76ers Trade Rumors

"The 76ers could have a veteran backup big man in place as early as today. Theo Ratliff, 35, a veteran of 13 NBA seasons, has sifted through four offers and settled on rejoining the Sixers on a 1-year contract, according to a source familiar with the situation. The source said the 6-10 Ratliff could visit with the Sixers today and accept a 1-year contract for the veterans' minimum of $1.4 million. By the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, a portion of the salary would be paid out of a leaguewide pool. When asked yesterday about the search for an additional big man, Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski said he hoped to have a resolution "within 48 hours," but would not ..."

"The wait is just about over. A league source has confirmed that the 76ers and their restricted free agent Andre Iguodala are very close to reaching an agreement that could be worth about $80 million over six years, according to a report on ESPN.com. Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski had no comment. It has been a busy summer for the Sixers and Stefanski, who previously signed three free agents and one restricted free agent in a little over a month. Even so, the status of Iguodala, the Sixers' 6-foot-6 restricted free agent who led the team in scoring last season at 19.9 points per game, has been at the forefront of all team discussions. Stefanski said repeatedly in the last five weeks ..."

"E-MAIL IS a wonderful thing. Responses to questions can be ever so brief, so concise.The question to 76ers president/general manager Eddie Stefanski was: Could he confirm the ESPN.com report that guard/forward Andre Iguodala, a restricted free agent, had agreed to the terms of a 6-year, $80 million contract."Nothing to report from our side,'' Stefanski replied.That was it. All of it.Later, in Los Angeles on vacation, he was interviewed by Tom McCarthy, of the Phillies' broadcast team, during the Phils-Dodgers game.When asked about Iguodala, he said, "Right now we're still negotiating. I hope it comes to fruition, but there's no deal yet.''Stefanski has said since the conclusion of last ..."

"The Philadelphia 76ers and restricted free agent Andre Iguodala have agreed to a six-year, $80 million contract, league sources told ESPN.com. The athletic and exciting 6-foot-6 forward/guard has improved his scoring average in each of his first four seasons, and promises to be a mainstay on a Sixers team that recently signed former Clippers big man Elton Brand to an estimated $82 million free-agent contract. Point guard Andre Miller, center Samuel Dalembert, and promising bench players like Thaddeus Young and Louis Williams make the Sixers an emergent force in the East. The young team managed to extend the Detroit Pistons to six games in the opening round of this year's playoffs -- and ..."

"In other news, a report in Tuesday's Willoughby [Ohio] News-Herald quotes a league source as saying the Cavaliers "have talked to" restricted free agent guard Lou Williams. Williams "has reportedly turned down a contract starting at $3.9 million from the Sixers," according to the story. But the best Cleveland would be able to do is a contract starting at $3.65 million, and that can't happen until ex-Sixer Eric Snow's impending injury retirement opens up half of his $7.3 million salary. The only other way the Cavs, who are considerably above the salary cap, could obtain Williams, a fourth-year pro who averaged 11.5 points last season, would be in a sign-and-trade deal. Williams earned ..."

"The Warriors may be considering an offer sheet to 76ers restricted free agent Lou Williams, according to an ESPN.com report. The ESPN story quoted one “plugged-in” source as believing the Warriors “are planning to make a "big run' at (Williams).” Published reports show Golden State is roughly $4.5 million under the salary cap after the Lakers declined to match the Warriors' offer sheet to Ronny Turiaf, meaning it could offer Williams as much as $26 million over five years (counting annual raises of $350,000)."

"The Warriors, wanting to spare Monta Ellis from inheriting all of Baron Davis' minutes at point guard, are seriously considering signing Philadelphia guard Louis Williams to an offer sheet, ESPN is reporting. It's not yet clear whether Golden State would have enough leftover salary-cap space to extend an offer to Williams sufficiently prohibitive for the 76ers to match. The Warriors are expected to re-sign restricted free agents Ellis and center Andris Biedrins. Williams, 21, averaged 11.5 points and 3.2 assists last season."

"The Los Angeles Clippers, who lost unrestricted free agent forward Elton Brand to the 76ers last week, are trying to determine which remaining free agent might best fit their needs. And, according to a rumor circulating through the NBA, it could be the Sixers' Andre Iguodala. The rumor suggested that the Clippers, via coach Mike Dunleavy, already have had contact with Iguodala, who was in Las Vegas Saturday to watch the Sixers' summer league team play the Denver Nuggets. The contact, though, supposedly came in the days before that game."

"In a development that befuddled experts and dealt a crushing blow to his life-long dream, Gordon was not among the 60 players selected in the June 26 basketball rookie draft. In the days that followed, Gordon fired his original agent, hired another, and began the arduous process of clawing his way into professional basketball. "It was disappointing," Gordon said. "That's all, really. I didn't get too upset about it. My family was behind me." This week, the first team All-SEC player who averaged 17.2 points as a junior last season, left Middle Tennessee for Las Vegas to join the Philadelphia 76ers' summer league team."

