space that would be interested in AI outright, or have S+T goods that Denver would seek out.
Would AI have accepted $12-14 million for 3 years (no way he gets 5 with the over-35 rules), or would he have gone Latrell Sprewell? I could see him going for the vet's minimum to get a ring at all costs once his current contract is over, or I could see him blowing up if he doesn't make as much as he made this year. Yeah, that's conflicted...

:mccosky:


There have been several reports out of Phoenix that the Suns would trade Boris Diaw to Toronto for T.J. Ford and the Raptors' 17th pick in the draft. Another report out of New York dismissed the rumor, saying the Suns have no interest in Ford. I don't know how Suns general manager Steve Kerr feels, but I for sure know that Suns coach Terry Porter is Ford's biggest supporter in the game. Ford was his point guard for two years in Milwaukee and he would love to have him back as Steve Nash's backup.

Marion is in the same boat in Miami as AI is in Denver.

If Marion doesn't opt out, look for Miami to move him. If he does opt out, he'll probably get a long-term deal from Riley.

I haven't thought about this much yet, but what about Marion (and other parts) to Denver for AI?

AI and Wade together? Add in Beasley and that might be something right there.

Marion would allow the Nuggets to move one of their bigs more comfortably.

Marion is in the same boat in Miami as AI is in Denver.

If Marion doesn't opt out, look for Miami to move him. If he does opt out, he'll probably get a long-term deal from Riley.

I haven't thought about this much yet, but what about Marion (and other parts) to Denver for AI?

AI and Wade together? Add in Beasley and that might be something right there.

Marion would allow the Nuggets to move one of their bigs more comfortably.
How many HOFers can Marion be traded for? <laughs>

It'd be an interesting move, that's for sure.

What's Marion's health like? My general impression was that he was shut down to ensure a high draft pick, that he didn't have any particularly large problems that he couldn't have played through. The last thing I'd want is someone playing for a big contract on a team playing for last place. The guy's been quite durable historically.

Um, the Suns should be giving up a pick to get rid of Diaw's contract and get a serviceable PG back in return. Seriously, who are these people that think Diaw has value?

Wow.


Reports: Raptors in talks with Pacers to deal Ford for O'Neal

ESPN.com news services
Updated: June 23, 2008, 12:44 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors have held discussions about a possible trade involving Jermaine O'Neal and T.J. Ford, according to reports in the Indianapolis Star and the Toronto Star.

The Raptors -- eager to move an unhappy Ford and make Jose Calderon their starting point guard -- also would include center Rasho Nesterovic and possibly their first-round pick in Thursday's draft, both newspapers reported.

One sticking point might be O'Neal's health. He played in 42 games last season because of a left knee injury, though Pacers officials said recently that O'Neal is healthy, according to the Indianapolis Star.

O'Neal, a six-time All-Star, averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds a game last season, and is currently working out in Las Vegas.

A second issue might be the financial burden O'Neal poses. He is set to make $21 million this season and $23 million in 2009-10.

Multiple reports surfaced this past weekend about a possible trade that would have the Raptors sending Ford and their first-round pick (No. 17 overall) to the Phoenix Suns for forward Boris Diaw.

Jermaine's stock has free falled in the last couple seasons. He'd be great next to Bosh though.

Toronto's giving up too much.

JO is the 2nd best big man a few years ago if you look at some stats and he wasn't always hurt but he hasn't had bad injuries so he's a franchise guy and you're a homer if you think someone is better han him.

Jermaine's stock has free falled in the last couple seasons. He'd be great next to Bosh though.

Do you really think so?

They seem kind of redundant to me.

It's better than what they have, don't get me wrong, but how many fadeaway jumpshooting bigs are too many?

I'm waiting for a Joe Dumars quote in response to that last line, there.

TJ Ford and Jamaal Tinsley... awesome.

I'm thinking offense&defense rather than style of offensive games. JO would hold the fort defensively in a way Bosh's skinny ass never could. Bosh also is a much more effective offensive weapon at this point then JO. Also, Bosh shoots 50% and always has. He's no where near the pussy JO is when he's got the ball in his hands.

I laugh every time I see that pic of BIG BABY

^ Me too!

:chad:


One potential deal that could have an interesting impact on both teams? Sounds like the Suns and Clippers are talking about a deal that would send the No. 7 pick and Corey Maggette to Phoenix for Barbosa and the No. 15 pick.

That deal only works if Maggette decides not to opt out of his contract this week. If he opts out, Maggette couldn't be signed-and-traded until mid-July.

Some foreign newspaper (El Pais) is claiming that the TWolves are interested in trading for Marc Gasol.

May have been mentioned elsewhere, but according to SportsCenter this morning, Melo hasn't been given a guarantee that Denver won't trade him.

and we're off!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/news/story?id=3459658

Cash for the 27th pick? Why would the Hornets simply sell that?

And I thought the Blazers wanted to get rid of picks.

yeah i know. it doesn't seem to make sense to me either. UNLESS it's part of some greater deal the blazers have lined up. perhaps they're packing picks and whoever they want to deal with wanted an additional 1st.

when i first saw this deal i assumed they traded up from the 2nd round. but apparently they've kept those picks. so something else has to be in the works.

they already have a bunch of good young players (i'm so jealous of them, BTW) so it is a surprising move.

there's got to be something else they're up to. should be an interesting 36 hours to come.

But why would the Hornets give it up like that?

Selling 1st round picks for cash is always about lining ownership pockets. But, in the age of rookie scale contracts, I rarely see the wisdom of it even on those grounds. The risk-reward would seem to be a no-brainer. Of course, I'm not an NBA owner so what do I know?

Selling 1st round picks for cash is always about lining ownership pockets. But, in the age of rookie scale contracts, I rarely see the wisdom of it even on those grounds. The risk-reward would seem to be a no-brainer. Of course, I'm not an NBA owner so what do I know?

agree. you still have to fill that roster spot, what's a vet min vs. the 27th pick?

vet min vs. (27th pick - 3 million)

Still agree with the notion though.

vet min vs. (27th pick - 3 million)

Still agree with the notion though.


But the 27th pick comes with years of commitment. Dude could get shot in the knee and you or your insurance is stuck.

Glenn thinks that's a great reason for never drafting anybody.

Jordan offered Toronto a package that included Gerald Wallace for TJ Ford.

Jordan offered Toronto a package that included Gerald Wallace for TJ Ford.


You'd think that'd have been a no brainer, Jermaine is no bet to stay healthy and at least with Gerald he's locked up for a few more years...

Kind of interesting nothing happened...

Considering Rasho was a guaranteed double/double for the last month of last season a lineup of him, Bosh, Wallace, Parker and Calderon, with Kapono and Moon off the bench is pretty damn solid and much more well rounded...

now they're banking on Jermaine's health...good luck w/ that Bryan

Remember how Pat Riley went on and on about Mayo through the draft process, saying he was in the mix for the second pick?

Remember that we heard the Grizzlies were desperate for Michael Beasley?

I don't think it will happen, but mark it down as one of the trades that should happen. Miami could get, say, Mayo, a backup point guard like Lowry, and/or next year's pick for Beasley. Memphis could get more playing time for Mike Conley, massive improvement on the front line, a long-term big man to play with Rudy Gay, and a little savings not having to pay Lowry and/or next year's first-rounder.

This trade is a figment of my imagination, but I can't imagine some follow-up trade isn't in the works to make this all make more sense.

Anybody know when the trade moritorium starts and ends?

July 1 through July 9?

edit: n/m

Larry Coon #89 says 7/1 through 7/8

Free agents can begin talking with teams starting at midnight tonight.

Just FYI

:chad:

Best free agents available:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=FreeAgents-080629

When Diop is considered the #4 UFA, I think the Pistons should sit this one out.

Wizards close on 4-year, $50 million extension for Jamison
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com
Updated: June 30, 2008, 3:39 PM ET

The Washington Wizards appear to be getting a jump on their offseason business.

A contract extension with Antawn Jamison that would keep the veteran forward off the free-agent market is "imminent," according to NBA front-office sources.

Sources told ESPN.com on Monday that the Wizards and Jamison would soon finalize terms on a four-year extension believed to be worth around $50 million, mere hours before Jamison was to become an unrestricted free agent.

Free agency in the NBA begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and Jamison was expected to draw serious interest from the Philadelphia 76ers, one of the few teams -- along with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers -- to have salary-cap room this summer to bid for top players.

A deal must be completed before midnight or the Wizards would be forced to wait until July 9 to re-sign Jamison when the league's moratorium on signings and trades is lifted. That could also expose Jamison to interest from other teams.

Although he just turned 32, Jamison is coming off his best season as a pro. He averaged 21.4 points and a career-best 10.2 rebounds in 79 games, earning a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team and helping the Wizards (43-39) reach the playoffs as a No. 5 seed despite injuries that limited franchise guard Gilbert Arenas to 13 games and fellow All-Star forward Caron Butler to 58 games.

Washington's first-round loss to Cleveland in six games was their third consecutive playoff elimination inflicted by the Cavaliers, but the Wizards believe that they can compete with the East's elite if the Arenas-Butler-Jamison core could find some sustained health. The Wizards did post a 3-1 record last season against the eventual champions from Boston, with no other team in the league beating the Celtics more than twice during the regular season.

Securing Jamison's signature would enable the Wizards to focus on re-signing Arenas, who has opted out of next season's $12.8 million salary to become a free agent despite the knee problems that have plagued him for more than a year. Arenas maintains that he intends to represent himself this summer as he seeks a new six-year contract in excess of $100 million.

Jamison earned $16.4 million last season in the final year of max extension he received from the Golden State Warriors back in August 2001. Although he's taking a healthy pay cut in terms of annual average salary, Jamison has maintained for months that he hoped to re-sign with Washington after four successful years with the Wizards following a one-season stint with the Dallas Mavericks in 2003-04, which earned him NBA Sixth Man Award honors.

