Once free agency starts, the Raptors have their mid-level exception set aside for Golden State's Mickael Pietrus, who could start for them next season at small forward, according to Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News.

Joe is probably making offers for Pietrus, but no way in hell does he get the FULL mle.

I wouldn't mind him coming in to be our backup swingman. I remember wanting the Pistons to draft him, but I think part of that was because I loved his hair (used to have lots of hair, not sure why he opted for the shaved look)

Milwaukee Bucks point guard Mo Williams, who'll be an unrestricted free agent, could throw a wrench into Thursday night's draft. There are some observers who believe the Memphis Grizzlies will make a strong pitch for Williams once free agency commences on July 1 and thus will pass on Ohio State guard Mike Conley.

The Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Bobcats will also have salary cap room to pursue Williams, but officials from each of those aforementioned teams said it wasn't likely they'd do so.

Source: Journal Times

Mo Pete to the Jazz?

Good fit, actually.


Translation: For now, Delfino is in, Peterson, a free agent and possibly Utah-bound, is out.

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2007/06/27/4293638-sun.html

Well, Vince Cater just opted out in NJ.

Not sure if that move is to re-sign (as is rumored) or to leave.

Good for Detroit, thats one less team to throw money at Chauncey.

Doesn't look like the Pistons are in on MoPete.


The Jazz reached out to Toronto's Morris Peterson in the opening minutes of the free-agent negotiating period Saturday night, and Peterson is said to have Utah first on his list of preferred destinations, a source said Sunday.
Peterson would fill the Jazz's needs for a three-point shooter and perimeter defender, though he also would add to the team's congestion of players at the shooting guard and small forward positions.
Peterson, who turns 30 on Aug. 26, played seven seasons with the Raptors and was a full-time starter until this season. He would come to the Jazz with the intention of starting at shooting guard, a job held by four different players this season.
In addition to the Jazz, Peterson received interest from Miami, New Orleans, Golden State, Sacramento and Cleveland at the start of the negotiating period.

http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_6280028

Jazz are very high on mopete while clippers want francis and a mobley backcourt

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/nba/cleveland_cavaliers/17449461.htm


Cavs' Varejao gets hefty contract offer

By Brian Windhorst
Beacon Journal sportswriter

As expected, the Cavaliers may have a difficult decision upcoming with free agent big man Anderson Varejao.

According to an NBA executive, Varejao has been presented with a hefty contract offer in excess of the league's mid-level exception, which is around $6 million for next season.

Such an offer could be for up to five years and around $40 million or more. Only a handful of teams have cap space to make such an offer, but the one likely after Varejao is the Memphis Grizzlies.

An active player and rebounder, he fits with the up-tempo style of new coach Marc Iavaroni.

Varejao is a restricted free agent, which means the Cavs would have the option to match an offer sheet he could sign with another team.

Offer sheets can't be signed until July 11 and the Cavs would then have a week to match.

Team sources indicate the Cavs would like to keep Varejao but they are wary of overpaying as they head into the luxury tax next season. Which makes the decision complex, especially with Drew Gooden as the team's starter.

Varejao is currently out of the country and is preparing to play for Brazil in the FIBA Americas Championship in August.

Has Gilbert softened his stance on paying the tax? I though he gave Ferry carte blanche?

6+ mill for Varejao? Guy plays 20 minutes a game off the bench.

Well the Bulls look to improve their post offense, they will look to add joe smith and chris mihm!

Both of those guys want the full MLE, so they won't get both.

It's amazing that there are teams out there that are still willing to give Joe Smith their MLE.

If Darko wasn't such a loser, the Bulls would be in a good position to add him for their MLE. I don't think they'll go there, though.

Noc is staring at a huge offer from the Grizzlies, Andy Varejaeo must have waited too long to sign that offer sheet.

This apparently says $46 million over five years for Noc: http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/07/05/01451057.html


(posted in Pistons FA thread, too)

Former Charlotte Bobcats' guard Brevin Knight has expressed great interest in the possibility of playing for the Denver Nuggets.

