NBA Free Agency Thread

[stevew]

Nash to Phoenix
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1833028

[stevew]

Im guessing that the Suns wont be going after Kobe now.

[MrBug708]

Vince Carter wants a trade

[stevew]

Its interesting that Cuban reportedly refused to match this offer. Its about time he started to show restraint. 5/65 is a lot for nash at this stage of his career.

[Arles]

I don't know if it was restraint as much as matching Nash would have taken Dallas out of the Shaq sweepstakes. Still, it's on the high end of what Nash is worth. ESPN was reporting he would get a deal at around 10 mil a year, so this is slightly more.

[MrBug708]

I don't know if it was restraint as much as matching Nash would have taken Dallas out of the Shaq sweepstakes. Still, it's on the high end of what Nash is worth. ESPN was reporting he would get a deal at around 10 mil a year, so this is slightly more.

I think matching Nash's offer would have meant forcing Cubans hand in a Shaq to Dallas trade giving the Lakers the advantage

[TroyF]

This move has been in place sinse the draft. You don't pick Harris 5th and sit him behind Nash. Harris is a defensive PG and it's been clear for awhile that Cuban wants better defense on the floor. They offered Nash what they felt he was worth. He went for more money.

As a Nugget fan, I'm content with that. The Suns will be a good team, but they could have been great with Kobe. I'm just scared of what Denver will do. Signing Camby to a 9 million a year deal is frightening.

[Arles]

From what I understand, Phoenix offered Kobe 6 years at over $100 mil last night and he responded today in a very lukewarm manner. The local sports radio here said their sources said that Kobe is still intent on resigning with LA and that he was going to take a while to decide. So, Phoenix went to plan B since it seemed Kobe coming to the suns was a long shot and there was no way guys like Nash and Ocur would wait 2-3 weeks for Kobe to make up his mind.

[stevew]

The Cavs decided not to pick up Boozers 3rd year option and made him an unrestricted FA. This is freaking stupid. I know the general plan is for him to stay, but now the Cavs could have their own "Joe Smith" type situation.

[JeeberD]

I guess it's gonna be Marquis Daniels' time to shine...

[Mantle2600]

actually the cavs did pick up boozer's option, their not THAT stupid.:)

[Neuqua]

They did not pick up the option. But Boozer says he isn't even considering signing anywhere else.

[MrBug708]

Boozer wants to be on the LeBron gravy train!

[pennywisesb]

Vince Carter wants a trade
are you kidding me with this?

[TroyF]

I couldn't believe the Cavs didn't make the qualifying offer to Boozer. I don't care how much he says he wants to stay and how much of a sure thing that is. Things can change incredibly quickly with things like this. Just taking an "out there" scenario, say his wifes mom was dagnosed with cancer and she lived in another city. Do you think Boozer might alter his plans a bit?

I'm 99.9% certain Boozer will resign, but I still think it's an incredibly stupid move for the Cavs not to have picked up that option so it was a 100% thing. Make enough moves like that, it'll bite you in the rear end at some point.

It's amazing how many big names are on the block right now. VC, Ray Allen, Shaq, Peirce in the right trade, AI in the right deal, TMAC/Francis already dealt. I've thought that VC would be wanting out for a couple of years now. I'm surprised it took this long for the trade demand.

[Mantle2600]

your right im sorry, the plain dealer said that they did pick it up, and then other newspapers say they didnt. my heads about to explode from all the confusion

[stevew]

your right im sorry, the plain dealer said that they did pick it up, and then other newspapers say they didnt. my heads about to explode from all the confusion

Everybody thought it was an obvious thing for them to pick the option up. They better not let him get away.

[Gary Gorski]

and there was no way guys like Nash and Ocur would wait 2-3 weeks for Kobe to make up his mind.

Wow, you guys must have really wanted Okur out there huh?

j/k Arles, just havin some fun with ya. Besides, we'd prefer to keep him here in Detroit, where we know how to pronounce and spell his name :D

[SonyLuang]

Didn't Dallas get Devin Harris from Wisconsin? Do you guys think he'll start at PG for the Mavs?

[The_herd]

Didn't Dallas get Devin Harris from Wisconsin? Do you guys think he'll start at PG for the Mavs?

Without a doubt. Cuban probably new before the draft that Nash was, in all likelyhood, gone. Picking up Harris gave them a bit of insurance and made them a bit younger. I also don't think losing Nash hurts Dallas that much because I think Harris will end up being a better PG and it spreads the shots out a bit more. They do have to suffer through the growing pains of a rookie PG though.

