http://www.suntimes.com/output/jackson/cst-spt-jax04.html


Nazr Mohammed reportedly has turned down a four-year contract extension from the San Antonio Spurs and appears ready to leave the team via free agency. There's a strong possibility Mohammed, a 6-10 center, will end up with the Bulls.

----------

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/sports/14738672.htm


Flip Murray is an unrestricted free agent, and it's doubtful he'll return. His priority (in addition to a big contract) is to start. I've heard for more than a month that he could end up with the Charlotte Bobcats.

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-24/1148380282213580.xml


The Hornets enter this offseason with numerous question marks. Second-year players Kirk Snyder and J.R. Smith were inconsistent at shooting guard. Backup point guard Speedy Claxton and reserve forward Rasual Butler are free agents. And the Hornets might trade well-liked veteran center P.J. Brown, who is 36 and in the final year of his $32 million, four-year contract. It also is possible the Hornets could trade one or both picks.

"Absolutely, we won't rule anything out," Bower said. "We'll take a look at every scenario possible to try and help our team get better.

Espn...cant find the link, from scout.com


Zach Randolph, Darius Miles, Theo Ratliff and even Sebastian Telfair can be had. The 30th and 31st picks in the draft are also for sale. The price? The Blazers want another top-10 draft pick to go along with No. 4. The targets? They'd like to get a scorer like LaMarcus Aldridge or Adam Morrison with one pick and Brandon Roy with the other one.

Shawn Kemp may be making a comeback.

He says hes in great shape.


Denver Post - Shawn Kemp hasn't played in the NBA since the 2002-2003 season as a member of the Orlando Magic , but he is optimistic that he will be a member of the Denver Nuggets for the 2006-2007 campaign.

"Things are looking very promising," said Kemp, 36. "I got a chance to talk to (Karl) before I left, and things are looking good. I'll say that much. I'm hoping so. I think the opportunity will definitely be there.

"I think the situation definitely would be good for me, because I've worked with a lot of guys in the Denver Nuggets ' organization. I think the chances are very good that I'm going to be a Denver Nugget next (season)."

Bobby Jackson said no to Memphis.


Eyewitness News Memphis - Bobby Jackson vowed that he will not be returning to the Memphis Grizzlies during an interview with Sports 1140 KHTK, the Sacramento Kings ' flagship station. He stated he will test the market, but Memphis was definitely out of the equation.

Jackson said he was not a fan of Grizzlies' coach Mike Fratello's system and criticized the coach for not knowing how to use him. He added, he understood why former Grizzlies' guard Bonzi Wells had problems with Fratello.

thanks for the updates, CrossYouUp!

I like bobby jackson and I think that his personality would fit in well here in the D

I like bobby jackson and I think that his personality would fit in well here in the D

I think his personality might be okay, but we have enough of his broke ass jumper with delfino and lindsey.

MIAMI -- Orlando Magic guard DeShawn Stevenson opted out of his contract and has become an unrestricted free agent, according to a statement from his agent, Rob Pelinka.

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard would have earned $3 million had he stayed with the Magic for the final year of his contact. Instead, the six-year veteran seems set to improve on that amount in a summer free agent market that's short on quality wing players. While Stevenson has struggled to establish himself as an offensive force since turning pro out of high school in 2001, he was Orlando's best perimeter defender and started all 82 games.

Stevenson, 25, averaged 11.0 points per game and shot a career-high 46.0 percent for the Magic in 2005-06, averaging 32.3 minutes per game. However, he made only two 3-pointers all season. Stevenson was traded to Orlando from Utah on Feb. 19, 2004 after spending his first three-plus seasons with the Jazz.


via espn

Marcus Banks to LA?

Star Tribune - It is strongly rumored that Marcus Banks is headed for the Los Angeles Lakers .

It was two years ago when the Celtics and the Lakers made a trade that had Banks going to the Lakers and Gary Payton moving to the Celtics. The deal hit a roadbock when Payton failed a physical and the deal was called off.

The Lakers have been trying to land Banks ever since, and that is where he is likely to be when the 2006-2007 season starts.

Isn't Banks a restricted free agent? If he's restricted Minny can match any offer and you would assume the reporter would mention that.

Bobby Jackson used to be the kind of player we need but injuries and age have fucked him up. I'd rather not chase him with the MLE.

Isn't Banks a restricted free agent? If he's restricted Minny can match any offer and you would assume the reporter would mention that.

Bobby Jackson used to be the kind of player we need but injuries and age have fucked him up. I'd rather not chase him with the MLE.

I'd almost rather not chase him with the LLE.

LOL, good call Varsity.

I wouldn't use the Bi-Annual Exception on him either

(it's really fucking difficult to get used to calling the LLE that, which is why I type at every opportunity. Like this post)

i'd use the lle on bobby jackson in a heartbeat. as long as he and flip understand he's not to be overused, it could be nothing but great for us.

i'd use the lle on bobby jackson in a heartbeat. as long as he and flip understand he's not to be overused, it could be nothing but great for us.
Must be gettin' late... when I first read this I thought Diddy said "I used to lye on Bobby Jackson at halfcourt" lol

The bi-ann (is that an exceptable abbv?) for Jackson is moot if Delk opts in.
Not sure if Bobby Jax is that break em down PG anymore that we need.

BAE - that's the way I've seen it everywhere (when reading about the CBA)

Assume Delk opts out and we use the BAE on Bobby Jackson:

With Evans and Bobby Jackson on the team what becomes of Delfino?

I think if we sign a combo guard and Evans remains in Detroit then Delfino is fucked. He's gonna demand a trade and that's a shame because I actually think the guy can play (and is much better than Evans)

Of course, if we sign a SG/SF and decide to play Delfino at PG/SG then what becomes of Amir Johnson? Are we just gonna put him in the NBDL again?

It's kinda weird, because I think we need to use the MLE on a quality player, but if we do it means one of our young guys gets roadblocked, and not just for another season.

If we use the MLE and sign a quality guy then we'll commit to at least a 4 year contract. Amir or Delfino get shafted.

The easy solution? Trade Mo Evans for a pile of shit (Jason Hart if he doesn't opt out works under the CBA), which opens up PT at SG/SF

IF we sign a combo guard then Delfino logs minutes at SG but mostly SF, with Amir getting some at SF as well (more rest for Tay - imagine that!)

IF we sign a SG/SF then Delfino logs plenty of minutes at PG and some at SG, while Amir would still get some PT at SF (More rest for Tay again!)

C'mon Joe - trade Mo.

Jazz claim three-team Boozer deal
The Salt Lake Tribune

According to The Chicago Tribune, the Jazz have been involved in talks with Philadelphia and Boston about a three-way trade that would primarily involve All-Star Allen Iverson, Wally Szczerbiak and Boozer.
Reportedly, Utah would send Boozer to the 76ers, who would send Iverson to the Celtics, who would send Szczerbiak to the Jazz.
Utah would almost certainly have to get another player in such a deal, considering Szczerbiak will be playing on a surgically-repaired knee and will be 30 in March.
One possibility: Boston's third-year power forward, Al Jefferson.
Asked about the rumored three-team trade, however, O'Connor said, "It doesn't have as much life as everybody seems to think it does."
Instead of dealing, O'Connor spent most of his day ". . . trying to finish up our [draft] evaluations."
Utah owns the No. 14 pick in the first round in the draft.
Asked for odds that the Jazz will use their first-round pick instead of trading up, down or out of the draft, O'Connor said, "I hate to put odds on it, and here's why. One call changes everything."
Apparently, the Jazz haven't gotten that call.
"It seems like they're doing more listening than talking," one NBA source told The Salt Lake Tribune.
- Steve Luhm
http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_3984775

Jazz claim three-team Boozer deal
The Salt Lake Tribune

According to The Chicago Tribune, the Jazz have been involved in talks with Philadelphia and Boston about a three-way trade that would primarily involve All-Star Allen Iverson, Wally Szczerbiak and Boozer.
Reportedly, Utah would send Boozer to the 76ers, who would send Iverson to the Celtics, who would send Szczerbiak to the Jazz.
Utah would almost certainly have to get another player in such a deal, considering Szczerbiak will be playing on a surgically-repaired knee and will be 30 in March.
One possibility: Boston's third-year power forward, Al Jefferson.
Asked about the rumored three-team trade, however, O'Connor said, "It doesn't have as much life as everybody seems to think it does."
Instead of dealing, O'Connor spent most of his day ". . . trying to finish up our [draft] evaluations."
Utah owns the No. 14 pick in the first round in the draft.
Asked for odds that the Jazz will use their first-round pick instead of trading up, down or out of the draft, O'Connor said, "I hate to put odds on it, and here's why. One call changes everything."
Apparently, the Jazz haven't gotten that call.
"It seems like they're doing more listening than talking," one NBA source told The Salt Lake Tribune.
- Steve Luhm http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_3984775

wow, AI the Celtic?

yeah that rumor seems to be the hot one as of late.