The Bobcats bought out Knight's contract Friday.


"(Denver) is an intriguing team for me," Knight said Tuesday. "My interest is high. I just think it's a nice place to be. Two great scorers in (Allen) Iverson and Carmelo (Anthony)."

Noc is staring at a huge offer from the Grizzlies, Andy Varejaeo must have waited too long to sign that offer sheet.

This apparently says $46 million over five years for Noc: http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/07/05/01451057.html


(posted in Pistons FA thread, too)

Noc/Memphis report was inaccurate, he's likely to re-sign with Chicago.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070705bulls,1,2443522.story?coll=cs-bulls-headlines


Even if the Grizzlies reached a $46 million offer that was reported erroneously in the Argentine media, the Bulls would have seven days to match because they still own Nocioni's rights. A $46 million offer might give Paxson pause.


While nothing is official until Nocioni pens his signature, all signs point to the hustling forward accepting Bulls general manager John Paxson's five-year deal worth nearly $38 million, perhaps within days.

Mikki Moore is visiting the Bulls today and the Sixers tomorrow.

Stack gets 7 million a year? I would have easily let him go and taken Gerald Wallace. Then trade Terry for Yi or someone who they are interested in.

Stack gets 7 million a year? I would have easily let him go and taken Gerald Wallace. Then trade Terry for Yi or someone who they are interested in.

Wallace and Howard would have made a nice wing pair, especially with Harris back there. It would be hard to score from the backcourt on those 3 with Avery running the show.

The Wizards have offered DeShawn Stevenson 4 yrs/$12m.

The Wizards have offered DeShawn Stevenson 4 yrs/$12m.
Sounds about right. Finally, a contract offer that makes sense and doesn't seem extremely overpriced.

Stevenson will probably want more though but the contract seems about right. I haven't heard much interest in DeShawn though so he'll probably stick with the Wizards.

i'm sure that Stevenson lost lots of market value after losing to a one-handed shooting Arenas:

Bn6O42a5vl8

just kidding, but it's fun to watch.

I think it's safe to way Mopete will sign with the Jazz

The Hornets are also in the picture now.

The Wizards have increased their offer to unrestricted free agent shooting guard DeShawn Stevenson to four years with a total salary of around $15 million, but Stevenson has not accepted that offer, according to team and league sources. Wednesday is the first day free agents can formally sign contracts, and a source close to Stevenson said the team and player are "moving closer" to an agreement.

as expected.

Pat Riley is after Mo Williams.

He wined, dined and you know what elsed him on South Beach last night.

What does that leave the Bucks with if they lose Mo? Steve Blake is also a free agent, and the Heat are said to be interested in him as well. That'd be a bad month for a franchise with some nice young players. Draft a guy who doesn't want to play there and lose your starting PG.

The Bucks could make a trade for Jason Terry or get involved in signing Steve Francis

i'm sure that Stevenson lost lots of market value after losing to a one-handed shooting jackass Arenas:

just kidding, but it's fun to watch.

fixed

Vegas news and notes: Changing of the guards

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/columnists/Stein_Marc_55.jpg (http://x.go.com/cgi/x.pl?goto=http://search.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=marc_stein&name=SEARCH_m_archive&srvc=sz) By Marc Stein


LAS VEGAS -- Dribbling around the NBA Summer League for the latest free-agent and trade chatter:

Rumblings circulating here at UNLV that point guard Mo Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3750) has chosen to take less money to sign with the Miami Heat (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mia) later this week were described as premature by multiple sources close to the situation.

Yet Williams is said to be leaning toward Miami and the persuasive recruiting trio of Shaquille O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=847), Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3708), even though the Bucks are positioned to offer more guaranteed money.

Williams' decision is expected by Wednesday, which is the first day free agents can officially sign new contracts after the league announces the salary-cap figure and luxury-tax threshold for the 2007-08 season.



