Ska its been going on long enough...time to lock....

[japanair21]

[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]And, speaking of major trade possibilities, there's a blockbuster brewing in the NBA, too.The Detroit Pistons, we hear, are making abig pitch to the Houston Rockets for perennial all-star Tracy McGrady. Metro

[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Celtics are still very much interested in retaining the top reserve, but they may need to beconcerned about another club offering the contract Posey is requesting, said to be at least four years at the mid-level exception. According to his representative, Mark Bartelstein, the Celts will probably not have a chance to match the right offer. Boston Herald

[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Walsh never got too deeply involved in pursuing Davis because the Knicks, with an eye on beingunder the salary cap by 2010, would not commit contractually to anything beyond 2010 in a sign-and-trade scenario. There are other situations still brewing.The most notableinvolves another Warriors guard, Monta Ellis, who is a restricted free agent and, according to multiple sources, has a desire to play in D'Antoni'ssystem. A person with knowledge of the situation said a sign-and-trade is a long shot, however, because a third team would have to be involved to make the dealwork for both sides. The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers are in hot pursuit, just in case Warriors executive Chris Mullin decides to tradeEllis. Newsday

[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Walsh plans on staying involved in all of the talk but likely will put more emphasis on makingsmaller moves to improve specific areas of the team, such as perimeter shooting. Long Islander Wally Szczerbiak is beingshopped by the Cleveland Cavaliers ( the Nets reportedly declined a trade that would have sent the rapidly declining Vince Carter and his hefty contract theother way), and he fits in so many ways. Szczerbiak is an excellent shooter and, perhaps just as important, he has an expiring contract. Newsday

[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Lakers have made anoffer to Jorge Garbajosa. The Spurs are also interested in the former Raptor forward. Marca[/font]

[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dunleavy had dinner with AtlantaHawks restricted free agent Josh Smith on Wednesday. Charlotte Bobcats forward Emeka Okafor, also a restricted free agent, is among their primary targets.However, no offer sheet for either player is imminent. Also, the Hawks and Bobcats are expected to be eager to match any offers to retain theirservices. The Clippers can dissuade them from that by front-loading any offer and including hefty bonuses. "We are going to take a step back and evaluateeverything," Clippers President Andy Roeser said. Los Angeles Times

[/font]

[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy had dinner with Smith Wednesday, but no offer was extended. Smith is a restricted free agent, meaning the Hawks can match any offer. "The big key for us now is not to make a bad decision about money, to explore the opportunities," Dunleavy said. "A lot of the free agents out there right now are restricted free agents. The teams can match. So it's not as easy to do. But the reality is that there may be ways to structure a contract that could put people in a bad way, and maybe they wouldn't be able to match. We're exploring what we think those options are." Riverside Press-Enterprise[/font]

[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Andris Biedrins, a restricted free agent with the Warriors, is also expected to draw interest, as are possible trades for the Miami Heat's Shawn Marion and the New York Knicks' Zach Randolph. Lastly, the Clippers are expected to attempt to re-sign recuperating point guard Shaun Livingston, who became an unrestricted free agent. But as Dunleavy said, this is now "the Baron Davis era." Los Angeles Times[/font]


[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Spurs havetalked with Michael Finley about the prospect of returning. They value his veteran savvy and leadership, but it's unclear how he would fit in now withMason on his way. It's appearing less and less likely that Robert Horry returns. Though Horry has said he would like to come back for a 17thseason, with little market out there for a soon-to-be-38-year-old power forward, it looks like he might wind up retired by default. San Antonio Express-News/ July 10[/font]


[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Magic GM Otis Smith said he didn't expect to signa point guard any time soon. But he said he would be interested in bringing back center Adonal Foyle - especially now that the club has signed free agentMickael Pietrus, Foyle's friend and former Golden State Warriors teammate. Foyle opted out of his contract after the season, frustrated thatrookie Gortat had taken most of his playoff minutes backing up starter Dwight Howard. "It's not only what Adonal can give us on the court, buthe's important off it. He can be good for Mickael," Smith said. Orlando Sentinel[/font]


