Martin Says Return To Thunder A Strong Possibility
Kevin Martin is set to become a free agent next summer, and though he and his agent have not spoken with the Thunder about an extension, the 29-year-old shooting guard made it clear that re-signing with Oklahoma City is a strong possibility, according to Michael Scotto of RealGM.com. Still, Martin is excited about the prospect of hitting unrestricted free agency for the first time.
"I’m a Midwest guy and it’s going to be an interesting summer for myself, because I never got a chance to really be a free agent and I’m going to be high in the shooting guard class, so hopefully everything works out here," Martin said. "We have a great thing right now and I’m just living in the moment."
Martin, who's making $12.44MM this season, has inherited the team's sixth man role from James Harden, for whom he was traded just before the season began. It's no surprise that he and the Thunder aren't talking about his contract right now, since the team would only be able to give him three more years in an extension, while they could re-sign him for up to five years when he's a free agent in July.
According to Martin, "everything's been positive" since he joined the Thunder. He's averaging 16.1 points per game on 46.2% shooting, but those numbers are down from the 16.8 PPG and 49.1% shooting Harden gave them last year. Still, the Thunder are off to a fast start, at 14-4. The team wasn't willing to give Harden a max deal, but reportedly made him a four-year offer for a few million dollars less than that. I'm not sure if they're prepared to pay Martin the same money they'd have given Harden, but if they decide to keep the Western Carolina product around, four years and $50MM would probably be enough to convince Martin to return.
Unless Monta Ellis exercises his early termination option to leave the Bucks, Martin figures to be at the top of a relatively weak market for shooting guards next summer. O.J. Mayo, J.R. Smith and Manu Ginobili are other intriguing names who could be available, as our Hoops Rumors list of 2013/14 free agents shows.
Hornets Expected To Change Name To Pelicans
7:01pm: A Hornets spokesman said the name change is not finalized and "still in discussions," noting that the NBA will make the final call, according John Reid of The Times-Picayune. Commissioner David Stern, speaking to Reid before Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports broke the news about the Pelicans nickname, said he would support a change of names for the New Orleans franchise, though it might not happen next season.
"Knowing (owner) Tom (Benson) he'd probably wrestle me to the ground tomorrow but I'm not going to give in that soon,'' Stern said.
5:36pm: The Hornets will become the New Orleans Pelicans as early as next season, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports. The new name, which mirrors Louisiana's moniker as the Pelican State, was selected over the Krewe and the Brass. There was also a minor league baseball team known as the New Orleans Pelicans in town for much of the 20th century. Owner Tom Benson has wanted to change the name since he took over the team earlier this year, and he owns the rights to the Pelicans name, as Spears points out.
The Hornets nickname might not disappear from the NBA, however, since Bobcats owner Michael Jordan has expressed a willingness to change his team's name to the Hornets. The current Hornets franchise played in Charlotte before moving to New Orleans in 2002.
International Moves: Curry, Alexander, Erden
Basketball season is in full swing around the globe, and a few international players with NBA ties are making headlines. Here's the latest from overseas.
- Sources tell HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy that Eddy Curry, let go by the Mavericks after he appeared in two early-season games, has signed to play in China with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls. The story was first reported by Sina Sports (Chinese link). Another Chinese club went after Curry shortly after the Mavs let him go, but he turned them down amid interest from other NBA teams. According to Kennedy, Curry has his eyes on a return to the NBA in February, when the Chinese season ends.
- It seemed last week that Joe Alexander was also headed to China to play for the Liaoning Hunters, but the team has denied signing or having any interest in the former Bucks lottery pick, according to a Sports.QQ.com report (Chinese link, translation via Sportando).
- Semih Erden returned to his native Turkey to play this year after starting nine games for the Cavs last season, but the 7-footer is determined to make it back to the NBA, blaming injuries for his inability to stick the first time, as Orhun Özdemir of Trendbasket.net writes (hat tip to Sportando). "I’m back in Turkey because I failed to perform at my best in the NBA," the big man said. "I will recover from my injuries here and reach my top form again. I will be back in the NBA better than before."
- Derrick Caracter, a second-round pick of the Lakers in 2010, is headed to Israel, as we heard earlier.
