NBA Off-Season News Thread: Roy extends 80/5, AI to Grizz, Chandler/Okafor swap, Marquis to C's.

I can't believe guys think JO will have a better season in 09-10 than T-Mac.
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Originally Posted by nyk buc

Originally Posted by JapanAir21

McGlass is soft, and injury-prone, JO is just injury prone, he's a tough dude, I see him bouncing back more successfully than Tracy.
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http://nbcsports.msnbc.co.../32618814/ns/sports-nba/

he's gonna be there first game of the year, despite eveyrone saying he won't be back till the all-star break. he'll play w/ a chip on his shoulder.
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for the past what 5 years you been holding out false hope for Tmac and you have been wrong each time. just give it up

I thought you said both of them were done?
I THINK both guys are done

i just dont understand how some say Oneal is done but Tmac ant
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JO has shown that he could stay healthy last year.

Tracy hasn't shown he could be healthy since he entered the damn league.
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That's a stretch, but I hear you JA.

JO hasn't exactly been the poster boy for good health either though.

I'm confused as to when exactly JO showed he was able to stay healthy last year as well....
 
68 games out of a year is a whole hell of a lot better than 35.

He wasn't no 20/10 like he used to be, but I'll take his 13/6 with a few blocks per game over Tracy.
 
Originally Posted by Bigmike23

for the past what 5 years you been holding out false hope for Tmac and you have been wrong each time. just give it up
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Exactly...
 
I guess that's where we'll have to agree to disagree then.

Cuz 13/5 is Eddy Curry status in my eyes. Matter of fact, those are Eddy's CAREER averages.

JO is only slightly better at 14/8.

And if you'd take that over T-Mac, then hey... more power to you.
 
You also have to account that this has been the 1st off-season in a while that he isn't injured or coming off a surgery. He was able to work on somethingin his game besides rehab work. Don't underestimate Grover's work either

I'm not sure what his numbers will be but him putting up 16-20 ppg and 6-10 rpg is not far fetch IMO

As for McGrady, I'll let a Rox fan talk about that because I haven't follow his rehab or situation
 
Originally Posted by JapanAir21

Wolves > Kings
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Dang it. The Wolves even took Reggie Theus from the Kings too...

But back to T-Mac and O'Neal. In the past 5 years, T-Mac has averaged more games than O'Neal. Production-wise, O'Neal dropped a lot the past 3years while T-Mac has been too since being traded to the Rockets. In terms of being done, I don't think they are done at all. Microfracture surgery sucks,but T-Mac was walking alright in May during the playoffs and now Rockets GM Morey is saying he looks good on the court. There was also that video showing T-Macworking out with Tim Grover. Unless he's hyping T-Mac to get some potential trade done, safe to say he's not done. 16-4-5 is pretty good on one leg.And that dunk on Tyrus Thomas showed he can still dunk after his first knee surgery.
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Originally Posted by nyk buc

Originally Posted by JapanAir21

McGlass is soft, and injury-prone, JO is just injury prone, he's a tough dude, I see him bouncing back more successfully than Tracy.
Click to expand...
http://nbcsports.msnbc.co.../32618814/ns/sports-nba/

he's gonna be there first game of the year, despite eveyrone saying he won't be back till the all-star break. he'll play w/ a chip on his shoulder.
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That "chip" will prolly dislocate said shoulder resulting in season ending surgery in December.

Be careful what you wish for.
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[h2]Rubio Could Be Getting Closer To NBAhttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/[/h2]

Aug 31, 2009 10:22 AM EST

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A source briefed on the talks said David Kahn's continued presence in Spain could be taken as an indication that the odds of Rick Rubio coming to the Wolves next season had improved.

It has been six days since several Spanish media outlets reported an agreement was in place for Joventut to trade Rubio's rights to FC Barcelona for 3.7 million Euros ($5.28 million), and for Rubio to sign a six-year contract with an "affordable" buyout in 2011.

But a source told ESPN.com last Wednesday that "it's not over yet," and that remained the status quo heading into Monday.

Via ESPNhttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/

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[h2]http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/Gay Wants To Stay In Memphishttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/[/h2]
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Aug 31, 2009 7:23 AM EST

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Rudy Gay has heard his name mentioned in a few trade rumors, but would prefer to remain with the Grizzlies.

Gay will become an restricted free agent next summer if Memphis doesn't sign him to an extension by Oct. 31.

Neither Gay nor the Grizzlies would predict whether an agreement is likely to be reached by the deadline.

"I know what I can do on the basketball court," Gay told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "Everything else will work itself out. I love Memphis. Memphis has been my home. This is where I want to be. I really believe this is where I can make big things happen for myself and the Grizzlies."

