The Official NBA Free Agency Thread

[StormFan93]

Once deals are made, post them here.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5345905


Agent: Wolves, Milicic agree to deal
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com

The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed with free agent Darko Milicic on a four-year deal, his agent, Marc Cornstein, said Thursday.

The contract is worth $20 million and the fourth year is only partially guaranteed, sources close to the process told ESPN.com.

Free agents cannot formally sign contracts until July 8.

The deal for Milicic is extraordinary considering that in February he wasn't playing and said he was giving up on the NBA and returning to Europe.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5346053


Sources: Gooden headed to Bucks
ESPN.com news services

Drew Gooden apparently is headed to the Milwaukee Bucks, two league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

The two sides are discussing a deal that could be worth $32 million over five years, a source close to Gooden said. The deal is not done and details still need to be worked out, a source said, but it appears both sides are committed to getting it done.

Gooden, who played last season with the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers, has played with eight NBA teams during his career. He averaged 11.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

[StormFan93]

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jul/01/sources-rudy-gay-grizzlies-agree-five-year-contrac/


Sources: Rudy Gay, Grizzlies agree to five-year contract extension
By Ronald Tillery

The Memphis Grizzlies and restricted free-agent Rudy Gay have agreed in principle on a five-year contract, The Commercial Appeal has learned.

NBA sources indicated that Gay will sign the deal on or soon after July 8 when teams are allowed to finalize contracts.

Gay’s starting salary will be the maximum allowed a player with his experience – projected to be roughly $13.3 million – according to sources.

Gay, 23, was supposed to visit the Minnesota Timberwolves this afternoon but canceled the trip. The 6-8 forward will not visit any potential suitors.

[KDisNotNice]

Adding to the previous story.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Al_0yt31CgAibYVY5v6pnj85nYcB?slug=ys-gaygrizzlies070110


Gay agrees to max deal with Grizzlies
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports

Rudy Gay has agreed to a five-year, $81.6 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, his representatives at Octagon confirmed to Y! Sports.

The fifth and final year of the contract will be at Gay’s option.

[Fallacy]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA @Memphis :eek::confused:

That franchise is severely hindered now on what they can do.

Please presti, do not do something like that to green.

Gay - 19 pts, 6 rbs, 32% 3pt, 53% TS, 6.4 WS
Green - 15pts, 6rbs, 33% 3pt, 53% TS, 6.6 WS

Gay - 81 Million dollars for 5 years
Green - ???

Gay and Green are very comparable players, please do not pay green like gay

[Jimmy Early]

ESPN says that Joe Johnson is expected to accepted a max six-year, $119MM offer with the Hawks.

That is absurd. I hope this is not going to be the market. If it is, I hope the Thunder hold off on Uncle Jeff until next year.

[RicanThunder]

This is getting effing ridiculous.

In 3 years, when Atlanta is crying because they can't get out of the second round and have big contracts out the wazoo, I won't feel sorry for them at all.

Memphis is in a situation similar to ours in that they have a lot of good young players who are all coming up on their extensions at around the same time. While Memphis and OKC will basically do the same thing contract-wise (offering max contracts) this offseason, our player (Durant) is a LOT MORE VALUABLE than their Gay player.

I think the Milicic move was good for Minnesota and I'm proud of Darko. He's had to put up with a whole bunch of crap since being drafted second in the best draft since the early 80's. Is he a 2nd draft pick kind of guy? No, but he still has untapped talent.

The Gooden move came out of left field. Oh well, another cash strapped team.

[Clangus]

Yeah Rican, I also like Darko. I truly hope he becomes a good player. He's still got the tools and just needs to put it together. :)

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

I hope Darko develops a work ethic. That's one of the big reasons he's been on a bazillion teams. Maybe Bill Laimbeer is helping.

[Fallacy]

Not the most infallible source but...


We have sources confirming that Amare has accepted a deal with the #NY #Knicks #NBA #FreeAgent

http://twitter.com/BenjaminHochma


Just left MSG with the homie @amareisreal....6 years $120M....don't tell ESPN yet!!!


BTW....you wouldn't believe who was also in the building with us....

http://twitter.com/supabigyoda

I don't think that NY can offer the 6/120 without a s&t though. Just seems like speculation/rumors to me.

[StormFan93]

Not the most infallible source but...



http://twitter.com/BenjaminHochma

The post that followed that was even more interesting:


We are getting reports that Amare spoke with Lebron before accepting the deal with the #NY #Knicks Numbers are unknown atm. #NBA #FreeAgency

And, another source is reporting that the Knicks and Amare are indeed close to a deal. The only thing for certain is that he isn't going back to Phoenix

http://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA


Source close to Amare Stoudemire says he is done in Phoenix, leaning towards signing with the New York Knicks.

[Fallacy]

Looks like the source above is fake. The rumor might still be true but there is no real source for it


good lord, someone made a FAKE twitter for me and other journalists.. @BenjaminHochma is NOT me

http://twitter.com/nuggetsnews


Knicks haven't yet made an offer to Amar'e, sources say. Sides will talk over weekend. LBJ and Wade still recruiting forwards for themselves

http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA

[Fallacy]

The suns just got much worse. Amar'e is no longer affiliated with the suns in any way, shape, or form.


#NBA Free-Agent Buzz: Updates with confirmation that #Suns renounced Stoudemire's rights and can't sign-and-trade him. http://bit.ly/9XsJRJ

http://twitter.com/KBerg_CBS

[Rod4soonrs]

With all this money being given away, how can the players union say the league is losing money, and avoid a lock out?

