Big Z States Intent To Rejoin Cavs

Cleveland.com reports

He’s back. Or at least he wants to be.

In a move sure to delight Cavaliers fans, Zydrunas Ilgauskas has announced his intentions to rejoin the team and has asked agent Herb Rudoy to begin negotiations with the Cavs on March 22, the first date he can do so.

“It is Zydrunas’ desire to return to the Cavaliers if a suitable contract can be agreed upon,” Rudoy said in an e-mail to reporters. “He has been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of support and affection by the fans and by his teammates. He hopes to return to bring a championship to the Cavaliers and to the city of Cleveland.”

Celtics Close To Adding Michael Finley

CSNNE reports

Michael Finley is not a Boston Celtic – not yet, anyway.

However, a league source told CSNNE.com that both sides are working towards a deal that could be finalized as early as today. Another source indicated that the Los Angeles Lakers, rumored to be the C’s chief rival in acquiring the two-time all-star, are no longer in the picture.

Update: Boston Herald reporting that an agreement is now in place.

Michael Finley will be a good signing so long as Doc Rivers does not ask too much of him.

Joakim Noah Out Another 3 Weeks

ESPN reports

The Chicago Bulls’ Joakim Noah will miss three weeks as he recovers from plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

“It’s a very difficult injury,” Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said on Wednesday. “It’s very difficult to treat. He might rest for three weeks, he might rest for two months and come back and it’s still bothering him. Rest will help usually, no question. But he’s got to come back, fight through the pain.

“We’ll give him a few weeks and hopefully he reacts better to that sooner. But that’s the plan right now.”

Bobcats Sold For $175mil

Forbes.com reports

If NBA owners approve, Michael Jordan is going to buy controlling interest in the Charlotte Bobcats for a price that values the franchise at about $175 million. This is a big blow to the NBA because current owner Robert L. Johnson paid an expansion fee of $300 million seven years ago and the league has several teams hunting  for investors.

Tim Thomas Done For Season

The Dallas Morning News reports

For most of the last two months, Tim Thomas hasn’t been with the Mavericks because some things are far more important than basketball.

The 6-10 forward has been caring for his wife, Tricia, who has been suffering from serious health issues for over a year now.

“I had to give up doing something I love to take care of someone I love,” Thomas said.

Bulls Sign Richard, Waive Hunter

The Chicago Tribune reports

In a move speculated for days, the Bulls will re-sign Chris Richard and waive Lindsey Hunter some time in the next 24 hours.

Hunter will remain in the organization in an unspecified position.

Fair enough. Solid decisions.

2010 Cap Space: New York

This is an updated version of a previous post following the trade of Jared Jeffries + Jordan Hill.

New York Knicks Salaries

Contracts above $5 million

• Eddy Curry – $11.28 million

Eddy Curry holds a player option for the 2010/11 season and is a lock to pick up that option. That will the final year of his contract.

Rest Of Team’s Salaries

• Danilo Gallinari – $3.3 million
• Wilson Chandler – $2.13 million
• Toney Douglas – $1.07 million

2010 Cap Space: Chicago

Update to previous post following the trades of John Salmons + Tyrus Thomas.

Chicago Bulls Salaries

Contracts above $5 million

• Luol Deng – $11.35 million
• Kirk Hinrich – $9 million
• Derrick Rose – $5.55 million

Luol Deng has four years left on his increasing contract while Kirk Hinrich has only two seasons left on his decreasing deal. Derrick Rose will be entering the third season of his rookie contract.

Iverson Leaves Sixers

The Phily Inquirer reports

Allen Iverson will not return to the 76ers this season, a source close to the team said after a 126-105 loss to the Orlando Magic last night.

An official announcement is expected from the Sixers within the next two days.

Blazers To Sign Diener

RealGM has the press release

The Blazers will sign Travis Diener to occupy their 15th roster spot once he clears waivers.Diener was waived by the Pacers on Monday after playing only four games because of an injured big toe on his left foot.

Nice signing for Portland. Diener will give them a solid third string point guard and help provide some depth at the position following the loss of Steve Blake.