Dallas Morning News - Several general managers told David Moore on Monday that they are convinced both the Warriors and Celtics are actively pursuing Allen Iverson.

Iverson has been mentioned in trade scenarios sending him to Atlanta and Boston over the past few weeks.

guess Iversons leaving Philly

I'm guessing that would be Baron being dangled by GSW for AI.

I'm guessing that AI to GSW is bullshit.

Iverson + Richardson = bad chemistry

Mullin should be smart enough to see it.

And if GSW is willing to part with Davis (and Troy Murphy) they should be able to get a better fit than Iverson.

Who thinks Iverson would respect that college boy coach?

Anyone?

Well, as of now the 12-day courting period begins. You can get verbal commitments, but nothing concrete till a week from friday.

Rocky Mountain News - The Denver Nuggets continue to search for a shooting guard, and according to the agent for guard Bonzi Wells they are anticipating a call from the team, the Rocky Mountain News is reporting.

"It's one of their significant needs right now," Wells' agent, William Phillips, said Friday afternoon about the Nuggets seeking a shooting guard. "He's going to play hard. George would like him. I think he would be a good fit."

Wells made $8 million last season, and isn't counting on taking much of a pay cut. Phillips, who said Wells wants at least a five-year deal, said the Nuggets would need to do a sign-and- trade since their midlevel exception isn't enough

=O

If Wells made 8mil last season, what would make anyone think he would settle for less?

Stein seems to think that he would:


No less a source of intrigue, to me, is what happens with the Pistons' $5 million mid-level exception. There are rumblings that Sacramento's Bonzi Wells is willing to take a pay cut to reunite with former Blazers buddy Rasheed Wallace and provide the jolt Detroit needs after crashing out of the East finals. That would be an undeniable steal, especially after seeing how much Wells hurt San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs, but the Pistons also crave a point guard who can push the pace -- not a Chauncey Billups specialty -- and are said to be high on the list of New Orleans-Oklahoma City's Speedy Claxton.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2505206

tim thomas reportedly signed a 4 year $24 million deal with the clippers.

Nene reportedly re-signed with Denver - $60M over six years. Maybe we are being ridiculously cheap with our Ben Wallace offer...

Holy fucking shit. Are you serious? Nene?

Nene is what 25 and has a decent jumper, and post game offense pays . We may being cheap in terms of money plus years but when you consider Ben's age that is the issue. I doubt Joe would care if Ben would take a 2 year 32 million dollar deal or 3 year 45-48 million However when you are asking the team to project a 32 year old player 4 or 5 years from now I understand the hesitation. It's not like if Ben's defensive game falls off you can count on his ability to score.

seems like thats the price for any young bigman who can play some these days...$60M, Chandler, Curry, Dalembert, now Nene...its a gamble for sure, based more on potential than on current production...

While Ben could blow out a knee tomorrow, he could also play at or near his current output for another 5-6 years easy.

I definitely don't agree with that statement after watching this season as compared to, say, two years ago.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2508532

If everyone is overpaid, is anyone overpaid?

Pacers make an offer to Bonzi full MLE/5years

Lets match it. He could help us some how.

Lets match it. He could help us some how.

Fuck yeah. Give us something to get excited about this offseason.

If Pryz doesnt work out, Chris Wilcox anyone?


According to Jeff Fried, the agent for Seattle restricted free agent Chris Wilcox, the two sides are "very far apart" from reaching an agreement on a new contract.

What doesn't help the Sonics' cause, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, is the six-year, $60 million deal signed Sunday by Denver's Nene. The 6-foot-11 forward played one game last season before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. He has averaged 10.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in three seasons with Denver, mainly as a starter.

With that contract, the market appears to be setting itself. The Sonics will be hard pressed to get Wilcox with the midlevel exception. It's likely going to take in the neighborhood of $50 million over six years.

I wouldn't mind Wilcox at that cash, but we would need a dominate running PG, like Kidd but younger. Billups and the Orl pick would likely get us Chris Paul, and then an aggressive S&T with our trade exemptions and Dale Davis or Cato would get that done. I would like to see Wilcox, Rasheed, Tay, Rip, and Chris Paul, and have Przbilla, Dice, and Delfino as the main bench.

Chandler To Hornets Or Wolves?
Jul 4 - ESPN.com's Chad Ford and Marc Stein reported last night that Chicago is in trade talks with New Orleans/Oklahoma City about a deal that would send Tyson Chandler to the Hornets for P.J. Brown and J.R. Smith.
Today's edition of the Daily Southtown reports the Bulls, after agreeing to a contract with Ben Wallace, are going to make another run at Kevin Garnett.

According to the newspaper, the Bulls believe they can revive the talks if they sweeten their offer to Chandler, Luol Deng and first-round draft pick Tyrus Thomas for Garnett.


Can anyone with Insider confirm this?
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors

The Bulls have rebuilt their roster really well, courtesy of Isaiah Thomas. They have a ton of assets, good picks, and now a great free agent pickup. Might hurt them to have two players taking up that much cap space though. Of course, they aren't really afraid of the lux tax.

If they traded KG their lineup would be.

Ben
Garnett
Nocioni
Gordon
Hinrich

Damn.

Mike Gansey went undrafted on Wednesday, but less than a week later, the Miami Heat have signed the West Virginia guard to a two-year deal.

He'll make $412,718 in 2006-2007 and $687,456 in 2007-08.

Roughly 10 teams contacted him after he wasn't selected in the draft.

Chandler To Hornets Or Wolves?
Jul 4 - ESPN.com's Chad Ford and Marc Stein reported last night that Chicago is in trade talks with New Orleans/Oklahoma City about a deal that would send Tyson Chandler to the Hornets for P.J. Brown and J.R. Smith.
Today's edition of the Daily Southtown reports the Bulls, after agreeing to a contract with Ben Wallace, are going to make another run at Kevin Garnett.

According to the newspaper, the Bulls believe they can revive the talks if they sweeten their offer to Chandler, Luol Deng and first-round draft pick Tyrus Thomas for Garnett.


Can anyone with Insider confirm this?
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors

I'm guessing that the final offer will be something like:

Brown/Chandler, Allen/JR Smith, Deng, Gordon, and Sweets.

Leaves them with:

Duhon/Pargo(if resigned)
Hinrich/Thabo
Noc/Thomas
KG/Thomas
Ben/FA(Elson?)

Leaves them thin as fuck, but their starting lineup wastes anything.

Nets interested in Rasual Butler, also I lost the link, but the Wizards are trying to snag Deshaun Stevenson from the Magic

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/06/sports/basketball/06knicks.html?_r=1&oref=slogin


NETS SEEKING A SHOOTER Rod Thorn, the Nets' president, said yesterday that while the team had not been active in pursuing a deal since free agency began on Saturday, it might be interested in a shooter, perhaps the New Orleans Hornets' Rasual Butler, if the price was right.

as of today, Lebron is still unsigned.......maybe an attempt to garner more media attention?

as of today, Lebron is still unsigned.......maybe an attempt to garner more media attention?

Is that even possable?

as of today, Lebron is still unsigned.......maybe an attempt to garner more media attention?
Is that even possable?

i don't think the Food Network has had a feature on Lebron yet.....

laugh my fucking ass off

Next on 30 minute meals, we have guest star, NBA super de duper star LeBron James! Is he as good in the kitchen as he is on the court? As fast?

If I'm a Cav fan I'm wondering why he hasn't come out and agreed to sign.

It's the fucking MAX.

They can't go any higher, so why the hold up?

...and it's not like he hasn't had months to think about it.

There's panic in Cleveland, from what I've heard.

I wouldn't panic yet, but come July 15th I would.

He can't sign until the 12th regardless of what he says in the press, so a Cav fan could justify the silence right now.

But on the 15th it would be panic stations. 3 days to think about it?

WTF is there to think about?

You have to wonder what the Cavs could do if he refused to sign for the max.

The fanbase would fucking riot.

I'd predict a suicide somewhere in the vicinty of Rock Financial in Detroit if LeBron doesn't re-up with the Cavs.