"The Philadelphia 76ers are structuring a contract offer for free-agent forward Elton Brand that will extend into the five years and $80-million range, according to NBA sources who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak about player movements.The 76ers are just the latest team to join the bidding frenzy for Brand, joining the Clippers and Golden State Warriors, who have already made five-year offers for Brand, according to the sources."

"As the NBA's salary cap officially goes up later today, so apparently does the 76ers' interest in Los Angeles Clippers unrestricted free agent Elton Brand. As suggested in the July 5 Daily News, the Sixers' plan appears to include waiting for a rise in the cap from $55.63 million to perhaps as much as $58 million or $59 million. Coupling that with the possibility of moving a contract or two, the Sixers could put themselves in position to 1) make one last push to acquire Brand, or 2) construct an offer sheet for Atlanta restricted free agent Josh Smith that the Hawks would have difficulty matching."

"The 76ers, like the rest of the NBA, are playing the waiting game. In more ways than one. Tonight, the league will release its updated salary cap figures. That will determine exactly how much the Sixers have to spend when teams can begin officially signing free agents tomorrow. Then, all eyes will turn to Elton Brand. Which team he chooses to sign with - most reports suggest the Clippers as the favorite over Golden State - could decide how the rest of the market will swing. Until then, agents and team officials are keeping quiet. If the Warriors can't lure Brand away, they would join the Sixers in the pursuit of the remaining top available players. Golden State has plenty of money ..."

"The Jazz's ability to land longtime Los Angeles Clippers swingman Corey Maggette is looking more and more long shot by the day. As many predicted earlier this week, the Golden State Warriors, with newfound money after point guard Baron Davis opted out of his contract and committed to the Los Angeles Clippers, now are in the mix for Maggette. Multiple reports today suggested as much."

"There was, in the course of the week, the 76ers' impressive courtship of Atlanta Hawks' restricted free agent Josh Smith. And, according to a source familiar with the Sixers' situation, there has been contact with several other free agents other than Hawks restricted free-agent forward Josh Childress and the Sixers' own two restricted free agents, Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams."

"Meanwhile, the Warriors have a contingency plan to land another Clipper if Brand declines their offer, the sources said. Golden State is expected to join a number of teams to lure free-agent forward Corey Maggette, who opted out of the final year of his Clippers contract on Monday. The Philadelphia 76ers, according to the sources, may also bid for Maggette, who led the Clippers in scoring last season, averaging 22.1 points. The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz are also in the running."

"The Josh Smith tour of Philadelphia ended yesterday, with the power forward of the Atlanta Hawks being impressed by the presentation of the 76ers and reactions of the people of the city toward him. But did the restricted free agent leave with an offer sheet from the Sixers? "Um, not yet," Smith said in an interview with Comcast SportsNet. "We've got to wait and see what goes on with the revenue and stuff.""

"The Spurs are expected to soon make an offer to free agent swingman Corey Maggette, if they haven’t done so already. After that, the wait begins. Maggette seems to be a popular man in the early stages of this summer’s NBA free-agency period, with as many as four other teams reported to have also contacted him to make known their interest. To land him, the Spurs will have to outpitch the likes of Orlando, Utah, Boston and Miami — all of whom have made Maggette an offer, according to various news reports — as well as any other suitors who might emerge in the coming days."

"With more than $11 million in salary-cap space available, the 76ers dove into free agency shortly after the bell rang at 12:01 a.m. yesterday and targeted Josh Smith, the young and talented forward of the Atlanta Hawks, as their primary prospect, but not their only one. The 6-foot-9 Smith, a restricted free agent, was contacted by the Sixers almost immediately. A team spokesman said Smith and his representatives planned to meet today with president and general manager Ed Stefanski. The spokesman also said the Sixers contacted Smith's teammate, 6-8 forward Josh Childress, yesterday and expect to bring him to Philadelphia, but did not say when."

"Smith's remarkable fourth season included averages of 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.5 steals. Coming out of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va. in 2004, he originally committed to Indiana University before becoming the No. 17 pick in the 2004 draft. And he won't turn 23 until December. All that is why the 76ers, who have about $11.5 million in salary-cap space available, have invited Smith and his representatives to visit today. He and agents Brian Dyke and Wallace Prowther visited yesterday with the Hawks and newly minted general manager Rick Sund, who has said repeatedly that ownership plans to match any offers made to Smith and his restricted ..."

