A Bunch of NBA Rumors

[justinevans]

Wednesday, July 12
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Paul Pierce
Celtics Extension For Pierce
Jul 12 - The Boston Herald reports the Celtics and Paul Pierce are expected to announce in the next day or two that he has agreed to a three-year extension with the club.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

John Salmons
76ers Suns?
Raptors? Salmons Must Decide: Suns Or Raptors
Jul 12 - The Toronto Star reports the Raptors, who have plenty of room under the salary cap are trying desperately to sign John Salmons, who is a restricted free agent with the 76ers to an offer sheet.
As reported yesterday, the Phoenix Suns are working on a sign-and-trade deal with the Sixers to get Salmons. His first-year salary could be $3.7 million if he took the Suns offer.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Allen Iverson
76ers Warrriors Not Interested in A.I.
Jul 12 - The San Francisco Chronicle reports two sources indicated the Golden State Warriors will not pursue Allen Iverson, whom the Sixers have put on the trading block. According to the newspaper, the Warriors appear to be gambling that Baron Davis can remain healthy for an entire season.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Al Harrington
Hawks Warriors?
Pacers?
Knicks? Nuggets, Hawks, Warriors Talking Trade?
Jul 12 - The San Francisco Chronicle reports the Warriors are deep in pursuit of Hawks forward Al Harrington, but they can only get him in a sign-and-trade deal with Atlanta and that they probably need a third team. According to the newspaper, the Denver Nuggets are emerging as a possible third team.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Kenyon Martin
Nuggets Knicks? Thomas Makes Another Bid For K-Mart
Jul 12 - The New York Post reports Isiah Thomas had a conversation recently with Denver about Kenyon Martin but is completely turned off because the Nuggets only want expiring contracts. According to the newspaper, Thomas wants no part of adding another $70 million in payroll unless he can trade Steve Francis or Jerome James.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Darius Miles
Trail Blazers Miles Still On The Block
Jul 12 - The Oregonian reports the Blazers have been trying to trade Darius Miles and that the team has been "dangling carrots" around Miles neck. The newspaper speculates those carrots are likely Juan Dixon, Steve Blake and possibly Travis Outlaw.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Jeff Foster
Pacers Warriors?
76ers? Sixers Eye Foster
Jul 12 - The Philadelphia Daily News reports the Sixers had asked about the availability of Indiana forward Jeff Foster.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Rasual Butler
Hornets Nuggets?
Nets? Nothing New For Butler
Jul 12 - The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports there has been no progress in negotiations between the Hornets and Rasual Butler the past two days.
"We're not anywhere in the process right now," Andy Miller told the newspaper. "There are other teams that have called with interest, and we've had discussions with them.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Francisco Elson
Nuggets Spurs? Offer Sheet For Elson?
Jul 12 - The San Antonio Express-News reports the agent for Francisco Elson said Tuesday he expects to receive an offer sheet for the Denver free agent from the Spurs.
"With the Spurs, there's a good opportunity for Francisco to contribute to a pretty good team at the center spot," Calvin Andrews told the newspaper. "Denver seems to be pretty much set with its big men."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Los Angeles Lakers Add Williams
Jul 12 - The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports Shammond Williams, who has been out of the NBA for the past two seasons, has agreed to a one-year contract to join the Lakers. According to the newspaper, Williams will sign for the $1.75 million exception today.
Tuesday, July 11
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Trevor Ariza
Magic Nuggets?
Rockets?
Knicks?
Kings? Ariza Draws Interest
Jul 11 - Florida Today reports Trevor Ariza is garnering what his agent calls "substantial interest" from several NBA teams, making his return to the Magic anything but a guarantee. Ariza's agent, David Lee, told the newspaper that Denver, Houston, Sacramento and New York have expressed interest in his client.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Jamaal Magloire
Bucks Pacers?
Spurs?
Wizards? Magloire Moving Soon?
Jul 11 - The Racine Journal Times reports Jamaal Magloire is expected to be traded in the next couple of days. According to the newspaper, some NBA officials claim the Bucks are still weighing offers from five teams, with Washington being one of them and that Jared Jeffries and Antonio Daniels have been prominently mentioned as trade bait. The newspaper also reports that Etan Thomas has also been mentioned in trade talks.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