"This organization has believed in me from Day 1. ... I definitely know they want me to stay and I want to stay," Jamison told ESPN.com in December.

Jamison also spoke fondly at the time of his role as Washington's elder statesman, saying: "You know what? I've been in a lot of situations before. I've been the young fella, I've been the guy who's trying to learn how to be a leader, I've been the guy coming off the bench as a sixth man. And now all of a sudden I'm the old head. It's been 10 years and it's gone by fast. But I'm really enjoying this."

theres smoething on sports.yahoo about baron and the clippers...

baron
mobley
al thornton
brand
kaman

west is getting mroe and more competitive. i wonder if we could swing a brand for sheed, afflalo and max plus future first

Does Brand make enough to be traded for those 3? And I think giving up those 3 guys would be enough to not have to include a 1st. Maybe a second, or a couple seconds, but not a first. We're giving them an all-star a developing solid role player, and a guy that gets into 6th man discussions for a guy coming off an injury.

It looks like Baron, Brand and Maggette have all opted out and are free agents now. Even though Joe isn't going after FA targets, he could still add any of them via sign-and-trade with a different cap number.
Surprising that they all opted out, because I would be amazed if any of them got the same per-year that they were going to get next year.
Must all be taking the pay cuts in order to get the years, knowing that they become the stars of a weak market.

Interesting, the Clips should have a ton of cap space now.

Brand is rumored to be re-signing with the Clips, and Baron joining him in LA wouldn't be surprising, either, especially given their need for a PG and his Hollywood interests.

Gerald Wallace has fallen so far out of favor with Charlotte owner Michael Jordan that the Bobcats will look to move the forward this summer.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ap5B8zqvRL1ipsX1Z2OZcgk5nYcB?slug=aw-barondavisfreeagent063008&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Something tells me that Joe D and MJ are going to work another trade this summer. I'm not sure who might be involved, but when you add in the LB connection, then I think it's even more likely.

I'm game for some sort of Wallace/Tay for Okefor/Wallace swap (with whatever spare parts are needed).

As much as I like Wallace and Tay, I'd be down for that trade.

Point guard says he and Kings agree to five-year contract
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Updated: July 1, 2008, 4:10 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings found a way to keep their starting point guard, Beno Udrih, despite some fierce competition.

Udrih and the Kings have verbally agreed to a five-year contract for the full mid-level exception, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com.

Assuming the full mid-level comes in at $5.5 million this year, Udrih would get a contract worth $33.3 million. The same source said Udrih would have a player option for the fifth year of his contract.

"I am so happy and honored to be returning to the Kings," Udrih told ESPN.com. "They took a chance on me and believed in me. I can't wait to get back to my teammates and the city that has become home to me."

The Kings outbid the Los Angeles Clippers, who also offered Udrih a five-year deal for the mid-level. Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy flew to New York and met with Udrih at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning -- the earliest NBA teams were permitted to commence negotiations and strike verbal agreements with free agents. Dunleavy was persuasive, but at the end of the day Udrih wanted to return to the team that gave him his big break.

The new contract is quite a turnaround for Udrih. For his first three years in the league Udrih was a little used back-up in San Antonio. At the start of last season, he was traded to Sacramento to fill in for the injured Mike Bibby. Udrih broke out and averaged 12.8 points and 4.3 assists for the Kings last season.

Boston offered contracts to both Posey & Maggette...

since they only have the MLE to spend, odds are the offers are probably about 3 mill each???

I guess it's worth seeing if they'd take less for a title, but I doubt either will bite for such small coin...

No way Maggette goes for that little. He could easily get at LEAST the MLE somewhere. I'd give him our MLE in a heartbeat.

Baron Davis shocked the Warriors by opting out of his contract on Monday. Imagine their surprise now.


NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that the guard reached a verbal agreement with the Clippers on Tuesday night and will sign a new multiyear contract with Los Angeles after the leaguewide moratorium on signings and trades is lifted July 9.

Davis was in line to make $17.8 million in the last year of his deal with the Warriors, but after telling the team that he wanted to stay, opted out at the last minute.

Sources told ESPN.com that Davis, 29, will receive a five-year deal worth an estimated $65 million.

Forward Elton Brand also opted out of his contract with the Clippers on Monday, and speculation quickly began that the team would try to keep Brand and sign Davis. This scenario is only possible if the Clippers renounce the rights of Corey Maggette and Brand takes a slight pay cut.

Sources say the Clippers are expected to do just that and quickly reach a verbal agreement to bring back Brand.

Maggette opted out of his deal on Monday as well.

Davis averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season for a Warriors team that won 48 games but did not make the playoffs.

Senior writer Marc Stein covers the NBA for ESPN.com.

we have to get into the Maggette biding war if its only for the MLE, he's a 20 ppg scorer, if he goes to the Cs oder Spurs for the MLE, our title hopes are doomed.

Clippers might finally make it into the playoffs now:

PG Davis/Gordon/Taylor
SG Mobely/Gordon/Ross
SF Thorton/Thomas
PF Brand/Thomas
C Kamen/Jordan/Fazekus

BTW, Warriors = DONE.

Your leader is now Stephen Jackson.

does this years pistons team plus maggette beat the Celtics??

i'd think so, plus it would give Joe an excuse to keep the core together...

c-maggs would win 6th man and avg more ppg than tay, sheed and dyess

if joe doesn't at least inquire, it's negligence

BTW, Warriors = DONE.

Your leader is now Stephen Jackson.

The Warriors ride together.


does this years pistons team plus maggette beat the Celtics??

No. Inside presence and defensive chemistry was what the Pistons missed. A healthy Elton Brand + this years team beats the Celtics. Also a coach without severe retardation would have helped... but somehow the Celtics got through that problem.

By the way, iirc, Maggette and Rip don't have the best relationship. Those two fight and throw 'bows everytime they play. I know they could put that aside for the team, but it's just something to remember.

does this years pistons team plus maggette beat the Celtics??


I'm definitely a fan of Maggette and would be happy if he came here, but no (for reasons MoTown stated).

By the way, iirc, Maggette and Rip don't have the best relationship. Those two fight and throw 'bows everytime they play. I know they could put that aside for the team, but it's just something to remember.

I like to think they're both just extremely focused in trying to win.

LOL@Maggette coming to Detroit for the MLE and coming off the bench

LOL@Maggette coming to Detroit for the MLE and coming off the bench

h8er

apparently gerald green will sign with the mavs:

Green To Sign With Mavs
Gerald Green | Rockets
According to an NBA source, the Mavericks struck a deal with Gerald Green, a slender, 6-8 guard who has been in the league three seasons.
It is believed to be a one-year contract. -- The Dallas Morning News


while he's still very young and largely unproven, this is just the type of kid i wanted to split our MLE on. his potential as a scorer off the bench is very high. and i still believe in his talent as a player down the line.

i wouldn't have wanted to rely on him to be 'the guy' off our bench but i really like the kid and think he could've been a big steal.

but the damn mavs got him now, so.....

Hmm, how does that effect their pursuit of Diop?

Maybe they used the LLE on Green?

Green isn't worth more than a vets min. IMO.

LOL@Maggette coming to Detroit for the MLE and coming off the bench


then why did Boston offer the same opportunity...?

he sure as hell wouldn't start there...

Green isn't worth more than a vets min. IMO.


Green isn't worth six figures...he's a future globe trotter or AND 1 player

then why did Boston offer the same opportunity...?

he sure as hell wouldn't start there...
I can see Ray Allen coming off the bench behind Maggette, it would be a great way to cut his minutes, and now that he has his ring, he'd probably be willing.

I'd still bet on Maggette going to Miami or Orlando. Just hopefully not the Spurs.

I'd still bet on Maggette going to Miami or Orlando. Just hopefully not the Spurs.

Yeah, so what's it to ya?

Oh nothing...

:VOLCANO:

I can see Ray Allen coming off the bench behind Maggette, it would be a great way to cut his minutes, and now that he has his ring, he'd probably be willing.

I'd still bet on Maggette going to Miami or Orlando. Just hopefully not the Spurs.


I highly doubt Ray would come off the bench, especially for what he's being paid...regardless your right, neither us nor Boston will end up getting him anyway...

but he may not see much more than the MLE though

(07-02) 10:19 PDT -- The Clippers lured away the Warriors' best player.

Now Golden State is hoping to return the favor.

Flush with cap space after Davis' sudden exit, the Warriors have offered free agent Elton Brand a five-year deal worth between $85 and $90 million, according to league sources.

Brand, like Davis, opted out of the final year of his contract just before Monday's deadline, giving up a guaranteed $16.4 million for next season. At the time, Brand's agent, David Falk, told reporters that the move was designed to create some cap flexibility for the Clippers to add another top-line player.

The Clippers did just that by agreeing to terms with Davis on a five-year contract worth about $65 million Tuesday, though the deal cannot be finalized until July 9.

However, that means the most the Clippers can offer Brand is a five-year deal worth about $70 million due to salary-cap restrictions - about $20 million less than the Warriors.

Brand, who had been close to re-signing with the Clippers, is expected to make a decision today.

Golden State had previously gone after Wizards guards Gilbert Arenas, offering him a maximum contract of five years at roughly $100 million on Monday night after learning that Davis would be opting out.

The Warriors are also meeting with representatives for Monta Ellis in Oakland today to begin negotiations on a new contract for the restricted free agent.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/02/SPRN11IP2K.DTL

Okay that's funny. I'm sure they added an extra $10 Million in spite.

Apparently the Mavs have agreed to sign DeSagana Diop to the full MLE and a 5 year deal...

Why?

They already gave Dampier a huge deal which he'll never end up living up to, why the hell go sign Diop for 5 YEARS too??

I swear some of these GM's are complete fools, mainly Donnie Nelson & Geoff Petrie...

yeah but you knew it was going to happen. big men are hard to come by and despite the fact he's just a 'solid' big man, somebody was going to overpay for him.

no surprise that it's the mavs- the team who regretted parting ways with him before.