Odds & Ends: Dwight, Shved, Hornets, Boykins
Dwight Howard opened up this weekend about his parting with the Magic, in advance of Orlando's meeting with the Lakers last night, and he talked about his willingness to change teams if that's what the pursuit of a championship requires. John Denton of Magic.com interprets that comment to mean D12 might be willing to leave the Lakers as a free agent next summer, but it seems more logical that Howard was referring to his departure from the Magic. Either way, there's plenty of room for pessimism about this year's Laker team, which takes an 8-9 record on the road for seven of its next eight games. Here's more from around the Association:
- Injuries to other Timberwolves have thrust rookie Alexey Shved into a prominent role, and the Russian guard is surprised at how quickly NBA success has come, writes Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
- Wolves coach Rick Adelman believes Shved will eventually become a mainstay in the backcourt alongside Ricky Rubio, as Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune documents.
- HoopsWorld's Steve Kyler, who noted earlier that the Hornets are not shopping Ryan Anderson, says the team isn't looking for an immediate solution to its troubles this season, preferring an approach predicated on draft picks and cap space (Twitter link).
- Earl Boykins, linked to the Mavericks last week before they signed Derek Fisher, has been working out in Denver and is in great shape as he awaits interest from teams, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link).
- DaJuan Summers, who last played in the NBA with the Hornets in 2011/12 and was a training camp invitee of the Bobcats, has signed to play with the Maine Red Claws of the D-League, tweets Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com, who notes the Red Claws let go of Brian Cusworth.
Central Rumors: Rose, Evans, Jaric, Pacers, Sloan
Three Central Division teams were in action tonight, as the Bucks endured a surprising blowout loss to the Hornets and fell out of a first-place tie with the Bulls, while the Pistons beat the cellar-dwelling Cavs. Chicago, at 8-7, is the best of an underwhelming bunch, and we rounded up several Bulls rumors earlier today. We have more on them and their Central rivals tonight.
- Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times hears Derrick Rose might be only weeks away from practicing, but cautions that it's unclear whether that means he's ahead of schedule for his return to playing, which is thought to be slated for February.
- The Daily Herald's Mike McGraw doesn't believe the rumor that Bulls will go after Maurice Evans, tweeting that "now is not the time" to add another player, given the team's constraints under the $74.3MM hard cap. The Bulls are eligible to sign someone to a veteran's minimum deal, but a fully guaranteed deal wouldn't allow them to add anyone else for a while longer.
- K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune mentions training-camp invitee Marko Jaric as a possible signing if the Bulls opt to add a player (Twitter link).
- Sean Deveney of The Sporting News examines the struggles of the Pacers, describing the play of their offseason acquisitions as "awful across the board." Deveney also points to the regression of Roy Hibbert, who's fresh off signing a new four-year deal this summer.
- The Sporting News scribe doesn't spare Paul George from criticism, either, and Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star takes a closer look at the inconsistent offensive play of the third-year swingman who'll be eligible for an extension next summer.
- Donald Sloan's defensive shortcomings caused him to fall out of the Cavs rotation before injuries to others forced him back in, and the minimum-salary point guard, who's without a guarantee on his deal, admits he's nervous about getting cut, as Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal documents.
Offseason In Review: Miami Heat
Hoops Rumors is in the process of looking back at each team's offseason, from the end of the playoffs in June right up until opening night. Trades, free agent signings, draft picks, contract extensions, option decisions, camp invitees, and more will be covered, as we examine the moves each franchise made over the last several months.
Signings
- Ray Allen: Two years, $6.32MM. Signed via taxpayer mid-level exception. Second year is player option.
- Rashard Lewis: Two years, $2.75MM. Signed via minimum salary exception. Second year is player option.
- Josh Harrellson: One year, $762K. Signed via minimum salary exception.
- Terrel Harris: One year, $762K. Signed via minimum salary exception.
Trades and Claims
- Acquired No. 45 pick in 2012 draft and 2013 first-round pick from the 76ers in exchange for No. 27 pick in 2012 draft.
Draft Picks
Camp Invitees
- Rodney Carney
- Robert Dozier
- Mickell Gladness
- Garrett Temple
- Jarvis Varnado
Departing Players
Rookie Contract Option Decisions
- Norris Cole, $1.13MM: Exercised
The Heat needn't have done much this offseason to give themselves a strong chance at another championship in 2012/13, but the additions of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis solidified their status atop the NBA pecking order and furthered a philosophical shift that began in the playoffs. The Heat doubled down on small ball, tapping outside shooters in their two most prominent offseason acquisitions. The Heat did nothing to address their lack of reliable, traditional big men, instead committing to Chris Bosh as the full-time starting center and undersized Shane Battier at power forward. LeBron James will see plenty of time at the four, too. The trend of "positionless" basketball, reflected even in the league's new All-Star ballot, seems destined to continue unless a team with stronger, more skilled inside players (the Lakers, perhaps?) is able to take down Miami.
