FA Rumors: Maggette, Blair, Telfair, Tinsley
Restricted free agents like Nikola Pekovic, Brandon Jennings, and Gerald Henderson represent the most intriguing names left on the free agent market, but in his latest piece for HoopsWorld, Alex Kennedy takes a look at a few unrestricted free agents who have flown more under the radar. Here are some highlights from Kennedy:
- Corey Maggette considered retiring to pursue a front office job, but it looks like he'll postpone that plan for at least a year. Maggette would like to play for a contender, and could likely be had for a one-year, minimum-salary deal.
- Although more than a dozen teams, including the Bulls and Clippers, have expressed some level of interest in DeJuan Blair, the big man still hasn't been able to secure the sort of multiyear offer he's seeking.
- There continues to be mutual interest between the Knicks and Sebastian Telfair, who has also attracted some interest from contenders like the Heat and Thunder.
- The Nets nearly signed Jamaal Tinsley earlier in the offseason, but opted for Shaun Livingston instead. Tinsley is now considering teams like the Mavericks, Rockets, Bobcats, and Suns.
- Keyon Dooling still appears likely to make a decision on a team within the next week, and he figures to land a one-year contract worth the veteran's minimum.
- After turning down the Bobcats last summer to join an apparent contender (the Lakers), Antawn Jamison could end up returning home to Charlotte this time around, according to Kennedy.
Odds & Ends: Hill, Team USA, Cousins
Opting to stick around for youth basketball camps he sponsored in Texas, Pacers guard George Hill understands that his decision to forego his commitment to Team USA training camp on short notice could hurt his chances at future invitations (IndyStar.com). USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo's reacted to Hill's decision: "We expected him here, and he withdrew…Until I really get the answer, I don't know what else to tell you. I just don't think it's fair to comment one way or the other until I have facts, out of courtesy and respect."
Here are a few more miscellaneous rumblings to pass along from tonight:
- Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee (via Twitter) hears that the Kings will be meeting with DeMarcus Cousins' agent Dan Fegan in the near future to discuss a contract extension.
- Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today tweets that early next year, Colangelo will announce another pool of 25-28 players for next summer's World Cup competition.
- Though he almost chose the Mavericks at the request of his son, Jermaine O'Neal passed on the chance to return home and ultimately chose to join the Warriors for the opportunity to be a part of something special (Marcus Thompson of the San Jose Mercury News).
- Eric Koreen of the National Post introduces us to Bill Bayno, Jesse Murmuys, and Jama Mahlalela – some of the new faces on the Raptors' assistant coaching staff. In another piece, Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun gathers some of head coach Dwane Casey's thoughts on Jonas Valanciunas and DeMar DeRozan and their improvement this summer.
- Zach Harper of CBS Sports is puzzled by Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum's statement to Cleveland media that he's never played for a city that really supported their team, coming from someone who developed and enjoyed plenty of success with the Lakers.
Warriors Plans For San Francisco Move Delayed?
After speaking with Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob, Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News reports that the team's plans to move to an arena in San Francisco at Piers 30/32 by 2017 could be pushed to 2018 or beyond.
Back in May, city mayor Ed Lee and members of the Golden State franchise had officially announced the intention to move the team in time for the 2017/18 season. Though there were some expected difficulties with regard to the politics and logistics of building an arena on that site, Kawakami writes that those issues – coupled with other unexpected obstacles – stand in the way of bringing the plan to fruition by the original intended target date.
Based on his conversation with Lacob - who thinks it's too early to tell whether or not the plan will be delayed, but conceded to the possibility that it could be - Kawakami also notes that the franchise isn't completely set on Piers 30/32 location, as Lacob and co-owner Peter Guber have acknowledged the possibility of re-starting talks with the San Francisco Giants about building an arena in Lot A next to AT&T Park. Though Lacob rules out Pier 50 as another location worth considering, Kawakami doesn't think it's completely out of the question either.