[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If JamesOn Curry makes the Bulls, a long shot, he will be suspended for one gameby the NBA league office. Curry pleaded guilty to resisting an officer and public urination from a January arrest in Idaho. Chicago Tribune[/font]

 

[eb4president]

Originally Posted by 703FlipFiend

Roger Mason was pretty valuable during the second part of the season this past year. He shoots pretty well, handles well for a somewhat tall guy. He ran the point at times. He's just an overall solid player that doesn't really mess up that much. I wish we could have kept him.

He was ok. I woulda kept him for no more than 2 mil. He's a streaky shooter and shaky ball handler. He might succeed in the Spurs system becauseit seems like they know what they're doing over there( at least everyone except Damon). But it was a contract year for him, and Gil was hurt, and at timesCaron was hurt, so of course he balled out of his mind.

Good luck in San Antonio ROGER. The wiz have some younger guys who I think will pay off in the long run and be a lot more valuable then roger was

 

[crossisom]

Originally Posted by JapanAir21

Originally Posted by CROSSISOM

Milwaukee Bucks centre Andrew Bogut will sign a US$72.5-million, five-year extension later this week

That's a typo right?

No it's not.


So Bogut is getting an average of 15.5 million over the next 5 years? He's not even a top 10 (maybe even 15) big man in the league.

What the helldo these GM's smoke on?

 

[703flipfiend]

^You must not like to read posts huh. It's been said that the 5 years is actually for $60 million while the other $12.5 mil is for performance bonuses.Somebody said something about the salary cap increasing each season, which in turn increases his salary each year. Go search for it in the past couple ofpages.

EDIT: Here you go, bro. Thanks to JapanAir21.

"Also, you're not realizing that salary rolls increase and will continue to increase as the years go on. In 2013, when Bogut is nearing anothercontract, the salary cap will probably be 15 million more than what it is right now. Also, THE DEAL IS ONLY 60 MILLION, the rest is bonuses/incentives for himto reach goals/plateaus, etc. Also, deals increase each year, so Bogut's first year will only be about 8.5-9.5 million a year. Because salary caps go up, contracts go up each year to match it. If you don't have a good grasp on salaries and such, youshouldn't join the discussion, because 72 million is not what 72 million was 5 years ago."

 

[freddypee]

Originally Posted by Mateen Cleaves

Originally Posted by gangsta207therevolution

Originally Posted by Verdykt

Also yesterday, the Wizards signed Utah Jazz restricted free agent point guard Dee Brown

They should have kept Dee instead of signing Jason Hart. Dude is garbage. I hope he does good in the league. He was fun to watch his lone season here.

I heard from a dude in Dee's camp that he wanted to go to camp but was told nah go oversees.

Jazz didnt want him, he played overseas last season. Im glad hes back in the NBA, not sure what hes gonna do but good luck to him.


Wow I remember Dee Brown useed to be that dude

 

[willinc]

Originally Posted by Tha Murdera 2001

actually,i definately see bosh leaving in 2010...

I don't see dwade going anywhere

Wade, Bosh, Beasley FTW

 

[tupac003]

Paul Pierce on Stephon Marbury: "He makes the biggest contract and he's one of the oldest players on the team," Pierce said yesterday while signing collectibles at Steiner Sports offices in New Rochelle. "That doesn't really fit into a rebuilding plan, just to be honest. "I'd try to trade him or buy him out at this point," added Pierce, who still believes Marbury can be a starting point guard in the NBA. "I just think he needs a fresh start somewhere else. Marbury needs to be on a veteran team where he fits into what they're trying to do a little bit more." NY Daily News

And, speaking of major trade possibilities, there's a blockbuster brewing in the NBA, too. The Detroit Pistons, we hear, are making a big pitch to the Houston Rockets for perennial all-star Tracy McGrady. MetroNews

