Kings Sign Udoka

The Sacramento Kings have signed free agent Ime Udoka

That was the rough logic behind the Kings’ signing of Ime Udoka on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-5, sixth-year swingman spent the last two seasons as a key reserve for San Antonio, averaging 18.0 and 15.4 minutes, respectively.

He was a strong defensive presence and an occasional three-point threat, although his 32.8 three-point percentage last season was the worst of his career (37.4 percent overall).

According to sources, Udoka has a nonguaranteed contract for the veteran’s minimum salary that will run through the end of the season and pay him a prorated amount of $1.03 million. It won’t be fully guaranteed until Jan. 10, 2010.

“I’m thinking of him in terms of the (shooting guard) and (small forward positions),” Westphal said. “He’s a versatile player, a good three-point shooter.

“He’s been part of winning programs, and I think he can help anybody in this league. … If you can add a guy like that to your team, it’s a good thing to do.”

Cavs Close In On Daniels

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports

According to league sources, the Cavs are close to signing free agent guard Antonio Daniels.

The team has been weighing the need for another guard during the preseason and has been interested in Daniels since he was waived last week by the Minnesota Timberwolves following a contract buyout. Daniels, a 14-year veteran, can play both guard positions. He will clear waivers today and the Cavs could act fast and pull the trigger.

Suns Claim Collins Off Waivers

RealGM reports

The Phoenix Suns today announced that the club has been awarded the rights to center Jarron Collins. Collins, who spent the preseason with the Portland Trail Blazers, became available after being waived October 22, 2009.

he 6-11, 249-pound Collins is an eight-year NBA veteran who has spent every career regular season with the Utah Jazz. The 30-year-old owns career averages of 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 16.9 minutes in 480 games (206 starts).

Free Agent: Ime Udoka

The Oregonian reports

“I’ve been through a lot in my career, and after all I’ve been through, I kind of thought these times were behind me,’’ Udoka said. “But I’m not going to sit around and be depressed. I’ve worked this hard and put in the work, and I have to be ready for the next opportunity. All I can do is hope one comes up.’’

Udoka said he is hoping to sign on with another team, and is awaiting word from his agent, Mark Bartelstein, who has been talking to other teams. Udoka said some potential suitors could be Oklahoma City, Denver, Sacramento and Utah.

Damon Jones Heads To Italy

RealGM reports

Damon Jones has signed a one-year deal with Napoli in Italy’s top division, according to agent Andy Bountogianis of Cleveland-based Mark Termini Associates.Jones decided to seize this opportunity to grab a firm offer in one of Europe’s top leagues as opposed to holding out for another NBA job, with numerous veteran guards still searching for roster spots.

Good decision by Damon Jones.

Miami Sign Arroyo

RealGM has the press release

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed free agent guard Carlos Arroyo.

Arroyo, 6’2”, 200 pounds, has appeared in 433 regular season NBA games (113 starts) and averaged 7.0 points, 3.3 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 18.2 minutes while shooting 43.2 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three-point range and 80.1 percent from the foul line.

Bad Fit

Do these two qualities sound like complementary skills in a point guard who will playing alongside Dwyane Wade?

• Needs to dominate the ball in order to be effective
• Mediocre to slightly below average jump shot

Arroyo needs to be treated like a star (touches, shots, time on the ball) in order to be effective.

Haywood + Free Agency

The Washington Times reports

Haywood dedicated himself this offseason to returning in the best possible shape and having another career year. He had no shortage of motivation. In addition to making up for lost time, he wanted to see his Wizards back in the playoffs, where they had become a fixture the previous four seasons. And this time he wanted to go further. Additionally, Haywood is entering the final season of a five-year, $25 million contract.

But Haywood – who is the longest-tenured Wizards player and said he wants to finish his career with Washington – said a big payday is the last thing on his mind as the Wizards prepare for their redemption tour.

“My biggest thing is winning. If we come out here and win, first of all everybody looks good. Second of all, I feel like I’m going to have a big part in it,” he said.

2009 Free Agent List – Part Six

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, Juan Carlos Navarro, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Sean Singletary, Cartier Martin, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Pooh Jeter, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Joey Graham Finally Gets A Job

NBA Fanhouse reports

Meanwhile, the Nuggets will sign Graham, who averaged 7.7 points last season with Toronto, to a one-year non-guaranteed contract worth $884,881. Sources confirmed the deal. Nuggets guard J.R. Smith said he has heard Graham will sign, and called him “really athletic.”

Udoka Returns To Portland

NBA Fanhouse reports

Udoka’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed Friday his client will sign with the Trail Blazers. It will be a one-year minimum contract worth $959,111 and likely partially guaranteed.

“We talked a lot with Denver,” Bartelstein said about Udoka, who played last season with San Antonio. “But it’s a good fit (for Udoka). They really let us know they wanted him.” Udoka, who previously played for the Trail Blazers in 2006-07, was born and raised in Portland, and played collegiately at Portland State.

Rockets Sign McCants

The Houston Chronicle reports

Seeking another offensive option for training camp, the Rockets on Thursday reached agreement on a non-guaranteed contract with free agent guard Rashad McCants, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

In a move reminiscent of last season’s addition of Von Wafer, also a talented scorer who turned a longshot chance into a strong season, the spot with the Rockets would offer McCants a chance to revive a stalled career and the Rockets a no-risk look.

Charlotte Signs Flip Murray

ESPN reports

Free-agent guard Flip Murray has reached an agreement in principle to join the Charlotte Bobcats, according to NBA front-office sources.

Murray and the Bobcats have a one-year deal at the NBA’s bi-annual exception of $1.99 million, with a formal signing forthcoming as early as Friday, sources said.

Murray’s agent, Mark Termini, confirmed the deal when reached Thursday night by ESPN.com.

Wolves Waive Atkins

Jerry Zgoda reports

The Wolves on Tuesday waived veteran guard Chucky Atkins, agreeing to pay him the due $760,000 for a $3.48 million contract that was most non-guaranteed. That cost savings is why Kahn traded Etan Thomas and two future second-round picks to Oklahoma City in late July for Atkins and Damien Wilkins.

At the time, Kahn hinted that Atkins’ contract might soon be traded away for another piece of the proverbial puzzle. That never happened, and Tuesday they cashed in the $2.72 million savings themselves.

Knicks Keep Lee

RealGM reports via Alan Hahn’s twitter

The Knicks have come to agreement with David Lee on a 1-year contract of $7 million with a $1 million bonus if the Knicks make the playoffs.

Good signing for the Knicks.

I’m not sure why NY are signing Lee + Nate to contracts above their qualifying offers, but they’re still getting them at good prices so it’s too bad. Anyway … nice signing.

Felton Takes Qualifying Offer

Sporting News reports

Restricted free agency is only getting tougher, and Bobcats guard Raymond Felton is the latest to figure that out. After discussing a long-term deal last week, talks between Felton and Charlotte have broken down, and multiple sources now say that rather than continuing negotiations, Felton will simply sign the one-year, $5.5 million qualifying offer put forth by the Bobcats.

Nate Robinson Stays In NYC

Alan Hahn wrote on his blog

Nate Robinson will be signed to a one-year contract today and, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, Robinson, who was a restricted free agent who earlier this summer told the Knicks he had no interest in playing anywhere else, will get more than his $2.9M qualifying offer. There are also performance bonuses included in the deal.

Bulls Sign Gray

RealGM has the press release

The Chicago Bulls re-signed center Aaron Gray on Tuesday.Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Spurs Sign Bogans

NBA Fanhouse reports

Free-agent swingman Keith Bogans will sign a one-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs, sources confirmed Monday to FanHouse.

Bogans, a solid defensive player, is being looked at as an heir apparent to Bruce Bowen, who retired recently after being San Antonio’s perimeter defensive stopper throughout much of the decade. The Spurs had been grooming Ime Udoka for that role, but they are electing not to bring him back as a free agent after he played two seasons with the team.

Flip Murray

Beware The Career Year

Last season Flip Murray had a career year in scoring efficiency. It wasn’t just his best season to date, it was by far his best season, unlike anything he’d ever produced before.

Check it out:

Year	eFG%	TS%
2003-04	46.2%	49.7%
2004-05	39.4%	43.3%
2005-06	44.2%	48.7%
2006-07	43.2%	47.4%

Lakers Ink Gelabale

RealGM reports

Mickael Gelabale will join the Lakers in training camp.”It’s a dream come true for me,” Gelabale told HoopsHype. “It’s a legendary team, with guys like Magic, Kareem, Kobe … I was a fan of the team as a kid.”

Gelabale will sign a non-guaranteed contract with Los Angeles prior to camp.

Portland Signs Juwan Howard

RealGM reports

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent forward Juwan Howard to a one-year contract, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.“Juwan Howard will add a wealth of experience and veteran savvy to our young, talented roster,” said Pritchard. “We look forward to Juwan’s contributions on the court and in the locker room.”

Pacers Sign Luther Head

Conrad Brunner reports

Just such a player was snagged today when the Pacers signed free agent Luther Head, a combo guard who spent most of his first four seasons with Houston.

“Luther is a guy we have had our eye on,” Bird said in a statement released by the team. “He can shoot, he has speed and quickness and he will fit in well in our up-tempo game. I think he’s going to be a good addition to our basketball team.”

Clippers Bring Back Skinner

RealGM has the press release

The Los Angeles Clippers today re-signed unrestricted free agent forward Brian Skinner.

Per team policy terms of the contract were not released.

In 51 games played with the Clippers last season, Skinner averaged 4.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 16.5 minutes per game. Over his 11 year NBA career, Skinner has tallied 4.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 18.3 minutes per game.

Wolves Sign Pavlovic

Wow, that was quick … Yahoo Sports reports

After completing a buyout with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, guard Sasha Pavlovic has agreed in principle on a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Well, now we know why Sasha was willing to give up the $250 … because he found a team that was willing to pay him more than the veteran’s minimum.

The Wolves need all the help they can get on the wings, so Sasha is a solid addition for them.

Singleton Returns To Dallas

The Star Telegram reports

The Mavericks are set to retain the services of James Singleton, who is expected to accept their qualifying offer and sign his contract today or Tuesday, a pair of NBA sources said.

Singleton averaged 5.1 points and 4 rebounds last season, but improved as the year went along as he recovered from serious knee surgery.

The 6-8 Singleton also played four different positions during the course of the season and showed 3-point shooting range in addition to being a solid rebounder.

Knicks Sign Sun Yue

RealGM reports

The Knicks have signed point guard Sun Yue to a partly guaranteed contract.Yue’s agent, Charles Bonsignore, told the New York Times of the signing.

The 6′9″ point guard was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft.

Clippers Sign Novak

RealGM has the press release

The Los Angeles Clippers announced on Friday that the team has re-signed restricted free agent forward Steve Novak. Per team policy terms of the deal were not announced.In 71 games played for the Clippers last season, Novak averaged 6.9 points in 16.4 minutes per game. Completing his third NBA season, the sharpshooter out of Marquette connected on 119-286 three-pointers (.416) on the year.

Knicks Sign Pruitt

RealGM has the press release

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that free agent guard Gabe Pruitt has been signed to a contract.Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Pruitt, 6-4, 170-pounds, has career averages of 2.0 points and 7.4 minutes in 62 games over two NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics. The Los Angeles, CA-native was selected by Boston, following his junior season at the University of Southern California, in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft.

Grizzlies Withdraw Qualifying Offer To Navarro

RealGM has the press release

The Memphis Grizzlies have withdrawn their qualifying offer to guard Juan Carlos Navarro, making him an unrestricted free agent, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced on Thursday.

In his only NBA season (2007-08), Navarro averaged 10.9 points and 2.2 assists in 82 games and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Grizzlies Sign Iverson

RealGM has the press release

The Memphis Grizzlies today released the following statement from General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace.“The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed in principle to enter into an agreement with free agent guard Allen Iverson. We anticipate signing him to a contract very soon.”

And — link

The Memphis Grizzlies signed guard Allen Iverson, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced on Thursday. “We are excited to announce the signing of Allen Iverson,” Wallace said. “He is one of the all-time great guards in the history of the NBA. This is a great day for the Grizzlies organization, our loyal fans and the city of Memphis.”

Sixers Bring Carney Back

The Phily Inquirer reports

The 76ers have agreed to terms with forward Rodney Carney, this according to a source familiar with the situation.

Carney, 6-foot-7, has agreed to a 1-year deal. Previously, Carney spent two seasons with the Sixers: 2006-07, 2007-08. In July of 2008, Carney was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played last season.

In his 3-year career, Carney has averaged 6.5 points and 2.0 rebounds a game.

Lue Close To Signing With PAOK

TalkBasket reports

The rumours which insisted that PAOK was close to signing an NBA player whose name would have an impact in Europe are coming true as the club is close to getting Tyronn Lue.

Lue has great NBA experience as he has played 11 full seasons there after his graduation from Nebraska College in 1998. Last season he had a limited role at Milwaukee Bucks where he averaged 4.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg in 13.1 minutes (30 games)

Minny Offer Sheet — Sessions

ESPN reports

The waiting and wondering is finally over for restricted free agent Ramon Sessions, who agreed Friday to sign a four-year, $16 million offer sheet with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

A source told ESPN.com that the paperwork on the deal was being processed Friday morning. After Sessions signs, the Milwaukee Bucks will have seven days to match the offer, which they are not expected to do.

Bowen Retires

ESPN reports

After helping the San Antonio Spurs win three championships and establishing himself as perhaps the premier perimeter defender of his generation, Bruce Bowen is retiring at 38.

Bowen told ESPN.com that he will formally announce his retirement at a Thursday afternoon news conference and said he would elaborate more on his decision then.

Collins Joins Hawks

Hawks.com reports

The Atlanta Hawks have signed veteran center Jason Collins, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms were not announced.

“Jason provides us with additional size and a good interior defensive presence,” Sund said. “He has extensive experience, having started in two NBA Finals with the Nets, and is another player with strong character and leadership qualities.”

A nice signing for the Hawks here.