[KDisNotNice]

With all this money being given away, how can the players union say the league is losing money, and avoid a lock out?

It's not the players union saying that, its the other side. Also, there's a memo sent out by the union to the players saying they should consider adding to their contracts a clause where they get paid for the 2010/11 season over 18 or 24 months. They're basically insulting the players intelligence by saying they aren't smart enough to budget their money like they already should be (lockout or not). :eek:

[StormFan93]

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5350443


Blake heads from Blazers to Lakers
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com

LOS ANGELES -- The NBA champions have a new point guard: Steve Blake.

Blake told Portland radio station 95.5 FM that he agreed to a four-year deal on Friday. An NBA source said the deal is for $16 million. Blake turned down overtures from five other teams for a chance to play alongside Kobe Bryant and under coach Phil Jackson as Los Angeles goes for a three-peat next season.

Blake will earn a $4 million salary in each of the four seasons, with all the money guaranteed. He also earned $4 million last season when he played for Portland and the Los Angeles Clippers.

It remains to be seen whether he will emerge as the starting point guard ahead of Derek Fisher, who has not yet been offered a contract by the Lakers, a league source said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5349332


Sources: Bucks to re-sign G Salmons
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com

The Milwaukee Bucks have verbally agreed to a five-year, $39 million deal with free-agent guard John Salmons, according to league sources. Sources say that the last year of the deal is only partially guaranteed.

Salmons exercised a player opt-out on his contract last week. The Bucks responded by making deals for Corey Maggette and Chris Douglas-Roberts on draft day. It was widely assumed that the two deals were a signal the team was moving on.

But this development suggests the Bucks remain serious about putting together a team that could make another run at the playoffs.

The Bucks on Thursday came to a verbal agreement with free agent Drew Gooden worth $32 million over five years.

By locking up Gooden and Salmons, the Bucks have 11 players under contract and will be a back-up point guard away from finishing their summer's work.

[StormFan93]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2010/07/02/20100702suns-sign-warrick-stoudemire-era-over.html


Suns land Hakim Warrick, moving on without Amar'e Stoudemire
The Arizona Republic

During his eight years with the Suns, Amar'e Stoudemire was the Rookie of the Year, an All-Star and an All-NBA selection. He also had multiple surgeries, defensive flaws and was suspended during the playoffs.

But he always belonged to Phoenix until Thursday night's developments led to Friday's revelations. Stoudemire is planning to head elsewhere, and power forward Hakim Warrick, a career backup, will try to take his place after agreeing with Phoenix to a four-year, $18 million deal.

Stoudemire twice declined a five-year, $96.6 million offer before the Suns cut ties after years of passing on chances to either trade him or extend his contract. Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver made Stoudemire a new offer of three guaranteed years with fourth and fifth years guaranteed if he played 2,200 minutes in the third and fourth seasons. That would require averaging 26.8 minutes over 82 games, but Stoudemire could toss out five games with the fewest minutes each season. He averaged 34.6 minutes last season.

[StormFan93]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2010/07/02/2010-07-02_new_york_knicks_close_to_signing_amare_stoudemi re_to_fiveyear_max_contract.html


Amar'e Stoudemire arriving in New York Saturday to finalize five-year, $96 million deal with Knicks

BY Frank Isola
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Originally Published:Friday, July 2nd 2010, 2:10 PM
Updated: Saturday, July 3rd 2010, 12:33 AM

Amar'e Stoudemire appears to be headed to New York but the All-Star power forward shouldn't count on LeBron James being his teammate.

Although James is not expected to make a decision on his future until Monday at the earliest, a Knicks source described the team's chances of signing the NBA's biggest free agent as "doubtful, very doubtful." In fact, several league executives believe that the Knicks' apparent failure to lure James to New York led to their decision to offer Stoudemire a five-year, $96 million contract after the five-time All-Star turned down a similar deal from Phoenix that was not fully guaranteed. "(It) wreaks of desperation," said one league executive. "They know they have to do something."

Possibly losing out on James is a crushing blow to the franchise that has suffered through nine straight losing seasons and sacrificed the last two years to clear salary-cap space in order to make a serious play for James. Stoudemire would soften the blow a little since he is one of the top free agents on the market, and the Knicks still have enough cap space to add another elite player either through a free agent signing and/or a trade.

[Rod4soonrs]

makes sense, he will play for D'antoni again.

[Fallacy]

Knicks Want To Pair Parker With Amar'e

Jul 03, 2010 9:57 AM EST
The Knicks are expected to try and pry Tony Parker away from the Spurs in order to pair him with Amar'e Stoudemire.

A person close to both players told the New York Daily News that Parker and Stoudemire have talked about playing together in either New York or Miami.

"It's perfect for Tony because he wants to be in New York and he wants to play with Amar'e," said the source.

The Knicks need a point guard to play with Stoudemire, who will reportedly finalize a huge contract with New York this weekend.

New York has contacted New Orleans about Chris Paul and there are free agent options such as Raymond Felton and Luke Ridnour.

Via New York Daily News

That would be interesting

[KDisNotNice]

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=5352960


Updated: July 3, 2010, 9:22 PM ET
Sources: Dirk, Mavs agree to deal

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

The Dallas Mavericks got the answer they were hoping for Saturday night: Dirk Nowitzki has pledged to re-sign with the only team he's ever played for.

Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Nowitzki and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban have reached terms on a new four-year contract after a series of wrap-up meetings that consumed much of the day.


