Atlantic Links: Stone, Knicks, White, Celtics
The battle for the Atlantic Division title in 2013/14 figures to be an intra-city affair between the Knicks and Nets. The Raptors don't appear to be on their level, and the Celtics and Sixers have taken clear steps back, so while we await a Big Apple showdown, here's the latest from the Atlantic:
- As part of his mailbag column, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star confirms the Raptors' deal with Julyan Stone is off. Smith suggested as much earlier this week. Stone, who was reportedly in line for $1.9MM over two years, failed his physical, and the club doesn't have any plans to rekindle negotiations with him.
- Frank Isola of the New York Daily News has plenty of criticism for the Knicks front office, and notes that there's mutual displeasure between Iman Shumpert and the team. The report he references about owner James Dolan's desire to trade Shumpert was an off-the-record remark from Stephen A. Smith of ESPN.com that remains unsubstantiated, but it's clear that all is not rosy in Madison Square Garden.
- James White, whom the Knicks waived last month, appears to have no shortage of overseas opportunities. Chinese league teams arranged for him to fly to Las Vegas so they could explore the possibility of signing him, and the 30-year-old swingman has also met with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, reports David Pick of One.co.il. (All Twitter links).
- The Celtics' agreement to sign Phil Pressey could push Colton Iverson, the team's second-round draft pick last month, to play in Europe this season. Iverson's camp has indicated they're willing to accept a deal with an overseas team to help the C's save roster space, as Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe writes amid his weekly league roundup.
Mavericks To Waive Josh Akognon
The same need for salary cap room that forced the Mavs to waive Bernard James is prompting them to do the same with Josh Akognon, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Akognon, who spent most of last season in China, will have lucrative offers to return there, but he'd prefer to stay in the NBA, as Stein also tweets. The Mavs would like to give him the opportunity to do so with a training camp invitation if he clears waivers, Stein adds (Twitter link).
Akognon has been on a non-guaranteed minimum-salary deal with Dallas, who originally signed him to a 10-day contract in April. Any team can claim him off waivers and short-circuit the Mavs' plans of bringing him back on board, just as is the case with James. He's the leading scorer on the summer-league Mavs at 17.5 points per game, so there could well be interest from other NBA clubs. The 5'11" 27-year-old also lit up scoreboards in China, pouring in 29.0 PPG this past season and 28.2 in 2011/12.
The Dallas front office is trying to accomodate several deals they've already agreed upon with free agents this summer. As our Free Agent Tracker shows, Dallas has landed five new players this month, and the Mavs are still chasing Greg Oden. The agreements with Monta Ellis and Wayne Ellington haven't become official yet, so it appears the releases of James and Akognon are to make room for them.
Akognon is a client of the Alpha Basketball Agency, according to the Hoops Rumors Agency Database.
Western Rumors, Kaman, Johnson, Splitter, Mavs
The top two free agents this summer came from Western Conference teams, and Dwight Howard and Chris Paul remain in the West, though Howard left the Lakers for the Rockets. That helps maintain the perception of the Western Conference as the stronger side of the league, even as the Heat have won the last two championships. Here's more on a few of the West's teams:
- Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News is high on the resourcefulness of the Lakers this summer in the wake of Howard's decision to bolt. Within the piece, Chris Kaman says he didn't have a lot of other options when he signed with the Lakers, though several other teams reportedly showed interest. Wesley Johnson acknowledged offers from "a lot of different teams," but he called his choice of the Lakers "a no-brainer."
- The Hawks and Trail Blazers talked about deals for Tiago Splitter with agent Arn Tellem, and while Splitter gave thought to leaving the Spurs this month, he jumped on San Antonio's four-year, $36MM offer, and he says the Spurs were always his first option. The center goes in-depth on his choice with Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News.
- The Mavs may need to sign someone from their summer league team to compensate for the departure of Bernard James, according to Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, who examines some of the candidates.