Free agent forward Jarvis Hayes plans to sign a two-year contract with the New Jersey Nets, a league source with knowledge of the negotiations said. Yahoo

Hayes met with New Jersey management in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday and left confident that he'll sign for the bi-annual exception that would pay him $4 million over two seasons. Once the San Antonio Spurs agreed to terms with Roger Mason Jr., on Wednesday, the Nets became a logical destination for Hayes, who is leaving the Detroit Pistons. Yahoo

The Nets could use part of their mid-level exception to sign Eduardo Najera, who is believed to be seeking a three-year contract. Yahoo

Eduardo Najera, the unrestricted free-agent forward entering his ninth season, met with Nets officials last night in Orlando, Fla., where the team is participating in the annual summer league. Najera, who turns 32 today, is looking for a three-year contract, but the Nets will try to sell him on the practicality of signing a two-year deal so as to protect their own long-term ambitions, which involves having a very small payroll heading into the 2010 free-agent market. Newark Star-Ledger

It is the first visit from a free agent that the Nets have had since the market opened 10 days ago. Other targets include Keyon Dooling, Jarvis Hayes, and their own free agents, Boki Nachbar and Nenad Krstic. They are also expected to pursue available veterans such as Denver's Marcus Camby and Chicago's Andres Nocioni via trade later this summer. Newark Star-Ledger

The free-agent names on the Nets' radar and atop their wish list have been fairly consistent: Keyon Dooling. Eduardo Najera. Some who were up front are going elsewhere, like Mickael Pietrus and Roger Mason. And there have been other names that have been in the background. Yesterday, one of them came to the forefront: Jarvis Hayes. NY Post

Donnie Walsh says he doesn't put a lot of emphasis on performances at the summer league, but instead is more interested in mingling with the executives from the 20 other NBA teams that participate in it. After signing guard Chris Duhon, Walsh said earlier this week that he is not finished retooling the roster He will remain involved in trade talks throughout the summer with an eye on jettisoning some of the bigger contracts (read: Stephon Marbury and Zach Randolph) while also filling holes in the roster. NY Newsday

Baron Davis: "It clearly seemed that New York would have been Baron's first choice if there were a fit," said a person with knowledge of Davis' situation. Walsh never got too deeply involved in pursuing Davis because the Knicks, with an eye on being under the salary cap by 2010, would not commit contractually to anything beyond 2010 in a sign-and-trade scenario. NY Newsday

The most notable involves another Warriors guard, Monta Ellis, who is a restricted free agent and, according to multiple sources, has a desire to play in Mike D'Antoni's system. A person with knowledge of the situation said a sign-and-trade is a long shot, however, because a third team would have to be involved to make the deal work for both sides. The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers are in hot pursuit, just in case Warriors executive Chris Mullin decides to trade Ellis. NY Newsday

Wally Szczerbiak is being shopped by the Cleveland Cavaliers ( the Nets reportedly declined a trade that would have sent the rapidly declining Vince Carter and his hefty contract the other way), and he fits in so many ways. Szczerbiak is an excellent shooter and, perhaps just as important, he has an expiring contract. NY Newsday

Clippers: Los Angeles said late Wednesday that they had renounced their rights to Shaun Livingston, the recuperating guard who is an unrestricted free agent, and four other players. The other players are Dan Dickau, Boniface Ndong, Smush Parker and James Singleton. Livingston, taken by Los Angeles as the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, hasn't played since injuring his left knee in a game on Feb. 26, 2007. Newark Star-Ledger

When exactly did Davis realize Brand wasn't going to join him with the Clippers? "I had a feeling he was going to go when he stopped texting me and turned his phone off," Davis said, laughing heartily once again. At that point, he admitted that the thought did cross his mind that this trip down to L.A. might not be such a good idea after all. A source indicated that Golden State even came back with a counter offer on Wednesday, just to see if it could tempt him to come back. LA Daily News

