NBA OFFSEASON(DRAFT, RUMORS AND TRANSACTIONS)

[nab_uang]

any trades from the heat?

Rashard Lewis to HEAT??
An NBA source, the Heat plans a push to acquire forward Rashard Lewis from the SuperSonics.
Earlier this month Lewis opted out of the final two years of his Seattle contract, bypassing a guaranteed $21 million to become a free agent as of Sunday. The Heat can offer no more that the $5.5 million mid-level exception. To complete a deal with the SuperSonics, it would require getting Seattle to agree to take on about $10 million of its contracts.

Big Decisions in Miami
Pat Rilet is questionable about his coaching the Heat next season, but he expects Alonzo Mourning to return, anticipates losing either Jason Kapono or James Posey or both in free agency, and will wait until later in the offseason to decide about bringing back veteran guard Eddie Jones.

[lunateec22]

Rashard Lewis to HEAT??
An NBA source, the Heat plans a push to acquire forward Rashard Lewis from the SuperSonics.
Earlier this month Lewis opted out of the final two years of his Seattle contract, bypassing a guaranteed $21 million to become a free agent as of Sunday. The Heat can offer no more that the $5.5 million mid-level exception. To complete a deal with the SuperSonics, it would require getting Seattle to agree to take on about $10 million of its contracts.

I doubt Miami can salvage something out of this attempt. They have maximum contracts available and I don't think Seattle wants any part of those hefty salaries from the Heat. Plus, Rashard Lewis' agent Tony Dutt believes "There is not better fit than the Orlando Magic". Magic GM Otis Smith has to do some thinking in resigning Darko Milicic though, and if they're able to make it work, Orlando could be Rashard's newest zip code.

Big Decisions in Miami
Pat Rilet is questionable about his coaching the Heat next season, but he expects Alonzo Mourning to return, anticipates losing either Jason Kapono or James Posey or both in free agency, and will wait until later in the offseason to decide about bringing back veteran guard Eddie Jones.

Big decisions indeed and they have to do something to keep Miami as playoff calibers.

THE LATEST

Toronto - Jason Kapono will be leaving for Canada soon. This is so since Kapono agreed to sign a believed sum of $24million in a four-year deal from the Raptors. Formal signing will be on July 11.

Wow... I would love to really get a GM like Bryan Colangelo.

New Jersey - Vince Carter is staying in New Jersey. Vinsanity agreed to a four-year term worth $61.8 million and can be officially signed this coming July 11. The Nets are also trying to get Jermaine O'Neal out off Indianapolis for Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic.

Los Angeles Lakers - LA is Luke Walton's home for another six years and a $30million contract should be enough to get him off the free agent market. Team chemistry is entailed to have made GM Mitch Kupchak do the offer while rookies Marc Gasol, Javaris Crittenton and Chinese Sun Yue could be something.

Chicago - Other than being the only Eastern team that KObe wants to play with, the Bulls have caused a stir in the NBA Draft by drafting Joaquim Noah. But, to some degree, few people have been optimistic with the pick since the Bulls' need is a guy who can post-up and do some damage in the middle. It could have been Spencer Hawes.

Milwaukee - The Bucks still used their #6 pick to get the Yi Jianlian even though his representatives want him to play for a bigger market. Reports of today have given out that the Bucks may be forced to deal Yi Jianlian, like the Bulls, if the Yi representatives don't shut their mouth in balking about him playing for that bigger market they're talking about.

[makoyvelasco]

I doubt Miami can salvage something out of this attempt. They have maximum contracts available and I don't think Seattle wants any part of those hefty salaries from the Heat. Plus, Rashard Lewis' agent Tony Dutt believes "There is not better fit than the Orlando Magic". Magic GM Otis Smith has to do some thinking in resigning Darko Milicic though, and if they're able to make it work, Orlando could be Rashard's newest zip code.