[HornedFrog Purple]

Dont' forget about Marquis Daniels. If they manage to work out a deal with him, they have a nice duo at PG. Marquis can ball.

I'll miss Nash though, the guy is a scrapper and goes all out every game. Thanks for helping to take the Mavs out of the crapper.

[MikeVic]

Vince Carter said something like he's not happy with the way the organization is going... I don't know about other Raptors fans, but I can't believe Vince said this. He's the reason the Raptors are going down every season. He gets flicked on the wrist and goes down holding his leg, then goes on the DL for 3 weeks. Then when he plays, he dosn't drive and dunk anymore... he shoots jumpers from half-court.

As much as I loved Carter during his first few years, I wouldn't be sad to see him go. As long as they get enough in return for him. :D

[The_herd]

Dont' forget about Marquis Daniels. If they manage to work out a deal with him, they have a nice duo at PG. Marquis can ball.

I'll miss Nash though, the guy is a scrapper and goes all out every game. Thanks for helping to take the Mavs out of the crapper.

I'll be shocked if Daniels is a Mav next season. If I'm the Bobcats I'm offering him somewhere in the range of 7-8 million per and the promise of playing 40 minutes a night. Neither of which the Mavs can match.

[The_herd]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1833400

DALLAS -- Marquis Daniels agreed to a six-year contract worth roughly $38 million to stay with the Mavericks, helping Dallas secure the other half of its starting backcourt soon after losing point guard Steve Nash.

Daniels, who made the league minimum of $366,931 last season after going undrafted out of Auburn, will receive the midlevel exception of around $5 million this season, then have annual raises of 10 percent. The exact figures will be set by the league before July 14, which is the earliest the contract can be signed.

"Once we got what we wanted, from the team we wanted, Marquis said, 'Let's get it done,'" agent Glenn Schwartzman said Friday. "This is where his heart is."

Daniels spent part of last season as Nash's backup, then thrived once he joined him in the starting lineup as the off guard. His playmaking may be needed more next season now that Nash has agreed to sign with Phoenix, probably turning over point guard duties to rookie Devin Harris.

Daniels made Dallas' roster in training camp, then started the season near the end of the bench. He became a starter in March and into the playoffs.

By scoring 30 points in three of his 15 regular-season starts, and averaging 15.8 in the playoffs, Daniels turned himself into quite a commodity on the free-agent market.

About a dozen teams called his agent when the negotiating period opened late Wednesday. His suitors included Utah, Denver and three other teams that were well under the salary cap, Schwartzman said.

The Mavericks could've been outbid if a team under the cap exceeded the midlevel figure. But with free agency just starting, no team was willing to break the bank for Daniels just yet.

Not wanting to take any chances, the Mavericks made the maximum offer they could and asked for an immediate answer.

"I think they felt they needed a commitment because they didn't want to lose both Steve and Marquis," Schwartzman said.


I WAS WRONG!!!!

Anyway, I'm really surprised to see loyalty from anyone in the NBA these days. I have quite a bit of respect for Daniels now. I'm sure Dallas new the Bobcats would throw quite a bit of money at him, so they locked him up as soon as possible.

[HornedFrog Purple]

Yeah the Mavs have made a move to get younger. I am happy Daniels resigned. Finley is now the old man on the team and Josh Howard is his heir apparent.

If Najera was 6 inches taller he would be the perfect center for this team.

[j51]

Man, how would you like to be a late first round pick making peanuts for your first 4 years while you see an undrafted kid get a $38 million deal after 1 season?

[JeeberD]

Daniels can flat out play. I see him starting and Harris backing him up, though there's a good chance both of them will be on the floor at the same time (ala Nash and Van Exel)...

[Hammer755]

Vince Carter said something like he's not happy with the way the organization is going... I don't know about other Raptors fans, but I can't believe Vince said this. He's the reason the Raptors are going down every season. He gets flicked on the wrist and goes down holding his leg, then goes on the DL for 3 weeks. Then when he plays, he dosn't drive and dunk anymore... he shoots jumpers from half-court.

As much as I loved Carter during his first few years, I wouldn't be sad to see him go. As long as they get enough in return for him. :D
I heard Carter on the Dan Patrick Show a week or two ago, and he is pushing hard to have Dr. J brought in as the team's GM. He also had a candidate that he wanted to be hired as head coach, but I can't think of who it was and I'm certiain it wasn't Sam Mitchell. Perhaps he's angry that the team hasn't listened to his input regarding the front office.

[MrBug708]

Harris plays better defense and is younger then Nash. A great deal all around

[Neuqua]

I actually don't see Harris becoming anything special at the next level. He does have the ability to hit big shots though.