Then, on July 1, Dunleavy said - and he pulled out his BlackBerry with the text message dated at 7:53 p.m. to prove it - Brand sent him a text message asking him to make some changes to the language of that contract. "I texted him back, and then, in the morning" - again, Dunleavy showed reporters the time-stamp, this time 9:32 a.m. to prove it - "I wrote him back saying, 'I got it all done for you, language and ETO (early termination option).' But that was the last I heard from him," Dunleavy said. LA Daily News

Coach Dunleavy had dinner with Atlanta Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith on Wednesday. Charlotte Bobcats forward Emeka Okafor, also a restricted free agent, is among their primary targets. However, no offer sheet for either player is imminent. Also, the Hawks and Bobcats are expected to be eager to match any offers to retain their services. The Clippers can dissuade them from that by front-loading any offer and including hefty bonuses. LA Times

Clippers: Andris Biedrins, a restricted free agent with the Warriors, is also expected to draw interest, as are possible trades for the Miami Heat's Shawn Marion and the New York Knicks' Zach Randolph. LA Times

Unless someone steps up with the magic numbers for James Posey, it appears the process to sign the free agent will drag out for a while. The Celtics are still very much interested in retaining the top reserve, but they may need to be concerned about another club offering the contract Posey is requesting, said to be at least four years at the mid-level exception. Boston Herald

It took nearly five months and two stints of free agency, but Thursday the Rockets finally acquired guard Brent Barry. The Rockets had sought Barry as a midseason addition in February, then opened the free-agency period this month with a call to him as soon as NBA rules allowed, landing him when he accepted the Rockets' offer of a two-year $3.9 million contract to bolster the bench behind starters Tracy McGrady and Shane Battier. Houston Chronicle

Barry last week opted out of the contract he signed with the Spurs then, and again received offers from the Rockets and Phoenix Suns. Barry's father, Hall of Famer Rick Barry, and brother, Jon Barry, finished their careers with the Rockets. Houston Chronicle

The Rockets will use their "biannual exception" to sign Barry, keeping their full mid-level exception to match any offer up to that amount (starting at $5.585 million for the 2008-09 season) that restricted free agent Carl Landry receives. The Rockets also could sign Dikembe Mutombo, but will offer only a minimum. Mutombo said last month he was ready to consider playing another season. Houston Chronicle

The Warriors will introduce new forward Corey Maggette at a basketball camp in Alameda today, and another welcoming may not be far behind. Golden State officially put the Lakers on the clock Thursday by signing Ronny Turiaf, their restricted free agent forward, to an offer sheet worth $17 million over four years. If the Lakers do not match the offer by Thursday, Turiaf will become the third player this summer to switch posts between Los Angeles and Oakland. San Francisco Chronicle

The Lakers are already pushing the luxury tax threshold, so any significant signings will result in a dollar-for-dollar penalty. Turiaf's deal is structured in a "slightly frontloaded" manner, according to agent Mark Bartelstein, which will make it even costlier for the Lakers to match. Assuming Turiaf's salary for next season is around $5 million, the Lakers would effectively be paying $10 million for a backup who would receive limited playing time behind Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. San Francisco Chronicle

The Utah Jazz will not match an offer sheet the Washington Wizards have extended to restricted free agent point guard Dee Brown, according to multiple league sources familiar with the situation. Brown, who played 49 regular season and eight playoff games as a rookie with the Jazz during the 2006-07 season but played in Turkey last season, agreed to a two-year partially guaranteed deal with the Wizards on Wednesday. Washington Post

Utah has until Wednesday to match the offer sheet but the team will not do so because it is set at point guard with Williams, Ronnie Price and Jason Hart, according to a source familiar with the situation. Brown averaged 1.9 points and 1.7 assists while seeing limited playing time with the Jazz. Once Brown officially signs, the Wizards will have 13 players under contract. Arenas is expected to sign the six-year, $111 million deal he and the team have agreed to when he returns from a trip to Asia and Europe next week. Washington Post