CJ Watson Takes Qualifying Offer

RealGM reports

C.J. Watson has decided to pass on Golden State’s three-year, $5.6 million extension and will sign for the qualifying offer worth just over $1 million, multiple sources confirmed to RealGM’s Alex Kennedy.Watson will play out the remainder of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Golden State could enter the season with as many as five point guards on their roster and playing time was a big factor in this decision.

Warriors Sign Mikki Moore

ESPN reports

After a half-season stint with the Boston Celtics, Mikki Moore is going back to the West Coast.

Moore’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN.com on Monday that the free-agent center 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.

A decent signing by Golden State. Moore is a serviceable player that will add some insurance to the Warriors, as deep big man depth.

Orlando Re-Sign Foyle

The Orlando Sentinel reports

Lon Babby, Foyle’s agent, said the agreement is a one-year deal worth slightly more than $1.3 million. The Magic, who are over the salary cap, could offer Foyle only the minimum salary for a veteran with at least 10 years of NBA experience.

Foyle, 34, will back up starting center Dwight Howard and reserve Marcin Gortat.

Magic GM Otis Smith adds

“If you need him to bang against the bigger bigs, he can,” said Magic General Manager Otis Smith. “But he brings leadership, which he’s always done since he’s been in the league, and he brings professionalism, which he’s one of the best at. As a human being you’re putting around your team, he’s one of the better guys in our league, and he’s shown that year after year.”

Hornets Re-Sign Sean Marks

Nola.com reports

The New Orleans Hornets re-signed veteran center/forward Sean Marks, bringing their roster total to 14, one below the league maximum and a number the team carried all of last season.

Marks, who turned 34 Sunday, is believed to have signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, which last season was about $1.045 million.

Hornets GM Bower + Head Coach Scott added these words

“We really liked how he continued to improve as the season went on,” Bower said of Marks

Denver Re-Sign Petro

The Denver Post reports

The Nuggets renewed their insurance policy on Thursday, re-signing reserve center Johan Petro, who at worst is a commodity as a 7-footer, and at best could develop into a reliable role player.

Petro, 23, signed a one-year, league-minimum deal for $825,000, multiple sources said.

Also, the Post reports that the Nuggets are continuing their search for more help on the wings to fill that final league minimum required 13th roster spot.

Grizzlies Sign Trey Gilder

RealGM has the press release

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed former NBA Development League standout and free-agent forward Trey Gilder, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Two More To Europe

Taureen Green is heading to Greece — RealGM reports

Former Florida Gators star Taureen Green has signed a deal with AEK in Greece.Green played with CAI Zaragoza in Spain last season, averaging 10.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

He was the 52nd overall pick by Portland in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Cedric Simmons To Europe

The Hoop reports

According to superbasket.gr, Cedric Simmons (2.06-PF) is about to be announced by Peristeri, the team that returned to the A1 League after 5 years. The administration of Peristeri working in conjunction with the best scout in Greece, Steve Yatzoglou, managed to secure another great transfer in their effort to make sure that Peristeri has returned for good.

Cedric Simmons isn’t an NBA caliber player.

I would be surprised if he makes it back to the NBA. Simmons was too far lacking in both the technical + mental aspects of the game.

Fred Jones To Italy

Slamonline.com reports

The 6-2, 225-pound guard Fred Jones has agreed to terms with the Italian team Biella Angelico. The American has officially agreed to a one-year deal.

In 2004 Jones won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, beating out ex-champion Jason Richardson.

Madsen Waived By The Clippers

RealGM reports

The Los Angeles Clippers today waived forward Mark Madsen.Madsen was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 22nd along with Sebastian Telfair and Craig Smith in exchange for Quentin Richardson.

The Clippers’ roster currently stands at 12 players.

Rockets Sign Pops Mensah-Bonsu

SI.com reports

The Houston Rockets have reached a verbal agreement on a contract with British free agent Pops Mensah-Bonsu, a television station reported.Mensah-Bonsu, a forward who split time between San Antonio and Toronto last season, told KRIV-TV in Houston that it feels good to be a Rocket.

Nice signing for the Rockets.

Orlando Sign Jason Williams

RealGM reports

The Magic have signed free agent guard Jason Williams, General Manager Otis Smith announced on Wednesday.

“Jason (Williams) provides depth and leadership to our backcourt,” said Smith. “He is a veteran point guard that knows what it takes to help us reach our ultimate goal. We are excited to add him to our team.”

Bucks Close To Acquiring Delfino

Sign and Trade

Milwaukee Bucks acquire: Carlos Delfino + Roko Ukic

Toronto Raptors acquire: Amir Johnson + unnamed other

Source

This deal isn’t done yet … but appearantly it’s close to completion.

The Toronto Star reports

They are on the verge of finalizing a two-for-two deal with Milwaukee that sends swingman Carlos Delfino and point guard Roko Ukic to the Bucks.

Young big man Amir Johnson is headed to Toronto and ESPN reported Monday afternoon the other player is raw swingman Sonny Weems.

Cavs Sign Two to Non-Guaranteed Deals

Brian Windhorst reports via Twitter

Source tells Plain Dealer Cavs have agreed with combo forward Rob Kurz on a nonguaranteed contract. Quality shooter who can play 3 & 4.

And, the second report

Cavs have also signed center Darryl Watkins to a training camp contract. He will compete with Kurz for a roster spot with Kurz as favorite.

2009 Free Agent List — Part Five

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Sean Singletary, Cartier Martin, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Pooh Jeter, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Where Teams Stand With Their MLE

Quick Checkup

Who has spent their MLE?

• Boston Celtics — Rasheed Wallace
• Cleveland Cavaliers — Jamario Moon + Anthony Parker
• Los Angeles Lakers — Ron Artest
• Orlando Magic — split between Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes
• San Antonio Spurs — Antonio McDyess

Who has spent part of their MLE?

• Dallas Mavericks — the Mavs spent $4.5 million to $5 million on Drew Gooden.

Joe Smith Joins Hawks

ESPN reports

Joe Smith has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for the veteran’s minimum, a source told ESPN’s Ric Bucher on Friday.

Smith, a 6-foot-10, 225-pound center, is a 14-year veteran. He was picked No.1 overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1995 and has played for nine teams.

Smith picked Atlanta over Cleveland Cavaliers, where here played last season and which was offering the same deal.

Nuggets Hold Onto Carter

Yahoo Sports reports

The Denver Nuggets have re-signed veteran point guard Anthony Carter to a one-year contract for $1.3 million, a league source said.

Carter averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 assists in 78 games for the Nuggets last season.

Ira Newble Euro Bound

RealGM reports

Ira Newble plans to sign with Aris BC in Greece.

Kleiza + Von Wafer To Olympiakos

Yahoo Sports reports (Kleiza)

Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Linas Kleiza has agreed to a two-year, $12.2 million contract with Greek team Olympiakos, his agent Bill Duffy told Yahoo! Sports on Monday.

The contract has an opt-out clause, which allows Kleiza to again become a restricted free agent next summer.

Interbasket.net reports (Von Wafer)

After signing Josh Childress away from the Atlanta Hawks during last year’s offseason, Greek outfit Olympiakos is at it again, signing Houston Rocket’s sub Von Wafer to a contract worth $5 million over 2 years.

Powe Close To Deal With Cavs

Marc Spears reports

Free-agent forward Leon Powe will sign a two-year contract for the league minimum with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday if the team’s doctors are satisfied with the progress of his injured left knee, a league source said.

Powe tore his anterior cruciate ligament and cartilage in his knee during Game 2 of the Boston Celtics’ first-round series against the Chicago Bulls. He had reconstructive surgery on May 5 – his third major knee surgery – and has been rehabilitating in Los Angeles. Powe hopes to be back on the court by this season’s All-Star break, and the Cavaliers are willing to take a low-risk gamble on him pending the results of his physical.

The Cavaliers will hold the option for the contract’s second season.

Celtics Near Contract With Davis

Yahoo Sports reports

Glen “Big Baby” Davis is close to signing a two-year contract to stay with the Boston Celtics, a league source told Yahoo! Sports on Friday night.

The deal is expected to be signed early next week.

Davis tried to get several teams to offer him the mid-level exception, but a depressed financial market made it hard for that to happen. A handful of teams – including Detroit, New Orleans and New Jersey – discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with the Celtics, but Boston general manager Danny Ainge never wanted to lose him.

Small Moves For Toronto

Okay, this feels like a pointless exercise … since Colangelo is settled, or close to, on his roster for the start of training camp … but I can’t help it so here we go.

I think the Raptors could benefit from making a couple more small moves — losing some of the dead weight on the end of their roster, and then signing a couple of solid minimum contract players who’ll provide more impact for the Raptors.

Here’s a few small moves Toronto could make to flesh out their bench

Dead Weight

Toronto have 14 players on their roster currently. They can only depend on 10 of those players, and I think one of those 10 guys isn’t good enough to be a rotation worthy player on a team with solid depth.

The guys who I consider to be dead weight are — Marcus Banks, Roko Ukic, Quincy Douby and Patrick O’Bryant.

Detroit Brings Back Big Ben

ESPN reports

Free-agent center Ben Wallace agreed to terms with the Detroit Pistons on Friday, according to a league source.

The contract is for one year at the veteran’s minimum of $1.3 million, according to sources.

Smart move + good signing.

I was more enthusiastic about this situation a few weeks ago … what changed?

Phily Move On Brezec

Phily Daily News reports

Agent Marc Cornstein’s two longest-standing active clients are Samuel Dalembert and Primoz Brezec. By sometime next week, both will be members of the 76ers.

Brezec, 29, is expected to come to Philadelphia to accept what a source is terming a 1-year contract for the veterans’ minimum. According to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Brezec – with seven seasons of service in the NBA – is entitled to $1,107,572.

Wolves Sign Hollins (offer sheet)

ESPN reports

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed restricted free-agent center Ryan Hollins to an offer sheet and seem likely to get him.The Dallas Mavericks have seven days to match the offer, but they don’t have much need for a third- or fourth-string center. The Mavs signed Drew Gooden last week and are counting on him to back up starter Erick Dampier. Power forward Dirk Nowitzki can also log minutes at center.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban even posted this to his Twitter account Monday: “congrats to ryan hollins. wish him the best w twolves.”

Terms of Minnesota’s offer were not immediately available.

Judging from Mark Cuban’s reaction, this is pretty much a done deal.

Ivey Returns To Phily

The Phily Daily News reports

The 76ers are finalizing a deal to bring back combo guard Royal Ivey on a 1-year contract.

The two sides have agreed to terms, although a contract probably will not be executed until at least the end of the week.

Ivey, who joined the Sixers last season, opted out of the second leg of his 2-year contract. A source familiar with the situation indicated the deal is for slightly more than the league minimum.

Celtics Sign Shelden Williams

The Boston Globe reports

Forward Shelden Williams has agreed to a one-year contract with the Celtics. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Williams, 25, was the fifth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks after a decorated college career at Duke. He was a first-team All-American in 2006 and graduated as the program’s all-time leader in blocked shots and rebounds.

But the 6-foot-9-inch, 250-pound Williams has struggled in his five NBA seasons; while he plays with an aggressive style, he’s undersized for a power forward and not quick enough to play

2009 Free Agent List — Part Four

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Sean Singletary, Cartier Martin, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Pooh Jeter, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Wings: Hedo Turkoglu, Ron Artest, Shawn Marion, Trevor Ariza, Grant Hill, Carlos Delfino, Marquis Daniels, Bostjan Nachbar, Wally Szczerbiak, Anthony Parker, Keith Bogans, Quinton Ross, Hakim Warrick, Bonzi Wells, Mickael Gelabale, Dahntay Jones, Walter Herrmann, Von Wafer,  Rodney Carney, Desmond Mason, Ime Udoka, Kareem Rush, Matt Barnes, Rashad McCants, Joey Graham, Bobby Jones, Jerry Stackhouse, Fred Jones, DeMarr Johnson, Ronald Dupree, Mo Ager, Michael Dickerson, Patrick Ewing Jr, David Noel, Morris Almond, Ruben Patterson, Gerald Green, Stephen Graham, James Singleton, Luke Jackson, Richie Frahm, Derrick Bryars, Bobby Jones, Hassan Adams, Steve Novak, Brandon Wallace, Demetris Nichols, Thomas Gardner, Othello Hunter, Marcus Williams, Ira Newble

Big Men: Anderson Varejao, Lamar Odom, Charlie Villanueva, Rasheed Wallace, Zaza Pachulia, Leon Powe, Ben Wallace, Drew Gooden, Brandon Bass, Rasho Nesterovic, Joe Smith, Channing Frye, Fabricio Oberto, Chris Wilcox, Chris Andersen, Pops Mensa-Bonsu, James Augustine, Jason Collins, Brian Skinner, Ike Diogu, Johan Petro, Tim Thomas, Robert Swift, Adonal Foyle, Mikki Moore, Chris Mihm, Shelden Williams, Josh Duncan, Jake Voshkul, Maceo Baston, Stromile Swift, Melvin Ely, Sean May, Sean Marks, Malik Rose, Ryan Bowen, Paul Davis, Rob Kurz, Austin Croshere, Jamaal Magloire, Primoz Brezec, Antoine Walker, Chris Richard, Michael Doleac, Jelani McCoy, Dwayne Jones, Cheikh Samb, Mouhamed Sene, Donyell Marshall, Theo Ratliff, Raef LaFrentz, Shavlik Randolph, Jarron Collins, Calvin Booth, Michael Ruffin, Mike Harris, Andre Brown, Chris Taft, Lance Allred, Cedric Simmons, Lorenzon Wright

Restricted Free Agents

Guards: Ramon Sessions, Raymond Felton, Nate Robinson, Jarrett Jack, Juan Carlos Navarro, Shannon Brown

Wings: Marvin Williams, Josh Childress, Linas Kleiza, Ersan Ilyasova, Jamario Moon, Mario West, Jeremy Richardson

Big Men: Paul Millsap, Marcin Gortat, David Lee, Glen Davis, Aaron Gray, Solomon Jones, Joel Anthony, Josh McRoberts, Ryan Hollins

Retirement

Eric Snow, Dikembe Mutombo, Sam Cassell

Grizzlies Sign Marcus Williams

Pro Basketball News reports

Marcus Williams had a banner NBA Summer League. And it made a difference.

