| Bynum wants the max from the Lakers | Tuesday 7/1, 8:49 PM CT |
|
Reports out of LA indicate the Lakers, ready to enter contract negotiations with young center Andrew Bynum with the intent of getting an extension done early, are likely to be asked to give Bynum the league's maximum pay for his services moving forward, according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Our View: Bynum can get a contract extension this summer from the Lakers. When his agent, David Lee, was told that Bynum suggested he would be willing to take less than the maximum of five years, $80 million, Lee said this would not be the case and that the center would be seeking the maximum. This will be interesting, for Bynum has just a small pool of true NBA work to judge and is going to be asking for pay worthy of a proven veteran. We'll keep you posted. |
|
| Wiz, Warriors, Kings offering Arenas max deal | Tuesday 7/1, 8:43 PM CT |
|
We have reported that the Washington Wizards are offering free-agent guard Gilbert Arenas a max contract of six years for $127 million. We now are learning that other teams are joining that mix, namely the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: ESPN quotes sources from the Washington Times on the numbers offered by the Wizards, and the Times is also reporting the Warriors are offering five years for $101 million (only Washington, his former team, is allowed to offer a sixth season). The Washington Post is reporting the Sacramento Kings have contacted Arenas and are offering "whatever it takes" to get him signed. All reports indicate no decision is coming in quick order, so we'll keep you posted on the updates that come forth. |
|
| Clippers reach verbal deal with Davis | Tuesday 7/1, 8:13 PM CT |
|
Baron Davis has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign with the Clippers, according to the LA Times. Davis is expected to sign a contract in the five-year, $50 million range. His agent said, "From a basketball standpoint it's always been about winning for Baron. This presented a good opportunity to do that to pair him with Chris Kaman and Elton Brand is expected back."
Our View: He would be leaving the Warriors' run-and-gun offense, but he could still challenge 20 points per game with the Clippers. |
|
| Walker to undergo minor surgery | Tuesday 7/1, 7:19 PM CT |
|
Celtics' second-round pick Bill Walker will undergo minor knee surgery on Wednesday, and is expected to be on the shelf for 3-4 weeks, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Walker injured his right knee during a workout this month for Golden State. He also tore his ACL in his left knee while at Kansas State, and was a risky pick for the Celtics, but the club likes his upside. |
|
| Barry opts out of contract | Tuesday 7/1, 7:03 PM CT |
|
Brent Barry has opted out of his contract with the Spurs, according to the AP. He is now officially an unrestricted free agent.
Our View: Barry has already garnered interest from the Rockets, but won't likely interest fantasy owners again. |
|
| Celtics offer contract to Maggette | Tuesday 7/1, 4:37 PM CT |
|
The Celtics have offered a contract to Corey Maggette, according to the Boston Globe. The terms of the offer were not disclosed.
Our View: The most the Celtics could offer is the mid-level exception (about $5.8 million), so Maggette would take a pay cut to have a shot to win a championship with Boston. |
|
| Paul to get extension | Tuesday 7/1, 3:55 PM CT |
|
Chris Paul will be getting a three to five year contract extension, according to Sportsline.com. His agent, Lance Young, is en route to New Orleans to hammer out the details. "We seem to be pretty much on same page. A little tweak here and there and we'll probably get it done in the next 48 hours," Young said. Depending on the length, the contract could be worth anywhere from $60 to $80 million.
Our View: This was obviously a no-brainer. Paul could have been the MVP this season, and is probably in line for that award at some point in the future. He is one of the best players in the NBA and should be treated as such in fantasy leagues. |
|
| Gasol agrees to contract | Tuesday 7/1, 3:41 PM CT |
|
Center Marc Gasol has agreed to a three-year, $10 million deal to play in Memphis next season, according to SI.com. Gasol was the MVP of the Spanish League last year.
Our View: Gasol could have an immediate impact. The Grizzlies have a need for a big man, and Gasol fills it nicely. How he adjusts to the NBA bears watching, but he clearly has the talent to succeed and have an impact in fantasy basketball. |
|
| Udrih stays in Sacramento | Tuesday 7/1, 3:35 PM CT |
|
Beno Udrih has agreed to a deal to remain in Sacramento, according to ESPN.com. The contract is reportedly for the full mid-level exception over five years, which would total more than $33 million.
