Central Notes: Bogans, Thompson, Gee, Pistons
By this point, we expected to hear where Joel Przybilla decided to sign, but ESPN's Marc Stein tweets that the veteran center is still weighing his options. Though the Bucks are thought to have interest, Przybilla is believed to have narrowed down his options to the Bulls and Heat. While we wait for a decision from Przybilla, let's check out some links from around the Central division….
- Keith Bogans, who recently signed with the Nets, wasn't pleased about the way the Bulls released him this preseason, as K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune writes. "I put everything on the line each night," said Bogans. "I played with a hurt knee 82 games. I took a pill 82 games to get that (release) in return. Every time I play them for the rest of my career, it will give me something added."
- Mychel Thompson of the Cavaliers is trying to prove his worth, says Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Thompson's non-guaranteed contract would become guaranteed if the Cavs hold onto him through Friday.
- Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio discusses the Cavaliers' trade assets, and suggests the team extend Alonzo Gee by season's end.
- Keith Langlois answered readers' questions about the direction of the Pistons in a Pistons.com mailbag.
Hornets Sign Lance Thomas To 10-Day Contract
The Hornets have officially signed Lance Thomas to a 10-day contract, the team announced today. The 23-year-old Thomas participated in New Orleans' training camp earlier this year, and was waived on December 31st.
Jimmy Smith of the New Orleans Times-Picayune first reported that the team would sign Thomas to serve as a replacement for Carl Landry, who announced Sunday that he's suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Landry's injury could have a significant impact on the Hornets going forward, as Sean Highkin of Hoops Rumors wrote yesterday.
Today marks the first day of the season that teams can sign players to 10-day contracts. For an idea of what other players could sign 10-day contracts in the near future, and a refresher on how these deals work, check out our 10-day contract primer.
Gilbert Arenas Schedules Workout In L.A.
Looking to land an NBA job, Gilbert Arenas has scheduled an open workout in his hometown of Los Angeles for later in the week, reports Elliott Teaford of the Los Angeles Daily News. Arenas has been a free agent since the Magic exercised their amnesty clause to waive him prior to the season.
It's not clear yet which teams might be on hand to watch the workout. While the Lakers have been in touch with Arenas and are thought to be considering him, they haven't decided whether they'll attend, says Teaford.
Arenas, 30, began last season with the Wizards and was eventually dealt to the Magic in a swap of oversized contracts that sent Rashard Lewis to Washington. Arenas averaged a career-low 10.8 points per game in 2010/11, and was amnestied by Orlando with three years and about $62MM remaining on his six-year contract. The Magic continue to have to pay Arenas, but his salary no longer counts against their cap.
Kyler On Nash, Howard, D’Antoni
In an NBA AM piece for HoopsWorld, Steve Kyler shares a few updates on some trade candidates and a coach on the hot seat. Let's check out the highlights….
- Suns sources indicate they're open to a two-year extension for Steve Nash at the end of the season. Nash could earn more money by staying in Phoenix than he could by signing elsewhere, so that could be a reason he and his agent haven't expressed any desire for a trade.
- The Lakers have always been behind the Nets and Mavericks on Dwight Howard's list of preferred destinations, according to Kyler. Howard views the Nets as Plan A, with the Lakers, Mavericks, and Magic as backup plans, Kyler hears.
- The Magic, who could offer Howard significantly more money than any other team this summer if they keep him, still believe they can retain their star center. Until Howard makes it unquestionably clear that he'll leave in free agency, the Magic won't feel obligated to move him.
- Although the Knicks probably need to replace Mike D'Antoni, there's no clear candidate to step in for him, says Kyler. An outside replacement is unlikely during the season, and none of the in-house candidates would represent a clear upgrade.
Atlantic Notes: J.R. Smith, Lopez, Allen
Awful news out of Florida to start the week, as TMZ reports Amare Stoudemire's older brother was killed in a car crash this morning. Stoudemire is en route to Florida to be with his family, and will miss tonight's game against the Jazz. Our condolences go out to Amare and his family.
Here are the morning items out of the Atlantic division:
- The Knicks may have the advantage when J.R. Smith becomes an unrestricted free agent, says Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. New York can offer Smith more money than other suitors like the Clippers, along with a possible starting spot.