Williams’ agent, Calvin Andrews, confirmed to Pro Basketball News on Wednesday afternoon his client will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies within the next few days. The point guard will get a one-year deal for the NBA minimum of $855,189.

Warrick Joins Bucks

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports

Hakim Warrick, an athletic 6-foot-9 forward who played the past four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has reached agreement with the Bucks on a one-year deal, sources indicated Friday.

Warrick averaged 11.6 points and 5.0 rebounds while appearing in all 82 games for the Grizzlies last season, primarily in a bench role.

Warrick is able to play both the small forward and power forward positions and should have an opportunity to start for the Bucks, who have lost Richard Jefferson (in a trade) and Charlie Villanueva (to free agency) this summer

Lakers Re-Up Odom

ESPN reports

Free agent forward Lamar Odom will return to the Los Angeles Lakers, an NBA source said Thursday.

“I always wanted to come back because we won the championship,” Odom told ESPN.com. “I’m playing for the biggest brand in the world. And I’m playing with the most fluid, talented center in the world in Pao Gasol, Andrew Bynum’s coming back and of course Kobe Bryant.

“But to now get an opportunity to play with Ron Artest, a guy I’ve known 16 years, it means a lot. I told Ron Ron a few weeks ago I couldn’t walk away. I still had to fight. Everytime negotiations didn’t go the way I thought, I just took a step back, like them pulling the offer off the table, I just knew I had to fight.”

Grizzlies Sign Sam Young

Via Marc Stein

One more Grizzlies item: Memphis’ deal with second-round pick Sam Young is a three-year contract worth $2,658,000. The third season, at $947,800, is a team option. Taken No. 36 overall in June’s draft, Young averaged 13.6 points (a team high) and 4.2 rebounds on 51.9 percent shooting in summer league play, helping the Grizz go 5-0.

Atlanta Re-Signs Marvin Williams

Yahoo Sports reports

The Atlanta Hawks and restricted free-agent forward Marvin Williams agreed in principle to a five-year contract worth about $40 million on Wednesday, sources told Yahoo! Sports. The deal isn’t expected to be signed until next week.

Not the best deal in the world for Atlanta, but a decent one. I suppose Marvin is worth that type of money.

Marvin Williams has turned himself into an elite role player over the past year or so. He’s developed into one of the finest defensive players in the league at his position, a good rebounder, and a good offensive player who can shoot from distance. He’s a player that consistently adds major value to his team in a supporting fashion.

Hornets Sign Diogu

NBA.com reports

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed free agent forward Ike Diogu. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

“We’re excited to have Ike join our team and expect him to help the frontline off the bench this season,” said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower. “He has shown a lot of potential as an inside scorer and as an effective rebounder.”

This is likely a minimum contract signing.

Thoughts

I’m not a fan of Ike Diogu. There’s no doubt that he has talent, he can score and rebound at an NBA level, but he plays very poor defense and is self-involved offensively (plays like a star when he’s not) which limit his on-court value in a large way.

Mavericks Add Tim Thomas

Dallas Morning News reports

Looking to bolster their 3-point shooting, the Dallas Mavericks announced the signing of free-agent forward Tim Thomas on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Some quotes from Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson

“He is a really good 3-point shooter that can spread the floor for us and will immediately make us a better 3-point shooting team,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban said via e-mail. “Plus, he is a far better 1-on-1 post defender than he gets credit for. His defensive points per possession in the post the last couple years has been very good. His length and experience really pay off.”

Phily Looking For 4 More Players

A small quote from the bottom of an Andre Miller article

The Sixers have been searching for four players to fill out their roster on 1-year contracts, the same way they added Kareem Rush, Royal Ivey, Donyell Marshall and Theo Ratliff last summer. In a touch of irony, two of the guards in whom they have shown interest, Sacramento unrestricted free agent Bobby Jackson and Orlando unrestricted free agent Tyronn Lue, are also represented by Andre Miller.

I thought it was interesting to hear the Sixers were looking for four more, likely minimum contract, players to round out their rotation + roster.

Cleveland Signs Jamario Moon

This story is a few days old, catching up on old business

ESPN reported the Cavs signing Moon to an offer sheet

The Cleveland Cavaliers have continued their offseason remodeling by signing restricted free agent Jamario Moon to an offer sheet.

Full details of the offer sheet are unlikely to be known until Monday, when the contract is submitted to the league office. But sources said that the deal signed Friday — which Heat officials confirmed after an ESPN.com report earlier Sunday — spans two guaranteed years.

The Miami Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman discussed two other issues facing the Heat’s decision on whether or not to match Moon’s offer sheet

Marquis Daniels Agrees To Join Celtics

This story is a few days old, catching up on old business

Yahoo Sports reports

Free-agent guard Marquis Daniels has committed to sign with the Boston Celtics, a league source said Friday.

Daniels will receive the Celtics’ $1.9 million biannual salary-cap exception if the Indiana Pacers aren’t interested in a sign-and-trade deal.

The 6-foot-6 Daniels averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games with Indiana last season, his third with the team. Daniels previously played three seasons with the Mavericks.

Negotiations are still on-going about a sign and trade

Pistons Sign Wilcox

This story is a few days old, catching up on old business

Yahoo Sports reports

Chris Wilcox agreed to a a two-year, $6 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Saturday.

Pacers Sign Solomon Jones

The Indy Star reports

The Indiana Pacers have agreed to a two-year deal for forward Solomon Jones, a person familiar with the situation confirmed today.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jazz Match Millsap Offer

This story is a few days old, catching up on old business

RealGM has the press release

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has exercised its first right of refusal and retained restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap, pending the results of a physical. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced. Utah had seven days to match an offer sheet made to Millsap by Portland.“Keeping Paul on our roster was one of our main goals this offseason,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “We look forward to watching him play a key role on this team for many years to come.”

“We are excited to keep Paul with the Jazz,” said Jazz President Randy Rigby. “Since he arrived in 2006 he has been an integral part of our team, establishing himself as one of the up-and-coming power forwards in the NBA.”

Dallas Sign Gooden

ESPN reports

The Dallas Mavericks have struck a deal with unrestricted free agent Drew Gooden to make use of some of the money they got back when Orlando matched their offer sheet earlier this month to restricted free agent Marcin Gortat.

Gooden announced via his Twitter feed shortly past midnight Saturday that he is signing with the Mavericks. “Dallas here I come,” he wrote. In response, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted: “Welcome Drew.”

Sources with knowledge of the deal told ESPN.com that Gooden is receiving a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $4.5 million with incentives that will likely take it beyond $5 million by season’s end. A formal announcement of the signing is expected Monday or Tuesday.

Grizzlies Withdraw Warrick’s Qualifying Offer

ESPN reports

That power forward is Hakim Warrick, who was taken by surprise Thursday night when the Grizzlies rescinded their $3 million qualifying offer to him to give themselves more flexibility on the free-agent market.

Warrick will remain on Memphis’ cap for the time being at $6.2 million — 300 percent of his salary last season — but the Grizzlies could move about $9 million below the cap if they formally renounce their rights to him or move him in a sign-and-trade deal.

Rasho Returns To Raptors

Doug Smith reports

Rasho Nesterovic is coming back to his adopted hometown.

The veteran centre, who spent two seasons with the Raptors before being traded to Indiana a year ago, has agreed in principle to a one-year deal worth about $1.9 million (all figures US), the so-called biannual exception to the NBA’s salary cap.

Portland Make Miller An Offer + Sign Him

ESPN reports

The Portland Trail Blazers have offered point guard Andre Miller a three-year contract after failing in their efforts to acquire New York Knicks restricted free agent David Lee, sources close to the process said Friday.

Miller’s contract would be worth $21 million, with $14 million guaranteed and $7 million included as a third-year team option, a source said.

Bad Fit

I think Andre Miller is a very poor fit in Cleveland …

Spurs Sign Blair

This news is from a few days ago

Jonathon Givony reports from his twitter account

DeJuan Blair has signed a guaranteed three-year contract with the Spurs for $2.7 million, Jonathan Givony has learned.

Blair was an excellent pickup in the second round. Good decision by the Spurs to give Blair a three year contract, now they have him locked up for three years on a low contract and will have his full bird rights when his deal expires. Smart decision.

Indiana Waives Tinsley

Conrad Brunner reports

The press release was brief. Its impact will be profound.

The announcement Wednesday evening a resolution has been reached avoiding arbitration and allowing the Pacers to waive Jamaal Tinsley brings welcome closure for the franchise and the player.

Spurs Sign Theo Ratliff

The San Antonio Express reports

The Spurs have gotten younger and more athletic this summer, but their newest addition proves they still value veteran big men who can defend.

Miami Bring Back Magloire

The Miami Herald reports

The Heat re-signed backup center Jamaal Magloire on Wednesday, giving the team four centers under contract.

Magloire signed a one-year contract for $1.18 million, the veteran’s minimum for a player with his length of service.

Pacers Keep McRoberts

RealGM has the press release

The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday they have re-signed free agent forward Josh McRoberts to a multi-year contract. Per club policy, teams of the contract were not closed.

Earl Watson Joins Indiana

I’m catching up on some of the news from the past few days …

Oklahoma City Thunder

Let’s start with the Oklahoma City Thunder side of things:

The Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Earl Watson it was announced today by Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

Bucks Sign Ilyasova

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports

Forward Ersan Ilyasova is returning to the Milwaukee Bucks after playing the past two seasons for Regal FC Barcelona in Spain.

Basketball sources confirmed Thursday that Ilyasova and the Bucks had agreed on a three-year deal estimated at nearly $7 million, with a first-year salary of $2.1 million.

Raptors vs 2010/11 Luxury Tax

The main issue with the Raptors remaining summer spending isn’t this year’s luxury tax threshold, but the 2010/11 mark. That is due to three main issues (1) Bargnani’s extension (2) Pay increases for top earners (3) The likelihood of the luxury tax line falling in a large way.

So, let’s have a quick look at the Raptors payroll for this coming season and the 2010/11 season … and try to figure out just how close the Raptors are to the luxury tax in both seasons, and how much they can spend

2009/10

The Raptors salaries

• Chris Bosh – $15.78 million
• Hedo Turkoglu ~ $9 million (ball park figure)
• Jose Calderon – $8.22 million

Kings Sign Sean May

Sports Illustrated reports

Free-agent forward Sean May agreed in principle to a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, hoping for a fresh start for a career that has been derailed by injuries.

The Kings announced the agreement Tuesday but did not disclose terms of the contract.

Miami Re-Sign Joel Anthony

RealGM reports

The Miami Heat announced Monday that they have re-signed center Joel Anthony.

Magic Sign Matt Barnes

The Orlando Sentinel reports

The Orlando Magic were on the verge of another bold acquisition late Monday, reaching an agreement in principle on a two-year deal with free-agent forward Matt Barnes.

Aaron Goodwin, the agent who represents both Barnes and All-Star Magic center Dwight Howard, confirmed the deal early Tuesday morning in a text message to the Orlando Sentinel.

“He has agreed to a two-year deal, and I believe that Dwight’s recruitment of him truly sealed the deal,” Goodwin wrote.

Nash Signs Two Year Extension

ESPN reports

After receiving an improved offer last week and taking a few more days to deliberate, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash notified the Phoenix Suns over the weekend that he is accepting their two-year extension offer worth $22 million.

Nash’s agent, Bill Duffy, has confirmed that his client will formally sign the extension as early as Tuesday after ESPN.com reported the deal earlier Monday.

Herrmann Leaves For Spain

Euroleague.net reports

Tau Ceramica agreed to terms of a contract with small forward Walter Herrmann, who inked a two-year deal with the Euroleague powerhouse on Friday.

Jack Goes To Toronto

Jarrett Jack spoke to the Indy Star

The Indiana Pacers will not match the four-year, $20 million offer the Toronto Raptors made to restricted free agent Jarrett Jack, Jack told The Indianapolis Star in a telephone interview late Sunday night.”It took a minute, but I was able to secure a contract for four years,” Jack said. “I’m looking forward to playing with Chris (Bosh) again. It will be like our freshman year (at Georgia Tech) all over again.”

The Pacers had until today to make a decision.“It was a very difficult decision because Jarrett proved last season what he can bring to a team,” team president Larry Bird said in a statement this afternoon. “We thank Jarrett for his contributions to the Pacers, both on and off the court, and wish him the best in Toronto.”

Bulls Waive Anthony Roberson

RealGM reports

The Chicago Bulls announced on Monday that the team has waived guard Anthony Roberson.

Utah Re-Signs Ronnie Price

RealGM has the press release

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has re-signed guard Ronnie Price. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.

“Keeping Ronnie on our roster was important to us,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “He is someone who knows our system and has proven capable of stepping in whenever called upon. Over the last two seasons he has shown a commitment to working hard and improving his game, and as a result, we expect his growth to continue.”

Bulls Waive Tim Thomas

RealGM has the press release

The Chicago Bulls made a settlement with forward Tim Thomas on Tuesday. In accordance with that move, the Bulls have requested waivers on Thomas.

Lakers Pull Offer Given To Odom

Lamar Odom

The LA Times reports

Lakers owner Jerry Buss, an avid poker player, called Lamar Odom’s bluff at the negotiating table Tuesday, following through with his threat to pull the offer to Odom.

The Lakers admitted that the offer Buss presented to Odom and his representatives has been available for over a week, but that because the unrestricted free agent never responded, Buss grew upset and broke off all negotiations.

“Yes, we have taken the deal off the table,” Lakers public relations director John Black said. “Talks have broken down for the time being.”

Nachbar Returning To Europe?

Good interview with Boki Nachbar on Hoopshype

You announced on Twitter yesterday that you were going to make a decision on your new team today or so. Have you made a decision already?

BN: I’m really close to signing a contract with Efes Pilsen, the Turkish champion, for one year. They’ve been calling me for the last two weeks and I’ve been  postponing it because I was trying to get a good NBA contract. But I don’t want to let go this offer from Efes because financially it was so much stronger than anything in the States, especially with the market in the NBA being so tight this year and good players getting such low contracts. It’s hard to get a long-term, solid contract. So it makes sense for me to wait one more year and go for free agency then. Unless something dramatic happens today, it looks like I’m going to sign with Efes Pilsen.