Via Memphis Commercial Appealhttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/

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[h2]http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/Warriors Sign Mikki Moorehttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/[/h2]
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Aug 31, 2009 11:28 AM EST

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The Golden State Warriors have sign free agent big man Mikki Moore.

Moore's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN.com's Marc Stein on Monday that his client agreed to a one-year contract with the Golden State Warriors over the weekend.

Moore's deal is for the $1.3 million, the veteran minimum.

Via ESPNhttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/

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[h2]Nets Sell Tickets Using Star Opponentshttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/[/h2]
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Aug 31, 2009 11:14 AM EST

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With a troubled economy, the NBA is bracing for a difficult financial season and clubs are getting creative in order to sell tickets. None more so than the Nets. The team is offering fans a 10-game plan that comes with reversible jerseys that have the name of a Nets' player on one side and an opposing team's player on the other.

Fans can make their choice from among Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce or Ray Allen.

"I don't think it has ever been done before," said Chris Granger, the NBA's senior vice president for team marketing and business operations. "I don't think any team has ever given premium items as part of a promotion that highlights someone from another team."

Nets' president and chief executive Brett Yormark explained the reasoning behind the team's promotion.

"We cater to the casual NBA fan, that's our core audience," Yormark said. "So when you think about every arena selling opposing player jerseys at the concession stands, and when you think about attendance always being greater when you have the key matchups and the best players in town, why wouldn't you do it? It gives the fans another added benefit, not only to embrace their favorite local player, but also a member of the opposition that they also came out to see."

Via New York Timeshttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/

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[h2]http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/Yao Could Return In 09-10http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/[/h2]
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Aug 31, 2009 10:33 AM EST

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In an interview with ESPN The Magazine, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said Yao Ming could return at some point in the 2009-10 season and the team no longer feels his broken left foot is a career-threatening injury.

"Yao Ming is progressing well. I don't think that [a career-ending scenario] is something that will happen, based on what I'm hearing from the doctors," Morey told Alipour. "They do know that the bone will heal and he'll get back on it. And they have not actually ruled out [his return] this season. I think that's less likely than likely, but they haven't ruled it out.

"And next season, the outlook is very good. He just took off the cast for a short period [two weeks ago], so the doctors could examine it, and everything is going well. Everything is on track."

Via ESPNhttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/

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[h2]http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/Source: Mavericks Also Wanted Boozerhttp://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61375/20090831/rubio_could_be_getting_closer_to_nba/[/h2]
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Aug 31, 2009 7:28 AM EST

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The Mavericks were among the teams interested in trading for Carlos Boozer this offseason, according to ESPN's Chad Ford.

Boozer told a radio station this summer that the team informed him that he wasn't in their long-term plans, spurring trade talk.

Ford added that the Jazz have had discussions with the Bulls, Heat and Pistons about Boozer.

Via Deseret News
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Rockets are going to just flat out get Yao killed on the court.
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These guys are clowns. Sit the damn guy out for the season, pray he gets as much rest as possible, and give it a look again next year.

Why bring him back? Why? They aren't gonna win anything this year, what's the point? REST HIM!!!! Same story with Tracy.

They keep on bringing these guys back and say "they healthy, they healthy" and all they do is injure something else. Jesus.
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For the greatest free-agent class in NBA history, the magic number is 10, because according to our forecast, at least 10 teams will have significant cap space in the summer of 2010.

And it appears there will be at least 10 big names on the open market as unrestricted free agents: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Shaquille O'Neal, Carlos Boozer, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobili, Dirk Nowitzki and Joe Johnson, along with aging but still potent names like Ray Allen, Marcus Camby, Derek Fisher, Jermaine O'Neal and Tracy McGrady. And that's not to mention Yao Ming, Tyson Chandler, Richard Jefferson and Michael Redd, each of whom has the option of joining the 2010 class, as do potential restricted free agents Rajon Rondo, Rudy Gay and LaMarcus Aldridge. And last but not least, Kobe Bryant still could choose to hit free agency in 2010.

So is it merely a coincidence that so many teams have hoarded cap space, and that other teams are trying to create space to join the party? You do the math.

Of course, the giant game of musical chairs that appears to be looming has already created quite a frenzy, as fans, journalists and the teams themselves try to imagine all the ways it could play out.

And that's where our Summer Forecast comes in. We asked our panel of 52 NBA noggins just where they thought LBJ, D-Wade, CB4 and Amare/STAT/Sun Tzu would end up a year from now. Our answers are found below (LeBron) and here: Wade | Bosh | Amare.