That's a big WOW!! for the Magic. As of the moment, Orlando is still $30M away from the salary cap limit. Take Rashard Lewis and Chauncey Billups from the free agency pool, move Jameer Nelson and Keyon Dooling to the 2-spot and do a little tweaking to size-up their SGs. Jameer Nelson, Keith Bogans, Keyon Dooling and JJ Redick are all undersized for the SG. Send some of them for some big men to help out Dwight Howard and Darko Milicic (hopefully).

Charlotte Bobcats
Gerald Wallace has surfaced to the headlines lately and has been in the free agency hotseat. Dallas, Orlando, Milwaukee, Detroit, Miami, Portland and Golden State have all contacted him, along with his former team the Charlotte Bobcats. Wallace opted out of his contract, in which he's supposed to earn $6M for the 2007-08 season, and reports say, he commands for a contract that would pay him at least $10M and would run for about 6 years (pretty deserving based on what he showed with the Bobcats last season).

With all the teams chasing Wallace, the Bobcats might be having a hard time re-signing their prized breakout star. Both Orlando and Milwaukee are still below the cap and could afford Wallace.

Charlotte has only $34.2M in their payroll list so far, still so much room for Wallace. Re-signing Gerald Wallace is the Bobcats' top priority for the offseason according to part-owner Michael Jordan.

Hmm.. let's see if MJ can pull this one out.

[lunateec22]

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith a.k.a. "Notorious S.A.S." described the Bobcats trade for Jason Richardson as "stupid" and didn't actually get away with it when he was bashed moments from making those comments. Hehe... Kiat lang jd nawong ani niya oi.

I saw his interview kanina sa ESPN and he apologized (after minutes of doing this --->> ) BUT... that's a bit BUT right there. He will not change his stand about the trade. Ingon cya di jud ghapon cya gnahan sa trade and he'll never use that word again. Hahaha...

luoya sad ni JRich oi...lagpot dritso...

well not just a veteran but a superstar...

Superstar? Nah... I don't think so. Michael Jordan brought him in for the Bobcats that seemingly represents as their focal point for a franchise player, but hell no... he may be a good player but he's like Jerry Stackhouse, just like Stephen A. Smith said, and not a player that can be built around as a franchise cornerstone for the Bobcats.

Sayang si Brandan Wright... Lagpot diretso.

[nab_uang]

Free Agency

Vince Carter re-signed 4-Year $60M to NETS
Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets have the framework in place for a four-year contract that guarantees the All-Star more than $60 million, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.


Jason Kapono Agrees 4-Year $24M to Raptors
The Toronto Raptors made the first splash landing the 2007 NBA three-point shootout champion on a four-year deal worth a reported $24 million. Kapono will be leaving the Miami HEAT for the bigger money offered by Toronto.


Luke Walton Gets $30 Million from The Lakers
The LA Lakers have reached a new agreement with Luke Walton on a six-year deal worth a reported $30 million. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak placed a call one minute after midnight to Walton’s agent, seeking to make a deal. Walton will sign the new deal on July 11th.

[makoyvelasco]

Yi Jianlian will not his career in Milwaukee??

Picked 6th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, Yi Jianlian might head somewhere else to start his NBA career. The reason? Yi's representatives and agents doesn't want him to play for a small-market team and for a city without a serious Chinese population. A number of teams has expressed their interest of acquiring the 7-foot Chinese star.

“Our agent team had meetings to study this case immediately after the draft,” said Yi’s Chinese agent Zhao Gang. “Yi’s selection at six has proved his capabilities and value.

“However, we feel that the Bucks are not the best fit for Yi Jianlian. Our team will make contact with other teams who have watched Yi’s training and games to see if there is any possibility of a trade.”

Yi didn't proceed to Milwaukee for a post-draft introduction but instead, went to Dallas to join the Chinese team in practice.

Hmm.. So much hype for Yi. I wonder how Milwaukee feels about this statements.

Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher surprised everyone by making an announcement that he'll no longer be playing for the Utah Jazz. Fisher will be spending more time taking care of his 11-month old baby Tatum who was diagnosed with eye cancer during the Western Conference Finals. According to Fisher, at this moment, basketball is no longer his priority, but he isn't ready to retire either.