[MrBug708]

He was probably the best talent in the Big-11

[Neuqua]

Player. Not talent.

[MrBug708]

No, Talent. you guys have one guy who'll be a Pro player, but Indiana, MSU, OSU, Purdue and the rest are all missing elite talents

[stevew]

Well to add to the "being tall gets you paid mad dollars" file.

Adonal Foyle for 41 million (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1834870)

Mehmet Okur for 50 million. (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1834778)

Okur is a restricted FA so the pistons could probably match the offer, but likely won't. A lot of what the Pistons do depends on what Sheed decides.

Markus Camby has also decided to stay in Denver. If he stays healthy it will be great for them, but hes super fragile.

[Huckleberry]

I want to make $366,931 for the next 4 years and call it peanuts.

[The_herd]

Did anyone else know Kidd's knee surgery was the Microfracture procedure?

Thats a pretty serious knee injury. I didn't realize it was that bad.

[sterlingice]

Hey, JeeberD. What's the buzz down there for point guard? Is there a serious push for a decent free agent?

SI

[rkmsuf]

Well to add to the "being tall gets you paid mad dollars" file.

Adonal Foyle for 41 million (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1834870)

Mehmet Okur for 50 million. (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1834778)

Okur is a restricted FA so the pistons could probably match the offer, but likely won't. A lot of what the Pistons do depends on what Sheed decides.

Markus Camby has also decided to stay in Denver. If he stays healthy it will be great for them, but hes super fragile.

They signed Foyle to a big deal like that? What a joke. That guy sucks. If you want someone who can't stay healthy or rebound he's your guy.

[Samdari]

Harris plays better defense ... then Nash.

And we would know this how?

[JeeberD]

Hey, JeeberD. What's the buzz down there for point guard? Is there a serious push for a decent free agent?

SI

The rumors on the 'net are that the Rox are going to go after either Brent Barry or Derek Fisher...

[Samdari]

I want to make $366,931 for the next 4 years and call it peanuts.

LOL, if you were the lowest paid member of your group, you would likely be a little pissed about it.

Then again, I would like to be in the position of making that much and constantly whining how underpaid I was.

[rkmsuf]

LOL, if you were the lowest paid member of your group, you would likely be a little pissed about it.

Then again, I would like to be in the position of making that much and constantly whining how underpaid I was.

Yo, you know how much those spinning rims cost dog? I gots to get paid

[gstelmack]

"Once we got what we wanted, from the team we wanted, Marquis said, 'Let's get it done,'" agent Glenn Schwartzman said Friday.
You think? A ton of money from the team you want to play for and you have to mention that he said "Let's get it done"? Although I guess in this day and age you can't take it for granted that if a player wants to play for you and you give him what he's asking for, he'll sign.

Sorry, I just thought that was one of the dumbest quotes ever from an agent...

[bbor]

ALston to the Raps for 5 or 6 years at 25 or 29 mil.

Someone please take Wince Carter and his whiny baby ass off our hands.

Now i can see how Wince and T-mac are related.Crybabies.

[rkmsuf]

ALston to the Raps for 5 or 6 years at 25 or 29 mil.

Someone please take Wince Carter and his whiny baby ass off our hands.

Now i can see how Wince and T-mac are related.Crybabies.

Who would want Carter?

[bigdawg2003]

so much for fiscal responsibility in the NBA. watch a lot of these contracts become albatrosses in a couple years.

[bbor]

Who would want Carter?

His assist GM mom.

[The_herd]

This is absurd.


Restricted free-agent Hedo Turkoglu and the Orlando Magic and have agreed to a six-year $39 million contract, his agent, Lon Babby, said Wednesday.

[stevew]

Also word is that Manu Ginobli has been offered a 6 year deal starting in the 9 million dollar range by Denver. Contracts are starting to get out of hand.

[Neuqua]

Whoever lands Arroyo in a cheap deal will get a steal.

[MacroGuru]

Arroyo will be staying, We made qualifying offers to all our restricteds so we are able to counter. Arroyo will cost someone some cash to go somewhere, cause Kevin has stated on radio around here, he wants all 4 restricteds back. He has 1 of the 4.

I do have to say I don't think Okur was worth what they tossed at him. K-mart won't come here, cause he can't get away with his crap to Sloan.

Ostertag, I liked him, but he just never seemed to pick it up when he needed to, he had his moments, but he has admitted, he isn't a fan of basketball anymore, and only plays it cause it pays him really well. I hope where ever he lands, he changes his attitude.

