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

Originally Posted by Kiddin Like Jason

OJ and Jefferson? How does that work? Jefferson is in Milwaukee.
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I'll give you time to think about that.

My bad, was thinking about Richard.
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San Antonio Spurs forward Robert Horry says he wants to return to the NBA for a 17th season. AP/ESPN

Horry says he'd like to return to the Spurs, where he spent the last five seasons. If that's not possible, then he would like to head for the Houston Rockets -- where he played his first four seasons. AP/ESPN

At the other end of the size spectrum, the C's also will attempt to set themselves at the point behind Rondo. They hope to keep Eddie House, but the way his minutes took a dive at the beginning of the playoffs may have him considering other options. Jason Williams and Tyronn Lue are names to keep in mind if House looks for a different home. The Celts hope that Gabe Pruitt will be more prepared to make a contribution in his second season, but they'd also like a solid veteran alternative. Boston Herald

James Posey: If another club offers him the full mid-level exception played out for four years, it will be tough for the Celtics to match. But there have been encouraging signs, with Posey's representative, Mark Bartelstein, saying his client hopes to be back in Green. Boston Herald

The Nets could have done more. Cleveland offered Wally Szczerbiak for Vince Carter in what would have been a straight salary dump. It never went anywhere. NY Post

Reports circulated that the Nets also considered moving Vince Carter for cap flexibility Thursday. That wouldn't have been a good message to an already bewildered fan base. Bergen Record

Restricted free agent center Nenad Krstic's future could include an address change. The Nets added three scoring big men, two perimeter-oriented - Yi and Anderson - so there is too much duplication. Bergen Record

Miami could pursue New Jersey center DeSagana Diop, a 7-foot rebounder and defender who is an unrestricted free agent. Dallas, for whom Diop played two-plus seasons, reportedly has interest in bringing him back. Palm Beach Post

Pat Riley said the Heat has an interest in re-signing swingman Ricky Davis, who becomes a free agent July 1. ''We don't have shooters, we don't have players that have his kind of ability,'' Riley said. ``It depends on where we are financially and how we look at our future.'' Davis repeatedly has said he would like to remain with the Heat but prefers a multiyear deal. Miami Herald

On Friday, the Nets extended Krstic a $2.7 million qualifying offer for next season, giving them the right to match any offers he receives when free agency begins July 1. Bergen Record
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Originally Posted by Kiddin Like Jason

O.J. and Jefferson = DOMINANT.

O.J. and Gay = nothing.

Jefferson would make O.J.'s overall game so much better.

He'll be able to score more in Memphis, but doesn't have better players around him than he would have in Minnesota. The key is post presence, which Memphis doesn't really have.
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Wait, don't tell me you think Minnesota have a better core of players than the Grizzlies.
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Yea, I do agree that the post presence will help, but Mayo creates his ownshots. He doesn't need anyone like Jefferson in order for him to get good looks. I expect Conley to be a better PG than PG's on the Twolves at thismoment. With his quickness, good bball IQ, he will be able to have two guys on the wing in Rudy and Mayo that can possibly dominate. Arthur/Warrick will alsobe a good 1-2 punch subbing any for each other. Marc Gasol and Darko should play pretty good overall defense as well. Gasol can score as well so I don'tsee Memphis frontline just being so horrible compared to a Miller/Love/Jefferson frontline.
Mayo is in a better situation to win in Memphis, because withthe Twolves getting Miller who contract expires in 2 years, I don't really see anybody else just making them a contending team. Nobody on their team reallyexcites me other than Jefferson and Love won't become a star player. He will be good, but no star. So, the way I see it, the Twolves have a bunch of goodplayers and a star in Jefferson. Memphis, they have a star player in Rudy, potential star PG in Conley, good young talented players along with Arthur who couldpotentially be something great to go with Mayo. When you look at the TWolves roster you see: McCants, Foye, Brewer, Telfair, Jefferson and Love who are theiryoung nucleus. Compare that to the Grizzlies: Conley, Lowry, Crittenton, Mayo, Gay, Arthur, Warrick, Gasol and Milicic. That's more talent than what theTimberwolves will have. And to think the Grizzlies aren't done with making deals. I can't stress that enough topeople who really think they're staying pat with the exact same team. They still have some holes to fill with a backup SF and solid big. I can easily seethem going after James Jones, Pietrus, Azubuike, etc. to fill that void and as a big they could either sign or make a S&T to get Okafor, Kristic, JSmith,etc. They have so many options right now.