John Salmons
76ers Suns? Suns Fishing For Salmons
Jul 11 - The East Valley Tribune reports the Suns are talking to Philadelphia about a deal that would bring John Salmons to Phoenix. No deal has been struck, but league sources confirmed to the newspaper that Salmons is a player the Suns have targeted. According to the newspaper, the Suns offer is believed to be a second round draft pick for Salmons.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Al Harrington
Hawks Warriors?
Pacers?
Knicks? Golden State Or Indiana?
Jul 11 - The San Francisco Chronicle reports Al Harrington called it an even split between Golden State and Indiana if a sign-and-trade deal can be worked out with the Atlanta Hawks.
"I figured that a lot of people would have interest, and they're taking a very strong look at it," Harrington said about the Warriors. "So we'll see what happens."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Brevin Knight
Bobcats Pistons? Bickerstaff Confirms Report
Jul 11 - The Charlotte Observer reports Bobcats coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff confirmed the Detroit Pistons called about Brevin Knight's availability. Bickerstaff told the newspaper there's nothing the Pistons would give up that interests the Bobcats and to justify trading Knight, the team expects a future draft pick or a young player.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Francisco Elson
Nuggets Spurs? Spurs Looking At Elson
Jul 11 - The Rocky Mountain News reports the San Antonio Spurs are taking a long look at Denver restricted free agent Francisco Elson.
"They've inquired," Elson's agent, Calvin Andrews, told the newspaper.

Andrews also told the newspaper that two or three other teams, which he wouldn't name, have inquired about Elson.

[StandMyBrothers]

freaking rumors piss me drive me insane.

[LeftWideOpen]

the pierce thing is true, and thats definitely excellent news.

[mikeford]

Steve Bulpett reports: (http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=148007)
The Celtics (http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics.bg) appear set to solidify Paul Pierce (http://news.bostonherald.com/search/?searchSite=true&keyword=Paul+Pierce&mode=all&sorting=pubdate)’s future in Boston. While there may still be some details to be ironed out, expect an announcement in the next day or two that the captain has agreed to a three-year extension with the club.

[Caleb Cattivera]

whoever pick up brevin knight is a smart smart gm.

[justinevans]

the salmons shit is true too.

[lilRIPsta]

i play the wizards get Magloire. Even if we dont get him, getting rid or Jared Jeffries for a girl scout would be a good trade

[xearlynovemberx]

whoever pick up brevin knight is a smart smart gm.

raymond feltons going to be a beast

[xbrokendownx]

i really like brevin knight. if the knicks were smart theyd let 1 or 54 of their shoot first PGs go and sign this guy. not to mention hes a stud defender




ps go bobcats

[xearlynovemberx]

i really like brevin knight. if the knicks were smart theyd let 1 or 54 of their shoot first PGs go and sign this guy. not to mention hes a stud defender




ps go bobcats

go bobcats is right homie

[FondestMemory]

whoever pick up brevin knight is a smart smart gm.

i agree. i was kind of hoping the cavs would make a run at him this offseason, but they never did.

[StandMyBrothers]

The Spurs moved quickly when the NBA's free-agent signing period began Wednesday, signing point guard Jacque Vaughn and extending offer sheets to centers Francisco Elson and Jackie Butler (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA071206.spurspointguard.en.705e1 cd.html).

The Salt Lake Tribune has learned the Jazz will sign unrestricted free agent Jarron Collins, perhaps as early as Thursday (http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_4042298).

Greg Buckner, agreed to sign with the Dallas Mavericks (http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_4041338). Buckner will receive at least three years guaranteed, with the two sides working on details for two more years. "I'm happy," Buckner said today. "It was my first choice to go to Dallas. It's crazy it worked out."