Fisher will leave his $21M which was supposed to be paid to him for the next 3 seasons.

Fisher is such a man!! Family first.. :mrgreen:

Players on Utah's radar: Mikki Moore, Devean George, James Posey, and Eddie House

Lakers news: Luke Walton is still a Laker

The Los Angeles Lakers re-signed 6'8 forward Luke Walton for $30M for 6 years.

"The Lakers didn't waste any time in calling us, so it was easy to agree to a contract," Lon Babby (Walton's agent) said in a phone interview. "We talked to (Lakers coach) Phil Jackson and that really helped the situation. Luke always wanted to stay with the Lakers and he is happy they wanted him back as well."

Now that the Lakers have bagged in Walton, all they need now is a veteran guard and to re-sign Chris Mihm. Jeff Austin (Mihm's agent) has informed the Lakers that his client wants the mid-level exception of $5.5M, which the Lakers think would be too much for Mihm considering the fact that they paid him $4.2M last season and was never used all-season long recovering from an ankle injury.

Why keep Mihm when they've got Bynum and Brown. Look somewhere else Lakers.

**The Lakers tried to reach Denver guard Steve Blake, but unfortunately, Blake is looking for a full mid-level, something the Lakers could not afford. In turn, the Lakers signed 6'4 guard from Boise State Coby Karl, son of Denver coach George Karl. Karl will play for the Lakers' summer league team in Las Vegas.

*info on Coby Karl: Karl had surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his throat on April 2. It was his second bout with cancer in a little more than year. Karl is doing fine now.

Hmm.. Let's see where would the Lakers head with an unknown and unproven point guard. This won't make Kobe happy.

Mo-Pete

Morris Peterson received interests from Miami, Denver, New Orleans, Golden State, Sacramento and Cleveland. It seemed Peterson has lost most of his value with Toronto after the Raptors sogned Jason Kapono.

With Fisher out of Utah, it would be the perfect place for Peterson. Mo-Pete would bring experience, shooting accuracy and defense to the Jazz, who ended up 29th overall in three point shooting last season (33.5%). Michael Redd, Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen and Gilbert Arenas all torched the Jazz with 50-point games last season. Peterson's defense will be a big help for them.

Utah is left with Gordan Giricek, Ronnie Brewer, rookie (draftee) Morris Almond and eyes to keep CJ Miles for the SG. Peterson is way better than any of these guys. It was noted that Peterson "loves" the idea that he's a prospect by the Jazz.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are setting their eyes on Grant Hill. But if Hill ends up somewhere, the Pistons would very likely go after Morris Peterson to beef up their SF and SG spot. Detroit is willing to give up Antonio McDyess to free up some space.

For now, chances are, Grant Hill might end up with Phoenix (Hill's interest for playing with the Suns for a small amount) and the Pistons will face a tough one bagging in Peterson since a lot of teams is after him.

Detroit better do their best to keep Billups. If they lose Billups and get nothing in return (which would be very likely), then it would give them no more reason to further keep the line-up. Who would keep Sheed's emotions somewhat checked if Billups is gone? IT's time to pass on the East's throne.

Miami

This will be a tough one for the Heat, maybe for the early part of the season the least. Most of their free agents are no longer willing to play with less pay for a title along with Shaq and Wade. Payton is gone and Kapono has already parted ways. Alonzo Mourning's decision is still delayed while Dwyane Wade's condition for the early part of the season is still very uncertain due to his recovery from the shoulder strain.

For now, Miami still remains as a playoff caliber team, but I doubt if they can make it past the first round. Give Wade more valuable and youthful support. Shaq is way, way beyond his prime and Jason Williams might spend more time in the sidelines in street clothes. Antione Walker's inconsistency will not help them for that cause.

[chken]

Rashard Lewis agreed to a "maximum contract" with the Magic.

Pistons re-sign Billups in a 5-year, $60 million deal.

[DuBciTY]

billups agent denying they made a deal with the pistons

[makoyvelasco]

billups agent denying they made a deal with the pistons

Chauncey Billups' agent refuted media reports that his client had agreed to a contract that could be five years and worth $60 million.

