Eastern Notes: Wizards, Gortat, Sixers, Knicks

As the second day of NBA free agency nears an end, let’s check in on a few items from around the Eastern Conference…

  • There are no indications at this point that the Wizards will explore trading Marcin Gortat after reaching an agreement to sign free agent center Ian Mahinmi to a four-year deal today, league sources tell J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic.com (Twitter link).
  • With the Mavericks set to offer a four-year, maximum-salary deal to Harrison Barnes, the Sixers‘ pursuit of the RFA forward may soon end, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. As Pompey observes, even if the 76ers put the same offer on the table, Barnes is likely to choose Dallas over Philadelphia. Of course, if they don’t land Kevin Durant, the Warriors may match any offer sheet for Barnes, regardless of which team it comes from.
  • The Knicks struck a four-year deal with Courtney Lee on Saturday, and according to Marc Berman of The New York Post, new Knick Joakim Noah played a key role in recruiting the free agent shooting guard. “Noah has been talking to him since [Friday], and Courtney decided he wanted to be with the Knicks and they found common ground [in terms of salary],” the source said.
  • Like Noah, Carmelo Anthony has been involved in the Knicks‘ recruiting offers and has been in touch this week with the team’s front office, according to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, who notes that Anthony’s involvement is a sign that he’s pleased with the direction of the franchise.
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