NBA free agency: latest buzz, rumors
With NBA free agency under way, the rumor mill is churning at high speed. Which teams are looking to swing deals? Which free agents are eyeing new teams? Here are the latest news and reports:
1 a.m. ET
Talks progressing between Atlanta, Deng
European forward Mirotic could join Bulls before training camp. Chicago Tribune: “One source said Friday that Mirotic is hoping for assurances from the Bulls that he won't be traded before completing his roughly $3.4 million buyout from Real Madrid. But given how highly the Bulls have spoken of him since they sent two draft picks and cash to the Timberwolves for his draft rights in 2011, that seems a formality.”
Teams looking into sign-and-trade for forward Tucker
Nets seeking first-round picks, J.J. Redick from Clippers in potential trade for Pierce
7:30 p.m. ET
Clippers, Hawes agree to four-year deal
Raptors create salary cap space with trade of Novak. Yahoo Sports: “In a move to create salary cap space, the Toronto Raptors have reached an agreement to send Steve Novak to the Utah Jazz, league sources told Yahoo Sports.”
Pacers, Stephenson not closer to deal
Report: Rose not involved in Bulls' pitch to Melo
Isaiah Thomas could be Plan B if Mavericks can't land reach agreement with Devin Harris. ESPN: “The 5-foot-9 Thomas, who is being replaced as the Kings’ starter by Collison despite averaging 20.3 points and 6.3 assists last season, is viewed in Dallas as a Plan B option if they aren’t able to get a deal done with Harris.”
Forward Williams in contact with Heat, Clippers, others
Knicks see Bulls as only legitimate threat in Melo sweepstakes; decision expected Monday. USA Today Sports: “According to two people with knowledge of the situation, the Knicks are confident about their standing in the sweepstakes and consider the Bulls the only real threat among the many suitors. A decision is expected from Anthony by Monday, though the ever-present fluidity of free agency means there is no definitive timeline. The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the negotiations.”
Melo left meeting with Knicks "largely aligned" with Phil Jackson's vision. Yahoo Sports: “All-Star forward Carmelo Anthonyprobed New York Knicks management on the franchise's plan to restore a contending roster and left his final free-agency meeting largely aligned with president Phil Jackson's vision, league sources told Yahoo Sports.”
Gordon Hayward will meet with Hornets next week. Charlotte Observer: “Forward-guard Gordon Hayward, one of the top free agents in this class, has scheduled a visit with the Charlotte Hornets for early next week, the Observer has learned.”
Report: Raptors close to agreeing to deal with point guard Greivis Vasquez
Raptors, Patrick Patterson reach agreement on three-year deal.
11 a.m. ET
Rockets plan to target Bosh if they miss out on Melo. ESPN: “The Houston Rockets, if they fail to land free agent Carmelo Anthony, plan to shift their attention to trying to swipe Chris Bosh from the Miami Heat, according to sources close to the process.”
Magic waive forward Maxiell
Hawks courting Luol Deng. USA Today Sports: “According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Deng was expected to speak with Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer about the possible partnership on Thursday night. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks.”
Dallas, Chicago, Houston also showing interest in Deng. USA Today Sports: “The Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Bulls also have interest, though it appears the Bulls are the longshot candidate in the group. The Washington Wizards also have interest, though only if they're unable to convince small forward Trevor Ariza to re-sign.”
Bulls trying to sign 2011 first-round pick Mirotic. ESPN.com: “While they chase Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol, the Chicago Bulls may be close to landing what they believe is a major addition to their roster as they work to secure 2011 first-round draft pick Nikola Mirotic, sources told ESPN.com.”
Blazers, Kaman agree to two-year deal
Lakersset to offer Carmelo Anthony a max contract
Thunder, Bulls look like favorites to land Gasol
Melo tried to obtain Gasol's phone number to discuss playing together in New York. Yahoo Sports: “Hours before his final meeting with New York Knicks officials, free agent Carmelo Anthony reached out to obtain free agent Pau Gasol's phone number and discuss with him the possibility of playing together at Madison Square Garden, league sources told Yahoo Sports.”
Wizards have contacted Butler, among others. Washington Post. “The Wizards have quietly worked behind the scenes and reached out to several potential replacements, including the last small forward to reach all-star status with the franchise: Caron Butler. A person close to Butler confirmed Thursday that Washington expressed interest in the veteran swingman.”
Nets not talking sign-and-trade for Pierce with Clippers.
Gasol seeking around $10 million per year, has not ruled out midlevel exception deal. Yahoo Sports: “Gasol, 33, has been searching for a contract in the $10 million annual range, but hasn't ruled out the possibility of taking a deal in the midlevel exception range of $5.3 million annually, sources said.”
Van Gundy: Monroe has not said he doesn't want to play with Josh Smith. USA Today: "Greg's never said anything to us about not wanting to play with Josh," Van Gundy said in a Thursday afternoon phone call from Orlando, where he is for summer league play.”
No decision soon from free agent forward Gasol
Warriors announce coaching staff. NBA.com: “The Golden State Warriors have hired a pair of longtime NBA coaches and a recently retired NBA veteran to join Head Coach Steve Kerr on the bench, naming Alvin Gentry as associate head coach, along with Ron Adams and Luke Walton as assistant coaches, the team announced today. Additionally, the team has hired former NBA center Jarron Collins and former coach/scout Bruce Fraser as player development coaches. Per team policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.”
Point guard Thomas' list of preferred teams in order
Miami, Houston, Chicago among teams that have expressed interest in Shawn Marion. ESPN: “The Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls and a few other teams join the Dallas Mavericks among those who have expressed interest in Marion, a source said.”
Pau Gasol to meet with Heat
LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, met with at least four teams in Cleveland this week.
Houston Rockets not granted meeting with James, to continue pursuit of Carmelo Anthony. Yahoo Sports: “Phoenix met on Wednesday and Cavaliers officials met on Thursday with Paul. Houston Rockets officials spoke with Paul by phone, but were not granted a meeting and have moved on with their pursuit of Carmelo Anthony, sources told Yahoo Sports.”
Financial disconnect among Wade, Bosh and James. Yahoo Sports. “James has maintained a desire to take a full max contract with a starting salary of $20.7 million, sources said. Wade and Bosh are still reluctant to take severe cuts in their contracts, sources told Yahoo Sports, creating a financial disconnect among the three.”
Official: communication breakdown between Wade, Bosh and James
LeBron's agent to owners, executive: failure of Heat to quickly bring in strong supporting cast could result in James meeting with teams. Yahoo Sports: “After conducting meetings with three NBA teams interested in pursuing free-agent star LeBron James, his agent suggested to owners and executives present that a failure of Miami president Pat Riley to rapidly recruit a strong supporting cast could bring finalists back to meet with James himself next week, league sources told Yahoo Sports.”
- Compiled by Chris Johnson
