2012 NBA Offseason Thread

[MC KAos]

i figured we could do this thread to keep the finals one from getting cluttered with our spurs/lakers/mavs offseason talks. with free agency and the draft not too far off, and trades coming soon after the finals, we can discuss that stuff here.

ill start it off with this...

beasly might be headed to the lakers soon after the finals are over

Now, more reports have come out that the team is once again interested in the former number two overall pick. And, it also seems that the feelings are mutual.

According to sources close to the Timberwolves organization, Minnesota General Manager David Kahn told team owner Glen Taylor that the team was interested in pursuing a sign-and-trade with the Lakers in July.

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/sports/nba/nba-rumors-timberwolves-michael-beasley-join-kobe-bryant-lakers#

[MC KAos]

that would make the lakers younger, yes, but i dont think its really a good move. they are fine at the 3 IMO, they already have Artest and barnes. i think they should look for an upgrade at PG first, even if its just a decent guy like lowry. my guess though is, if this is true, its because they are getting that upgrade with a trade of gasol.

[MC KAos]

for the spurs, there is a rumor out there that the celtics want to sign danny green! i like him but if he commands more than 2 or 3 million dollars a year, i think we should let him walk, his disappearing act in the playoffs was disheartening. i hope we resign Diaw and bring in de colo and lorbek from europe, then trade bonner and blair for a low first or early second round pick.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

that would make the lakers younger, yes, but i dont think its really a good move. they are fine at the 3 IMO, they already have Artest and barnes. i think they should look for an upgrade at PG first, even if its just a decent guy like lowry. my guess though is, if this is true, its because they are getting that upgrade with a trade of gasol.

Barnes is garbage dude. We desperately need someone off the bench who can score points. Our bench was beyond terrible. The rumored deal is Hill for Beasley which would be a great trade for us. As for the PG I really don't think Lowry is much of an upgrade over Sessions. Deron Williams is a legit possibility now. We'll see what happens.

Lets just say the Hill/Beasley trade happens. We then look like this.

Sessions/Blake
Bryant/Goudelock
World Peace/Ebanks
Gasol/Beasley
Bynum/Free Agent?

That trade alone doesn't make us a contender, but it's a step in the right direction.

[MC KAos]

Barnes is garbage dude. We desperately need someone off the bench who can score points. Our bench was beyond terrible. The rumored deal is Hill for Beasley which would be a great trade for us. As for the PG I really don't think Lowry is much of an upgrade over Sessions. Deron Williams is a legit possibility now. We'll see what happens.

thats true, beasley is a HUGE upgrade over barnes, specially offensively. i doubt it would be hill straight up though, i bet there is some cash or trade exception involved in that deal.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Pau will probably be traded shortly after the Finals as well. His time in L.A. is up. The Lakers are way too slow. You can have one slow 7 footer, but not two. We should try to swing a 3 way deal for Deron, but if that doesn't work then just trade him for 2-3 solid young players.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Just read a rumor that said Pau could possibly be heading to Boston for Pierce.

Pierce in a Lakers jersey?

:puke:

[RastaRocket]

Just read a rumor that said Pau could possibly be heading to Boston for Pierce.

Pierce in a Lakers jersey?

:puke:

There is no way that is a good trade, don't think it will happen. Pierce did grow up a Laker fan haha.

I do think he retires as a Celtic though.


Come home D Will!

[MC KAos]

Just read a rumor that said Pau could possibly be heading to Boston for Pierce.

Pierce in a Lakers jersey?

:puke:

i just cant see that happening, pierce is a legend for the celtics, it would be like duncan, kobe or dirk getting traded, he is that loved there! plus i dont really see how that improves the lakers much, its just a bad all around trade.

[MC KAos]

zach lowe, of SI.com, says he has spoken to a lot of front office people, but not the spurs, about KG and they all say him going to the spurs would be his best possible move. local papers have had rumblings on this also, and they seem to think he is a likely target for the spurs in free agency.

personally, i just dont think it happens, unless maybe duncan retires. Duncan "hates him like liberals hate sean hannity" according to an article i read a few weeks back.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

zach lowe, of SI.com, says he has spoken to a lot of front office people, but not the spurs, about KG and they all say him going to the spurs would be his best possible move. local papers have had rumblings on this also, and they seem to think he is a likely target for the spurs in free agency.

personally, i just dont think it happens, unless maybe duncan retires. Duncan "hates him like liberals hate sean hannity" according to an article i read a few weeks back.

I think he's either gonna retire or stay in Boston. It would be a great move for the Spurs.

[juck]

Talk is cheap.

June talk is cheaper.

June conjecture by those not even in the decision-making process can get crazy

Way too early

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Talk is cheap.

June talk is cheaper.

June conjecture by those not even in the decision-making process can get crazy

Way too early

It's never too early.

[MC KAos]

Talk is cheap.

June talk is cheaper.

June conjecture by those not even in the decision-making process can get crazy

Way too early

well, good thing that a sports forum is a place for such "cheap" talk, huh

[casmith07]

Heard on the radio that the Spurs will reach out to Garnett.

[MC KAos]

Heard on the radio that the Spurs will reach out to Garnett.

i wonder if there is anything behind it that has something to do with Duncan's future, maybe they are gonna go after garnett because they know he is probably going to retire.

[casmith07]

i wonder if there is anything behind it that has something to do with Duncan's future, maybe they are gonna go after garnett because they know he is probably going to retire.

Quality depth.

Garnett would be scary in Miami coming off the bench with Haslem in place of Bosh. Or even starting at the 4 with Haslem as the "6th man".

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Quality depth.

Garnett would be scary in Miami coming off the bench with Haslem in place of Bosh. Or even starting at the 4 with Haslem as the "6th man".

Lol KG isn't coming off the bench for anyone. He's gonna wanna start somewhere and rightfully so.

[MC KAos]

Quality depth.

Garnett would be scary in Miami coming off the bench with Haslem in place of Bosh. Or even starting at the 4 with Haslem as the "6th man".

i dont think he would go to miami, he seems to despise them quite vehemently. i hope he comes to the spurs and duncan returns, along with diaw. i wont miss danny green too much, he will probably get offered more than he is trully worth in the open market and i doubt the spurs would match.

[casmith07]

i dont think he would go to miami, he seems to despise them quite vehemently. i hope he comes to the spurs and duncan returns, along with diaw. i wont miss danny green too much, he will probably get offered more than he is trully worth in the open market and i doubt the spurs would match.

Spurs need to add another reliable swingman, too.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

If the Lakers can get Williams I could easily see Garnett going there. Him and Kobe are great buddies and he wanted to play there before in 2007. If the gets Williams then Howard is pretty much guaranteed to go there.


Williams
Kobe
World Peace
KG
Howard

Title #17.

[Dash28]

I thought Duncan hated KG?

Hearing rumblings of KG to LA but early in process and hear a lot of rumors.

[MC KAos]

Spurs need to add another reliable swingman, too.

i think back up PG and defensive big are much bigger priorities, between manu, neal, kawhi and DaTrillStack i think we are ok at the wings, plus we might bring de colo over from europe.

[MC KAos]

I thought Duncan hated KG?

Hearing rumblings of KG to LA but early in process and hear a lot of rumors.

ya, thats why i think its either bologna or duncan is retiring and they want to replace him with KG

[Biggems]

Well we have 1 draft pick, #59. I doubt we keep it, but if we do, it will most likely be some stash away Euro. We most likely draft someone for some other team (meaning we draft a player, then trade his rights for either money or a future 2nd rounder).

Lot's of talk about us bringing over Lorbek and/or de Colo or Sanikidze.

We will try to re-sign Diaw and Green. I assume we will try to keep Mills. Anderson is gone. Blair has one more year and is possible trade bait. oh and Duncan will definitely re-sign for at least 2, if not 3 years.

[Christiann]

Realistically, I can see the Lakers making moves in the offseason with a couple teams. Trades that have been interesting in my eyes have been the Pau for Igoudala/Holliday trade as well as the Lowry/Scola/Martin trade for Pau & Filler. I wouldn't be surprised if we made a run at DWill, but I really like the Philly trade.

Resign Hill, Sign Beasley and sign Odom back for the League Minimum.

Holliday/Sessions
Kobe/Goudelock
World Peace/Beasley
Igouldala/Odom
Bynum/Hill

[bounce]

Duncan is not going to retire. He has said plenty of times that he's good for about 2 or 3 more years. As much as he's slowed down, he's still a great big man. He went 25 and 14 in his final game this year. He'll resign with the Spurs.

As for KG, I don't see it happening, but I'd love it. I think they're both professional enough to set aside differences to co-exist. He'd be a perfect fit on SA.

Danny Green - sign him if the price is right, but if Boston throws a lot of money at him, let him walk. Great fit, but guys like him are a dime a dozen.

[MC KAos]

i agree, bounce, just seems weird he still has no agent. no doubt he can still ball, but maybe he just wants to be with his family. i wouldnt be completely opposed to him pulling a roger clemens (not the steroid part) and just joining the team around mid january, but thats just not gonna happen. ultimately, i think its a personal, family decision he will make, because physically, he is still really good, and the way pop manages his minutes, he can easily play 2 more years at a high level

[MC KAos]

Realistically, I can see the Lakers making moves in the offseason with a couple teams. Trades that have been interesting in my eyes have been the Pau for Igoudala/Holliday trade as well as the Lowry/Scola/Martin trade for Pau & Filler. I wouldn't be surprised if we made a run at DWill, but I really like the Philly trade.

Resign Hill, Sign Beasley and sign Odom back for the League Minimum.

Holliday/Sessions
Kobe/Goudelock
World Peace/Beasley
Igouldala/Odom
Bynum/Hill

thats a lot of good moves for the lakers, i dont think the sixers would make that trade, though. the rockets seem to have a good relationship with the lakers, so i think a trade with them is much more likely.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Realistically, I can see the Lakers making moves in the offseason with a couple teams. Trades that have been interesting in my eyes have been the Pau for Igoudala/Holliday trade as well as the Lowry/Scola/Martin trade for Pau & Filler. I wouldn't be surprised if we made a run at DWill, but I really like the Philly trade.

Resign Hill, Sign Beasley and sign Odom back for the League Minimum.

Holliday/Sessions
Kobe/Goudelock
World Peace/Beasley
Igouldala/Odom
Bynum/Hill

That's a great trade, however Iggy can't play the 4. First and foremost we need to try to acquire Deron, but if not then this would be a good trade.

[RastaRocket]

Philly is not going to trade Holliday especially for old man Gasol.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Philly is not going to trade Holliday especially for old man Gasol.

I don't see why not. Holiday is a good player, but he's not as good as Gasol.

[RastaRocket]

I don't see why not. Holiday is a good player, but he's not as good as Gasol.

He's very young though.

Plus, giving up Iggy and Holliday for Gasol is just dumb.

[RastaRocket]

Also, Lowry/Scola/Martin for Pau and a filler?

That will never happen either.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

He's very young though.

Plus, giving up Iggy and Holliday for Gasol is just dumb.

Not really. They have a terrific backup point guard in Lou Williams and they desperately need an inside scorer. Williams can easily replace Holiday's production and Pau will replace Iggy's.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Also, Lowry/Scola/Martin for Pau and a filler?

That will never happen either.

Again I don't see why not. It was on the table at the trade deadline, but the Lakers weren't ready to part with Pau.

[RastaRocket]

Not really. They have a terrific backup point guard in Lou Williams and they desperately need an inside scorer. Williams can easily replace Holiday's production and Pau will replace Iggy's.

Maybe trade Williams or Turner but not Holliday.

[RastaRocket]

Again I don't see why not. It was on the table at the trade deadline, but the Lakers weren't ready to part with Pau.

Rockets must be stupid then.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Maybe trade Williams or Turner but not Holliday.

He's nothing special.

[RastaRocket]

He's nothing special.

No he isn't a super star but he's only 22 years old and a very good player. There is a reason he is already starting over Lou. For one, his defense is outstanding.

Do you really think any of these teams can build a championship team around Pau? I don't. I see no reason to trade young talent for a guy like Pau.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

No he isn't a super star but he's only 22 years old and a very good player. There is a reason he is already starting over Lou. For one, his defense is outstanding.

Do you really think any of these teams can build a championship team around Pau? I don't. I see no reason to trade young talent for a guy like Pau.