Wizards Make Oberto An Offer

The San Antonio Express reports

The Washington Wizards have made a contract offer to former Spurs center Fabricio Oberto, traded to the Detroit Pistons as part of the package that brought Richard Jefferson to the Spurs in a three-team, pre-draft trade with the Milwaukee Bucks last month.

Terms of Washington’s offer to Oberto aren’t known. He was released by the Pistons after the deal was completed.

Childress To Stay In Europe

Sekou Smith reports

Josh Childress is going back to Greece.

The former Hawks swingman said he is returning to Olympiakos for the 2009-10 season and will not opt out of his contract and return to the NBA.

Suns Buyout Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace Is A Valuable Free Agent

Arizona Republic reports

Ben Wallace was gone before he was here.

The Suns completed a contract buyout Monday for Wallace, whom they acquired for such financial motivation in the Shaquille O’Neal trade in June. The Suns negotiated a $10 million buyout for a contract that would have paid him $14 million this season.

2009 Free Agent List – Part Three

We’ve just passed the two week mark in free agency. Most of the big money names are off the board at this stage.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Sean Singletary, Cartier Martin, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Pooh Jeter, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Jazz Likely To Match?

Interesting analysis from Ross Siler in the Salt Lake Tribune

This is just my interpretation of what was said Saturday, but Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor made three comments that suggested the team was inclined to match the four-year, $32 million offer sheet Paul Millsap signed with Portland.

O’Connor has vowed to match any offer to Millsap that isn’t in the realm of the “really outrageous.” His comments Saturday seemed to suggest that an $8 million a year offer by the Trail Blazers doesn’t fit that definition.

First of all, talking about following through on the pledge to match, O’Connor mentioned “it might be a little different” if Millsap had been offered $11 million or $12 million a season.

Bulls Sign Lindsey Hunter

KC Johnson reports

As expected, the Bulls re-signed guard Lindsey Hunter to a one-year contract Monday, bringing back the veteran for his 17th NBA season.

Detroit Send Afflalo + Sharpe To Denver

Hat tip to Ryan for pointing out the trade in the comments section

Denver's New Stopper: Arron Afflalo

Yahoo Sports reports

Detroit traded Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe to Denver for a future second-round pick, a move that creates another $1.8 million in salary cap space for the Pistons, a league source said Monday.

Afflalo averaged 4.9 points and 16.4 minutes in 74 games for the Pistons last season. Sharpe appeared in only eight games as a rookie last season.

As I wrote in reply to Ryan in the comments, I think the media reports are incorrect about Detroit clearing $1.8 million because they’re not accounting for the cap hold on open roster spots. I think the Pistons have only cleared about half that amount.

Magic Match Gortat Offer

Marcin Gortat Is Heading Back To Orlando

I’m surprised … RealGM has the press release

The Orlando Magic have exercised its right of first refusal and retained restricted free agent center Marcin Gortat, General Manager Otis Smith officially announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Orlando had seven days to match an offer sheet made to Gortat by Dallas on July 8.

“Having quality big men is an absolute must in our league, and Marcin (Gortat) has worked very hard to fit into that category,” said Smith. “He provides tremendous depth to our frontcourt and we’re happy to bring him back.”

Link: Kupchak Interview About Odom

Good summary by Elliot Teaford for Insidesocal.com, detailing a recent interview by KSPN-AM (710) with Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak in which Kupchak answers some questions on the Lamar Odom situation.

I expect Lamar Odom to end up back with the Lakers. Mainly because I don’t think there’s much of a market out there for him. Odom should consider signing a one year deal and entering free agency next season, when there will be more teams with cap space who are looking for veteran talent.

Update – 2009 Cap Space: Detroit

This is an update to a previous post, to account for Detroit’s signings of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, in order to find out how much cap space the Pistons have left

Detroit Pistons Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Pistons’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Rip Hamilton – $11.63 million
• Tayshaun Prince – $10.32 million
• Ben Gordon – $9 million
• Charlie Villanueva – $6 million
• Jason Maxiell – $5 million

That totals $41.95 million spread across five players.

Raptors Give Offer Sheet To Jarrett Jack

Jarrett Jack

Doug Smith reports

It didn’t take Bryan Colangelo long at all to make his next free agent move.

The Raptors president and general manager will, if he hasn’t already, extend a four-year contract offer sheet to free agent guard Jarrett Jack.

There’s no financial terms available right now but Jack made $2.2 million last season with the Indiana Pacers and it’s unlikely the Raptors wouldn’t make an offer that at least includes a marginal raise in the first year.

Anthony Parker Heading To Cleveland

Anthony Parker

Cavs Plain Dealer reports

Free agent guard Anthony Parker is expected to arrive on Sunday and sign a two-year deal for about $6 million as early as Monday, according to his agent, Henry Thomas

Thomas said Parker, 34, who played with Toronto the past three seasons after starring in Europe, was looking forward to playing with a championship contender in whatever role the team assigns him.

After signing Parker, the Cavs will have about $3 million left of their mid-level exception and another $2 million left in their biennial exception. The two cannot be combined.

I don’t like this signing. Not because of talent, the money is fair enough for the talent, but because the Cavs should not be adding salary that stretch beyond one season.

Jodie Meeks Gets A 3 Year Deal

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports

Rookie guard Jodie Meeks has agreed to a three-year contract with the Bucks, sources confirmed Wednesday.Meeks, a 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Kentucky, was the 41st overall pick in the June draft.

“I’m excited about it and relieved to have it done,” Meeks said. “I know they have a lot of confidence in me. I’ve got to continue to come in here and work hard and show what I can do.”

Stack Waived

AP reports

MEMPHIS, TENN.(AP) —The Memphis Grizzlies have waived Jerry Stackhouse(notes), just a day after acquiring the NBA veteran in a four-team, eight-player trade.

Blazers Make Offer To Millsap

Paul Millsap

ESPN’s Chris Broussard reports

The Portland Trail Blazers have offered Utah Jazz free agent Paul Millsap a four-year contract worth between $32 million and $36 million, according to league sources.

The offer includes a hefty signing bonus that will make it difficult for Utah to match. The Jazz will be presented with the offer Saturday and have seven days to match because Millsap is a restricted free agent.

Orlando Signs Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass Will Be Joining Forces With Vinsanity Next Season

NBA.com’s David Aldridge reports

The Orlando Magic are trying to keep up in the arms race in the competitive Eastern Conference, agreeing to terms on Friday with free agent forward Brandon Bass on a four-year deal believed to be worth $18 million.

The 23-year-old Bass was one of the most coveted big men in this year’s free agency class, having been a valuable role player off the bench for the Mavericks the past two seasons. He played in 81 games for Dallas last year, averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19 minutes a night.

Suns Sign Grant Hill + Channing Frye

Grant Hill Choose The Valley Of The Suns Ahead Of The Bright Lights Of New York City

Yahoo Sports reports

Grant Hill has decided to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns, and a large part of the decision is based on the belief that Steve Nash is close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Suns will also sign free agent Channing Frye to a two-year deal for $3.8 million, sources said. The second season is at Frye’s option.

Okur Given Extension

ESPN reports

The Utah Jazz and center Mehmet Okur have agreed in principle to a two-year contract extension worth just under $21 million, according to NBA front-office sources.

Okur could have been a free agent this summer but elected on June 30 to complete the final season on his current contract with the Jazz at $9 million.

Sources told ESPN.com that Okur and the Jazz have quickly reached terms to extend the contract by two more seasons at $20.8 million starting in 2010-11.

Nice deal for Memo, and a decent deal for Utah. The length of the contract is a nice bonus for Utah, it’s a fairly short deal, and it spans the best remaining years (30 years old) of Okur’s career.

Andre Miller Update

An Andre Miller update courtesy of ESPN’s Chris Broussard

Miller (most likely) Out Of Phily

Andre Miller’s career with the Philadelphia 76ers is almost certainly over. The Sixers offered the 33-year-old point guard a one-year deal for the midlevel exception ($5.8 million). Miller was understandably underwhelmed, but after spending big last summer on Andre Iguodala ($80 million) and Elton Brand ($80 million), Philadelphia couldn’t give Miller the three-year, $30 million contract he wanted just to remain a mediocre club. The Sixers aren’t willing to give Miller three years even at the midlevel.

Miller’s agent, Andy Miller (no relation), is trying to find a sign-and-trade deal that will fetch his client something near $10 million per year. But he’s been unsuccessful so far. The Sixers will not do a sign-and-trade just for the sake of doing one; it has to make sense for them, and nothing they’ve seen has made any sense.

Wow … that is surprising news.

I thought Miller was pretty close to a certainty to return to Phily. There’s just not much of a market place out there for a 31 year old point guard looking for $10 million a year, and it’s not like the Sixers have a bunch of better opportunities open to them.

Where Does Toronto Go From Here?

Quick recap on the trade last night for the Raptors

This is quite simply a stunning trade for Bryan Colangelo. Regaining the Raptors trade exceptions, not having to renounce his own free agents, and moving Humphries two year deal for expiring contracts. Unbelievable!

Bryan Colangelo deserves a round of applause!

The Raptors suddenly have a ton more options at their disposal. What should they do with them?

The Current Team

Starters: Jose Calderon – Demar DeRozan – Hedo Turkoglu – Chris Bosh – Andrea Bargnani

Rotation Players: Reggie Evans

Deep Bench: Roko Ukic, Marcus Banks, Quincy Douby, Antoine Wright, Devean George, Patrick O’Bryant, Nathan Jawai

Brief Analysis

The Raptors have four of their starting five locked up, with the final spot open, likely for whichever player offers the best mix of defense + rebounding.

Four Team Trade: Shawn Marion To Dallas

This is an update to today’s earlier post

Adrian Wojnarowski reports

The Dallas Mavericks have reached agreement to acquire Shawn Marion in a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors, league sources said Wednesday.

The Mavericks and Raptors recruited the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies to help facilitate the deal. The Raptors will get Hedo Turkoglu in a sign-and-trade deal with the Magic rather than signing him outright. They also will receive forwards Devean George and Antoine Wright from the Mavericks.

Marion will receive a five-year, $40 million contract from the Mavericks.

Stackhouse will go to the Grizzlies, who will waive him. Only $2 million of Stackhouse’s $7 million contract for next season is guaranteed. The Grizzlies will receive cash, likely $3 million, to participate in the trade.

Toronto, which gets to keep its midlevel salary-cap exception, sends a trade exception to Orlando. The Mavericks also will receive forward Kris Humphries from the Raptors.

The Dallas Morning News first reported the Mavericks were nearing a deal for Marion, describing the trade as “on the lip of the cup.”

The Trade

You gotta love, and hate at the same time, four team trades. So many elements, and so confusing. I think I’ve gotten this trade straight now though (took awhile!)

Toronto Raptors

So, Toronto sign and trade Marion for around $8 million. Turkoglu comes back to them. The Raptors also trade Humphries to Dallas, along with Marion, and take back George and Wright from the Mavs.

Cavs Pay Varejao Big Bucks

Anderson Varejao = Overpaid?

ESPN reports

The Cleveland Cavaliers have come to an agreement with free agent Anderson Varejao on a six-year deal, his agent Dan Fegan told ESPN.com.

Varejao’s contract is worth $42.5 million over the six years, and the final year is only partially guaranteed. Incentives could push the total amount to $50 million.

“Andy made it clear from the beginning of the process that his first choice was Cleveland,” Fegan said. “He feels strongly that there’s unfinished business left in Cleveland — to win a championship.”

$42 million over 6 years, for an average of $7 million a season, sounds like a fair deal for both parties.

#50 million over 6 years, for an average of $8+ million a season, sounds like a bad contract for the Cavaliers.

Larry Bird Signs Dahntay Jones

Yahoo Sports reports

Free-agent guard Dahntay Jones has agreed to a four-year, $11 million contract with the Indiana Pacers.

Jones, 28, started for the Denver Nuggets during their run to the Western Conference finals last season. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Bulls Sign Pargo

Jannero Pargo Rejoins The Bulls

Adrian Wojnarowski’s twitter feed reports

Jannero Pargo has agreed to a one-year deal worth approx $2 million with the Chicago Bulls, a league source told Y! Sports.

Presumably the Bulls are planning on using a lot of two point guard backcourts with Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich and Jannero Pargo. Why else pay a third string point guard more than the minimum?

Lineup + Rotation

The Bulls have an interesting lineup now:

• Center – Joakim Noah
• Power Forward -  Tyrus Thomas
• Small Forward – Luol Deng
• Shooting Guard – John Salmons
• Point Guard – Derrick Rose
• Sixth Man – Kirk Hinrich
• Seventh Man – Brad Miller

Denver Keep Andersen

Chris Andersen

The Denver Post reports

Chris Andersen and the Nuggets have agreed on a five-year contract that could earn Andersen up to $26 million, the player’s manager, Mark Bryant, said Tuesday night.

A word on the contract

Andersen will make $3.7 million next season in his backloaded and incentive-based contract, which will help the Nuggets financially

Last season

Last season, Andersen ranked second in the NBA with an average of 2.5 blocked shots and was the Nuggets’ top post player off the bench. He averaged 6.4 points and a career-high 6.2 rebounds, and his colorful personality — as well as his colorful tattoos and spiked hair — made him a fan favorite.

Age

Chris Andersen is 31 years old and his game is based on athleticism + energy + hustle. He just signed a five year contract, and it’s back loaded.

How much money will he be making when he’s 35 an 36 years old? and what type of contribution can he make at that age?

Dallas Close To Acquiring Marion

Shawn Marion Is Heading To Dallas

Yahoo Sports reports

The Dallas Mavericks are close to acquiring Shawn Marion in a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors, league sources said Wednesday.

Jerry Stackhouse will be dealt to the Raptors, who will ship his contract to another team for considerations.

The Trade

It’s unclear whether it’s a three team trade, or a straight trade followed up by a second trade by Toronto to a team below the cap.

Creative work by Donnie Nelson and Bryan Colangelo. Nicely done.

