NBA Discussion (Official Thread)

[Bob Saccamano]

I guess this is where we can put all off season trades, FA signings, and the like in. I was just going to make a thread for the following, but decided that we could make it organized.

ESPN

Raptors deal Villanueva to Bucks for Ford

<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->Associated Press

<!-- begin presby2 -->

<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Bucks traded point guard T.J. Ford to the Toronto Raptors on Friday night for forward Charlie Villanueva and cash.
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>T.J. Ford</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>

Point Guard
Milwaukee Bucks

Profile
</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR align=right><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">GM</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">PPG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">RPG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">APG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">FG%</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">FT%</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#bcbcb4><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">72</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">12.2</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">4.3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">6.6</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">.416</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">.754</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
Ford averaged 12.2 points and a team-high 6.6 assists in 72 games last season following a spinal-cord injury that sidelined him for a season and a half.
"He was an inspiration to all of us when he found the will and strength to fight back from the neck injury he suffered during his rookie season," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said. "We wish him much success in Toronto."
The 6-foot Ford was the No. 8 pick in the 2003 draft.
"We are sorry to see Charlie leave, but getting better comes at a cost," Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said. "T.J. Ford's best attributes, quickness and playmaking, are a perfect fit for our team."
<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Charlie Villanueva</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>

Forward
Toronto Raptors

Profile
</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR align=right><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">GM</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">PPG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">RPG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">APG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">FG%</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">FT%</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#bcbcb4><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">81</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">13.0</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">6.4</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">1.1</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">.463</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">.706</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->
Harris hopes Villanueva will fill the team's need for a power forward to complement 7-foot center Andrew Bogut, the top pick in the 2005 draft.
The 6-foot-11 Villanueva, selected seventh overall in the 2005 draft, averaged 13.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 81 games for the Raptors. The former Connecticut star set Toronto rookie records for points with 48 on March 26 at Milwaukee and rebounds with 18 on April 2 against New Orleans.
"Acquiring Charlie takes care of a primary need we had going into the summer," Harris said. "He's a gifted power forward who knows how to score both inside and outside. ... The outstanding rookie season he had last year is only the beginning of what he's capable of achieving."
<INLINE1>The Bucks, with a revamped roster and Ford as floor leader, reached the playoffs with a 40-42 record last season. It was a 10-game improvement from the previous season when they didn't make the playoffs.
In the playoffs, they lost 4-1 to Detroit in the first round.
On Wednesday, the Raptors selected Andrea Bargnani with the No. 1 pick in the draft. The 6-foot-10 European has drawn comparisons to Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki because of his outside shooting skills. Playing last season for Benetton Treviso in Italy's Lega A, Bargnani shot 37 percent from 3-point range, and the Raptors might have viewed Villanueva as expendable after drafting Bargnani.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I wanted TJ Ford for the Cavs, but that option is gone. Looks like we are trying to make a strong run for Delonte West, though.

 

[Bob Saccamano]

Dispatch

Top players aren’t likely to abandon their teams
Saturday, July 01, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

CLEVELAND — About 12 hours before the start of free agency this morning at 12:01, LeBron James showed up in Quicken Loans Arena to the surprise of coach Mike Brown and the Cavaliers front office staff.

The team was holding a news conference to introduce rookie draft picks Shannon Brown and Daniel Gibson. No one called James or asked him to be present, but there he was, hiding from reporters in the back of the gym, showing support for his new teammates.

At least for a day, James tried to keep the spotlight on someone else, because he knows this summer the focus will be on his contract status.

James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, all drafted in 2003, hold the keys to their respective franchises. Entering the final year of their rookie contracts, they are eligible for maximum extensions, and today the teams — Cleveland, Miami, Denver and Toronto, respectively — can present their offers.

James, because he was the top pick of the class, will be offered the highest amount — a five-year deal in the range of $75 million, hinging on the final salary cap numbers next season. The players have from July 12 to Oct. 31, the start of the season, to sign extensions or pursue restricted free agency the following year.

Their decisions will have major ramifications with their respective teams and the balance of power in the NBA.

James wasn’t tipping his hand yesterday.