No, but not everyone is contending for a championship.

[RastaRocket]

No, but not everyone is contending for a championship.

The only reason you trade for a guy like Gasol is for the last piece of a championship puzzle. He is definitely nothing to build around.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

The only reason you trade for a guy like Gasol is for the last piece of a championship puzzle. He is definitely nothing to build around.

I never said he was. Not all teams are contending for titles. First you need to make the playoffs and Pau can you get there.

[RastaRocket]

I never said he was. Not all teams are contending for titles. First you need to make the playoffs and Pau can you get there.

For sure, I agree with that. But Houston could easily make the playoffs next year with what they got already; and Philly already has 2 years in a row.

[Christiann]

Even with an aging Gasol, he will still gather us some good pieces. Before the season started the initial offer from Houston was Dragic/Martin/Scola/AND Hill for Pau. When it got to midway through the season it was still Dragic/Martin/Scola but the Lakers didn't want to take Scola's contract. So I can totally see this Houston trade actually happening this offseason after what happened in the Playoffs. As for Philly Iggy is starting to become the center of trade talk, and that deal that I posted earlier has been discussed before. Another trade that can happen is a trade with Chicago. They initially offered us Boozer/Deng/Gibson for Pau midway through the season. I can see something being cooked up like this if they are looking to ship out Pau as well as Bynum to NJ.

Pau for Deng/Gibson/Filler(Korver?)

Bynum to NJ for DWill + draft picks or with Lopez.

Again sign Beasley/Odom and Resign Hill. If rumor has it that Brandon Roy wants to test his legs and tryout for the Lakers(as reports have been showing)

Lineup would look like this:
DWill/Sessions
Kobe/Roy/Goudelock
Deng/Beasley/Korver
Odom/Filler
Lopez/Hill

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Even with an aging Gasol, he will still gather us some good pieces. Before the season started the initial offer from Houston was Dragic/Martin/Scola/AND Hill for Pau. When it got to midway through the season it was still Dragic/Martin/Scola but the Lakers didn't want to take Scola's contract. So I can totally see this Houston trade actually happening this offseason after what happened in the Playoffs. As for Philly Iggy is starting to become the center of trade talk, and that deal that I posted earlier has been discussed before. Another trade that can happen is a trade with Chicago. They initially offered us Boozer/Deng/Gibson for Pau midway through the season. I can see something being cooked up like this if they are looking to ship out Pau as well as Bynum to NJ.

Pau for Deng/Gibson/Filler(Korver?)

Bynum to NJ for DWill + draft picks or with Lopez.

Again sign Beasley/Odom and Resign Hill. If rumor has it that Brandon Roy wants to test his legs and tryout for the Lakers(as reports have been showing)

Lineup would look like this:
DWill/Sessions
Kobe/Roy/Goudelock
Deng/Beasley/Korver
Odom/Filler
Lopez/Hill

Hypothetically speaking if all that went down I'd ship out Lopez and Deng for Dwight and Andersen. Leaves you with this.

Williams/Sessions
Bryant/Roy or Goudelock
World Peace/Andersen
Odom/Beasley
Howard/Hill

[RastaRocket]

No way y'all are going to get Lowry though. Also, I don't see why Chicago would do that either lol. Maybe for Boozer but not Deng and Gibson. They are already good enough. What would Chicago do with Pau and Boozer? Getting rid of Deng would just make them lopsided.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

No way y'all are going to get Lowry though. Also, I don't see why Chicago would do that either lol. Maybe for Boozer but not Deng and Gibson. They are already good enough.

You're really underrating Pau Gasol and also overrating players he could potentially be traded for.

[MC KAos]

i agree, there is absolutely no reason for the sixers to make that trade, one of their better players and highest paid guys is brand, why make a trade for someone with that much money, at that age, at the same position? it just makes absolutely no sense for them.

no way the rockets give up all three of those guys for gasol, either. i think it will be lowry and scola straight up or lowry, martin for gasol and fillers. thats also assuming that the rockets resign dragic.

[RastaRocket]

You're really underrating Pau Gasol and also overrating players he could potentially be traded for.

No I am not. I understand Gasol is a world class player but he is getting up there in age and wont get these teams over the hump. They need to stick to their young guns.

I read those trades and every one just sounds like the Lakers are just going to rob any team.

[RastaRocket]

i agree, there is absolutely no reason for the sixers to make that trade, one of their better players and highest paid guys is brand, why make a trade for someone with that much money, at that age, at the same position? it just makes absolutely no sense for them.

no way the rockets give up all three of those guys for gasol, either. i think it will be lowry and scola straight up or lowry, martin for gasol and fillers. thats also assuming that the rockets resign dragic.

I don't understand why Houston would trade Lowry though. Maybe sign and trade Dragic.

[MC KAos]

I don't understand why Houston would trade Lowry though. Maybe sign and trade Dragic.

well, from what i saw from afar, it seemed to me like they played better as a team with dragic. ether way, i dont think they will be trading one without having the other, so if the lakers want lowry, they need dragic to stay in H town.

[RastaRocket]

well, from what i saw from afar, it seemed to me like they played better as a team with dragic. ether way, i dont think they will be trading one without having the other, so if the lakers want lowry, they need dragic to stay in H town.

I did read about some trades with Lowry. But it was like Lowry, Morris, and a pick for Gasol.

One I read for Philly was Iguodala and Nikola Vucevic for Pau. Those seem more reasonable.

[Dash28]

Also, Lowry/Scola/Martin for Pau and a filler?

That will never happen either.

That exact trade but with dragic came really close to happening at trade deadline.

And now reports of Lowry wanting out, so it could happen without a doubt.

It failed after Hou didn't get Nene.

[RastaRocket]

That exact trade but with dragic came really close to happening at trade deadline.

And now reports of Lowry wanting out, so it could happen without a doubt.

It failed after Hou didn't get Nene.

I think it's fine with Dragic... but not Lowry. I'm not Houston though. I would never make the trade.

[MC KAos]

That exact trade but with dragic came really close to happening at trade deadline.

And now reports of Lowry wanting out, so it could happen without a doubt.

It failed after Hou didn't get Nene.

ya but that was before dragic blew up in the second half of the year.

[Dash28]

ya but that was before dragic blew up in the second half of the year.

That's what opens up Lowry in talks now, and he reportedly doesn't want to play for the current coach now.

[MC KAos]

That's what opens up Lowry in talks now, and he reportedly doesn't want to play for the current coach now.

yup, best case for the lakers IMO is the rockets retain dragic, trade lowry and scola for pau.

[juck]

http://mavericks.scout.com/2/1194271.html

Come on home DWILL. :)

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

http://mavericks.scout.com/2/1194271.html

Come on home DWILL. :)

Doesn't mean anything. He also told a kid in L.A. he's gonna play there next season. Means nothing.

[RastaRocket]

http://mavericks.scout.com/2/1194271.html

Come on home DWILL. :)

Come home Deron!! :lasso:

[Vintage]

Bulls won't part with Deng and Gibson for Gasol.

For a variety of reasons.


And I'm sure why Laker fans were excited about Beasley. Minnesota will be better off once he, leaves.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Bulls won't part with Deng and Gibson for Gasol.

For a variety of reasons.


And I'm sure why Laker fans were excited about Beasley. Minnesota will be better off once he, leaves.

Deng is a very good player, but he's nothing special. Gibson is a role player. Don't see why the Bulls don't do it. They do this deal, amnesty Boozer, and sign Nash and they're back to contender status.

Nash
Rip
Korver
Pau
Noah

2nd best team in the East easily. They'll probably need Rose healthy to beat Miami.

[RastaRocket]

Deng is a very good player, but he's nothing special. Gibson is a role player. Don't see why the Bulls don't do it. They do this deal, amnesty Boozer, and sign Nash and they're back to contender status.

Nash
Rip
Korver
Pau
Noah

2nd best team in the East easily. They'll probably need Rose healthy to beat Miami.
Rose?


No way they amnesty Boozer lol. If your going to trade with Chi town it would have to be for Boozer/Someting (which LA wouldn't do obviously) or something like Noah/CJ Watson.

They already are at contender status, never left it.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Rose?


No way they amnesty Boozer lol. If your going to trade with Chi town it would have to be for Boozer/Someting (which LA wouldn't do obviously) or something like Noah/CJ Watson.

They already are at contender status, never left it.

Contenders don't lose in the 1st round. Rose may be out the rest of the season. Bulls amnesty Boozer because he has a toxic contract and is no longer needed with Gasol there.

[RastaRocket]

Contenders don't lose in the 1st round. Rose may be out the rest of the season. Bulls amnesty Boozer because he has a toxic contract and is no longer needed with Gasol there.

They aren't going to amnesty all that money, after all this is still a business. Contenders without their MVP lose in the 1st round.

[juck]

Come home Deron!! :lasso:
More Star players wanna come represent DFW!! CJ MILES wants to come home too.

[RastaRocket]

http://media.star-telegram.com/smedia/2012/05/31/09/27/BjU8T.St.58.jpeg

[RastaRocket]

More Star players wanna come represent DFW!! CJ MILES wants to come home too.

I do remember hearing about him a while ago.

[Christiann]

CJ Miles is a star player?

[MC KAos]

CJ Miles is a star player?

:lmao:

i thoughts exactly!

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

CJ Miles is a star player?

According to juck. :laugh2:

[MC KAos]

According to juck. :laugh2:

I can't even remember his name anymore, but he was saying the same thing about some backup center for the mavs!

[RastaRocket]

CJ Miles is a star player?

Nope. Solid role player though.

[MC KAos]

so did you guys hear about the stern/jim rome argument? apparently he asked him point blank if the lottery was fixed!! after a lot of back and forward, being the master manipulator/lawyer that he is, i think stern ended up winning the argument! i couldnt believe it, this man is so persuasive! the NBA is definitely rigged!

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

so did you guys hear about the stern/jim rome argument? apparently he asked him point blank if the lottery was fixed!! after a lot of back and forward, being the master manipulator/lawyer that he is, i think stern ended up winning the argument! i couldnt believe it, this man is so persuasive! the NBA is definitely rigged!

Yeah I just saw it on another forum. Hilarious. Stern is a clown.

[MC KAos]

looks like lorbek is coming this offseason, which means either bonner, blair (or both) or diaw arent coming back next season. i personally hope we keep diaw, bring lorbek and de colo over from europe and let green go. Then try and see what we can get for blair and bonner during the draft

[MC KAos]

http://projectspurs.com/2012-articles/june/update-lorbek-set-to-wear-black-and-silver-next-season.html

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Don't know much about Lorbek, but the Spurs need all the help inside they can get. They need to get younger so I think they should let Diaw go and try to trade Bonner and/or Blair.

[MC KAos]

Don't know much about Lorbek, but the Spurs need all the help inside they can get. They need to get younger so I think they should let Diaw go and try to trade Bonner and/or Blair.

i like diaw, he was a good fit for our offense, great passer and can stretch the court, he also just turned 30 so he isnt old. Blair and Bonner do need to go, though. Bonner is a glorified brian scalibrine and should be used as such, but pop seems to think he can turn him into robert horry, problem is, bonner disappears when games matter, he is a great guy to have to win regular season games, but you cant expect the same performance deep in the playoffs.

[MC KAos]

hornets trade ariza, okafor to the wizards for rashard lewis and the 46th pick in the draft

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8077486/sources-washington-wizards-get-new-orleans-hornets-emeka-okafor-trevor-ariza-rashard-lewis-pick

[MC KAos]

thats a weird trade, i havent looked at the contract lengths, but that seems like a really good trade for the wizards!

[MC KAos]

well, looks like the deal will save the hornets 21 million dollars, so i guess financially it makes sense for them. im guessing they will need it to resign gordon. they can also hope to have a solid year with the unibrow at the helm, and hope to attract free agents to the big easy in 2013.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I'm hearing Lewis could be bought out and could join Houston or L.A.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Latest On Deron Williams (http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2012/06/latest-on-deron-williams.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter")


http://www.sportsagentblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Deron-Williams.jpg

This summer's free agent class has something in common with the draft class -- it's not obvious who the second-best available player will be, but everyone knows which guy will be the top choice. In the draft, that's Anthony Davis, while in free agency, it's Deron Williams. We know Davis is ticketed for New Orleans, but where will Williams land? ESPN.com's Chris Broussard shares a few updates on this year's top free agent in his latest Insider-only piece, so let's dive in....