At least its only the MLE. They could have been one of those stupid teams that throws more than the MLE at a marginal player.

At least its only the MLE. They could have been one of those stupid teams that throws more than the MLE at a marginal player.

No, they couldn't.

I could see giving Diop the MLE for say 3 years or less...

but a 5 year contract is rediculous...for the Mavs sake, I hope the last two are team options

Green isn't worth more than a vets min. IMO.


Mavs take flyer on former dunk champion Green
21 minutes ago

DALLAS (AP)—Former slam dunk champion Gerald Green signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

The 6-foot-8, 200-pound swingman is known mostly for his exploits in the last two dunk contests, winning it in 2007 and finishing second to Dwight Howard this year. In games that count, he has career averages of 8.1 points and 2.2 rebounds. He’s played for Boston, Minnesota and Houston in his three-year career since being drafted 18th overall coming out of high school.

The Mavericks are hoping that pairing Green—who is still only 22—with Jason Kidd will bring out the best in the former teen prodigy.

“We’ve wanted to get a little younger, more athletic, especially at 2-3 spot,” said Donnie Nelson, team president of basketball operations. “Shoot, the guy was (almost) a lottery pick a few years ago. He’s got several years of experience under his belt. This should be his draft year.”

Green averaged 10.4 points in 22 minutes per game with the Celtics in 2007. He was traded to the Timberwolves in the Kevin Garnett deal, then was cut by the Rockets, his hometown team, after playing just one game.

“The hope is that he’ll be able to come in and earn the minutes,” Nelson said. “Who knows, maybe the light goes on.”

mavs resigned JJ Barea, 3 years, 4 mill

Duhon is supposed to decide today between the Magic and the Knicks. The Knicks apparently promised him the starting PG job.

This will be interesting to watch because if the Magic sign Duhon, that takes them out of the Maggette race.

I hope he goes to Orlando. Personally, I don't want to see Orlando get better guard play, because that's what's keeping them from being an elite team. Chris Duhon isn't much better than Jameer Nelson, if at all, and they still have to decide whether or not they want to keep Keyon Dooling and Mo Evans (and if Duhon signs, they may not even be able to keep either).

Otis Smith is such a moron...

It's a shame Adonal Foyle didn't exercise his player option, just to teach Otis a lesson.

No, they couldn't.
I know they only had the MLE to work with, I'm just saying someone could have been stupid and given him more, the MLE doesn't look too terrible for him. I didn't really think about the 5 years part though, that's just idiotic.

There is no way in hell he is worth this contract. I officially can't stand Arenas now, and I have to put him in the same boat of stupidest quotes ever along with Latrell Spreewell's "7 millon/yr can't feed my family" qoute.

The moron says this after he rejected a 127 million dollar offer.

"I'm basically giving back $16 million," Arenas told the Washington Times. "This is in line with what I've been saying the whole time. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don't wanna be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can't do anything about it."

How is he not binding their team? How is he not one of those guys? He's going to make close to 20 million/yr and Jamison makes 12.25/ yr. That's close to half of their salary so how is he not binding their team financially. Arenas is a slower, non-quick Allen Iverson. He jacks up shots and makes his team's offense so sporatic. He's not even a point guard, he's a shooting guard that is trying too hard to be the "Clinton Portis" media darling of the NBA

i would've had more respect for him if he had taken the extra $16 mil and given it to a worthy cause. or even if he'd just kept it for himself! but to 'give it back' to a billionaire owner and then claim that he's helping his team in some way, is offensively stupid.

the wizards will be cap strapped anyway and will not even be putting a better team on the court as a result.

personally i think they should've broken up the team in its current state and sort of started over again. but i guess they're clinging on to the ideal of mediocrity, and at one hell of an inflated price!

i think its refreshing to see a guy give money back, but i agree with higherwarrior, make sure that money goes to a worthy cause. ive always been an agent zero fan, just not on my fantasy team.

I can't believe people are getting on his case for taking less money from the team. Wow.

because it's an obvious move to attract attention and it doesn't really help THE TEAM. more like the OWNER.

like he said himself, what's the difference between $127 mil and $111 mil....? yes $16 mil is a lot of money but not when you already have $111+ in your pocket. so don't act like you made a big sacrifice. it's more money than you can spend in a lifetime anyway, so nobody i know is going to feel good about him 'taking less money' out of the goodness of his heart or 'in the interest of the team' or whatever.

he should've just taken the contract and shut up about it. let others talk about it, don't draw attention to it yourself.

i ain't mad at the guy. i just think he's an idiot for talking about it how he did. and i think he's an idiot anyway.

in reality, what he did does little or really NOTHING to help his team in the future. it might help his OWNER but not his team. so in all honesty i think he should've taken what he could get and shut up about it.

or if he really thought he was doing right by his team, just don't talk about it like it's some good deed. JMO

FYI -

A buddy of mine is a scout pretty high up in the Knicks organization. I asked him who they're targeting this summer and they're looking hard at Duhon. I thought that would be someone that the Pistons could look at for the MLE, but I bet the Knicks offer him a little more than that.

Also, he says the organization is really high on their draft pick (I forget which Euro they drafted). If this were still the Isiah Thomas years, I would be doubtful, but I really think Walsh has them headed in the right direction.

....you're a little late. Duhon committed to the Knicks already.

Yeah I don't feel like an idiot right now. My brother told me he signed this morning. Would you believe me if I told you he told me last night?

:motown owns:?

Apparently the Mavs have agreed to sign DeSagana Diop to the full MLE and a 5 year deal...

Why?
Diop = Adonal Foyle, part deux

Diop = Adonal Foyle, part deux


Incredibly overpaid bigs are all the rage within the last few seasons...

Przybilla, Gadzuric, Nazy Mohammed, Stromile Swift, Brian Cardinal, Mikki Moore, Erick Dampier, and now Sagana Diop have all been given outrageous contracts within the last 3 offseasons...



can't wait to see the term's of Primoz's deal this summer...

"within the last few seasons"......? try the history of the nba! for example- remember back about 20 years and jon koncak.....? that was nearly the most disastrous move we ever made. fortunately the hawks were dumb enough to match.

he was a serviceable big man, like some on the list you provided. but not worth NEAR the money he attracted. nba execs always seem willing to overpay for size, as it is extremely difficult to find a big man much less one that can PLAY.

Nazr?

Wow, some really interesting and creative stuff here from Stefanski.


Sixers getting in position to lure Brand from West Coast
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

Updated: July 8, 2008, 4:04 AM ET

It suddenly appears that the biggest threat to the Los Angeles Clippers re-signing franchise forward Elton Brand can be found far east of Oakland.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com on Monday night that the Philadelphia 76ers are again "actively involved" in the Brand hunt -- and a very serious threat to tempt him away from L.A. -- after initially fearing that they couldn't compete financially with the Clippers and Golden State Warriors.

In the face of a longstanding leaguewide consensus that Brand would return to Hollywood to form a new partnership with Clipper-to-be Baron Davis, sources say that the Sixers are growing increasingly confident in their ability to create additional salary-cap space by finding a new home via trade for swingman Rodney Carney and center Calvin Booth ... and then make a sufficiently rich offer Brand would struggle to refuse.

Dealing away Carney and Booth -- with Minnesota and Memphis quickly emerging as possible destinations -- would shed nearly $3 million from the Sixers' payroll next season as long as the trade doesn't require new GM Ed Stefanski to take any salary back.

Multiple front-office sources said late Monday that the Sixers are closing in on a deal with the Timberwolves in which the Wolves would absorb the contracts of both Carney and Booth with a $5.2 million trade exception created by Minnesota's trade of Mark Blount to Miami last October. It was not immediately known what financial and/or draft considerations might be included in the trade from either side.

The Sixers are already expecting to have at least $11 million in salary-cap space to spend when the league announces next season's cap figure to all 30 teams Tuesday night. Depending on how closely the cap ceiling for the 2008-09 season comes to the widely projected estimate of $58-to-59 million -- and if the Sixers can finalize a trade to part with Carney and Booth -- it's conceivable that Philadelphia could possess the financial flexibility to start a five-year offer to Brand at a first-year salary in the $15 million range.

With much of the league's other significant free-agent business seemingly on hold while the Brand saga plays out, sources maintain that the Sixers also remain highly interested in Atlanta Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith. Yet it appears that Philadelphia will give itself every opportunity to emerge as the unlikely winner of the Brand sweepstakes before deciding whether to sign Smith to an offer sheet that the Hawks would have seven days to match.

If Philadelphia can indeed manufacture a first-year salary of at least $15 million, that could exceed what can be offered by the Clippers, who must balance their obvious No. 1 priority -- retaining Brand -- with the cap space they'll need to formally sign Davis to the five-year, $65 million deal which the former Golden State point guard verbally agreed to last week.

It's possible that the Warriors, depending on where the cap is set, could still outbid both L.A. and Philadelphia for Brand thanks to Davis' defection. If next season's salary cap is announced at $59 million or thereabouts, as expected, Golden State should have the wherewithal to offer Brand a five-year deal worth just over $95 million.

Sources close to the process told ESPN.com on Monday that the Warriors continue to have dialogue with the Brand camp and have not abandoned hope of luring the 29-year-old to Northern California.

Yet separate sources suggested Monday that Brand -- if he's ultimately drawn away from his Face of the Franchise status with the Clippers -- would be more inclined to jump to Philadelphia than to Golden State, given the Sixers' residence in a conference with far fewer contenders than the West and the opportunity to join an emerging Philly nucleus (Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young and the considerable wingspan of center Samuel Dalembert) that won many admirers as last season progressed.

It's believed that the Clippers can still assemble a five-year offer to Brand worth $80-to-85 million and give Davis his estimated $65 million over five years by simply renouncing their rights to free agents Corey Maggette and Shaun Livingston, renouncing several other free agents with modest salaries (Quinton Ross, Nick Fazekas, Marcus Williams, Paul Davis, Dan Dickau, Boniface N'Dong, James Singleton and Smush Parker) and perhaps waiving forward Josh Powell.