Our View: Udrih, who will be 26 at the start of next season, started 51 of the 65 games he played, putting up about 13 points and four rebounds per contest. Udrih should continue to get better, and be a viable fantasy option come next year. |
|
| Suns interested in Johnson | Tuesday 7/1, 3:18 PM CT |
|
The Phoenix Suns are interested in point guard Anthony Johnson, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: Johnson averaged about five points and four assists in over 20 minutes a game with the Kings last season. He doesn't have much value on fantasy rosters, even if he does take some of Steve Nash's minutes. |
|
| Suns want to reduce games for Nash | Tuesday 7/1, 3:13 PM CT |
|
The Phoenix Suns want to cut down on not only the minutes played by 34-year-old point guard Steve Nash, but on his games played as well, according to the Arizona Republic. "He's played about 80 games almost every year. I'd like to see that go to 70. I think it'd help Steve to get a night off occasionally," said Suns general manager Steve Kerr.
Our View: This will certainly affect Nash's fantasy value somewhat. Ten less games of Steve Nash means ten less games of his numbers on your squad. Having his minutes reduced is also going to make his value lessen. This is a situation that bears watching at the beginning of next season. |
|
| Douglas-Roberts has chip on shoulder | Tuesday 7/1, 2:52 PM CT |
|
Chris Douglas-Roberts is upset about lasting until pick 40 in the NBA draft, and he says he's motivated by that, according to the Detroit News. "Big. Big chip. Big. That's the biggest motivation I have. Getting picked 40, I'm gonna write a book," he said.
Our View: Not about Douglas-Roberts' literary aptitude, but he has a handle on that basketball thing. He should get a chance to grab some minutes in New Jersey, but until it's seen how he will be utilized, it's difficult to put a handle on what kind of fantasy impact he will make. |
|
| Hollins receives qualifying offer | Tuesday 7/1, 2:18 PM CT |
|
Ryan Hollins has gotten a qualifying offer from the Charlotte Bobcats, making him a restricted free agent. The team can match any offer he receives.
Our View: The 23-year-old 7-foot center played in 60 games for the Bobcats, starting one. He should not be a consideration for fantasy basketball teams. |
|
| Davidson option picked up | Tuesday 7/1, 1:54 PM CT |
|
Jermareo Davidson had the option on his contract picked up by Charlotte, according to The Sports Network.
Our View: A rookie in 2007-2008, Davidson was a non-factor in fantasy basketball, playing just over eight minutes per game while averaging about three points. |
|
| Harrington no longer a Bobcat | Tuesday 7/1, 1:37 PM CT |
|
Othella Harrington will become a free agent after the Charlotte Bobcats declined his option for the upcoming season, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Harrington only played 22 games last year due to injury, and he is a non-factor in fantasy basketball. |
|
| Clippers want to retain Maggette | Tuesday 7/1, 1:34 PM CT |
|
The Los Angeles Clippers would like to retain free agent Corey Maggette, according to the Associated Press. Clippers president Andy Roeser said he will be aggressive in order to get him and Elton Brand to stay.
Our View: Maggette was the team's leading scorer, and replacing 22 points a night is not easy to do. Despite his average three-point shooting, he is a quality player on fantasy squads as well, putting up 5.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and one steal per game to go with those points. |
|
| Fernandez signs with Blazers | Tuesday 7/1, 1:22 PM CT |
|
Rudy Fernandez has signed a contract and will play next season with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to NBA.com. "Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge, I can't wait to play with them. We will do nice things,” he commented.
Our View: Nice things indeed. Fernandez has been dominant in European basketball, and brings a variety of skills to the Blazers. He could be a useful part of a fantasy basketball team in the coming season. |
|
| Arenas to be offered $125 million | Tuesday 7/1, 1:04 PM CT |
|
Gilbert Arenas will be offered a six-year, $125 million contract by the Washington Wizards, according to Yahoo! Sports. The contract offer was approved by Wizards owner Abe Pollin.