The team's current lease at the Oracle Arena is set to expire in 2017, and an alternative temporary option could include extending that lease for the standard of five years (or fewer, based on discussions) according to Kawakami. Lacob says that the franchise will have the next 18 months to receive an approval to start building in 2015, though with the likelihood that the building project could take more than two years, it paints a much clearer picture of why a move into the city by the 2017/18 season might not be as realistic as it used to be.
Western Notes: Jazz, Hornacek, Lillard
Bill Oram of The Salt Lake Tribune underscores the Jazz' competitive disadvantage in having to share a D-League affiliate with four other NBA teams, considering how each team can only have so much individual expectations. He also notes that NBA teams with single affiliation hire their own coaches, provide support and direct on-court decisions, whereas the Jazz have to leave things up to the discretion of their independently owned D-League team. Should the ideal opportunity present itself, Oram mentions that Jazz president Randy Rigby would be interested in putting an expansion development league team in St. George, Utah, though that possibility still remains a dream scenario for now.
Here are some more news and notes out of the Western Conference tonight:
- Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee writes that DeMarcus Cousins is still waiting to hear from Shaq, who pledged last month that he would "make (him) the best big man in the game."
- Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek made quite an impression on the players he led during this month's summer competition, writes Matt Petersen of Suns.com. In a separate piece, Petersen, Brad Faye, and Ben York of Suns.com give their thoughts on who and what stood out for them the most this month in Las Vegas.
- Trail Blazers standout Damian Lillard reflects on his successful rookie campaign and discusses his thoughts on the team going into next year (Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld).
- Kings.com takes an in-depth look at Ben McLemore's first day in the NBA summer league (video link).
Eastern Notes: Wall, Cartier Martin, Antic
SB Nation's Tom Ziller isn't totally convinced that the Wizards need to offer a maximum contract to John Wall this summer, pointing out that at worst, he'd be no more expensive to retain as a restricted free agent one year from now. He mentions Stephen Curry and Jrue Holiday as perfect examples where their respective teams were able to get good discounts by negotiating early extensions, but in Washington's case, offering a max extension now would eliminate potential negotiating leverage next summer in the event that Wall has a subpar season in 2013-14. Though Ziller understands why Wall deserves a maximum contract now, he argues that there'd be little risk and tangible potential benefit in waiting until next year to offer that type of deal.
Here are a few more news and notes out of the Eastern Conference:
- In addition to their interest in free agent center Greg Oden, the Heat are also keeping their eye on Mo Williams, says Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.
- Emiliano Carchia of Sportando passes along a report that Cartier Martin is close to a deal with Olympiacos (hat tip to Eurohoops). The 28-year-old swingman spent last season with the Wizards.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweets that new Hawks addition Pero Antic had previously passed up an offer to join the Magic in 2008.
- After bringing back Kenyon Martin, the Knicks are still in the market for one more point guard and possibly another big man, notes Newsday's Al Iannazzone.
- Josh Newman of SNYNets.com reports that Brooklyn forward Tornike Shengelia will have surgery next Wednesday to repair a damaged meniscus in his left knee and will most likely miss the FIBA Eurobasket Games in September at the very least.
- With the departure of Mike Miller, Heat reserve James Jones is looking for an opportunity at an expanded role next season (NBA.com via the Associated Press).
International Notes: Colton Iverson, Mbakwe, Lawal
We'll keep track of tonight's relevant international basketball rumblings below:
- Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy tweets that Christian Eyenga and Craig Brackins have signed with Stelmet Zielona Gora of the Euroleague. Eyenga, a former first-round pick by the Cavaliers, was last seen in the NBA as a member of the Lakers during the 2011-12 season. Brackins' last stint in the NBA was with the 76ers during the 2011-12 season as well.
- 2013 second round pick Colton Iverson had reportedly reached a two-year agreement to play for Besiktas, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. However, Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe (via Twitter) cites a league source that says Iverson has not agreed in principle or signed a deal with anyone.