The deal, sources said, is worth at least $80 million and includes a no-trade clause, with Nowitzki making good on a longstanding offer to Cuban to take less than the maximum $96.2 million he could have received over the next four seasons in exchange for assurances that the Mavericks will use that financial flexibility to ramp up their efforts to acquire a top-tier sidekick.

Nowitzki can't actually sign before July 8, which is the first day teams and players can execute new contracts, but having the All-Star power forward's verbal commitment should enable Dallas to begin its pursuit of help through sign-and-trade offers in earnest, since Cuban can now assure prospective targets that Nowitzki will be in Dallas through at least 2013-14.

[StormFan93]

How the hell does anybody think Amir Johnson is worth $34 million?

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2010/07/01/14582681.html


Amir remains a Raptor
Re-signs for $34 million over five years
By Ryan Wolstat. Toronto Sun

Amir Johnson will remain a Raptor.

But he didn’t come cheap.

The unrestricted free agent quickly agreed to remain with the club for five years on Thursday, when GM Bryan Colangelo gave him a five-year, $34-million US offer.

Though the 23-year-old forward/centre averaged just 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, he was one of the team’s hardest workers and best defensive players.

Johnson meshed well with Andrea Bargnani since he did some of the dirty work and rebounding that Bargnani wasn’t willing, or able, to do.

The signing was first reported by Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports but will not be confirmed by the Raptors until the NBA’s veil of secrecy lifts on July 8.

Johnson’s agent, Kevin Bradbury, told Spears: “Amir didn’t want to play the free agency game. He wanted to go back to Toronto. He’s young and he has security and a lot of basketball left in him.”

[Fallacy]

Marc Spears reports OKC has made some calls on Chris Duhon
New York Knicks free agent point guard Chris Duhon has drawn some interest from the Chicago Bulls, his former team. The Knicks, Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder have also made preliminary inquiries into Duhon.

what.. the.. hell..

Stay away from chris duhon OKC

[KDisNotNice]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-celtics-pierce


AP Source: Celtics agree to terms with Pierce
By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer
Jul 2, 11:04 am EDT

BOSTON (AP)—The Boston Celtics have agreed to terms with captain Paul Pierce on a deal that could keep the MVP of their 2008 title run with the team for another four seasons.

The contract was not announced, but it was confirmed to The Associated Press by a Celtics official familiar with the deal who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the free agent signing period does not begin until Thursday.

“Both sides made it clear that staying together was best for the team,” the official said.

Terms of the contract were not immediately available. The Boston Herald, which first reported on the deal, says Pierce would get $61 million over four years, with a mutual option for the fourth year.

[StormFan93]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5354426


Agent: Johnson to stay in Atlanta
ESPN.com news services

Free agent Joe Johnson is staying with the Atlanta Hawks, his agent said in a blog published in the Huffington Post website on Sunday.

Arn Tellem, Johnson's agent, said that Johnson was impressed with the team's commitment to him and agreed to accept the club's six-year contract offer. He confirmed the post to The Associated Press.

Atlanta offered Johnson, a four-time All-Star, approximately $119 million over six years -- nearly $27 million more than any other team could offer.

The Hawks would not comment, citing the NBA's moratorium on signings. Deals can't become official until July 8.

"When the free agency period kicked in, Joe made a point of talking to the Hawks first," Tellem wrote in the blog post. "Their owners and new coach, Larry Drew, impressed Joe with their commitment to making the team championship-caliber. In turn, Joe felt equally committed to the Hawks, his teammates and the city of Atlanta."

Tellem said Johnson, who was wooed by a number of other teams, could have forced a sign-and-trade to another team, but "decided that winning in Atlanta would be more meaningful."

The New York Knicks were the first team to meet with Johnson when he became a free agent at 12:01 a.m. ET Thursday, making it known that he was among the players atop their wish list. The Chicago Bulls contacted Johnson as well, but did not meet with him.

But Johnson did not agree to the Hawks' offer immediately, and as of Friday, sources said Johnson was still considering offers from the Knicks and Bulls.

[RicanThunder]

David Aldridge reporting that Amare Stoudemire has agreed to a 5 year/$100 million contract with the Knicks.

Phoenix just got a lot weaker.

[Jimmy Early]

David Aldridge reporting that Amare Stoudemire has agreed to a 5 year/$100 million contract with the Knicks.

Phoenix just got a lot weaker.

YESSSS!!!! Now, let's just have Boozer sign with an Eastern Conference team!

[Rod4soonrs]

It helps us, if all these guys to the Eastern Conf. Boozer, Bosh, Amare, etc. makes the west a lot easier for us.

Word is Hawks offer Shaq 2 year deal for 5.8 mil/year.

[bbingham05]

MAGIC LAND DUHON
Free agent point guard Chris Duhon agreed to a four year, $15 million dollar contract with the Orlando Magic, his agent, Kevin Bradbury, told ESPN.com.

The 27-year-old Duhon was the starting point guard for the New York Knicks the last two seasons. He averaged 7.4 ppg and 5.6 apg last season for the Knicks.

The Magic currently only had one point guard, Jameer Nelson, on the roster.

Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 2004 NBA draft, Duhon has averaged 7.7 points and 5.6 assists in his six NBA seasons.

[Thunderhead]

Everything is set for Chris Bosh to join LeBron James in Cleveland. Everything, that is, except Bosh's approval.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5357607

[RicanThunder]

Donnie Walsh has been caught smoking crack.....that is the only way to explain this:


NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks have had exploratory talks with Carlos Boozer, a source close to the situation told ESPNNewYork.com.



