Mavs, Lakers Discussing Jeremy Lin Trade
MONDAY, 8:26am: Lin is likely to end up in Dallas, tweets Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link), though it’s unclear whether he’s likely to come via sign-and-trade, a straight signing, or either.
SUNDAY, 5:47pm: The Mavericks are engaging with the Lakers on sign-and-trade options for free agent Jeremy Lin, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). The Mavs are low on space to sign Lin to a market-level contract, Wojnarowski adds.
In a full story, Wojnarowski writes, that Lin, according to league sources, sees the Mavs as the best opportunity to reignite his career, especially with a chance to become the starting point guard. Dallas is already set to add DeAndre Jordan and Wes Matthews. Lin, Wojnarowski adds, has a strong chance to thrive in the pick-and-roll with Jordan.
The Lakers have a cap hold of $12.6MM for Lin, Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders tweets, and thus this allows for a sign-and-trade to Dallas, as long as Roy Hibbert and Lou Williams, who both are set to be acquired, still fit. Of course, the Lakers would be interested in gaining something in return, and Pincus speculates (Twitter link) that could come in the form of a three-way deal involving the Pacers. In theory, the Lakers could get a first-round pick from the Pacers for sending Lin to the Mavs, with Dallas sending Indiana draft considerations, according to Pincus, who described such a deal as “a stretch.”
Lin reportedly has been considering the Mavs even though he could likely command a higher salary elsewhere. That’s because he wants to play for a playoff-caliber team and he remains good friends with Chandler Parsons from their days as teammates in Houston.
Mavs, J.J. Barea Nearing Deal
MONDAY, 8:21am: It’s almost a certainty that Barea will re-sign with the Mavs for the $2.814MM room exception, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link). The Mavs believe that they’re making progress toward a deal, according to a source who spoke with Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News. That source suggests the possibility of a three-year deal that includes a player option, but a three-year deal would be impossible on the room exception, and his Non-Bird rights would only allow for a salary of 120% better than the minimum.
FRIDAY, 4:06pm: The Mavericks and free agent J.J. Barea are close to an agreement that would allow the veteran to return to Dallas, David Aldridge of TNT reports (Twitter link). The length and terms being discussed are not yet known, but Barea is seeking a three-year arrangement, Aldridge notes.
Dallas has been optimistic that it would be able to land Barea, but was waiting for other free agents to make their decisions first, noted Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com. The Heat were the Mavs’ strongest competitors for the 31-year-old’s services, Aldridge adds.
Barea appeared in 77 games for the Mavs last season, including 10 as a starter. His averages were 7.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 17.7 minutes per game, and he owned a slash line of .420/.323/.809. Through 586 career contests, Barea’s numbers are 8.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 3.4 APG.
Lakers Explore Trading Young, Sacre, Kelly
MONDAY, 8:11am: The Lakers are exploring trades for Robert Sacre and Ryan Kelly in addition to Young, report Wojnarowski and Yahoo Sports colleague Marc J. Spears, who raise the possibility that either Sacre, Kelly or both end up in the Hibbert deal. They don’t mention Young in the context of that trade agreement with Indiana, however.
Kelly, due more than $1.724MM, and Sacre, due a minimum salary of more than $981K, are entering the final year of their respective contracts. Young makes more than $5.219MM this coming season in year two of a four-year deal.
SUNDAY, 6:53pm: With all the moves the Lakers are set to make, there’s a need to clear some cap space and, as a result, Nick Young is a strong candidate to be dealt, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link).
The Lakers are set to acquire Roy Hibbert, sign Lou Williams and sign Brandon Bass. With Williams, who led or tied for the Raptors’ lead in scoring in 18 games, which was second-most for a reserve in the league, on board, Young is expendable. In a separate tweet, Wojnarowski reports, citing league sources, that the Lakers could include a player to Indiana in the Hibbert trade.
Even before the flurry of moves, there was talk of the Lakers unloading Young. It was reported in April that the Lakers planned to shop Young this summer after a subpar season and conflict with coach Byron Scott. Young, 30, slumped to a career-worst 36.6% field goal percentage, and his 13.4 points per game were well off the prior season’s 17.9 PPG mark.
And-Ones: Terry, O’Quinn, Anderson
The Mavericks have had conversations with unrestricted free agent Jason Terry about a reunion in Dallas, where the veteran spent half of his 16 seasons in the league, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News reports. If the Mavs added him, Terry would likely join Devin Harris as a good source of offense off the bench, Sefko writes. Terry finished last season as the Rockets’ starting point guard when Patrick Beverley was injured and played well in that role during the playoffs.
