And so it begins....as per rotoworld:
The Knicks are assembling a committee of high-profile New Yorker's to woo potential free agents this summer.
The real goal is to land LeBron James, of course, but there are plenty of fallback options and the Knicks still only have four players under contract for 2010-11. Among those celebrities said to be involved are Donald Trump, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Boomer Esiason, Chris Rock, and Spike Lee.
Source: NY Post
Joe Johnson is still open to returning to the Hawks, a source tells beat writer Michael Cunningham.
Johnson is on board with new coach Larry Drew, but the source said that Drew will have to "sell Johnson on relying more on his teammates in the offense and ensure him that locker-room chemistry would improve." It sounds like there is more than meets the eye was going in Atlanta last year. Along with Chris Bosh and Rudy Gay, JJ appears to be one of the free agents that is likely to move on.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tom Izzo has officially declined the Cavaliers' head coaching job, choosing to stay with Michigan State.
Izzo has a championship-caliber team returning next season, and even a reported $30 million contract offer couldn't lure him away. Of course, it didn't help that Izzo had no assurances about LeBron James' future -- he hoped to speak directly with LeBron but (as far as we know) it never happened. The Cavs' search for a head coach will likely focus on Byron Scott (who may wait for the Lakers and Clippers to settle their benches before deciding), as well as Mike Woodson and Brian Shaw.
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
The resignation of Suns GM Steve Kerr "could have dramatically negative impact on [the Suns'] ability to re-sign Amare," according to Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Kerr just met with Amare's agent last week, and Amare had a "strong belief" in his abilities to build a championship team. The Suns apparently wanted Kerr to take a pay cut, but their stinginess may end up costing them in the long run.
Source: Adrian Wojnarowski via Twitter
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The first trade of what is sure to be a lot of player movement this offseason is done. Love the deal for Sacramento. They could look to grab a good SF like Wes Johnson if he somehow gets past Minny or they can go with Cousins or Favors at 5. Dalembert/Thompson/Garcia gives them length on the frontline and a couple of good rebounders and shotblockers. If they go with Cousins, he doesnt have to be rushed and playing time will open up next year when Sammy's contract ends. For Philly, this means more time at C for Brand in my opinion. Hawes is an enigma as he is as inconsistent as they come. One night he looks like a player the next he looks like a foul prone slug. If Philly can solve the riddle this trade goes in their favor but I'm not sure that will happen.
The Kings and Sixers have reportedly agreed to a deal that will send center Samuel Dalembert to Sacramento in exchange for center Spencer Hawes and forward Andres Nocioni.
The Kings have long coveted Dalembert, who is entering the final year of a large contract, while the Sixers have long taken him for granted. Hawes is the wild card here, and could develop into a quality starting center at some point. Nocioni desperately wanted out of Sacramento and got his wish. Dalembert should be the opening-night starter for the Kings, while it looks like Hawes and Marreese Speights will battle it out for the Sixers. The trade is expected to be finalized later on Thursday.
Source: ESPN.com -
Take it with a grain of salt considering the source:
In a recent interview with ESPN Radio, Stephen A. Smith said that LeBron James is leaning toward signing with the Knicks "and that this factor played a role in Tom Izzo turning down the Cavs' head coaching job."
"From what my sources tell me, he still hasn’t made a final decision but he’s higher on New York now than he was a month ago," said Smith. "And the reality is that he is leaning more towards New York than he is towards returning to Cleveland. Izzo knew this." Apparently James' camp is making "in-depth" queries about Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni. While this can't be dismissed out of hand, it must still be filed under "speculation."
Source: RealGM.com -
Stephen A Smith has made an entire career out of saying LeBron is going to NY.
Also - Steve Kerr's firing has a dramatic impact on Amare re-signing? Going from 0% chance to 0% chance is dramatic? -
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Chris Bosh said in a recent interview that he will consider playing in New York, but emphasized that hes not going to wait on LeBron James to decide first.
When it all goes down, [LeBron] is gonna be one of the all-time greats, Bosh said. At the same time, I cant just sit around and wait. I have to be proactive with my choices and whats gonna make me happy. It doesnt sound like Bosh will remain in Toronto, and he has reportedly expressed interest in sign-and-trades with either the Knicks, Bulls, Heat, or Lakers.
Source: Akron Beacon-Journal
In other news, also per rotoworld:
The Knicks are reportedly still trying to acquire a first-round draft pick, and could be targeting the Thunder's #26 pick.
No word on what New York would send in return, but Oklahoma City could conceivably accept a lump sum while avoiding another guaranteed salary on their payroll theyll need maximum flexibility to re-sign Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook.
Source: Alex Kennedy via TwitterTone_E likes this. -
Bynum's value after this series is shot. -
By the way, this thread is for anything draft related, hot rumors on the star studded Free agent class, or trades in whats expected to be a very busy offseason for a lot of teams.
Could also make free agency predictions on what teams end up with what players.....padre31 likes this. -
Looks as though Wes Johnson is the pick at 4 unless Turner or Favors falls to 4.
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Just wished to say I won't be starting a NBA draft thread this year, so let one of the young bucks post one...and there your post is B14.
I hope the Knicks find some bodies B14, that is a historic NBA franchise that has been in a rut since Thomas was driving the bus, down the turnpike, and into the East River, all the while sexting some poor Office Assistant...Boik14 likes this. -
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BuckeyeKing likes this.