Even if we don't spend any money, Heisley has stated that the plan is to develop the youth, and spend the FA money in a few years when we're ready tomake a playoff run. There is really no reason to get any free agents this summer because winning is not important this year. this season will be aboutdeveloping the young players, getting them to play together and adapt to the NBA. So, we going to have money automatically either season and MORE money afterthe 08-09 season which could possibly go along with another good draft pick.
 
Miami needs to back off.
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First they want Diop, now they want Lue?
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Horry back on the Rockets would be horrendous.
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Posey wanting 4 years of MLE? Hmm, I thought he was willing to take pay-cuts to be on winning teams. Regardless I think he deserves it, or near MLE.
 
The Nets stole headlines from the rival Knicks by trading forward Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for 20-year-old Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. By making the move, New Jersey is expected to be $20-22 million under the salary cap in 2010, when LeBron James becomes a free agent. While the struggling Knicks are New York City's longtime franchise, the Nets will get a piece of the Big Apple by moving to Brooklyn, probably in 2011. But in two years, don't be surprised if Jay-Z helps bring his buddy James to a franchise that will be attractive to play for by then. Boston Globe

LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio, and plays for the Cavaliers. But his love for Jay-Z and New York is readily on display. It's not uncommon to see James don a Yankees cap, not a Cleveland Indians cap. James even flashed a Roc-A-Fella Records hand signal, for Jay-Z's label, when he was introduced at the 2005 All-Star Game in Denver. Boston Globe

The Nets traded perennial All-Star Jason Kidd to Dallas last season, and have now dealt Jefferson. Is Vince Carter next? "I wouldn't say that," Vandeweghe said. "There have been some offers for Vince . . . We like Vince a lot. Where are you going to find a guy that can give you 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game? Those guys don't come along often." Boston Globe

Celtics guard Rajon Rondo and center Kendrick Perkins will not play for a select team that will scrimmage the US Olympic team July 21-24 in Las Vegas, but several talented young players will challenge the NBA stars. Boston Globe

The projected select team roster includes Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson, Atlanta's Al Horford, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, Seattle's Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, Sacramento's Kevin Martin, Detroit's Rodney Stuckey, and Chicago's Derrick Rose. Boston Globe

USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo was surprised when told yesterday that Rondo and Perkins had declined. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge cited the NBA champions' short offseason as a reason Rondo and Perkins won't participate. Boston Globe

For the Celtics: Forward-center Chris Andersen is a potential addition. Before signing Brown last season, the Celtics kept a keen eye on whether "The Birdman" would become a free agent after completing a two-year ban for substance abuse. New Orleans, however, exercised its right to keep him through last season. The two-time NBA dunk contest participant's athleticism, court speed, shot-blocking ability, and size (6 feet 11 inches) could make him a great fit defensively as Perkins's backup center. Boston Globe

Celtics second-round draft pick Semih Erden has a 50-50 chance of playing in the NBA, a longtime NBA international scout said. The 60th selection in Thursday's draft played for Fenerbahce Ulker in Turkey last season, averaging 7.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 19.5 minutes per game. Boston Globe

Mary Faherty, Red Auerbach's longtime secretary, died last Wednesday. After answering an ad in the Boston Globe for a job titled, "Secretary needed," she was Auerbach's secretary from the early 1960s until 1997. Boston Globe