Free agent guard Tarence (http://www.hoopshype.com/rumors.htm)[/URL][URL="http://www.hoopshype.com/rumors.htm"]Kinsey has signed a with the Memphis Grizzlies (http://www.hoopshype.com/rumors.htm), agent Michael Whitaker told HoopsHype.com

According to an NBA source, the Phoenix Suns were prepared to make an offer of five years and $22 million to the 6-foot-7 Salmons, a restricted free agent (javascript:newwind('http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/15017019.htm','21')). The Sixers, who have the right to match any offer, are likely to sign him for those figures and then trade him to the Suns. In return, the source said, the Suns would give the Sixers a second-round draft choice and the $3.6 million trade exception they received last summer from Atlanta in the deal for Joe Johnson. Billy King, the Sixers' president and general manager, acknowledged yesterday that there was interest by teams in Salmons. The player's agent, Joel Bell, could not be reached for comment. The Suns are believed to be looking for a backup shooting guard. Leandro Barbosa played that role last season, but coach Mike D'Antoni is considering moving Barbosa to point guard to back up Steve Nash.

[StandMyBrothers]

The Orlando Magic, in their search to settle their shooting-guard quandary, said goodbye to DeShawn Stevenson and welcomed back Keith Bogans. The Sentinel learned today that the Magic were finalizing a three-year contract with Bogans after halting negotiations with Stevenson (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-spt-bk-bogans071306,0,2126104.story?coll=o rl-magic). Stevenson wanted a four-year contract at least $4 million year. The Magic refused to budge at three years, ending Stevenson's two-plus year stay in Orlando (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-spt-bk-bogans071306,0,2126104.story?coll=o rl-magic). Stevenson's agent, Rob Pelinka, told the Sentinel recently that Stevenson had at least two contract offers on the table that were better than the Magic's. Stevenson, 25, had one year at $3 million left on his deal, but opted out of his contract this summer.

The Washington Wizards (javascript:newwind('http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20060713-121422-5901r.htm','11'))[/URL][URL="javascript:newwind('http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20060713-121422-5901r.htm','11')"]and coach Eddie Jordan have agreed on a contract extension for Jordan that will be announced soon, possibly today (javascript:newwind('http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20060713-121422-5901r.htm','11')), The Washington Times has learned. The deal will pay Jordan approximately $12.5 million over three guaranteed seasons. The team will have the option for a fourth, according to team and league sources reached yesterday. Jordan's new deal will begin at the end of the 2006-07 season.

Nelson said the Mavs now hope to reach an agreement with one of their own free agents, Adrian Griffin, before this week is over. The Mavs are also trying to decide whether to re-sign veteran free-agent point guard Darrell Armstrong or add a younger point guard into the mix behind Jason Terry and Harris (javascript:newwind('http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/15028068.htm','341')). While extolling the virtues of James, who signed with Minnesota, Nelson said Buckner has a chance to be a better backcourt fit alongside Terry. "Like I said, with James, if that would have come to fruition, he would have been a very valuable player," Nelson said. "But all of a sudden you're committing now to really playing he and JT quite a bit together. "You're talking about 6-2 and 6-2 out there, and then how does that affect Devin? There are only certain teams in the league that we could have played dual point guards against, so I think [obtaining Buckner] actually is a better move for the entire team."

[StandMyBrothers]

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry has been on the prowl for a veteran guard. Sources say the Cavaliers are close to signing veteran David Wesley (javascript:newwind('http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16921217&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21848&rfi=6','11')). Wesley, who will be 36 on Nov. 14, could be signed with part of the Cavaliers' mid-level exception or possibly the bi-annual exception ($1.8 million).

The Cavs are still maintaining interest in free-agent point guard Marcus Banks (javascript:newwind('http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/15033476.htm','51')). Banks' options have been limited, as three teams that were in contact with him -- the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Hawks -- have gone in different directions by picking up point guards or using cap space. But it doesn't seem as if anything is imminent in Cleveland. ``We're not talking much about it right now; the Cavs have some other priorities to deal with,'' Banks' agent, Michael Higgins, said Thursday. ``Marcus is interested in the Cavs; he likes Mike (Brown).''

