| Marion won't opt out of deal | Monday 6/23, 11:05 PM CT |
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Shawn Marion will not opt out of the final year of his $17.8 million contract, according to the Miami Herald. "I spoke to Shawn again tonight and we've decided that he's not going to opt out," Marion's agent, Dan Fegan said. "It just wasn't in Shawn's best interest. That's all I can really say about it right now."
Our View: Marion will now be a free agent this summer. His name is sure to come up again in trade rumors during the season if the Heat aren't in playoff contention. |
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| Butler faces gun charge | Monday 6/23, 7:14 PM CT |
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Rasual Butler has been charged with flashing a loaded gun near a nightclub in South Florida early Monday morning, according to the AP. He faces charges of carrying a concealed firearm and improperly displaying a firearm. "We take these matters very seriously and we'll work with all appropriate authorities," GM Jeff Bower said in a statement.
Our View: Butler could possibly face discipline from the league. We'll let you know what comes of this. |
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| Melo gets two-game suspension for DUI | Monday 6/23, 6:02 PM CT |
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Carmelo Anthony will be suspended two regular season games as a result of his DUI arrest in April, according to the Denver Post. Anthony will appear in court on Tuesday.
Our View: Will Melo sit out those games as a member of the Nuggets? The latest reports say yes, but you never know. |
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| O'Neal could be Toronto bound? | Monday 6/23, 12:44 PM CT |
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The Pacers and Raptors have reportedly talked about a potential deal to send Jermaine ONeal to Toronto in exchange for TJ Ford, according to ESPN.com. The Raptors would like to move Ford and make Jose Calderon the starting point guard, but the deal would hinge on O'Neal's health, who missed half of the season with a left knee injury. O'Neal is also set to make $21 million this season and $23 million in 2009-10. Rasho Nesterovic and the Raptors' 17th pick in the draft have also been reported to be in the trade package.
Our View: The Pacers covet a solid point guard and Ford would fit the bill nicely. The Raptors would also benefit from the deal with a strong front line that features Chris Bosh, Jamario Moon, and O'Neal. |
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| Bosh makes Olympic team | Monday 6/23, 12:27 PM CT |
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Raptors' forward Chris Bosh has been named to the US Olympic basketball team, according to ESPN.com. He averaged 22.3 points, 8.7 boards, and one block over 67 games in 2007-08.
Our View: As previously believed, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade also made the Team USA roster, along with Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Tayshaun Prince, Dwight Howard, Michael Redd, Deron Williams, and Carlos Boozer. The team was selected without a tryout. |
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| Jazz pair make Olympic squad | Monday 6/23, 12:22 PM CT |
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Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer have both been named to the US Olympic basketball team, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: The pair combined for 39.9 points per game with Utah in 2007-08. Team USA opens Olympic play against China on Aug. 10.
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| Howard expected to stay | Monday 6/23, 10:58 AM CT |
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The Mavericks aren't expected to deal forward Josh Howard this summer unless the club is "bowled over" by an offer, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Our View: Many people were calling for a Howard trade following a bad postseason performance made worse by off-court comments (about marijuana) and actions (birthday party). Josh remains a rising star, though, and the Mavericks are likely better off waiting for the bad vibes to blow over. |
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| Marion unlikely to opt out | Monday 6/23, 10:53 AM CT |
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Shawn Marion is "highly unlikely" to opt out of the final year of his contract before the deadline on Tuesday, agent Dan Fegan informs the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The forward is due to earn $17.8 million for the 2008-09 season.
Our View: The report suggests that the Heat could look to move Marion for salary cap reasons. If the club does indeed land Michael Beasley with the No. 2 pick, it's possible that Marion could be on the move. Regardless of where he is, though, Shawn will be a fantasy stud. |
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| Hibbert could land in Charlotte | Monday 6/23, 10:49 AM CT |
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The Bobcats are looking to make a draft-day deal in order to select Georgetown center Roy Hibbert, the Charlotte Observer reports. Hibbert is expected to fall into the late-teens or early-20s.