"It’s up to them (to offer a contract)," he said with a sarcastic smile.
All indications point to the four players staying put.

Wade’s situation should be a no-brainer. He’s coming off a championship season in Miami.

Anthony has been to the playoffs three straight years with Denver and is already the face of the Nuggets. He’ll likely be named captain next season and is seeking more of an active role in team decisions.

Bosh, who has become a star in Canada, told reporters in May that he "can’t wait to sign."

James’ situation is a little more complicated. His $90 million Nike endorsement deal would be worth even more if he played for a bigmarket team. The exposure in cities such as New York, Chicago or Los Angeles also could spur further endorsement opportunities.

Still, James said repeatedly last season that he is happy in Cleveland. He’s a local product with a rare opportunity to spend his entire career — and pursue championships — not far from his hometown of Akron. The Cavs came within one game of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals this year and should be in contention next season.

Cleveland also has made many concessions for James off the court.
The team is in the process of building a multimillion-dollar practice facility in the suburb of Independence, closer to James’ home near Akron. A James friend and business partner, Randy Mims, also travels with the team and was hired last season as a player liaison.

"I feel like we’ve done a lot of things to improve not only the organization and the amenities that come along with it, but the team also," Mike Brown said. "But again, I’m staying out of it. At the end of the day, it’s up to him and his family in terms of the decision-making process and what they want to do. But I’m optimistic about it. I’m not going to bother him about it because it’s a life decision that he has to make. He knows that we love him and we want him here, and it’s a decision he has to make."

The league’s collective bargaining agreement allows a team to exceed the salary cap to re-sign its own free agents once the player has three years’ experience. The rule, known as the Larry Bird exception because Boston was the first team allowed to exceed the cap, to retain Bird, hampered Cleveland last summer in its pursuit of guard Michael Redd.

The Milwaukee Bucks were able to offer Redd an extra year and a whopping $20 million more than the Cavs. Now that rule works to Cleveland’s advantage when it comes to James.

"That rule was basically established so there wouldn’t be as much movement and teams could keep their core group of players around like they did in the olden days, when guys would stay with a team for seven to 10 years," Washington-based agent Andre Colona said. "I think that rule is beneficial for the player and for the team in that it still allows the player to get his market value. But at the same time it tries to keep the core player with a team for a longer time to establish a great fan base."

These players are already well on their way popularitywise. Wade and James ranked first and second in jersey sales for the 2005-06 season, with Anthony finishing ninth.

With so much money involved, there is little precedent for players turning down maximum contracts, but there could be advantages.
The players and their agents hold all the leverage. A player could take another year to think through his options, then sign with his current team next year. With that route, teams could offer a six-year extension instead of five.

If the player still doesn’t sign, the teams could offer a oneyear tender, and the player would become an unrestricted free agent after the 2007-08 season.

Of course, the player would be risking injury.

The NBA is better than most professional sports in terms of keeping stars in one location. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs and Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76 ers are recent examples.

Minus a late-career comeback by Michael Jordan with the Washington Wizards, Magic Johnson (Lakers), Bird (Celtics) and Jordan (Chicago Bulls) stayed with the teams that drafted them and established historic rivalries in the 1980s and 1990s. The NBA’s popularity peaked as a result. Starting today, the opportunity is there for the draft class of 2003 to set a similar course. All it would take is a stroke of the pen by each player.

Terry also agreed to resign. I really wanted him on the Cavs, but after the Mavs got that far-- can't expect him to not go back. Don't give up your hopes on Mike James either. He wants to go back to HOuston, but Dallas is pursuing him as well-- according to hoopshype.com.

 

[buckeyeboy]

Melo to stay on with the Nuggets for $80 million. IMO, that's way too much for a player of his ability.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2506579

 

[Brutus1]

I'll second that. But what choice did the Nuggs really have?

 

[Bob Saccamano]

Alot of news today:

RealGM

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Radmanovic Headed to Lakers</TD></TR><TR><TD>1st July, 2006 - 8:44 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>ESPN - It is being reported by Marc Stein of ESPN that Radmanovic and the Los Angeles Lakers have verbally agreed to a 5-year contract worth in excess of $30 million.