[h3]Cleveland (38 votes)[/h3]
Clevelanders can't exhale yet, but perhaps they can take some comfort in our forecast, as 73.1 percent of our panel members now see LeBron staying in Ohio. That's a switch from last year, when less than half the panel saw King James wearing the wine and gold past 2010.

Certainly the Cavaliers have tried hard -- since drafting LeBron in 2003, really -- to make sure he's felt at home in his home state. The recent acquisitions of Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon and Leon Powe, and the big contract given to Anderson Varejao, are clear signals that Cleveland has continued in its win-now-and-make-LeBron-very-happy mode, likely eschewing hopes of adding a big name in 2010. And since the Cavs are building off a 66-win season, the immediate future seems bright indeed.

But with teams like Boston, Orlando and the Lakers also vying for the brass ring -- and the odds are against any single team, even one as stacked as Cleveland -- LeBron is still more than likely to exit the building in great frustration once again, coming up short of a title for the seventh straight season. The question is whether he'll keep walking.

As we've heard (and reported) ad nauseam, the New York Knicks have been clearing cap space furiously, and naturally have their sights set on King James, who is known to love the city and wants "global icon" status. And as noted above, New York is hardly the only team projected to have cap space in 2010.

But the Cavs caught a break, it appears, at least in terms of their LeBron retention plan, when the league crunched the numbers and projected a drop in revenues and the salary cap for the coming year. That means, as things currently stand, the Knicks could not sign both LBJ and a friend like Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade to max contracts. Presumably that would dampen LeBron's interest in making the leap to the Big Apple.

And let's not forget, the Cavs can sign James for tens of millions more than any other team can. Even for a guy as wealthy as LeBron, money talks. Unless it doesn't.

[h3]New York (8 votes)[/h3]
Despite the cards Cleveland holds, some still see New York as King James' destiny. And they might have a leg to stand on, thanks to LeBron himself, as he has become the master of the mixed message. That was heard again most recently in his interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols, in which he avoided the opportunity to express loyalty to Cleveland and pointedly said his heart was in his hometown of Akron:

"My loyalty is to Akron. I'm looking forward to this upcoming season, but I'm looking forward to the summer of 2010, too, to see what may happen. No matter what happens that summer, I'm still here. I've got a nice big house here that I'm always coming back to. I love this city and I'll always give back to this city no matter what my profession, if it takes me somewhere else."

So if that leaves the door open for an exit to another team, how could Knicks president Donnie Walsh pull off his miracle play?

First, he'll try to move Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries to create enough cap space for LeBron and another free agent to leap directly to New York; that's been Plan A since Walsh arrived. Short of that -- and moving those two contracts will be exceedingly difficult -- he'll try to work out a sign-and-trade, perhaps involving David Lee, to bring in a second star such as Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire as a teammate for LeBron. And no matter what, he'll tell LeBron all about the potential cap room the Knicks will have in 2011, at which time Walsh will be able to round out what could become a championship roster.

The other cards in Walsh's deck are pretty obvious as he makes his pitch to LeBron: Come to so-called Basketball Mecca and we'll build championship teams around you in the World's Greatest Arena, paving the way to greater glory, riches and Global Icon status. And oh, by the way, you'll be playing for Mike D'Antoni, the guy who won about 60 games a year in Phoenix, who helped mastermind the success of your Olympic gold medal-winning team and who will set you free in the open court to run up and down in the up-tempo offense you've always dreamed of.

Right now the obvious problem for New York is that the roster has massive holes, to say the least. But Walsh can point out two other things to LeBron: The Cavs roster will have its own serious issues going forward, and the Knicks have ways to improve dramatically.

LeBron has stated that his goal is to win multiple championships, à la Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. And at the moment, the Cavs are much better positioned to win a title than the Knicks are. But if Walsh can somehow persuade LeBron that the Knicks will put him in good position to win rings, then the New York move -- and the most celebrated free-agent move in sports history -- can't be counted out.

That said, right now our panel is keeping it real, as only 15.4 percent see LeBron making the leap to New York in 2010.
While there are many wild-card options in play (the Clippers, anyone?), only three were mentioned by our panel:



Miami (3 votes)
A trio of panelists expects LeBron to land in Miami and play alongside Dwyane Wade, forming an unprecedented dynamic duo of All-World wing players. As farfetched as this might sound, it appears to meet some of the criteria James might have for his next contract: The Heat would be instant title contenders, LeBron would have his pal D-Wade as a teammate, and he's said to love the city.

But would LeBron want to invade Wade's turf and join a franchise in which the pecking order would be unclear? Hard to say.