Celtics mascot Lucky, a.k.a. Damon Blust, will soon be having right shoulder surgery and didn't dunk during the Finals because of the injury. The 32-year-old, who has overcome left elbow and right knee surgery, said he will soon be dunking again. "I have the luck of the Irish," Lucky said. "I can't wait to get fixed up for next season when we get [championship No.] 18. It's well worth it." Boston Globe

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard sustained a stress fracture in his sternum during the playoffs against the Detroit Pistons and was held out of practice with Team USA on Saturday as a precaution. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel late Saturday night that the injury is not serious and that Howard could play "if we were playing. It's nothing major." Orlando Sentinel

Dwight Howard will sit out the mini-camp in Las Vegas and is expected to be ready when Team USA reconvenes for training camp July 21. "I'll be fine for next month," Howard told reporters. Orlando Sentinel

Kobe Bryant's response to former teammate Shaquille O'Neal's lambasting him in an obscenity-laced rap freestyle at a New York nightclub? No response. "I didn't take it any kind of way whatsoever," Bryant said Saturday, before declining to take any more questions on the topic. LA Times

The Sixers and Grizzlies are the only teams with substantial cap room - Philly has around $12 million, and Memphis could be as much as $15 million under - but there isn't a LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul or Chris Bosh going onto the open market, as there will be in 2010. NY Daily News

For that reason, Atlanta's top free agent, Josh Smith, has been linked to Philly. NY Daily News

Gilbert Arenas is the best of the group, but he's already got a deal in place with the Wizards. Beno Udrih (Sacramento) could be in great demand, with the Clippers and Miami among potential destinations. NY Daily News

If Corey Maggette opts out of the final year of his deal, at $8.5 milion, he will be among the best free agents, regardless of position. Clippers owner Donald Sterling wants to keep him. Another Clipper, Quinton Ross, a Bruce Bowen-type, is unrestricted and is expected to draw interest. NY Daily News

If Ron Artest opts out of his deal with the Kings, he could get a call from the Lakers. NY Daily News

The Clippers want to keep Elton Brand, who can opt out of his final season, at $16.5 million. NY Daily News

If the Pacers can't trade Jamaal Tinsley, they're buying him out. They reached that decision even before they stocked up on point guards by dealing for T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack. NY Daily News

No surprise that the Bucks are looking to send Charlie Villanueva to the first place they can find. He'll never last with Scott Skiles. NY Daily News

Denver's potential deal for the Bulls' Kirk Hinrich could mean Marcus Camby is heading to Chicago. NY Daily News

Miami is trying to find Udonis Haslem a new address. NY Daily News

Orlando wants to deal J.J. Redick. NY Daily News

Phoenix has plans to ship Leandro Barbosa out. NY Daily News

Seattle's next move could involve exporting Chris Wilcox or Donyell Marshall. NY Daily News

Danilo Gallinari's first-year salary for the Knicks is $2.8 million, per the rookie scale for the No. 6 pick. NY Daily News

In rolling the dice on Jermaine O'Neal, the Raptors are essentially buying time with Chris Bosh, trying to get him to the 2010 offseason in the best frame of mind. Is O'Neal on the downside? Overpaid? Injury prone? Yes, yes and yes. But he also stands to do something other recent Toronto big men such as Andrea Bargnani, Rasho Nesterovic, Rafael Araujo, Loren Woods and Aaron Williams, could not-take the inside pressure off Bosh. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

With the Heat, by contrast, Bosh would help balance the offense with Wade, seemingly could coexist with Michael Beasley, and would round out a skilled core for years to come. By then (the Raptors hope), the Heat might address such a need through deals with Carlos Boozer or Elton Brand in the 2009 offseason (if not sooner). If not, common sense says Riley is stashing max money for someone who works with Wade, not in place of him. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