A source tells us that Williams is expected to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers tomorrow. Apparently, Williams was supposed to sign with the New Jersey Nets last week, but on draft night, while aboard the Nets private jet, he had the misfortune of watching Connecticut’s Marcus Williams – arguably the highest-rated point guard in the draft – slide all the way down to 22, where New Jersey snatched him to back up Jason Kidd.

Ah cant get the link right now.

This is the motorcycle Jay btw.

The Bulls just waived Othella Harrington

The group includes Memphis' Lorenzen Wright, Indiana's Scot Pollard, Charlotte's Jake Voskuhl, Denver's Reggie Evans, Minnesota's Michael Olowokandi, Detroit's Kelvin Cato, Indiana's Samaki Walker, New Orleans Aaron Williams and Collins.

O'Connor wants to re-sign Collins. But with $55 million already committed to 10 players - not counting the salary's of second-round rookies Brown and Millsap and assuming the Fisher trade is finalized - the Jazz don't have as much salary-cap wiggle room as other possible suitors.

Still, the Jazz have their $5 million mid-level exception and their $1.7 biannual exception to spend on outside free agents.

One possible target is former University of Utah star Keith Van Horn, who will not be re-signed by the Mavericks.
That became apparent Thursday when Dallas sent shooting guard Marquis Daniels to Indiana for veteran power forward Austin Croshere, who will take over Van Horn's off-the-bench role with the Mavs.

Van Horn (6-foot-10, 240 pounds) will be 31 by the time the season starts. He has played for five teams - New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York, Milwaukee and Dallas - in the past five seasons.

Van Horn, who won't command anything close to the $15.7 million he made last year, is represented by David Falk.

A spokesperson for the Washington, D.C.-based agent told The Tribune that Falk will not discuss Van Horn's free agency in the media because it is a private matter.

KVH to Jazz?

I thought that would be a rumor given his ties to the region.

And his skin color....

And his sock height.

Spurs interested in Zo

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/15002100.htm


Several teams courting for Mourning

By Ira Winderman

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Agent Jeffrey Wechsler said Sunday that overtures from the Spurs toward Alonzo Mourning should not be taken as sign that the free-agent center is planning to leave South Florida.

Wechsler confirmed that the Spurs were one of several teams to contact him since the July 1 start of the free-agent negotiation period to gauge the interest of Mourning possibly playing elsewhere next season.

"My job," Wechsler said, "is to bring him all the facts. I'm not going to deny I've talked to a number of teams."

Wechsler insisted he is not certain that the 36-year-old veteran will commit to another NBA season after winning the title this past season with the Heat, but said a decision should come "soon."

Mourning has not publicly indicated his intentions, but considering the aggressive recruiting approach by a variety of teams, including the Spurs, many in the league believe he will be back for 2006-07.

Mourning is hosting his "Zo's Summer Goove" charity events this week, starting with a clinic Wednesday at Miramar and concluding with a game Sunday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Wednesday is the start of the free-agent signing period. The Heat is covered regardless of Mourning's decision, with Michael Doleac and Earl Barron already under contract to back up center Shaquille O'Neal.

Wednesday is the start of the free-agent signing period. The Heat is covered regardless of Mourning's decision, with Michael Doleac and Earl Barron already under contract to back up center Shaquille O'Neal.

"Uncovered" is how I'd feel if I had Doleac and Barron backing up Shaq.

I just posted a portion of this in the trade thread, so might as well post the whole thing here.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18055.shtml


Top 25 Free Agents
By Scott Church
for HOOPSWORLD.com
Jul 9, 2006, 14:58

Only one week into free agency and only three of the top ten are still on the list. While many players have verbally agreed to deals with teams, there are only a few quality free agents left. Many teams have used all of their cap space while other teams are not planning on using all of their mid-level exception so that they won’t go over the salary cap. The top three free agents might have to look to a sign and trade to actually get the money they feel that they deserve. If worse comes to worse, some of the better players could sign a one year deal with the Hawks and hit the market again next year as a free agent.

1. AL Harrington, SF/PF Hawks, interested teams include the Pacers and Warriors
It looks like his best bet right now is a sign and trade with either the Pacers or the Warriors. Those appear to be the only two places he will land. Either place he will be in the starting lineup.

2. Bonzi Wells, SG Kings, interested teams include the Nuggets, Pistons and Kings
The Nuggets are the most interested team and have a need at SG where Wells would start next season. The Kings have 3 young SGs that would challenge Wells for the starting spot and it would only stunt their growth, so it’s better for Wells to leave the team. The Pistons would like him but only at a smaller contract than what Bonzi is looking for.

3. Marcus Banks, PG Timberwolves, interested teams include Lakers and Timberwolves
One of the up and coming PGs in the league. He won’t find a new team till after Mike James is signed but Banks is younger and could develop into a better player. The Lakers are interested but don’t have the money he wants. The T-Wolves want him only if they don’t get Mike James. The Heat and Rockets could show interest depending on what happens with Mike James. The Pacers could also become a player if they decide to trade one of their current PGs.

4. Chris Wilcox, PF/C Supersonics, interested teams include the Sonics, Cavs, Spurs, Rockets, Nuggets
Wilcox is higher than Gooden because Wilcox can play the Center position as well as PF. Wilcox is best suited for an open court running team. The Sonics aren’t close to his contract demands and the Sonics are looking for a sign and trade. Wilcox might find that he ahs to take less money than he wanted.

5. Mike James, PG Raptors, interested teams include T-Wolves, Miami, Mavericks and Rockets
James is 31 next season and most teams don’t want to go with an older PG unless they are an established team. James has to realize that if he returns to the Rockets or goes to the Mavericks, he might not be a starter. He is likely to sign with either of the two Texas teams because he has a home in Houston. In Dallas, he would be pared with Jason Terry in a two PG in a SGs body system. In Houston he would likely have to beat out Rafer Alston for the starting job. While this wouldn’t be too tough, it could cause problems in the locker room. The Heat are interested for his 3-point ability and because of the health of Jason Williams?

6. Jared Jeffries, SF Wizards, interested teams include Wizards, Bulls, 76ers, Suns, and Spurs
Jeffries is an excellent perimeter defender and it really helps that he is 6-10. If he had the ability to shoot the three consistently, a team would have been signed already. Jeffries would be an excellent backup and eventual replacement to Bruce Bowen in San Antonio. The Bulls like him but what are they willing to give up for him, they already have enough defensive minded players. The 76ers could really use his defense on the perimeter. It is rumored the Suns will be acquiring a Center and backup PG within the next week, Jeffries has also been mentioned. The Wizards can match whatever offer he is given since he is restricted but if the price is too high, the Wizards could let him go. Otherwise, he will likely sign the one year tender and stay one more year and hit free agency as a free man next off-season.

7. Drew Gooden, PF Cavs, interested teams included the Cavs, Mavericks, Spurs, and Nuggets
Gooden has the skills to be a really good PF in the league but is too inconsistent and disappears way too much. Someone like Phil Jackson would get him a psychologist. If he ever gets his head in the game, he could be one of the leagues top PFs. The Cavs would take him back but are not going to give him the money he might be looking for.

8. Jackie Butler, C Knicks, Interested teams include any team looking for a young developmental Center
A 21 year old Center that is only going to get better. A team like the Cavs could use him to groom and eventually take over at the Center position. The Knicks already have 3 centers and don’t need Butler, signing with the Knicks will only impede his development.

9. Keith Van Horn, SF/PF Mavs, interested teams include the Mavs, Suns and anyone looking for a 3-point shooter
Now that most of the top SF/PF shooters are off the market, Van Horn will be talked about a little more. It was expected that he would resign with the Mavs but since the team just traded for Austin Croshere, Van Horn becomes expendable. He could still resign with the team but he should be looking for a new team. This opens up a lot of teams that weren’t considered before. The Suns might be interested since Tim Thomas is not on the team anymore and Van Horn might be able to fill what he did to some degree. Look for Van Horn to get the veteran minimum wherever he goes.

10. Darius Songaila, SF/PF Bulls, Interested teams include the Kings
Songaila has a good mid-range shot and should find a team that needs a versatile player. He likely won’t return to the Bulls and the Kings are interested in having him back, he would also fit in well with the Heat.

11. Rasual Butler, SG/SF Hornets, Interested teams include Hornets, Suns, Jazz
Butler is higher on this list than he should be because of the quick run on three point shooters so far this off-season. Butler will likely find someone that will pay him in the $3 million range but which team will it be? The Jazz could use someone to stretch the defense and should give him a call. The Suns are always looking for more shooters but Butler might be too one dimensional for them.