The Los Angeles Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lal) emerged as an instant favorite to sign Derek Fisher (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3125) last week after Fisher asked the Utah Jazz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=uth) to release him from the final three years and $21 million left on his contract so he could move to one of the half-dozen NBA cities with a treatment center equipped to handle his young daughter's rare form of eye cancer.

Call them virtual sure-thing favorites now.

Fisher, according to NBA front-office sources, is no longer even considering other teams and is on track to re-sign soon with the Lakers -- who drafted him in 1996 -- barring an unexpected snag in negotiations.



If Williams indeed winds up in Miami and if Fisher returns to the Lakers, that will only enhance the Clippers' chances of signing Steve Francis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3325) when Francis' all-but-done Portland buyout is complete.

Francis is close with Shaq and is said to have had strong interest in the Heat and Lakers. The Clips, though, were in the lead from the start, with age (Sam Cassell (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=1295) at 38) and injury (Shaun Livingston (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3821)) concerns at the point and Francis' close pal Cuttino Mobley (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3284) as their lead recruiter.

Pacers are close to signing Tony Delk.

:yingyang:

The Pacers have no future. The team needs some serious rebuilding to do.

The Pacers have no future. The team needs some serious rebuilding to do.

No doubt... Outside of Granger, I can't think of one player with a lot of promise on that team.

No doubt... Outside of Tony Delk, I can't think of one player with a lot of promise on that team.

I'm trying to understand the "Mo Williams to Miami" possibility.

To me, Milwaukee with Williams > Miami with Williams

Have you seen Miami's roster besides Shaq, Wade & Haslem?

G.A.R.B.A.G.E.

Plus, he'd have to take less $ to go to Miami, but then there are the hookers...

If the Heat lose out on the Mo williams race they will be looking at Francis, as well as the Mavs and Clippers will be trying to sign FRancis.

There are some Pietrus to the heat deals[smilie=heatsmiley2:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070712/SPORTS03/107120072/1005/sports&template=printart


Wizards unlikely to bring back Hayes

July 12, 2007

By John N. Mitchell

THE WASHINGTON TIMES - The Washington Wizards don't intend to offer a contract to restricted free agent Jarvis Hayes, a sign the team has given up on the oft-injured forward, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.

The Wizards had not tendered a qualifying offer to Hayes as of last week, usually a formality in the restricted free agency process.

Repeated calls to Hayes and his agent, Dan Fagan, were not returned.

Meanwhile, it appears the Wizards and unrestricted free agent guard DeShawn Stevenson — the team's biggest priority — are still $3 million apart in negotiations.

The Wizards' offer has grown from three years, $9 million to four years, $15 million. An offer of four years, $18 million would "almost certainly" keep Stevenson with the team, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.

Liked him a lot coming out of college.

Des Mason expected to return to Milwaukee today, also Ersan Ilyasova is heading overseas to play.

Not a bad move for him since they got Yi instead of Brewer or Green.

Rockets leading the Francis sweepstakes, which makes no sense at all...

Brooks,Head,Alston,James are all point guards.

Head and T-Mac can play the 2 while Battier plays the 3.

The Rockets want Francis back? Will they trade for Mobley again too and put MeMac at the 3?

Apparently, Francis has narrowed his choices down to two, one being the Heat for sure.

In other news, the Spurs are quietly getting better.


The word is that the San Antonio Spurs are ready to sign Portland Trail Blazers' defensive wing Ime Udoka, who had a good year last year, but right now the Spurs are over the luxury-tax threshold and want to get under it to make the deal.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have guard David Wesley (cap number $1.8 million, real money owed $250,000) and a $2.2 million trade exception. There may be a deal to be made there, remember the Cavs like third-string point guard Beno Udrih. The Cavs could trade either for Udrih, if the Spurs can part with him for nothing in return, which isn't certain. Although, they just gave away Luis Scola and Jackie Butler to the Houston Rockets for no players in return.

