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| Lakers unlikely to match Warriors offer to Turiaf | Thursday 7/10, 11:46 PM CT |
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Updating a report from yesterday, we have learned that Laker forward Ronny Turiaf, a restricted free agent, has signed an offer sheet with the Golden State Warriors, and new reports from LA suggest the Lakers are ready to let him move on, according to the LA Times.
Our View: Turiaf is set to make $17 million over the next four years with the Warriors, and they can provide playing opportunties the Lakers are not likely to put forth. We expect this to be resolved in the coming days, possibly as early as tomorrow. |
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| Najera fielding offers to leave Denver | Thursday 7/10, 11:36 PM CT |
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The reports out of Denver have forward Eduardo Najera , one of the team's best defensive commodities, working the free-agent market to determine his value and, possibly, make a move, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Najera was in Orlando, Florida on Thursday, where New Jersey is playing in summer league action, to meet with Nets officials about a possible contract. Najera has a good relationship with Nets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, who had the same title in Denver during Najera's first 11/2 Nuggets seasons. Najera is also rumored to be in talks with the Spurs, having attended high school in San Antonio. Najera said Thursday that "San Antonio has moved up" in the quest to sign him. The Nuggets state they want to bring him back but have yet to make an offer, and if one doesn't come soon, he'll move on. |
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| Nets close to signing Hayes | Thursday 7/10, 10:28 PM CT |
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Reports have surfaced that state free-agent forward Jarvis Hayes is on the verge of signing a two-year agreement with the New Jersey Nets, according to Yahoo Sports.
Our View: As the Nets begin rebuilding with a core of young players, Hayes, 26, gives New Jersey’s bench some veteran scoring pop and athleticism. After spending four years with the Washington Wizards, where Hayes had been a lottery pick in 2003, he played the past season with the Detroit Pistons. |
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| Nets shopping guard Williams | Thursday 7/10, 10:08 PM CT |
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Reports have come forth indicating the Nets are actively shopping guard Marcus Williams and have had talks with Chicago and Denver, centered around deals involving Andres Nocioni for the Bulls and Marcus Camby for Denver, according to the Bergen Record.
Our View: The Nets have a plethora of guards and Williams has shown strong potential in recent seasons. With the addition of Devin Harris, he is suddenly available for trade. In order to get a deal done with either team mentioned, we believe center Nenad Krstic would have to be included. Getting Williams involved in a sign-and-trade seems inevitable at this point and we anticipate more teams may come forth with offers. Stay tuned. |
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| Deron, Utah continue to talk extension | Thursday 7/10, 10:03 PM CT |
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Utah guard Deron Williams talked with reporters today and believes he and Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor are close to closing their negotiations for a contract extension, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Our View: Williams has been a true gift as the leader at the point for the Jazz, and as the Hornets did with Chris Paul, the desire to sign him to a long-term deal now presents a unique opportunity to keep Williams off the market in coming years while securing his services for a reasonable cost now. Williams has suggested the talks have revolved around a league-mandated max deal that would be worth about $90 million over five years, but Utah has never been an organization quick to spend such tall dollars. However, it seems reasonable to expect this deal to get done, and we believe that will happen over the next week or two. Stay tuned. |
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| Utah will not match offer for Brown | Thursday 7/10, 9:29 PM CT |
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The Utah Jazz report they will not be matching the offer sheet signed by Dee Brown and Washington, allowing the free agent guard to leave and join the Wizards, according to the Washington Post.
Our View: Brown, who played 49 regular season and eight playoff games as a rookie with the Jazz during the 2006-07 season but played in Turkey last season, agreed to a two-year partially guaranteed deal with the Wizards on Wednesday. The 6-foot, 181-pound Brown will play with the Wizards' summer league team in Las Vegas next week. Brown, who starred at Illinois along with Jazz all-star Deron Williams, could fill Washington's need for a third point guard, one who can spell veterans Gilbert Arenas and Antonio Daniels and provide insurance in case of injuries. |
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| Smith tops list of remaining NBA free agents | Thursday 7/10, 8:48 PM CT |
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With the flurry of free-agent signings and the list of moves made in the NBA over recent days, the list of NBA talents available for hire is dwindling, now topped by four major draws, inlcuding Atlanta forward Josh Smith , Philadelphia forward Andre Iguodala, Charlotte forward Emeka Okafor, and Chicago guard/forward Luol Deng.