The Clippers also have the ability, as ESPN.com reported Monday, to put Brand on a very short list with Staples Center co-tenant Kobe Bryant as the only players in the league with an active no-trade clause in their contract. To be eligible for a no-trade clause in the NBA, a player must have at least eight seasons of service time, including four with his current team, and must be entering into a new contract as opposed to merely extending a previous contract.

Provided that Clippers owner Donald Sterling does all he can financially to keep the two-time All-Star, it is bound to be recorded as one of the bigger free-agent surprises in recent memory should Brand elect to leave behind his well-chronicled love of Hollywood and one-of-a-kind pride in being a Clipper to head back to the Eastern Conference for the first time since the Chicago Bulls traded him to the Clippers on draft night in 2001.

That's largely because Brand and agent David Falk, in announcing Brand's unexpected decision to opt out of the final season of his previous contract to become an unrestricted free agent, explained the forfeiture of next season's $16.4 million by saying that they hoped to give L.A. more payroll flexibility to strengthen the team around Brand.

Brand told ESPN.com on June 30 that his "intention is to stay" with the Clippers, while Falk spoke optimistically of Brand signing a deal to "finish his career with the Clippers" if the team could make another significant personnel acquisition or two. On the first day of free agency, in what easily ranks as the biggest free-agent coup in Clippers history, L.A. reached a verbal agreement with Davis. ESPN.com reported two days later that Davis was the player Brand asked Clippers management to chase.

But Clippers officials, already said to be privately shaken by Golden State's substantial offer to Brand, will have much more serious cause for concern if the Sixers can shed a salary or two this week to increase their available cap space.

Sources said that Carney going to Memphis would be a possibility because the Grizzlies have ample cap room of their own to absorb Carney as well as a natural interest in a player likely to have some gate appeal after experiencing collegiate success at Memphis.

But a deal with Minnesota would obviously be preferable for the Sixers, enabling them to shed two contracts and throw a megadeal at Brand after talking up what they could achieve in the summer of 2008 ever since dealing Allen Iverson to Denver in December 2006.

I think Brand stays in LA, mainly because it's his best case winning scenario out of LA, GS, and Philly.

I think Brand stays in LA, mainly because it's his best case winning scenario out of LA, GS, and Philly.

I disagree. Philly with Brand (and in the East) is much better than the Clippers with Brand in the West.

Some of y'all laughed at me when I praised Philly but they are on the rise, IMO.

Ed Stefanski was Rob Thorn's John Hammond.

Phoenix has also inquired about Portland forward Darius Miles. Miles missed all of the last two seasons with a right knee injury that required microfracture surgery an independent doctor ruled as career-ending. He is still owed more than $27 million by the Blazers, although it doesn’t count against their salary cap unless he returns to the NBA and plays at least 10 games in either of the next two seasons.

The Boston Globe reported Miles, 26, had an “impressive” workout with the Celtics last week. Any team that signs Miles would be without him for the first 10 games as he serves a suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/120248

Philly with Brand is scary...

C- Dalembert
PF- Brand
SF- Iguodala
SG- Willie Green?
PG- Andre Miller

then Reggie Evans, Thad Young (who, IMO is going to be a stud), Marreese Speights and another one of my favorites, Louis Williams off the bench...

^^That's top 4 in the East, IMO. Better than Cleveland, Washington, Chicago, and Toronto for sure...and maybe even better than Orlando...

The Hornets are interested in Jarvis.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Magic take a look too (if Maggette falls through), since they need to upgrade SG in a bad way.

AP Source: 76ers send Carney, top pick to ‘Wolves

By DAN GELSTON, AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—The 76ers are close to trading forward Rodney Carney and a future No. 1 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that clears salary cap space for Philadelphia to make a stronger push for free agents, a person in the NBA told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been completed and the NBA trade moratorium is not lifted until Wednesday.

The 76ers will throw in reserve forward Calvin Booth, but are working out the particulars of what they will get back from Minnesota.

A proposed trade between the teams was first reported by Yahoo.com.

The deal clears the way for the Sixers to potentially offer a nearly $14 million starting salary and a long-term deal to free agents like forwards Elton Brand or Josh Smith. The emerging Sixers now have another $2 million in salary cap space to add to the $11 million in space available that they hope will land them the post player they badly need to become contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The Sixers had Smith in town for a visit last week but did not give the restricted free agent an offer sheet. As he’s a restricted free agent, the Hawks can match any offer made to the 6-foot-9, 235-pound Smith.

Brand would clearly be the Sixers best option. Brand opted out last week of his contract with the Clippers, but Los Angeles is expected to make a strong push to re-sign him. Brand had said he plans to stay with the Clippers despite his decision, even if he must accept a contract below the NBA maximum for free agents.

Smith or Brand could make the Sixers instant contenders in the Eastern Conference. They were one of the surprise teams in the league last season, going 40-42 and stretching Detroit to six games in the first round of the playoffs. One thing they lacked was an athletic, consistent scorer at power forward.

Smith would be a good fit for the up-tempo Sixers and would be a huge upgrade over last year’s power forward, Reggie Evans. He’s one of the premier shot blockers in the league and could team with starting center Samuel Dalembert and small forward Thaddeus Young to form one of the top frontcourts in the Eastern Conference.

The deal allows the rebuilding Timberwolves, who have long been one of the worst cap managers in the league, to continue putting themselves in a position to be a major player on the free agent markets in 2009 and 2010.

Carney has one year remaining on his contract with a team option for 2009-10, while Booth will come off the books at the end of the upcoming season, unless a buyout agreement is reached before that.

The work started last season, when they traded Blount and Ricky Davis to Miami for Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac and Wayne Simien, allowing them to rid themselves of Blount’s bloated contract.

On draft night in June, the Timberwolves were able to unload the Marko Jaric’s hefty deal, shipping him to Memphis with O.J. Mayo, Walker and Greg Buckner for Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Jason Collins and Brian Cardinal. All three of the Grizzlies in that deal have contracts that will expire no later than 2010.

That freedom will allow the team to pursue a big-name free agent or two to supplement a rising young core group of Al Jefferson, Randy Foye, Corey Brewer and Rashad McCants.

As a secondary prize on the court in the Philly deal, Carney will give them an athletic swingman who averaged 5.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in his second season out of Memphis. Booth, if he stays, will give the team a little more depth at center behind Jefferson and Collins.

Re: Darius Miles

This is a really interesting possibility. A western team picking up Miles for at least 10 games to make sure that his salary counts against the Blazers.

Kind of dirty pool, but possibly a sound strategy.


Colin (Portland, OR): Hey John- Do you Kevin Pritchard going out and using Raef Lafrentz's expiring contract in a deal this off-season or does he save it for the trade deadline or next year?

John Hollinger: (3:26 PM ET ) Depends on what's available -- Portland could also not use it at all and be a big player in next year's free agent market.

John Hollinger: (3:28 PM ET ) However, the last point is only valid if nobody plays the Darius Miles sabotage card. Strangely, if a team keeps Miles on its roster for 10 games this year then the Blazers can't subtract Miles from their cap. Given how Portland is set to dominate the West, this would be awfully tempting to me if I operated a certain basketball team next to a large sodium-chloride filled lake.

John Hollinger: (3:28 PM ET ) or a team that was named for one.

That guy really is a cunt.

I disagree. Philly with Brand (and in the East) is much better than the Clippers with Brand in the West.

Some of y'all laughed at me when I praised Philly but they are on the rise, IMO.

If they learn how to shoot I will be as concerned as you are.

i'm surprised they would part with carney so easily. i really like that kid and wish we would have a chance to develop him.

wow. looks like brand might leave the clippers at the altar afterall. that would be funny actually.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3479059

also, looks like pietrus might go to the magic. [smilie=annoyed.gif]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3478921

Where does this put the Sixers in the East?

most likely from 7th seed to a legit battle for the 3rd seed.

Well its official.....Brand is a 76er......Pistons no longer have breathing room in the east, we might have to compete for the 2 spot now since the Celtics got even better after the trade, they need to make a big move this offseason and i hope one is brewing that we don't know about. The East is continuing to get better and we are continuing to get older. Something needs to happen cuz im gettin nervous.

Oh man, I can't wait to see what happens when the 76ers play @ LA this upcoming season.

Maggette to GSW confirmed per ESPN

James Posey is now the best remaining UFA...

we won't win that popularity contest...

get ready for Delfino...

ydNp26Df92E

Maybe he'd actually get regular minutes and be able to solidify his role with CUrry as coach........



......grasping at straws of sanity.

fuck...3 possible targets are now out. josh smith..anyone?

That's gotta be the worst song I've ever heard.

:stein:


Although Golden State still has a huge hole at point guard after also losing Baron Davis to the Clippers, sources said that the Warriors are also preparing to sign Los Angeles Lakers restricted free agent Ronny Turiaf to a four-year offer sheet in the $4 million-a-year range, which the Lakers would have seven days to match.

The Clippers, meanwhile, are expected to meet face-to-face as early as Wednesday with Atlanta Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith, who was already in Los Angeles as of Tuesday. It's believed that a hard run at Smith and another restricted free agent -- Charlotte Bobcats center Emeka Okafor -- are at the top of L.A.'s priority list as it seeks to fill the holes created by the departures of Brand and Maggette. If the Clippers wind up signing Smith or Okafor to an offer sheet, as with Turiaf, their respective teams would have seven days to match.