As impressive as the Heat looked as they took apart the Thunder in the Finals, it's easy to forget the Celtics, another small-ball team, had extended them to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. That made the acquisition of Allen doubly impactful. Team president Pat Riley orchestrated a recruiting effort that allowed Heat beat out the Clippers, Grizzlies and Timberwolves, as well as the Celtics, for his services. Allen took a deal for the taxpayer's mid-level exception that was about half of what Boston was offering to woo him back. Allen's split with the Celtics became something of a sideshow in the offseason, as he spoke about his displeasure with the way the team had dangled him in trades as well as his differences with Rajon Rondo. The defection certainly fueled the Heat/Celtics rivalry over the summer, but it tilted the competition further in Miami's favor now that the games have begun.
Allen has seen consistent playing time as the team's sixth man, and is often on the floor down the stretch. The same can't be said for Lewis, who plays a more limited role on the fringe of the team's rotation. That's okay for a player on a minimum-salary contract, though, and the Heat took advantage of Lewis' $13MM buyout payment from the Hornets, as well as their status as a contender, to convince the 6'10" outside shooter to play for a relative pittance.
The floor spacing that long-distance threats Allen and Lewis give the team should allow James and Dwyane Wade to be even more dangerous offensively. Much of the intrigue early in the offseason was whether Mike Miller, whom the team signed in 2010 to provide that same shooting complement to their stars, would return. Plagued by a variety of injuries, Miller decided against retiring, and the Heat opted not to use the amnesty provision to get the final three years and $18.6MM of his contract off their books. He remains on the roster as an expensive insurance policy against injuries to others, recently filling an ailing Dwyane Wade's spot in the starting lineup. Miller is now healthy and plans to continue playing for at least the remaining years of his contract, and his presence is a luxury Miami may not be able to afford too much longer, particularly when more stringent tax rules take effect in 2014. James Jones is also back after considering retirement, and though he's no longer a part of the team's rotation, his total cost of $3MM over this season and next doesn't cause nearly as much trouble as Miller's contract.
The three members of last year's championship roster who didn't return are all big men, though the team kept a locker open for Juwan Howard, who joined the team in an advisory role while the possibility of his return to the Heat in a playing capacity loomed over training camp. Instead, the Heat decided to keep the non-guaranteed minimum salaries of Josh Harrellson and Terrel Harris, despite being linked to bigger names like Chris Andersen, Andray Blatche and Kenyon Martin. Several free agents looking for jobs at the end of the summer included the Heat on their wish lists, so the team could have probably added any of them as long as they were willing to commit to the minimum salary. Though they brought Harris back without a guarantee and for slightly less than they could have offered him via Non-Bird rights, the undrafted guard's inclusion on the roster is a strong indication of the club's confidence in him, as well as the need for Miami to develop young talent going forward.
The Lakers caused a stir when they seemed to indicate that they're angling to sign James when he becomes eligible to opt out of his contract in 2014, and some in the organization are reportedly worried about Wade's long-term health. Some day, there will come an end to the current star-studded iteration of the Heat, and that might be before the team wins the five, six or seven championships their marquee 2010 acquisitions promised in their introductions to Miami. For now, the Heat are on top of the NBA world, and while front offices must always focus on what lies ahead, the concerns this offseason were more about the immediate future. In that regard, the strong only got stronger.
Mike Miller Plans To Play At Least Two More Years
Mike Miller was considering retirement this summer after dealing with multiple ailments during the Heat's championship run, but now the 6'8" swingman professes full health and wants to play for the next two seasons, if not more, he tells Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida. Two more years would take him through the end of his deal with the Heat, which includes a player option for 2014/15.
The 32-year-old Miller seemed like an amnesty candidate over the summer, since his contract is worth $18.6MM over this season and the next two. He could once more be on the chopping block when Miami is eligible to use amnesty waivers again next July, Tomasson points out, and Miller grasps that his future is in the team's hands.
"Business is part of basketball just like injuries," he said. "If their business is to financially improve this team, they’re going to definitely do what’s best for them and I completely understand. That’s part of basketball. I’ve been traded before, too. I understand, and that’s what you sign up for."
Miller went with rest and rehabilitation instead of back surgery this summer, said he feels better than he has in five years, though the Heat have cut his minutes. Coach Erik Spoelstra said the club is "thinking big picture" when it comes to Miller, limiting his playing time and putting him on an organized workout regimen.