New Jersey (2 votes)
Another couple of voters expect LeBron to join his buddy Jay-Z and the Nets as they try to make their way to Brooklyn. While this option seemed like a live one a year ago, the well-reported bumps in the road for the Nets franchise and its proposed move to NYC have probably chilled James' interest in signing up for the ride.



Boston (1 vote)
And one hunch has King James in Celtic green, which is theoretically possible: Boston could give LeBron a max contract if Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo walked (or were renounced by the Celtics). In that case, though, LeBron might be wondering if "anything is possible," even if Kevin Garnett is still around.

Royce Webb is an NBA editor for ESPN.com.

The Dwyane Wade saga is coming to resemble that of his pal LeBron James.

Like LeBron, Wade went early in the 2003 draft, joined a losing team and turned it around in a hurry with MVP-level play. Like LeBron, Wade signed a shorter-than-expected, four-year extension that began in 2007 with a 2010 opt-out. And like LeBron, Wade has rebuffed all efforts by his current team to agree on a new extension this summer.

And according to our panel, that's not where the similarities stop:


[h3]Miami (35 votes)[/h3]
Just as the majority of our panel expects James to stay in Cleveland, 67.3 percent of our voters see Wade remaining with his current team, the Miami Heat.

Although Wade has expressed some frustration about the Heat's shifting fortunes and methodical rebuilding process since their shocking, scintillating title win in 2006, he also has said repeatedly that he sees a long-term future for himself in Miami -- while occasionally also leaving the door open for his departure.

So why would a third of our panel see Wade walking? Well, right now the Miami roster needs a lot of work, and Wade's potential sidekick, Michael Beasley, has some well-documented personal challenges to overcome. If Heat honcho Pat Riley is unable to create a contending team or convince Wade that he can bring in the kind of talent that his star guard expects, Flash might find the grass greener elsewhere.

But he won't find more greenbacks -- Miami can offer him millions more than any other team next summer. And as John Hollinger and Chad Ford recently documented, the Heat also are very well-positioned to make the NBA's biggest moves in 2010.

All in all, it likely adds up to a nervous season followed by a big sigh of relief along South Beach.

[h3]Chicago (8 votes)[/h3]
The Bron-Wade parallels take a twist when looking at the hometown hero factor.

Although LeBron gets to play near his home city of Akron, D-Wade is about 1,200 miles from home. Meanwhile, the Bulls have been canny in creating 2010 cap space, opening the door for Wade to make a hero's return, somewhat like MJ in 1995. And in Derrick Rose, Chicago could finally provide Wade with the kind of dynamic young point guard he has never had before.

But although everyone has speculated on his future, Wade himself hasn't said much about going back home, and anyone who has survived a Chicago winter has a clue why. Also, as many folks could tell you, going home isn't always as comfortable as keeping your distance.

And don't overlook this fact: The Bulls can't pay Wade nearly as much as Miami can.

All in all, only 15.3 percent of our panelists see Wade blowing off Miami and returning to the Windy City.

[h3]New York (6 votes)[/h3]
The LeBron parallels resume with the forecast by six panelists who think Wade will end up in New York, either alongside LBJ (one vote) or without him (five votes).

Although the Knicks might be focused on James, Job No. 1 in New York is to clear cap space, and Wade, while three years older than LeBron, would be a heck of a consolation prize.

As covered in describing the LeBron scenarios, New York can't be counted out, for many of the same reasons.

Also receiving votes: New Jersey (2), Houston (1)

Royce Webb is an NBA editor for ESPN.com.

Although most of our experts expect LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to stay right where they are, the book on Bosh reads a little differently. He has not openly expressed a desire to leave Toronto in recent months, but he also hasn't done much to make anyone think he wants to stay. That said, the degree to which our panel of 52 NBA observers seems sure that he's leaving is surprising, as only three see CB4 staying north of the border.


[h3]New York (19 votes)[/h3]
The Big Apple appears to be our best guess as the default destination for any free agent seeking a new place to land, as about one-third of our panelists see Bosh heading to New York.

Of the 19 who put Bosh with the Knicks, only a half-dozen saw him heading there in a tandem with James (four votes for LeBron and Bosh joining forces in New York) or Wade (two votes), his 2003 draftmates and U.S. Olympic teammates. The other 13 saw him taking the Knicks' bucks without James or Wade, presumably after they had decided to eschew New York. The reasoning there is fairly clear: Right now, the Knicks are not in a position to offer a max contract to two stars.

[h3]Miami (12 votes)[/h3]
The Heat can retain Wade and offer Bosh the max in 2010, which makes them potent players in this saga. Of the dozen panelists who expect Bosh to join the Heat, nine see him playing alongside Wade, while three see Wade leaving and Bosh taking his place as Miami's resident star.