It's unclear how Boozer would fit with a team that just gave a five-year, $100 million deal to another power forward, Amare Stoudemire, but the source said a meeting between the Knicks and Boozer is "possible."



Of course, the Knicks' top priority is signing LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. James will announce his decision on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN, according to ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard.



If James and Wade choose to stay with their current teams or leave for teams not based at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks will be left to scramble for an alternative plan to complement Stoudemire.



http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5359501


Hey, to each their own. Some GMs have a fetish for point guards, while others have a fetish for power forwards that cost upwards of $15 million a season.

[StormFan93]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5360911


Wade, Bosh choose Miami
ESPN.com news services

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are teaming up together on Wade's Miami Heat, the two free agents said Wednesday.

"We've wanted to play with each other and we have a golden opportunity to do that. We're going to take advantage of it," Bosh said on ESPN's "SportsCenter."

Wade said it was difficult to turn down a return to Chicago, where he grew up. But in the end, an opportunity to play with Bosh and build a title contender in Miami won out over his desire to play in his hometown, he said.

"Now we can get on the pace of building a championship," Wade said.

It was not immediately clear whether Bosh -- who spent seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors -- will sign with Miami outright or join the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million in five without it.

Whether LeBron James, the kingpin of this summer's celebrated free-agent class, will join them in Miami remains to be seen. James will announce his decision at 9 p.m. ET Thursday during a one-hour special on ESPN.

[StormFan93]

http://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/status/17980646501


Bulls agree to 5 yr, $80 mil deal with Carlos Boozer. Bulls still have enough cap space to sign a max player.

[Tydude]

thats good for the thunder

[StormFan93]

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5361792


Source: Boozer has Bulls deal
ESPN.com news services

Carlos Boozer is the latest domino to fall, agreeing to a five-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, a source close to the negotiations told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher on Wednesday.

Boozer follows agreements by premier free agents Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, Amare Stoudemire with the Knicks and Joe Johnson in Atlanta.

The Bulls are still in the running for LeBron James, who is going to make an announcement Thursday on ESPN. But Chicago would have to do some creative financing to fit the superstar under the cap after this deal.

Boozer average 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game for the Utah Jazz last season, his sixth with the team. In his eight-year career, he has averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest.

Boozer's name has come up in trade discussions involving the Bulls numerous times over the past few years.

[RicanThunder]

Wow, I'm hating the Lebron special on Thursday, but this makes things very intriuging for 4 teams:

NY has already signed Amare.
Miami has signed Wade and Bosh.
Chicago has signed Boozer.
And Cleveland is home.

So where will Attention Whore end up?

[StormFan93]

So where will Attention Whore end up?

New York.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2010/07/07/2010-07-07_new_york_knicks_source_lebron_james_could_make_ announcement_from_allan_houstons_.html



LeBron James coming to Greenwich to make announcement; Jared Dudley tweets LeBron will join Knicks
By Kevin Armstrong and Frank Isola
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERS

Wednesday, July 7th 2010, 3:27 PM

According to a Knicks source, LeBron James could be coming to Greenwich, Conn., to announce his decision on signing.

After appearing at Rhodes Arena for his annual skills academy, LeBron James played pick-up basketball with several Cleveland Cavaliers and then left at 3:20 p.m. in a White Range Rover. James, who has been a free agent for seven days, is expected to fly to Greenwich, Conn., for a sit-down interview with ESPN Thursday night, according to a source close to James.

ESPN Radio confirmed the network has booked the Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich from 7-10 p.m. Thursday night.

After being considered longshots in recent days, the Knicks now become serious contenders for the King - and maybe even the favorites.

Aside from Greenwich being a short drive from the Knicks training facility in Greenburgh, NY, former Suns teammate of Amar'e Stoudemire, Jared Dudley, posted on his Twitter account earlier Monday, "Breaking News!!! My sources tell me LeBron will announce that he will be goin to the NY KNICKS tomorrow on ESPN.. This is serious.. WOW!!!!"

The announcement by Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh earlier in the day that they will play for the Heat, also leaves New York as the biggest stage left for James, who has said in the past that he wants to be a billionaire.

[RicanThunder]

Signing Boozer was the nail in the coffin for Chicago in the Lebron Sweepstake. I don't think Lebron has ever forgiven Boozer for what he did to Cleveland and probably would not want to play with him if he had a choice to. I'd say its between NY and Cleveland.

[random]

I dont think he ever really would of gone to Chicago anyway. His ego couldnt take it. No matter what he would do there, he would never be Jordan.

[Starksfan311]

New York.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2010/07/07/2010-07-07_new_york_knicks_source_lebron_james_could_make_ announcement_from_allan_houstons_.html



Yup tomorrow is probably going to be a sad day for this Knick fan. I hope Queen James stays in Cleveland and the Knicks wind up with Anthony Randolph.

[RicanThunder]

Ray Allen has resigned with the Celtics on a 2 year/$20 million dollar contract with a player option for Year 2.

Damn, for all the talk about the owners losing money, they sure are throwing money around like its going out of business.

[StormFan93]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5364021


Agent: Raptors sign Kleiza to offer sheet
ESPN.com news services

Denver Nuggets restricted free agent forward Linas Kleiza signed a four-year, $18.8 million offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, his agent, Bill Duffy, told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

The Nuggets, who made a qualifying offer to Kleiza last month, have seven days to match the Raptors' offer.

The 24-year-old Kleiza played last season in Greece.