Update On Restricted Free Agents
There were only a dozen restricted free agents when the month began, and that number shrank by one when the Pacers pulled their qualifying offer to Tyler Hansbrough on July 2nd, making him an unrestricted free agent. Hansbrough wound up signing with the Raptors for a two-year, $6MM contract. Tuesday is the deadline for teams to rescind qualifying offers without the consent of the player, but that's only relevant for the five restricted free agents who remain unsigned. Here's a look at the latest on each of those five, as well as the details on the restricted free agents who've already signed this month, with an assist from the Hoops Rumors Free Agent Tracker.
- Chris Copeland — Signed a two-year, $6.135MM offer sheet with the Pacers. The Knicks declined to match.
- Tyreke Evans — Signed-and-traded to the Pelicans as part of a three-way deal. Evans' new contract is worth four years and $44MM.
- Gerald Henderson — A report earlier this month suggested that the Bobcats had begun shopping Henderson, since the two sides had reached a stalemate. Since then, we've heard the team still wants to bring him back and the two sides remain in communication, even though the 'Cats and agent Arn Tellem are far apart on financial terms. Tellem and Henderson are reportedly seeking a contract worth around $8MM annually.
- Brandon Jennings — The Jeff Schwartz client has reportedly been seeking $12MM a year, while the Bucks have apparently been willing to do just a bit over $11MM. Though Jennings isn't interested in returning to Milwaukee, he may not have a choice, as other teams' cap room is beginning to dry up. Both Jennings and the team see a sign-and-trade as the ideal outcome, but it may be more likely that Jennings signs his one-year qualifying offer.
- Timofey Mozgov — The Nuggets and the Justin Zanik client have discussed a multiyear deal, and GM Tim Connelly indicated earlier this month that they're making progress. Mozgov is drawing overseas offers, but his preference is to stay in the NBA. Most recently, the Kings have intensified their interest.
- Gary Neal — It seemed at one point this month that Neal was unlikely to return to San Antonio, but other reports have suggested the opposite. The Bucks have shown interest.
- Nikola Pekovic — The Wolves extended the Excel Sports Management client an offer, believed to be worth around four years and $50MM, and the two sides have been moving slowly after Pekovic's camp responded with a counter-offer. Owner Glen Taylor still expects to strike a deal.
- Pablo Prigioni — Re-signed with the Knicks for five years, $4,988,883
- Robert Sacre — Re-signed with the Lakers for three years at the minimum salary.
- Tiago Splitter — Re-signed with the Spurs to a four-year, $36MM deal.
- Jeff Teague — Signed four-year, $32MM offer sheet with the Bucks that the Hawks matched.
Nuggets’ Talks With Nate Robinson Progressing
2:14pm: Robinson and the Nuggets are moving closer to a deal, with Denver offering their bi-annual exception, tweets Sam Amick of USA Today, adding that an agreement could be reached today.
1:41pm: The Nuggets are making progress in talks with free agent point guard Nate Robinson, reports Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). According to Spears, Robinson and Denver head coach Brian Shaw have had productive conversations.
We heard earlier this month that the Nuggets were one of a handful of teams with interest in Robinson. However, despite the number of clubs linked to 29-year-old, and his strong finish to the 2012/13 season, he doesn't appear to be inspiring a bidding war. The Nuggets have already used their mid-level exception to sign J.J. Hickson, so if they were to make an offer to Robinson, it would have to be for the bi-annual exception ($2MM+) or the veteran's minimum.
Robinson appeared in all 82 regular season games for the Bulls last year, averaging 13.1 PPG and 4.4 APG in just 25.4 minutes per contest, good for a 17.4 PER. According to Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com (via Twitter), Robinson is in the market for a mini mid-level type deal.
This post was first published on July 22nd at 1:41pm CST.
Odds & Ends: Irving, Ellis, Wolters
In his weekly roundup of topics surrounding Cleveland sports teams, Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer offers his thoughts on Andrew Bynum, the Cavaliers' depth at the big man positions, and Kyrie Irving. Regarding some belief that Tyler Zeller might not get much playing time with the addition of Bynum, the return of Anderson Varejao, and the presence of Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett, Pluto believes that the second year big man will be needed since he's skeptical of Bynum and Varejao's injury histories. You can find the rest of tonight's miscellaneous links below:
- On rumors of Irving possibly leaving Cleveland or wanting out, Pluto explains why it'd be unlikely for the young star to leave the Cavs before he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2016. Pluto also lauds the acquisition of Jarrett Jack as a player who will push Dion Waiters and Irving for playing time, while also serving as an insurance policy in case one of them gets injured.