Williams has yet to make a decision, and is still weighing a number of factors that will affect his choice.
Although D-Will can make more guaranteed money by re-signing with the Nets, as I explained here, that's not expected to be a deciding factor.
Williams geniunely likes the Nets' franchise and the new location, and is more optimistic about the team's future than some observers are. However, if Gerald Wallace signs elsewhere, it figures to reduce the odds of Williams re-signing.
While the point guard would like to play in Brooklyn with Dwight Howard, he won't let Howard's future dictate his decision.
The Mavericks are still viewed as the Nets' greatest competition, but the Suns are another team that could pose a serious threat to Brooklyn. If the Suns don't re-sign Steve Nash, they should not be counted out of the Williams sweepstakes, says Broussard.

According to Broussard, Williams, a Dallas native, is unlikely to sign in any cold-weather city besides New York. That would rule out a team like the Pacers, which might otherwise be a good fit.

If Williams tells the Nets he won't re-sign, the team could explore sign-and-trade opportunities. However, the Nets would rather just take the cap space than acquire marginal players in return, so a sign-and-trade would probably only happen if the team could land a star. Broussard cites the Lakers' Andrew Bynum and the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony as two possibilities.


Hopefully Brooklyn isn't dumb enough to let Deron walk for nothing.

[MC KAos]

i read an article today from the LA Times with some quotes from jimmy buss, seems he is saying its quite likely the lakers will keep bynum and gasol and try to improve their roster around them and kobe, so if he is telling the truth its highly unlikely the lakers will be getting DWill. ill try to find the link

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Dwight Wants To Be A Net By Draft Night (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--magic-to-hire-okc-s-rob-hennigan-as-new-gm.html)

http://live.drjays.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DH.jpg

Hennigan will immediately be confronted with making a decision on All-Star center Dwight Howard’s future. Howard is signed through the 2012-13 season, but another fallout with management has left him wanting a trade soon. Howard will push for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets before the June 28 NBA draft to clear the way for Nets free agent Deron Williams to re-sign with the Nets and partner in the new Brooklyn arena next season.


*** clown. Shouldn't have opted in.

[MC KAos]

here is the article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-simers-20120620,0,3727604.column

What are the chances of the Lakers starting the season with Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol all in Lakers uniforms?

"Very good," says Buss.

So you don't agree with those who say the Lakers must turn Gasol into two or three players via a trade?

"No," he says. "I think changes are going to be made moving Pau lower to the basket. We can improve that way with a change in coaching strategy rather than a change in personnel."

No moves?

"We will try to sign Sessions when the rules allow beginning in July," he says. "And improve the bench."

No major free-agent signings, no blockbuster trades?

"No," he says.

[MC KAos]

*** clown. Shouldn't have opted in.

ya, that was quite a stupid move, i dont know what he planned to accomplish with that one.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

here is the article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-simers-20120620,0,3727604.column

I went to some other forums and I couldn't believe the overreaction from that comment from Jim Buss. Whenever the Lakers make a big move it always goes under the radar. Look at the Pau Gasol trade in 2008. Even the Chris Paul trade that was vetoed last year. Even that was somewhat under the radar. That's just the way the Lakers are. Spurs are kind of the same way. It's what makes two of the best in the business.

Buss isn't gonna come out and say oh we're gonna try to trade for Deron Williams. That would be stupid. The Lakers just bowed out in the second round for the second consecutive season. They know they can't stand pat. Lakers fans aren't like most. There's a certain expectation. When the team doesn't fulfill those expectation fans are gonna be upset. Obviously the Lakers don't want that.

Pau Gasol is a goner for sure. He has a massive 19 million dollar contract. The Lakers can't afford to pay him nearly 20 million dollars for the next two seasons if they aren't contending.

[MC KAos]

I went to some other forums and I couldn't believe the overreaction from that comment from Jim Buss. Whenever the Lakers make a big move it always goes under the radar. Look at the Pau Gasol trade in 2008. Even the Chris Paul trade that was vetoed last year. Even that was somewhat under the radar. That's just the way the Lakers are. Spurs are kind of the same way. It's what makes two of the best in the business.

true, but their executives usually keep EVERYTHING under wraps, not say nothing is happening and do another. having said that, there really isnt enough tape on jimmy to make an assumption, it will be interesting if he is true to his word or is simply posturing to get the most out of his trade chips.

[Dash28]

I went to some other forums and I couldn't believe the overreaction from that comment from Jim Buss. Whenever the Lakers make a big move it always goes under the radar. Look at the Pau Gasol trade in 2008. Even the Chris Paul trade that was vetoed last year. Even that was somewhat under the radar. That's just the way the Lakers are. Spurs are kind of the same way. It's what makes two of the best in the business.

Buss isn't gonna come out and say oh we're gonna try to trade for Deron Williams. That would be stupid. The Lakers just bowed out in the second round for the second consecutive season. They know they can't stand pat. Lakers fans aren't like most. There's a certain expectation. When the team doesn't fulfill those expectation fans are gonna be upset. Obviously the Lakers don't want that.

Pau Gasol is a goner for sure. He has a massive 19 million dollar contract. The Lakers can't afford to pay him nearly 20 million dollars for the next two seasons if they aren't contending.

Exactly.

I take nothing out of his interview, if they can add a shooter and legit scoring threat off the bench and keep Gasol then good. I don't see that being possible unless someone just accepts the mini-Mle.

I'm hoping for DWill(not very likely but possible) but I believe Gasol will be dealt around draft time and bring a nice package of players.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Exactly.

I take nothing out of his interview, if they can add a shooter and legit scoring threat off the bench and keep Gasol then good. I don't see that being possible unless someone just accepts the mini-Mle.

I'm hoping for DWill(not very likely but possible) but I believe Gasol will be dealt around draft time and bring a nice package of players.

Call me crazy, but I think we get D-Will or Nash. I'd rather have Deron obviously because he's younger and better, but Nash even at his age is still an elite player. If Brooklyn is dumb enough to let him walk then he'll go to Dallas. If they smart up and trade him I think we get him.

[Dash28]

Call me crazy, but I think we get D-Will or Nash. I'd rather have Deron obviously because he's younger and better, but Nash even at his age is still an elite player. If Brooklyn is dumb enough to let him walk then he'll go to Dallas. If they smart up and trade him I think we get him.

It's going to be interesting and rumors flying around that LA making a push to get 1st rounder too.

If Nets are unable to get Howard then they would be smart to do three way trade with LA.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

It's going to be interesting and rumors flying around that LA making a push to get 1st rounder too.

If Nets are unable to get Howard then they would be smart to do three way trade with LA.

I don't see how Brooklyn gets him. Dwight obviously wants to go there. Problem for them is they have no trade assets.

[MC KAos]

here is another rumor, just about an hour from the beginning of the offseason. this one about the rockets

http://www.hoopsworld.com/houston-rockets-moving-dalembert-16

The Houston Rockets have made no secret of the fact that they would like to move their two first round picks, either as part of a bigger move that lands a key player in Houston or as a way of moving into the top 10 in this draft class. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, they may have found a way to move one of those picks.

Samuel Dalembert says all the right things in talking about wanting to be back in Houston, but his relationship with Rockets head coach Kevin McHale could have been better, and partially because of that, he is no longer considered to be in the Rockets’ long-term plans. The fact that he can become a free agent in July makes him an attractive trade piece, either for a team looking for a decent starting center, or for a team looking to create cap space.

From the sounds of things, Houston has found a way to use Dalembert as a means to move the #16, though the source did not reveal the other team involved in the trade. Stay tuned to HOOPSWORLD to follow this developing story.

[casmith07]

The Wizards traded Rashard Lewis and the 46th pick in the draft for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza from New Orleans.

[MC KAos]

The Wizards traded Rashard Lewis and the 46th pick in the draft for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza from New Orleans.

duh, i posted that yesterday! title revoked!

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Finally the offseason is here.

[MC KAos]

alright! lets get it on and popping! this i now the place to be for the offseason!! rumors should be flying fast and furious starting pretty much tomorrow! i REALLY hope jeff van gundy gets a coaching job...anywhere.....get him a job!

[casmith07]

duh, i posted that yesterday! title revoked!

:laugh1:

I live here in the DC area. Hoping the Wizards are worth going to see play next year.

[MC KAos]

:laugh1:

I live here in the DC area. Hoping the Wizards are worth going to see play next year.

they will be improved after that trade, but how much so will depend a lot on the health of wall and okafor.

[casmith07]

they will be improved after that trade, but how much so will depend a lot on the health of wall and okafor.

And the draft. Looks like they're pretty much not drafting Thomas Robinson now.

[MC KAos]

And the draft. Looks like they're pretty much not drafting Thomas Robinson now.

well, i hear the bobcats want robinson, or they are looking to trade that pick to a team that does. i think MKG is a better fit for them anyway, he is going to be a stud IMO

[MC KAos]

here are the early odds for next year's title

2013 NBA championship odds

--Miami Heat 5-2

--Oklahoma City Thunder 5-2

--Chicago Bulls 5-1

--San Antonio Spurs 7-1

--Lakers 12-1

--Dallas Mavericks 15-1

--Indiana Pacers 20-1

--Boston Celtics 20-1

--Clippers 30-1

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

here are the early odds for next year's title

2013 NBA championship odds

--Miami Heat 5-2

--Oklahoma City Thunder 5-2

--Chicago Bulls 5-1

--San Antonio Spurs 7-1

--Lakers 12-1

--Dallas Mavericks 15-1

--Indiana Pacers 20-1

--Boston Celtics 20-1

--Clippers 30-1

Chicago and Dallas are way too high. Both teams should be at the bottom of that list. Dallas got swept out of the 1st round and Chicago lost to a mediocre Philly team. I know Rose is out, but he's probably gonna be out all of next season.

[Ren]

Chicago and Dallas are way too high. Both teams should be at the bottom of that list. Dallas got swept out of the 1st round and Chicago lost to a mediocre Philly team. I know Rose is out, but he's probably gonna be out all of next season.

Those will change, FA hasn't even started yet. I'll save my who should get what odds speech for when we know who's playing where.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Those will change, FA hasn't even started yet. I'll save my who should get what odds speech for when we know who's playing where.

Things may change or they could stay the same.

[MC KAos]

this is a good time to take a bet on a team thats not the heat or thunder, if you feel like they would win. kind of wish the spurs odds were a little lower, id say they have a much better chance at it than the bulls

[MC KAos]

i thought that this was a hoot and a half! btw one of them is credited to baron davis, but its actually reggie evans

15 Of The Worst Flops In NBA History [GIFs] (http://clutch.mtv.com/2012/06/19/worst-flops-gifs/)


http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/James.gif
250-pound LeBron James (http://clutch.mtv.com/tag/lebron-james) tries to dribble past Suns forward Earl Barron and puts his right shoulder into the chest of Barron, who attempts to shadow King James near the perimeter. Upon making contact, LeBron lets the ball go and throws himself wildly to the floor with his arms raised, landing on his back. What a glorious flop and more importantly, a foul.
LeBron is just one of the NBA's flop artists, many of them stars who are more likely to draw a foul for acting performances. The unethical dark art will continue until the league penalizes players for flopping, but it now appears that the NBA is finally taking the issue seriously.
David Stern met with the league's competition committee on Monday to discuss how to end flopping. "If you continue to do this, you may you have to suffer some consequences," Stern said (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8069250/nba-weighs-retroactive-penalties-floppers). "What those exactly should be and what the progression is is to be decided, because ... we just want to put a stake in the ground that says this is not something that we want to be part of our game, without coming down with a sledgehammer but just doing it in a minimalist way to begin stamping it out."
We'll see if and when the league changes the rules. In the mean time, let's review some of the most shameful, egregious flops in the greatest visual form known to man: GIFS!