[Neuqua]

Arroyo signs for $16mil over 4 years (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1835993)

Best contract/value of the offseason in my opinion.

[MacroGuru]

2 down, 2 more to go. I think Mo Williams and Jarron Collins will both get decent offers, that will also leave us enough cap space to try after someone else.

K-mart has been the discussion on the radio today as he comes in tomorrow, we could offer him the 14 mil a year he wants, but would he take it?

I don't think he will, I think he is using us to stay in NJ, but then who knows.

Denver has stated Manu, Kobe, K-mart. I don't think they know what they want.

[Neuqua]

Suns sign Q (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1835962)



Suns find second guard for about $50M

The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers restricted free agent guard Quentin Richardson have agreed on an offer sheet that will pay the 24-year-old, fourth-year guard between $48 and $50 million, league sources told ESPN's David Aldridge.

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
65 17.2 6.4 2.1 .398 .740

When Richardson signs the sheet the Clippers will have 15 days to match the offer. The sources said the contract also includes additional incentives.

Richardson visited the Denver Nuggets earlier in the free agent period and was one of the players in whom Denver had the most interest. However, the Nuggets have turned their attention to Lakers free agent Kobe Bryant and Spurs restricted free agent Manu Ginobili.

The Clippers have indicated that they'd like to keep Richardson, but it would be impossible for them to do and continue their pursuit of Bryant. Los Angeles matched offer sheets last summer for forwards Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, but allowed forward Lamar Odom to leave for the Miami Heat.

Phoenix had initially targeted Spurs restricted free agent Hedo Turkoglu, but negotiations stalled on Tuesday when Turkoglu rejected a six-year, $24 million offer. Turkoglu reached agreement with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday on a six-year deal for the full mid-level exception.

The Suns have already signed free agent Steve Nash guard to a six-year, $66 million deal; if the Clippers don't match Phoenix's offer for Richardson, the Suns would have one of the league's most dynamic guard rotations, along with third-year man Joe Johnson.

[mckerney]

No, Talent. you guys have one guy who'll be a Pro player, but Indiana, MSU, OSU, Purdue and the rest are all missing elite talents

Humphries might have been a better talent, but with that talent you have to take all the other baggage.

[mckerney]

Dola:

It looks like it's going to take some bank, but hopefully the Wolves can bring back both Hudson and Hassell. If Hudson had been healthy the playoffs would have been a very different story.

[Sharpieman]

What a deal!!!! Adonal is back with the Warriors! Our franchise is SAVED!!!Foyle is God.

*shakes head*

[stevew]

Suns sign Q (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1835962)



Suns find second guard for about $50M

The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers restricted free agent guard Quentin Richardson have agreed on an offer sheet that will pay the 24-year-old, fourth-year guard between $48 and $50 million, league sources told ESPN's David Aldridge.

2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
65 17.2 6.4 2.1 .398 .740

When Richardson signs the sheet the Clippers will have 15 days to match the offer. The sources said the contract also includes additional incentives.

Richardson visited the Denver Nuggets earlier in the free agent period and was one of the players in whom Denver had the most interest. However, the Nuggets have turned their attention to Lakers free agent Kobe Bryant and Spurs restricted free agent Manu Ginobili.

The Clippers have indicated that they'd like to keep Richardson, but it would be impossible for them to do and continue their pursuit of Bryant. Los Angeles matched offer sheets last summer for forwards Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, but allowed forward Lamar Odom to leave for the Miami Heat.

Phoenix had initially targeted Spurs restricted free agent Hedo Turkoglu, but negotiations stalled on Tuesday when Turkoglu rejected a six-year, $24 million offer. Turkoglu reached agreement with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday on a six-year deal for the full mid-level exception.

The Suns have already signed free agent Steve Nash guard to a six-year, $66 million deal; if the Clippers don't match Phoenix's offer for Richardson, the Suns would have one of the league's most dynamic guard rotations, along with third-year man Joe Johnson.

The only way possible the Clips wont match this Richardson deal is if they get Kobe. Its an affordable contract.

[rkmsuf]

Odom, Grant and picks from Miami for Shaq is what is out there now. Reportedly the Lakers have decided they are definately trading O'Neil.

[sterlingice]

What in the hell is up with all these huge contracts for average, at best, players? Imagine what this league would be like if Scott Boras were an agent...

SI

[rkmsuf]

What in the hell is up with all these huge contracts for average, at best, players? Imagine what this league would be like if Scott Boras were an agent...

SI

Foyle is the one that really is absurd.

[sterlingice]

Foyle is the one that really is absurd.
I think the Okur contract is almost as nuts. Or Turkoglu.