This summer's list of free-agent point guards falls into the categories of likely too pricey for the Heat (Jose Calderon, Keyon Dooling, Jannero Pargo, Beno Udrih), too old ( Darrell Armstrong, Anthony Carter, Sam Cassell, Anthony Johnson, Kevin Ollie, Damon Stoudamire) or too unappealing ( Earl Boykins, Dan Dickau, Smush Parker). So unless the choice is Carlos Arroyo, Chris Duhon, Eddie House, Royal Ivey or Tyronn Lue, a trade might prove the preferred option. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Speaking of point guards, expect yet another relocation bid with Luke Ridnour after the Sonics added Russell Westbrook in the draft alongside Earl Watson. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

With Brook Lopez drafted by the Nets, New Jersey free agent DeSagana Diop figures to get a look from the Heat, although Dallas is believed willing to spend to regain the center. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

A little past 10 p.m. Monday, Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor can pick up the phone and set in motion the process through which Deron Williams can sign a long-term contract extension to stay in Utah. From July 1 until Oct. 31, the Jazz have an exclusive window to negotiate an extension to Williams' rookie contract. Under league rules, Williams could sign for as long as five years and as much as approximately $90 million. Salt Lake Tribune

Deron Williams would like to finalize the extension before he leaves for the Olympics on July 26. The NBA has a moratorium on free-agent signings through July 8, although Williams could agree to terms beforehand. "I talked to Kevin about that the other day and he definitely knows it's a high priority to get it done as soon as possible, as soon as we can," Williams said. "I'm just going to leave that in his hands and my agent's hands and hopefully everything works out." Salt Lake Tribune

A maximum contract would enable Williams to earn 25 percent of the salary cap in the 2009-10 season - approximately $15 million if the cap is set at $60 million - with annual raises equal to 10.5 percent of the first-year salary. Salt Lake Tribune

Much musing has been made recently about the Miami Heat making a possible move for Utah Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer if the latter were to opt out of the final year of his contract after the 2008-09 NBA season. At Saturday's mini-camp debut of the 2008 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team in Las Vegas, Boozer wasn't in a talking mood about last week's rumblings involving the Heat, but Jazz/USA teammate Deron Williams was a willing contributor to conversations. Deseret Morning News

After next season, Boozer can opt out of the final year of his current six-year, $68 million contract with the Jazz and negotiate a potential six-year deal worth an estimated to $136 million. Deseret Morning News

Boozer told KSL-TV on Friday that if he does opt out of his $68 million contract, it would be a "business decision" about which fans should not fret, because he could simply re-sign with the Jazz. Opting out, however, would make Boozer a free agent able to sign with any team - though the Jazz could offer a longer and more lucrative new deal. Salt Lake Tribune

The Heat ended up taking Beasley with its second-overall pick, but the Miami questions continue to tail Boozer. He declined when asked if he might have any interest, saying his current worry is the Olympic team and playing for the gold medal. Instead, Boozer offered his three-fold theory on why the Miami rumors have enjoyed an extended shelf life. Deseret Morning News

Deron Williams called Boozer's anticipated opting out "a no-brainer" but added that he hopes he stays with the Jazz. Deseret Morning News

The Jazz already have 13 players under contract for next season. If restricted free agent C.J. Miles and 2008 first-round draft choice Kosta Koufos both are added, that's a maximum-allowable 15. Should be a quiet summer for the Jazz, then, right? Not necessarily, general manager Kevin O'Connor warned. "I think we'll be active, because there's a lot of issues that can be sign-and-trades, there's a lot of issues that can be trades," O'Connor said as Monday night's opening of the NBA summer free-agency shopping market approached. "We're not out of that game," he added. "Don't take us out of that game, because there are a lot of things we can do." Deseret News

Besides tendering a qualifying offer for next season to Miles, the Jazz on Saturday also announced they have picked up the third-year, $797,581 option on the contract of backup power forward Paul Millsap. The transaction was fully expected, and essentially a simple matter of submitting paperwork. Millsap, a second-round draft choice out of Louisiana Tech in 2006, averaged 8.1 points and 5.6 rebounds last season. Deseret News