Our View: Arenas had his 2007-2008 season cut short due to injury, but he remains a top selection in fantasy basketball and should return to his per game average of nearly 30 points when completely healthy. |
|
| Calderon re-signs with Raptors. | Tuesday 7/1, 12:38 PM CT |
|
Jose Calderon has re-signed with the Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN.com. "Early this morning, through my agents, I reached a preliminary agreement with the Toronto Raptors," Calderon said. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Our View: This is an update to an earlier story that the team wanted to sign Calderon to a long-term deal. This should put him on the radar for all fantasy owners. T.J. Ford is gone, so his minutes, and numbers, should increase. |
|
| Jones officially exercises option | Tuesday 7/1, 11:46 AM CT |
|
As expected, Eddie Jones has exercised his option and will return to play for the Mavericks, reports the Dallas Star Telegram.
Our View: Jones will continue in his role as a back-up with Dallas, contributing a few minutes at a time. He no longer has much value in fantasy basketball. |
|
| Jazz want Williams locked up long term | Tuesday 7/1, 11:40 AM CT |
|
The Utah Jazz will attempt to lock up point guard Deron Williams to a long term deal, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The paper reports negotiations will begin and Williams could receive as much as $90 million over five years.
Our View: This would obviously be a great move for the Jazz, as Williams continues to blossom into one of the best point guards in the NBA. He should only get better, and will be a top selection in fantasy basketball for the foreseeable future. |
|
| Thomas a priority for Spurts | Tuesday 7/1, 11:33 AM CT |
|
The San Antonio Spurs want to bring Kurt Thomas back to the team, reports the San Antonio Express-News. “Whether(Tiago) Splitter was coming or not, Kurt Thomas was a guy we wanted to re-sign,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told the paper.
Our View: Thomas is valued more on the Spurs than he is in fantasy basketball. His leadership and toughness is important to them, but means nothing to fantasy NBA players. His only real value in that respect are the rebounds he can offer. |
|
| Dallas looking at Diop | Tuesday 7/1, 11:25 AM CT |
|
The Dallas Mavericks may use their mid-level exception on center DeSagana Diop, reports the Dallas Star-Telegram.
Our View: The mid-level exception is going to be between $5.5 and $5.7 million this season, which seems like an awful lot for a guy who has career averages of two points and four rebounds. His usefulness in fantasy leagues is minimal, at best. |
|
| Brown done in Memphis. | Tuesday 7/1, 11:14 AM CT |
|
Kwame Brown will not be brought back to the Memphis Grizzlies next season, reports the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Our View: One of the all-time great NBA draft busts will move on to his fourth team in eight seasons. Brown was not a good fantasy basketball option this year, and he will not be one with a new team in 2008-2009. |
|
| Grizzlies make Navarro qualifying offer | Tuesday 7/1, 11:09 AM CT |
|
Juan Carlos Navarro is going to Spain to play next season, but the Memphis Grizzlies have made him a qualifying offer so they can retain his rights if he comes back to the NBA, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Our View: Unless you play European fantasy basketball, count Navarro out among your options for the foreseeable future. |
|
| Vujacic becomes restricted free agent | Tuesday 7/1, 10:37 AM CT |
|
Sasha Vujacic has become a restricted free agent as the Lakers have made him a qualifying offer, reports FoxSports.com.
Our View: The 24-year-old Vujacic has increased his numbers every year he has been in the NBA, and his three point shooting climbed to 43% this season. His fantasy value depends on if he re-signs with the Lakers or goes somewhere else and receives more minutes. |
|
| Lakers give Turiaf qualifying offer | Tuesday 7/1, 10:33 AM CT |
|
Ronny Turiaf was given a qualifying offer by the Los Angeles Lakers, making him a restricted free agent, and allowing them to match any offer he might receive by other teams, reports FoxSports.com.