The 6-foot-8, 245-pound Kleiza averaged 8.3 points per game and 3.5 rebounds in 301 games in four seasons with the Nuggets from 2005 to 2009. Denver acquired the forward in a trade with Portland in June 2005.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5363686



Agent: Nets, Outlaw agree to deal
ESPN.com news services

Forward Travis Outlaw has agreed to a five-year, $35 million deal with the New Jersey Nets, his agent, Bill Duffy, told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

The Nets added Travis Outlaw after being shut out by the major free agents. What's next for New Jersey? Chad Ford breaks down the Nets' strategy. Blog

The 25-year-old Outlaw averaged 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 23 games for the Los Angeles Clippers after being acquired as part of a trade that sent Marcus Camby to the Portland Trail Blazers. In 11 games for Portland last season, Outlaw averaged 9.9 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Drafted in the first round by Portland in 2003, Outlaw has averaged 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in seven NBA seasons. His best season was in 2007-08, when he averaged 13.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.

The agreement was the Nets' first since free agency started last week, and it's not even close to being one that would excite New Jersey fans after winning just 12 games last season.

The wish list for new owner Mikhail Prokhorov and president and general manager Rod Thorn included LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade with Rudy Gay heading the fallback position.

[StormFan93]

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2010/07/celtics_nab_jer.html


Celtics nab Jermaine O'Neal
Posted by Gary Washburn Globe Staff July 8, 2010 01:35 PM

The Celtics have agreed to terms with veteran center Jermaine O'Neal, using their full mid-level exception on the six-time all-star who played the past 1 1/2 seasons with the Miami Heat, according to a team source.

O'Neal earned more than $23 million last season but was willing to take the $5.7 million mid level exception for a chance to win a title. And it's good news for Celtics fans hoping their team can compete with the Miami Heat if they manage to sign LeBron James. O'Neal struggled mightily in the playoff series against the Celtics last April, going 9-for-44 from the field and averaging 4.2 points, but when he is playing well, O'Neal is a solid perimeter player and rebounder.

He will blend time with Kendrick Perkins, who will be out until February with a torn right ACL.

[TheresThatManAgain#0]

David Aldridge is reporting that Brendan Haywood signed a 6 year deal with the Mavericks

[StormFan93]

David Aldridge is reporting that Brendan Haywood signed a 6 year deal with the Mavericks

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=5364191


Sources: Haywood, Mavs agree to deal
By Tim MacMahon and Jeff Caplan
ESPNDallas.com

Center Brendan Haywood agreed to a six-year, $55 million deal to return to the Dallas Mavericks, according to two sources.

The Mavs acquired Haywood in a seven-player deal with the Washington Wizards before last season's trade deadline and immediately declared that they hoped he would be a long-term fit. Haywood averaged 8.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 28 games for the Mavericks, sharing the starting job with Erick Dampier.

Coach Rick Carlisle visited Haywood's Charlotte, N.C., home at the beginning of free agency and assured Haywood that he would be Dallas' starting center if he re-signed. The Mavs are aggressively shopping Dampier -- who has a non-guaranteed $13 million salary for next season -- in the trade market.

The 30-year-old Haywood also visited with the Heat, but the Heat would not have salary cap space to sign him if LeBron James joins Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, as has been reported.

Sources told ESPNDallas.com that because Haywood's sixth year is not fully guaranteed, the deal averages roughly $7 million to $8 million annually in guaranteed money, depending on incentives.

"The ball really got rolling late last night, like around midnight," said agent Andy Miller, who credited Carlisle as the driving force in Haywood's return to Dallas.

[RicanThunder]

That's a horrible deal for Brenden Haywood. I think that weakens the Mavs in the long run. Its going to be a while before we can use the phrase "Brenden Haywood's expiring contract".

[StormFan93]

You thought this would be an article on Lebron signing with the Heat, didn't you?

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38158706/ns/sports-player_news/


Report: Foye, Gomes said to be Clippers

Today - 9:00 PM ET

Lisa Dillman is reporting on Twitter that guard Randy Foye and forward Ryan Gomes will be signed by the Clippers.

Not earth-shaking developments, but solid pickups for the Clips nonetheless. Neither player would start for the LAC, but both would probably play substantial minutes off the bench.

Source: Lisa Dillman on Twitter

[RicanThunder]

Oh yeah, and a guy named Lebron James agreed to sign with the Miami Heat. I hear he'll probably make their opening day roster.

[misplacedsooner]

he is gonna have to show me something if he wants to make the heat squad.

[Tydude]

Lebron James is going to the heat

[StormFan93]

Oh yeah, and a guy named Lebron James agreed to sign with the Miami Heat. I hear he'll probably make their opening day roster.

LeWho? Must be some Frenchman.

[misplacedsooner]

poor amare....left out to dry alone in new york

[StormFan93]

poor amare....left out to dry alone in new york

Eh, he's getting Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-07-08-3109168670_x.htm


Knicks' Lee headed to Warriors in sign-and-trade
By Brian Mahoney, AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK — The agent for David Lee says the All-Star forward is heading from the New York Knicks to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal.

Mark Bartelstein says Lee will get a six-year, $80 million contract. The Knicks will receive forwards Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf.

Lee has been the Knicks' most popular and productive player under coach Mike D'Antoni, but the team wouldn't commit to signing him so it could preserve enough salary cap room to afford two maximum salary players.

The Knicks gave one of those contracts to Amare Stoudemire, who signed Thursday and plays the same position as Lee.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

I'm calling here...

I believe the Knicks will make the playoffs.

[StormFan93]

I'm calling here...