Pavlovic is going into the final year of his rookie contract, and the Cavs currently have no intention of extending his deal (javascript:newwind('http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/15033476.htm','61')). He also faces stiff competition on the roster for playing time, which makes it pretty important how he shows up for training camp in October.

Washington Wizards restricted free agent Jared Jeffries is strongly considering signing the team's one-year qualifying offer of $2.8 million (javascript:newwind('http://washingtontimes.com/sports/20060714-120649-6550r.htm','111')), which would allow the forward to pursue unrestricted free agency after next season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. This comes as negotiations between Jeffries' agent, Andy Miller, and Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld have cooled over the last week

According to a league source, the Wizards continue to express interest in -- but have not offered a contract to -- free agent shooting guard DeShawn Stevenson (javascript:newwind('http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/13/AR2006071300963.html','121')), who averaged 11 points in 82 games with the Orlando Magic last season. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic has cut off negotiations with Stevenson, who is seeking a four-year deal worth $4 million.

The Wizards are still in the process of deciding whether Pecherov will attend training camp in October (javascript:newwind('http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/13/AR2006071300963.html','131')). To bring Pecherov to camp, the Wizards must negotiate a buyout of his contract with BC Kyiv of the Ukrainian Superleague and sign him to an NBA contract. The Wizards can pay up to $500,000 of Pecherov's $800,000 buyout with BC Kyiv, which loaned Pecherov to a team in France last season. Under the NBA's rookie salary scale, Pecherov would be eligible to sign a two-year guaranteed contract worth $2.1 million

Rumors persist that the Timberwolves will trade Marko Jaric and Trenton Hassell to Denver for Kenyon Martin (http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/charley_walters/15034446.htm). Wolves VP Kevin McHale wouldn't comment on the possibility Thursday.

The Mavs have expressed interest in re-signing Adrian Griffin, but Griffin said he has also had discussions with "two or three other teams." (javascript:newwind('http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/071406dnspomavsbriefs.4218b3d.html' ,'201'))

Among the guards in the free agent market, Minnesota's Marcus Banks is probably the most intriguing name left, although playing time would come into play as it did with Salmons. The Suns also have shown interest in ex-Sun Tony Delk, Minnesota's Marko Jaric and Eddie House, who has yet to sign with another team (javascript:newwind('http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=69593','211')). Wing players on the market who could interest the Suns include Jumaine Jones, Devean George and big men like Aaron Williams.

Spanish team FC Barcelona will try to sign piston Carlos Delfino (http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20060714/NOTICIA224419528.html).

[xbrokendownx]

i really hope minny trades jaric...more PT for foye

[FondestMemory]

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry has been on the prowl for a veteran guard. Sources say the Cavaliers are close to signing veteran David Wesley (http://javascript<b></b>:newwind('http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16921217&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21848&rfi=6','11')). Wesley, who will be 36 on Nov. 14, could be signed with part of the Cavaliers' mid-level exception or possibly the bi-annual exception ($1.8 million).

The Cavs are still maintaining interest in free-agent point guard Marcus Banks (http://javascript<b></b>:newwind('http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/15033476.htm','51')). Banks' options have been limited, as three teams that were in contact with him -- the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Hawks -- have gone in different directions by picking up point guards or using cap space. But it doesn't seem as if anything is imminent in Cleveland. ``We're not talking much about it right now; the Cavs have some other priorities to deal with,'' Banks' agent, Michael Higgins, said Thursday. ``Marcus is interested in the Cavs; he likes Mike (Brown).''

Pavlovic is going into the final year of his rookie contract, and the Cavs currently have no intention of extending his deal (http://javascript<b></b>:newwind('http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/15033476.htm','61')). He also faces stiff competition on the roster for playing time, which makes it pretty important how he shows up for training camp in October.

i wouldn't mind wesley or banks. banks would probably be asked to play a bigger role, but i'd be down with that. i like snow and all, but i'd rather him be coming off the bench. i want gibson to get a shot, but i don't trust that enough to not upgrade the point guard. any ounce of depth i'm down for.

and i hope they don't bring back pavlovic. i think he may do alright on another team, cause the dude actually has decent game. he just doesn't fit in here. any minutes he plays are taking away minutes from somebody who should be playing over him. if i were another team, i'd be interested in trading for him. especially in the last year of his deal. he can help a team out, just not the cavs.