The Godfather of flops, Vlade Divac

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/Vlade.gif
Tyrus Thomas puts on a show right in front of a ref

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/wowthomas-o.gif<small>
Credit: realgm (http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?%20f=6&t=1073040&start=60) </small>
Poor Bosh gets crushed by an invisible elbow

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/1307032146_chris_bosh_flop.gif
<small> Credit: Photobucket (http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/Kvsm23vs24/1307032146_chris_bosh_flop.gif) <small></small></small>
Double flop, featuring Manu Ginobili's graceful leg kick

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/Mq4ix.gif
<small> Credit: ************** (http://forums.**************.com/showthread.php?threadid=3474784) <small></small></small>
Rondo tumbles

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/Rondoflop.gif
James Jones hits the deck after a tap from Jermaine O'Neal

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/BIG_FLOP.gif
<small> Credit: mocksession<small></small></small>
MAN DOWN! Baron Davis

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/anigif_enhanced-buzz-17854-1335181420-32.gif
<small> Credit: insidehoops (http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262004)<small></small></small>
Big Flop Rob

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/the-flop-o.gif
<small> Credit: ********* (http://www.*********.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171251) <small></small></small>
Baron Davis, this time absorbing a phantom head shot

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/baron-davis-flop-of-all-flops-o.gif
<small> Credit: ********* (http://www.*********.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171251) <small></small></small>
LBJ did not suffer a concussion from this head collision

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/lbj-flop-o.gif
<small> Credit: allhiphop (http://community.allhiphop.com/discussion/198962/worst-nba-flops-ever) <small></small></small>
Chris Paul... words can't describe

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/Paul.gif
<small> Credit: ********* (http://www.*********.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171251) <small></small></small>
Kirilenko steps on an IED directly in front of Dirk

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/iokacg.gif
<small> Credit: ********* (http://www.*********.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171251) <small></small></small>
Reggie Evans does the wave

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/ReggieEvansFlopsAgain.gif (http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/ReggieEvansFlopsAgain.gif)
<small> Credit: instantrply (http://instntrply.com/2012/05/09/reggie-evans-flops-again-gif/) <small></small></small>
So ridiculous Barea can't help but laugh

http://clutch.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/clutch/2012/06/PaulFlop.gif
<small></small>

[MC KAos]

so why did C&LF get banned this time?

[RastaRocket]

so why did C&LF get banned this time?

There was a post about stopping insults in the last thread, I didn't really read much from last night though. My guess would be it has to do with that. :confused:

[MC KAos]

i thought that might be it, but he wasnt the only one throwing the insults out there, myself included. but alas, we can move on from last season now, including the insults! prob about a week of not much to talk about, then free agency will hit! should be interesting!

[RastaRocket]

i thought that might be it, but he wasnt the only one throwing the insults out there, myself included. but alas, we can move on from last season now, including the insults! prob about a week of not much to talk about, then free agency will hit! should be interesting!

D-Will come home!

:pray:

[MC KAos]

D-Will come home!

:pray:

that will be the number 1 story, then seeing whether Timmy and KG decide to retire or play is another, WHERE KG plays if he decides to keep going is also in question. then there are the potential trades, most specifically something involving Howard. i cant wait!

also, one thing i love to do is predict who gets the worst contract and who gives it! my early candidates are JJ Hickson, Spencer Hawes, and Jeremy Lin

the team candidates to give out the worst deal are perennial contenders, knicks, pistons and bobcats, followed by some wild cards in the nets and mavs, whomever loses out on DWill

[Dash28]

D-Will come home!

:pray:

Go to the west coast D-Will! :D

[silverbear]

thats a weird trade, i havent looked at the contract lengths, but that seems like a really good trade for the wizards!

As a Wiz fan, I hope so... now they can go get a good shooting guard with the 3rd pick in the draft to pair with John Wall (Bradley Beal is the hot name du jour)...

Nene and Okafor make me feel a lot better about the inside game, especially with 275 pound Kevin Seraphin coming into his own at the end of the season... Trevor Ariza is a tough defender, but his shot selection leaves a lot to be desired...

All that remains for the Wiz this offseason is shipping out Andray Blatche, and the draft...

[RastaRocket]

I think Duncan and KG both keep playing.

[BraveHeartFan]

Since I missed the chance to say it in the other thread ( I was too busy logging hours and hours of Battlefield 3 playing time to bother with being on the site :) ), congrats to the Miami Heat and their fans on their championship.

I'm disappointed that my Thunder got beaten but I'm quite sure they'll be more chances for them to win it all.

[MC KAos]

KG was seen in san antonio today! hmmm..... it is a great vacation spot, hopefully its a trip for business as much as pleasure!

https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/527765_3822261228171_441722319_n.jpg

[MC KAos]

I think Duncan and KG both keep playing.

hopefully together :D

[casmith07]

Looks like Dwyane Wade's knee is going to keep him out of the Olympics this year.

I think his contributions will be replaceable. He was a bench player for the 2008 team.

One thing I did like about the 2008 team is that they all played great team basketball, didn't complain to refs, and didn't flop...kind of says something about the game in the United States.

I'll be watching every game this summer. Pure basketball at its finest.

[DFWJC]

The latest on Deron Williams is that he has clearly narrowed it two teams.
No real surprise that they are:
Brooklyn
Dallas

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8090057/deron-williams-only-interested-signing-brooklyn-nets-dallas-mavericks-sources-say

This only from "sources" but it's coming from so many outlets, I suspect this is the case.

Some say that he'll give NJ (Brooklyn) several days after the deadline to make some moves. They can pay more with 98mil for 5years vs about 74 for 4 years from Dallas. But if they don't pull off a move that he likes, he feels he's plenty young to recoup that 5th year and has said his favorite place to play is Dallas.

It could go either way. We'll see!

[gmoney112]

The latest on Deron Williams is that he has clearly narrowed it two teams.
No real surprise that they are:
Brooklyn
Dallas

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8090057/deron-williams-only-interested-signing-brooklyn-nets-dallas-mavericks-sources-say

This only from "sources" but it's coming from so many outlets, I suspect this is the case.

Some say that he'll give NJ (Brooklyn) several days after the deadline to make some moves. They can pay more with 98mil for 5years vs about 74 for 4 years from Dallas. But if they don't pull off a move that he likes, he feels he's plenty young to recoup that 5th year and has said his favorite place to play is Dallas.

It could go either way. We'll see!

Only about a 1 million difference in salary. Come on down to Big D Deron!

[jterrell]

Deron has stated will decide by July 5th when he reports for national team duty.

It is very likely to be Dallas he chooses.
He has his children's grandparents all within 10 minutes drive of each other here.

He is from The Colony, where I live and coach youth basketball (with his former high school asst coach). His little brother just graduated as our point guard.

If he wanted to sign the with Nets he could have done so already and been helping sale the org to others. This is the same path LeBron took. Say all the sweetest things to your current team but they are going to be your former team.

[DFWJC]

Deron has stated will decide by July 5th when he reports for national team duty.

It is very likely to be Dallas he chooses.
He has his children's grandparents all within 10 minutes drive of each other here.

He is from The Colony, where I live and coach youth basketball (with his former high school asst coach). His little brother just graduated as our point guard.

If he wanted to sign the with Nets he could have done so already and been helping sale the org to others. This is the same path LeBron took. Say all the sweetest things to your current team but they are going to be your former team.
I think his wife and her family are from there too.

But is that too much family interference? I hope not. By all accounts he's a big family man and they have 4 kids.

Come on home Deron!

[MC KAos]

i thinks its a foregone conclusion, unless the nets can get howard in a trade, he is going to sign with the mavs. that trade they made with the blazers was so incredibly stupid i dont think they will be able to pull that off without a high pick

[MC KAos]

Greg Simmons: Tony Parker is reporting on his website that his eye injury is much worse than he first thought after he was hit by flying glass in a bar brawl in NY. He had to have emergency surgery last Sunday to remove a shard of glass that had penetrated his left eye. And that the Spurs are very worried. He is flying home on July 5 to be examined by specialists and Spurs doctors.

apparently his eye injury is much worse than originally thought! the spurs might make him stay out of the olympics.

and i wasnt surprised this involved chris brown and drake, both are soft *kittens*, get up and fight like men! but what else can you expect from a guy that likes to beat women.

[MC KAos]

The posting on Parker’s website said the Spurs’ star underwent surgery last week in Paris to remove a shard of glass from the damaged eye. Parker asserted that the glass had penetrated 99 percent of the eye.

“I can say today, I almost lost my eye,” the posting said. “So I had surgery on Sunday morning (June 17) under general anesthesia.”

Parker said his participation in the Olympic tournament in London is in the Spurs’ hands.

“The Spurs are very worried,” he said. “Based on the result, it will be determined whether I have to miss the Olympics. The decision is no longer mine. It is in the hands of the physician and San Antonio.”

[RastaRocket]

The latest on Deron Williams is that he has clearly narrowed it two teams.
No real surprise that they are:
Brooklyn
Dallas

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8090057/deron-williams-only-interested-signing-brooklyn-nets-dallas-mavericks-sources-say

This only from "sources" but it's coming from so many outlets, I suspect this is the case.

Some say that he'll give NJ (Brooklyn) several days after the deadline to make some moves. They can pay more with 98mil for 5years vs about 74 for 4 years from Dallas. But if they don't pull off a move that he likes, he feels he's plenty young to recoup that 5th year and has said his favorite place to play is Dallas.

It could go either way. We'll see!

Come home Deron!!!!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[DFWJC]

There are also rumblings that the Rockets are going all out to get both the 5th and 8th picks so they can trade for Dwight Howard.

Very risky move becasue it would be a one year rental if he does not extend.

[RastaRocket]

There are also rumblings that the Rockets are going all out to get both the 5th and 8th picks so they can trade for Dwight Howard.

Very risky move becasue it would be a one year rental if he does not extend.

How in the world would they pull that off?

[DFWJC]

How in the world would they pull that off?

Kyle Lowry (who the Raptors love) used to be seen as untouchable but now could be in play.

Houston also has the 14th and 16th pick and some other nice assets.

[RastaRocket]

Kyle Lowry (who the Raptors love) used to be seen as untouchable but now could be in play.

Houston also has the 14th and 16th pick and some other nice assets.

The leap from 14 or 16 to top 10 is huge in basketball though. I'd be shocked if they can grab two top ten spots.

[MC KAos]

There are also rumblings that the Rockets are going all out to get both the 5th and 8th picks so they can trade for Dwight Howard.

Very risky move becasue it would be a one year rental if he does not extend.

if they can pull that trade off, i wonder if they will have enough cap room afterwards to sign Dwill as a FA. He seems to want to play with dwight, so im sure he would at least consider it.

[DFWJC]

BTW, there are lot of rumblings about the Mavs trying to move from 17 in the draft as well.
I don't know, where they are in the draft is pretty good already, so I guess it depands on how high they would want to go.
Maybe just exploring draft day options, just in case.

Last two mocks I've seen have them taking Terrance Jones and Kendall Marshall. I bet they wish the draft was a week or two later so they could see what DWill decides.

[RastaRocket]

BTW, there are lot of rumblings about the Mavs trying to move from 17 in the draft as well.
I don't know, where they are in the draft is pretty good already, so I guess it depands on how high they would want to go.
Maybe just exploring draft day options, just in case.

Last two mocks I've seen have them taking Terrance Jones and Kendall Marshall. I bet they wish the draft was a week or two later so they could see what DWill decides.

We could always trade Booby and the 17 to move up.

Also.

m1eydaE8Lt8

[juck]

I want Terrance Ross the SG from Washington.

[ghst187]

i know $-wise this makes no sense as OKC will already be up against the cap but.......if you're Dwight Howard at home watching the finals...it has to cross your mind what kind of possibilities there would be with him in the middle of the OKC offense and defense. It would easily and instantly become a dynasty the likes of which we haven't seen since Bird and Magic teams in their primes. And taking a bit less money to win a ring is now not without precedence or without a proven track record. Hard to forsee a team staying within 20 points of OKC with that rotation. If you examine other potential suitors for Howard you'll see a Dallas team that has Dirk and nothing else, one that is blowing up its core and rebuilding. LA already has Bynum. NY is maxed out. San Antonio has to resign Duncan, and it will. If he plays in the east and is mostly interested in a ring, the only team that could make sense would be chicago. And he'll have to fight through the Heat every year to make the finals. Then you see OKC is may win multiple rings without Howard, are geared to win for a long time, young, and almost won it all already while lacking an inside presence. You know Howard in the middle would be almost unfair.
As far as $ goes....Miami found room money-wise. Heck $10 million in OKC is = $25 million in LA or NY. And heck, if you're OKC and a you see a once in a lifetime chance for as largely guaranteed run of multiple championships like that, why wouldn't you say "luxury tax be darned" and pay it knowing you're getting a dynasty and collection of rings.
I doubt it'll happen and i'm sure Howard will get a huge contract to go somewhere and remain obscure, but if I were hime, I'd be begging to play in OKC. Instant dynasty.