I didn’t think this trade was possible when I first heard of it, but I was wrong, and by including a third team they were able to get it done. The Raptors were able to avoid the $2 million cap charge from Stackhouse after he was waived, by sending him to a third team.

Spurs Pushing Hard For + Sign McDyess

Update: The Spurs get their man, for more scroll down below

Antonio McDyess

The San Antonio Express reports

The Spurs are apparently going hard to the hoop in their pursuit of free-agent forward Antonio McDyess.

According to an NBA source with knowledge of the negotiations, the Spurs are believed to have offered McDyess a three-year contract starting at the full mid-level exception, expected to be worth $5.854 million next season.

That third year, which is only partially guaranteed, could be what puts the Spurs over the top.

Zaza Pachulia Update

Zaza Pachulia

Per Sekou Smith — link

Much has been made in the past 72 hours about Zaza’s impending departure and his being replaced by Andersen, or a combination of players that includes the Australian big man. Slow down with that one.

Sources tell me that while initially things didn’t look too good with the offer that was presented to him by the Hawks, the sides are working their way toward more agreeable terms (we’re talking slightly north of the $16 million over four years he signed for the last time he was a free agent but decidedly south of the $33 million over five years Marcin Gortat is expected to receive from Dallas)

Andrea Bargnani Extension

Andrea Bargnani

ESPN reports

Hedo Turkoglu is on the way and it appears that Andrea Bargnani will also soon have his long-term future secured with the Toronto Raptors.

Bargnani’s agent, Leon Rose, told ESPN.com on Tuesday night that the Raptors — who later this week will officially sign Turkoglu away from Orlando — have reached an agreement in principle on a contract extension for the 7-foot Italian, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Raptors in the 2006 draft.

The deal, according to NBA front-office sources, would span five seasons starting in 2010-11 and earn Bargnani an estimated $50 million.

Josh Childress Update

Sekou Smith writes

What that means for the Hawks is that they might get a do-over with Childress, a restricted free agent again this summer as he was last summer.

Last summer they lost him as an asset when he chose to sign with Greek power Olympiakos (for $20 million post taxes). What the Hawks didn’t lose was the right of first refusal on Childress if he decided to return to the NBA this summer.

And two of my spies have made it clear that were Childress to receive any sort of “reasonable” NBA offer (the $5.6 million mid-level exception or below), the Hawks would match it before Childress finished signing his name on the offer sheet (the aim, however, is to work out a sign-and-trade deal to appease both sides since Childress has made clear his desire to play elsewhere, per a source).

Who Are The Best Minimum Contract Players?

Okay, not all of these guys will end up signing for a minimum contract, but there’s a possibility that they may so I’ve included them.

Guards

Here’s the main guys to watch:

• Flip Murray
• Anthony Carter
• Ronnie Price
• Royal Ivey
• CJ Watson

I thought Flip Murray was due for a good pay increase this offseason, but Atlanta’s acquisition of Jamal Crawford and now resigning Mike Bibby makes it highly unlikely that they’ll offer him much money. Flip Murray is coming off a career season, one that stands out from the rest of the pack in a major way, and there will be some doubts as to whether he’s a one hit wonder who can’t repeat the feat or if he’s simply improved. He could quite easily fall back to a minimum contract, but it is still unlikely.

Hawks Re-Sign Bibby

The Hawks Keep Their Floor General

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports

Free agent point guard Mike Bibby has agreed to a three-year deal worth an estimated $18 million to return to the Hawks, according to two people familiar with the situation.

Also a quick update on the Hawks other free agents

Bibby’s deal is the first of several the Hawks have to get done this summer. Hawks general manager Rick Sund is scheduled to fly to Washington today to meet with representatives for fellow Hawks free agents Marvin Williams, Zaza Pachulia and Josh Childress.

Celtics Roster Spots

How should Danny Ainge organize his roster?

We know he has penchant for rolling the dice on low risk high reward players at the end of his roster, how many can he afford to have? How many reliable bench players would one like to see before he starts going with projects?

My Preferences

First Preference

Guards — Rondo, House and Pruitt
Wings — Pierce, Ray, first wing off the bench, second wing off the bench
Big Men — KG, Perk, Sheed, fourth big, Scalabrine

That’s 12 players who I am happy to rely on in their roles. With the final three roster spots, I’d like to see Giddens, Walker and Powe.

Spurs Sign Haislip

San Antonio Express reports

The Spurs have agreed to contract terms with Marcus Haislip, a 6-foot-10 former lottery pick of the Milwaukee Bucks who has been playing in Europe since washing out of the NBA in 2005.

Widely regarded as one of the top free agents in Europe this offseason, the 28-year-old Haislip is expected to sign with the Spurs not long after the NBA’s moratorium on offseason business expires Wednesday.

No confirmation on the contract terms yet, but it appears the Spurs did not use part of their MLE to get Haislip over here, so they’ll still be able to spend their MLE on someone else (McDyess! Please go to San An Dice, they need you).

Lakers Re-Sign Shannon Brown

Ken Berger reports

UPDATE: Shannon Brown will re-sign with the Lakers for two years and $4.2 million, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. The second year is a player option.

Short and sweet, nice work Ken Berger.

Kidd Stays In Dallas

Jason Kidd Stays In Dallas

In an expected move, Jason Kidd has re-upped with the Mavericks.

Jason Kidd has given the Dallas Mavericks a verbal commitment that he will re-sign with the team Wednesday.

Kidd, 36, will receive a 3-year, fully guaranteed contract worth in excess of $25 million.

“We are excited to have Jason Kidd back in a Mavs uniform,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told The Dallas Morning News. “He was a major contributor for us last year, and we expect more of the same next year.”

Dallas Mavericks

A very good signing for the Mavericks. Jason Kidd will be a steal at that price next season, and he figures to age well considering the way he plays and how he effects a game. Therefore, a good contract.

Rasheed Wallace Joins Boston Celtics

Rasheed Wallace Is Another Body To Throw At Howard

The Boston Globe reports

An NBA source said tonight forward Rasheed Wallace has committed to sign with the Celtics Wednesday, the first day free agents are eligible to sign.

“Once (Wallace) had a chance to reflect on everything, and realizing what his objectives are, he just decided this was the best fit for him, all the way around,” said Bill Strickland, Wallace’s agent.

Glen Davis

Sheed & Davis Together In Boston?

Via Gary Tanguay

Dallas has become the 5th team interested in Glen “Big Baby” Davis, along with Memphis, New York, San Antonio and Detroit. He wants to stay in Boston but the money may be to good to turn down.

Since then Mark Cuban has pulled out via Twitter

contrary to reports, the Mavs are not pursuing Glenn Davis. Great player, but we like our guys

Market Looks Weak

I can’t help but look at these and all the other Glen Davis free agent updates, and think the market looks weak for him.

Free Agent Transactions — Team-by-Team

Team-by-Team

Atlanta Hawks

Players In

• Marvin Williams
• Mike Bibby
• Zaza Pachulia
• Joe Smith
• Jason Collins

Players Out

• Solomon Jones
• Josh Childress — Childress went back to Europe so he’ll be a restricted free agent again next offseason for Atlanta
• Flip Murray

Teams Undecided Free Agents

• Mario West (restricted free agent)
• Othello Hunter
• Thomas Gardner

Turkoglu Chooses Toronto

Hedo Turkoglu Will Be Joining Forces With Jose Calderon And The Raptors Next Season

ESPN reports

Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu changed his mind Friday and decided not to join the Portland Trail Blazers, opting instead to accept a five-year $53 million offer from the Toronto Raptors, sources told ESPN.com.

The Raptors had to … in order to free up the cap room

The decision left the Blazers livid and was a huge coup for the Raptors, who have promised Turkoglu all of the salary-cap space they will have from renouncing their rights to Shawn Marion, Anthony Parker and Carlos Delfino, which will likely add up to a starting salary in the $10.1 million range, with eight percent annual raises.

Hedo Agrees To Terms With Blazers — Deal Is Off

Update: The Hedo to Blazers deal is off. Hedo has backed out of the contract, and will instead sign with the Raptors.

ESPN is reporting

Hedo Turkoglu has reached an agreement in principle to become a Portland Trail Blazer, according to sources.

Although a verbal commitment may be announced sooner, the terms of the contract cannot be finalized until Wednesday, after the NBA informs teams what next year’s salary cap will be.

Marbury To Leave Celtics?

The Boston Globe reports

Celtics free agent guard Stephon Marbury said to The Globe early Friday morning that he doesn’t expect to be returning to Boston after receiving a disappointing one-year contract paying $1.3 million using the veteran’s minimum.

Despite Marbury’s disappointment at the Celtics offer, he was thankful to the club for giving him a fresh start

Free Agent Transactions — By Contract Size

I’ll be keeping a list of all transactions here. Transactions will be sorted by date, team-by-team, and contract size. Links to each is available from the Free Agency page near the top of the site.

Signings Above the Mid Level Exception

• Ben Gordon – Detroit Pistons – $55 million over 5 years
• Hedo Turkoglu – Toronto Raptors – $53 million over 5 years
• Anderson Varejao – Cleveland Cavaliers – $50 million over 6 years
• Marvin Williams – Atlanta Hawks – $40 million over 5 years
• Lamar Odom – Los Angeles Lakers — $33 million over four years
• Paul Millsap – Utah Jazz – $32 million over four years
• Charlie Villanueva – Detroit Pistons – $35 million over 5 years
• Jason Kidd – Dallas Mavericks – $25 million over 3 years
• Andre Miller – Portland Trailblazers – $21 million over 3 years – final year is a team option
• David Lee – New York Knicks – $7-8 million for one season

Mid Level Exception Signings

• Marcin Gortat – Orlando Magic – 5 years worth $34 million
• Trevor Ariza – Houston Rockets – 5 years worth $34 million
• Ron Artest – Los Angeles Lakers – 5 years worth $34 million – early termination option after third year at $18 million, likely to be used.
• Rasheed Wallace – Boston Celtics – 3 years worth $18 million
• Antonio McDyess – San Antonio Spurs – 3 years worth $18 million
• Mike Bibby – Atlanta Hawks – $18 million over 3 years – not an MLE signing, but dollar amount is equivalent to an MLE signing

Signings above $3 million, but below full MLE

• Chris Andersen – Denver Nuggets – $26 million over five years
• Jarrett Jack – Toronto Raptors – $20 million over four years
• Zaza Pachulia – Atlanta Hawks – $19 million over four years
• Brandon Bass – Orlando Magic – $18 million over four years
• Ramon Sessions – Milwaukee Bucks – $16 million over four years
• Carlos Delfino – Milwaukee Bucks – $10-11 million for three years
• Drew Gooden – Dallas Mavericks – $5 million for one year
• Nate Robinson – New York Knicks – $4-5 million for one year
• Jamario Moon – Cleveland Cavaliers – $6.5 million over two years
• Grant Hill – Phoenix Suns – $6.24 million for two years
• Anthony Parker – Cleveland Cavaliers – $6 million over two years
• Chris Wilcox – Detroit Pistons – $6 million over two years
• Glen Davis – Boston Celtics – $6 million over two years
• Allen Iverson – Memphis Grizzlies – $3.5 million for one year
• Hakim Warrick – Milwaukee Bucks – $3 million for one season

Signings above a minimum contract, lower than $3 million

• Dahntay Jones – Indiana Pacers – $11 million over 4 years
• Ersan Ilyasova – Milwaukee Bucks – $7 million over 3 years
• Ryan Hollins – Minnesota Timberwolves – $7 million over 3 years
• Shannon Brown – Los Angeles Lakers – $4.2 million for two years
• Channing Frye – Phoenix Suns – $3.8 million for two years
• Earl Watson – Indiana Pacers – $2.8 million for one year
• Jannero Pargo – Chicago Bulls – $2 million for one year
• Flip Murray – Charlotte Bobcats – $1.99 million for one year
• Rasho Nesterovic – Toronto Raptors – $1.99 million for one year
• Matt Barnes – Orlando Magic – $1.5 million for one year
• Sasha Pavlovic – Minnesota Timberwolves – $1.5 million for one year

Qualifying Offers

• Raymond Felton – Charlotte Bobcats – click here
• CJ Watson – Golden State Warriors – click here
• James Singleton – Dallas Mavericks – click here
• Aaron Gray – Chicago Bulls – click here

Minimum Contract Signings

• Marcus Haislip – San Antonio Spurs - click here
• Leon Powe – Cleveland Cavaliers – two year contract
• Rashad McCants – Houston Rockets – non-guaranteed deal
• Ime Udoka – Portland Trailblazers – partial guaranteed
• Keith Bogans – San Antonio Spurs – click here
• Ronnie Price – Utah Jazz – undisclosed contract
• Anthony Carter – Denver Nuggets – click here
• Joe Smith – Atlanta Hawks – click here
• Rodney Carney – Philadelphia 76ers – click here
• Quinton Ross – Dallas Mavericks – unconfirmed contract
• Shelden Williams – Boston Celtics – click here
• Theo Ratliff – San Antonio Spurs - click here
• Royal Ivey – Philadelphia 76ers - click here
• Ike Diogu – New Orleans Hornets – click here
• Adonal Foyle – Orlando Magic – click here
• Sean Marks – New Orleans Hornets - click here
• Johan Petro – Denver Nuggets - click here
  
• Pops Mensah-Bonsu – Houston Rockets - non-guaranteed deal
  
• Gabe Pruitt – New York Knicks – click here
• Jason Collins – Atlanta Hawks – click here
• Brian Skinner – Los Angeles Clippers – click here
• Lindsey Hunter – Chicago Bulls - click here
• Joey Graham – Denver Nuggets – click here
• Joel Anthony – Miami Heat – click here
• Jamaal Magloire – Miami Heat – click here
• Mikki Moore – Golden State Warriors – click here
• Sean May – Sacramento Kings - undisclosed contract
• Mickael Gelabale – Los Angeles Lakers – non-guaranteed deal
• Steve Novak – Los Angeles Clippers – click here
• Solomon Jones – Indiana Pacers – undisclosed contract
• Tim Thomas – Dallas Mavericks - undisclosed contract
• Luther Head – Indiana Pacers – click here
• Rob Kurz – Cleveland Cavaliers - partially guaranteed deal
  
• Marcus Williams – Memphis Grizzlies – click here
• Sun Yue – New York Knicks – click here
• Juwan Howard – Portland Trailblazers – click here
• Jason Williams – Orlando Magic - click here
  
• Primoz Brezec – Philadelphia 76ers – click here

Dallas Sign Quinton Ross

The Dallas Morning News reports

Quinton Ross, the former SMU and Kimball star, appears ready to sign a free-agent contract Wednesday. Terms are not yet known.