According to an entry on the Dallas Mavericks' "official" blog spot, ex-Jazz guard Keith McLeod is among several free agents invited to join the Mavs' summer team. Deseret News

Pistons team president Joe Dumars has made it clear his modus operandi in improving his team this summer will come through trades, possibly a core-shattering one that will send out one of his starters. That's still his plan, and any stars who wind up in Detroit in the upcoming month will likely be at the expense of a few familiar faces. Detroit Free Press

There are a few reasons why the Pistons are leaning so heavily on the trade route. First off, they are also over the salary cap, like most of their peers, and so they have only the mid-level exception, predicted to be worth about $5.8 million, as well as veteran's minimum contracts to spend on the free-agent market. Detroit Free Press

Restricted free agents include Golden State guard Monta Ellis and center Andris Biedrins, Philadelphia forward Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams, Atlanta forward Josh Smith and Josh Childress, Bobcats center Emeka Okafor, Chicago forward Luol Deng and guard Ben Gordon. Those players often remain with their current teams, since they can match any offer from another team. Some restricted free agents -- like Cleveland's Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao last summer -- have recently turned restricted free agency into a holdout situation. Detroit Free Press

Drafting Walter Sharpe, a small forward, on Thursday night means the Pistons most certainly won't look to re-sign both Hayes and Herrmann. After the season, Hayes said he'd like to be back, even though his playing time plummeted in the postseason, while Herrmann is rumored to have offers to play overseas. Detroit Free Press

Both Hunter and Ratliff are pondering retirement, but don't be surprised if both return for one more season. Nothing has been decided or finalized, but both veterans are leaning toward one last run. Detroit Free Press

Dee Brown, the former Illinois All-American will be on the Pistons' Summer League roster, according to the Pistons.com blog. Brown played with Utah as a rookie two years ago. The Pistons.com blog reports Sammy Mejia, last year's second-round pick, was going to be but he sprained an ankle recently and won't make it. Alex Acker will also be on the team and has a shot at sticking with the Pistons next year. Detroit Free Press

According to A. Sherrod Blakely of Booth Newspapers, Chris Douglas-Roberts refused to work out for the Pistons, despite being considered a late first-round pick, because he expected to be gone by the time No. 29 was on the clock. The Pistons passed on him twice (at No. 29 and again after trading that pick for No. 32) before he was snagged by New Jersey at No. 40. Detroit Free Press

This week the Lakers and Clippers will enter the free-agent market, both teams shopping for players and looking to improve. The problem is that this year's free-agent class is not considered strong. The only All-Star-caliber talent available is Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, both of the Washington Wizards, and they will be commanding the kind of money that the Lakers and Clippers aren't expected to spend this summer. Press-Enterprise

Lakers: Their top priority is to re-sign two of their key backups, guard Sasha Vujacic and forward Ronny Turiaf, and the Lakers' course this summer largely "is going to depend on the progress we make with Sasha and Ronny," said General Manager Mitch Kupchak, who will begin negotiations Monday at 9:01 p.m., the opening of the free-agent period. Teams can start signing players July 9. Press-Enterprise

The Lakers' payroll for next season is $75.1 million, with just 10 players under contract. If they re-sign Vujacic and Turiaf, the payroll will easily exceed $80 million. The Lakers are over the salary cap, which is projected to be $57.1 million next season, and the threshold at which the luxury tax takes effect, projected to be about $70 million. Press-Enterprise

Corey Maggette is expected to opt out of his $7 million contract, and fellow forward Elton Brand also can opt out of his $16.4 million deal. Both have to inform the Clippers of their decisions by Monday. Press-Enterprise

Journeyman Brevin Knight is the only true point guard the Clippers have under contract, and they aren't expected to make a qualifying offer of $5.8 million to former starter Shaun Livingston, who sat out all of last season recovering from a knee injury. Livingston would be an unrestricted free agent, but the Clippers likely would offer him a smaller contract. Press-Enterprise