Here’s more from around the basketball world:
- Kyle O’Quinn, who the Knicks have agreed to acquire via sign-and-trade with the Magic, will miss Orlando, but the clincher in the deal was it being a long-term one from his hometown team, Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel writes. “It was a long-term deal. That played a big part,” O’Quinn said. “When I found out I was going home, of course I was excited to be around my mom and my dad and my sister. … And it was just a good opportunity for me to possibly get minutes, play a bigger role, and hopefully I can flourish in it.”
- Keeping free agent Alan Anderson remains a priority for the Nets, league sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). However, Anderson is a popular bench target for teams so he could wind up elsewhere.
- Unrestricted free agent big man Joel Freeland is considering five potential NBA teams, but it is very possible he signs with CSKA Moscow, reports Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype.com (Twitter links). A decision is expected some time next week.
- The Spurs have expressed an interest in adding Carlos Boozer to their bench, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com tweets.
- Rodney Stuckey declined four other offers before agreeing to sign a 3-year, $21MM deal with the Pacers, league sources tell Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops (on Twitter).
- NBA free agent Vitor Faverani auditioned for Maccabi Tel Aviv and there’s mutual interest in a deal, according to David Pick of Eurobasket.com (on Twitter).
- Jeremy Evans is a developmental project for the Mavs, but they believe he can contribute this season, Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com tweets.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Southeast Notes: Whiteside, Thornton, Wizards
The dollars are flying this summer for the league’s top free agents — especially free agent big men — but Heat center Hassan Whiteside says that he’s not concerning himself with all of that right now, Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post writes. Whiteside, who just experienced a breakout season, will hit free agency next summer. As Lieser points out, Whiteside has never earned more than $1MM in a season and will make $981,348 this upcoming season.
Here’s more from the Southeast Division:
- Marcus Thornton is part of a small group of shooters — and one that has shrunk because of recent reported signings — that Miami is interested in, a Heat official told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Thornton, according to Jackson, is a realistic target. There are other guards on the free agent market that would be bench upgrades, but they are more likely to command more than the minimum, and Miami hasn’t decided if it will pay more than that, Jackson adds.
- The Wizards were probably out on Rodney Stuckey after agreeing to sign Gary Neal, J. Michael of CSNWashington.com tweets. On Sunday, Stuckey agreed to stay in Indiana on a three-year, $21MM deal.
- Drew Gooden appears to be most likely of the Wizards‘ unrestricted free agents to return, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke with J. Michael of CSNWashington.com. Gooden is one of four UFAs for Washington, including Rasual Butler, Kevin Seraphin, and Will Bynum. With Paul Pierce out of the picture, Gooden is an affordable and logical choice to help fill that void at the stretch four.
Will Joseph contributed to this post.
Northwest Notes: Butler, Lillard, Durant, Exum
7:05pm: Butler told Jabari Young of CSNNW.com (Twitter link) that he would “love to be in Portland with the Blazers.”
1:21pm: Butler is no longer in the mix for Portland, a source tells Quick (Twitter link). The Blazers are prioritizing young players or guys with favorable contracts who have upside, Quick writes in the same tweet.
12:59pm: With their new-found cap space, the Blazers are interested in veteran forward Rasual Butler, reports Jason Quick of The Oregonian. The 36-year-old has been offered a contract, according to an unidentified source, but is not rushing to sign. He reportedly has interest from other teams, including the Spurs and Warriors. Butler, a 13-year NBA veteran, averaged 7.7 points and 2.6 rebounds with the Wizards last season. Portland, which is $26MM under the cap, has not reached out to free agent Gerald Green, Quick adds.
There’s more news from the Northwest Division:
- The Blazers‘ Damian Lillard made several unsuccessful attempts to set up a meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge last week, reports Sam Amick of USA Today. Lillard tried to schedule something before leaving on a promotional trip to Paris, but Aldridge’s schedule was already filled with team meetings. They exchanged text messages, but Lillard knew by Friday night that Aldridge was leaving Portland.
- The Thunder’s Kevin Durant will be the focus of next year’s free agent frenzy, but he tells Andy Vasquez of The Record that he has more immediate concerns. Multiple foot surgeries limited Durant to 27 games last year, and his goal is to be ready for next season. “I hear it all the time,” Durant said of free agency, “but I’m really just focusing on rehab and I can’t get there unless I take care of today.”
- Durant is entering “Phase 3” of rehab and expects to be fully cleared for game action by August, writes Royce Young of ESPN.com. “We’re doing X-rays every two weeks, and it’s looking good,” he said. “So I’m excited to get back, man. There’s no pain, and looking forward to getting back.”
- Jazz coach Quin Snyder has turned down several suggested trades involving Dante Exum, according to Jody Genessy of The Deseret News. “I believe in him,” Snyder told Utah GM Dennis Lindsey. “I believe in his makeup.” Exum struggled through his rookie season, especially with his shot, but team officials are seeing improvements in his game since he returned from his native Australia.