- Eddie Sefko of SportsDayDFW writes that Monta Ellis significantly upgrades the Mavericks' talent level.
- Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel takes a more in-depth look at Nate Wolters' experience in summer league play and several positive signs moving forward for the Bucks' rookie.
- Kevin Martin is very much looking forward to teaming up with Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio, writes John Krawczynski of the Associated Press (via the Star Tribune), who also shares that Martin played a big role in the recruitment of Corey Brewer from free agency.
- In a conference call with Twin Cities reporters earlier today, Martin was asked if he had seriously considered a return to the Thunder for little money and a chance to win a championship, considering that their offer was significantly restricted by the luxury tax: "Always. I also feel like I found the same thing with Minnesota being younger. They've had some injuries over the years, but they're a good team, too. I made a decision and I think it's a great one. I learned from Oklahoma CIty, they're a great organization. The way KD and Russ approach the game, I think that's something I'll bring to Minnesota" (Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune).
- Bulls rookie Tony Snell loves being compared to Kawhi Leonard, notes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
- ESPN's David Thorpe explains why the quality of summer league play has suffered a bit this year and assesses the performance of key second year players in Las Vegas with Kevin Arnowitz and Amin Elhassan (video links).
Eastern Notes: Damion James, Felix, Cavs
RealGM's Shams Charania notes that while Damion James has yet to speak about a training camp invite or regular season roster spot with the Heat, the 6'7 swingman may have boosted his stock after his solid play in Las Vegas over the last few weeks. James – who underwent foot surgery twice over the span of his first two season in the league – told RealGM: "Everybody knows I belong in the league…I’m completely, 100 percent healthy. It’s been a great experience for me. I really look up to the Miami Heat and I really appreciate them for letting me come and be a part of their organization. I just want to show them that I can play, show them that I can belong here.
Here's more out of the Eastern Conference tonight:
- Carrick Felix made a strong enough impression on Mike Brown that the Cavaliers coach thinks he has a good chance to make the regular season roster, writes Mary Schmitt Boyer of The Plain Dealer. As for other players who could have possibly earned invites to training camp, Brown mentioned Matthew Dellavedova, Cory Higgins, Jermaine Taylor, and Justin Harper.
- Wizards rookie Otto Porter did a brief interview with Hoopsworld about his experiences in summer league and what he needs to work on in preparation for training camp (video link).
- DeMar DeRozan gave his thoughts and impressions on some of his young Raptors teammates, having a full training camp to work alongside Rudy Gay, Masai Ujiri, and team's playoff chances (video link).
- Cody Zeller expounded on what he learned about the NBA game against summer competition and building chemistry with some of his teammates (video link).
- Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports tweets that Vitor Faverani's three-year deal with the Celtics is worth $6MM, which was the projected deal a few days ago.
- Frank Isola of the New York Daily News questions the leadership of Knicks owner James Dolan and is skeptical about how the team will fare next season.
- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer discusses how the NBA's new CBA has benefitted the Bobcats.
Latest On Mike Miller
8:25pm: ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports that the Nuggets are now receiving strong consideration from Miller's camp along with Oklahoma City and Memphis.
5:36pm: Mark Berman of Fox 26 tweets that NBA sources have confirmed the Rockets' reported offer to Miller.
3:28pm: The Rockets have formally extended an offer, Stein tweets. Houston has the $2.652MM room exception available. Meanwhile, Marc Gasol has joined the Grizzlies contingent trying to persuade Miller to go to Memphis.
2:40pm: Stein mentions the Rockets as another team still in the running for Miller, while Kevin Durant is aggressively pitching Miller on Oklahoma City (Twitter link).
2:28pm: Miller and Thunder GM Sam Presti have had their scheduled meeting, and Miller sat down yesterday with Grizzlies owner Robert Pera and CEO Jason Levien, Stein reports (Twitter link).