Our View: Turiaf played well in a reserve role for the Lakers, averaging six points and nearly four rebounds in about 19 minutes of action per game. However, it's still not enough to warrant consideration for a fantasy team, and considering the Lakers should largely stay the same, his fantasy status won't change much. |
|
| Parker becomes free agent | Tuesday 7/1, 10:25 AM CT |
|
Smush Parker will not be offered a contract by the Los Angeles Clippers and becomes a free agent, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Our View: Parker played with both the Heat and Clippers last season, and didn't do a whole lot with either team. He will be looking for another team to try and repeat the success he had with the Lakers in his two seasons with that team. His fantasy value will be easier to gauge when that happens. |
|
| Fazekas given qualifying offer | Tuesday 7/1, 10:20 AM CT |
|
Nick Fazekas has received a qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Clippers, making him a restricted free agent, which allows the team to match any offer he receives, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Our View: It's hard to imagine the 23-year-old will get any big offers, as the four points and three rebounds he averaged last season aren't usually difficult to come by in the NBA. |
|
| Telfair becomes free agent | Tuesday 7/1, 10:17 AM CT |
|
Sebastian Telfair was not given a qualifying offer by the Timberwolves, making him a free agent, according to the St. Cloud Times. The team is interested in bringing him back, but at less than the $3.5 million he was to have made this season.
Our View: Telfair has yet to live up to the hype that accompanied him when he declared for the NBA draft out of high school. However, he is still just 23, and he had his best season last year, averaging six assists and nine points per game. He probably doesn't warrant fantasy consideration at the moment, especially because he is not a very good shooter, making just 40% of his field goals overall, and 28% of his three point attempts. |
|
| Bogut seeks long term deal | Tuesday 7/1, 9:56 AM CT |
|
Andrew Bogut is not a free agent, but he would like to remain in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future by signing a long term extension with the club, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Our View: Bogut has steadily improved during his three seasons in the league, and should continue that trend. He could become a top fantasy option at the thin center position next year. |
|
| Sixers may be after Biedrins | Tuesday 7/1, 9:50 AM CT |
|
The Philadelphia 76ers may pursue Andris Biedrins in free agency, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View: Philadelphia has about $11 million in cap space, so they can afford the big man, should they choose to go after him. Biedrins is a quality fantasy option, putting up about 10 points, 10 boards and one block while shooting 63% from the floor. |
|
| Rockets chasing Barry | Tuesday 7/1, 9:39 AM CT |
|
The Houston Rockets are interested in signing Brent Barry, according to the Houston Chronicle. The paper reports that he was the first person general manager Daryl Morey phoned when the free agent period officially started last night at 12:01 AM.
Our View: Both his father and brother played for Houston, and the 36-year-old Brent may want to follow in their footsteps. He was a role player for San Antonio last season, and a quality three-point shooter, but he doesn't play enough to be valuable in fantasy basketball. |
|
| Lue interested in Nuggets | Tuesday 7/1, 9:33 AM CT |
|
Tyronn Lue has expressed his interest in joining the Denver Nuggets, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: Lue was a part-time player for the Dallas Mavericks last season, averaging about 15 minutes of playing time. His best asset, however, is his ability to shoot the three, which he did to the tune of 45% in 2007-2008. Still, his limited minutes mean he does not warrant fantasy consideration. |
|
| Davis becomes free agent | Tuesday 7/1, 9:27 AM CT |
|
Paul Davis was not made a qualifying offer by the Los Angeles Clippers and becomes a free agent, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Our View: Davis produced very little for both the Clippers and fantasy basketball players before injuring his knee last season, and it is unlikely things will change should he catch on with a new team. |
|
| Livingston not offered contract | Tuesday 7/1, 9:23 AM CT |
|
The tenure of Shaun Livingston with the Los Angeles Clippers is over, reports the Los Angeles Times. They will not offer him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Our View: Livingston has been teasing fantasy owners with promise for years, but his injuries, including his devastating knee maladies that sidelined him for the season, are stopping him from fulfilling that potential. His future is very much up in the air at this point. |
|
| Celtics will focus on Posey | Tuesday 7/1, 8:33 AM CT |
|
James Posey is the Boston Celtics top priority, according to the Boston Globe. The paper reported Boston general manager Danny Ainge as saying, "Posey will be a guy we'll be talking to right away. He's a top priority for us. Once we start there, we'll move toward other free agents and go from there."