We need to give up this fantasy of players taking less money to come here. This isn't such a desirable place to come to that they'll do that. Only ring-chasers on the downside of their career will do that, or people who want to become franchise fixtures and the contracts are so huge that a few million doesn't make a difference (a la Duncan's last extension or Gilbert's new contract).

honestly, if i was an up and coming star like iggy or josh smith or monte, id never choose detroit. city isnt the best place compared to cities like miami,LA, new york. theyre only going to come for guaranteed playing time. no one wants to rot on the end of our bench.

and btw, turiaf got a huge ass deal...fucking warriors turned from my most favorite team to watch to one of my least now. cant beleive whats happening to this team in a span of 2 weeks. why they didnt atleast go for josh smith is beyond me.

honestly, if i was an up and coming star like iggy or josh smith or monte, id never choose detroit. city isnt the best place compared to cities like miami,LA, new york. theyre only going to come for guaranteed playing time. no one wants to rot on the end of our bench.


Well, Iggy or Smith would have to be traded for one of our starters, so they won't be coming off the bench here anyway. If i'm Smith I would definately consider Detroit. Nobody here is a #1 option on offense. He would be our #1 option. He's also a solid rebounder so he'd fit in well here. you could go to NY, but you won't win there. He's better off staying in Atlanta than going to NY.

honestly Cross, if you were Iggy, I wouldn't want you to come to Detroit anyway, because you can't make jumpers, play d, and for whatever reason struggle making FT's...

RotoWorld says the Cavs are 'zeroing in' on Posey...

Posey on the Cavs does absolutely nothing for them, they are already a solid defensive team, and signing Posey means that deal you gave Sasha Pavlovic last summer was a complete waste.

Money well spent Ferry, enjoy your 7 pts and 3 boards per game for the next five years...

Now what, Posey plays the 2??? It's not like LeBron sits much and Posey can't guard Rip, so it's really no big deal for the Pistons...

C- Ilgauskas/Varejao
PF- Wallace/J. Smith/Hickson
SF- LeBron/Posey
SG- Szczerbiak/Pavlovic
PG- West/Gibson/D. Jones


^^ehh...43-45 wins??


He's from Cleveland, so there's your parallel.

i love josh smith. i'd love to have him on our team. but how on earth would he be considered the #1 option or go-to guy on our team?

that's crazy talk. he's not that type of player right now. he's a freakish athlete who can do a lot of things. but he would not be a go-to scorer even on a team like ours.

Spurs signed Roger Mason to a 3 year deal...

I was listening to ESPN Cleveland radio this morning on the way to work, and the local update guy said that Anderson Varejao vetoed a deal that would've sent him, Wally Szczerbiak and a 1st round pick to Milwaukee for Michael Redd & Charlie Villanueva...

haven't seen any published reports on it, so take it FWIW

^^personally, if that's true, I'd be shocked to see Hammond deal both of those guys considering he just added RJ and extended Bogut. 2 moves that would suggest he's going to try and compete this year...

they have the talent to do it

C- Bogut/Gadzuric
PF- Villaneuva
SF- Jefferson/Mason/Alexander
SG- Redd/Bell
PG- Williams/Sessions


^^defensive struggles aside, that's not too bad

can sideshow bob really veto a trade though? i thought only kobe had that kind of power. or maybe it's because he just re-signed with them....?

anyone know?

That's what confused me. What in his contract gives him the right to veto the deal?

That's what confused me. What in his contract gives him the right to veto the deal?

When you match a contract offer from another team to bring back your restricted free agent, you can't trade him for at least a full year, unless he signs off on the deal.

Wow, I have never heard that before. That's crazy.

Wow, I have never heard that before. That's crazy.


Well, it's one of a few scenarios that can trigger the one-year trade restriction. If you exercise a team option to bring a player back for another year, you also can't turn around and deal him.

The rules are in there to keep teams from hi-jacking free agents they don't really want, simply to get some value in return for them.

thanks for that info Kstat. that makes perfect sense and i thought that was what that was about.

Najera got 4 year, $12m from the Nets

Najera got 4 year, $12m from the Nets


tell me thats not a bargain, 3 mill annually and you get rebouding, energy, and some grit...

not sure why he got 4 years, but whatever, he's hardly a blemish against the salary cap and well worth the value...

i don't see why we didn't at least inquire about him

ACCORDING TO NBA.COM:

"The Clippers reportedly offered a second-round pick for Randolph, but Donnie Walsh believes he can get a better offer. Randolph, who has a hefty three years and $48 million left on his contract, is still a consistent double-double performer."

Yeah I read that earlier and I think that is hilarious. What a slap in the face to the Knicks.

then again, if they just wanted to be done with his salary on their books....it would make perfect sense. he's worth more, for sure, but who would be willing to give up something of value for his contract?

in all likelyhood, they'd have to take on a burdensome contract from another team in order to move him anyway. but i guess they'll at least see what else is out there.

Most of the NBA analysts think that taking his salary is enough in return for his skills. They would be wise to take it IMO. If everyone opted out next year for them (not all would), they'd only have Crawford under contract (for 10 mil) with Lebron hitting the market. In fact, they'd only need Curry or Q Rich to opt out probably to have serious money to throw at him.

eric gordon for randloph...if the clips were to do this, id feel very bad for their fan base

I'd never trade anything decent if I'm the Clipps. As I mentioned they'd be doing NY a favor in clearing space for Lebron, Wade, Bosh, etc.

I might do a conditional first based on Zach's performance.

Dallas has signed 5 free agents already.

Most of them are boiling hot garbage, but they've been busy for sure.

Reading up on the Brand transaction, dude sounds like a turncoat and a liar.

Weird article about RonRon and the Maloofs:
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1082869.html

The end mentions a possible Artest/Kenny Thomas for Shawn Marion swap.

Houston planning a trade.


Morey added Monday's moves will not be the last, saying he planned a "minor" trade for this month.

"There is definitely going to be a roster management move," Morey said. "probably in the next two weeks."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5888142.html

Anthony Johnson signed with Magic, and if it's old news, sorry.

and Glenn, Antoine Wright didn't sign with a new team, he was on Dallas last year as part of the Kidd trade...

Thanks on both of those, Wil.

Anthony Johnson signed with Magic, and if it's old news, sorry.

yes! im assuming that means doolings outtie. too bad he was the onlny person that could play defense

dooling going back to miami you think? seems to make sense. but he wants to get paid and wasn't happy with the $2.something mil the magic offered.

Josh Smith wants out of ATL?


Smith's options are now limited. Memphis is the only team with enough free-agent money to make a serious offer, but the Grizzlies recently made a commitment to Marc Gasol and have given no indication that they are interested in Smith.

The Hawks would likely raise the five-year, $45 million offer that Smith turned down last summer, but money will not be the only factor in the 22-year-old power forward's returning to Atlanta. As I reported in Sports Illustrated during last season, league sources said Smith would not be interested in returning to the Hawks if the team retained coach Mike Woodson, who recently signed a two-year extension. The two have butted heads frequently in Smith's four seasons, and sources said the relationship is beyond repair. With a dearth of offers, Smith may change his tune, but having a volatile relationship on such a young team may not be in the Hawks' best interests.

A more appealing, but less plausible scenario could be for Smith to sign the one-year qualifying offer with Atlanta and try his luck in free agency next season. But after putting up staggering numbers last season (17.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game), Smith will likely be looking for the security of a long-term deal.

If he wants it, he'll get it. It will just be less appealing than the one he thought he was getting when he entered free agency. He can thank the Sixers and Clippers for that.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_mannix/07/15/camby.reax/?eref=sircrc

We'll this is the only way he can get out because he'll have to demand a S&T now. What would we have to include with Tay to get him? Max? He'd be a solid backup to Horford and Marvin. Or he could start next to him and bring Marvin off the bench.

In making the trade for Camby, the Clippers effectively ruled themselves out of the Josh Smith sweepstakes. According to a league source, the Clippers loved Smith and were close to making him an offer sheet. But Smith is a restricted free agent, meaning Atlanta would have had seven days to match the offer, and in the end the Clippers didn't want to take that chance.

Anthony Roberson signed a two year deal with the Knicks...

5 years? lmao


Cavs commit to Gibson with new five-year contract
Associated Press
Updated: July 16, 2008, 12:13 PM ET

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers finally made a move this offseason, signing sharpshooter Daniel Gibson to a five-year contract Wednesday.

Bringing back Gibson, a restricted free agent, was one of Cleveland's top priorities. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The guard averaged a career-high 10.4 points on 43 percent shooting last season. He sprained his left ankle in a Feb. 20 game at Indiana and missed 18 games.

Gibson had arthroscopic surgery last month on the ankle and is expected to be ready for training camp.

Aside from signing first-round draft pick J.J. Hickson last week, the Cavs have been quiet this offseason. General manger Danny Ferry hasn't been active in free agency because the Cavaliers are over the salary cap.

The Cavaliers do have two exceptions ($5.5 million midlevel and $1.8 million biannual) to improve their talent and have shown interest in Boston forward James Posey.

Ferry also must decide on guard Delonte West, a restricted free agent, who last season showed signs that he could be the traditional point guard the Cavaliers have needed.

The pressure on Ferry, owner Dan Gilbert and coach Mike Brown to win an NBA title is mounting with superstar LeBron James eligible for free agency following the 2010 season. That's two years away, but there's already rampant media speculation about James leaving for New York or elsewhere, and the talk isn't likely to subside.

In re-signing Gibson, the Cavaliers return their most consistent outside shooting threat.

Gibson was fifth in the NBA last season in 3-point shooting at 44 percent. He was named MVP of the All-Star Rookie/Sophomore game in New Orleans when he made a record 11 3-pointers.

He missed the final two games of Cleveland's playoff series against Boston with a separated shoulder.

Hopefully they'll tie up more cap with Posey for 5 years. It will make them slightly better, but still never get them over the hump.

Posey signed with the Hornets...4 yrs...good for him, he's out of the East and now Boston is looking pretty damn thin

An interesting breakdown of what's left after the Davis, Brand, Camby and Posey moves:


Leaguewide curiosity now shifts from how the Clips would respond to the heartbreak of Brand's defection -- probably the second-deepest cut in the team's tortured history, next to how close they came to signing Kobe Bryant (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3118) away from the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lal) in the summer of 2004 -- to what happens to those aforementioned restricted free agents.

The Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem) are the last team with salary-cap space to throw at the likes of Smith, Okafor, Deng, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3826), Golden State's Monta Ellis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3966) and Andris Biedrins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3828), Chicago's Ben Gordon (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3820) and Atlanta's Josh Childress (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3823). But the Grizzlies have made it clear they aren't spending any of that money this summer, content to field trade offers for guards Kyle Lowry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=4152) and Javaris Crittenton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=4297) and maybe even 2007 first-round pick Mike Conley (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=4246).

So the league's top restricteds can only create leverage to either secure the level of compensation they desire or force a sign-and-trade by threatening to sign a one-year qualifying offer that would lead to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2009.

Who will succeed?

Iguodala was in Vegas early in the summer league to watch the 76ers play and sounded, even before the Clippers had landed Camby, like he was expecting to go nowhere. "If I stay," Iguodala said, "we're going to be a great team. We're going to keep getting better as a young group with Elton."

The Warriors are likewise expected to re-sign Ellis (very soon) and Biedrins without any significant threat, while Gordon already was a well-chronicled candidate to be traded (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=FA-News-080712), irrespective of the tight market for restricteds, unless the Bulls decide to move Kirk Hinrich (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3710) instead.

The most intriguing cases, then, are Smith, Okafor and Deng.

Plugged-in sources say Smith thought he was on the verge of getting an offer sheet from the Clippers before the Camby deal moved along so quickly. Rumblings persist that Smith would prefer to relocate in spite of his Georgia roots.

Deng was likewise scheduled to meet face to face with the Clippers in Las Vegas this week, until the Clips got Camby.

Okafor, meanwhile, continues to be mentioned by chatterers as the restricted free agent most likely to leave his current employer via sign-and-trade. Although new Bobcats coach Larry Brown recently said he hopes Okafor is re-signed -- because he "plays a position that is very hard to find," and he played for Brown on the Olympic team in 2004 -- Charlotte's interest in bringing him back has been questioned since, earlier this month, it offered what sources say was a five-year contract starting at the $5.6 million midlevel exception to DeSagana Diop (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3518), who preferred to return to the Dallas Mavericks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=dal) when the Mavs matched Charlotte's offer.

Okafer or Smith (or both?) to Pistons via sign and trade. Make it happen Joe.

I could see a Sheed for Okefor S&T. Could there be a Tay/Amir for Smith one as well?

Would you make those two trades? I'd probably make Sheed for Okafer. I'd try for Tay and Max plus a pick for Smith but I highly doubt they'd ever go for it. Then again, Amir's summer league isn't showing a whole lot for him so far.

Sheed for Okafor would be an even bigger joke than Camby for a 2nd rounder. I wish Joe pulled that off.

Sheed for Okafor would be an even bigger joke than Camby for a 2nd rounder. I wish Joe pulled that off.


Would depend on what Okafor got paid. Okey at 12 mil ascending would be fine. 14 and up? Not so hot.

I'd be ok up to 14 million.

I'd be ok up to 14 if he promised to develop an offensive game.

He was the 9th best scoring center in the NBA last year.

I thought that was the big knock on him, that he just had a lot of putback points but no real shot. I take back what I said.

He had a better scoring average than Rasheed.

He's been working with Olajuwon recently on his post moves. It's slowly paying off.

Was he the first or second pick? I thought second, after Howard.

2nd.

Dooling Is On His Way

Keyon Dooling is close to becoming a Net.

League sources said the Nets and Magic are close to agreeing on a sign-and-trade for the point guard Lawrence Frank pursued three years ago.

Dooling would sign a three-year deal for between $10 million and $11 million and then be sent to the Nets for their $3.3 million trade exception acquired from Dallas in the Jason Kidd trade.

This deal probably won't be finalized until next week, but when it is it will give the Nets 16 players under contract and almost certainly would spell the end of Marcus Williams' career with the team.

The Nets have been looking to move Williams the past two summers. Once they secure the veteran combo guard Dooling, he immediately would jump to No. 2 behind Devin Harris and also could spell Vince Carter at the two.

The Nets aren't going to give away Williams. They could try and deal him for a draft pick or package him with another player in a 2-for-1-type of deal to create a roster spot.

There would be little need for Williams.

http://njmg.typepad.com/zzone/2008/07/dooling-is-next.html

The Clips renounced Paul Davis to sign Kelenna to that offer sheet.

:stein:


NBA front-office sources say that the Warriors -- hoping they can find someone else of quality to spare young Monta Ellis from inheriting all of Baron's old ballhandling duties -- are highly intrigued by the idea of signing Sixers guard Louis Williams to an offer sheet.

It's not yet clear whether Golden State would have enough leftover salary-cap space to extend an offer to Williams sufficiently prohibitive for Philly to match after the highly expected re-signings of their own restricted free agents: Ellis (coming soon) and center Andris Biedrins. There would also undoubtedly be questions about how much Williams and Ellis could play together in a less-than-physically imposing backcourt and with Maggette and Stephen Jackson sure to command lots of minutes.

It's also possible that the Warriors could identify another prime target to chase, since I'm told they're evaluating numerous scenarios these days.

Yet there's little doubt that Williams' scoring knack suggests would make him an intriguing fit in Don Nelson's system. Which must be why one plugged-in source believes that the Warriors, in spite of the obstacles, are planning to make a "big run" at him.

Isn't Lou Williams essentially the exact replica of Monta Ellis? Or maybe a poor mans version of him, albeit with a lot of potential (just ask the stones)? I don't see Lou Williams as a point guard; while he does have a good handle, he doesn't seem to have the vision of an NBA PG.

yeah he is. very good at getting to the line and williams doesnt have the best out side shot. hm...most likely means biedrins will be getting LESS money then

WTF is this?



http://assets.espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nba/med/trans/phi.gif
Philadelphia

VIA DRAFT
Marreese Speights (No. 16)

VIA FREE AGENCY
Elton Brand (from Clippers)

VIA TRADE
Calvin Booth (to Timberwolves)
Rodney Carney (to Timberwolves)

RENOUNCED
Louis Amundson
Micheal Bradley
Alan Henderson
Herbert Hill
Rick Mahorn
Derrick McKey
Kevin Ollie
Shavlik Randolph
Rodney Rogers

Oak does a lot of the Ben things... he'll getcha a lot more than just scoring.

A little quirkiness

Through a quirk in the collective bargaining agreement, the Sixers were able to add slightly more salary-cap space for the signing of Elton Brand by renouncing a group of former players who last played for them, but had not filed retirement paperwork. A source said the list included Rick Mahorn (who was last with the Sixers in 1999), former Villanova star Michael Bradley, Derrick McKey, Rodney Rogers and Alan Henderson. *

we should offer mahorn our MLE.

matt barnes to the suns for the minimum...only a year long too.

That's a steal for the Suns.

I'm very surprised that Joe wasn't in on Barnes at that price, being the bargain hunter that he is.


Suns reportedly to sign ex-Warriors forward Barnes
ESPN.com news services

Updated: July 21, 2008, 1:41 AM ET

The Phoenix Suns apparently dipped into the talent pool in their own division this weekend.

Multiple media reports on Sunday said that free-agent forward Matt Barnes, who played for the Golden State Warriors last season, will take a physical on Monday in Phoenix before signing a one-year deal with the Suns.

"He's the perfect player for us, an athletic guy who runs the floor, finishes at the basket and can shoot the outside shot," Suns general manager Steve Kerr said, according to the East Valley Tribune. "He's also a guy who has had big games in the playoffs for Golden State and likes the big stage."

The 27-year-old Barnes has played for five teams in a five-year career. His best season came in 2006-07 when he averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds for a Warriors team that upset the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.

Last season, Barnes' numbers fell off to 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, close to his career averages of 6.1 points and 3.8 rebounds.

Barnes will make the veteran minimum -- $1.2 million -- next season.

lame, i wanted Barnes all along, at this price he's definitly a bargain, we got even worse at backup SF if nothing happens, AA is not a fulltime SF, Sharpe is a freaking rookie, so far this offseason is just super lame,dissapointing and boring.

Why did OKC sign Miles? They already got Posey in the mix with Peja, Mo Pete, Butler and Wright. Are they going to trade Wright because I don't see him getting any PT.

Why did OKC sign Miles? They already got Posey in the mix with Peja, Mo Pete, Butler and Wright. Are they going to trade Wright because I don't see him getting any PT.

You're getting confused.

OKC = Sonics aka Thunder (now)

Posey went to New Orleans

Oh yeah. Damn this moving shit. Anyway, I still think Wright is screwed in N.O.

Tony Allen, Eddie House to sign with Celtics

July 21
Boston Herald

"Tony Allen and Eddie House are staying in the fold. According to Danny Ainge, the Celtics have agreed to terms with each on two-year contracts. Ainge would not be specific on the financial figures, but according to a source, both are being paid in the mid-$2 million range. In the case of House, the money is roughly half the mid-level exception of $5.585 million. The Celtics did not have to use any of the mid-level on Allen, because he has been with the club four years and the team thus has his “Bird rights.”"

funny enough, i just read something on ESPN yesterday where byron scott has a whole different role envisioned for julian wright. apparently he's trying on making wright into their backup to chris paul....at PG!

not sure if they want him to spend all his time at PG but apparently that's the plan. they really do like wright, and for good reason. i think he's a really talented young player and he does handle the ball quite well for a big. but i'm not so sure about that idea!

i think it was a mark stein article i was reading actually.



Oh yeah. Damn this moving shit. Anyway, I still think Wright is screwed in N.O.

Ex-Nets F Nachbar, Dynamo Moscow agree to 3-year, $14.3M deal
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com
Updated: July 21, 2008, 8:44 AM ET

LAS VEGAS -- Bostjan Nachbar is the latest NBA player to choose the euro over the dollar.