1:59pm: The Thunder have spent the past couple of days as the apparent leaders in the race to sign Mike Miller, but Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida tweets that they have company. The Grizzlies, along with the Thunder, are the front-runners, though Miller is still evaluating his options, Tomasson says. Marc Stein of ESPN.com hears the Nuggets are a threat as well, with plenty of playing time to offer following the departures of Andre Iguodala and Corey Brewer this summer (Twitter link).
The Spurs, Rockets and Warriors were also linked to Miller when he cleared amnesty waivers this week, but it's not clear whether those teams remain in the mix. The Cavs strongly considered claiming Miller while he was still on waivers, but they haven't been mentioned as a candidate to sign him outright. A report surfaced this week that Miller was considering fusion surgery on his back, which was giving pause to teams with thoughts of claiming him off waivers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors speculated that the surgery news was leaked to dissuade the Cavs from claiming him, pointing out that Miller "made it clear to people around him" that he didn't want to play in Cleveland, as Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal tweeted.
The Thunder appear unwilling to go into luxury tax territory to bring Miller aboard, but they're reportedly willing to waive DeAndre Liggins or Daniel Orton to accomodate a minimum-salary contract for Miller. That may not be enough to corral the sharpshooter, as the Nuggets can use the bi-annual exception to sign him, and the Grizzlies have the bi-annual as well as the mid-level exception. The Thunder have both of those exceptions available, too, but using either of them would push the team above the $71.748MM tax threshold.
The 33-year-old Miller, coming off a pair of championships with the Heat, isn't ready to retire any time soon, saying last month that he felt he could play for four or five more years. He might not be ready to accept a minimum-salary deal, even though he'll still be getting the remaining $12.8MM from his contract with the Heat.
Western Notes: Odom, Kevin Martin, Adelman
- After spending a season in Oklahoma City, Kevin Martin believes he can bring a "championship tone" to the Timberwolves' locker room next season, writes Alex M. Smith of the Pioneer Press.
- When asked if he was convinced that coach Rick Adelman would be returning to the sidelines in Minnesota, Martin replied "that's the story I've heard" (Yahoo's Marc J. Spears tweets).
- Moments after his press conference in Los Angeles, Jordan Farmar sat down with Mike Trudell of Lakers.com to discuss his return to the team that drafted him, how he's progressed since he's been overseas, and what he brings to the table now.
- Ty Lawson spoke with Hoopsworld about the Nuggets' offseason changes, giving his thoughts on the team's young players, how he'll fit with new head coach Brian Shaw, and what his expectations are for next season (video link).
- Pelicans guard Eric Gordon briefly talked to Hoopsworld about how he sees himself fitting next to Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans, saying that it's "all about getting the chemistry down" (video link).
- Doug Robinson of the Deseret News discusses how the Jazz franchise has been able to keep leaks and rumor mill discussions to a minimum.
Blazers Links: Waters, Tibbetts, Leonard
The Oregonian's Mike Tokito takes a look at Dominic Waters, who after participating in summer league play with the Trail Blazers is preparing for the next chapter in his career – whether it be in an invitation to an NBA training camp, playing in the D-League, or returning to Europe. Waters had opened some eyes at the team's four-day mini-training camp this year, earning a spot on the team's summer roster as a result of his performance. Though Waters played sparingly, assistant coach Nate Tibbetts (who led the summer team this year) had some good things to say about the NBA hopeful: “I really liked working with him because to me, as a point guard, you’re like a quarterback out there…You have to direct, and he did a really good job with that.”
Here are more links to relay along out of Portland tonight:
- In this video interview, Tibbetts offered his thoughts on the summer league performances of several young players who have guaranteed contracts with Portland next season (via Molly Blue of the Oregonian).
- Though Meyers Leonard could figure to be a backup to Robin Lopez this year, John Canzano of the Oregonian sees the former University of Illinois standout as a future NBA star and franchise center with a "barrel of upside."
- Mike Acker of the Williamette Week believes that Neil Olshey's work this summer has put the team in a flexible position to compete for a playoff spot or rebuild quickly if things don't go so well next season (hat tip to Ben Golliver of the Blazers Edge).