12. Melvin Ely, PF/C Bobcats, Interested teams include the Nets and Bobcats
Ely is a good young PF/C that has shown improvement each year he has been in the league. He could fit in nicely with the Nets and could return to the Bobcats for one season so that he would be unrestricted next off-season.

13. DeShawn Stevenson, SG/SF Magic, interested teams include Magic and Spurs
Stevenson opted out of the last year of his contract hoping to get more than the $3 million he would have earned. Stevenson is more of a perimeter defender and would be higher on this list if he was a consistent shooter. Look for the Spurs to give him a look as a potential replacement for Bowen. He will most likely return to Orlando but he made a mistake by opting out of his contract because he will have a hard time making more than $3 mil a season.

14. Ronald Murray, SG Cavaliers, interested teams include Nuggets, Pistons and Cavs
Flip Murray is in this same group of Stevenson and Butler where they are young SG/SF types that are usually one dimensional and once they ad more to their games, could be very good assets for whatever team they are on. Murray could end up in Denver who has been looking for a quality starting 2 guard for the past two seasons. The Cavs should be trying to resign him but it looks like Flip wants to try a new team.

15. Eddie House, PG/SG Suns, Interested teams include the Heat and Suns
House fit in well with the Suns last year and should look for a team that will let him come off the bench and shoot whenever he gets a chance. The Heat need a 3-point shooting guard and House could fit in well with the team.

16. Fred Jones, SG Pacers, Interested teams include the Pacers
He was a good bench player for the Pacers and should return to the team. Other teams will not find the value in him that the Pacers get.

17. Tony Delk, PG/SG Pistons, Interested teams include the Pistons, Suns and Heat
Delk can be a great energy spark off the bench even at the age of 32. A two-three year deal is all any team should invest and only at the veteran minimum. The Suns had him a couple years back and he played well for them then. The Pistons enjoyed his scoring off the bench and the Heat could use him if they don’t get one of the shooters in front of him on this list. It’s amazing that the Hawks needed a veteran PG on their team last year and didn’t use this guy.

19. Jumaine Jones, SF Bobcats, Interested teams include anyone needing a shooter
Jones is better than anyone gives him credit for. He is a great shooter off the bench and can play both forward spots. He is a decent rebounder too.

20. Reggie Evans, PF Nuggets, interested teams include the Nuggets, Grizzlies, T-Wolves, Clippers and Knicks
Evans fit in well with the Nuggets and it would be expected that he would be brought back. The Knicks could give him the full midlevel exception though; this is something that should be expected from the Knicks. T-Wolves and Grizzlies could use the toughness and rebounding inside.

21. Alonzo Mourning, PF/C Heat, interested teams include the Heat
Miami has the best chance of resigning him and if they don’t, Mourning will likely retire. Mourning falls into the next group of PF/C left in free agency though he is the best on the list.

22. Jarron Collins, C Jazz, Interested teams include the Jazz, Grizzlies, and Spurs
Collins is a smart player, he might not have the athletic ability but he is smart. He knows where to be and when to be there. That’s why the Jazz want to resign him. The Spurs are also interested since they need a decent backup Center.

23. Lorenzen Wright, C Grizzlies, Interested teams include the Spurs
Wright is best suited to play as a backup PF and can fill in at Center but is best at PF. Would be a great fit for the Spurs. He will most likely get only the veteran exception wherever he goes.

24. Francisco Elson, C Denver, Interested teams include Denver and the Spurs
Elson has continued to improve and plays well when he starts. If he continues to progress, he could be a real find for a team at a good price.

25. Kelvin Cato, C Pistons, Interested teams include the Spurs and Rockets
If Cato is healthy, he can really help a team. He played best next to Yao Ming in Houston and should return to the team if only for a season to raise his market value.

Honorable Mentions: Michael Olowokandi, Jake Voskuhl, Aaron Williams, Loren Woods, Brian Grant, Zarko Cabarkapa, Dalibor Bagaric, David Wesley, Darrell Armstrong, Anthony Parker, Shavlik Randolph, DerMarr Johnson, and Ronald Dupree

Top Five PG:
1. Marcus Banks
2. Mike James
3. Eddie House
4. Tony Delk
5. Darrell Armstrong

Top Five SG:
1. Bonzi Wells
2. DeShawn Stevenson
3. Ronald Murray
4. Fred Jones
5. Latrell Sprewell

Top Five SF:
1. Al Harrington
2. Jared Jeffries
3. Darius Songaila
4. Rasual Butler
5. James Jones

Top Five PF:
1. Chris Wilcox
2. Drew Gooden
3. Keith Van Horn
4. Melvin Ely
5. Reggie Evans

Top Five C:
1. Jackie Butler
2. Alonzo Mourning
3. Jarron Collins
4. Lorenzen Wright
5. Francisco Elson

Spurs talking to Elson

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_4835687,00.html


Nuggets' Elson has appeal for Spurs
Team is not only one to express interest in free-agent center

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
July 11, 2006

LAS VEGAS - Francisco Elson might have passed his auditions.

Elson, a Nuggets restricted free- agent center, had his second-best scoring game and second-best rebounding game of last season against the San Antonio Spurs. Now, the Spurs are taking a long look at him.

"They've inquired," Elson's agent, Calvin Andrews, said.

An NBA source said the interest is strong in the 7-foot Elson, who scored 13 points in one game last season against the Spurs and grabbed 11 rebounds in another.

"I heard that, too," Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony said.

Andrews said two or three other teams, which he wouldn't name, have inquired about Elson, eligible to sign as soon as Wednesday.

Elson returned Monday from his native Netherlands.

The Nuggets would have seven days to match an offer. With the Nuggets approaching the luxury tax, it's possible they might not.

How about we do a S&T for Nazr?

Dale Davis (worth $4,375,000 in trades) + the trade exception we got for Mo Evans ($1,500,000) + future pick for Nazr?

Nazr gets a salary slightly higher than the MLE ($5,875,000 and not $5,000,000) and the Spurs get a veteran big with an expiring deal that could help out, plus a future pick

We could then use the MLE on someone else

^sounds good as long as you have somebody lined up for the MLE in advance, but the way Joe has been doing things lately, he'd free up the MLE and get left looking through the scrap pile.

Off the top of my head (some are worse than others obviously)

Al Harrington, Mike James, Reggie Evans, Fred Jones, David Wesley, Devean George, Jackie Butler, Trevor Ariza, Marcus Banks, Cliff Robinson, Jared Jeffries..

Damn, that's a pretty shitty list.

(note: the bolded is for old times sake... and GD)

Aw fuck Spurs want Elson. I really wanted to take Elson:(

I honestly want Banks the most out of that list, other than Al harrington. The Lakers dont want him, the TWolves CANT have him and the Cavs are interested. Maybe a S&T with the wolves?

but the way Joe has been doing things lately, he'd free up the MLE and get left looking through the scrap pile.

I agree

FYIW, Phx is not looking at moving Front court talent unless it nets them a better situation, rumblings are Amare healing is not going well, he isn't showing any explosiveness at all, not even flashes of who he was 2 years ago. I like Amare so I hope he gets better but it look like he may be like Webber following mircro fracture surgery.

It's going to take 2 years for him to recover from this. People need to stop panicing.

Who is panicing? JS is just giving the info.

And about Joe being left looking through the scrap heap:

WTF do you think he's doing now?

Armed with the BAE he's thinking about signing Chucky Atkins or Tony Delk!

What? Hunter, Billups, Blalock, Acker, Delfino and Rip aren't enough at G?

It's not the MLE. You only get the BAE every other year, so if we use it this off-season on shit then we might miss out on someone decent next off-season.

Make a pitch for Jackie Butler.

If that doesn't work then keep it for next off-season

Lakers use their BAE on Shammond Williams? (Now there's a name from the past.)

http://www.pe.com/sports/breakout/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_spl_12.22eb6ce.html


Lakers Add Guard to Mix

10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, July 11, 2006
By BRODERICK TURNER
The Press-Enterprise

LONG BEACH - Shammond Williams, who has been out of the NBA for the past two seasons, has agreed to a one-year contract to join the Lakers.

Williams' agent, Bill Duffy, said his client will sign for the biannual exception of $1.75 million today.

Duffy said the holdup had been working out a deal to buy Williams out of a contract with his old team in Spain, which Duffy said is "pretty much done."

Williams, a 6-foot guard who is best known as a shooter more than a "true" point guard, is the second free agent with whom the Lakers have agreed to a contract.

Vladimir Radmanovic agreed on July 1 to the mid-level exception that will pay him about $29 million over five years. Radmanovic, who played for the Clippers last season, will sign his contract today, the first official day free agents can sign. Radmanovic, a 6-10 forward known for his outside shooting, will be introduced at a news conference today.