SI

[stevew]

Man, the Cavs better not lose Boozer. Word is the Jazz are trying to woo him now.

[Samdari]

Foyle is the one that really is absurd.

Turkogulu is not absurd????

[rkmsuf]

Turkogulu is not absurd????

He is...I just couldn't spell his name

[rkmsuf]

Man, the Cavs better not lose Boozer. Word is the Jazz are trying to woo him now.

I wouldn't offer Boozer big bucks. His lack of size may catch up with him. Nice season but I'm not sold on him being much of a fit anywhere but for Cleveland.

[Neuqua]

I don't think Turkoglu is really all that absurd. I think if Orlando runs the type of offense they say they plan on doing, he'll be a solid value since it suits his game. I can see him averaging around 14ppg with his high percentage shooting in the East.

[stevew]

I wouldn't offer Boozer big bucks. His lack of size may catch up with him. Nice season but I'm not sold on him being much of a fit anywhere but for Cleveland.

Boozer is a beast, and worth at least 7-8 million starting easy. From time to time he carried the team this season.

[rkmsuf]

at only 6-9 he's a tricky fit. Good player but curious the Cavs let him get on the market.

[Alf]

The Cavs management goofed and do not want to admit it. They just should have used the option on Boozer contract.

[bigdawg2003]

Boozer to Utah for 6 yrs/68 million

www.espn.com

EDIT: Messed up the total $

[Neuqua]

That's kind of a shady thing to do on Carlos' part. Utah could've just said they'd pay him some 700grand this year but instead tore that contract up to give him some more money.

I guess business is business.

[Alf]

Utah management is making me want to follow this franchise more than in the Stockton/Malone years.

[Alf]

dola, and who can blame Boozer to get a $68M/6y over a $40M/6y contract, that's $28M more...

[Neuqua]

dola, and who can blame Boozer to get a $68M/6y over a $40M/6y contract, that's $28M more...

Yeah but there is a lot to suggest that Carlos and the Cavs had a verbal agreement that said Cleveland would not extend Carlos at 750k and instead give him their entire MLE and a $40mill deal overall. Carlos has said all along that he loves it in Cleveland and is so grateful for the franchise to give him a chance in the league.

This is certainly not going to help the perception of NBA players.

[Mantle2600]

I can cause the asshole agreed to resign with the cavs if they tore up his contract this year instead he turns out like every other sports player. Its getting really hard to follow sports anymore

[stevew]

I can cause the asshole agreed to resign with the cavs if they tore up his contract this year instead he turns out like every other sports player. Its getting really hard to follow sports anymore

Boozer is a piece of shit. I dont want him back now. Talk about lack of class. Im buying some batteries for the Cavs/Jazz game now.

[Ksyrup]

What in the hell is up with all these huge contracts for average, at best, players? Imagine what this league would be like if Scott Boras were an agent...

SI
I find it funny that baseball gets raked over the coals for A-Rod's contract, yet Shaq's $30M/year contract is just a "fact" thrown around in all of these rumors. Where's the outrage?

[Neuqua]

I find it funny that baseball gets raked over the coals for A-Rod's contract, yet Shaq's $30M/year contract is just a "fact" thrown around in all of these rumors. Where's the outrage?

His, along with KG's, contracts were grandfather'ed in. Meaning they were agreed to previous to the current collective bargaining agreement and so that's why they are allowed to have the big salaries that they have.

However, there is practically 0 chance of this ever happening again under the current rules.

[MacroGuru]

Wow, What the hell are the Jazz doing?

I am shocked! I didn't expect them to go after Carlos, but now it makes sense as it was reported they told K-mart not to bother coming into town to visit.

Now I know why.

Lets see.......Boozer (Harpring), Okur, Kirilenko, Giricek, Lopez(Arroyo)

Dang, we were almost going international with our starting 5.

Anyways, it's going to be interesting.

[stevew]

Boozer just made me throw up in my mouth.

[The_herd]

Wow, I thought Boozer was a bigger person than this. He just ensured that he will be booed in just about every town outside of Salt Lake.

I on the other hand, I think I just became a Cavs fan just because now I hope they win a title with Lebron, minus Boozer.

[Racer]

The only positive thing that comes out of this is that the Cavs will now likely be WAY under the cap next summer. If the salaries on the site below are correct, I would think the Cavs would now have enough money to sign two players for the max next season if they opted not to resign Ilgauskas.

hxxp://www.hoopshype.com/salaries/cleveland.htm

[Noop]

Wow I just read Boozer left the Cavs... one word very overpaid but atleast he got paid...