[RastaRocket]

The only way Howard even sniffs OKC is if they trade Westbrook and probably Perkins or Ibaka. Maybe all 3.

They already have cap issues with their current squad, adding Howard to that is just impossible without trading some major assets.

[Chocolate Lab]

i know $-wise this makes no sense as OKC will already be up against the cap but.......if you're Dwight Howard at home watching the finals...it has to cross your mind what kind of possibilities there would be with him in the middle of the OKC offense and defense. It would easily and instantly become a dynasty the likes of which we haven't seen since Bird and Magic teams in their primes. And taking a bit less money to win a ring is now not without precedence or without a proven track record. Hard to forsee a team staying within 20 points of OKC with that rotation. If you examine other potential suitors for Howard you'll see a Dallas team that has Dirk and nothing else, one that is blowing up its core and rebuilding. LA already has Bynum. NY is maxed out. San Antonio has to resign Duncan, and it will. If he plays in the east and is mostly interested in a ring, the only team that could make sense would be chicago. And he'll have to fight through the Heat every year to make the finals. Then you see OKC is may win multiple rings without Howard, are geared to win for a long time, young, and almost won it all already while lacking an inside presence. You know Howard in the middle would be almost unfair.
As far as $ goes....Miami found room money-wise. Heck $10 million in OKC is = $25 million in LA or NY. And heck, if you're OKC and a you see a once in a lifetime chance for as largely guaranteed run of multiple championships like that, why wouldn't you say "luxury tax be darned" and pay it knowing you're getting a dynasty and collection of rings.
I doubt it'll happen and i'm sure Howard will get a huge contract to go somewhere and remain obscure, but if I were hime, I'd be begging to play in OKC. Instant dynasty.
Well besides the cap issues, I've heard Marc Stein and especially Screamin' A (when he was on Ben and Skin, I wouldn't hear him otherwise) say that being in a big market is huge for Howard. He's not looking at just the basketball part of it; he wants to be a Brand like Lebron. Screamin' is incredibly irritating, but he does seem to know Howard pretty well.

I was just happy to hear Harden say he loves the OKC team and very much wants to stay there.

[juck]

Well besides the cap issues, I've heard Marc Stein and especially Screamin' A (when he was on Ben and Skin, I wouldn't hear him otherwise) say that being in a big market is huge for Howard. He's not looking at just the basketball part of it; he wants to be a Brand like Lebron. Screamin' is incredibly irritating, but he does seem to know Howard pretty well.

I was just happy to hear Harden say he loves the OKC team and very much wants to stay there.
Someone is gonna go after next year on OKC. Probably Ibaka or Harden.They cant afford all them.

[silverbear]

i know $-wise this makes no sense as OKC will already be up against the cap but.......if you're Dwight Howard at home watching the finals...it has to cross your mind what kind of possibilities there would be with him in the middle of the OKC offense and defense. It would easily and instantly become a dynasty the likes of which we haven't seen since Bird and Magic teams in their primes. And taking a bit less money to win a ring is now not without precedence or without a proven track record. Hard to forsee a team staying within 20 points of OKC with that rotation. If you examine other potential suitors for Howard you'll see a Dallas team that has Dirk and nothing else, one that is blowing up its core and rebuilding. LA already has Bynum. NY is maxed out. San Antonio has to resign Duncan, and it will. If he plays in the east and is mostly interested in a ring, the only team that could make sense would be chicago. And he'll have to fight through the Heat every year to make the finals. Then you see OKC is may win multiple rings without Howard, are geared to win for a long time, young, and almost won it all already while lacking an inside presence. You know Howard in the middle would be almost unfair.
As far as $ goes....Miami found room money-wise. Heck $10 million in OKC is = $25 million in LA or NY. And heck, if you're OKC and a you see a once in a lifetime chance for as largely guaranteed run of multiple championships like that, why wouldn't you say "luxury tax be darned" and pay it knowing you're getting a dynasty and collection of rings.
I doubt it'll happen and i'm sure Howard will get a huge contract to go somewhere and remain obscure, but if I were hime, I'd be begging to play in OKC. Instant dynasty.

Problem is, he'd have to live in Oklahoma City... :D

[Chocolate Lab]

Someone is gonna go after next year on OKC. Probably Ibaka or Harden.They cant afford all them.

Yeah, most likely true.

I was reading some rumors the other day about Charlotte possibly being interested in trading the #2 overall for Harden (or some other player I can't remember). It would be gutsy, but I wonder if that might not be a good move for OKC. I heard Fran Fraschilla on the other day saying he loved Thomas Robinson. Of course he'd play the same position as Ibaka, but he would be cheap and then you could keep Serge.

[WoodysGirl]

There are also rumblings that the Rockets are going all out to get both the 5th and 8th picks so they can trade for Dwight Howard.

Very risky move becasue it would be a one year rental if he does not extend.
The Rockets are determined to gut the team for a big man. It doesn't surprise me they want Howard.

Edit: Chron's reporting they've sent Chase Budinger to the Wolves for the 18th pick. So that's three 1st rd picks.


The Rockets will acquire the 18th pick to send Budinger to the Timberwolves, reuniting him with former coach Rick Adelman. With the 14th, 16th and 18th picks, they are hoping to put together a package that can entice the Orlando Magic to deal Dwight Howard. They had been in talks with Orlando until shortly before the March 15 trade deadline, but would likely need a pick better than their own pick at No. 14.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/06/rockets-trade-budinger-to-timberwolves-for-18th-pick/

[Chocolate Lab]

But Howard has said not to trade for him because he's not re-signing there (except for Brooklyn)... Why would they do that?

Never mind, as I was posting Ben and Skin are talking about this, saying they'd have enough cap space to go after Deron Williams, too.

Probably won't happen, but what a blockbuster that would be.

[casmith07]

Someone is gonna go after next year on OKC. Probably Ibaka or Harden.They cant afford all them.

I think Harden will leave and try and become his own man.

[WoodysGirl]

But Howard has said not to trade for him because he's not re-signing there (except for Brooklyn)... Why would they do that?

Never mind, as I was posting Ben and Skin are talking about this, saying they'd have enough cap space to go after Deron Williams, too.

Probably won't happen, but what a blockbuster that would be.Speaking to that from another blog entry, it seems they want him regardless of whether he would stay in Houston. The Rox just kill me sometimes. And of course, the lap dog spin the Chron spits out to make the quest appealing. :o:


Things are, however, particularly intense this week. There has been interest in Kyle Lowry since he expressed his dissatisfaction with playing for Kevin McHale. The Rockets have shopped Kevin Martin. But everything is about finding that next star to be the foundation for their future, either with the deal to bring him to town or to better equip the Rockets for that kind of trade.

In some ways, it would be interesting if the Rockets dealt Lowry, Martin and perhaps an extra big man to Orlando for Howard and a pricey veteran or two. History does tend to repeat itself, and this would not be the first time they sent a starting backcourt and an extra big man to Orlando for a Magic star who also was a straight-from-high school player available because he was unwilling to commit beyond the next season while coming off a back injury. Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kevin Cato for Tracy McGrady happened. This could, too.

The Rockets do have what it would take to make this kind of deal. First, they are willing though they would be gambling that Howard would walk in a year. They were willing to gamble when Howard was signed only for a few weeks. They would jump at the chance to have him for a full season.

Second, they have a variety of contracts to offer, from Lowry’s modest contract to Martin’s expiring deal. They could offer productive players in rookie-scale contracts and multiple picks. They agreed to trade Martin, Goran Dragic, Luis Scola and a first-round pick to get Pau Gasol. You can imagine what they would have to send to Orlando to get Howard. And third, they have cap room if they need to take back an extra contract to make a deal work.

But if we assume the Magic would be willing, that the Rockets could land Howard, do you take the chance you can keep him? If you can get a pair of top 10 picks, do you just use the picks and try to find your star that way? In other words, do you feel lucky? Well, do you?

Eh, why not?



http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/06/getting-dwight-howard-would-be-tough-keeping-him-tougher-a-gamble-worth-taking/

[MC KAos]

The Rockets are determined to gut the team for a big man. It doesn't surprise me they want Howard.

Edit: Chron's reporting they've sent Chase Budinger to the Wolves for the 18th pick. So that's three 1st rd picks.


http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/06/rockets-trade-budinger-to-timberwolves-for-18th-pick/

:eek:

[MC KAos]

houston is definitely more of a basketball city than dallas, if howard goes there, i dont see how Dwill doesnt at least consider the rockets. at this point, the rockets are putting together some assets that will be hard for the magic to resist in a possible trade.

[MC KAos]

Speaking to that from another blog entry, it seems they want him regardless of whether he would stay in Houston. The Rox just kill me sometimes. And of course, the lap dog spin the Chron spits out to make the quest appealing. :o:



http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/06/getting-dwight-howard-would-be-tough-keeping-him-tougher-a-gamble-worth-taking/

well, with the way the west is shaping up, i think if the rockets truly want to contend for in the west they have to get a player like howard and Dwill, they HAVE to roll the dice if they want to be a contender, its this or stay in mediocrity for the foreseeable future, they are too good to get high lottery picks, but not good enough to get past the first round of the playoffs, if even that far.

if i was a rockets fan, id want this trade and hope it works out in the end, if it doesnt, we go to the tank for a few years and hope to hit it big in the draft, like OKC did.

[MC KAos]

wow, this came out of left field!

Report: Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird leaving team

http://tracking.si.com/2012/06/26/indiana-pacers-larry-bird-leaving-team/

[WoodysGirl]

well, with the way the west is shaping up, i think if the rockets truly want to contend for in the west they have to get a player like howard and Dwill, they HAVE to roll the dice if they want to be a contender, its this or stay in mediocrity for the foreseeable future, they are too good to get high lottery picks, but not good enough to get past the first round of the playoffs, if even that far.

if i was a rockets fan, id want this trade and hope it works out in the end, if it doesnt, we go to the tank for a few years and hope to hit it big in the draft, like OKC did.
You would think, but you haven't seen how this org operates. If the gamble doesn't work, I KNOW they won't go in the tank for better picks like OKC.

If it's not the number #1 overall, they'll simply trade the pick to go for another vet. It's the Rockets way.

It'll re-energize the fanbase in the short term, but long-term, I'm meh about it.

[juck]

Rockets should just draft good players. D12 said he wont resign in Houston.

[RastaRocket]

Speaking to that from another blog entry, it seems they want him regardless of whether he would stay in Houston. The Rox just kill me sometimes. And of course, the lap dog spin the Chron spits out to make the quest appealing. :o:



http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/06/getting-dwight-howard-would-be-tough-keeping-him-tougher-a-gamble-worth-taking/

Think of it this way, if you don't resign Howard maybe the Rockets will finally have a chance to rebuild from the ground up. Houston has just been a middle of the pack team for a while now. Good enough to not get any real good draft picks, but also bad enough to not even make the playoffs. They are kind of stuck in the worst place possible.

[WoodysGirl]

Think of it this way, if you don't resign Howard maybe the Rockets will finally have a chance to rebuild from the ground up. Houston has just been a middle of the pack team for a while now. Good enough to not get any real good draft picks, but also bad enough to not even make the playoffs. They are kind of stuck in the worst place possible.
I totally get the sentiment and it actually sounds logical. But the Rox just doesn't believe in doing that. They will not allow the team to go in the tank for a top draft pick. They believe in regrouping to field a competitive team, which keeps the team mired in mediocrity.

It showed me alot that they were willing to gut the team for Pau Gasol last year. smh

[silverbear]

Yeah, most likely true.

I was reading some rumors the other day about Charlotte possibly being interested in trading the #2 overall for Harden (or some other player I can't remember).

Word is they're eager to jump ahead of the Wizards at 3, to draft the player the Wiz covet, Bradley Beal out of Florida...

Beal fits what the Wizards most need right now, a spot-up jump shooter with a sweet stroke to pair with John Wall... after trading for Okafor and Ariza, I don't see them being interested in Thomas Robinson...