Lakers May Pursue Ryan Anderson In Gasol Deal
MONDAY, 6:44pm: The Hornets say they don’t have any interest in trading Anderson, tweets HoopsWorld’s Steve Kyler, who adds that the team is “absolutely thrilled” with him. Anderson says he’s enjoying New Orleans, and is confident the team will improve once Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis are back (Twitter link).
SATURDAY, 4:27pm: Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni‘s desire for a stretch four who can make three-pointers and leave the post work to Dwight Howard is what’s prompting the team to consider trading Pau Gasol, and the “name that keeps coming up” is Ryan Anderson, according to Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News. Anderson, who played with Howard in Orlando, precisely fits the definition of a stretch four, but he’s ineligible to be traded until later in the season, since he inked a new deal this offseason in a sign-and-trade transaction that sent him to the Hornets.
A move wouldn’t be imminent anyway, since the Lakers are waiting to see how the team runs with a healthy Steve Nash, Lawrence writes. Most offseason signees are eligible to be traded beginning December 15th, but because Anderson received a raise of better than 20% and re-signed via Bird Rights with the Magic, who were over the cap, I believe he can’t be traded until January 15th, even though he went to New Orleans in the sign-and-trade. According to Larry Coon’s Salary Cap FAQ, the restrictions apply to the first trade after the sign-and-trade, and not the sign-and-trade itself.
Either way, the Hornets will be free to trade Anderson at some point this season, one that hasn’t gone as planned for New Orleans, with injuries to Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis. Anderson has been a bright spot, as most of his numbers have been largely on par with those from last season, when he won the Most Improved Player of the Year award. His field goal percentage and three-point percentages are both at career highs this year, even as he’s taking more shots than ever.
Still, with a healthy Davis, who seems better suited at power forward than center, clearly the centerpiece of the team, it’s difficult to see where Anderson and his four-year, $34MM contract fit on the Hornets. Gasol, a more natural fit at center than Davis, could make sense, even with Robin Lopez around. New Orleans would have to give up much more salary to absorb Gasol’s $19MM deal, however.
The Lakers have also been linked to Josh Smith, but Hawks GM Danny Ferry, who cleared a lot of cap room this past summer, is reluctant to bring aboard Gasol’s sizable contract even though it expires after next season, Lawrence reports.
Atlantic Notes: Brooks, Lee, Green, Copeland
The last-place Raptors are the only Atlantic Division team playing this evening on a six-game night in the NBA, as they take on the Nuggets in Denver. Toronto is also the division's only sub-.500 team. That doesn't mean every Atlantic squad is pleased with its record so far, though, since the Celtics would surely wish for better than 9-8. There's plenty of season left, though, and in the meantime, here's a roundup from the league's best division so far.
- MarShon Brooks exceeded expectations in his rookie year, but the Nets put him on the trading block over the summer, and now the second-year player finds himself out of the mix as minimum-salary addition Keith Bogans has been the better fit so far. Tim Bontemps of the New York Post has the details.
- Celtics offseason acquisition Courtney Lee credits a meeting with coach Doc Rivers and a cameo in the starting lineup for his improved play following a slump, observes Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com. Coming off the bench has proven a challenging adjustment for Lee and Jeff Green, as A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com points out.
- Mike Kurylo of The New York Times outlines the improvement of Chris Copeland, a surprising addition to the Knicks out of training camp who's been seeing more playing time of late.
- Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com shares 10 observations about the Knicks from the season's first month, and the team's new faces figure prominently.
- One of the most effective offseason moves for the Knicks was behind the scenes, as new shooting coach Dave Hopla has made a difference, notes Jeremy Bauman of SheridanHoops.com.
Lakers Recall Robert Sacre
The Lakers have recalled Robert Sacre from the D-League, according to Arash Markazi of ESPNLosAngeles.com (Twitter link). The 7'0" rookie averaged 7.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in 27.0 minutes over three games with the Los Angeles D-Fenders after being sent down on Wednesday.
Sacre, taken with the final pick of this summer's NBA draft, has appeared in eight games for the big club so far this season, but he's totaled just 19 minutes and scored only two points. He had a much greater impact in the preseason, when he started in place of an injured Dwight Howard and put up 6.5 PPG and 4.8 RPG in 24.7 minutes of work per night.
The Lakers still have fellow rookie and second-round pick Darius Johnson-Odom assigned to the D-Fenders, as our list of this year's D-League comings and goings shows. Players with two or fewer years of experience can be shuttled back and forth as often as their teams like.