[sterlingice]

Yet another signing that makes me look and say "huh":

Free agent forward Brian Cardinal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3443) agreed to a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem) on Friday, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN Insider Chad Ford.

The contract is for six years and worth roughly $39 million, according to Bartelstein. The Grizzlies used their full mid-level exception to sign Cardinal.
I can't imagine that the Brian Cardinals and Hedo Turkoglus of the world were what the NBA had in mind when it created the mid-level exception where you pay these guys a good $6M per year to ride your bench or be borderline starters.

SI

[The_herd]

Yet another signing that makes me look and say "huh":


I can't imagine that the Brian Cardinals and Hedo Turkoglus of the world were what the NBA had in mind when it created the mid-level exception where you pay these guys a good $6M per year to ride your bench or be borderline starters.

SI

I agree. But I learned long ago not to question what Jerry West does.

[korme]

WTF? Brian Cardinal still plays in the NBA?

[MikeVic]

Barry to the Spurs for $22M/4years.. it's a report on espn.com, but a sports channel here said it's official...

[Neuqua]

Crawford is very close to becoming a Knick.

[MrBug708]

I guess Isaiah wanted to give NY his own bad contracts, rather than just the ones he inherited

[The_herd]

Stephen Jackson has agreed to a six-year, $39 million contract with the Indiana Pacers, a source close to Jackson told ESPN Insider's Chad Ford.

I'm starting wonder if I could put myself on the market and get a team's MLE?

[Neuqua]

Sources close to the Houston Rockets report that the Rockets have come to terms with FOFC poster The_herd in a 6 year/$39 million dollar deal. The Rockets have not confirmed this however ESPN Insider's Chad Ford has said it is all but a 'done deal.'

Whoa!

[sterlingice]

Well, we *do* need a point guard.

SI

[MikeVic]

Whoa!

Congrats the_herd!

[sterlingice]

Better share some of your newfound wealth, if you know what's good for you. ;)

SI

[The_herd]

So right after I hit the "Submit Reply" button on the above post the Houston Rockets call inquiring about my services....

But I've told them I'm not signing unless they trade Yao and give coach K the privilege of coaching my team. I've also insisted on a 2 year deal with an "option" year.


Barry to the Spurs for $22M/4years.. it's a report on espn.com, but a sports channel here said it's official...

Teams really need to take notes from the Spurs. This is an excellent signing and I find it hard to believe guys like Brian Cardinal can get the full MLE and Barry gets a deal that is right at market value.

[The_herd]

A source tells ESPN's David Aldridge that free agent forward Antonio McDyess is close to a deal with the Detroit Pistons that would pay him up to $30 million over five years.

A league source told ESPN Insider's Chad Ford on Saturday night that the deal is actually guaranteed for four years and $23 million, with the final year becoming guaranteed if McDyess plays a minimum of 60 games in the fourth year of the deal.

*sigh*

I'm assuming Joe Dumars didn't watch McDyess play last year.

[MrBug708]

Beats paying Okur that much money

[TroyF]

I couldn't believe the Cavs didn't make the qualifying offer to Boozer. I don't care how much he says he wants to stay and how much of a sure thing that is. Things can change incredibly quickly with things like this. Just taking an "out there" scenario, say his wifes mom was dagnosed with cancer and she lived in another city. Do you think Boozer might alter his plans a bit?

I'm 99.9% certain Boozer will resign, but I still think it's an incredibly stupid move for the Cavs not to have picked up that option so it was a 100% thing. Make enough moves like that, it'll bite you in the rear end at some point.

The Nuggets were rumored to have been ready to offer Boozer a contract.

I can't tell you how happy I am they didn't. I couldn't cheer for this scumbag if he led my team to 8 consecutive titles. It would disgust me everytime he scored a point in a Nugget uniform.

He's exactly why people can't stand sports. The Cavs made a monumental blunder, but Boozer is a monumental jack ass.

The NBA players union should ban the agent permanently at the end of this offseason. Boozer, if there is a God, will stay healthy the rest of his career and will suck horrificly the entire time. I can't believe a guy like Sloan, with his class, would want a scumbag like this on his team.

In other NBA news, the Hawks and Nuggets have offered Kenyon the max. He'll choose Sunday/Monday and sign an offer sheet.

The Nets, according to most sources in the last couple of days, are about a 30/70 odds to match.

[The_herd]

Interesting article on the Boozer situation from CNNSI.

hxxp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/ian_thomsen/07/09/paxson.boozer/index.html

[mckerney]

The Timberwolves and Troy Hudson have reportedly come to terms on a six year deal worth $37 million.