Walsh probably doesn't have enough time left on his three-year contract to concoct a scheme to unload Zach Randolph or Eddy Curry. His one shot is to package David Lee whose inability to hit 3-pointers makes him expendable. Clearly, Lee is useless to the Knicks. He does all the things that hardly matter to a bad team, but are the difference between winning and losing on good team. Where was I? Oh, yeah, why have the Suns been semi-superior? Steve Nash's genius, first and foremost. He gets team mates open shots and knows when to get his for the good of the team. Stephon Marbury may be given one last chance to tiptoe that tightrope. Alas, it doesn't matter how well Gallinari shoots the ball from afar if someone doesn't get him the ball. NY Post

For the Knicks: Beno Udrih has been prioritized. Problem is, the Gail Goodrich clone, by way of Slovenia and presently Sacramento, will command far more than the two-year, $11.5M mid-level exception Walsh has to entice. Meaning Marbury is The Man! The Knicks haven't been able to thrive with him but they can't survive without him. NY Post

For the Knicks: Golden State's Monta Ellis is a wonderful point-guard-of-the-future candidate but that has to be a sign-and-trade scenario because Warriors general manager Chris Mullin would match a two-year deal. Walsh and Mullin are close, making a transaction doable. NY Post

Other young free-agent point guards available for mid-level money are Chris Duhon, Brooklyn's Sebastian Telfair, Keyon Dooling and Tyronn Lue. Memphis has a glut of point guards after obtaining O.J. Mayo and may trade Mike Conley or Kyle Lowry. The Bulls, who desperately tried to get David Lee in the Eddy Curry deal three years ago, are also expected to shop Kurt Heinrich and restricted free agent Ben Gordon. NY Post

If he gets a point guard through a trade or sign-and-trade, Walsh could use the mid-level on shotblocking help, Adonal Foyle free. Another free agent is sharpshooting Celtic guard Eddie House, who raved about Mike D'Antoni during The Finals and would love to reunite. House said he had his best season under D'Antoni in 2005-2006. NY Post

The Knicks' two free agents, dud-center Randolph Morris and guard Fred Jones are both goners. With the addition of Gallinari, the Knicks will have one roster opening. NY Post
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^ Wow.. But if Gilbert is HEALTHY (75+ games a season), then I say he's worth that.. He's a top 10 talent and should not be paid less than RashardLewis lmao..
 
^ Wow.. But if Gilbert is HEALTHY (75+ games a season), then I say he's worth that.. He's a top 10 talent and should not be paid less than RashardLewis lmao..
 
I really liked watchin CDR in college...but how big of a FOOL does he look like now for not workin for the couple teams that were interested in him at thebottom of round 1 now?...

Dude declined to work out for them, expecting to be gone, and now hes a 2nd round pick w/o the guarenteed contract...
 
Well, it's nice that Clippers shooting guard Corey Maggette apparently wants to return to Orlando, where he started his career. He could become an unresticted free agent today. The reality is that the Magic can't afford him; their free-agent game-plan is to put some relatively inexpensive pieces around Dwight Howard. The Magic have all their money tied up in five players: Howard, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu and Tony Battie. They are rummaging through the bargain bin now to find some serviceable pieces and to fill out the roster. Orlando Sentinel

Concentrate more on these sort of names for the Magic in free agency: PG/SG Keyon Dooling, PG Chris Duhon, guard/forward Mikael Pietrus, point guard Jason Williams, shooting guard Jarvis Hayes and PG/SG Juan Dixon. Dooling, of course, would love to return to Orlando, but Smith wants it at the right price. And in this extremely lean free-agent class, Dooling might get a better offer than the Magic can meet. Orlando Sentinel

As far as Maggette, all the Magic can donate to him (unless they execute a sign-and-trade) is the mid-level salary-cap exception. And Smith doesn't want to spend that on one player. They want to split the $6 million per year exception.