[MC KAos]

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8103436/sources-los-angeles-lakers-want-established-player-top-10-pick-pau-gasol

looks like the lakers are shopping gasol, hoping to get into the top 10 of the draft that would be a dumb trade for a rebuilding team.

[MC KAos]

also, looks like the rockets just traded dalembert to the bucks, man the rockets are ACTIVE!!

[MC KAos]

ok, seems its dalembert and the 14th pick for the 12th pick! that should clear a LOT of cap space to potentially land DWill if they can get howard in a trade

edit: shaun livingston part of the package going to the rockets in this trade, also

[MC KAos]

Zach Lowe ‏@ZachLowe_SI
Hmm. MT @Mike_Bresnahan Hawks have been pursuing Pau Gasol. Nothing imminent, but Josh Smith would be key piece going to Lakers.

[MC KAos]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA
Yes, Brockman's so good, they traded him twice. Sorry. Livingston, Brockman and Leurer and 12th pick to Houston for Dalembert and 14th pick.

[WoodysGirl]

ok, seems its dalembert and the 14th pick for the 12th pick! that should clear a LOT of cap space to potentially land DWill if they can get howard in a trade

edit: shaun livingston part of the package going to the rockets in this trade, also
clutchfans (https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=clutchfans) Livingston owed $3.5M but can be waived for only $1M. Summary: Rockets moved up 2 spots in draft for taking on $500K in guaranteed salary.

clutchfans (https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=clutchfans) Why did Rockets deal him? Said Budinger:"We've always known that Daryl is trying to acquire 2 superstars. I think that's what he's trying to do."

Jonathan_Feigen (https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=Jonathan_Feigen) Been away from Twitter (driving), but can confirm reports of Bucks-Rockets trade. Rox do not plan to release plyrs acquired, source said.

[Cythim]

Houston has to find their superstar in the draft just like Dallas, San Antonio, and OKC did. Don't waste time on a chump like Howard, who will do just enough to get his stats and stay healthy for a move to a market he likes. I would rather go after Drummond in the draft and bank on his potential versus getting Howard for one year at a huge cost.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Zach Lowe ‏@ZachLowe_SI
Hmm. MT @Mike_Bresnahan Hawks have been pursuing Pau Gasol. Nothing imminent, but Josh Smith would be key piece going to Lakers.

That trade would be interesting if it happened. That would be a deal for Smith, who is very close to Howard. I have to believe that this is what would be pushing that trade. If you get Smith, then do you try and put a trade together for Howard for a deal involving Bynum?

[DFWJC]

That trade would be interesting if it happened. That would be a deal for Smith, who is very close to Howard. I have to believe that this is what would be pushing that trade. If you get Smith, then do you try and put a trade together for Howard for a deal involving Bynum?
I've heard the Rockets and Smith mentioned a lot as well--almost as much as the Rockets and Howard (who has apready pretty much said no to Houston long term).

[ABQCOWBOY]

I've heard the Rockets and Smith mentioned a lot as well--almost as much as the Rockets and Howard (who has apready pretty much said no to Houston long term).


I think the difference is that Atlanta was the one who initiated trade discussions with L.A. and Gasol. I think the Rockets are pursuing Atlanta.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Rumors are that the Lakers are desperate to find a way into the top 5 to draft Kidd-Gilchrist. He's an interesting player but I don't see any way in which the Lakers could move up high enough to draft him.

[RastaRocket]

Apparently OKC is pondering trading Harden to the Bobcats in order to draft Bradley Beal...

[jterrell]

will be interesting to see how the draft effects free agency. didn't see houston get as high in this draft as projected but i did like their actual player selections.

as a mavs fan my draft tweet went something like this....

only correct response to mavs draft query is.. when do we sign deron williams
#mavsdraftpicksneverhelpbutwestillwin

mavs traded azu and 17 for 24,33,34.
basically a money move.
they save a couple million in cap space by adding 3 players and losing azu plus 17.
that couple million plus their plans to move odom for nothing gives them a lot of roster leeway and more cap cash to play with.

why is that important?
because they don't want to renounce the rights to everyone.

will have to read mike fisher tomorrow and see what his take is.

[silverbear]

Apparently OKC is pondering trading Harden to the Bobcats in order to draft Bradley Beal...

We've got him (we being the Wizards), and they can't have him... :D

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Deron Williams hasn't made a final decision, but multiple sources have said that he's leaning toward re-signing with the Brooklyn Nets.

Source: Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/AlexKennedyNBA)

Looks like Deron is staying in Brooklyn.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Don't look now but Howard to the Lakers is once again making the rounds.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Don't look now but Howard to the Lakers is once again making the rounds.

It's not happening unless the clown agrees to an extension. I could see him doing that if we got Josh Smith as well. Can either do two trades or one 3 way.

Trade 1 (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7dmxk9n)

Trade 2 (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7mlw246)

3 Way Trade (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7d94v6o)

[Dash28]

It's not happening unless the clown agrees to an extension. I could see him doing that if we got Josh Smith as well. Can either do two trades or one 3 way.

Trade 1 (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7dmxk9n)

Trade 2 (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7mlw246)

3 Way Trade (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7d94v6o)

I believe he would sign the extension if LA got Smith.

Who knows what will happen when it comes to Howard.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I believe he would sign the extension if LA got Smith.

Who knows what will happen when it comes to Howard.

I do too. Josh and Dwight are BFF's.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Utah gets Mo Williams. Clippers get Lamar Odom. Mavs get a trade exception.


Mo Williams will pick up '12-'13 option and accept trade to Utah, league source says.


Source: Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/status/218825369795571712)

[WoodysGirl]

Utah gets Mo Williams. Clippers get Lamar Odom. Mavs get a trade exception.



Source: Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/status/218825369795571712) And of course, the Rox somehow had to get in the mix and make the trade go smoothly for everyone else while getting a ham sandwich in return.

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/_/id/8113523/lamar-odom-traded-los-angeles-clippers-mo-williams-utah-jazz-four-team-trade

Dallas also received the draft rights to forward Tadija Dragicevic (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3424/tadija-dragicevic) from Utah and cash considerations from the Houston Rockets. The Clippers sent the draft rights to second-round pick Furkan Aldemir (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/results/players/_/id/19688/furkan-aldemir) to Houston.

[MC KAos]

now that the draft is over, stuff should start to heat up! id be willing to bet that dwight is either back with the magic or with the nets next year, i bet he makes it impossible to trade for just about anyone else in the league, with the fact that he wont sign an extension with anyone. i think what DWill decides to do will ultimately clear up the picture for howard.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

now that the draft is over, stuff should start to heat up! id be willing to bet that dwight is either back with the magic or with the nets next year, i bet he makes it impossible to trade for just about anyone else in the league, with the fact that he wont sign an extension with anyone. i think what DWill decides to do will ultimately clear up the picture for howard.

There's no way he's in Orlando next season. They have to trade him. Nets don't have anything to offer so I don't see how he ends up there. I think he'll be traded to L.A for Bynum. All the Lakers have to do is get Josh Smith who is Dwight's BFF and he'll stay.

[Temo]

And of course, the Rox somehow had to get in the mix and make the trade go smoothly for everyone else while getting a ham sandwich in return.

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/_/id/8113523/lamar-odom-traded-los-angeles-clippers-mo-williams-utah-jazz-four-team-trade

Dallas also received the draft rights to forward Tadija Dragicevic (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3424/tadija-dragicevic) from Utah and cash considerations from the Houston Rockets. The Clippers sent the draft rights to second-round pick Furkan Aldemir (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/results/players/_/id/19688/furkan-aldemir) to Houston.

You got a eurostash guy for cash, and very little cash at that (each team has a max of $3M a year they can spend, so Houston still has money left for this year). That seems like a good idea to get involved.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Nets On Verge Of Getting Commitment From Deron (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8115302/steve-nash-examines-options-says-staying-phoenix-suns-no-longer-home-run)

http://theswamp51.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/deron-williams.jpg

And the Mavericks -- amid what sources close to the process describe as mounting evidence to suggest that the Nets are on the verge of clinching Deron Williams' commitment to re-sign with them and continue his career in Brooklyn -- are likewise hot after Nash. Nash himself has acknowledged hearing and reading about a lucrative one-year offer to come back to Texas to reunite with close friend Dirk Nowitzki after his emotional departure eight years ago in the event that the Mavericks lose out in the Williams sweepstakes. But sources told ESPN.com this week that the Mavs are prepared to make it a two-year pitch to try to beat out the competition to clinch Nash's return.

Deron is so stupid. He's gonna be like Garnett and waste all his prime years on a bad team. I expect the Mavs to try to convince Nash to return to Dallas now.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Garnett Staying In Boston (http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/8115843/boston-celtics-kevin-garnett-returning-team)

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Kevin%2BGarnett%2BIndiana%2BPacers%2Bv%2BBoston%2B Celtics%2Bpfsf-QoXlhSl.jpg

Kevin Garnett is returning to the Boston Celtics after considering retirement, according to multiple reports.

The forward will receive a three-year, $34 million deal, according to Yahoo! Sports.

"The decision came down to whether KG wanted to keep playing," a source told the Boston Herald. "And once he decided that he did, it was going to be Boston. He wasn't going to leave Doc (Rivers) and those guys and play anywhere else."

The 36-year-old Garnett just completed his fifth season in Boston after 12 years in Minnesota. He averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game during the regular season but upped his averages to 19.2 and 10.3 in the playoffs.

The Celtics have one other big name heading into free agency in shooting guard Ray Allen. While he has also expressed a desire to return to Boston, he is reportedly attracting great interest from the NBA champion Miami Heat.


No surprise here. It was either retire or finish his career in Boston for Garnett.

[Temo]

Deron is so stupid. He's gonna be like Garnett and waste all his prime years on a bad team. I expect the Mavs to try to convince Nash to return to Dallas now.

Oh no, he missed out on the opportunity to play with Dirk Nowitzki... and not a single other notable player.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Oh no, he missed out on the opportunity to play with Dirk Nowitzki... and not a single other notable player.

Playing with Dirk is better than playing on a lottery team in the East.

[casmith07]

Playing with Dirk is better than playing on a lottery team in the East.

That I will agree with.

[RastaRocket]

Oh no, he missed out on the opportunity to play with Dirk Nowitzki... and not a single other notable player.

Mavs have a deep team.

[MC KAos]

Mavs have a deep team.

i cant agree on that one. as for deron, if he indeed does stay with the nets, its either about money, or he knows something we dont about Howard, and if i was him, id much rather play with howard than dirk at this stage of their respective careers.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Even if Brooklyn gets Howard they still won't be anything more than a 1st round exit. Dallas had one of the deepest teams in the league last year. 2nd behind the Spurs IMO. Their chemistry was just awful thanks to Lamar Odom.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Beasley is a free agent. Go get him Mitch!


Beasley Becomes Free Agent (http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/221914/Wolves_Decline_Qualifying_Offers_To_Beasley_Randol ph)

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnyzx4nU0M1qbcs46o1_400.jpg

The Wolves have announced that Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph will not receive qualifying offers.

Beasley and Randolph were once considered two of the more talented players from the 2008 NBA Draft, but have failed to meet expectations while with Minnesota.*

Beasley was traded to the Wolves by the Heat in order to create additional cap space in 2010.

[Temo]

Dallas had one of the deepest teams in the league last year. 2nd behind the Spurs IMO. Their chemistry was just awful thanks to Lamar Odom.

If they amnesty Haywood, they have enough to offer a max contract to Deron Williams. This is their team then:

Dirk Nowitzski
Shawn Marion
Rodrigue Beaubois
Dominique Jones

Their draft picks

And whoever they can sign for vet minimum, since they'll be out of cap space (Jason Kidd?)

Is it better than the Nets with Brook Lopez/Gerald Wallace/Marshon Brooks/Anthony Morrow/Jordan Farmar/Jason Kidd (who's a package deal, apparently)? Yes. But not significantly more.

Also we won't get Howard, but how the hell would be we be a first round exit with Howard and Williams?

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

If they amnesty Haywood, they have enough to offer a max contract to Deron Williams. This is their team then:

Dirk Nowitzski
Shawn Marion
Rodrigue Beaubois
Dominique Jones

Their draft picks

And whoever they can sign for vet minimum, since they'll be out of cap space (Jason Kidd?)