Duffy said Williams will be in LA later for his news conference.

"He's back in the league with the Lakers," Duffy said in a phone interview Tuesday. "He's very happy to be back."

Williams, 31, played in the NBA for six years and with six teams, the last being the New Orleans Hornets in 2003-04.

He averaged 6.1 points on 40.1 percent shooting, 36.3 from three-point range, over his NBA career. His career high was 28 points, against the Lakers in 2000 when he played for the Seattle SuperSonics.

Williams, a former North Carolina standout, played in Russia during the 2004-05 season and in Spain last year.

He averaged 13.4 points and 4.2 assists for FC Barcelona. He made 59.6 percent of his field goals, 40.8 percent of his three-pointers.

Williams was MVP of the 2005 FIBA Europe League All-Star game.

A 1-year deal?

With the BAE?

Interesting ...

Another UNC player. I wonder what happened to Ed Cota?

Hornets waived Arvydas Macijauskas

And, who cares?

I thought you might have some Cota info GD.

Stop working and start searching. It's what you do best.

http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/545751.html


COTA A BIG HIT IN PANAMA
* ... Ed Cota made his debut with the national team of Panama last week in the 20th Central American and Caribbean Basketball Championship (aka Centrobasket 2006) held in Panama City, Panama.

Latinbasket.com called Cota "an immediate sensation" as Panama won the gold medal at Centrobasket with a 5-0 record.

"His playmaking skills, coolness and experience has proven key for the victories that Panama has obtained in the championship," the report added.

With only 11.8 seconds left against Dominican Republic on Thursday, Panama trailed 81-80. Cota hit a three-pointer that put Panama on top 83-81 in a game they would win 85-81.

In the semifinals on Friday, Cota took control and restored order to a team that was down 34-33 at the half against Mexico. Panama took over and produced an 81-66 victory.

Cota, Ruben Garces (Providence) and Jamaal Levy (Wake Forest) are all recent additions to a talented group that previously qualified for the Basketball World Championship that will begin in Japan on August 19. Panama could also add Danilo Pinnock (George Washington) and Ruben Douglas (New Mexico) to the national team roster for that event.

Damn! Way to go GD.

Ed is doing well for himself, leading them to a 5-0 record!

He's a born winner!

Magic parting ways with Stevenson, will bring back Bogans

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-spt-bk-bogans071306,0,2126104.story?coll=orl-magic


Magic stop chasing Stevenson, will sign former Magic player Bogans

Brian Schmitz
Sentinel Staff Writer

July 13, 2006, 12:12 PM EDT

The Orlando Magic, in their search to settle their shooting-guard quandary, said goodbye to DeShawn Stevenson and welcomed back Keith Bogans.

The Sentinel learned today that the Magic were finalizing a three-year contract with Bogans after halting negotiations with Stevenson.

Stevenson and the Magic were at an impasse over the length of a contract.

Stevenson, who averaged 11 points and started all 82 games for the Magic last season, wanted a four-year contract at least $4 million year.

The Magic refused to budge at three years, ending Stevenson's two-plus year stay in Orlando. Stevenson's agent, Rob Pelinka, told the Sentinel recently that Stevenson had at least two contract offers on the table that were better than the Magic's.

Stevenson, 25, had one year at $3 million left on his deal, but opted out of his contract this summer.

The Magic believe they are getting a similar 6-foot-5, defensive-minded player at half the price in Bogans, who they acquired in the second round in the 2003 draft from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bogans, 25, averaged 6.8 points for the Magic in 2003-04. But the club traded him to the Charlotte Bobcats for forward Brandon Hunter before the start of the 2004 season.

Bogans and Stevenson were teammates, the Magic having acquired Stevenson for Gordon Giricek in February of 2004.

Bogans was traded by the Bobcats to the Houston Rockets after 39 games last season. He averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds last season for the Rockets.

Cavs close with David Wesley

http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16921217&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21848&rfi=6


Cavs could be eyeing Wesley

Bob Finnan, RFinnan@News-Herald.com
07/14/2006

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry has been on the prowl for a veteran guard.

Sources say the Cavaliers are close to signing veteran David Wesley.
Wesley, who will be 36 on Nov. 14, could be signed with part of the Cavaliers' mid-level exception or possibly the bi-annual exception ($1.8 million).

He played 71 games last year for Houston, including 59 starts. He averaged 9.9 points, 2.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds.

The 2006-07 season will be his 14th in the NBA. Wesley has averaged 12.9 points, 4.5 assists and 2.1 rebounds in his career. He's a 42.5 percent career shooter, including 37 percent from the 3-point line.

If he's added, the Cavaliers would be overloaded at guard, especially after drafting Shannon Brown of Michigan State in the first round and Daniel Gibson of Texas in the second. Other guards on the roster are starters Eric Snow and Larry Hughes and backup point guard Damon Jones, whose name has surfaced in trade talks.

The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Wesley can play both guard spots and would likely come off the bench in Cleveland. He was not drafted upon leaving Baylor in 1992.

If Wesley is signed, he'd be the 15th player on the roster. Swingman Stephen Graham has a contract for next season, but it's not guaranteed.

Does anyone think the Magic's playoff chances got better with the Stevenson/Bogans swap?

And WTF is Cleveland doing chasing Wesley?

Are they trying to surround Lebron with a ton of veterans that will retire when his extension runs out?

They'd be better off trying to sign a young guy with potential and hoping that player can grow with LBJ.

No way he sticks in Cleveland if he's the only quality player they have come 2010.

I just noticed that the only two players mentioned in the first post in this "Non Pistons Related" thread (from 6/4/06) were Nazr & Flip Murray.

That would be kind of wild if we end up getting both of them.

If Flip Murray signs for the BAE then he's worse than I thought.

If Lindsey and Bobby Jackson can both crack $2mil then he should be able to as well.

Yeah, he had a shitty playoffs but the dude can score the ball and that's what the league is all about.

If we get him then we can bench Delfino and teach his ass a lesson.

If Flip Murray signs for the BAE then he's worse than I thought.

If Lindsey and Bobby Jackson can both crack $2mil then he should be able to as well.

Yeah, he had a shitty playoffs but the dude can score the ball and that's what the league is all about.

If we get him then we can bench Delfino and teach his ass a lesson.

Oh the irony!

The Washington Wizards signed free agent forward Darius Songaila to a five-year, $23 million dollar deal, Songaila's agent, Mark Bartlestein, told ESPN.com.

Songaila's deal includes a player option for the fifth year of the contract.

Songaila is a skilled four man with a sweet outside shot and the ability to go inside and bang. The move means that it's now very likely that the Wizards' first-round pick, Olexsiy Pecherov, will return to Europe for another season, a source close to the Wizards confirmed to ESPN.com.

The moves use the up the majority of the Wizards' mid-level exception, with Songaila's deal taking up around $4 million of Washington's $5.135 million mid-level exception.


via espn

^goodbye Jared Jeffries?

Or Caron, but most likely JJ.

I think JJ may end up with the Knicks, as rumor has it

Suns targeting Marcus Banks
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns//articles/0718suns0718.html


Suns' free-agent focus shifts to guard Banks

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 18, 2006 12:00 AM

One way or another, the Suns are determined to emerge from a quiet summer with someone to relieve Steve Nash more frequently.

By the end of the week, that man could be Marcus Banks.

Phoenix is getting serious about signing Banks, an unrestricted free agent who finished last season as Minnesota's starting point guard after being traded from Boston.

Banks is allowed to sign a deal for up to six years but might agree to less considering his age, 24, and Nash's three remaining guaranteed contract years. It would take a large chunk of Phoenix's $5.2 million midlevel exception to close the deal but probably would not be far removed from the $3.7 million salary that John Salmons turned down Thursday.

Banks, a Las Vegas native, attracted initial interest from the Los Angeles Lakers until they signed Vladimir Radmanovic, Minnesota until it signed Mike James and Atlanta until it signed Speedy Claxton. Cleveland's interest also has cooled, leaving the Suns to duel with Houston and Miami. The Rockets also have all of their midlevel exception remaining.

Banks, the No. 13 overall selection in the 2003 draft, was used sparingly in 2 1/2 seasons with Boston, which declined his option year before trading him to Minnesota. He started 28 of 40 games with the Timberwolves, averaging 12.0 points, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 30.7 minutes per game.

Phoenix wants to improve its backcourt size, but Banks, even at 6 feet 2, is a noted defender who could help the Suns reach their goal of cutting about five minutes off Nash's career-high 35.4-minute average last season.