Our View: We have mixed thoughts. On one side, Hibbert makes sense in that the Bobcats need a center and Larry Brown is likely looking for a NBA-ready player. On the other, the plodding big man doesn't fit in with what is currently an athletic roster. The team probably wouldn't run as much with Hibbert on board, which could be bad for Emeka Okafor, Jason Richardson, and Gerald Wallace. |
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| Gasol ready to move | Monday 6/23, 10:44 AM CT |
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Marc Gasol is ready for the NBA. The center and younger brother of Pau Gasol will move to the United States for the 2008-09 season, the AP reports. "Now I've got a good opportunity and I'll give it a try. I'm excited about it," Gasol explains. "In the United States basketball is different, it gets played differently. The best centers are there, there's another rhythm of play and another rhythm of life." The Grizzlies reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with Gasol recently, although he can't sign until July 1. The 7-1 big man averaged 16.2 points (fourth in the league), 8.3 rebounds (first), and 1.8 blocks (second) in the ACB Spanish League this past season. He was the league MVP.
Our View: The Grizz have an opening at center, but it's premature to suggest Gasol will be able to start or have much of a fantasy impact. His stock rose considerably this past season, though, and Marc will (at the least) be someone to include on keeper sheets for the upcoming season. |
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| Marbury's looking forward to next season | Monday 6/23, 10:21 AM CT |
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According to the New York Post, Stephon Marbury feels he has a new lease on his Knicks career with Mike D'Antoni as his new coach. "I'm full throttle," Marbury said. "It's the way I play - up and down. Seven seconds or less. How can I not fit into that? You can push the ball. He's a guard's coach. I still have four, five years at a high level. I'm only 31, not 41."
Our View: It is very typical of Marbury to have an excellent season just prior to his contract running out. Regardless of what the Knicks do with the sixth overall pick, expect him to work well with D'Antoni and put up quality fantasy numbers once again. |
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| Warriors may deal Harrington | Monday 6/23, 9:42 AM CT |
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The Warriors may deal Al Harrington, according to the SF Chronicle. The Warriors would like to add a big name player without increasing their payroll by much. The team is expected to keep Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, and franchise star Baron Davis. That leaves Harrington as the most trade worthy player on the roster. He is slated to make $9 million next season.
Our View: He averaged 13.6 points and 5.4 rebounds with the Warriors in 2007-08, but is capable of better numbers, and his fantasy value would potentially improve with another club. |
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| Cassell will return for another season | Monday 6/23, 8:38 AM CT |
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Sam Cassell has decided he will return for a 16th NBA campaign, according to the Baltimore Sun. He said, "I'm playing next year, playing my 16th year. After winning a championship, it's just so hard to walk away from that."
Our View: Cassell can still get the job done as he averaged 11.2 points and 3.9 assists over 23.2 minutes per game in 2007-08. |
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| Smith on Pistons' radar? | Monday 6/23, 8:33 AM CT |
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Josh Smith could be on the Pistons' radar, according to the Detroit News. Smith is a restricted free agent reportedly looking for a deal that starts in excess of $11 million. Hawks' new GM Rick Sund might not be willing to start a deal at that price. If an impasse happens, the Pistons are believed to come asking about a potential sign-and-trade deal.
Our View: Smith averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 boards, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.8 blocks per contest in 2007-08, and the Hawks won't easily let the rising star leave Atlanta. |
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| Anthony won't be dealt? | Monday 6/23, 7:23 AM CT |
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Carmelo Anthony's agent (Calvin Andrews) stated on Sunday that his client is not going to be dealt by the Nuggets, according to ESPN.com. Andrews said, "He's not going to be moved. It's not happening. We've been given assurances from the owner on down."
Our View: The latest rumor had Anthony going to the Pistons in exchange for a package that includes Chauncey Billups. |
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