I believe the Knicks will make the playoffs.

Seconded. Between having a playmaker in Amare, an inside presence in Randolph, and the youth of Galinari, I think they could just squeak by.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

Seconded. Between having a playmaker in Amare, an inside presence in Randolph, and the youth of Galinari, I think they could just squeak by.

Azubuike not a bad player either. Don't they have some money to play with under the cap still?


Granted I was talking a 7/8 seed, but a spot nonetheless.

[Blaine4oh5]

you guys are crazy!!!!! I dont think there is no way they make the playoffs. I bet Amare is already wishing he didnt go to the knicks. He left more talent back in phenoix.

[misplacedsooner]

amare now owns broadway... for what thats worth.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

you guys are crazy!!!!! I dont think there is no way they make the playoffs. I bet Amare is already wishing he didnt go to the knicks. He left more talent back in phenoix.

Really? The East is still extremely weak behind the top 4 or 5 teams (Boston, Orlando, Miami, maybe Atlanta, maybe Chicago). After that it's a free for all. The moves New York has made make them instantly better.

Here's a question. As of right now, who do you think will be better than the Knicks in the East?

[McThunderLovin]

Look at the New York website. Amare is all over the place. He's in it for the money and the advertisement.

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

Look at the New York website. Amare is all over the place. He's in it for the money and the advertisement.

Honestly, who wouldn't be if they were a NBA player with star power?

I think it's a little bit more than that for Amare' though. Yes, he is instantly the centerpiece, and that will get him a ton of exposure, but I think that was just a part of the decision. Reuniting with Mike D'Antoni was a factor as well. I think he wanted to go somewhere that wanted him. I'm sure all the rumours the last 2-3 years in Phoenix about being traded didn't help his cause of staying with the Suns.

[the worm]

Knicks are still a lottery team unless they add a very good playmaker next to Amare.

That Jefferies trade could prove very costly for the Knicks

Worm Life

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

Knicks are still a lottery team unless they add a very good playmaker next to Amare.

That Jefferies trade could prove very costly for the Knicks

Worm Life

The whole Isiah Thomas Era proved very costly for the Knicks....

Who do you see filling up the East ahead of them?

[the worm]

Heat
Orlando
Celtics
Chicago
Milwaukee
Atlanta
Charlotte
Cleveland....




....jokes

Indiana or Philly

Worm Life

[misplacedsooner]

pickins get slim around 7-8

[El Gato Pollo Loco!!!]

...Indiana or Philly...

Fair point. I still think the Knicks are at least on par with either of those teams right now, and they should have room to get that playmaker you mention to put them ahead.

[StormFan93]

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5367796


Sources: Bulls, Korver reach deal
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

The Chicago Bulls have reached an agreement to sign sharpshooting free agent Kyle Korver, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources told ESPN.com that Korver, formerly of the Utah Jazz, will sign a three-year deal worth an estimated $15 million.

Korver will become the Bulls' second significant free-agent acquisition, along with former Utah teammate Carlos Boozer, to sign with Chicago after the Bulls' unsuccessful pursuit of LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

"Kyle can shoot the heck out of the ball," Boozer, speaking on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000 on Thursday, said of his former teammate with the Jazz. "He's 6-7, 6-8 with real size and can shoot the ball. In practice he doesn't miss many shots, and then in games when he's on, he's as good as anybody."

Korver was the NBA's foremost 3-point shooter last season at 53.6 percent, averaging 7.2 points for the Jazz in 52 games.

He fills a huge need for Chicago, which has lacked a floor-stretching complement to Derrick Rose. The 6-7 swingman also arrives with the experience of playing off Boozer's presence in the low post.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5367965


Sources: Felton, Knicks close to deal
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com

The New York Knicks' consolation prize after missing out on LeBron James will be point guard Raymond Felton.

Two league sources told ESPN.com that the Charlotte Bobcats' unrestricted free agent reached an agreement in principle Friday on the broad parameters of a contract.

The length of the deal has not yet been agreed upon, but Felton will earn a starting salary in the $7 million range.

Felton was widely considered the top free-agent point guard available in this summer's superstar-laden market. One of the other top free-agent playmakers, Steve Blake, came off the market earlier this week when he agreed to a four-year, $16 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Bobcats selected Felton fifth overall in the 2005 NBA draft, and he has career averages of 13.3 points, 6.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He's proved to be durable, appearing in at least 78 games in each of his five seasons as Charlotte's starting point guard, and should bring stability to the Knicks' backcourt.

Felton joins Amare Stoudemire as the Knicks' two big free-agent signings of the summer, even though they failed to achieve their primary goal of getting James.

The sources said the deal is expected to be finalized over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Knicks' sign-and-trade deal sending All-Star forward David Lee to Golden State became official on Friday, giving the Warriors the marquee player they sought this offseason.

Forwards Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf go to the Knicks, who are moving closer to rounding out their roster for next season. New York also receives a 2012 second-round draft pick.

The key player in the deal for the Knicks is Randolph, the No. 14 pick in the 2008 draft. The athletic 6-foot-10 forward fell out favor with coach Don Nelson in Golden State and missed the final 47 games last season because of a left ankle injury.

"I see him as a talent, a big-time talent and a guy that could be an extra special player," Walsh said.

Azubuike missed the final 73 games last season with a knee injury, but Walsh said all three players are expected to be healthy in time for training camp.

[StormFan93]

So, the Nets didn't get LeBron, but I'd argue they got someone even better.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2012324863_apbknnetspetro.html


Nets reach agreement with backup C Johan Petro
By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. —

The New Jersey Nets have reached a contract agreement with center Johan Petro.