[h3]Chicago (4 votes)[/h3]
The Bulls often have been mentioned as a potential preferred destination for Bosh, and they will have both the cap space and the motivation, given their long-standing need for a scoring big man. Certainly Chicago appears to be putting together the kind of roster that could attract a marquee free agent, although it has had trouble sealing the deal in recent years.

[h3]Dallas (3 votes)[/h3]
If Bosh wants to return to his home state of Texas, the Mavs might be the best-positioned team to receive him with open arms and a roster ready to contend. Many players consider Mark Cuban the most player-friendly owner in the game and Dallas a desirable destination. But if it doesn't work out with the Mavs, don't count out San Antonio and Houston, although those teams already have big investments in star post players.

[h3]Toronto (3 votes)[/h3]
Most star players don't leave, so the fact that only 5.8 percent of our panelists expect Bosh to stay in Toronto is telling, in one of two ways: Either our collective wisdom is seriously off-kilter, or we are correctly reading Bosh's signals that he's outta there.

Raptors fans had to be heartened by the enthusiasm Bosh showed when Toronto honcho Bryan Colangelo made his big moves this summer, particularly the acquisition of Hedo Turkoglu, and hopes are high for the kind of Orlando-like success that could convince Bosh that his fortunes lie in Toronto. And speaking of fortunes, let's not forget that the Raptors can offer Bosh much more than other teams can.

That said, reports from behind the scenes have led many to believe that Bosh wants to leave and, in particular, that he wants to join up with James if possible. And Bosh's public stance hasn't inspired much confidence in his desire to wear Raptors red beyond this coming season, either, as he has expressed little passion about staying and has eschewed any attempts to get his autograph on a contract extension.

This much we know: A lot can happen between now and next summer to influence Bosh and the rest of the potential 2010 free agents. But our best guess right now is that Bosh is heading south. Sorry, Canada.

Also receiving votes: Detroit (2), Houston (2), Los Angeles Lakers (2), San Antonio (2), Los Angeles Clippers (1), New Jersey (1), Phoenix (1)

Royce Webb is an NBA editor for ESPN.com

No 2010 free agent has more questions surrounding him than Amare Stoudemire:

• How's the eye, after his surgery for a detached retina?

• How's the knee, since his successful recovery from microfracture surgery?

• Do the Suns want to keep him, or will they be happy to see him go and pocket the savings?

• Can he have a bounce-back year now that Terry Porter and Shaquille O'Neal are gone?

• Will he be worth a max contract?

• How do you spell his name, and exactly what is his nickname these days?

Here's how our panel sees the Stoudemire situation playing out:


[h3]New York (13 votes)[/h3]
Once again, as with Chris Bosh, New York appears to be the default destination for free agents, as a quarter of our panelists see Amare landing in the Big Apple and reuniting with Mike D'Antoni.

[h3]Phoenix (10 votes)[/h3]
It's hard for most of our panelists to see the somewhat rocky marriage of Stoudemire and the Suns lasting past next summer. As has been documented, Amare has been shopped by the Suns, who have appeared on the verge of moving him several times, in part because of financial pressures and in part because they are unsure about keeping him as a core member of the team yet are reluctant to lose him for nothing in return.

Meanwhile, Stoudemire has discussed his desire for another max contract and has mentioned several other cities he wouldn't mind playing in, fueling the feeling that he is headed out of town.

Then again, he has expressed a wish to stay in Phoenix, where he has established roots in the community and has been a star on a successful team, and he recently did his part to shoot down a potential trade to Golden State.

We really don't know how all this will go, because as Phoenix president Steve Kerr has said, no decisions will be made until the Suns can see how healthy Stoudemire will be.

[h3]Golden State (5 votes)[/h3]
In some ways, Stoudemire seems a great fit for Don Nelson's go-go offense. Indeed, the Warriors recently tried to acquire Amare. On the other hand, Stoudemire said he didn't want to go to Golden State, and the continued turmoil in that franchise isn't going to help the Warriors change his mind.

[h3]Miami (4 votes)[/h3]
Will Amare take Miami's money? The Heat can offer him the max next summer, and three of our panelists see him teaming up with Dwyane Wade, while one voter sees him joining the Heat with Wade departing.

Also receiving votes: Chicago (3), Detroit (3), Los Angeles Clippers (3), Cleveland (2), Dallas (2), New Jersey (2), Portland (2), Atlanta (1), Orlando (1), San Antonio (1)

Royce Webb is an NBA editor for ESPN.com.
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Bucher just Tweeted Ricky Rubio news should be up on ESPN.com soon. IMO, this signals he's on his way to Minny
 
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