Once Arenas and Brown are signed, the Wizards will still have about $2.5 million under the luxury tax threshold ($71.15 million) to add another free agent. Washington Post

The Chicago Bulls had their No. 1 pick, point guard Derrick Rose, play in just two games this week to avoid further pounding on his balky right knee. New Jersey Nets center Brook Lopez, the 10th overall pick, said he prepared with brutal one-on-one practice battles last week with teammate Sean Williams. Beasley missed similar chances when he was held out of heavy contact drills for two days last week. But he is making up for it. Miami Herald

"It's just tendinitis and nothing like, super bad with the knee," said Derrick Rose, after Chicago's 84-68 loss to New Jersey in the Orlando Pro Summer League. "They say it keeps happening because I'm young and my legs aren't strong enough and they have to work on my legs." Rose made his professional debut on Monday against the second overall pick, Miami's Michael Beasley, and struggled through a 10-point, 5-turnover game. He played better on Tuesday with 9 points, 7 assists and 3 steals, but he aggravated the existing soreness in the knee with an awkward landing on a jump-stop drive in the lane. ESPN.com

Stephon Marbury's career with the Knicks is in jeopardy and his business partner, Steve & Barry's, just filed for bankruptcy, but the Starbury sneakers will live on. Marbury was in Seattle Wednesday, striking a deal with Amazon.com to sell the cheap sneakers online, The Post has learned. However, Marbury reports because of the failing economy, the Starburys will go up in price from $14.98. NY Post

I'd say there's an 80 percent chance Okafor is a Bobcat next season and a 50 percent chance he's around for the long haul. It takes courage and conviction to turn down the $60million-plus Okafor did last summer, to become a restricted free agent. Now he gets to enjoy being wooed by the Bobcats and others. The negotiations have been courteous. Okafor went out of his way last season to say he appreciated what the Bobcats offered, and that his preference is to stay with the team that drafted him four years ago. Charlotte Observer

I'm told it would be no problem for the Clippers to start a contract in the $10million to $12million range, so with annual raises they could offer at least as much as the Bobcats did. The Clippers had Smith in for a visit, and he seems to be their priority. Smith is smaller than Okafor, but more of a runner and leaper. You sign Okafor to get more rugged, and the Clippers already have a big-bodied rebounder in center Chris Kaman. Maybe they're thinking Smith's dunking and shot-blocking have appeal for a franchise always challenged to sell tickets. Charlotte Observer

 

[nightruans]

Monta to knicks

 

[daprescription]

The most notable involves another Warriors guard, Monta Ellis, who is a restricted free agent and, according to multiple sources, has a desire to play in Mike D'Antoni's system. A person with knowledge of the situation said a sign-and-trade is a long shot, however, because a third team would have to be involved to make the deal work for both sides. The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers are in hot pursuit, just in case Warriors executive Chris Mullin decides to trade Ellis. NY Newsday
that same exact article comes up every week

.

 

[theprocessofbelief]

Miles, who has been working out locally with former Suns trainer Robin Pound, was examined by the Suns medical staff on Wednesday - specifically, the right knee that has kept him out of the game for more than two years and led to a retirement settlement with Portland.
Come onnnnnn, DMiles!!!!!

 

[air max 87]

I really REALLY don't want tmax

and we might have to give up Billups AMD Rip? Its not worth it, he's a walkin bad back,

don't do it joe D

 

[apollo xxxiii]

Uh, dont bet on Bosh leaving this Raptors squad.

 

[mjfresh]

Rockets better do that T-Mac deal while they can.

 

[leroythegreat38]

Steve & Barry's, just filed for bankruptcy
awwwww

 

[mateen cleaves]

I dont want Tmac, if he was healthy then id say yes. Also i dont think Stuckey is ready to start yet.

 

[tmay407]

Wait...is it seriously Chauncey and Rip for T-Mac? I'd do that in a heartbeat if I were the Rockets.

 

[verdykt]

At you trashing Jason Hart.

at you for defending him. How do you get your minutes cutby a guy who played at UVSC?