One of the major factors in the deal is the Serbian connectin that Radmanovic has with Vlade Divac, a member of the Lakers' front office.

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Tim Thomas Leaves Suns For Clippers</TD></TR><TR><TD>1st July, 2006 - 6:38 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

East Valley Tribune - Tim Thomas will spurn the team that gave him a second chance in order to join the L.A. Clippers.

The East Valley Tribune is reporting that Thomas will leave the Suns for Clips and sign a deal worth almost double what the Suns were willing to offer.

The deal is speculated to be for four years at the mid-level exception totalling $24 million.

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Terry Agrees To Six-Year Deal With Dallas</TD></TR><TR><TD>1st July, 2006 - 3:27 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

Yahoo.com - Jason Terry really did want to stay with the Dallas Mavericks , even if it meant taking less money.

Terry lasted only about 12 hours on the free-agent market, agreeing Saturday to a six-year deal with Dallas. Agent Dan Fegan declined to give specifics, other than saying "there is a hometown discount."

"I'm excited," Terry said, his enthusiasm evident in his voice. "It's definitely something I wanted to do. It's just about being part of an organization that cares and a city that cares about the team. I've grown to love the fans and they love me."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Teams Need To Move Quickly On Przybilla</TD></TR><TR><TD>1st July, 2006 - 5:49 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>

Chicago Tribune - If teams want Joel Przybilla, they may want to move quickly.

The Portland Trail Blazers want to keep the 7-foot-1-inch center and they reportedly sent director of player personnel Kevin Pritchard to Wisconsin for a meeting Saturday with Przybilla, who resides in Milwaukee.

The Blazers want to re-sign Przybilla but can offer him only the midlevel exception of about $5 million because they are above the salary cap, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Teams like the Chicago Bulls , who are interested in Przybilla, are in a position to offer much more.

Przybilla, 26, told the Oregonian he is looking for security but is torn about the possibility of leaving the Blazers.

"In sports, nothing is certain, and this could be my one shot to make as much money as I can," Przybilla told the newspaper. "I'm not getting any younger."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Stojakovic Looking To Big Easy</TD></TR><TR><TD>1st July, 2006 - 8:41 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

ESPN - Sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic, long thought to be headed back to Indiana, is now seriously considering an offer from the New Orleans Hornets that is reportedly for 5-years in the $60 million dollor range. If this deal goes down, Stojakovic would be reunited with Byron Scott, who was an assistant with the Kings when Stojakovic was still there. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Bob Saccamano]

<!-- end presby2 --><!-- end bylinebox -->Peja INDEED going to NO/OK

RealGM (via CBS Sportsline)

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Peja Leaves Indiana For Hornets</TD></TR><TR><TD>1st July, 2006 - 11:17 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

CBS Sportsline.com - After it was widely assumed that sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic was going to remain in Indiana, he agreed to terms on a $64 million contract with the New Orleans Hornets .

Peja, who opted out of the final year of his contract, had always hinted at his interests in still coming back to the Pacers. Many NBA insiders even felt that most teams considered him 'off the market' until Saturday's deal.

The deal makes New Orleans a strong playoff contender, while it leaves some holes in Indiana's ever-changing offense.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=10> </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD noWrap></TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD align=right><SCRIPT language=JavaScript><!--//var dclkFeaturesponsor='http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/sponsorships.spln.com/fs/stories/'+vTag+';'+vTarget+';'+uID+';sz=234x42;tile=5;ord='+random+'?';if (switchDclk != 'off') { if (location.search.substring(1).indexOf('DCLK')>-1) document.write('<input type="text" value="'+dclkFeaturesponsor+'" style="width:">
'); document.write('<scr'+'ipt src="'+dclkFeaturesponsor+'"><\/script>'); }// --></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/sponsorships.spln.com/fs/stories/nba;arena=nba;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;seg=nonaol;ctype=lan;lang=en-us;lang=en-us;vpmp=yes;adv=d;cust=no;vip=no;u=RKhFeAq0DsIAAEM2BL8;sz=234x42;tile=5;ord=32505604354342393?"></SCRIPT>

<NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Bob Saccamano]