Hornets re-sign Rasual Butler
http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-


The Hornets have also reached an agreement to re-sign Rasual Butler, their top 3-pointer shooter last season, and they traded shooting guard Kirk Snyder to the Houston Rockets for cash and a conditional second-round pick in next year's draft.

Banks and the Suns are a perfect fit, IMO. Can maximize his speed and athletism.

Well, we did get Murray, and now we got Dupree as well.

And Acker was pretty good during SL...

And Delfino whined AGAIN about playing time...

The off-season ain't over yet

The Bobcats are spending some of that $ that they need to to get up to the salary floor.

Don't get excited. Despite the vague headline, it's Othella, not Al.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/15079024.htm


Bobcats sign Harrington

SCOTT FOWLER
sfowler@charlotteobserver.com

The Charlotte Bobcats added experience and frontcourt depth Wednesday, signing free agent forward Othella Harrington to their roster. Harrington (6-foot-9, 235) has been a consistent and unspectacular NBA player for the past 10 seasons, averaging 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 661 career games.

"Othella complements our team well and is a veteran player who can serve as a mentor to our younger players in the frontcourt," Bobcats coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff, said in a statement. "He brings the toughness that we have displayed in our first two seasons and he understands his role in the team concept on both ends of the floor."

Harrington, who played at Georgetown, spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Bulls.

His signing included a last-minute delay. The Bobcats canceled a 4 p.m. news conference, then announced the signing in an 8:50 p.m. e-mail.

i saw othella harrington at sommerset mall one time, lol. his name was at the tip of my tongue at the time, so i called my buddy...."who's that center w/ the porn stache on the Bulls!?!?"

Nuggets interested in KVH, and the Mavs looking at Chucky Atkins

john salmons for some reason backed out of a 5 year $23 million deal that would have had him sign and traded to the raptors.

don't know where he'll go now, or if he'll be able to get near that sweet a deal elsewhere.

i'd like to know the logic behind him backing out of this deal.

Heck, I wonder what the logic was in offering Salmons such a deal.

Even better what was the logic in Salmons passing on it?

maybe he can't be bothered to renew his passport......?

;)

Mavs to get Devean George at vet's minimum

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/072506dnspomavsgeorge.13af296.html


Former Laker George negotiating with Mavs

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

The Mavericks are working on details of a contract that will lock up former Los Angeles Laker Devean George.

The 6-8, free-agent forward was a vital part of the Lakers' championship teams with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. That experience is what has the Mavericks excited about the possibility of landing him with a veteran's minimum contract, about $1.2 million guaranteed.

George averaged 6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds last season, playing 71 games.

The Mavericks on Monday finalized the trade that brings backup point guard Anthony Johnson to the team for Darrell Armstrong, Josh Powell and Rawle Marshall. Even if Powell and Marshall are waived by the Pacers, they will not be returning to Dallas.

The Mavericks, according to Johnson, believe that a veteran with NBA Finals experience will better serve them at this point than young projects. George would fit that billing.

That's all he's worth IMO.

Dude has sucked forever.

yeah but he can be a streaky scorer who could really help a team like them once in a while. i don't think he's all that bad, i just wouldn't want a significant role for him.

The Magic re-signed Trevor Ariza.

The Indiana Pacers came to terms Friday with Euroleague star Maceo Baston, his agent Marc Bartelstein told ESPN.com.

Bartelstein said the deal was a two-year deal for $1.8 million with the second year being a player option.

Baston, a 6-foot-9 athletic power forward who played his college ball at Michigan, has spent the last three years playing for Euroleague powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

He averaged 12.8 ppg and 4.9 rpg on 63 percent shooting in 24 mpg for Maccabi last year in Euroleage play. His best season came in 2004-05 when he averaged 14.6 ppg and helped lead Maccabi to a second straight Euroleague title.

Baston is widely regarded as one of the top five power forwards in Europe.

Baston spent half a year in the NBA with the Raptors in 2002-03 and averaged 2.4 ppg in 16 games.

It's been a busy summer for the Pacers who are in the midst of a major overhaul. Baston will be the eigth new player on the Pacers roster this season and should be able to step right in and give the Pacers some depth and athleticism at the power forward position.

The team has also added two rookies, Shawne Williams and James White, as well as traded for or signed veterans Marquis Daniels, Darrell Armstrong, Rawle Marshall, Josh Powell, and Orien Greene.

Isiah signs J. Jeffries to offer sheet

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/28/AR2006072801323.html


Knicks Court Jeffries With Five-Year Offer

By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, July 29, 2006; Page E05

Restricted free agent Jared Jeffries signed an offer sheet with the New York Knicks yesterday, according to NBA sources. The offer covers five years and is worth around $30 million and uses the Knicks' mid-level exception -- a first-year salary of $5.2 million.

Once the paperwork is complete and the Wizards receive a copy, the team will have seven days to decide whether to match the offer. Team owner Abe Pollin, President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld and Coach Eddie Jordan have all indicated a desire to retain Jeffries and continue building on the momentum created by consecutive playoff appearances.

"We have not received an offer and if or when we do, we will have a week to explore all of our options to determine our course of action," Grunfeld said in a statement.

The 6-foot-11 Jeffries has posted averages of 6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in four seasons while carving out a role as perhaps Washington's best all-around defensive player.

Isiah Thomas, the New York president of basketball operations and head coach, has long coveted Jeffries. Like Jeffries, Thomas starred at Indiana University and Thomas is eager to add more defensive-minded players to a team that allowed 102 points per game last season.

"We're excited about the prospect of having the opportunity to play with the Knicks," said Jeffries's agent, Andy Miller.

However, the Knicks may not want to get too comfortable with the idea of Jeffries in their lineup because the Wizards may match it. According to an NBA source, Jeffries turned down a "significant offer" from the Wizards earlier this summer, an offer that was worth more than the one he signed yesterday.

The Wizards have 13 players under contract after the recent signing of forward Darius Songaila to a five-year, $21 million deal but only 11 of those contracts are guaranteed.

Second-year guard Donell Taylor and third-year center Peter John Ramos have non-guaranteed contracts. Also, the Wizards have room under the NBA's luxury tax threshold to match the offer to Jeffries, according to sources.

Pollin has indicated that he is willing to spend up to, but not over, the luxury tax threshold, which is $65.4 million. Teams with payrolls over the threshold pay a dollar-for-dollar tax on the overage.

The Knicks already have Jalen Rose, Quentin Richardson, David Lee and first-round pick Renaldo Balkman at the small forward position, but Jeffries's versatility makes him a valuable asset.

For the Wizards last season, Jeffries started games at shooting guard and small forward, often played power forward and even played center late in the season when Brendan Haywood and Etan Thomas were slowed by injury.

Should the Wizards retain Jeffries, the team will have first-round pick Oleksiy Pecherov return to Europe for another year of seasoning. Pecherov has not signed with the Wizards and remains under contract to his team in the Ukraine.

Also, should the Wizards retain Jeffries, the team will no longer have money to pursue free agent guard DeShawn Stevenson. The Wizards have courted Stevenson as a possible replacement for Jeffries.

Grizzlies re-signed Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-ucky Atkins.

http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/release-060731-atkins_signed.html


Memphis Grizzlies Re-sign Guard Chucky Atkins

Memphis, Tennessee, July 31, 2006 —Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced today the team has re-signed guard Chucky Atkins to a one-year contract. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not released.

Atkins originally joined the Grizzlies on Jan. 23, averaging 11.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 43 games played with Memphis. On March 17 vs. Denver, he grabbed a career-high eight rebounds while adding 16 points and six assists. He spent the first part of the 2005-06 season with the Washington Wizards, averaging 6.7 points and 2.5 assists in 28 games before Washington agreed to a buyout of the remainder of his contract on January 18.

“We are delighted to have Chucky back this season as he did a great job for us last year” said West. “Having him join Damon Stoudamire as experienced point guards who can mentor our younger players is invaluable to this team.”

The 5-11, 185-pound guard holds career averages of 10.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 524 games (291starts). Atkins originally entered the league as a free agent with the Orlando Magic during the 1999-00 season and has also spent time with the Detroit Pistons (2000-04), Boston Celtics (2003-04) and the Los Angeles Lakers (2004-05).

^ Gutz is relieved Chucky will not be a Piston again.


The Indiana Pacers came to terms Friday with Euroleague star Maceo Baston, his agent Marc Bartelstein told ESPN.com.

Bartelstein said the deal was a two-year deal for $1.8 million with the second year being a player option.