[JeeberD]

Pretty frugal deal by this years standards. Good work by the T-Pups...

[MrBug708]

One interesting thing took place last night as soon as the bell rung for trades and signings.

The Clippers traded Melvin Ely and Eddie House to the Bobcats for future second round picks. Normally, this wouldn't mean much. House was a decent player for them and Ely is a 6-11 former lottery pick, but neither looked like part of the long term plans. But ...

Because the new salary cap was lower than expected, the Clippers had to move two salaries to keep their max offer on the table to Kobe. It could be that they made the deal as a precaution, but according to this article, NBA "sources" believe that they wouldn't have made the deal so quickly if they didn't lead for Kobe. Ely in particular might have garnered more than a second round draft choice if the Clippers had the time to shop him.

Lead.

Sources now are telling this national news sports company that the Clippers are the favorite to get Bryant.

FWIW -IMO - a team with Bryant, Brand, Maggette, Kaman, Wilcox, Jaric, and Shaun Livingston is quite interesting. A starting lineup of Livingston, Bryant, Maggete, Brand and Wilcox would be pretty darn quick and athletic. If money were no object, they'd match the Richardson deal after signing Bryant, but they won't and probably shouldn't given the salary cap. But put QR on this team and it is very good.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Insiderz

[Samdari]

A starting lineup of Livingston, Bryant, Maggete, Brand and Wilcox would be pretty darn quick and athletic.

Except there is no way Livingston starts this year, no way at all.

[MrBug708]

Probably not, but Jaric isn't much better...

[Ksyrup]

I just heard on ESPN radio that the Shaq trade is supposed to be completed within the hour (according to Steven A. Smith). Whatever the holdup was with the Odom clause (if that was in fact the issue) has been resolved.

[rkmsuf]

I just heard on ESPN radio that the Shaq trade is supposed to be completed within the hour (according to Steven A. Smith). Whatever the holdup was with the Odom clause (if that was in fact the issue) has been resolved.

I found the language in question:

"Mr. Odom shall have a 12 fresh joints waiting for him in his hotel room after each road game and delivered to his residance after home games."

He was pushing for 20 but settled on 12.

[Ksyrup]

No, I think it was a "kicker" clause. It automatically jumped from 12 joints to 15 upon being traded.

[mckerney]

Pretty frugal deal by this years standards. Good work by the T-Pups...

Yeah, especially being it means the Wolves will most likely be able to hold onto Trenton Hassell now. He should get the midlevel exception now, which would have otherwise gone to a PG to replace Hudson. If this team is able to bring back Hassell and Hoiberg as well they should make another great one (especially if Hudson is healthy).

[Ksyrup]

They should go all out and just do this like on The Batchelor - complete with a rose and that annoying host...



LOS ANGELES -- Kobe's L.A. decision? Thursday could be the day.

<!-- BEGIN INLINE UNIT -->http://adsatt.espn.go.com/ad/sponsors/blank/blank-espn.gif (http://log.go.com/log?srvc=sz&a=1&drop=0&addata=1331:63:141468:65&guid=B571F189-3FE6-4AD9-8D55-F7977317A568&goto=)<!-- InContent Blank -->
<!-- END INLINE UNIT -->ESPN's Jim Gray reported Wednesday that the NBA's premier free agent is expected to announce his choice between the Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lal) or Clippers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lac) around 3 p.m. ET Thursday, when he is expected to contact both teams.

Earlier Wednesday, the Clippers, in an effort to clear out enough cap space to offer Bryant the maximum they are allowed (approximately $100 million over six years), agreed to trade center/forward Melvin Ely (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3610) and guard Eddie House (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3436) to the Charlotte Bobcats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=cha) for second-round picks in 2005 and 2006.

"We have no idea whether Kobe will come back," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told The Associated Press on Wednesday after completing the Shaquille O'Neal trade. "We're hopeful that he'll re-sign, but we don't even know that.

"I think [signing with the Clippers] is a real possibility with the cap space they've created."

Both L.A. franchises made their final presentations to Bryant on Monday night. Lakers spokesman John Black confirmed that Kupchak and new coach Rudy Tomjanovich met with Bryant in suburban Newport Beach while Clippers spokesman Joe Safety confirmed that team officials met with Bryant, but wouldn't elaborate.

"The meeting went well. I don't have a better feel what he may or may not do," Kupchak told the AP. "Do we have a replacement player in place? No, we don't. You can't replace a Kobe Bryant.

"I'm hopeful that he'll make a decision sooner rather than later."