Spurs Pull Qualifying Offer To Cory Joseph
The Spurs have withdrawn their qualifying offer to Cory Joseph, making the point guard an unrestricted free agent, tweets Mike Monroe of The San Antonio Express-News, who cites a league source.
The Spurs originally extended a qualifying offer to Joseph on June 30, then making him a restricted free agent, but, that, of course, was before the team reached an agreement to sign LaMarcus Aldridge. The move to rescind the offer increases the likelihood that Joseph will not be back with the Spurs, Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News tweets. The Spurs still have Joseph’s Bird Rights.
The Raptors, who have been interested in taking a shot at Joseph, have the financial flexibility to overpay, if necessary, Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun tweets. The client of Rich Paul filled in nicely this past season as a starter when both Tony Parker and Patty Mills were injured in December and because of that, there’s a distinct possibility of his price tag rising. Joseph is from Canada, and Raptors GM Masai Ujiri has pledged to pursue Canadian players, so it is very logical that he’d at least consider signing Joseph. Yet, as Wolstat tweets, the Spurs remain in play.
Western Notes: Lyles, Cole, Suns
Trey Lyles has yet to sign his rookie contract with the Jazz and Jody Genessy of the Deseret News (on Twitter) hears that he expected to hit some road bumps on that front after being drafted No. 12 overall. Lyles is still on target to get 120% of the rookie scale, but Genessy (Twitter links) believes that the minor details/complications to be hammered out are probably bonus-related. GM Dennis Lindsey previously indicated that there some details would have to be ironed out in relation to cap holds.
- Guard Norris Cole is the top remaining free agent the Pelicans are making a push to re-sign, sources tell John Reid of The Times-Picayune. New Orleans can match any offer the restricted free agent receives, but Reid also hears that they’re only willing to go so far.
- Now that LaMarcus Aldridge has chosen the Spurs over the Suns (and his other suitors), Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic looked at what might be next for Phoenix. The Suns, he writes, are looking to add shooting, experience, frontline help, and a third point guard in free agency. Coro surmises that targets could include a free agent power forward like Brandon Bass, Jordan Hill, Darrell Arthur or Andrea Bargnani and even sentimental free agency options, like a return for Amar’e Stoudemire.
- Nuggets coach Michael Malone has hired well-regarded Ed Pinckney as his top assistant, league sources tell Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). Pinckney was previously with the Bulls.
- Heat D-League head coach Phil Weber is finalizing a deal to join Alvin Gentry‘s staff with the Pelicans, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports tweets. The two worked together with the Suns.
Hoops Links: Marion, Lakers, Celtics
On this date in 1992, the Dream Team won the final game of the Basketball Tournament of the Americas against Venezuela 127-80. Team USA won all six games in the tourney by an average of 51.5 points.
Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…
- Tru School Sports reflected on Shawn Marion‘s career.
- Lakers Outsiders looked at why the Lakers have failed in free agency.
- Hoop Trends introduced Terry Rozier to Celtics fans.
- Keep It Cavalier looked at some possible backup point guards for the Cavs.
- Fantasy Pros ran down their top 50 free agents.
- Rotowire reflected on some overlooked trades.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.
Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Knicks, Datome
While the Celtics didn’t land the premier free agents in this year’s class, they did agree with Amir Johnson 0n a deal that brings him in from the Raptors. Coach Brad Stevens believes that, in general, the team’s positive environment will help attract players to Boston, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald writes.
“I think the biggest thing is that I feel really good about our environment. I think people will really enjoy playing with this group of people. I don’t think there’s any question about it. We’ve got guys that like the game, they work at the game, they want to be good. And we have to focus our attention on those guys and helping them become the best they can be,” Stevens said.
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division..
- Knicks president Phil Jackson and GM Steve Mills are still talking with Jason Smith‘s representatives about bringing him back for the 2015/16 season, sources tell Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter).
- The Knicks have also been in constant contact with Louis Amundson‘s representatives about bringing him back for next season, sources tell Begley (on Twitter). Amundson appeared in 41 games for New York last season, averaging 6.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG in 20.9 minutes per contest.
- When asked about reports that he has been approached by reps from Olimpia Milano about signing with them, Celtics free agent big man Gigi Datome dismissed the talk as premature. “It’s very early because [NBA] free agency is so [early],” Datome told Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald via phone. “My agent told me that first the big players will sign, and then you have to wait. I’ve waited more than two months to get here, so I can wait two more. My agent is listening to proposals from European teams, and right now we’re not saying no to anyone. But I still want to see if anyone in the NBA wants to sign me.”
- The development of newly-signed forward Derrick Williams will be a good litmus test for Knicks coach Derek Fisher, Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com writes. Williams’ talent led to him being selected No. 2 overall in the 2011 draft, but he has yet to put it all together at the NBA level.