Baston, a 6-foot-9 athletic power forward who played his college ball at Michigan, has spent the last three years playing for Euroleague powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

He averaged 12.8 ppg and 4.9 rpg on 63 percent shooting in 24 mpg for Maccabi last year in Euroleage play. His best season came in 2004-05 when he averaged 14.6 ppg and helped lead Maccabi to a second straight Euroleague title.

Baston is widely regarded as one of the top five power forwards in Europe.

Baston spent half a year in the NBA with the Raptors in 2002-03 and averaged 2.4 ppg in 16 games.

It's been a busy summer for the Pacers who are in the midst of a major overhaul. Baston will be the eigth new player on the Pacers roster this season and should be able to step right in and give the Pacers some depth and athleticism at the power forward position.

The team has also added two rookies, Shawne Williams and James White, as well as traded for or signed veterans Marquis Daniels, Darrell Armstrong, Rawle Marshall, Josh Powell, and Orien Greene.
Euroleague fans are always throughing around Baston's name as though he were a god among men. Of course most guys they do that with end up averaging 2.3 minutes per game and then demanding trades in their first offseason.

WTF is Indiana doing?

Turning over half the roster and they still don't look like a threat!

IMO they should dump Jackson and O'Neal and completely rebuild.

If you were ever gonna tank a season it's this one.

And at least the Greg Oden Sweepstakes has some immediate decent runner-up prizes, not like the Tim Duncan Sweepstakes from back in the day.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/15178889.htm


Mavericks sign George to two-year contract

The Dallas Mavericks agreed Tuesday to a two-year, $4.2 million contract with Devean George, bolstering their defense with a three-time NBA champion capable of competing for a starting job.

George was headed to Dallas for a physical that would seal the deal, which included a player option for the second season.

"He's exactly what we were looking for, a hard-nosed, playoff-tested, defensive-minded winner," said Donnie Nelson, Dallas' president of basketball operations. "The market is a little bit soft this summer for whatever reason and we were flat-out lucky to get him."

George was on the league champs his first three seasons, coming off the bench for Los Angeles Lakers teams led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. He's remained a key rotation player in Los Angeles for the last four years.

An ankle injury limited him to 15 games two seasons ago, when the Lakers missed the playoffs. He played 71 games last season, averaging 6.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and almost a steal per game in 21.7 minutes. That's slightly more productive than Adrian Griffin was as a starter for Dallas last season.

Wiz sign Deshawn Stevenson & Hornets sign Janerro Pargo

Barbosa also gets an extentsion of 32 mil 5 years

Lorenzen Wright to the Hawks for 6 mil 2 years.

Hawks are getting player who quickly fill their needs.

At the center they have..

Zaza/Wright now.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/chris_mannix/08/05/jeffries/index.html


The Washington Wizards will not match the New York Knicks five-year, $30 million offer sheet extended to restricted free agent forward Jared Jeffries last week, a league source told SI.com. Jeffries will become property of the Knicks on Monday.

Rick Bonnell of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER writes, "The Charlotte Bobcats have come to terms with veteran center Jake Voskuhl on a two-year deal, his agent and a team source confirmed Friday. According to agent Mark Bartelstein, the agreement (yet to be signed) would pay Voskuhl $2 million each season and give Voskuhl the option of becoming an unrestricted free agent after next season."

Multiple sources said the Nets are close to finalizing a buyout of Planinic's contract, which runs through next season, so he can sign a multiyear deal with Spanish Euroleague power, Tau Ceramica. Sources close to the Nets and Planinic said he likely will be bought out and waived in the near future.

Planinic's likely departure means Mile Ilic, last year's second-round pick, will be headed to New Jersey.

The Nets had been trying to clear a spot for the 7-foot-2 Ilic. They were offering Planinic for a second-round pick, but found no takers. Overseas, Maccabi Tel Aviv also showed interest.

Planinic is due about $1.8 million this season. The buyout will be far below half that based on his Tau Ceramica salary in euros.

The Nets will use some of the difference on Ilic (about $800,000) and another player, perhaps someone who can play both backcourt positions. They're considering free agents Milt Palacio, Tony Delk and Eddie House, as well as shooting guard Kareem Rush.

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMjYmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY5NzEwOTYmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2


The Sonics' negotiations with Chris Wilcox are likely to conclude Tuesday, when his Washington D.C.-based agent, Jeff Fried, meets with general manager Rick Sund in Seattle. However, the anticipated peaceful ending to a protracted contract dispute isn't on the horizon. Reports nearly a week ago that the Sonics were on the verge of signing Wilcox to three-year, $24 million deal were false, according to Sund and Fried.

Instead of a long-term deal, Wilcox, a restricted free agent, is expected to grudgingly sign a one-year tender worth $3.6 million that will enable him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The two sides reached an impasse over Wilcox's value at a June 3 meeting and little significant progress has been made in the past four weeks. The Times has learned through an NBA source that the Sonics gave Wilcox the option of signing a five-year, $33 million deal or a six-year, $40 million deal.

The two sides appeared to find common ground on a three-year deal. However, the Sonics continued to maintain that Wilcox is worth $6.6 million per season, and their offer is about $6 million less than his demands. "A one-year deal, in our mind, is not a deal," Fried said. "One year, in our mind, left Chris with no alternatives." Fried has urged the Sonics to consider sign-and-trade scenarios, including a deal with Golden State. Nothing has materialized, however.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1155550086393&call_pageid=968867503640


Ex-Raptor signs with Kings

Aug. 14, 2006. 08:50 AM
CANADIAN PRESS

Loren Woods' days with the Toronto Raptors are over. The 7-foot-2 centre has agreed to contract terms with the Sacramento Kings, his agent Jason Levien told the Sacramento Bee.

"Loren is bouncing off the walls, he's so excited," Levien said. "He really feels like this could be a good place for him."

Woods, a five-year veteran, has played sparingly throughout his career, including his two seasons in Toronto. Last season, he played in just 27 games, starting in four.

The Raptors didn't re-sign Woods when he became a free agent in the off-season.

A league source told the Bee the deal is for one year, paying Woods between $950,000 and $1 million (U.S.).

http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1155443312294470.xml&coll=1


Guard House joining Nets

Sunday, August 13, 2006

The Nets all but finished their bench overhaul Friday night when they agreed to terms with noted sniper Eddie House.

The high-energy, no-conscience shooting guard will be playing for his seventh team in five seasons, but he was considered a Sixth Man Award candidate through the '04-05 midseason before dropping out of the Suns' playoff rotation entirely.

But given the Nets' need for perimeter help, they will sign House to a one-year, $1.4 million deal upon completion of his physical sometime this week.

After getting very little from their second unit a year ago, the Nets' bench next year will comprise House, Antoine Wright, Mikki Moore, Cliff Robinson, Bostjan Nachbar, and four rookies -- assuming Mile Ilic is signed and Jeff McInnis is bought out, as anticipated.

Did that article just call Eddie House a sniper? I stopped reading after that.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2549112


Gooden agrees to three-year deal with with Cavs
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com


Scratch one more name off the NBA's ever-shrinking list of quality free agents: Drew Gooden.

Gooden's representative, Calvin Andrews, told ESPN.com on Monday that his client has agreed to terms with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a three-year contract worth about $23 million.

Re-signing Gooden was the Cavs' other main priority this offseason, after securing LeBron James' signature on a contract extension last month. The lack of further free-agent activity in Cleveland isn't surprising after its spending spree last summer to re-sign Zydrunas Ilgauskas and bring in Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall and Damon Jones.

"It was a long negotiation, but ultimately Danny Ferry was very fair and professional throughout the process," Andrews said of the Cavaliers' general manager. "At the end of the day, Drew is very excited to re-sign with what he feels is a team on the cusp of a championship. He feels he has found a home with the Cavaliers."

Gooden originally sought a deal in the same range as the six-year, $60 million pact Nene received from the Denver Nuggets, or the six-year, $57 million contract Al Harrington is expected to net from the Indiana Pacers in a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks. But Gooden and Seattle SuperSonics forward Chris Wilcox -- another restricted free agent likely to sign a three-year deal worth $20-to-$25 million -- found their options limited.

The few teams with salary-cap space either targeted other players or aren't spending their money, and teams interested in offering their mid-level exception to Gooden or Wilcox -- contracts starting at $5.3 million -- feared the Cavs and Sonics would simply match those offers.