That clip out is near the bottom of the article. The article is mostly based on Marcin Gortat’s likely signing.

Celtics Offer Contract To Rasheed

The Boston Herald reports

The Celtics met with Rasheed Wallace this afternoon in Detroit, according to a well-placed league source close to the negotiations, and offered the free agent center a contract.

According to the source, the Cs have offered Wallace a two-year contract, starting with the $5.8 million mid-level exception. Danny Ainge, the team’s executive director of basketball operations, Kevin Garnett and co-owner Wyc Grousbeck represented the Celtics.

Rockets Sign Ariza

Update: The Rockets did not use the MLE, they signed Ariza with the Disabled Player’s Exception (Yao’s injury)

ESPN reports

The Houston Rockets have answered the defection of Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers by quickly reaching an agreement to sign Trevor Ariza away from L.A.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that Ariza made a verbal commitment Tuesday night to sign a five-year deal with the Rockets on Wednesday — the first day free agents are permitted to sign new contracts — not long after the Lakers and Artest reached terms on a three-year deal worth an estimated $18 million.

ESPN.com’s Chris Sheridan reports that Ariza, according to sources, will receive the Rockets’ full mid-level exception, which is being projected to come in at $5.8 million for next season.

Dallas To Sign Gortat

ESPN is reporting

Restricted free-agent center Marcin Gortat was scheduled to fly to Dallas on Thursday after giving the Mavericks a verbal commitment to sign an offer sheet with them next week, according to NBA front-office sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Mavericks are bringing Gortat to town to tour the area and the team’s facilities after extending him an offer believed to be worth Dallas’ full mid-level exception — which could translate to a five-year deal starting at roughly $5.6 million — in hopes of dissuading the Orlando Magic from matching the offer.

Excellent signing

This is what I wrote about Gortat in the free agency previews:

Lakers Sign Artest

CBS Sports’ Ken Berger reports

Artest, whose versatility and toughness have made him one of the most coveted and combustible players in the NBA, told CBSSports.com Thursday that he’s signing with the Lakers.

“I’m definitely going to L.A. — to sign, yeah,” Artest said in a phone interview. “Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I’m in L.A. right now.”

Artest said he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss Thursday and previously had spoken with Lakers coach Phil Jackson. He was en route to his financial manager’s office, where he planned to huddle on the phone with his agent, David Bauman, to finalize details.

Artest + Ariza Updates

Interesting news on both players

Ron Artest

Fox 26 Sports reports

NBA sources told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday it is unlikely free agent forward Ron Artest will return to the Houston Rockets.League sources told FOX 26 the Rockets would be willing to offer Artest a one-year contract at best. The sources said because of that the chances of Artest resigning with Houston are remote.

Pistons Sign Ben Gordon + Charlie Villanueva

Yahoo Sports reports

The Detroit Pistons have reached agreement with free-agent guard Ben Gordon on a five-year contract worth around $55 million, a source with knowledge of the talks told Yahoo! Sports Wednesday evening.

The Pistons are continuing to negotiate with forward Charlie Villanueva and are moving closer to an agreement.

July 8 is the first day free agents can officially sign contracts.

Newsday reports

A person with the knowledge of the negotiations says the Detroit Pistons have agreed in principle to contracts with free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.

Leon Powe Done In Boston?

Good article in the Boston Herald

The Celtics, already strapped for roster space as they delve into the free agent market, have decided to part ways with Leon Powe.

That, at least, is the impression left with the 25-year-old forward following a conversation with President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge yesterday.

Powe, who is recovering from his third knee surgery, did not receive a qualifying offer from the Celtics by the Monday night deadline. As a result, Powe became an unrestricted free agent.

Powe continued

“Of course I was disappointed, because I want to come back,” Powe said today. “I love the fans. It was just a wonderful place to play.”

Powe walked away from his conversation believing that his time as a Celtic was finished.

“I wasn’t feeling a vibe like that,” he said

2009 Free Agent List — Part Two

I’ll be making adjustments to this post as players opt in and out of their contracts. When a player opts out, they’ll be added to their new list in unrestricted free agency.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Update – Phoenix: Teams With Cap Concerns

This is an update to a previous post following the trade of Shaquille O’Neal.

Phoenix Suns’ Salaries

Alright, let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Suns’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Amare Stoudemire – $16.38 million
• Jason Richardson – $13.33 million
• Ben Wallace – $14 million
• Leandro Barbosa – $6.6 million

That totals $50.31 million for four players.

Update – Utah: Teams With Cap Concerns

This is an update for a previous Utah post since Boozer, Okur and Korver all decided not to use their ETO’s, and stayed with Utah as a result. How do those decisions effect the Jazz?

Utah Jazz Payroll

Alright, let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Jazz’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Andrei Kirilenko – $16.45 million
• Deron Williams – $13.76 million
• Carlos Boozer – $12.32 million
• Memo Okur – $9 million
• Kyle Korver – $5.34 million

That totals $56.87 million for five players.

Free Agent Transactions — By Date

I’ll be keeping a list of all transactions here. Transactions will be sorted by date, team-by-team, and contract size. Links to each is available from the Free Agency page near the top of the site.

July

No contracts can be signed for another week. Agreements prior to then are verbal agreements.

July 1st

• Detroit Pistons sign Ben Gordon to a five year $55 million contract.
• Detroit Pistons sign Charlie Villanueva to a five year $35 million contract.

Free Agency News Roundup

Who’s opting out? Who’s Not?

The Headliners

• Carlos Boozer will not be opting out of his contract. Click here for more on Boozer.
• Kobe Bryant be staying with the Lakers, he’s not opting out – link
• Memo Okur is not opting out either – link
• Hedo Turkoglu has opted out of his contract.

Boozer Stays With Jazz

Carlos Boozer

RealGM has a staff report

Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer announced on Tuesday that he is exercising his player option for 2009-10.

Boozer will make $12.657 million this season and join the famed 2010 class a free agent next summer.

“We are excited that Carlos has decided to remain with the Jazz,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “We are hopeful he can continue to play at an All-Star level and will have an injury-free season.”

Cap Situations: Philadelphia

Philadelphia 76ers Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Elton Brand – $14.86 million
• Samuel Dalembert – $12.13 million
• Andre Iguodala – $12.2 million
• Jason Kapono – $6.21 million

These four contracts combine to make $45.4 million.

Cap Situations: New York

New York Knicks Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Larry Hughes – $13.66 million
• Eddy Curry – $10.5 million
• Al Harrington – $10.03 million
• Cuttino Mobley – $8.7 million
• Darko Milicic – $7.54 million
• Jared Jeffries – $6.47 million
• Chris Duhon – $6.03 million

These seven contracts combine to make $62.93 million.

Clippers Tidbits

Off the press release on the Clippers website

Player options for Ricky Davis and Brian Skinner

In related roster moves, the Clippers announced that guard Ricky Davis has exercised his contract option for the 2009-10 season and that forward Brian Skinner has decided not to exercise his contract option for the 2009-10 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Cap Situations: Miami

Miami Heat Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Dwyane Wade – $15.78 million
• Jermaine O’Neal – $23.02 million
• Mark Blount – $7.97 million
• Udonis Haslem – $7.1 million

These four contracts combine to make $53.87 million.

Cap Situations: New Jersey

New Jersey Nets Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Bobby Simmons – $11.24 million
• Devin Harris – $8.4 million
• Tony Battie – $6.29 million
• Rafer Alston – $5.25 million

These four contracts combine to make $31.18 million.

Cap Situations: Indiana

Indiana Pacers Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Troy Murphy – $11.05 million
• Danny Granger – $10.25 million
• Mike Dunleavy – $9.78 million
• TJ Ford – $8.5 million
• Jamaal Tinsley – $7.2 million
• Jeff Foster – $6.08 million

Shawn Marion’s Next Contract

The MLE

How much is the five year MLE worth?

I don’t think the MLE gets decided until the cap is finalized, which is July 7th, but it figures to be worth around $5.5 million so we’ll use that as our ball park figure.

Year One: $5.5 million

Year Two: $5.94 million

Year Three: $6.15 million

Year Four: $6.93 million

Year Five: $7.48 million

Total: $32 million

Three Notes (Frye, Cathales, Hedo)

Channing Frye

Portland have decided not to make a qualifying offer for Frye

Channing Frye’s two-year stint with the Trail Blazers officially ended Monday when general manager Kevin Pritchard said the team has decided not to make a qualifying offer to the 26-year-old free agent power forward.

The move allows Frye to become an unrestricted free agent, and prevents the Blazers from having the right to match an offer from another team. The Blazers had until midnight on Tuesday to make a $4.6 million qualifying offer to Frye, who made $3.1 million last season.

Cap Situations

I wrote two posts on two separate sections within the NBA

• Teams with cap space heading into this summer
• Teams with cap concerns (luxury tax) heading into this summer

Now, it’s time to round it out with the remainder of the NBA:

• Charlotte Bobcats – click here
• Cleveland Cavaliers – click here

Cap Situations: LA Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Zach Randolph – $16 million
• Baron Davis – $12.1 million
• Marcus Camby – $9.65 million
• Chris Kaman – $10.4 million

These four contracts combine to make $48.15 million.

Cap Situations: Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Dirk Nowitzki – $19.8 million
• Eric Dampier – $12.11 million
• Josh Howard – $10.98 million
• Jason Terry – $9.08 million

These four contracts combine to make $51.97 million.

Introduction To Free Agency

Okay, here’s an introduction to the top free agents on the market this summer.

I have split the players into three categories

• Top Free Agents: Guards — point guards and combo guards
• Top Free Agents: Wings — two guards, small forwards and combo forwards
• Top Free Agents: Big Men — power forwards and centers

From there I separated unrestricted and restricted free agents, offering a Top 10 unrestricted free agents and Top 5 restricted free agents.

For information on teams with cap space this summer — please click here.

For information on other teams cap situations, and how that may effect their free agency plans — click here.

Over the next 24 hours, players and teams will decide how to use their early termination options, player options and team options. At that point, we’ll have a complete list for free agency this summer and I’ll update the initial free agent list at that time.

Top Free Agents: Big Men

Also check out the top free agents list for guards and wings

This post will look at power forwards and centers. Out and out combo forwards were included in the wings sections.

Top 12 — Unrestricted Big Men

(1) Lamar Odom — Signed with the Lakers for $33 million over four years

Lamar Odom is a notch below an All-Star.

A good rebounder, a very good defender, and highly skilled offensive player. He can pass, dribble, decent jumper, good slasher, good but underutilized post game, and an excellent finisher around the rim.

Lamar Odom is also highly erratic and his teams can’t truly rely on him. Due to this flaw, he’s best served as the fourth best player on a high quality team, rather than one of the building blocks somewhere else.

In all likelihood, Odom will be looking at a contract above the MLE. Unfortunately for him, the market isn’t kind and lacks suitors for his talents, so his price could easily be knocked back to $7-8 million, and maybe even further. Odom will be a bargain this summer, because he’s worth around $10 million per annum.

Cap Situations: Cleveland

Cleveland Cavaliers Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• LeBron James – $15.78 million
• Shaquille O’Neal – $21 million
• Zydrunas Ilgauskas – $11.54 million
• Mo Williams – $8.86 million

These four contracts combine to make $57.18 million.

Villanueva Unrestricted

Wow … I thought Milwaukee was interested in retaining Charlie Villanueva, especially after dumping Richard Jefferson’s contract.

ESPN has the story

The Milwaukee Bucks have made qualifying offers to restricted free agents Ramon Sessions and Ersan Ilyasova, but will not make an offer to Charlie Villanueva.

Nets Pick Up Hayes’ Option

ESPN reports

The New Jersey Nets are picking up the $2.06 million contract option on forward Jarvis Hayes for next season.”Jarvis was a key member of our rotation last season, providing instant scoring and the ability to stretch the defense,” Nets president Rod Thorn said Monday in a statement. “We are pleased to have him continue as a member of our roster and look forward to a similar contribution this season.”

Top Free Agents: Wings

Also check out the top free agents posts for guards and big men

This post will be looking at two guards, small forwards and combo forwards. Out and out power forwards will be in the big man section.

Top 10 — Unrestricted Wings

#1 Hedo Turkoglu -- Signed with the Raptors for 5 years in a deal worth $53 million

Hedo Turkoglu is a rare breed in the NBA. He is a wing player with the skill set of a point guard, a brilliant passer who can double up and run his team’s offense for large chunks of games. A player who can create offense for both himself and for others.

There’s simply not many guys (ten, give or take) in this league who bring this skill-set to the table. Now, the others are better versions of this skill set than Hedo, but Turkoglu is a mighty fine player in his own right.

Oh, and his defense is under-appreciated. I think he’s a good defender and doesn’t deserve the criticism that he receives for his work on that end of the floor.

Cap Situations: Houston

Houston Rockets Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Tracy McGrady – $22.48 million
• Yao Ming – $16.38 million
• Shane Battier – $6.86 million

These three contracts combine to make $45.72 million.

Shane Battier and Yao Ming both have two years left on their contracts, although Yao Ming does hold an early termination option on his deal. Tracy McGrady is an expiring contract.

Cap Situations: Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Monta Ellis – $11 million
• Andris Biedrins – $9 million
• Corey Maggette – $8.94 million
• Stephen Jackson – $7.65 million
• Speedy Claxton – $5.21 million

These five contracts combine to make $41.8 million.

Cap Situations: Charlotte

Charlotte Bobcats Salaries

Alright, we’ll split the contracts into two sections, above and below $5 million, let’s start with the above $5 million crowd.

