Atlantic Notes: Deron Williams, Prigioni, Celtics
While optimists in Dallas believe that the chances of signing Deron Williams are 50-50, Ken Berger of CBS Sports writes that the Mavericks are becoming increasingly worried that their prized free agent target will re-sign with the Nets. On Sunday, we mentioned that Brooklyn can offer a $100 MM extension over five years, whereas Dallas can offer $75 MM over four. Here are more of this evening's rumblings out of the Atlantic Division…
Warriors Extend Qualifying Offer To Brandon Rush
The Warriors have officially tendered a one-year qualifying offer to four-year veteran Brandon Rush, the team announced today. The qualifying offer makes Rush a restricted free agent this summer, and will give Golden State the opportunity to match any offer sheet Rush signs with another club.
Latest On Victor Claver, Blazers
Earlier today, a report surfaced suggesting that Victor Claver was on the verge of buying out his contract with Valencia in Spain and reaching an agreement with the Trail Blazers. Both Blazers GM Neil Olshey and Claver himself released statements this afternoon to say that nothing official had been consummated between the two sides, but that there is still mutual interest in Claver coming to Portland.
Larry Bird To Leave Pacers; GM Morway Resigns
3:13pm: GM David Morway has resigned, the Pacers announced today in a press release, confirming Wells' report below that suggested Morway was no longer employed by the team.
"While I deeply care about this franchise, sometimes change is important for everyone concerned," Morway said in a statement. "For the past year I have carefully and thoughtfully considered my personal, family and professional goals. After discussing all of these issues with our owner, Herb Simon, and Larry [Bird], I believe this is the right time to step away."
In a pair of tweets, Wells suggests that Morway hadn't been around the franchise or been involved in the team's decision-making process for some time.
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Williams Unlikely To Add Rockets To Wish List
The Rockets appear to be stockpiling assets in an effort to make a run at Dwight Howard via trade and Deron Williams via free agency. But would Williams be open to signing with the Rockets? A recent report suggested that he has narrowed his options to the Nets and Mavericks, and SI.com's Sam Amick hears from a source close to Williams that even if the Rockets acquired Howard, Houston is not likely to be added to D-Will's free agent wish list.
Odds & Ends: Foye, Teletovic, Claver, Roy
It's still not entirely clear whether the players' union's victory in this month's Bird Rights ruling will withstand the NBA's appeal, but for now at least, it appears the Knicks will have a $3MM mid-level exception to sign outside free agents this summer. According to Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com, one player who is interested in signing for that MLE is Randy Foye. Zwerling hears from a source that Foye is expected to receive a handful of offers at or around $3MM, but that the guard's top choice is New York.
Here are a few more Tuesday afternoon odds and ends from around the NBA:
Rockets Rumors: D12, Martin, D-Will, Smith, Gay
When the Rockets and Timberwolves agreed to swap Chase Budinger for a first-round draft pick this morning, the T-Wolves' motives were clear, as Budinger gives the team a perimeter shooting threat it has lacked in recent years. For the Rockets though, the deal looked like the first in a series of bigger moves. We've heard that Houston is targeting Dwight Howard, or perhaps Josh Smith, but what exactly is the next step for GM Daryl Morey and the Rockets? Here's the latest from Sam Amick of SI.com and from Bill Ingram and Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld….
NBA Grants Celtics 2013 Second-Round Pick
The NBA has granted the Celtics a 2013 second-round pick from the Thunder in a dispute over Jeff Green's medical condition, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). The Celtics filed a complaint with the league when Green missed the 2011/12 season due to a heart condition, less than a year after Boston acquired the forward from Oklahoma City (Twitter link).
Rockets, Kings Talking Blockbuster Trade?
10:55am: TNT's David Aldridge hears that, whether or not the offer Givony reported is actually on the table, there's "no way" the Kings would accept it (Twitter link). However, SI.com's Sam Amick (Sulia link) cites a variety of reasons why it makes sense that Evans would be available for the right price.
10:32am: After completing one trade this morning, the Rockets appear to be engaged in discussions with the Kings on another deal. According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com (Twitter link), the Rockets have offered Kyle Lowry, the No. 14 pick, and the No. 16 pick to the Kings in exchange for Tyreke Evans and the No. 5 pick. However, SI.com's Sam Amick hears from two sources that such an offer isn't on the table (Twitter link).