Is it better than the Nets with Brook Lopez/Gerald Wallace/Marshon Brooks/Anthony Morrow/Jordan Farmar/Jason Kidd (who's a package deal, apparently)? Yes. But not significantly more.

Also we won't get Howard, but how the hell would be we be a first round exit with Howard and Williams?

Do you really think that would be the Mavs team? They'd obviously resign guys like Kidd, Terry, and Delonte. In order for the Nets to get Dwight they're gonna have to gut their roster and trade Brook Lopez and Marshawn Brooks at the very least. It'll basically be Dwight, Deron, and a bunch of scrubs.

[Temo]

Do you really think that would be the Mavs team? They'd obviously resign guys like Kidd, Terry, and Delonte.

Kidd they can get for minimum, probably. Terry and Delonte? They have no cap room after Deron+Marion+Dirk.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Brooklyn and Atlanta are engaged in talks on a possible Joe Johnson trade, sources tell Y! Nets plan would be to pair with Deron Williams.


Source: Twitter (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)

:lmao: @ the Nets

Say bye bye to Dwight if this goes down.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Kidd they can get for minimum, probably. Terry and Delonte? They have no cap room after Deron+Marion+Dirk.

They have their bird rights.

[DFWJC]

Oh no, he missed out on the opportunity to play with Dirk Nowitzki... and not a single other notable player.
Shawn Marion is still pretty good...and a truly dominant defender. Plus, you know thet'll get talent there

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Dwight Wants Trade To Brooklyn (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8118159/sources-dwight-howard-tells-orlando-magic-gm-wants-trade-brooklyn-nets)

http://media.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/photo/dwight-howard-trade-deadline-11d2dcfe140bd7c7.jpg

Dwight Howard met with new Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan on Friday and told him he wants to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Howard and Hennigan sat down face to face in Los Angeles, meeting for the first time since Hennigan became Orlando's GM nearly two weeks ago.

Hennigan was noncommital when Howard told him he wants to be traded to Brooklyn, sources said.

Hennigan did not tell Howard whether he would trade him. His intentions were merely to hear the thoughts of the Magic superstar.

Howard picked up the option for the final year of his contract with Orlando on March 15. But since then, he has grown increasingly disgruntled with the organization, even telling people close to him that he feels the Magic blackmailed him into signing the "opt-in" clause.

Howard shared his feelings of being blackmailed by the Magic with the NBA Players Association last week, sources said. He -- either himself or through his representatives -- approached the union wondering if he might have a legal complaint against the club.

The goal of such a complaint would be to eliminate his "opt-in," thereby allowing Howard to become a free agent this summer.

Sources said the union has no plans to pursue any such legal action against the Magic.

Friday was not the first time Howard asked the Magic to trade him. In December, before the lockout-shortened season began, he asked Orlando to deal him to the Nets.

Howard never rescinded his trade offer, even after picking up his option on the day of the trade deadline.

After undergoing surgery on his back in April, Howard asked then-Magic GM Otis Smith to trade him to the Nets, according to sources. Smith said he would seek a trade, but the Magic fired Smith shortly after the season ended.


:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:

[Dash28]

:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:

He wants to terminate his one year deal now by saying he was blackmailed by Orl.

I'm starting to really dislike this clown.

Watch LA end up with him now.

[RastaRocket]

Shawn Marion is still pretty good...and a truly dominant defender. Plus, you know thet'll get talent there

Marion is an excellent defender, one of the best on the perimeter.

[RastaRocket]

Beasley is a free agent. Go get him Mitch!

lol he sucks. Beasley is a worse version of Carmelo Anthony. He makes nobody around him better.

[RastaRocket]

i cant agree on that one. as for deron, if he indeed does stay with the nets, its either about money, or he knows something we dont about Howard, and if i was him, id much rather play with howard than dirk at this stage of their respective careers.

Lmao the Dallas bench has always been good.

http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketball/fantasy/nba/dallas-mavericks/bench/rankings/12/6/7

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

lol he sucks. Beasley is a worse version of Carmelo Anthony. He makes nobody around him better.

Dude what are you talking about? Beasley is a very good player. He's capable of scoring 20 ppg. A team like the Lakers need some scoring and Beasley is a natural born scorer.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

He wants to terminate his one year deal now by saying he was blackmailed by Orl.

I'm starting to really dislike this clown.

Watch LA end up with him now.

I hope not. I think we should just extend Bynum and move on from this clown.

[RastaRocket]

Dude what are you talking about? Beasley is a very good player. He's capable of scoring 20 ppg. A team like the Lakers need some scoring and Beasley is a natural born scorer.

He's also capable of scoring 20 pts on 30 shots while playing no defense and jacking around the whole game. He's no good, you will regret having him. There is a reason Minny doesn't want to extend him.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

He's also capable of scoring 20 pts on 30 shots while playing no defense and jacking around the whole game. He's no good, you will regret having him. There is a reason Minny doesn't want to extend him.

Minny doesn't wanna extend him because they already have Kevin Love. Beasley is a scorer and he'll have off games like any other scorer. He's an terrific player and would really bolster the Lakers weak bench.

[RastaRocket]

Minny doesn't wanna extend him because they already have Kevin Love. Beaaleu is a scorer and he'll have off games like any other scorer. He's an terrific player and would really bolster the Lakers weak bench.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4388/gamelog

Check out that game log, the dude is garbage. You will eventually hate him. Just because he can score points doesn't mean he is a good player. Inconsistent, plays zero defense, turns the ball over, and he can't pass.

Last night was Beasley's best game of his season. Basketball-Reference.com showed his offensive rating as a 166 (meaning every 100 possessions, he produces 166 points), which would lead the league by far for regular players. However, a look at the other side of the equation showed his defensive rating as a 115 (giving up 115 points per 100 possessions) which would be the worst among regulars.

To look at one game would be unfair so let's consider his previous year as well. Last year with the Wolves, Beasley had what many people felt was a comeback year, averaging 19.2 points with 5.6 rebounds. A closer look at those numbers show that Beasley's offensive rating was a 100 and his defensive rating was a 112.

Another important metric to view a player is player efficiency rating, which shows us per minute performance. The league average PER is 15.00. Beasley racked up a 13.1 PER at small forward last year and gave up a 19.3 to opposing players. How can a player who seemed to have such a good year be outperformed by so much?

In the interest of fairness, Beasley performed much better at the power forward position, outperforming his opponent 18.4-17.7, but the problem there is that Kevin Love is the Timberwolves power forward and won't be giving up minutes to anyone.

Beasley has only played in half of the Timberwolves games this year, averaging 30.6 minutes per game. It is a reasonable sample, which is why the most telling stat to explain his performance this year is his minus-10 difference in offensive to defensive rating. Even worse than the overall number, Beasley's PER this year at small forward is a historically terrible 3.2, while giving up a 16.6 to opponents.

The last number I'm going to leave you with is plus-4. Beasley's tremendous offensive showing against the Rockets last night netted his team four extra points. That's it. He had to have one of the best offensive nights in his career just to get his team a four-point advantage.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1047338-nba-michael-beasley-is-minnesota-timberwolves-fools-gold

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4388/gamelog

Check out that game log, the dude is garbage. You will eventually hate him. Just because he can score points doesn't mean he is a good player. Inconsistent, plays zero defense, turns the ball over, and he can't pass.

He's had some good games and some off games like every other player so what? Again he's a great scorer and would help the Lakers who need scoring tremendously.

[RastaRocket]

He's had some good games and some off games like every other player so what? Again he's a great scorer and would help the Lakers who need scoring tremendously.

blah blah blah he still plays no D and his "great scoring" (lol) doesn't even help much because he gives up so many points. HE SUCKS! LOL.

[Dash28]

blah blah blah he still plays no D and his "great scoring" (lol) doesn't even help much because he gives up so many points. HE SUCKS! LOL.

He doesn't suck and he's exactly what LA needs off the bench, legit scoring.

Continue rant.

[RastaRocket]

He doesn't suck and he's exactly what LA needs off the bench, legit scoring.

Continue rant.

If by legit scoring you mean an isolation player who is going to stall the flow of the game and make the players around him worse so be it lol.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Just read the Lakers have talked to Jason Terry. I really hope we could get him. Then trade Pau to Minny for Beasley, Williams, and Barea. Resign Sessions, Hill, and Ebanks. Get rid if Blake somehow.

Sessions/Barea
Bryant/Terry
MWP/Ebanks
Williams/Beasley
Bynum/Hill

That's a legit championship contender. Barea + Terry destroyed us last year on their way to a title. I remember Terry went 9/10 in one game. He's a big time player.

[RastaRocket]

Do you honestly want to trade Pau for Beasley? If you have Beasley playing with JET, JET will be inaffective because the ball movement will be so garbage he can't produce. He will also limit Barea's (who has a terrible contract) P&R with his garbage iso's.

Kobe should be the only player getting heavy isolation plays for LA.

[Dash28]

Just read the Lakers have talked to Jason Terry. I really hope we could get him. Then trade Pau to Minny for Beasley, Williams, and Barea. Resign Sessions, Hill, and Ebanks. Get rid if Blake somehow.

Sessions/Barea
Bryant/Terry
MWP/Ebanks
Williams/Beasley
Bynum/Hill

That's a legit championship contender. Barea + Terry destroyed us last year on their way to a title. I remember Terry went 9/10 in one game. He's a big time player.

Don't think LA can afford JT unless he accepts mmle.

LA could keep their core if they upgrade bench with Beasley or JT types. Only way to upgrade bench may be to trade Pau, but hopefully they hold for best deal for him.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Don't think LA can afford JT unless he accepts mmle.

LA could keep their core if they upgrade bench with Beasley or JT types. Only way to upgrade bench may be to trade Pau, but hopefully they hold for best deal for him.

Well at this point of his career I could see JET taking a paycut. I don't see him resigning with the Mavs. I see him ending up in either Miami, Boston, or one of the two L.A. teams.

[RastaRocket]

Well at this point of his career I could see JET taking a paycut. I don't see him resigning with the Mavs. I see him ending up in either Miami, Boston, or one of the two L.A. teams.

If he's taking the minimum he will be a Mav...

[Dash28]

Well at this point of his career I could see JET taking a paycut. I don't see him resigning with the Mavs. I see him ending up in either Miami, Boston, or one of the two L.A. teams.

What's your take on Derrick Williams? He's been offered with other players for Pau.

I think he can turn into a very good player, lots of untapped potential and an much needed athlete for LA roster.

Anyone else feel free to give your thoughts on DW.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

If he's taking the minimum he will be a Mav...

Not the minimum. Mini MLE. The Mavs have aton of guards do they'll probably let him go.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

What's your take on Derrick Williams? He's been offered with other players for Pau.

I think he can turn into a very good player, lots of untapped potential and an much needed athlete for LA roster.

Anyone else feel free to give your thoughts on DW.

I agree with you I think he's a guy who has a lot of potential. He could be an All Star down the road. He's not gonna fulfill his potential in Minny because he's playing behind Kevin Love. I would do that deal for Pau in a heartbeat. As much as I love Pau and appreciate what he's done for us his time in L.A. is over. He's on the decline and his stock is low. In that deal we get two very solid young players along with a solid backup point guard who was a key part of a championship team

[Dash28]

If he's taking the minimum he will be a Mav...

I think he said he only wants long term deal to stay with Mavs, won't accept vet min with them. It's still a possibility.

[RastaRocket]

What's your take on Derrick Williams? He's been offered with other players for Pau.

I think he can turn into a very good player, lots of untapped potential and an much needed athlete for LA roster.

Anyone else feel free to give your thoughts on DW.

He's good, but I think Pau is more valuable. Williams/Beasley for Pau would be a stupid trade for LA. Doubt it happens.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

He's good, but I think Pau is more valuable. Williams/Beasley for Pau would be a stupid trade for LA. Doubt it happens.

Doesn't even come close to working any way.

Williams makes about 4 million and Beasley will probably get around 6 million. Need about 10 million more to match. Add in Barea and another player and it'll work.

[RastaRocket]

Doesn't even come close to working any way.

Williams makes about 4 million and Beasley will probably get around 6 million. Need about 10 million more to match. Add in Barea and another player and it'll work.

I was just speaking in terms of the main pieces. Y'all seem to consider Beasley a main piece.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I was just speaking in terms of the main pieces. Y'all seem to consider Beasley a main piece.