[Brownpants06]

so the raptors signed salmons... i don't really know much about this guy. not bad?

[justinevans]

so the raptors signed salmons... i don't really know much about this guy. not bad?

eh, eh thats all i can say

[StandMyBrothers]

The Detroit Pistons came to terms with free agent Ronald "Flip" Murray (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3639) on Friday on a two-year, $3.6 million deal, a league source told ESPN.com.

A team source said that Grant Hill might still return to Detroit (javascript:newwind('http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060715/SPORTS08/607150326/1004/SPORTS','31')). But it will be later rather than sooner. Hill, who is due close to $16 million in the final year of his contract with Orland, might be offered a buyout. If Hill is bought out, he could sign a veteran's exception with the Pistons.

The sign-and-trade can take the form of a multi-team deal, with Milwaukee ranking as the most likely third trade partner because of Atlanta's interest in Bucks center Jamaal Magloire (javascript:newwind('http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2519835','81')). Yet it remains to be seen which of Harrington's two primary suitors, Indiana or Golden State, is best positioned to complete the transaction.

If the Cavs and Gooden don't come to an agreement, he could sign a one-year deal and become a free agent after next season or request a sign-and-trade. Rumblings of a sign-and-trade have begun - Phoenix, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia are interested in Gooden (javascript:newwind('http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1152866239318090.xml&coll=2','121')), according to several league sources

The Nuggets have expressed interest in Eddie House, Jumaine Jones, Ronald Murray, Jannero Pargo and Bonzi Wells (javascript:newwind('http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_4846734,00.html', '141')).

The Rockets sent cash and future draft considerations — likely the right to switch second-round draft positions — to the Hornets to acquire Snyder. With the signing of Peja Stojakovic moving Desmond Mason to the Hornets' backcourt, the Hornets moved Snyder to create cap space for free-agent forward Rasual Butler (javascript:newwind('http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4048728.html','191')).

The Celtics, who almost got Iverson on draft night, remain a major player for his services. But indications are that they'll need to involve a third or a fourth team to get the players the Sixers want in return (javascript:newwind('http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/15043399.htm','201')). Denver, Atlanta and Golden State also have been mentioned in trade speculation.

The Celtics agreed to terms with Leon Powe, adding the 6-foot-8-inch, 240-pound forward from the University of California after he had strong showings in summer league games and practices (javascript:newwind('http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2006/07/15/celtics_extend_pierce/','291')). The No. 49 pick, acquired in a draft-night deal with Denver, received a deal almost identical to the partially guaranteed three-year contract given to Ryan Gomes, the No. 50 pick in the 2005 draft. Given the numbers for Gomes, Powe could earn approximately $2 million if he completes his contract.

Magic General Manager Otis Smith is confident that restricted free-agent forward Trevor Ariza "is not going anywher (javascript:newwind('http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic1506jul15,0,7005748.story?coll =orl-magic','311'))e. We're going to keep him." The club can match any offer Ariza receives. Smith indicated that -- barring something astronomical -- it would. Ariza is trying to drum up a high bidder.

[FondestMemory]

thank god. get flip out of cleveland. i had no doubt he'd be gone, but at least now i'm positive of it.

i'm content with gooden for another year, cause i don't know that any of the teams interested in him will give up anything that'd be worth doing it.

[bigmike]

meh. murray will probably sit on the bench because apparently in detroit, there is no bench. ever. no matter who the coach is.

[FondestMemory]

meh. murray will probably sit on the bench because apparently in detroit, there is no bench. ever. no matter who the coach is.

that's where he's most effective.

anywhere but on the floor.

[bigmike]

that's where he's most effective.

anywhere but on the floor.
yeah. well we need a better bench because the starters are playing way too fucking much. especially in games that we are way ahead in the middle of the 4th, rip hamilton, chauncey, etc etc are all still out there for no reason.