He's picked the Rockets.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4982185.html


July 19, 2007, 1:57PM
Steve Francis to return to Rockets
Three-time All-Star picks former team over Heat, Mavs and Clippers

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Three seasons and three teams removed from the Rockets, Steve Francis will return to the team for which three times he was an All-Star.

Once known as "Franchise" as the cornerstone of the Rockets' planned post Hakeem Olajuwon rebuilding, Francis chose to return the Rockets on Thursday, passing on more lucrative offers from the Heat, Mavericks and Clippers.

"I think he sees this as a rebirth, as a restart of his career," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said.

"Steve has a sense we're real close. We think he can be a big part of getting us there. I always thought it was a long shot. Credit to Steve, he chose what he thought was the best chance to win over options that were better financially.

"There was always a chance that Steve would choose Houston, until Steve told me today himself he was coming it felt like a long shot. Jeff Fried was doing a great job as an agent creating options. It came down to Steve focusing on what was the most important to him and that was winning."

The Rockets were limited to the portion of the mid-level exception remaining after acquiring forward Luis Scola last weeks, worth $2.4 million the first year. He will sign a two-year contract with the option to opt out after one season.

Francis played five seasons for the Rockets, averaging 19.3 points, 6.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He was traded in June, 2004 to the Orlando Magic along with Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato in the deal to acquire Tracy McGrady. After one strong season with the Magic, he was dealt to the Knicks the next season and generally struggled to regain the form of his first years in the league, usually coming off the bench in the Knicks' crowded backcourt and battling knee troubles last season.

Francis is scheduled for a physical this afternoon, but has reported no problems with the knee since last season.

"It's a combination of a variety of factors including the fit with the team, a comfortableness with the organization and a familiarity with the surroundings," Fried said. "He has a home in Houston. In so many ways, it has remained his home, despite some interim stops, Orlando and New York.

"For Steve, it's coming home."

Dealt the Portland Trail Blazers after the season, he accepted a buyout of the last two seasons of his contract, worth roughly $30 million.

He had considered offers to reunite with Mobley, a friend and former teammate, and Sam Cassell, a friend and business partner, with the Clippers, and to play with each of the 2006 NBA Finals teams, the Mavericks and Heat.

"It's a chance to win," Morey said. "Both Yao (Ming) and Tracy really helped with the recruiting process and are excited about our chance to win with the additions in the off-season," Morey said. "We're feeling good we've addressed a lot of our goals."

The addition of Francis will likely trigger more changes. He would give the Rockets five point guards. Morey has said he is seeking to move John Lucas III. Several teams, the New Orleans Hornets in particular, have indicated interest, but Morey said nothing is imminent. With Francis on the roster, he could also seek to deal last season's starter, Rafer Alston.

"When you have a chance to add a talent like Steve who really fits what coach (Rick Adelman) is trying to do, you do it," Morey said. "Now we have a lot of talent on the roster. Coach and I have to figure out the best way to make it work. What our plans are is still to be determined. Because this was a bit of a long shot, we haven't spent a lot of time on what was the right next step in the coming weeks."

GSW are apparently close to signing Austin Croshere, for some reason.

Celtics may sign Mutombo

Boston Herald: "The C’s, who now have 13 players on their roster, can add two more. One is expected to be a big man, with veteran 7-footer Dikembe Mutombo, 41,a possibility."


Ten-year veteran forward Austin Croshere is expected to sign a one-year deal with Golden State this morning, team sources said. And the Warriors have inked 2006 draft pick Kosta Perovic to a multiyear deal, according to Perovic's agent, Bill Duffy. The moves mean Golden State -- which had no official comment on either signing but is expected to announce both deals today -- has 14 of its 15 roster slots filled. That includes restricted free-agent forward Mickael Pietrus, who is on the Warriors' books at the team's qualifying offer of $3.47 million, and doesn't leave much room for rookie forward Stephan Lasme, a second-round selection, unrestricted free-agent forward Matt Barnes or any other new acquisition they might be targeting. Contra Costa Times

I would take Mutumbo. Not much on offense but he's still a defensive machine.