Yes he'd be the main piece along with Derrick Williams.

This will probably be Minny's offer.

Beasley, Williams, Barea, and Johnson for Gasol.

That's probably as good a deal as we're gonna get for Pau.

[RastaRocket]

Yes he'd be the main piece along with Derrick Williams.

This will probably be Minny's offer.

Beasley, Williams, Barea, and Johnson for Gasol.

That's probably as good a deal as we're gonna get for Pau.

Would you like it if LA made that deal?

Only pieces I really like in that are Williams and Johnson. Johnson has potential but he hasn't shown anything yet so that's just risky. Barea is good but I don't think he has a very favorable contract, and was injured constantly last season. Your giving up a very versatile big man for Williams basically. Not so sure it's smart. I also don't believe the LA management will accept that deal.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Would you like it if LA made that deal?

Yeah because I honestly don't see us getting a better offer than that. Pau has a toxic contract and is nowhere near the player he was in Memphis and his first few years as a Laker. We cannot afford to keep him with the new CBA. You can't pay a guy 20 million a year who's your 3rd option and has gone MIA in the postseason. I love Pau and will never ever forget his contributions to the Lakers, but as they say all great things must come to an end. This marriage between Gasol and the Lakers is over.

I really hate David Stern right now. Last year Mitch got Chris Paul who is the best guard after Kobe in the NBA IMO and then Stern nixed the deal. That could potentially set the Lakers back a long time. Howard probably would've ended up in L.A. shortly after Paul did. A Kobe, Paul, Howard trio would terrorize the league and no doubt win it all.

[RastaRocket]

Yeah because I honestly don't see us getting a better offer than that. Pau has a toxic contract and is nowhere near the player he was in Memphis and his first few years as a Laker. We cannot afford to keep him with the new CBA. You can't pay a guy 20 million a year who's your 3rd option and has gone MIA in the postseason. I love Pau and will never ever forget his contributions to the Lakers, but as they say all great things must come to an end. This marriage between Gasol and the Lakers is over.

They should just throw in some draft picks and forget Beasley.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

They should just throw in some draft picks and forget Beasley.

No Beasley no deal.

[RastaRocket]

No Beasley no deal.

Pekovic.

If I was the GM of LA I would say give me Pek and Williams and you got a deal. Beasley can go sign for the Clips or something.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Pekovic.

If I was the GM of LA I would say give me Pek and Williams and you got a deal. Beasley can go sign for the Clips or something.

Pek is a center. Our starting center is obviously Andrew Bynum. Beasley gives is a scorer off the bench.

[RastaRocket]

Pek is a center. Our starting center is obviously Andrew Bynum. Beasley gives is a scorer off the bench.

Pek will score off the bench when Bynum is out. He will give you another big body since your gonna dump Pau. He's just a better basketball player than Beasley.

[MC KAos]

im still not understanding how the mavs had such a deep team but could only muster a 7 seed with one of the top 10 players in the nba. they HAD a deep team 2 years ago, but i think you guys are overrating guys outside of dirk, terry, kidd, and marion.

having said that, i have no doubt that williams and howard have talked, otherwise there would be no reason outside of money for him to even consider staying in brooklyn over going to the mavs

[Noryb]

blah blah blah he still plays no D and his "great scoring" (lol) doesn't even help much because he gives up so many points. HE SUCKS! LOL.

These kids don't care about defense, your wasting your time. You don't win championships with players like Beasley. This would be his third team in five years. There is a reason for that.

[DFWJC]

Deron Williams update:

Most of you know the status for those who do not, here is where we are as of Sunday, July 1:

* Instead of declaring right away, DWill will wait at least until after Monday.
The free-agent dominos will begin to fall quickly after he declares his intentions.

* D-Will and J Kidd played golf together yesterday in the Hamptons. Obviously Kidd wants him in Dallas, but there is speculation they could be a pkg deal at either location. But seeing that Kidd nad Avery Johnson did not mesh at all in Dallas, J Kidd with the Nets is a stretch.

* Like a poster announced earlier, Howard says he'd like to go to the Nets. This is a move to give DWill "official" notice, though I'm sure they have spoken anyway.

* Dirk has been very public about wanting DWill (who wouldn't?) but will not be with the Mavs group meeting with Williams on Monday. Dirk will be at Wimbleton. All parties seem fine with that as he has basically begged DWill to come to Dallas for a month now.

* The Mavs shedded Odum's contract but picked up the cheap option on Vince Carter, who is also friends with DWill.

We'll know one way or the other soon, but the fat lady has not yet sung.

[xout]

I think DWill will be a Mav but we will have to amnesty either Haywood or Marion, which sucks. If we can amnesty and then somehow grab Dwight in some sort of a miraculous deal, I will scream for joy.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

These kids don't care about defense, your wasting your time. You don't win championships with players like Beasley. This would be his third team in five years. There is a reason for that.

This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. The Lakers won two championships with Derek Fisher who was/is no doubt one of the worst defenders in the game.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

im still not understanding how the mavs had such a deep team but could only muster a 7 seed with one of the top 10 players in the nba. they HAD a deep team 2 years ago, but i think you guys are overrating guys outside of dirk, terry, kidd, and marion.

having said that, i have no doubt that williams and howard have talked, otherwise there would be no reason outside of money for him to even consider staying in brooklyn over going to the mavs

Their issue was chemistry not talent.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Pek will score off the bench when Bynum is out. He will give you another big body since your gonna dump Pau. He's just a better basketball player than Beasley.

The Lakers don't need Pek though. They have a center, but they need a scorer off the bench.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Gerald Wallace Resigns With Brooklyn (http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8118981/2012-nba-free-agency-brooklyn-nets-agree-40m-deal-gerald-wallace-sources-say)

http://orangeandbluesportsblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/gerald-wallace.jpg

The Brooklyn Nets reached a verbal commitment with swingman Gerald Wallace on a four-year deal worth $40 million, according to sources close to the process.

The Nets have been openly confident in their ability to re-sign Wallace, who opted out of the final year of his contract last month with the intent of staying with the Nets.

No new contracts in the NBA can be officially signed until July 11, but sources told ESPN.com that Wallace -- originally expected to land a three-year deal worth $24 million -- will instead land the four-year deal.

Wallace opted out of the $9.5 million he was originally scheduled to earn in 2012-13 on June 15 to proceed to free agency.

The Nets paid a high price to acquire Wallace from Portland during the season in hopes of upgrading the roster to convince marquee free agent Deron Williams to commit to the team long term, sending the Blazers their top pick in this year's draft with only top-three protection attached. When Brooklyn finished sixth in the May lottery, Portland took control of the pick and drafted Weber State point guard Damian Lillard.


Overpaid.

[TheDallasDon]

Overpaid.

Now let them over pay for Lopez......then DWill to dallas

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I would actually like to see D-Will in Dallas since he probably won't be traded to the Lakers. Dirk is one of my favorite players. He deserves to play with another star so he can try to get another ring.

[RastaRocket]

Overpaid.

Oh my lol...

[RastaRocket]

im still not understanding how the mavs had such a deep team but could only muster a 7 seed with one of the top 10 players in the nba. they HAD a deep team 2 years ago, but i think you guys are overrating guys outside of dirk, terry, kidd, and marion.

having said that, i have no doubt that williams and howard have talked, otherwise there would be no reason outside of money for him to even consider staying in brooklyn over going to the mavs

I agree on part 2. We still have a deep team though; it just had a lot of roster turnover in a locked out season. The pieces also didn't fit together as well as they have previously.

[RastaRocket]

I think DWill will be a Mav but we will have to amnesty either Haywood or Marion, which sucks. If we can amnesty and then somehow grab Dwight in some sort of a miraculous deal, I will scream for joy.

I would love to amnesty Haywood.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Dwight Trade Talks Begin (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--magic-are-weighing-trade-offers-for-dwight-howard.html;_ylt=AuN5un2YCywJk99tDxsMoB.8vLYF)

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2012/writers/sam_amick/05/23/howard.bynum/bynum-howard.jpg

The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic have had preliminary contact about a possible deal for All-Star center Dwight Howard, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Dwight Howard is pushing for a trade to Brooklyn, but can the Nets make a deal? (Orlando officials are willing to discuss trades for Howard, and the Lakers have been one of the teams in touch with them over the weekend, sources said. The Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets have also talked to Magic officials, sources said.

While the Lakers have yet to make a direct offer, there's no scenario where Orlando would move Howard to the Lakers without getting back Andrew Bynum, L.A.'s 24-year-old All-Star center. Pau Gasol wouldn't fit the Magic's desires to rebuild with young players and draft picks.

The Lakers had been willing to part with Bynum for Howard in March, but those talks ended when Howard decided to decline his early termination option and remain under contract through the 2012-13 season.

The Magic reached out to teams Saturday and told them that they’ll discuss proposals about moving Howard, sources said.

Howard and his agent, Dan Fegan, have repeatedly told the Magic in recent weeks that Howard wants to be moved, and that his preferred destination of the Brooklyn Nets hasn’t changed, sources said.

Nevertheless, time is running out for Howard to be traded to Brooklyn because Nets general manager Billy King has begun to aggressively explore deals for players like Joe Johnson, Luis Scola and O.J. Mayo in an attempt to surround free-agent point guard Deron Williams with more talent. Williams is choosing between the Nets and Dallas Mavericks and could make a decision in the next several days. Sources say Williams' patience with waiting for Howard to eventually come to Brooklyn is wearing out, and that he’s likely to make his decision whether to accept the Nets' five-year, $100 million contract offer devoid of Howard as a factor.


Would only do it if the clown signs an extension. Even then I'm not sure. I really don't think he's much of an upgrade over Drew.

[Dash28]

Would only do it if the clown signs an extension. Even then I'm not sure. I really don't think he's much of an upgrade over Drew.

He would be an upgrade defensively and athletically.

He's making improvements on o but I'd take Drew's o right now.

I don't think he will sign an extension with LA unless they trade Pau for Smith. Smith was real close to being a Laker today but LA wanted another unknown piece with Smith and they declined.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Bulls Sign Asik To Offer Sheet (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8120583/2012-nba-free-agency-houston-rockets-omer-asik-agree-3-year-251m-deal-sources-say)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Omer_Asik.jpg/220px-Omer_Asik.jpg

The Houston Rockets have reached a verbal agreement with Chicago Bulls restricted free agent Omer Asik on a three-year deal worth $25.1 million, according to sources close to the talks.

Asik can't formally sign the deal until July 11, which is the first day new players can sign NBA contracts for the 2012-13 season.

The Bulls will then have three days to decide whether to match the offer or let Asik go.

Bulls general manager Gar Forman has made it clear that one of his top priorities was to re-sign Asik, but the structure of the deal could hurt Chicago's ability to keep him. The Bulls are close to the luxury tax and are wary of wading too deep into that territory.

However, Forman said after the draft on Thursday that the Bulls would be making basketball decisions, not financial ones, in reference to the salary cap.

Adding the 7-foot, 255-pound Turkish native would mark the latest move in what has been a busy offseason for the Rockets and general manager Daryl Morey.

The offensively challenged Asik averaged 3.1 points but pulled down 5.3 boards while averaging 14.7 minutes in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season.


This is getting comical. :laugh1:

[RastaRocket]

This is getting comical. :laugh1:

So sad.

[RastaRocket]

He would be an upgrade defensively and athletically.

He's making improvements on o but I'd take Drew's o right now.

I don't think he will sign an extension with LA unless they trade Pau for Smith. Smith was real close to being a Laker today but LA wanted another unknown piece with Smith and they declined.

He will extend with LA. All he wants is big market endorsements.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I think I know why Atlanta declined the Lakers offer. Lakers probably asked for Teague. Hawks didn't bite. Mitch needs to stop being a stubborn SOB and just take Williams/Smith. Then get Howard. Sign Jet. Get rid of Blake somehow. Resign Sessions and Hill. Sign Flynn and Lewis to the vets minimum.

Ramon Sessions/Johnny Flynn
Kobe Bryant/Jason Terry
Metta World Peace/Marvin Williams
Josh Smith/Rashard Lewis
Dwight Howard/Jordan Hill

That is a championship caliber team.

[RastaRocket]

Rashard Lewis has maybe the worst contract in all of basketball.