[StandMyBrothers]

Former Mavericks swingman Adrian Griffin has agreed to a three-year contract with the Chicago Bulls, his agent said Sunday afternoon (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/071706dnspogriffin.1b97c96e.html). Tony Dutt said the Mavericks offered a two-year deal at a competitive salary. Dutt declined to reveal financial terms of the Bulls’ contract or Mavericks’ offer. “He had such a respect for Avery [Johnson] and the Mavericks’ organization,” said Dutt, who represented Johnson during the Mavericks coach's playing career. “With that being said, players at the end of the day have to go with their gut.”

Another possibility is to Boston for guard Delonte West and/or Theo Ratliff or Ryan Gomes (javascript:newwind('http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16928308&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46370&rfi=6','131')). One source said the Cavaliers don't want Gooden to accept the qualifying offer of $5.4 million because they'll probably lose him for nothing next summer.

T he Cavaliers must think David Wesley has some gas left in his tank. They are reportedly close to signing him to a deal, possibly close to what Flip Murray got with the Pistons (javascript:newwind('http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16928308&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46370&rfi=6','151')) (two years, $3.6 million). Wesley, who will be 36 in November, would probably be an effective player if he played around 20 minutes a game.

[StandMyBrothers]

The Washington Wizards (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=was) signed free agent forward Darius Songaila (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3647) to a five-year, $23 million dollar deal, Songaila's agent, Mark Bartlestein, told ESPN.com.

[xbrokendownx]

jesus, darius songalia can make 4+ million a year? wats the world coming to

[StandMyBrothers]

NBA sources say free agent Marcus Banks, who averaged 10 points and 3.8 assists with Boston and Minnesota last season and was the 13th overall pick in the 2003 draft, is now No. 1 on the Suns’ radar (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=69849). Phoenix general manager and coach Mike D’Antoni is back in Las Vegas, preparing for the opening Team USA workouts. That’s where Banks went to school (UNLV) and lives in the offseason, and a meeting between the two wouldn’t be difficult to arrange.

Isiah Thomas says he is not actively pursing deals for free agents, but behind the scenes the Knicks' president and coach continues to search for ways to bolster his roster. One player who continues to draw interest from the Knicks is Washington forward Jared Jeffries, a restricted free agent. According to sources, the Knicks have had conversations with Jeffries' agent, Andy Miller, in recent days as negotiations between Jeffries and the Wizards have stalled (javascript:newwind('http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/story/436011p-367370c.html','31')). Jeffries is considering accepting Washington's one-year qualifying offer for approximately $3 million, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer

[xbrokendownx]

good. i hope minny trades banks

[FondestMemory]

good. i hope minny trades banks

he's a free agent. he's done there.

and i think it's funny the knicks are persuing jeffries. do they seriously just seek out the least talented players available?

[xbrokendownx]

he's a free agent. he's done there.

and i think it's funny the knicks are persuing jeffries. do they seriously just seek out the least talented players available?





oh ok, i didnt pick up on that haha well good then. more PT for foye


and on the knicks/jeffries- whatever. im a TWolves/grizzlies/bobcats fan until isiah or dolan is gone

[StandMyBrothers]

Marcus Banks has agreed to terms with the Phoenix Suns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=pho) on a five-year contract worth $21 million, The Arizona Republic reported Wednesday.

the New York Knicks have decided not to match the Spurs’ three-year, $7 million offer to restricted free agent Jackie Butler (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA071906.butler.EN.203c608.html), a Knicks’ spokesman said Wednesday. The Spurs have yet to officially hear from the Knicks or the NBA.

The Rockets reached agreement with guard Vassillis Spanoulis on a three-year contract worth more than $5 million (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4057635.html), the largest initial contract they had ever offered a second-round pick. Spanoulis told Athens newspaper Eleftheros Typos that he would officially accept the contract offer sometime today or tomorrow.

[xbrokendownx]

haha jackie butler...wasnt he with us before?

[xbrokendownx]

othella harrington signed with the bobcats



lead us to the promise land big O!