Gooden, who averaged 10.7 points and 8.4 rebounds in his fourth pro season, also could have elected to sign a one-year deal worth $5.3 million, enabling him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. But Gooden opted for the added security of a three-year deal, setting up Cleveland to bring back the group that surged in the second half of last season to finish 50-32 and stretch Detroit to seven games in the second round of the East playoffs.

From here, with a payroll fast approaching luxury-tax territory, Cleveland will likely have to construct trades to make major personnel alterations, as the Cavs rush to establish themselves as unquestioned championship contenders before James has the right to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2010.

In the short term, though, Ferry is counting on the continuity of a largely unchanged roster, improved health for Hughes and the natural progression of James and the emerging Anderson Varejao to build on the successes of the spring. James turns just 22 in December.

With Gooden returning to Cleveland, Wilcox believed to be staying in Seattle and Harrington still likely to wind up in Indiana, Sacramento's Bonzi Wells and Denver's Reggie Evans are considered the biggest names left on the free-agent market.

http://www.komotv.com/stories/44929.htm


Sonics Sign Wilcox To 3-Year, $24 Million Deal

August 15, 2006
By Associated Press

SEATTLE - The Seattle SuperSonics and power forward Chris Wilcox agreed Tuesday on a three-year, $24 million contract.

It's a "win-win situation for both sides," agent Jeff Fried said after finalizing the deal. "After three years, if Chris progresses to the superstar level, we feel comfortable about the salary situation to compensate him and his superstar status."

A restricted free agent, the 6-foot-10 Wilcox also could have signed a one-year deal.

In 29 games with the SuperSonics last season after being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers, Wilcox delighted Seattle fans with his athletic play and thunderous dunks that meshed well with the Sonics' up-tempo style. He averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds, shot 59 percent and averaged 30 minutes, all career highs.

Wilcox, who turns 24 on Sept. 3, was taken with the No. 8 pick in the 2002 draft after his sophomore season at Maryland. He never found a role with the Clippers and was traded to Seattle on Feb. 14 for Vladimir Radmanovic.

Wilcox averaged only 4.5 points in 48 games with the Clippers before the trade.

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/15305590.htm


Cavs called close to a deal on big man Scot Pollard

By Brian Windhorst
Beacon Journal sportswriter

The Cavaliers are close to signing free agent big man Scot Pollard, National Basketball Association sources say.

The team is waiting for some results of a physical before completing the deal, which is believed to be for one year.

Pollard, a 6-foot-11, 265-pounder, has a relationship with Cavs coach Mike Brown. The two spent two seasons together with the Indiana Pacers, where Pollard learned Brown's complex defensive system.

The nine-year veteran can play power forward and center and has been known as a hard-working defender and rebounder in his career.

Over the past several years, Pollard has been slowed by a series of back problems. He played in 45 games for the Pacers last season, 32 of them starts, and averaged 3.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 17 minutes per game.

The Cavs have been searching for a true backup for Zydrunas Ilgauskas at center. If the deal goes through, they would have one roster spot remaining.

Veteran guard David Wesley has been among those believed to be considered for that position.

http://kerriskorner.com/pic/ice_cream_bowls_sm.jpg


EDIT: Done deal.


Cavs add front-court depth, sign Scot Pollard

Associated Press

CLEVELAND -- Free agent forward Scot Pollard, known for his ever changing hair and sideburns, signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who also traded center Martynas Andriuskevicius to the Chicago Bulls for guard Eddie Basden on Friday.

Pollard averaged 3.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 45 games -- 32 starts -- last season for the Indiana Pacers, his third NBA team. The wild-haired, 6-foot-11, 265-pounder will give the Cavs more inside muscle and can provide needed energy along with Anderson Varejao.

"Adding Scot to our roster gives us more depth, size, toughness and experience," Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said. "We believe Scot can be a valuable contributor to our team as we continue to build a championship level team here in Cleveland."

The 31-year-old Pollard has made 460 career starts and appeared in 57 playoff games since being drafted by Detroit in the first round (19th overall) in 1997. He played 33 games with the Pistons before being dealt to Atlanta for Christian Laettner.

After being waived the Hawks, Pollard signed as a free agent with Sacramento and spent six seasons with the Kings. He was traded to the Pacers in a three-team deal in 2003.

Andriuskevicius was a project for the Cavaliers, who acquired the 7-foot-2 Lithuanian last year from Orlando for a second-round draft pick and cash. He played just nine minutes in six games for Cleveland, spending most of the season in the NBA's Developmental League.

"Marty is a young and talented kid and he made good strides during the past year, but ultimately this trade puts us in a more flexible position with our roster," Ferry said.

Basden played in 19 games for the Bulls last season, averaging 2.1 points, 1.5 rebounds.

Flexo Mourning resigns with Heat

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2554126


Mourning re-signs with Heat, eyes repeat

MIAMI -- Alonzo Mourning re-signed with the Miami Heat on Friday, a formality after the veteran center announced last month he would return for the coming season and help the team defend its NBA championship.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mourning played last season for the veterans' minimum salary of about $1.1 million; the new deal was not expected to be significantly different.

"It's obviously great to have Zo back," Heat coach Pat Riley said in a statement released by the team. "We know how important he is to the city, this franchise, and in helping us try to repeat as NBA champions. It's a good day."

Mourning, who underwent a kidney transplant in December 2003, announced July 15 that he would be back in Miami for his 14th NBA season.

He averaged 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.66 blocks, making 20 starts as Shaquille O'Neal's backup and ranking third in the NBA in blocks per game.

"I love this organization, the fans and the whole South Florida community and I'm happy to have the opportunity to join my teammates and defend our championship this season," Mourning said. "I look forward to one day retiring as a member of the Heat, but right now, I feel great and can't wait to get out on the court and try to repeat."

With Mourning re-signed, the Heat have seven members of their eight-man playoff rotation under contract for next season. The only player not signed is veteran guard Gary Payton, who has said he intends to play a 17th season and would like to stay in Miami.

Mourning, a seven-time All-Star, is Miami's all-time leader in games played (491), blocked shots (1,405), free throws made (2,328) and free throws attempted (3,512). He was a key part of the Heat's rotation last season, and he had eight points, six rebounds and five blocked shots -- in 14 minutes -- in Miami's title-clinching victory over Dallas in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press
i can imagine the inordinate amount of flexing after every paper he signed....

Can the Suns just sign anyone that they want to? It sure seems that way.

The Arizona Republic is reporting that they've got a deal with Jumaine Jones.

Is it a one year deal? Because the Suns are allowed to rent any player they want by virtue of the copius amounts of offensive stats they hand out to everyone on their team.

Yeah, one year deal.

Nice job with "copius", btw.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0830suns0830.html

Reggie Evans re-signs with Denver (5 years)
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_4287073

David Wesley joins Cavs
http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/15443359.htm

Casey Jacobsen to the Rockets
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2573741

Looks like the Nuggets are the favorites to get Bonzi right now while the Heat are also interested.

Skita is apparently going to sign with the Sonics, and The Trib says the Bulls are working out Shawn Kemp.

Skita is apparently going to sign with the Sonics, and The Trib says the Bulls are working out Shawn Kemp.

Charity work is always commendable.

Free agent Wells talks with Rockets

Free agent Bonzi Wells met with Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy and general manager Carroll Dawson on Monday at Toyota Center as the Rockets stepped up their long-shot pursuit of the veteran guard.

Though the Rockets are limited by the salary cap and some of their free-agent spending this summer, Wells has clearly not ruled out the Rockets while also considering the Nuggets, Heat and Bobcats.

Wells, who went from expecting to be a top free agent to searching for a place to land two weeks before training camps open, replaced longtime agent William Phillips last month, with the switch to Merle Scott forcing a delay in the already protracted process.

Wells, who turns 30 on Wednesday, averaged 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds with the Kings last season and 23.2 points and 12 rebounds in the playoffs against the Spurs.

After earning $8 million last season, he turned down a five-year, $36 million offer from the Kings, a strong indication that an offer of a mid-level exception would not work. The Kings instead signed John Salmons, and the majority of teams over the cap spent their mid-level exceptions.

The Rockets have just $2.1 million of their mid-level exception remaining to offer unless they can work out a sign-and-trade deal with the Kings. The Rockets have a $4.2 million trade exception in which they could sign a free agent for as much as $4.2 million and send only a draft choice, but as with any sign-and-trade arrangement, that would require an agreement with the Kings.

Wells was the 11th pick of the 1998 NBA Draft out of Ball State and was immediately traded by the Pistons to the Trail Blazers, where he played five-plus seasons before he was traded to the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies sent him to the Kings for Bobby Jackson and Greg Ostertag.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/4196635.html