Impact On The NBA?

The so-called euro trend appears to be merely a blip on David Stern's radar.

ESPN.com's John Hollinger asked Stern in June if the league was worried the rookie salary cap may be preventing some teams from signing players they've drafted because a European team could offer better terms.

"No, I don't think so," the commissioner said. "In most cases that is not accurate."

"Sometimes it's hard to know with our team whether they're not just as happy to have a player complete his contract, develop until exactly the right time. I've seen [Tiago] Splitter play in the European Final Four. He's a heck of a player. I'm sure he currently
-- he's under contract for another year, isn't he? He signed a new contract.

"You know, there are plenty of players who have decided that it would be, Frederic Weis comes to mind, that it would be better to stay, play a shorter season and do what they're going to do."

"So I think your generalization of that is not exactly accurate. But we're not concerned about that. If players actually stay in Europe because they can earn more, that's fine. We think that European basketball, which we try to support, might be the better for it, and that's good."

Nachbar has agreed to a three-year contract with Dynamo Moscow, a deal that will pay the former New Jersey Nets small forward $14.3 million, he told ESPN.com early Monday.

The contract, worth 9 million euros, will include affordable buyout clauses after each season to allow him to explore the option of returning to the NBA.

Nachbar said he was keeping a close eye on how the salary cap situation in the summer of 2010 will impact his prospects of returning to the league.

Nachbar averaged 9.8 points last season for New Jersey in his sixth NBA season.

The 28-year-old said he realized he was not in New Jersey's plans after they traded Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons and signed free agents Jarvis Hayes and Eduardo Najera.

Nachbar's deal follows a fast-developing worrisome trend for some NBA executives -- based in large part on the strength of the euro against the dollar -- of European-based teams being able to outbid their NBA counterparts for free agents.

Already this summer, Tiago Splitter of Brazil, a first-round pick of the Spurs in 2007, and Goran Dragic of Slovenia, a second-round pick of the Spurs in 2008 whose rights were traded to the Suns, have opted for more lucrative deals in Europe than they'd be eligible for as rookies in the NBA.

And four international players with NBA experience -- Carlos Delfino, Jorge Garbajosa, Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Juan Carlos Navarro -- have accepted offers from European teams that easily trumped the money NBA teams were willing to offer.

"The NBA had better be careful," Nachbar said. "European teams are offering a lot of money. It's much more, considering there are no taxes, than what I could make signing for the mid-level exception."

PRIMOZ!!!!!

(Sorry, Swami)

Roma signs center Primoz Brezec

http://www.euroleague.net/resourceserver/14684/d65c5824-e1ca-4139-bf72-e1b1f465110e/e17/rglang/en-US/filename/d65.jpg



Virtus Roma pulled off another big signing on Sunday with the announcement that center Primoz Brezec will join the club. Brezec (216, 29) arrives from Toronto of the NBA. He returns to Europe after seven seasons in the NBA, spent with Indiana, Charlotte and Detroit before joining Toronto. He played in the Euroleague with Union Olimpija before heading to the United States. Brezec’s best season overseas came in 2004-05, when he averaged 13 points and 7.4 rebounds in 72 games for Charlotte. His career averages in the NBA are 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 321 regular season games.

"I am very happy and proud to play next year in Rome," Brezec said in a news release. "It's beautiful to return to Europe after seven years in the NBA with one of the best teams on the continent, with the great, successful coach Repesa and the most beautiful city in the world. The determining factor for my choice was the link with Dejan Bodiroga. With him I talked so much in these days. He explained what the objectives of the team are and I am really happy to join a project so important and ambitious like that of Rome. I hope to achieve important results. And it is great to be playing with Sani Becirovic, who is one of my best friends off the court. I'm ready for the big challenge."

What next for Okafor?

So now what?

A source with knowledge of the negotiations says Emeka Okafor is ready to move on, rather than accept what the Charlotte Bobcats have offered long-term for his services.

The Bobcats can hold on to him for next season, but perhaps the best way to preserve value is to arrange a sign-and-trade. The Bobcats aren’t saying what they’d consider but here are five ideas that might be worth considering now or later:

MIAMI: Does Shawn Marion float your boat? He appears to be available, with a single, $17.8 million season left on his contract. Swapping Okafor (plus another contract) for Marion would make the Bobcats smaller, but more athletic.

CLEVELAND: Remember when the Bobcats signed Anderson Varejao to that offer sheet last season? Predictably the Cavaliers matched it in an instant. But now Varejao’s agent, Dan Fegan, is interested in moving his client to a team that would prioritize re-signing Varejao.
The Bobcats need an athletic, energetic big man, but here’s the rub: Under league rules, the Bobcats couldn’t trade for Varejao until a year has passed from the time of the offer sheet. That means after Dec. 5. It’s possible the Bobcats could wait that long to resolve the Okafor issue, but that’s a long time to sit in limbo with an unhappy star.

GOLDEN STATE: In case you haven’t noticed, the Warriors have some interesting questions regarding their big men. Andris Biedrins is another of those restricted free agents, and Al Harrington ($9.2 million this season, $10 million next season) is very available.

CHICAGO: I’m not so sure that Okafor’s performances against the Bulls would make that team’s management swoon. However, this is a team with a lot of moving parts, a lot of disenchanted employees and cause to think they’d be open to a deal.
Luol Deng, another restricted from the class of 2004, would help any team. Would Deng, plus maybe one of three forwards (Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas or Andres Nocioni?) make sense as the basis for a deal?

DALLAS: I don’t have any ideal match here, but have you ever heard of a sign-and-trade scenario that didn’t involve Mark Cuban?

http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2008/07/what-next-for-o.html

Spurs Re-Sign Kurt Thomas

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have re-signed forward/center Kurt Thomas. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The 6-9, 235-lb Thomas joined the Spurs on 2/20/08 in a trade with the Seattle Sonics in exchange for Brent Barry and Francisco Elson . He appeared in 28 games for the Silver and Black, averaging 4.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game. Thomas saw action in all 17 playoff games, averaging 4.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per contest. The former Texas Christian University standout started the season with the Sonics where he played in 42 games, averaging 7.5 points and 8.8 rebounds.

For his career Thomas has played for six NBA teams (Heat, Mavericks, Knicks, Suns, Sonics and Spurs). In 817 career games he has averaged 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds in 27.3 minutes.

Shouldn't all the deals say TBA after them, in the signings thread. They're already Determined, they just aren't Announced.

Shouldn't all the deals say TBA after them, in the signings thread. They're already Determined, they just aren't Announced.

http://soniq.org/gallery/d/77237-2/270916539_5a9c0691ef.jpg

The terms are TBD by the media.

I miss lolcats. If I wasn't getting ready to leave work, I'd take a minute to go revive that thread.

Nets Trade M. Williams to Golden State for Future First Rounder

July 22, 2008, 12:09 pm

The Nets will announce Tuesday that they have traded Marcus Williams to the Warriors for Golden State’s first round draft pick in 2011, with lottery protection. Williams, despite the Keyon Dooling acquisition, still believed he had a role on the Nets. The move leaves 15 contracts, not including Keith Van Horn or Nenad Krstic, on the books for 2008-09.

http://www.netsdaily.com/?p=6246

Time to offer Krstic a contract? And did Williams just flop or what? I thought he was a highly regarded guy coming into the league.

I've been thinking about Kristic for about a week now.

If we could get him to sign an offer sheet for 3 years, I think we could steal him.

NJ is loading up for the '10 free agent class, so they aren't offering any contracts that would limit their flexibility during that span of time. And even if they did want to, they'd have to move another player to make room, which they may not want to do.

IF he's healthy (a big 'if') kristic is a guy i love and who would be a great pickup.

For the right price, sure.

NJ is going to have NO ONE under contract after '10. Book it.

LeBron, please go ahead and pick your team.

The Clippers aren't done dealing. They signed Golden State forward Kelenna Azubuike (8.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg) to a three-year, $9.3 million offer sheet last week.

The Warriors have until Friday to match the offer, but two NBA sources said they will not because they signed forward Maurice Evans, who split time between the Lakers and Orlando last season, to a three-year, $6.4 million deal.

http://www.pe.com/sports/breakout/stories/PE_Sports_Local_W_camby_22.19ec753.html

Oh no, I was so hoping we could get him. He would have been perfect as our backup SF. The perfect fit!

*Read as green text, I don't remember the code for it and the buttons don't work when I'm at work*

looks like childress wasn't bluffing:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3501488

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Jason Hart is returning to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers acquired the 30-year-old local product from the Utah Jazz on Wednesday in exchange for Brevin Knight in a swap of point guards.

Houston's Carl Landry may be the next NBA player to turn away offers from NBA teams to cash in overseas, his agent has told the Houston Chronicle.

The Birdman to Denver:
http://origin.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_9972596

Royal Ivey to Philly:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20080724_Sixers_reach_agreement_with_free-agent_Ivey.html

Well, here's a surprise.

I suppose that menas Mo Evans is back on the market.


Warriors keep Azubuike, match Clippers' offer
Associated Press

Updated: July 24, 2008, 4:49 PM ET

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Kelenna Azubuike will return to the Golden State Warriors after the club matched the Los Angeles Clippers' three-year, $9 million contract offer for the shooting guard on Thursday.

Azubuike averaged 8.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 81 games last season with the Warriors, who signed the former Kentucky guard out of the NBA Developmental League in January 2007. He started 17 games for Golden State, and he should see more playing time next season after Baron Davis' departure for the Clippers, Mickael Pietrus' signing with Orlando and Monta Ellis' expected move to point guard.

"We are pleased to have Kelenna back in the fold," said Chris Mullin, the Warriors' top basketball executive. "He's a young and talented player who has continued to improve during his two seasons with our team. His versatility, athleticism and ability to shoot the 3-pointer certainly fit our style of play."