• Emeka Okafor – $10.5 million
• Gerald Wallace – $9.5 million
• Boris Diaw – $9 million
• Vladamir Radmanovic – $6.47 million
• Nazr Mohammed – $6.47 million
• DeSagana Diop – $6.03 million
• Raja Bell – $5.25 million

These seven contracts combine to make $53.22 million.

Top Free Agents: Guards

Also check out the top free agents list for wings and big men

This post will look at point guards and combo guards. Out and out shooting guards will be on the wings list, which will be out tomorrow.

Top 10 Unrestricted Guards

#1 Andre Miller — Signed with the Blazers for $22 million over 3 years. Final year is a team option.

The 33 year old guard is coming off an excellent season that saw him average 16.3ppg, 6.5apg, and 4.5rpg. He was one of the two best players on a Phily squad that made the playoffs and pushed the Eastern Conference Champs, the Orlando Magic, to six games.

Miller is looking for his last big payday. It’s unclear how much that deal will be worth though. His best chance at getting a contract significantly above the MLE will be by resigning with his own team, the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers are the frontrunner to sign Miller. It’s hard to see any of the other teams who are below the cap, making a hard push to sign him, so it could easily be a limited market place for Miller.

Pacers Decline Daniels’ Option

Great news today for Pacers fans, here’s the story

The Indiana Pacers will not pick up Marquis Daniels’ $7.5-million team option, a person with knowledge of the situation said today.

Daniels averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games last season.

The report notes that the Pacers may try to resign Daniels in free agency

The Pacers could re-sign Daniels to a multi-year contract at a lower annual salary during the free agency period.

I think there’s a strong chance that the Pacers look to do this.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Orlando

This post is an update to the previous Magic cap concerns article. A new post was written to take into account the acquisition of Vince Carter and to assess how that changes things for Orlando.

Orlando Magic Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on Orlando’s’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Dwight Howard – $15.2 million
• Vince Carter – $16.12 million
• Rashard Lewis – $18.01 million
• Jameer Nelson – $7.7 million
• Mickael Pietrus – $5.3 million

That totals $62.33 million for five players.

Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson all have four years remaining on their contracts. Pietrus has three years with the final year being a player option. Their new addition, Vince Carter, has three years left on his contract with the final year only being partially guaranteed.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: San Antonio

This is an update to an earlier post following the acquisition of Richard Jefferson.

San Antonio Spurs’ Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Spurs’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Tim Duncan – $22.18 million
• Richard Jefferson – $14.2 million
• Tony Parker – $12.6 million
• Manu Ginobili – $10.73 million

That totals $59.71 million for four players.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on Lakers books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Pau Gasol – $16.45 million
• Andrew Bynum – $12.5 million
• Adam Morrison – $5.26 million
• Derek Fisher – $5.05 million
• Sasha Vujacic – $5.0 million

That totals $44.26 million for five players.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Orlando

There is an updated edition of this article following the acquisition of Vince Carter. Click here for that.

Orlando Magic Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on Orlando’s’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Dwight Howard – $15.2 million
• Rashard Lewis – $18.01 million
• Jameer Nelson – $7.7 million
• Tony Battie – $6.29 million
• Mickael Pietrus – $5.3 million

That totals $52.5 million for five players.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Boston

Boston Celtics Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Celtics’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Paul Pierce – $19.8 million
• Ray Allen – $19.78 million
• Kevin Garnett – $16.45 million

That totals $56.03 million for three players.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Chicago

Chicago Bulls Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Bulls’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Brad Miller – $12.15 million
• Luol Deng – $10.36 million
• Kirk Hinrich – $9.5 million
• John Salmons — $6.43 million
• Derrick Rose – $5.18 million
• Tim Thomas – $6.47 million
• Jerome James – $6.6 million

That totals $56.69 million for seven players.

Diener Will Return To Indiana

The Indy Star reports

Backup point guard Travis Diener said today that he will return to the Indiana Pacers next season.

Diener could have opted out of his contract and become a free agent. Instead, he will make $1.7 million next season.

Diener added

“I like playing for coach (Jim) O’Brien,” Diener said.

Royal Ivey Declines Option

RealGM has the press release

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced on Monday that Royal Ivey has declined the player option on his contract for the 2009-10 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Ivey (6-4, 215) signed as a free agent with Philadelphia on July 28, 2008. He appeared in 71 games off the bench for the Sixers last season, averaging 3.0 points and 1.1 rebounds in 12.1 minutes per game.

Good third string point guard just entered the free agent market.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Utah

There is an update to this article — after Boozer, Memo and Korver all decided to stay, and looking at what changes that would have for Utah’s summer decisions.

Utah Jazz Payroll

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Jazz’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Andrei Kirilenko – $16.45 million
• Deron Williams – $13.76 million

That totals $30.21 million for two players.

Andrei Kirilenko has another year to run on his deal after next season, while Deron will be just beginning his five year extension.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Washington

Washington Wizards Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Wizards’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Gilbert Arenas – $16.19 million
• Antawn Jamison – $11.64 million
• Caron Butler – $10.03 million
• Etan Thomas – $7.35 million
• Brendan Haywood – $6 million
• Mike James — $6.47 million

That totals $57.68 million for six players.

Etan Thomas has an early termination release clause but he definitely will not use it. Mike James has a player option and he will definitely use it. Both players are entering the last year of their contracts, as is Brendan Haywood.

Gilbert Arenas has four more years after next season, Jamison has two more, and Butler has one more.

I want to separate this number for a moment just to make a quick point on how valuable Caron’s and Antawn’s contracts are.

Kobe’s Next Contract

The Los Angeles Times reports

Bryant, 30, can become an unrestricted free agent next month by terminating his Lakers contract with two more years and $47.8 million on it. The 13-year veteran could then re-sign with the Lakers for five years and about $135 million.

“It’s been a blast being here from ‘96 to now,” he said to the crowd. “Here we are, back on top. This feels unbelievable. We have a young team, a team that has a lot of chemistry. We want to do this thing again and again. We’ll be back next year, ready to go. We’re going to keep on rolling.”

When asked about the possibility of leaving, Kobe replied

Update – 2009 Cap Space: Toronto

Update from the previous post, to take into account the Jason Kapono-Reggie Evans trade and a better knowledge of what slot the Raptors will draft at this summer.

Toronto Raptors Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Raptors books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Chris Bosh — $15.8mil
• Jose Calderon — $8.22mil
• Andrea Bargnani — $6.53mil

That totals $30.6 million spread across four players. Bargnani will be entering the final year of his contract in 2009, while Bosh has a player option following the 2009/10 season and is expected to opt out. Kapono has another season following the next one, and Calderon has four years left on his deal.

Magic Willing To Pay Tax

Good article on NBA Fanhouse

The intoxicating effect of reaching the NBA Finals for just the second time in franchise history will prompt the Orlando Magic to loosen the purse strings and venture into the previously-dreaded luxury tax territory this summer to re-sign free agent-to-be Hedo Turkoglu.

Magic President and chief executive officer Bob Vander Weide told FanHouse that ownership likely would approve paying the luxury tax for the first time if it means keeping the nucleus of this team together.

Jazz Exercise Option On Fesenko

RealGM has the press release

Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced today that the team has exercised its option on center Kyrylo Fesenko for the 2009-10 season.

Fesenko has also played a total of 51 games (35 starts) while on assignment with the Utah Flash of the NBA Development League over the past two seasons, where he averaged 10.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.82 blocks in 25.5 minutes per game.

RealGM Note: Fesenko will make $870k during the 2009-10 season.

Good decision by Utah.

The Money: Chris Bosh’s Extension

The Money

What is the difference between the amount of money Toronto can offer Chris Bosh and the amount some other team can offer?

Chris Bosh can earn a max contract which can be up to 30% of the salary cap. Since we don’t know the exact salary cap figure, we can’t give exact figures for Bosh’s salary, but we can effectively ball park the figure.

For the purposes of this example, we’ll assume a nice round figure of $60 million for the salary cap in 2010.

Some Other Team Offers Bosh A Max Contract

A salary starting at $18 million, at 8% increases per annum, for five years.

Portland Plan To Keep Blake + Outlaw

The Portland Tribune is reporting

The Blazers have team options on guard Steve Blake ($4.0 million salary next season) and forward Travis Outlaw ($3.6 million) that can be exercised on July 1, but it sounds as if both will remain with the club – unless a trade is made, of course.“I don’t see a scenario where we don’t pick up their options,” Pritchard says. “They’ve both been terrific for us. We like those guys way too much.”

Re-Signing Varejao

The single most important element to the Cavs future, after LeBron James, is their ability to acquire a second star. Everything else takes a back seat to that goal. Their best opportunity to get that star, a star who can be an elite player for the next 6-8 years alongside LeBron, is through free agency in 2010.

The most important issue for the Cavs is maintaining that opportunity. This is very important to consider when discussing the Varejao contract extension.

The Cavs Salaries In 2010

Who is on the books for the Cavs in 2010?

Marbury To Washington?

The NY Post reports

Stephon Marbury’s up and down (and down some more) playoff run with the Boston Celtics probably won’t result in a lucrative contract next season but there is one team that could have interest in the former Knicks guard.

Marbury, according to a source, was contacting Flip Saunders almost on a daily basis during the postseason and there is a chance that Marbury could be reunited with his first professional coach (okay, second after Bobby Cremins) next season.

Saunders is now the head coach of the Washington Wizards and would strongly considering adding Marbury to the roster if there is a vacancy. The biggest hurdle for Marbury is that Mike James and Javaris Crittenton are both under contract.

Ernie Grunfeld was a big Marbury fan when Ernie ran the Knicks.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: San Antonio

This is an outdated post, there is an update following the acquisition of Richard Jefferson. Please click here for that post.

Spurs Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Spurs’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Tim Duncan — $22.18mil
• Tony Parker — $12.6mil
• Manu Ginobili — $10.73mil

That totals $45.57 million for three players.

Manu Ginobili will be entering the final year of his deal, while Parker has two more to go, and Duncan three years to play on his contract.

Tiago Splitter + San Antonio

This is old news but it’s worth repeating …. 48 Minutes of Hell (Spurs site) does a great job breaking down the story

During the course of the aforementioned thread something else is suggested that should catch your attention. A board member named Bruno, a SpursTalk regular and trusted friend of this writer, cites section Article VIII, Section 2 of the CBA and notes that the Spurs are capable of signing Splitter for an amount greater than the rookie scale beginning next summer (2010). The section in question reads:

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Denver Nuggets

Nuggets Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Nuggets’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Carmelo Anthony — $15.78mil
• Kenyon Martin — $15.61mil
• Chauncey Billups –$12.1mil
• Nene — $10.52mil
• JR Smith –$5.5mil

That totals $59.51 million for five players.

Kenyon Martin and JR Smith will have one more season on the books following the 09/10 campaign, while the other three have two more seasons to go after next year. Billups’ final year is only partially guaranteed … and Nene + Martin + Melo have early termination options on their final year.

Miami May Make Moves This Summer

The Miami Herald reports

It will be challenging for the Heat to upgrade significantly this summer because it is up against the luxury-tax threshold and wants big 2010 salary-cap space to re-sign Dwyane Wade and another free agent (potentially Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire).

But owner Micky Arison said this week the Heat is willing to expedite the process this summer if the opportunity arises. ”If a player you would be targeting became available in 2009, why wouldn’t you do it?” Arison said of possibly trading for a 2010 free agent. “. . . We have not historically been a very patient organization. We’re an organization that moves quickly. If the opportunity came along, we would consider it. But we’re doing it under certain restraints.”

Slam On Sheed

Slam reports

SLAM contributor J. Gamble [making his debut with us next issue] hears from a close personal friend of Rasheed Wallace’s that unless Sheed gets $8 million to play next year, he’s going to retire. If that’s true, we’ve probably seen the last of Sheed in the NBA.

I have no problem believing that Sheed is one of those players who’ll only play in the NBA so long as the money is right. The last few years, the grind looks like it’s been wearing him down mentally. Now whether that line is drawn at $8mil or not, is very much up for questioning, but the overall message here seems on point.

Odom and Ariza Free Agents

The Los Angeles Times reports

Q&A of the day

Question: I’m going to put you on the spot here. Will Lamar Odom re-sign with the Lakers? And what about Trevor Ariza? I would surely like both of them to return, as I feel they play key roles.

–Javier Cossio

Answer: Hey, I’m supposed to be the one putting people on the spot. But I’ll play along this time.

I’d be surprised if both Ariza and Odom return to the Lakers. The Lakers have already earmarked $74 million for only eight players next season.

If the two free-agent forwards command, say, $15 million a year in combined salaries, the Lakers would be pushed pretty deep into the luxury-tax stratosphere, where nobody seems to want to be in this economy.

Finley Undecided About Spurs Return

Great news for the Spurs — the San Antonio Express reports

Finley undecided: Michael Finley said he has not decided whether to exercise his final-year option with the Spurs.

Finley is due another $2.5 million should he decide to play another season.

“I haven’t really thought about next year, to be quite honest,” Finley said. “I’m going to sit back with my family now, enjoy this extended period of time off, and when the time comes that I have to make a decision about my future, that’s when I’ll make it.”

Wow, what a coup it would be for the Spurs to get out from under the contract and clear $2.5mil off their salary bill.

McDyess To Leave Detroit?

The Detroit free press reports

If it was his last game as a Piston, Antonio McDyess went out with guns blazing.

With his team falling further and further behind, he kept hitting shots and grabbing rebounds.

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished their first-round sweep of the Pistons, 99-78, Sunday at the Palace, but McDyess left it all on the court as he tied a career playoff high with 26 points.

He added 10 rebounds, another part of the highlight tape teams around the league will watch when they decide whether to make a pitch for the unrestricted free agent.

Shawn Marion’s Next Contract (Raptors)

I wrote this yesterday as a comment over at Raptors Republic

We pretty much know Shawn Marion’s salary if he returns to Toronto. He won’t resign if he’s not paid significantly more than the MLE. A good contract would be between $7-8 million. A bad contract would be $9-10 million.

Shawn Marion will have MLE contract offers on the table. That’ll be worth $32mil over five years.