"This is a vicious rumor," Andy Miller, Billups' agent, told The Detroit Free Press. "It's entirely untrue. We have not reached an agreement. I don't know what stage we're at. We're having ongoing discussions, and I don't believe that we're on the verge of signing an agreement anytime today by any stretch of the imagination."

But according to some Detroit-based media, Billups signed a 4 year contract with the Pistons worth $46M, and the 5th year being a team option.

Pistons re-sign Billups in a 5-year, $60 million deal.

Still unconfirmed. IMHO, though re-signing Billups is Detroit's main priority for the offseason, I think $60M for 5 years is just too much. Billups has slowed down since leading the Pistons to the 2004 title.

An alternate solution: Sign back Billups and trade him sometime. Detroit needs younger players. The Pistons can't stick with Sheed, Rip, Prince and Billups any longer, they're aging.

[lunateec22]

An alternate solution: Sign back Billups and trade him sometime. Detroit needs younger players. The Pistons can't stick with Sheed, Rip, Prince and Billups any longer, they're aging.

Whoa... aging? Not so fast there. The fact that they're still one of the strongest teams in the East does not mean that they have to get someone that is not familiar with their style and begin dealing their premier player. For me, it's just too soon to give up on a guy like Billups. He's in the league for 9 years and that 5-year $60million is, for me, enough for a superstar, labeled "Mr. Big Shot" and a leader to Pistons basketball. His agent denounced that deal since there is not legitimate deal going on yet and if that contract is true, then he should stick with the Pistons.

Sheed could be the only guy on the PIstons line-up with a career of 10+ years, but I don't think he's showing his age. He can still bang it, stroke it and feed the ball to his teammates. And... Rip and Prince? Aging? Rip still has 5-7 years of fuel deposit in him, while Prince can still stroke those long arms of his for a long time.

Look at the Spurs, they've been intact for like 7-8 years and they're still a solid team while the Pistons didn't begin their Eastern dominance until the 2002-03 season. Duncan has 9 solid years, while Parker and Manu have 5 and 4 years, respectively and they didn't need young players to win championships since it's all about the coaching and the chemistry. The Pistons are still a core that best leave it be. All they have to do is get themselves a proven coach plus a young bench that can give them back the chip (I would be talking about Larry Brown but i won't think so)

Here's a bit of comparison:
Duncan and Billups both have 9 years
Paker and Rip are close; 5 and 7 years
Manu and Prince both have 4 years

These guys still have the longevity and the mileage to play. I wouldn't think about the Pistons looking for other guys to replace the core... and it's just a matter of time for them to resign Billups. I would look forward for him to see back with in Motor City.

However, i understand man sad kung maka-ingon ka na they're aging since they play a fundamental-style of basketball, just like the Spurs. They seem to be branded as a "bland" team, or "boring" because of their traditional game style. Maski ako, maka-ingon gani na they're kinda boring to watch and their long-term line-up na "sum-ol" tan-awon. But, look now, they won championships with their "boring" and "bland' style.

THE LATEST

Phoenix Suns

Suns get Grant Hill. Simple as that. But only for a year. Hill agreed to a 1-year deal worth for the Bird qualifying offer. A $1.2 million for a year don't seem to be that bad.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls still have interests in Pau Gasol. And it could mean a sign-and-trade proposal that could send Andres Nocioni, Chris Duhon and rookie Joaquim Noah to Memphis for Pau.

Orlando Magic

Just a rumor. The Magic have made their presence felt in their interest for Ron Artest. They're gonna try to get him in exchange for Hedo Turkoglu. The New York Knicks are also interested in getting Artest.

Memphis Grizzlies

There could be a battle between the Grizz and the Cleveland Cavaliers in getting unrestricted FA Anderson Varejao. The Grizz are expected to offer Varejao above the mid-level exception, which is between $5.5million to $6million. However, the Grizz have also expressed interest in Andres Nocioni without losing Pau to the Bulls. If all goes well, the Cavaliers might be able to nab Varejao with the use of their mid-level exception.