 

[franchise3]

Originally Posted by PLAYOFF12

Brent Barry signed with the Rockets.

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Brent_Barry_Agrees_to_Join_Roc-277178-34.html

I don't know if this is going to help us.

Come playoff time, Yao is on the blocks getting double teamed, and he has to kick it out to Luther Head or Brent Barry to hoist up a 3. Who do youpick?

Handling the ball, same question.

Brent will help.

 

[mateen cleaves]

Originally Posted by tmay407

Wait...is it seriously Chauncey and Rip for T-Mac? I'd do that in a heartbeat if I were the Rockets.

No word on what the offer or what they plan to offer but that seems like it. We cant get rid of sheed and rip for tmac unless we get a legit big back butrockets have no one outside of Yao.

 

[franchise3]

Originally Posted by tmay407

Wait...is it seriously Chauncey and Rip for T-Mac? I'd do that in a heartbeat if I were the Rockets.

I think it's Chauncey and Prince supposedly, and I don't think the Rockets should do it.

Chauncey is getting old, and has 4 more years left on his deal. Prince, 3.

Keep T-Mac, and his contract runs out in 2010, with everybody else practically on the Rockets, minus Battier and Yao.

The Rockets could then go after Wade, Amare, Bosh, Joe Johnson, etc.

Rockets haven't advanced to the second round, true, but the Rockets are still a good team. They continually post up 50+ win seasons, and is always one ofthe top teams in the league defensively. Just roll with what the Rockets got, hope for the best, and if things are still bleak, in two years, the Rockets willbe in good shape to blow up the roster and start building around Yao with a big time younger then T-Mac FA.

 

[N41D]

Whether it's Chauncey and Prince or Chauncey and Rip, the Rockets need to make that move...

Prince and Battier defending the perimeter with Yao behind them changing shots? LOCK DOWN...

Chauncey and Prince will make up for the offensive output Tracy gave you, and I think it's time for the Rockets to try something new, anyways...

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Relying on Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming year in and year out just isn't something I'd be comfortablewith... One injury-prone superstar is enough. But two? I just don't trust it.

 

[doublejs07]

Prince and Battier defending the perimeter with Yao behind them changing shots? LOCK DOWN...


Exactly...if they can pull this off, and SOMEHOW get Yao to the playoffs healthy, I think this is when you will see this move pay dividends.

 

[derrtay]

Originally Posted by franchise3

Originally Posted by tmay407

Wait...is it seriously Chauncey and Rip for T-Mac? I'd do that in a heartbeat if I were the Rockets.

I think it's Chauncey and Prince supposedly, and I don't think the Rockets should do it.

Chauncey is getting old, and has 4 more years left on his deal. Prince, 3.

Keep T-Mac, and his contract runs out in 2010, with everybody else practically on the Rockets, minus Battier and Yao.

The Rockets could then go after Wade, Amare, Bosh, Joe Johnson, etc.

Rockets haven't advanced to the second round, true, but the Rockets are still a good team. They continually post up 50+ win seasons, and is always one of the top teams in the league defensively. Just roll with what the Rockets got, hope for the best, and if things are still bleak, in two years, the Rockets will be in good shape to blow up the roster and start building around Yao with a big time younger then T-Mac FA.

Although it sounds like a good idea...what's the real likelihood that would happen you know?


IF the rockets don't make it past the first round next year with the same team, changes WILL be made. 2 years is too long to wait around for the chance oflanding another big superstar while keeping a whole team in tact. Winning is all about the here and now. It's a business. and if the rockets don't win,no matter how well they do in the regular season, changes will be made. I think this deal gives the Rockets the opportunity to win now even though they areloaded with PG's. Prince or Rip will give them that reliable D and make up with more consistent scorign than T-Mac could provide.

 

[pharelfor3]

Z-bo for Monta straight up.

 

[winstondon]

if i was the rockets i would do the deal in a heartbeat