Our View: The bidding for Smith and Okafor will be the most intriguing, both playing the same position with Smith likely to garner a larger offer based on his young age and athletic talent. Okafor is more polished and reliable, but the Bobcats are rumored to be seeking a sign-and-trade deal with a secondary team. Iguodala turned down a $57 million offer to stay in Philly in June but is likely to be re-signed now that the team has added Elton Brand. Deng is a restricted free agent and turned down an offer for a $57.5 million extension last month. The Bulls seem likely to match any offer and we doubt he changes uniforms. Other names of note include Golden State center Andris Biedrins and guard Monta Ellis, Atlanta forward Josh Childress, Chicago guard Ben Gordon, New Jersey forward/center Nenad Krstic, and Cleveland guard Danile Gibson. |
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| Durant held out of summer league action | Thursday 7/10, 8:35 PM CT |
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Reports from the Sonics state the 2007-08 Rookie of the Year, forward Kevin Durant , has been withheld from the team's summer league game tonight against Orlando, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Oklahoma City said it was holding Durant out, though the forward said earlier this week he wanted to compete against the Miami Heat’s Michael Beasley. The two are friends, and fellow No. 2 overall draft picks.
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| It's official, Barry joins Rockets | Thursday 7/10, 8:21 PM CT |
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No sooner do we report the rumor and it becomes true. Sources now report free-agent shooting Brent Barry has agreed to a new deal with the Houston Rockets, according to Sports Ticker.
Our View: Barry, 36, who averaged 7.1 points while shooting 43 percent from 3-point range in 31 games for the San Antonio Spurs in 2007-08, has a career scoring average of 9.7 points in 856 games with the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics and Spurs. Terms of the deal are not disclosed in the official notice, but the deal is believed to be worth $1.9 million per season. |
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| Barry gets strong offer from Rockets | Thursday 7/10, 8:08 PM CT |
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It appears free agent shooting guard Brent Barry is no longer on the wish list for the Phoenix Suns, but the Houston Rockets are reportedly ready to make him an offer, according to Yahoo Sports.
Our View: Barry had expressed a desire to join the Suns despite their lack of cap space, capable of offering just $1.262 million to the veteran sharpshooter. Meanwhile, the Rockets found $1.9 million in their wallet to offer up and it now appears Barry will accept that offer. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Rose to sit for remaining summer league schedule | Thursday 7/10, 7:01 PM CT |
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The Chicago Bulls report rookie guard Derrick Rose will be withheld from all remaining summer league games, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Rose, the top overall pick in the NBA draft, sat out a second consecutive summer league game on Thursday because of nagging tendinitis in his right knee. He won't play in Friday's finale. The team will put Rose through an MRI upon his return to Chicago and we will pass those results along to you when they become available. |
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| Spurs sign Mason | Thursday 7/10, 6:55 PM CT |
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The San Antonio Spurs have signed unrestricted free agent guard Roger Mason Jr to a two-year contract worth more than $7 million, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Mason, a 6-foot-5 guard, averaged a career-high 9.1 points and 1.7 assists in 80 games last season with the Washington Wizards. He played in a reserve role for all but nine games. In his previous season with the Wizards, Mason averaged 2.7 points. |
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| Curry gets one game suspension | Thursday 7/10, 5:26 PM CT |
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| JamesOn Curry will serve a one game suspension, stemming from misdemeanor charges he plead guilty to, according to PA Sports Ticker. |
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| Miller suspended | Thursday 7/10, 5:20 PM CT |
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The NBA on Thursday suspended Sacramento Kings center Brad Miller five games for violating terms of the league’s drug program, reports PA Sports Ticker.
Our View: The league did not disclose the nature of Miller’s violation. |
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| Cavaliers sign first-round pick Hickson | Thursday 7/10, 4:07 PM CT |
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PA Sports Ticker reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed JJ Hickson. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Hickson will make over $1 million in his first season and nearly $3.5 million over three years due to the rookie pay scale negotiated in the collective bargaining agreement.