Bryant, who turns 26 next month, has played his first eight NBA seasons with the Lakers, who have the advantage of being able to sign him to a seven-year contract worth about $130 million. He also now could have the Lakers to himself, as the Lakers and Heat finalized a deal to send Shaquille O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=847) to Miami for Brian Grant (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=2631), Lamar Odom (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3327), Caron Butler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3608) and a future first-round pick.

Both the Lakers and Clippers have said they're not concerned about Bryant's legal problems, expecting him to be acquitted.

Bryant has pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault, saying he had consensual sex with a Vail-area resort employee, now 20, in his hotel room in June 2003. If convicted, he faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation. The trial begins Aug. 27.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[sterlingice]

Will this bad soap opera just go away? They won in LA because they had both but without Shaq, Kobe's not going to be winning a bunch of titles any time soon unless he signs with, um, the Spurs or some other team that already has a pretty good base. Neither the Lakers or Clippers fit that discription. Tho, I must say, I can't wait to watch him fail wherever the spoiled brat goes.

SI

[spleen1015]

ESPN Radio reporting Kobe stays with the Lakers.

[Ksyrup]

Surprise, suprise. So, he did this just to one-up Shaq?

I don't really care about it one way or the other, but it would have been cool from a "shake things up just for the hell of it" perspective if he chose the Clippers.

[duckman]

It really was about having leverage on the Lakers. He wanted Phil and Shaq gone so he pulled the "I'm going to the Clippers if you don't give me what I want" routine. He got what he wanted and now is a Laker "for life".

[Ksyrup]

Since Carlos Boozer is a chump who no one really cares about, why couldn't Boozer have signed with the Cavs and Kobe pulled a Boozer on the Lakers? Fire Phil and trade Shaq for me, and oh, by the way, I've decided to go elsewhere. Sorry!

[sterlingice]

It really was about having leverage on the Lakers. He wanted Phil and Shaq gone so he pulled the "I'm going to the Clippers if you don't give me what I want" routine. He got what he wanted and now is a Laker "for life".
Or at least until they miss the playoffs two years from now and he demands a trade. :rolleyes:

SI

[MrBug708]

Or at least until they miss the playoffs two years from now and he demands a trade. :rolleyes:

SI


I doubt it. He's won with the Lakers so the "I want to win" mantra isn't there so much as "I'm the man" mentality.

[Sharpieman]

WTF?
Derek Fisher signs a 6 year deal worth $37 million with the Warriors.
link (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1840670)

[MrBug708]

He's a very good worker and is all about basketball, but it looks like we won't have a PG for next year....

[JeeberD]

Is Payton not coming back?

[sterlingice]

So, uh, now that Barry and Fisher are signed. Are there any PGs of any worth out there?

SI

[JeeberD]

Speculation is getting pretty wild on Clutchfans now. People are saying that the Rox should trade for NVE or Kidd or any number of other crazy proposals.

Hopefully we can find someone who can run the point for us...

[korme]

Nicky V as a Rocket would make me very happy.

[sterlingice]

Speculation is getting pretty wild on Clutchfans now. People are saying that the Rox should trade for NVE or Kidd or any number of other crazy proposals.

Hopefully we can find someone who can run the point for us...
Yeah, we don't need a scorer. A really good distributor would be just fine. So, what are we giving up in the speculation? Mike Wilks, Reece Gaines, Bostjan Nachbar, and a 2nd rounder in 2009? :P Gotta love stupid rumors.

Oh, and if anyone hasn't read The Sports Guy from a couple of days ago, it's one of his best. And that's coming from someone who isn't that big a fan of http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/take/040714

SI

[JeeberD]

So, what are we giving up in the speculation? Mike Wilks, Reece Gaines, Bostjan Nachbar, and a 2nd rounder in 2009? :P Gotta love stupid rumors.

Well, most of the rumours revolve around MoTay, the MLE, and/or the TE. Some of them include Boki, though there's kind of a love fest there for him after his playoff performance...

[pennywisesb]

WTF?
Derek Fisher signs a 6 year deal worth $37 million with the Warriors.
link (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1840670)
Thats right boys, the Warriors have a true point guard now! If we can retain Dampier (and he actually plays the way he did last year) we will be in the playoffs. I can feel it!

[MrBug708]

Thats right boys, the Warriors have a true point guard now! If we can retain Dampier (and he actually plays the way he did last year) we will be in the playoffs. I can feel it!

LOL

[pennywisesb]

LOL

;)

[mckerney]

The Wolves have retained Treton Hassell, meaning a healthy Timberwolves team will make it to the NBA Finals.