The Raptors will likely have to pay Marion a contract that lasts for four to five seasons. Otherwise, he’ll be passing up guaranteed money, in order to play for a worse team that has no hope at contending for a title, and be on a team that doesn’t really make him a focal point (14ppg, 12 shots) …. which is very unlikely.

It appears that re-signing Marion is one of the Raps priorities heading into this offseason. I don’t like their game plan, but hey, it is what it is.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Milwaukee

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Buck’s books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Michael Redd — $17.04 million
• Richard Jefferson — $14.2 million
• Andrew Bogut — $10 million
• Dan Gadzuric — $6.75 million
• Luke Ridnour — $6.5 million

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: New Orleans

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Hornets’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Peja Stojakovic — $13.39mil
• Chris Paul — $13.76mil
• Tyson Chandler — $12.25mil
• David West — $9.08mil
• Antonio Daniels — $6.6mil
• James Posey — $6.03mil
• Mo Peterson — $6.01mil

Pargo Information

Great report over at Hornets 24/7 on a recent team event between season ticket holders and Hornets GM Jeff Bower.

Hornets season ticket holders were given the opportunity to attend a Hornets event at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in New Orleans on Tuesday, where GM Jeff Bower spoke and answered questions. Jason Calmes (aka 420ftJesus) was in attendance and kindly took notes. Here they be.

Thank you very much to Jason Calmes for the excellent report. It’s a good read and well worth reading if you’re interested in the Hornets.

There was one section in particular that I was interested in and that was the information given about the Jannero Pargo negotiations from last summer

Bucks Sign Salim Stoudamire

Interesting signing from the Milwaukee Bucks, especially for one so late in the season, and to guarantee next season on his contract so early in the going … interesting move.

The Bucks signed Stoudamire for the rest of this season and the 2009-’10 season, but the team’s intention is not to play him during the remaining five games of the current season.

“He’s one of those guys who can come off the bench and get hot right away,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. “That’s a role he’s been comfortable in.

2009 Teams With Cap Concerns: Phoenix

There is an update to this post following the trade of Shaquille O’Neal.

Phoenix Suns Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Suns’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Shaquille O’Neal — $21mil
• Amare Stoudemire — $16.38mil
• Jason Richardson — $13.33mil
• Leandro Barbosa — $6.6mil

Teams With Cap Concerns In 2009

Last month I looked at all the teams who figure to have substantial cap space heading into this summer, detailing how much cap flexibility they had and pondering on how they may use it in free agency.

However, those teams are not the only ones who are facing major financial decisions this summer. Now, I’ll switch my attention to teams who are over the luxury tax line, near the tax line, or who have players looking for large extensions which could put them over their limit. Teams who are facing major financial pressures, and consequently may be forced to make changes.

Thunder Sign Shaun Livingston

RealGM has the press release

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed guard Shaun Livingston to a multi-year deal, Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today.

Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

Udoka Wants To Remain In San An

Nice to hear that Ime Udoka wants to remain in San Antonio

Udoka signed a two-year deal worth over $2 million with San Antonio in the summer of 2007.

“Definitely,” Udoka said of wanting to remain with the Spurs. “I’ve had a great two years here. Just the comfort level you get from playing with these guys, and knowing the type of team we have, it’s great to be here.”

Rockets Sign White To Multi-Year Deal

ESPN is reporting

The Houston Rockets have signed guard James White to a multiyear contract.

The 6-foot-7 White originally signed a 10-day contract with the Rockets on March 3, then signed a second 10-day contract on March 13. He signed his new deal Tuesday.

Raptors Sign Douby

Raptors.com reports

The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday they have signed guard Quincy Douby to a 10-day contract. He is the 17th GATORADE Call-Up of the 2008-09 NBA Development League season and the 135th overall since the league began play in 2001.

Douby, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, averaged 18.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 28.6 minutes in five games with the D-League’s Erie BayHawks this season. He scored in double figures in all five games, with a high of 23 points at Albuquerque.

Orlando To Sign Foyle

The Orlando Sentinel reports

Former Orlando center Adonal Foyle is expected to re-sign with the Magic, the Sentinel has learned.

Foyle, who will most likely join the team in New York on Monday, was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this month after a buyout agreement was reached for his contract.

Magic officials have previously lauded Foyle as a good practice partner for center Dwight Howard. His re-signing is likely for those purposes.

2009 Cap Space: Detroit

Detroit Pistons Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Pistons’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Rip Hamilton — $11.63mil
• Tayshaun Prince — $10.32mil
• Jason Maxiell — $5mil

That totals $26.95 million spread across three players. Maxiell will be begining a four year extension, while Rip will also have one year plus his three year extension to go. Tayshaun meanwhile will have two years to go on his contract.

2009 Cap Space: Sacramento

Sacramento Kings Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Kings’ books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Kevin Martin — $9.68mil
• Kenny Thomas — $8.78mil
• Andres Nocioni — $7.5mil
• Beno Udrih — $6.03mil
• Francisco Garcia — $5.8mil

That totals $37.8 million spread across five players. Kenny Thomas will be entering the final year of his contract, and will come of the books the following summer. However, three of the other four are on the books for four more years, and Garcia is on the books for five more seasons.

2009 Cap Space: Oklahoma

Oklahoma City Thunder Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Thunder’s books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Nick Collison — $6.35mil
• Earl Watson – $6.6mil
• Nenad Krstic – $5.16mil

That totals $18.11 million spread across three players. Both Collison and Watson are entering the final year of their contracts, while Krstic has two more years on his deal.

Odd Nash Rumour

The NY Post is reporting an odd Steve Nash rumour

The unraveling of the Suns could benefit the Knicks. Suns owner Robert Sarver, during the Cavaliers-Suns national telecast Thursday night, admitted he could break up the team in the offseason.

There’s speculation the Suns, expected to miss the playoffs, could use an early termination clause to release point guard Steve Nash this summer and save $7 million on his 2009-2010 wage. Nash would have to play for the $5.9 million mid-level exception but wants to come to New York.

2009 Cap Space: Memphis

Memphis Grizzlies Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Grizzlies books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Darko Milicic — $7.54mil
• Marko Jaric — $7.1mil

That totals $14.64 million spread across two players. Next season is the final year of Darko’s deal, but Jaric has another year on his contract beyond that worth $7.65mil.

Current Free Agents List

The List

Big Men: Adonal Foyle, Austin Croshere, Antoine Walker, Paul Davis, Robert Horry, Courtney Sims, Michael Doleac, David Harrison, Steven Hill, Jelani McCoy, Rod Benson, Malik Bandiane,  Rafael Araujo, Lance Allred, Michael Olowokandi, David Padgett, Dwayne Jones, Jackie Butler, CJ Giles, Chris Taft, Wang Zhi Zhi

Wings: Bonzi Wells, Ira Newble, Kirk Snyder, Luke Jackson, Ruben Patterson,

Joe Smith Agrees Terms With Cavs

Brian Windhorst reports

Joe Smith is about to become a Cavalier, again.

The Cavs and the veteran 6-foot-10 forward agreed to terms on a one-year contract Tuesday night. He is expected to sign the deal once he clears waivers Wednesday morning and should be able to join the team by Friday’s game at Boston.

2009 Cap Space: Portland

Portland Trailblazers Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Blazers books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Darius Miles — $9mil
• Joel Przybilla — $6.68mil
• LaMarcus Aldridge — $5.85mil
• Greg Oden — $5.36mil

2009 Cap Space: Toronto

There is an update to this post — to take into account the Jason Kapono-Reggie Evans trade and a better knowledge of what slot the Raptors will draft at this summer.

Toronto Raptors

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Raptors books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Chris Bosh — $15.8mil
• Jose Calderon — $8.22mil
• Andrea Bargnani — $6.53mil
• Jason Kapono — $6.21mil

Gooden To Be Bought Out

David Aldridge is reporting

Last-minute negotiations before tonight’s midnight deadline will result in veteran big men Joe Smith and Drew Gooden being bought out by Oklahoma City and Sacramento, respectively, according to a league source.

Joe Smith Waived

ESPN is reporting

The veteran forward and the Oklahoma City Thunder reached agreement on a buyout of his contract, sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher on Sunday. The Clevaland Plain Dealer reported that the Cavaliers will try to sign him immediately after he clears waivers.

Celtics Sign Marbury

The Boston Globe reports

The Celtics announced today that they have signed free agent guard Stephon Marbury. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed, though two NBA sources said before Marbury cleared waivers that he would sign for the prorated veteran minimum of $1.3 million for the rest of the season.

“We are very excited to have a player of Stephon’s caliber joining our team. Our entire organization is confident in the belief that Stephon can play an important role in helping us to win another championship,” said president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

2009 Cap Space: Atlanta

Atlanta Hawks Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Hawks books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Joe Johnson — $14.98mil
• Josh Smith — $10.8mil
• Speedy Claxton — $5.2mil

That is a total of just below $30 million. Both Speedy Claxton and Joe Johnson will be entering the final year of their contracts, while Josh Smith will have three more years past 2009/10 to go on his deal.

The rest of Atlanta’s contracts

• Al Horford — $4.3mil
• Mo Evans — $2.5mil
• Acie Law — $2.22mil
• Randolph Morris — $850k

2009 Cap Space: Minnesota

Minnesota Timberwolves Salaries

Let’s start off by looking at who is currently on the Wolves books for next season.

Here are the contracts over five million dollars

• Al Jefferson — $12mil
• Mike Miller — $9.88mil
• Brian Cardinal — $6.75mil

That totals $28.63 million. Both Mike Miller and Brian Cardinal will be entering the final year of those contracts, and thus coming off the books in 2010.

Now let’s have a look at the rest of their contracts

• Ryan Gomes — $4mil
• Randy Foye — $3.6mil

2009 Teams With Cap Space

Over the next week or so I’ll be looking at each one of the above teams individually to see

1. How much cap space they have
2. Who’s on their books for the 2009/10 season
3. How cap fluctuations could effect their overall cap space
4. Plus some early guesses on who those teams may target in free agency.

Okay, so let’s get to it and have a look at each one of those teams

McDyess May Opt Out This Summer

Michigan Live is reporting the following

Detroit remains an option, but the team’s struggles may lead to McDyess choose to play elsewhere.

“I hate to sell myself short of anything at this point in my career,” McDyess said. “So I have to keep all my options open.”

Also

If the right changes are made with Detroit’s roster this summer, McDyess said he would consider signing a deal that would allow him to finish his playing career with the Pistons.

“I just have to see how everything is going to go in the summer with this team, and kind of go from there,” McDyess said. “But like I said, it’s flattering that there are some teams that still think I can help them win. I definitely feel I have some options.”

Spurs Sign Mensah-Bonsu

RealGM reports

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have signed free-agent forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu to a 10-day contract.

The 25-year-old Mensah-Bonsu had most recently been playing with the Austin Toros, the Spurs NBA D-League affiliate. In eight games with the Toros, he averaged 26.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.50 blocks in 39.8 minutes.

2009 Free Agent List

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray,  Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Steve Francis, Sam Cassell, Eric Snow

Wings: Shawn Marion, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza, Grant Hill, Wally Szczerbiak, Anthony Parker,

Mikke Moore Sweepstakes

The Boston Globe reports

The Celtics are hoping to fill their need for a big man by winning the Mikki Moore sweepstakes.

Moore’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed the team has offered the center a contract, and said several other teams have done the same thing, although he wouldn’t divulge their names.

Moore is expected to make his decision today after clearing waivers and becoming an unrestricted free agent. “A lot of teams are very excited about him, so it’s a tough decision for Mikki,” said Bartelstein.

The second paragraph is the most interesting there — the Celtics have offered Mikke Moore a contract, an so too have several other teams.

Knicks Look At Douby

The NY Daily News reports

Quincy Douby will be given a chance to win one of two available roster spots when he works out for the Knicks next week. According to a Knicks source, Douby has not been guaranteed a job but rather a tryout in front of the coaching staff. The 6-3 guard, the 19th pick of the 2006 draft, was released by Sacramento this week.

Buyouts and Potential Buyouts

In order for players who are bought out to be eligible for the playoffs, the players must be waived prior to March 1st.

This post will be kept up to date on the latest happenings regarding buyouts up until that time, and will be used to give information on those various players.

A list of possible buyout candidates

• Stephon Marbury
• Mikki Moore
• Joe Smith
• Chris Mihm
• Adonal Foyle

Joe Smith Sweepstakes

Several contenders just threw their hands in the air and screamed “Yipee” at the news of Hornets-Thunder trade falling though. Suddenly, all those Joe Smith possibilities are back in play.

Chris Sheridan: A source who has been in the know for years tells me that Joe Smith is keeping his fingers crossed that the Thunder do not find another trade for him now that he’s back in Oklahoma City. Smith, the source said, would like to do a buyout and then sign with the Boston Celtics as this season’s version of P.J. Brown.

That quote is from a trade talk roundup by Chris Sheridan.

The ideal scenario for several teams is for Joe Smith not to be traded, and then be bought out by the Thunder, and picked up as a free agent for low value contract by some contender.

Here’s a short list of teams who’ll likely be interested in Joe Smith

Darrell Armstrong Retires

Dallas Morning News reports

Rick Carlisle said the Dallas Mavericks have decided to hire Darrell Armstrong, but not as a backup to point guard Jason Kidd.

Armstrong is ready to embark on his coaching career and would join Carlisle’s staff in an assistant coach/developmental coach role.

Alonzo Mourning Retires

ESPN reports

So it’s official: Mourning’s calling it quits. He’ll do chores and play with his two kids and work on his golf game and promote his charitable causes. But after 15 seasons and countless career comebacks, he’s done chasing championships.

The seven-time All-Star center said Thursday he won’t return from a devastating leg injury Dec. 19, 2007 — the fourth anniversary of his life-saving kidney transplant. He had been working out at the Miami Heat complex and said he’s running and jumping again, but he feared another leg injury if he returned.

Darius Miles Cap Related

Good article by Adrian Wojnarowski for Yahoo Sports today which states that the preseason games that Darius Miles played with the Boston Celtics count against the 10 game mark he has to achieve in order for his salary to be put back on Portland’s salary cap. In other words, he has not played only 2 games, he has played 8 games and needs to play only two more.