The Nets did not announce the terms of the deal Saturday, but an NBA official with knowledge of the agreement tells The Associated Press the contract is for $10 million over three years. The official requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak for the team.

Petro will be a backup for Brook Lopez. Petro averaged 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in five seasons with Seattle-Oklahoma City and Denver.

The agreement is contingent on Petro passing a physical.

Petro is a second free agent to agree to a contract with the Nets. Small forward Travis Outlaw got a five-year, $35 million contract Thursday.

[TheresThatManAgain#0]

The Nets also signed Anthony Morrow

[Trueblood]

The Nets also signed Anthony Morrow

Although he's restricted and the Warriors can match. 3 to 4 million a year is very reasonable for Morrow and the W's should match although I'm hearing that they won't. If not, that's a great pickup for NJ. A great shooter at 2G to compliment the athletic Outlaw and TWill at SF.

[RicanThunder]

Tony Allen moves to the Grizzlies:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5372270


In their quest to keep the core intact, the Boston Celtics appeared on the verge of losing a key bench player Sunday.

According to multiple reports, guard Tony Allen will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported the deal.

Just days after rumors swirled that Allen would re-sign in Boston, Yahoo.com reported he will ink a three-year, $10 million guaranteed deal.

Allen spent his first six NBA seasons with Boston. While plagued with injuries, he emerged in recent seasons as a lockdown defender off the bench, particularly this past season. Allen's playoff defense against LeBron James and Kobe Bryant helped Boston come within six minutes of a world title.

The Celtics now have little depth on the wing, and would presumably be in the market for a backup shooting guard or small forward, but don't have cap space to offer much more than the veteran minimum. The team could trade Rasheed Wallace's contract for an established veteran if Wallace is serious about retiring, and a trade partner needed cap relief.

The Celtics boasted Bird Rights to Allen, allowing them to go over the cap to sign him, but apparently weren't interested in committing to that length of a deal, or were scared off by luxury-tax ramifications of an increased salary.

Allen made $2.5 million last season.



And, Jordan Farmer moves on to the Russian's team

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5372527


Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar has agreed to a three-year, $12-million deal with the New Jersey Nets, his agent, Arn Tellem, confirmed to ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher on Sunday night.

"Jordan will be an excellent complement to Devin [Harris] in the backcourt," Nets president Rod Thorn said in a statement released by the team. "He comes to the Nets with championship pedigree, which will prove to be invaluable to his teammates."

Farmar, 23, has career averages of 6.9 points and 2.1 assists and has made three trips to the NBA Finals, winning two championships, after spending all four seasons of his career in Los Angeles since the Lakers drafted him with the No. 26 pick in 2006.

The Lakers chose not to tender an offer to Farmar by the required end of business day deadline of 9 p.m. ET last Wednesday, thus making Farmar an unrestricted free agent.




So, both Finals teams lost a huge part of their benches.

[Fallacy]

The suns have traded for Hedo Turkoglu and Josh Childress. They've used their TE and Barbosa as their trading chips

[StormFan93]

The suns have traded for Hedo Turkoglu and Josh Childress. They've used their TE and Barbosa as their trading chips

Raptors fans are absolutely ecstatic that Turkoglu is leaving, they definitely don't feel he's worth the contract. Even with the loss of Chris Bosh, this hasn't been a bad offseason for the Raptors. They got Barbosa, along with Linas Kleiza from Denver, Ed Davis and Soloman Alabi in the draft, and they resigned Amir Johnson (steep contract, but it filled a need). Not bad Toronto, not bad.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/07/12/suns.near.two.deals/


Report: Suns near deals with Turkoglu, Childress

NEW YORK (SI.com) -- Looking to fill the void created by Amar'e Stoudemire's departure, the Suns are working on two deals that would bring Hedo Turkoglu and Josh Childress to Phoenix, according to the Arizona Republic.

In the first trade, the Suns would send veteran guard Leandro Barbosa to Toronto in exchange for Turkoglu, a playmaking forward who struggled with the Raptors last season but was named the NBA's Most Improved Player just two years ago with Orlando.

In a sign-and-trade with the Hawks, the Suns would acquire Childress, a 6-foot-8 forward who averaged 11.1 points per game over four seasons with Atlanta, according to the Arizona Republic. Childress played for the Greek team Olympiakos last season, but his rights are still owned by the Hawks.

Childress would sign a five-year, $30 million deal with Atlanta before being shipped off to Phoenix for a future second-round pick and a portion of a trade exception.

The Suns, who lost in the Western Conference finals this past spring, also recently re-signed center Channing Frye and inked free agent forward Hakim Warrick.

Turkoglu is represented by Lon Babby, who is reportedly a candidate to replace Steve Kerr as the president of the Suns' basketball operation. Childress was previously represented by Babby before leaving the agent for Octagon.

[Starksfan311]

Knicks sign Tomofey Mozgov from Russia.


I already love this kid, super athletic for 7-1, plays hard, good instincts, fundamentals. How did this kid go undrafted? He reminds me a lot of Andris Biedrins.

http://news.sportbox.ru/Vidy_sporta/Basketbol/Vyschaya_liga/Muzhskoj/spbvideo_V-1855-31-yanvarya-CHR-Himki-Lokomotiv-Kubani

#25 yellow team. Check the around the 9 minute mark, how many 7fters can do that?

Would have been a nice pickup for the Thunder.