I doubt Deke can give you more than 20 minutes a game though. I think he'd still be a good fit in Houston though.


They looked into the availability of Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro, whose rights seem close to being traded from the Washington Wizards to the Memphis Grizzlies. The latest free agent whom the Cavs have contacted with some interest is Troy Hudson, whose $12 million buyout of his contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves became official Friday.

Hudson, a 10-year veteran who averaged 5.9 points and 2.1 assists last year, would play for the NBA minimum and is interested in coming to the Cavs.

''Troy would have great interest in the Cavs,'' said Bill Neff, Hudson's agent. ''I hope they kick the tires on him and see if he can help.''


http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/8908557.html

The Cavs are continously using their money on the wrong players

Udoka signed with the Spurs for just a bit over 2 mil for 2 years, there goes a very solid, cheap backup SF...but of course i'd rather have 2 rooks and SuperDup backing up Tayshaun [smilie=rolleyes.gi:

The Spurs have worked out Troy Hudson, as they were apparently the first team to show interest after his buyout was complete.

If they sign him, Beno's probably done there.

Whats up w/ Varejao and Pavlovic. I mean I assume they will re-sign w/ Cleveland, but whats' with the long wait. Both of them played over their heads last year IMO. Sasha will fade into obscurity big time this year.

Cleveland didn't add anybody via the draft, and signed no free agents. I have a very hard time beliving they will duplicate last years success, even with LeBron James.

I'd bet they finish 3rd in the Central, and lose in either the 1st or 2nd rd...way to sit on your ass Ferry, you clown.

Go Pistons!!

Cleveland is just waiting them out.

I think they are both holding out hope that some team steps up with an offer sheet, but other teams (at least the ones with $ left to spend) know that the Cavs will probably just match, so what's the use?

It's just a game of chicken.

I agree that Cleveland will likely not even sniff the ECF this year.

It's all Arenas and Butler's fault. If only they didn't get injured.

Whatever, Clevelends fucked next year, with every team adding something and Cleveland not doing jack shit, they should not even make top 5 in the east. overrated fuckers

It's all Arenas and Butler's fault. If only they didn't get injured.

Whatever, Clevelends fucked next year, with every team adding something and Cleveland not doing jack shit, they should not even make top 5 in the east. overrated fuckers

My Lord, I would give a limb to see them fall off the face of the earth this season...have you seen their schedule??? Right out of the gate they got it tough...if they can fall behind early, even with LBJ, they may not be able to recover, especially since ass clowns like Daniel Gibson and Sasha won't be sneaking up on anybody like they did last year...

also LOL at Gibson as a starting PG, pee ran down his leg when he was up against Tony Parker & Chauncey...last year in The Finals, he showed the world who he really was....a second round pick...his career already peaked...

God I hate all teams down in America's Trailer Park (Cleveland)

Gibson just seems like a guy that's got all the skills needed, but not the potential to develop into more than a great backup. He's a good player, someone I wouldn't have minded drafting if we'd had a shot, but he's never going to be an all-star guy.

also LOL at Gibson as a starting PG, pee ran down his leg when he was up against Tony Parker & Chauncey...last year in The Finals, he showed the world who he really was....a second round pick...his career already peaked...
Chauncey was too busy laying a turd to defend him, if you want to get all scatological about it.

LeTravel is there, they will make it back to the ECF.

Gibson scored 31 points in game 6 of the Eastern Finals. I can think of worse starting PG in the playoffs.

It may be blasphemy to say, but I like Gibson's game. The kid is pretty fearlesss and thrives in pressure situations. Is he an elite guard, able to keep up with Nash and Parker on D? No. But he continuously drives the lane looking for contact or a quick dish off. I'd love to have a change of pace point like him.

Like I said, he's a great backup, a decent starter, but he's probably not going to turn into an all-star.