- Carmelo Anthony told reporters, including ESPNNewYork's Ian Begley, that he thinks Smith could handle New York and that he'd like to see the Knicks sign the former Nugget: "If it happens, it happens and I'll be happy."
- There's no timetable for Brook Lopez's return from his foot surgery, but his rehab is going well and he could return to practice soon, according to Colin Stephenson of the Star-Ledger. The Nets could use a healthy Lopez not only on the court, but also as a potential trade chip to acquire Dwight Howard.
- Lavoy Allen has become a valuable asset for the 76ers in the wake of multiple frontcourt injuries, writes Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News.
Cavaliers Receiving Inquiries On Varejao
The Cavaliers have received calls from a few teams inquiring about the availability of Anderson Varejao, tweets ESPN.com's Marc Stein. However, the 29-year-old's play this season has earned him "near-untouchable status," according to Stein.
Through his first 22 games, Varejao is averaging career highs in points (10.8) and rebounds (11.9) per game, while his rebound rate of 21.7% ranks third in the NBA. The longtime Cav will earn $7.7MM this year and is Cleveland's only non-rookie under contract through the 2014/15 season.
Varejao's strong play this season, along with the Cavaliers' status as a rebuilding club, had led to some recent speculation about the possibility of a trade. Although it looks like they don't intend to make him available, Varejao could potentially net the Cavs multiple draft picks in a deal.
Week In Review: 1/30/12 – 2/4/12
Here's a look back at the past week of activity:
- The Dwight Howard saga continues, with the latest significant development being Kobe Bryant's apparent message to Howard that he would be a third option on the Lakers, which seems to have turned the 26-year-old superstar center off from the idea of playing in Los Angeles. The Nets appear to be the frontrunner to land Howard at this point, although he is said to be interested in the Bulls as well.
- The biggest transaction of the week was Kenyon Martin's FIBA clearance to return to the NBA, and subsequent agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year contract worth the $2.5MM room exception.
- Martin's former Nuggets teammate J.R. Smith is also set to return to the NBA soon after a stint in China, and has been linked in recent days to the Clippers and Knicks.
- The Hornets took Chris Kaman off the market after shopping him aggressively in recent weeks. New Orleans also signed Lance Thomas to a 10-day contract following Carl Landry's sprained MCL.
- The Lakers have discussed acquiring Gilbert Arenas or Ramon Sessions to solve their point guard issues, but questions of Arenas' health and the prospect of giving up a first-round pick for Sessions has made them hesitant to pull the trigger on either one. The Knicks also have interest in Sessions.
- Washington forward Andray Blatche is on the trading block, with the Bobcats a possible match, although nothing is close.
- Veteran center Joel Przybilla has received offers from Miami and Chicago and is expected to decide between them soon.
Dwight Howard Rumors: Sunday
Saturday, it was reported that a phone conversation between Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard has soured the Magic center on the prospect of playing for the Lakers. Today has been relatively quiet in the area of Howard-related rumors.
- HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy appeared on NetsAreScorching TV and stated that he strongly believes Howard will end up on the Nets, citing the center's close relationship with Deron Williams and the allure of a new arena in Brooklyn as selling points.
Celtics A Free Agency Possibility For Mayo
Rich Keefe of CelticsHub.com interviewed O.J. Mayo before Sunday's Grizzlies-Celtics game, and the Memphis guard implied that he would be open to playing in Boston.
"It’s always been one of the top organizations in basketball," Mayo said. "Ever since you were a little boy start playing basketball you always heard about the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird, all the great players, it’s always been a great organization."
Mayo, 24, was the third overall pick in the 2008 draft and will be a restricted free agent after the 2011/12 season. He's averaging 12.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 2.0 APG this season.
Seattle Working To Land NBA Team
The city of Seattle is working behind the scenes to plan a new sports arena and eventually land an NBA franchise, report Steve Miletich and Lynn Thompson of the Seattle Times. Seattle has been without a team since the SuperSonics departed to become the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008.
Christopher Hansen, a hedge-fund manager with roots in Seattle, has approached the city about purchasing a team if a new arena can be built.
The logistics of actually bringing a team to Seattle are yet to be determined, but the most likely franchise to be moved is the Sacramento Kings, who are currently embroiled in a fight of their own for a new arena.