Our View: The 6-9, 242-pound forward out of North Carolina State led all ACC freshmen in scoring last year. He should be a great addition for the Cavaliers. |
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| Dee signs offer with Wizards | Thursday 7/10, 3:56 PM CT |
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According to PA Sports Ticker, restricted free agent Dee Brown has signed an offer sheet with the Washington Wizards.
Our View: The Jazz will now have seven days to match the Wizards’ offer under the terms of the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. |
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| Jazz ink first-round pick | Thursday 7/10, 3:17 PM CT |
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According to PA Sports Ticker, the Utah Jazz have signed Kosta Koufos, their first-round pick from this year's draft. Koufos will make $941,000 in his first year of service for the Jazz.
Our View: Selected 23rd overall out of Ohio State, the 7-foot Koufos averaged 14.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in college. |
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| Lakers interested in Artest? | Thursday 7/10, 3:02 PM CT |
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The Sacramento Bee reports the Lakers have expressed recent interest in the availablity of Ron Artest. Kings president Geoff Petrie declined to confirm any offer even existed saying, "I don't really have any speculation one way or another (about his future). We'll see what other things — not specific to Ron — but if there's some other way we can improve the team or change the team, we'll take a look at it."
Our View: Artest could improve the Lakers lack of toughness, which was very evident in the finals loss to the Celtics. We'll keep you updated as the situation plays out. |
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| Early foul trouble costs Beasley | Thursday 7/10, 2:40 PM CT |
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In wednesday's loss against the Pacers 84-95, Michael Beasley picked up three fouls in the first 20 minutes. His struggles continued as he went onto finish 5-of-12 with 17 points, eight rebounds, four turnovers, and five fouls.
Our View: Beasley needs to focus on consistancy if he wants to make his way into the Heat's starting lineup by opening night. Playing time is key for Beasley's development, as he looks to make an impact in his first year with the NBA. |
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| Maggette on the move | Thursday 7/10, 2:30 PM CT |
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Accoriding to PA Sports Ticker, the Golden State Warriors have signed Corey Maggette to a multi-year contract. Terms have not been disclosed.
Our View: Don Nelson's style of play could inflate Maggette's numbers even more, look for Maggette to put up huge numbers in Golden State this season. |
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| Double-double not enough | Thursday 7/10, 2:17 PM CT |
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In wednesday's showdown with Chicago, Marcin Gortat was 7-of-11 with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Although a great effort, Orlando went on to lose to Chicago 86-74.
Our View: Gortat hopes his strong play in the summer league will extend his playing time this upcoming season. He only averaged 6.7 minutes off the bench last season. |
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| Noah puts up double-double | Thursday 7/10, 2:05 PM CT |
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Joakim Noah's double-double, 10 points and 12 rebounds, helped Chicago defeat Orlando 86-74 during wednesday's summer league game.
Our View: Noah looks to improve on his numbers, 6.6 PPG and 5.6 RPG, from last season with Chicago. |
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| Pietrus joins the Magic | Thursday 7/10, 1:37 PM CT |
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According to PA Sports ticker, Mickael Pietrus has signed a multi-year deal to play for the Orlando Magic. The deal will pay him somewhere in the neighborhood of $5.2 million this season.
Our View: Pietrus could make a significant impact as a full time starter in the Eastern Conference. He is a top-notch defender who is lethal behind the arc. The moves devalues J.J. Redick, Courtney Lee and Keith Bogans and also likely puts an end to the Magic's pursuit of Keyon Dooling. |
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| Davis officially signed | Thursday 7/10, 12:35 PM CT |
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According to the AP, Baron Davis has signed a multiyear contract to play for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Our View: On the brink on losing Brand, the Clippers have brought in one of the best all around point guards in the league. Davis averaged 21 pts, 7 assists and 4 rebounds playing for Golden State last year. |
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| Thomas shines in summer league game | Thursday 7/10, 12:20 PM CT |
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Tyrus Thomas had 25 points, six rebounds and two blocks in Chicago's 86-74 summer league victory over the Magic, according to InsideHoops.com.