[slimjimzv]

STEIN_LINE_HQ ESPN.com sources: MIN/DAL talked Al Jefferson trade all weekend and moved closer to deal. But NO done deal yet as Wolves also in talks w/UTA

Al Jefferson to either of these teams sucks for us. It's looking a lot like Dallas atm:

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=5374674&campaign=rss&source=DALLASHeadlines

[slimjimzv]

Al Harrington to the Nuggets:

Sources: Harrington headed to NuggetsEmail Print Comments103 By Marc Stein
ESPN.com
Archive
The Denver Nuggets reached an agreement in principle Tuesday night on a five-year, $34 million contract with free-agent forward Al Harrington, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.



The Nuggets had to outbid the Dallas Mavericks to secure Harrington's signature after Dallas followed up its trade acquisition of Tyson Chandler earlier Tuesday with a hard push for Harrington, which included an in-person recruiting pitch at the NBA's annual summer league in Las Vegas from Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.




Harrington

But Denver would appear to have a greater need for Harrington than Dallas, given that the Nuggets expect to start the season with Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen unavailable after both recently underwent surgical procedures.



That enabled Harrington's agent, Dan Fegan, to land a deal starting at the full $5.8 million mid-level exception from the Nuggets which extends for the maximum allowed five years.



Buoyed by the acquisition of Chandler after it appeared that Toronto would acquire the 7-footer from Charlotte, Dallas quickly pinpointed Harrington as its next top summer target.



The Mavericks know they need more offensive punch next to Dirk Nowitzki and were drawn to Harrington's scoring ability. Dallas also had more than the usual familiarity with Harrington's game after Mavs coach Rick Carlisle had Harrington in Indiana.



Dallas, though, proved hesitant to extend a full five-year offer because it already has a deep roster and wasn't sure about the minutes allotment it could pledge to Harrington.



The Nuggets, meanwhile, felt they couldn't hesitate after falling short with earlier free-agent pursuits of Jermaine O'Neal (who signed in Boston) and Udonis Haslem (who's staying in Miami).


Harrington also attracted a level of interest from New Jersey after averaging 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds last season for New York.


The Nuggets made two more moves on Wednesday to solidify their bench. A league source told ESPN.com's John Hollinger that the team has agreed to terms with forward Shelden Williams and guard Anthony Carter and is expected to sign both later in the day. Both deals would be for the league's veteran minimum salary.

The 35-year-old Carter has played 11 seasons, the last four of them with the Nuggets and will serve as the third point guard behind Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson. Last year he averaged 3.3 points and 3.0 assists.

A four-year veteran, Williams averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds for Boston last season. He had previously played for Atlanta, Sacramento and Minnesota.

Marc Stein is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. ESPN.com's John Hollinger contributed to this report.

[slimjimzv]

Kleiza will be a Raptor
9:22
AM ETToronto Raptors TopEmailThe Denver Nuggets will not match the $18.8 million offer sheet Linas Kleiza signed with the Toronto Raptors last week.

"It was intimated to us that they won't match," agent Bill Duffy told FanHouse Thursday night. "He's ecstatic."

"I respect that organization," Duffy said of Denver. "But (Kleiza) felt very strongly about playing in Toronto. He's very excited. He loves the international dynamics of the team (Kleiza is from Lithuania), and will battle for a starting job."

Kleiza, who is a restricted free agent, played in Greece last season.

[slimjimzv]

Shaq to the Hawks not happening
9:30
AM ETShaquille O'Neal | Cavaliers TopEmailThere was talk of a potential sign-and-trade deal where the Cavs would send Shaquille O'Neal to Atlanta for Marvin Williams, however there is nothing to it, reports Michael Cunningham of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Cunningham writes: "There's nothing to the rumors about a Shaq-for-Marvin sign-and-trade being close to going down. It seems an Atlanta radio station reported 'unconfirmed rumors' that were the same unconfirmed rumors that were out there yesterday and had already been shot down. A Cleveland radio station picked up the Atlanta station's rumors, and then the Atlanta station started citing the Cleveland station."


Chris Tomasson of FanHouse reports the owners of the Hawks don't want to exceed the luxury tax threshold and will not sign O'Neal unless he's willing to play for a minimum contract.

O'Neal's top two choices are reportedly Atlanta and San Antonio.

So, does this mean that Shaq is going to SA? I thought I read somewhere that they weren't interested either. I wish these guys would retire before this kind of thing happens. I remember Jerry Rice struggling to find a team before finally signing with Denver, then failing to make the final cut coming out of pre-season. It's embarrasing. Once teams stop showing interest in signing you, then you really should retire.

[slimjimzv]

Magic will keep Redick
10:58
AM ETJ.J. Redick | Magic TopEmailUPDATE No. 2: Magic GM Otis Smith said Friday the team will match and keep Redick.

As we've indicated below, expect the Bulls to shift focus to Brewer now to fill in at shooting guard.

---

UPDATE: According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the Magic have until Saturday night to match, not Friday, as most thought.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune is reporting the Magic are expected to match.

Bob Finnan of the News-Herald is hearing they'll match as well.

If the Bulls lose out on Redick, they could target Ronnie Brewer or Roger Mason next.

---

J.J. Redick has signed a three-year, $20 million offer sheet with Chicago, reports ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith told the Orlando Sentinel Saturday morning that he "anticipates" the team will match the offer sheet.

"I anticipate us doing it (matching Redick's offer), but I'm not sure," Smith said. "It's too early. We'll talk about it."

Smith has seven days from the time he gets the contract to match it.