Azubuike, a restricted free agent, signed the offer sheet with the Clippers last Friday, giving Golden State seven days to match it. The Warriors, who earlier signed high-scoring free agent swingman Corey Maggette from the Clippers, also signed forward Ronny Turiaf away from the Lakers last week with a similar offer-sheet deal.

Golden State also signed forward Richard Hendrix, its second-round pick in last month's draft.

but i thought they already signed evans too...?

Guard Ellis inks $67 million deal to stay with Warriors
By Chris Broussard
ESPN The Magazine
Updated: July 25, 2008, 12:05 AM ET

The Golden State Warriors have found their replacement for All-Star point guard Baron Davis -- and they didn't have to look far. Thursday night, the Warriors signed Monta Ellis, their 22-year-old restricted free agent, to a six-year, $67 million contract.

Ellis is receiving one of the largest raises in NBA history. As the 40th player selected in the 2005 draft, Ellis was paid just $770,610 last season. He will earn $11 million in 2008-2009.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Monta under contract for the next several years," Warriors vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin told The Associated Press. "He has been one of the top young players in the NBA for the last two years and enjoyed a tremendous season last year. The growth that he has demonstrated at such a young age is incredible and we look forward to him playing a big part in our future success."

The 6-foot-3-inch Ellis averaged 20.2 points as the Warriors' starting shooting guard last season, but with Davis signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, he will be penciled in as Don Nelson's point guard on opening night.

"We are very pleased that Monta has been rewarded for his efforts on the court and his singular focus to be a great NBA player,'' Ellis' agent Jeff Fried said.

Golden State's plan is to start Ellis and Stephen Jackson in the backcourt, with free-agent signee Corey Maggette at small forward.

Ellis has become one of the league's most dynamic and efficient young guards. He shot a stunning 53.1 percent from the floor last season, ranking him 14th in the league overall and the highest among players shorter than 6-7.

Ellis, who is entering his fourth season, has career averages of 15.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Earlier Thursday, the Warriors announced that shooting guard Kelenna Azubuike would return after the club matched the Clippers' three-year, $9 million offer sheet.

Hawks have leverage, but should they use it?

Thursday, July 24, 2008 | Feedback | Print Entry
Posted by Chris Broussard

One of my boys, a former college teammate and current Atlanta resident, called me last night. He was distraught. Just when he thought his beloved Hawks were coming up, they lose Josh Childress to a Euro squad.

Now, he's worried about Josh Smith -- and with good reason. Negotiations between Smith and the Hawks are pretty ugly right now.

The Hawks are willing to pay Smith $57 million over six years (not quite the $60 million I wrote a few days ago). That's only $9.5 million per year.

Atlanta realizes Smith has no leverage (I'm told Europe is not on his radar), and while one could argue the Hawks are being smart financially, they're screwing up by creating bad blood with one of their main cogs.

I was on the conference call with Childress yesterday as he explained his decision to go to Europe. Childress made it clear that the Hawks' seeming indifference toward re-signing him, their hardball tactics and their slow pace during negotiations pushed him overseas. (Sure the money was huge, but Childress may not have even gotten to that point if the Hawks had handled things differently.)

Smith, who's much more valuable than Childress, feels the same way.

He wants $12 million a year. His position is that Philly was willing to pay him close to that until Elton Brand became available. And word around the league is that the L.A. Clippers were willing to give Smith $13 million a year before realizing they could get Marcus Camby for three jock straps and a pair of beat-up Air Force Ones.

Of course now, no team besides Atlanta can offer Smith more than the midlevel exception, so for all intents and purposes, the Hawks can set his market value.

As things stand now, Smith is viewing a sign-and-trade deal (which is unlikely) or acceptance of the Hawks' one-year qualifying offer as his most favorable options.

The Hawks may be fine with getting Smith to sign the qualifying offer because they think they'll still get a great year out of him since he'll be playing for a contract. Then, even though he'll be an unrestricted free agent next summer, they'll still be able to pay Smith more than any other team.

But in that scenario, Smith might be so upset with the Hawks that he would take less money to go elsewhere (as Elton Brand did after getting fed up with the Clippers' negotiating tactics).

Personally, if I were the Hawks, I'd up my offer to the $11 million per year range to keep Smith happy. You don't want a player being angry and feeling slighted. Bottom line is that Smith is blossoming into a star. He's never been in trouble off the court, and your fan base will go berserk if you lose the guy.

Also, there's no truth to the notion that Smith doesn't want to return to Atlanta to play for Mike Woodson. His relationship with Woodson is no doubt strained, but that's not a factor in his willingness or unwillingness to return to Atlanta.

but i thought they already signed evans too...?


Before deciding to keep Azubuike, the Warriors had flirted with Orlando free-agent swingman Maurice Evans for a few days. A Warriors source said Evans spurned their three-year, $6.4 million offer in search of more money. But the source said if Evans' demands were too high, the Warriors would just match Azubuike because Evans, who turns 30 in November, is significantly older than Azubuike, who turns 25 in December. Apparently, Evans' demands were too high.

http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_9993271?nclick_check=1

Restricted free agent Okafor, Bobcats nowhere near deal
Associated Press
Updated: July 25, 2008, 2:54 PM ET

Nearly a month since becoming a restricted free agent, Emeka Okafor is not close to a new deal with the Charlotte Bobcats.

Yet general manager Rod Higgins remains confident Okafor will remain a Bobcat.

Higgins insisted Friday that talks have not reached a stalemate. He said he's spoken to Okafor's agent, Jeff Schwartz, as recently as Thursday and said the team is not entertaining sign-and-trade offers for their starting big man.

"As we've repeatedly stated, we want Emeka Okafor back on our basketball team," Higgins said. "We're going to continue to have that hope that we will have a resolution and go forward."

Okafor, the Bobcats' first draft pick and the second overall selection in 2004, turned down Charlotte's offer last summer worth more than $12 million per season. Higgins wouldn't say what they've offered this time. Schwartz did not immediately return a phone call Friday seeking comment.

"There aren't any hard feelings on either side," Higgins said. "We continue to talk."

But the pace has been slow, mirroring the status of other restricted free agents around the NBA. Andre Iguodala of Philadelphia, Josh Smith of Atlanta and Luol Deng and Ben Gordon of Chicago remain unsigned. No player in the group has accepted an offer sheet from another team.

The players are hampered by a lack of salary-cap space around the league. After a flurry of deals with unrestricted free agents, only Memphis remains well under the cap and able to offer players big contracts.

Josh Childress changed the dynamic slightly this week when the restricted free agent left Atlanta to sign with the Greek team Olympiakos. That left the Hawks with nothing in return, and some have predicted it could lead to more players spurning the NBA for overseas teams.

"I don't think you can say it raises a red flag only because we're the best basketball league in the world," Higgins said. "We'll continue to take care of the players that play in our league. That's what we're trying to do with Emeka."

What's uncertain is if Okafor wants to remain a Bobcat. He said he did during the final week of the season, but clearly had a strained relationship with coach Sam Vincent. While veteran Larry Brown replaced the fired Vincent, Okafor has remained mum. He did not reply to an e-mail Friday seeking comment.

Okafor averaged 13.7 points and 10.7 rebounds a game last season, and led the team in blocked shots (1.7 per game) and field-goal percentage (53.5). Brown has said it's critical they retain Okafor for his defense and inside presence on a team that struggled to rebound last season.

With the team losing money and struggling to sell tickets, there is added pressure to reach the playoffs next season for the first time. Keeping Okafor -- or getting a quality big man in a sign-and-trade deal -- is essential. But because of complicated salary-cap rules, it would be difficult for the Bobcats to pull off a sign-and-trade.

One option for Okafor is to accept a one-year qualifying offer worth about $7.1 million. While that would be far less than what a long-term deal would pay, it would allow Okafor to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

"I'm not going to comment on the negotiations per se," Higgins said. "But we're maintaining that we're going to get a deal done."

Would he be BYC?

Would he be BYC?

Yes, but the Cats have some cap room so I don't think it would be as big of an issue as it is with the Hawks/Smith.

Not sure about that, tho.

It looks like Mo Evans is going to sign with Atlanta.

It looks like Mo Evans is going to sign with Atlanta.



The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Evans has agreed to terms with the Hawks on a three-year deal believed to be worth about $7.5 million.

Knicks discussing Balkman to Denver

Renaldo Balkman's days with the Knicks appear to be numbered.

An NBA front office source familiar with the discussions told Newsday Sunday night that the Knicks are considering trading Balkman to the Denver Nuggets for point guard Taurean Green and small forward Bobby Jones


A person familiar with the situation said Green and Jones both expect to be waived by the Knicks, which would put a damper on parlaying this into a bigger deal. Both players have non-guaranteed contracts, which means it's simple accounting to waive them and get back to the 15-player limit. If the Knicks can shed another body, they wouldn't mind bringing Green to training camp to have a look-see. So it appears that this is simply a move designed to get rid of Balkman and save $1.32 million in cap space next season.

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nba/blog/2008/07/knicks_discussing_balkman_to_d.html

LOL@Isiah and his Balkman pick

I thought Balkman was one of their young energy guys.

yea he was. what a waste of a draft pick..the fuck are the knicks doing

Nuggets Acquire Balkman
Denver sends Green, Jones, draft pick to New York

DENVER, July 28, 2008 -- The Denver Nuggets have acquired forward Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations from the New York Knicks in exchange for guard Taurean Green, forward Bobby Jones and a 2010 second round draft pick, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today.

Balkman, 6-8, 210, averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 65 games for the Knicks last season. Originally selected by New York in the first round (20th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft, Balkman has averaged 4.2 ppg and 3.8 rpg and has shot .499 from the field in 133 games in his two seasons with the Knicks.

Green was acquired by the Nuggets in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers on February 21. He averaged 1.1 ppg in nine appearances with Denver last season.

In two stints with the Nuggets during the 2007-08 season, Jones averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.5 rpg in 25 games.