ESPN

Source: Ben Wallace leaving Pistons to sign with Bulls

For the last six years, Ben Wallace has been the face of the Detroit Pistons. No more. <!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE class=tableheadFixWidth cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width=200 align=right><TBODY><TR class=stathead><TD class=whitelink colSpan=2>Ben Wallace</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>

Center
Detroit Pistons

Profile</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=190 bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR class=stathead align=middle><TD align=middle colSpan=6>2006 SEASON STATISTICS</TD></TR><TR align=right><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">GM</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">PPG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">RPG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">APG</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">FG%</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #bcbcb4" width="17%">FT%</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#bcbcb4><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">82</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">7.3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">11.3</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">1.9</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">.510</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND: #999999">.416</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->

A league source told ESPN.com Monday night that Wallace has told the Pistons he has accepted an offer from the Chicago Bulls.
While exact details are unavailable, the offer is thought to be a four-year, $52 million deal.
A deal can't become official until July 12, when the salary cap is set for the 2006-07 season and exact contract values can be computed.
The move will come as a shock to Pistons fans who thought the chances Wallace would bolt from Detroit were slim to none.
The Pistons came out of the gate Saturday offering Wallace a whopping four-year, $48 million deal, but they told the four-time defensive player of the year that it was their final offer.
The signing clearly upgrades the Bulls' front court, albeit at an exorbitant price. The Bulls will have to use roughly $13.5 million of their projected $16.7 million in cap space to secure Wallace.
However, Wallace adds the veteran toughness and defensive presence the Bulls felt they lacked up front.
Look for the Bulls to now explore trade scenarios involving Tyson Chandler.
One potential opportunity, according to sources, is New Orleans, which is mulling a Chandler-for-P. J. Brown swap. Brown is in the last year of his contract, which would give the Bulls even more cap relief next season.
The Bulls also have explored Chandler trade scenarios with the Hawks (via an Al Harrington sign-and-trade) and the Warriors.
The move puts the Pistons in a difficult position.
They lose Wallace for nothing and don't have anything more than the $5.1 million mid-level exception to offer to potential replacements.
There are a few starting center-caliber free agents out there, such as Joel Przybilla and Nazr Mohammed, but none who can give the Pistons what Wallace did. Instead, the Pistons may opt to beef up their backcourt and to move to a more up-tempo style with Rasheed Wallace at five and Antonio McDyess at the four.

As a die hard Cavs fan--I'm not to scared of the Bulls. The Pistons couldn't get passed MJ, and the Bulls won't get passed LBJ. History is going to kick the Bulls in the ass.

 

[Bucks21]

ESPN



As a die hard Cavs fan--I'm not to scared of the Bulls. The Pistons couldn't get passed MJ, and the Bulls won't get passed LBJ. History is going to kick the Bulls in the ass.

Continues to make the pistons into more a team that will rely on their shooting to win and not so much great defense which is about what put them in against the cavs in the playoffs.

 

[Bob Saccamano]

http://realgm.com/

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Pistons Sign Mohammed</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th July, 2006 - 3:50 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

ESPN.com - ESPN's Ric Bucher is reporting that the Detroit Pistons will add free agent center Nazr Mohammed to their team for next season.

Terms of the contract are unavailable, but speculated to be at around $30 million over 5 years.

Mohammed played in 80 games for San Antonio last season, averaging 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Blazers Re-Sign Przybilla To Five-Year Deal</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th July, 2006 - 6:18 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

WOAI - According to several reports, Joel Przybilla has elected to stay in Portland. Przybilla also received offers from both San Antonio and Detroit, but decided to take the 5-year, $30 million deal from the Trail Blazers.

According to OregonLive.com, the Spurs reportedly offered a 4-year, $24 million deal. The 26-year-old spent the last two seasons with Portland.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Celtics Sign Rondo</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th July, 2006 - 7:04 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

ESPN.com - The Celtics have agreed to terms with Rajon Rondo.

The Celtics selected Rondo with the 21st pick in the NBA Draft, which they acquire from the Phoenix Suns with Brian Grant for a future 1st round selection.