[StandMyBrothers]

Still seeking shooting help, the Nuggets are pursuing free agent forward Keith Van Horn (javascript:newwind('http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_4860245,00.html', '11')), who has averaged 16 points in nine NBA seasons. Van Horn made $15.7 million in the final year of a max contract last season but will be lucky to get 20 percent of that this season. The Nuggets like his shooting ability, but discussions are ongoing and nothing appears imminent.

Smith might have some competition on the wing as the Nuggets are expected to sign swingman Yakhouba Diawara to a two-year, $1.1 million contract (javascript:newwind('http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/article/0,2777,DRMN_23922_4860245,00.html', '21')). Diawara, who averaged 11.8 points for Denver's summer league team, said he expects to sign with the Nuggets sometime next week. "I'm just waiting for my agent to contact me," he said after working out at the Pepsi Center. Diawara, a native of France, attended Pepperdine University and has spent the past two seasons playing in Europe. The Nuggets will have to pay a standard $500,000 to buy out his contract from Climamio Bologna of the Italian League.

The Mavs remain interested in signing Chucky Atkins as a possible third point guard (javascript:newwind('http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/nba/dallas_mavericks/15090510.htm','111')). Using free agent Keith Van Horn in a sign-and-trade remains a possibility.

Meanwhile, Spanish forward Jorge Garbajosa is on the verge of signing a three-year deal worth about $12 million with the Raptors (javascript:newwind('http://torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2006/07/21/1695525-sun.html','701')). The announcement could come as soon as today. Garbajosa is with the Spanish national team preparing for the world championship next month




In an unrelated move, former second-round pick Uros Slokar told reporters in his native Slovenia that he's agreed to a contract with Toronto, as has been long speculated (javascript:newwind('http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1 153433434759&call_pageid=969907729483&col=970081562040','221')). The deal is not official so Raptor officials won't comment but team sources said two weeks ago that Slokar was going to sign a deal of up to three years and serve as a replacement for the injured Pape Sow.

The rumor is the Timberwolves are talking trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers for 6-foot-3 point guard Damon Jones and 6-7 small forward Luke Jackson in exchange for 6-1 point guard Troy Hudson, but the Wolves say that's news to them (javascript:newwind('http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/charley_walters/15087138.htm','671')).



The Suns plan to add 6-10 center Sean Marks next week (javascript:newwind('http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0721suns0621.html','271')), giving them 12 players under contract for next season. They have a $3.6 million trade exception that expires Aug. 21, but any major roster maneuvering seems unlikely. No scrambling, Griffin said, only tinkering.

[xbrokendownx]

NO TWOLVES do NOT TRADE for damon jones!

[FondestMemory]

The rumor is the Timberwolves are talking trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers for 6-foot-3 point guard Damon Jones and 6-7 small forward Luke Jackson in exchange for 6-1 point guard Troy Hudson, but the Wolves say that's news to them (http://javascript<b></b>:newwind('http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/charley_walters/15087138.htm','671')).

i'm pretty much in support of anything that gets dj out of town. and luke jackson is worthless.

but i don't know that i want this deal. hudson's cool, yeah. he'd help out. but brown is running point in the summer league and doing very well. i expected him to play two, but they're priming him to run the one. with the roster how it is, he'll be starting by the end of the year. bringing in another point negates that, and also pretty much makes gibson irrelevant. same happens if the deal with chicago goes down. and that deal is a much better one, and they won't do both. i just don't see this happening.

i'm fine with the point position being snow, brown and gibson for now. they need a consistent power forward who can score more than anything.

but whatever, get jones out of here.

[Caleb Cattivera]

i dont want to have to buy another troy hudson jersey.

[justinevans]

Dear Bonzi Wells,

If you leave I am going to kill you. Unless you want to die, you have to stay.

Your teammate,

Ron Artest.

-quoted in espn magazine.

[Caleb Cattivera]

Dear Bonzi Wells,

If you leave I am going to kill you. Unless you want to die, you have to stay.

Your teammate,

Ron Artest.

-quoted in espn magazine.

haha i heard about this a few weeks ago. amazing.