Our View: Thomas is undoubtedly talented, and should he finally put a season together, he could be a real asset to fantasy owners. |
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| Suns examine Miles knee | Thursday 7/10, 12:15 PM CT |
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The Phoenix Suns medical staff examined Darius Miles' knee, but they are not expected to sign him, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Miles has missed the last two seasons with his knee injury and may have to sit out the first 10 games of his season no matter where he signs. His once promising career is on hold, and his fantasy value is nil. |
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| Lue likely to sign with Suns | Thursday 7/10, 12:12 PM CT |
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Tyronn Lue will likely sign with the Phoenix Suns, according to the Arizona Republic. "I think we're going to get it done in Phoenix," Lue said
Our View: Lue will start some games this year in order to rest Steve Nash, but his fantasy value will remain limited playing behind the former MVP. |
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| Suns ink Lopez | Thursday 7/10, 11:53 AM CT |
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The Phoenix Suns have signed their first-round pick, Robin Lopez, to a contract, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: The 15th overall pick in this year's draft, Lopez will likely add little to fantasy teams in his initial campaign through the league, but once he gets his feet wet, he could be a good source of rebounds and blocked shots. |
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| Foyle could be back with Orlando | Thursday 7/10, 11:49 AM CT |
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Adonal Foyle may be brought back to Orlando after opting out of his contract with the team recently, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Our View: Foyle is not an option for fantasy owners, unless they really need his two points and two rebounds per game. |
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| Dooling will not return with Magic | Thursday 7/10, 11:47 AM CT |
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Keyon Dooling will not return to the Orlando Magic next season, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Dooling was pushed out as the Magic signed guard Mickael Pietrus to a contract believed to be worth around $22 million.
Our View: Dooling probably won't have a great deal of fantasy basketball value regardless of where he winds up playing. |
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| Redick to stay in Orlando in backup role | Thursday 7/10, 10:46 AM CT |
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Despite drafting Courtney Lee and signing Mickael Pietrus, J.J. Redick will remain with the Orlando Magic, according to the Orlando Sentinel. "I still think the kid can play for us. I feel no differently about him today than I felt yesterday and the day before. I feel he can be a very good backup 2-guard for us," said Magic GM Otis Smith.
Our View: Redick doesn't see much court time, receiving only about eight minute per game last year. If he could ever get out of Orlando, he might be of some fantasy value due to his shooting acumen. |
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| Knicks trying to convince James to retire | Thursday 7/10, 10:01 AM CT |
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The New York Knicks are trying to convince Jerome James to retire, according to the New York Daily News. James played only two games last season due to injury, and the Knicks are trying to convince him to retire in order to clear the $12.8 million he is supposed to earn over the next two seasons.
Our View: James is having none of it, and he has 12.8 million reasons why. He is currently rehabbing his knee and intends to play next season. His fantasy value is nil due to new coach Mike D'Antoni's style, which James does not fit into. |
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| Nowitzki scores 33 for Germany | Thursday 7/10, 9:41 AM CT |
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Dirk Nowitzki scored 33 points, but Germany lost to Canada 91-86 in an exhibition match, according to Slam! Sports.
Our View: This game holds no fantasy value of course, but it's nice to see Dirk remain healthy as he plays for his home country. |
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| Clippers renounce rights to Livingston | Thursday 7/10, 9:36 AM CT |
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Shaun Livingston's rights have been renounced by the Los Angeles Clippers, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: This was simply a formality to clear salary cap space, and Livingston is free to sign with any team, although he continues to recuperate from a devastating knee injury. |
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| Marbury could be bought out | Thursday 7/10, 7:56 AM CT |
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Stephon Marbury could be bought out of his contract with the Knicks, according to the New York Post. The addition of Chris Duhon to the team may make him expendable.
Our View: Marbury had been a nice fantasy player, but his numbers have gone down for each of the last three seasons. His fantasy value depends on where he ends up, but the potential is there for the 31-year-old to help a fantasy team. |
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| Posey to pick a team soon | Thursday 7/10, 7:53 AM CT |
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James Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said he expects James Posey to sign a contract sometime in the next two days, but was unsure if that team would be the Celtics, according to the Boston Herald. Boston is willing to spend the full mid-level exception to retain him, according to the paper.
Our View: Posey is a nice piece for an NBA team, but in fantasy terms, he wouldn't be worth much if he remains with the Celtics, where he averaged about seven points and four rebounds per game. |
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