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Cavs have made contact with Toronto about a sign and trade for Bosh. Supposedly Toronto is asking for AT LEAST, Varajao, Hickson, 13 pick and filler.
Obviously unless Bosh says he wants to go to Cleveland it is a moot point. -
Living in Toronto is tough on the basketball fans.
We've had so many great players here but we can't keep them.
T-Mac
Vince Carter
Alonso Mourning (refused to play with us that a hole, then goes to MIA and wins)
and now Chris Bosh.
I think if Bosh teams up with James it will be the next Jordan Pippen pairing. -
gunn34, FinNasty, Section126 and 1 other person like this.
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The whole leak is a smokescreen to get the Nets or Timberwolves to trade up. 6ers are taking Favors.alen1 likes this. -
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I think Bosh/Lebron would be a great combo. I feel like those are 2 of the top 3 FA's available (along with Wade) and might be a better 1-2 punch then Kobe/Pau which is one of the reasons I think it will happen that way. Whereever Bron goes he will need a secondary star and Bosh is one of the top 3-4 bigs in the game.
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New York is interesting because they have the cap space to pair Bosh and LeBron together, and Miami is equally or more interesting because they have the cap space to pair Wade and Bosh together, and a few pieces to possibly compensate Toronto via sign-and-trade so Bosh gets his money. Only thing with Miami is... Pat Riley is not going to wait around. I think he offers contracts to both Bosh and Amare at 12AM and whoever signs first is who he goes with, and that will most likely end up being Amare.
Just remember this quote going into free agency....
Chris Bosh: "I'm not an addition. I'm the centerpiece." -
Reports that World Wide Wes is telling teams that if they deal for CP3, they have a better shot at landing LeBron.
Anyone else notice most of these World Wide Wes stories involve him using LeBron's name for someone else (CP3, Calipari)? I'm questioning how much influence he really has. -
Also, it looks like flynn could be on the move:
Adrian Wojnarowski said on Twitter that the Wolves are offering the Pacers Jonny Flynn, the No. 16, and No. 23 pick in this year's draft for a package that includes the No. 10 pick.
This seems like a real possibility for the Pacers, although you'd have to think a player like Troy Murphy would also be included in the deal. It was reported earlier in the day that the Wolves rejected Flynn for No. 10 straight up, but it sounds like the deal is not dead in the water. -
1) George Shinn has always been a cheap owner. He was the same way when the team was in Charlotte
2) Darren Collison played great when Paul was out for 2 months. He'll need to cut down on the turnovers but hes a stud. Same reason Tony Parker looks to be available...you have a player behind him who looks to be almost as good at a cheaper salary so you trade the more expensive player to fill other positions.
Not sure who gets him....:wink2:gunn34 likes this. -
They have David West, so they would not want Beas IMO.
But Beasley is ten times the prospect that Chandler is.
Compare Beasley's 2nd year PER numbers to three hall of famers 2nd year PER's...Garnett, Amare, Barkley. -
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The Hornets are in the process of being sold - they aren't going to deal CP3 because they aren't strapped for cash anymore. The new owner isn't going to sell off the fan favorite to save a few bucks.
Collison is available I'm sure. -
A couple of other juicy nuggets, per rotoworld...sorry about the first one BK:
Impending restricted free agent Rudy Gay will only go to the Wolves if they "massively overpay him," sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski.
Gay apparently doesn't want to lace 'em up in sub-zero temperatures for the next five years. Someone is probably going to end up overpaying Gay, so the Grizzlies' mantra that they will keep their swingman at all costs rings hollow.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
The Magic are among the teams that recently inquired about Chris Paul.
It's not a true shot at Jameer Nelson, because almost every team in the league would love to have CP3. But the fact remains that Nelson takes a lot of heat in Orlando for not being an elite, pass-first kind of point guard. They may very well be looking to upgrade.
Source: fanhouse.com
The Journal-Times passes along chatter that the Bucks may be talking to the Warriors about Corey Maggette.
Maggette has three years and $31 million left on his contract, so the Warriors are just trying to unload the ball hog. The Bucks would be offering back the plus contracts of Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell to get Maggette, who can still get to the foul line at will. The Bucks also have Michael Redd's $18.3 expiring contract as a chip.
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Times
Related: Charlie Bell, Dan Gadzuric, Bucks
The Blazers are showing strong interest in Mo Williams, according to Yahoo's Marc Spears.
Williams is definitely available, but we're not sure why the Blazers want to add him when they already have Andre Miller and Jerryd Bayless. Williams is owed $26.3 million through 2012-13, making him even more unappealing.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
Also the Nets are reportedly now looking in to Wes Johnson at pick 3... -
In a radio interview with WFAN, Frank Isola (NYK Beat writer for the NY Daily News), confirmed the Nets interest in CP3. Said that the Hornets probably dont want a PG back though. Knicks, Spurs are also reportedly interested and could possibly take a back contract back (Okafor?).
Isola also said the Knicks want to get in to the first round. Could buy a pick like last year. Speculates OKC could sell their first rounder as could chicago. Like Gervais Vasquez, Craig Brackens a lot.
Sixers wont pass on Turner; Nets will probably go Favors...
For those not familiar with Isola, he reported the Carter deal and Jefferson deals the last 2 years and predicted Zach Randolph would be dealt from the Knicks a few days before he was in 08. He has a pretty good history of being accurate....gunn34 likes this.
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