Rondo led the SEC in assists (4.9) and ranked second in steals (2.0).
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Bulls Now Chasing Garnett?</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th July, 2006 - 12:43 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

Daily Southtown - As part of the Ben Wallace agreement, the Bulls are believed to have promised to continue their pursuit of Minnesota Timberwolves star forward Kevin Garnett, according to Paul Ladewski of the Daily Southtown.

The Bulls believe they can revive the talks if they sweeten their offer of center Tyson Chandler and forward Luol Deng with recent first-round draft pick Tyrus Thomas, whom the Timberwolves are known to covet.

Another possibility is a trade with the Denver Nuggets , who re-signed center-forward Nene to a six-year, $60 million deal recently. The contract was similar to the extension that Chandler received last summer.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Warriors And Pacers In The Hunt For Harrington</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th July, 2006 - 11:57 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>

Atlanta Journal-Constitution - The Al Harrington era in Atlanta is close to becomming officially over. The Hawks are actively looking to complete a sign and trade deal, possibly involving Indiana or Golden State.

"As of right now it's pretty clear to me that I won't be back in a Hawks uniform next year," Harrington said by phone Monday afternoon from his offseason home in Los Angeles. "It's pretty much a wrap for me there.

"I have a genuine interest in both of those teams," he said. "My only focus is getting back to the playoffs and eventually competing for a championship. I thought we were getting better and heading in that direction [in Atlanta], but sometimes it's time to move on."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Harpring, Jazz Reach Agreement</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th July, 2006 - 12:23 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>

Deseret News - The Jazz and veteran forward Matt Harpring have reached oral agreement on a long-term deal that will keep the gritty free agent in Utah for a fifth season and likely beyond, the Deseret News is reporting.

"I know he's pleased to make a decision," Harpring's Atlanta-based agent, Richard Howell, said Tuesday morning. "He and (his) wife feel good about it."

The deal is believed to be four years in length. Financial terms were not immediately made known, but ESPN is reporting the deal is worth $25 million over the four years.

"He reached an agreement (Tuesday) morning," Howell said, "and he intends to sign July 12."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

The Bulls believe they can revive the talks if they sweeten their offer of center Tyson Chandler and forward Luol Deng with recent first-round draft pick Tyrus Thomas, whom the Timberwolves are known to covet.

how much would I love this

 

[Bob Saccamano]

I'd love to be a Bulls fan right now. You are so lucky.

But think about it- when your contracts start to expire, they are going to demand alot of money, and frankly Chicago won't be able to keep all of them. So, BN27, enjoy your great team while it lasts.

 

[scarletngrey11]

Its my opinion that Lebron is really screwing the Cavs by not verbally agreeing to the contract. Ferry is quoted as saying they wont pursue anyone until Lebron makes a decision. Carmello and Wade have both agreed already to their respective teams, why wont Lebron. Everyone knows that he is going to stay in Cleveland. Otherwise he wouldnt be starting a huge building project in Cleveland.

 

[Bob Saccamano]

Its my opinion that Lebron is really screwing the Cavs by not verbally agreeing to the contract. Ferry is quoted as saying they wont pursue anyone until Lebron makes a decision. Carmello and Wade have both agreed already to their respective teams, why wont Lebron. Everyone knows that he is going to stay in Cleveland. Otherwise he wouldnt be starting a huge building project in Cleveland.

I have an answer for you my friend. It took me a while to figure out--

It's all a scheme by Ferry and LeBron. LBJ is definatley smart enough to realize this. But there is a positive thing to it.

As mentioned in the Plain Dealer, Drew is waiting for LBJ to sign. So, LBJ is waiting until all of the other teams' offers to Drew are gone- therefor he will settle for a lower contract than if LeBron verbally agreed earlier. If he verbally agreed already, Drew would have the upper hand in negotiations. But, if we wait him out, the Cavs management will have the upper hand.

So, expect Drew to have a smaller contract than you expect.

^This is the only reasonable answer. It took me all day to figure out.

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

I'd love to be a Bulls fan right now. You are so lucky.

But think about it- when your contracts start to expire, they are going to demand alot of money, and frankly Chicago won't be able to keep all of them. So, BN27, enjoy your great team while it lasts.

 

[Bob Saccamano]

Pistons couldn't get past Jordan, Bulls won't get past LeBron. It's history.