- Carchia also notes that undrafted prospect Trevor Mbakwe will head to Italy next season to play for Virtus Roma.
- Interestingly enough, Carchia writes that Mbakwe will replace Gani Lawal, who we've heard had been drawing NBA interest from at least four teams early in June.
Bucks Request Waivers On Gustavo Ayon
According to the Bucks' PR Twitter account, the team has requested waivers on center Gustavo Ayon. Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (via Twitter) notes that the 28-year-old big man would have been on the books for a guaranteed $1.5MM next season had he not been waived by today's deadline.
Ayon played 12 games for the Bucks last season after being dealt by the Magic, averaging 3.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and about 13 MPG in 55 total games played last year. Though Milwaukee had exercised their team option on him last month, it was seen more as a postponement on a decision regarding his contract. The Mexican native participated in three summer league games with the Bucks in Las Vegas earlier this month, averaging 6.0 PPG and 5.3 RPG in 19.7 MPG.
Odds & Ends: Raptors, Camby, Oden, Bynum
The Raptors' buyout of center Marcus Camby will save the club $2MM in 2013/14, according to Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld. The veteran had a guaranteed $5.4MM between this year's salary and the $1MM partial guarantee on 2014/15 and he agreed to part ways with Toronto for $3.4MM. The Raptors will take a cap hit of $2.8MM for the coming season and $646K for 2014/15. Here's more from around the Association..
- In addition to the Hawks, Marc Stein of ESPN.com (via Twitter) hears that the Spurs and Pelicans also have representatives at Greg Oden's latest workout audition in Indianapolis.
- It's no secret that the Andrew Bynum deal didn't work out for the Sixers and yesterday, new CEO Scott O'Neil apologized to fans for how it turned out, writes Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- There are two main questions to consider when weighing the idea of the Wizards giving point guard John Wall an extension, argues Tom Ziller of SBNation.com.
- The Raptors announced that they have filled out their coaching staff with assistants Bill Bayno and Jesse Mermuys.
Mavericks Re-Sign Brandan Wright
JULY 25th: The Mavs confirmed the move via press release.
JULY 23rd: The Mavericks and Brandan Wright have reached an agreement on a new two-year deal for the big man, according to agent Jim Tanner. Tanner tells TNT's David Aldridge (Twitter link) that the two-year contract for his client will be worth a guaranteed $10MM, with an additional $1.1MM in incentives.
Wright, 25, had long been expected to return to the Mavs, with Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com reporting earlier in the month that the two sides were discussing a possible two-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $4MM annually. When owner Mark Cuban talked about the club's offseason last week, he spoke as if Wright were already under contract.
In all likelihood, the Mavs simply had to keep Wright's small ($884,293) cap hold on the books until after the Monta Ellis signing was finalized, which happened today. With Wright's Early Bird rights in hand, the team can go over the cap to re-sign him.
Wright set career-highs in a number of categories last season for the Mavs, including PPG (8.5), RPG (4.1), and games played (64). The former eighth overall pick has a career PER of 19.7, having exhibited the ability to produce efficiently when he stays healthy.
Hawks Sign Pero Antic
The Hawks announced that they have signed Macedonian forward/center Pero Antic. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Antic's agent tipped the signing yesterday on his Twitter and indicated that it was a one-year deal with an option for year two. The Hawks still appear to have some cap space, so Antic could be getting more than the minimum salary.
Antic helped lead Greek powerhouse Olympiacos to back-to-back Euroleague titles in 2012 and 2013 and has also captured championships in Serbia, Russia, and Bulgaria. In 31 Euroleague contests in 2012/13, Antic averaged 6.0 PPG and 3.5 RPG in 17.5 minutes of action.
The 30-year-old is the captain of the Macedonian National Team, helping the team to the semifinals of EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. He averaged 11.5 points and 8.8 rebounds over 11 games in that year's tournament, while collecting three double-doubles.