Gilbert Arenas said he opted out of the final year of his contract with the idea he would remain with the Washington Wizards. When NBA free agency officially opens at midnight tomorrow, Arenas will have an opportunity to show he was sincere. According to a league source familiar with the situation, Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld plans on soon offering Arenas a lucrative long-term contract, one that could cover up to six years and could be worth more than $100 million. Washington Post

By 9 tonight, Ron Artest either will be in the final season of his contract with the Kings or an intriguing member of the free-agent market. The decision is his until the deadline passes, just as it has been since the season ended. Though the prospect of Artest opting out remains unlikely, the uncertainty remains until it's official. Artest is in the driver's seat for one more day, and Petrie is stuck without a steering wheel. Sacramento Bee

Celtics forward James Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said his client will opt out of the second and final year of his contract today. The move will make the versatile Posey an unrestricted free agent, but Bartelstein has also said his client wants to return to Boston. When asked about whether Posey, who averaged 7.4 points per game this season, will be re-signed, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said Saturday: "I'd hate to say whether or not we will be able to. We'll see what happens." Free agency begins tomorrow. Boston Globe

Artest: During the NBA Finals, he even appeared at Game 6 in Boston and was trailed by speculation in the following days that the Lakers wish he had been in a Los Angeles jersey. Beyond the Lakers, there is no shortage of teams with a desperate need to strengthen perimeter defense and add a proven scorer. There's San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and perhaps even Denver. The Nuggets passed up a chance to trade for Artest in February, and their first-round playoff exit against the Lakers showed how he could have helped. Sacramento Bee

With Artest's expiring contract (for $7.4 million) and his 2007-08 season in which he set career highs in scoring, field-goal percentage and three-point percentage, the risk isn't what it used to be. The Kings are well aware of this, hoping to reap the rewards for their patience. Sacramento Bee

Opting out makes little financial sense for Artest. The Lakers, for example, might be able to offer a shot at the title, but they would be restricted to a midlevel exception offer (approximately $6 million per season) for a contract - a plight shared by most of the league. Artest's agent, Mark Stevens, said it was "obvious" opting out would result in a midlevel exception deal. Sacramento Bee

Los Angeles Clippers guard Corey Maggette told friends over the weekend that he was encouraging the Orlando Magic to make a competitive offer in free agency, allowing him to return to the team where he started his NBA career nine years ago. Maggette, 28, averaged 22.1 points last season for the Clippers, where he has spent the last eight seasons as a shooting guard/small forward. Orlando Sentinel

If Maggette opts out of his contract, the Clippers are expected to offer him a new four-year deal worth close to $40 million. Orlando Sentinel

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is expected to be on the phone shortly after 9 p.m. Monday when the NBA free agency period begins. First he will call Sasha Vujacic's agent. After getting some idea of which way the restricted free agent is leaning, Kupchak then will dial Ronny Turiaf's agent. Both players are restricted free agents, meaning the Lakers can match any offer sheet they sign with another team. Kupchak is hoping to avoid that scenario by re-signing the two. Orange County Register

The Lakers, who are well over the salary cap, will pay nearly $5 million in luxury taxes for last season and aren't expected to look much into other options beyond Vujacic and Turiaf. The Lakers can only offer a free agent the mid-level exception between $5 million and $6 million. Orange County Register

When reached Sunday, forward Elton Brand, who also can become an unrestricted free agent, said he and agent David Falk would release their decision today. If he does not opt out, Brand is due $16.4 million in the final season of his contract. LA Times

Rehabilitating point guard Shaun Livingston also would become an unrestricted free agent if the Clippers decline to make him a $5.8-million qualifying offer. Livingston will be free to talk to teams, but the Clippers are still aiming to negotiate with him for a lesser salary. LA Times