Our View: Posey is more important to the Celtics than he will be to fantasy owners. He made valuable contributions to Boston, but his seven points and four rebounds are nothing for fantasy owners to get worked up about. |
|
| Brand opts out of contract, may stay in L.A. | Tuesday 7/1, 8:28 AM CT |
|
Elton Brand has opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers that was to pay him over $16 million next year, reports ESPN.com. However, he stated that he desire is to remain with the Clippers, albeit with a new contract. "We're trying to work it out. My intention is to stay," he said.
Our View: Brand played in only eight games a year ago because of injury, but he performed well when he came back, putting up 17 points, eight boards, two assists and two blocks per game. Fantasy owners should expect him to continue posting his annual 20 point, 10 rebound performances regardless of where he winds up playing. |
|
| Lee remains subject of trade speculation | Tuesday 7/1, 8:22 AM CT |
|
David Lee is getting plenty of play in trade talks, admitted Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni to the New York Post. "At the end of the day, I'd be very happy to coach David Lee. But again it's the business, it's the future and we're doing what you can within certain parameters," D'Antoni said.
Our View: Wherever he winds up, Lee will likely continue to put up dependable numbers for fantasy owners. His nearly 11 points and nine rebounds per game are nice, but the fact he shoots 55% from the floor is even nicer. |
|
| Raptors want to sign Calderon to long term deal | Tuesday 7/1, 8:16 AM CT |
|
The Toronto Raptors will try to sign point guard Jose Calderon to a long term deal, reports the Toronto Star. The paper speculates he could receive as much as $8 million per year.
Our View: With T.J. Ford now in Indiana, Calderon will see more minutes than the 30 per game he had been playing. That will certainly increase his numbers, as will the acquisition of Jermaine O'Neal in the post. Expect Calderon to put up the best numbers of his career for fantasy basketball. |
|
| Bobcats will try to lock Okafor up | Tuesday 7/1, 8:08 AM CT |
|
The Charlotte Bobcats have said they will try yet again to lock up Emeka Okafor to a long term deal, reports the Associated Press. "We're going to do everything, but sometimes negotiations can be tough," said managing partner Michael Jordan.
Our View: Okafor reportedly turned down a big money deal last year, and he will become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he does not sign a long term deal with Charlotte. Okafor is a steady if unspectacular fantasy performer whose best asset is the nearly 11 rebounds and two blocks he has averaged per game for his career. |
|
| Artest will remain a King | Tuesday 7/1, 8:03 AM CT |
|
Ron Artest is not opting out of his contract with the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN.com reporter Marc Stein. "Not opting out. The Kings have been there for me, so the best I could do is stay in my contract," he said. Artest will make nearly $8 million this year.
Our View: This is good news for the Kings, at least on the court. Artest had another good season, which translates well for fantasy owners. He averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.3 steals in 57 games last season. |
|
| Knicks targeting Duhon | Tuesday 7/1, 7:57 AM CT |
|
The New York Knicks are targeting Chris Duhon as a free agent acquisition, and may offer him a two-year deal worth around $6 million, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: The Bulls have a plethora of guards at their disposal, making Duhon expendable. Should he sign with the Knicks, he would join Nate Robinson and Stephon Marbury at the point guard position. |
|
| Davis opts out of contract | Tuesday 7/1, 7:49 AM CT |
|
Baron Davis walked away from $17.8 million when he suddenly decided to opt out of his final year of a contract he signed with the Warriors and is now an unrestricted free agent, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our View: A bit of a shock as most people believed Davis would play out the final year of his deal looking for a long term contract. Davis could still resign with the Warriors, but given the lateness of this move he clearly won't be a fan favorite if he returns to the city by the bay. The most likely scenario would be the Warriors would resign Davis to a long term deal, or they would do a sign and trade in which they could pick up a nice package. Stay tuned. |
|
|
|