The Mavs will have competition for the 7-foot, 26-year-old DeSagana Diop. The Miami Heat is reportedly interested. However, the Mavs could hold the edge against any competition. Diop still lives in Dallas and since being traded, has maintained his interest in returning. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

There a number of players who could interest the Mavs, including possibly Kings forward Ron Artest... Mavs coach Rick Carlisle coached Artest at Indiana and has said he'd welcome him in Dallas. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Beyond the mid-level exception, the Mavs will find out Tuesday if veteran wing Eddie Jones plans to return. He has a player option for one more season at about $2 million. If he returns, the Mavs will have seven roster spots open. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Mavs: Familiar names could fill the gaps. The Mavs' free agents - veteran Devean George, fourth-year wing Antoine Wright and reserve point guards J.J. Barea and Tyronn Lue - are in the mix. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Suns: The point-guard target list includes 31-year-old Tyronn Lue. The speedy 6-footer is a 39 percent career 3-point shooter and friend of Suns center Shaquille O'Neal. In March, he considered the Suns before signing with Dallas. Anthony Johnson, a 33-year-old who has switched teams nine times, and Chris Duhon, a pricier prospect, also interest the Suns. Arizona Republic

When the NBA's summer negotiating period opens late tonight, don't expect any immediate announcement of agreement on a contract extension between point guard Deron Williams and the Jazz. In fact, the two sides - Jazz management, and Williams and his representation - aren't expected to even meet face-to-face until sometime next week. But when an agreement is struck - Williams is eligible for a five-year extension that would begin with the 2009-10 season and would be valued around $90 million if extended for the full five years - the point guard shouldn't have to come far for a news conference. Deseret Morning News

As long as Williams cannot be absolutely sure of what Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur will do next summer - - when both can opt out of their contracts and become free agents - - I think Deron Williams has to leave himself an out after three seasons. Under NBA rules, Williams could make even more money by returning to the free agent market that summer. He's entitled to a max contract worth 25 percent of the salary cap now; that figure jumps to 30 percent after his seventh season in the league. He would be giving up more than $21 million in guaranteed money but not having at least an option for the fifth year of the extension. But Williams' injury history through his first three seasons suggests that durability won't be an issue. Salt Lake Tribune
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Originally Posted by J Steezzz

Originally Posted by Bigmike23

For the Knicks: Golden State's Monta Ellis is a wonderful point-guard-of-the-future candidate but that has to be a sign-and-trade scenario because Warriors general manager Chris Mullin would match a two-year deal. Walsh and Mullin are close, making a transaction doable. NY Post http://www.nypost.com/seven/06292008/sports/knicks/walsh_looks_to_make_point_117758.htm
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If that happens
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keep dreaming
 
Originally Posted by Beats05

The projected select team roster includes Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson, Atlanta's Al Horford, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, Seattle's Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, Sacramento's Kevin Martin, Detroit's Rodney Stuckey, and Chicago's Derrick Rose. Boston Globe
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http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/2008/06/29/his_next_stop_brooklyn/The Olympic team will have their work cut out for them. That scrimmage team is something serious.


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I love sarcasm over the internet
 
Ain't no way the Warriors are giving up Monta, let alone with a sign and trade with the knicks garbage.
 
I hope the Lakers will get Artest, I hope Artest will take a pay cut and sign with the Lakers.

I hope the Lakers will not call sasha, call Ronny, then waive luke and vlad rad.

while im at this fantasy (cause kupcake will not make a move), sign dirk, kg, and cp3.
 
Originally Posted by J Steezzz

Originally Posted by Bigmike23

For the Knicks: Golden State's Monta Ellis is a wonderful point-guard-of-the-future candidate but that has to be a sign-and-trade scenario because Warriors general manager Chris Mullin would match a two-year deal. Walsh and Mullin are close, making a transaction doable. NY Post http://www.nypost.com/seven/06292008/sports/knicks/walsh_looks_to_make_point_117758.htm
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

If that happens
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no effing way
 
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