"Atlanta's Josh Smith, a restricted free agent, may be the Sixers' No. 1 candidate. The Hawks have vowed to match any offer made to Smith, but an $11 million price tag might be too much for them to overcome. Other big men believed to be under consideration are Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers and Andris Biedrins of the Golden State Warriors. Yesterday, Brand opted out of the last year of a contract with the Clippers that would have paid him $16.4 million this year."

"As the 76ers delve into NBA free agency today, their primary objective is a post player. Next premise: The most attractive post player available is Elton Brand, who, according to the Los Angeles Times' Web site, opted out of his $16.44 million contract last night. Reality: The Sixers certainly will inquire about what it would take to bring Brand to Philadelphia, but one source familiar with the situation suggested that Brand's asking price could be beyond the Sixers' means."

"Smith is expected to be in Philadelphia for a visit later in the week. And the 76ers, with more than $11 million in projected salary cap space, can offer Smith a lucrative, frontloaded deal greater than the $45 million offer the Hawks made ? and Smith turned down ? last summer, when Smith was eligible for a contract extension. Philadelphia president Ed Stefanski hasn't mentioned Smith by name, per league rules, but in his description of what the 76ers are looking to do this summer, the image of the player he's described could easily be Smith."

"There's 1 more day to wait. One more day before the 76ers - and every other team - can officially begin pursuit of free agents. That means, of course, a team can be on a preferred player's doorstep at 12:01 tomorrow morning, as Los Angeles Lakers' general manager Mitch Kupchak said he would be with Lakers' shooting guard Sasha Vujacic. "I'm getting older - I don't know about 12:01 in the morning," Sixers president/general manager Eddie Stefanski said. But there are Sixers dollars to be spent, whether in free agency or in the trade market. The Sixers have a little more than $11 million under the salary cap. Only the Memphis Grizzlies have a comparable amount, and possibly even more, ..."

"In two years we'll get the mother lode of NBA free agents, but as far as this year is concerned, the pickings are slim and money is scarce. The Sixers and Grizzlies are the only teams with substantial cap room - Philly has around $12 million, and Memphis could be as much as $15 million under - but there isn't a LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul or Chris Bosh going onto the open market, as there will be in 2010. Philly is expected to try to use the money to improve. Meanwhile, Memphis probably will continue its policy of pinching pennies. "We're trying to build like Detroit, meaning we're not looking to have that one superstar, but we want to have a lot of good players on the ..."

"The 76ers extended qualifying offers today to restricted free agents Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams.The team did not disclose financial terms. As restricted free agents, both player may sign an offer sheet with any team, but the 76ers have the right to match that offer.Iguodala started all 82 games last season, averaging 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.09 steals in 39.5 minutes per game. Iguodala has the third-most steals of any player dating back to the start of the 2004-05 season."

"Ed Stefanski doesn't feel like he's giving away any trade secrets when he says the Sixers' first goal going into the summer is to acquire a big man. "We'd like to get a power forward if we could," the Sixers general manager said. "As a secondary goal, we'd like to get a point guard, but I think "big' is the No. 1 priority." There are a couple of ways the Sixers can obtain a big man. One is via a trade or through free agency, and Stefanski said either is possible. Those options won't be available until after July 1, when the salary cap is set. The Sixers expect to be more than $11 million under it."

"The calendar and the weather may suggest otherwise, but the NBA climate has the feel of February. Much like the frenzy and wild speculation that serve as a prelude to the league's trade deadline, caution must be observed and logic exercised. With so many teams looking to improve and so many names being bandied about, it wouldn't surprise any one if one or two roster-altering moves are completed, perhaps more. Until the NBA final runs its course, no deal will be announced in an environment where there's no shortage of possibilities, some that appear to have merit."

"As Ed Stefanski and the 76ers begin looking at prospective players they could with the 16th pick in the June 26 draft and then to potential free agents and trades, they have some decisions to make. One of the things Stefanski must determine is the risk vs. reward factor, which can be a little tricky. Does he make a run at a talented guy like the Knicks' Zach Randolph, who tends to dominate the ball in the low post but sometimes isn't a big fan of passing it to his teammates? New York is trying to unload Randolph because he's not suited to the uptempo style the Knicks plan to play for Mike D'Antoni (and that the Sixers favor) and he makes a lot of money ($48 million over the next ..."

"More than a month into their coaching search, the Bulls have interviewed one candidate who has yet to accept a different job -- broadcaster Mark Jackson. So there may be a long way to go. Utah assistant Tyrone Corbin could be the next to speak to Bulls general manager John Paxson, since the Jazz have been eliminated. Other candidates continue to stay busy in the playoffs. Some names believed to be on the Bulls' expanded list of potential interviews are former Nuggets coach and Mount Prospect native Jeff Bzdelik, Rockets assistant Elston Turner, Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis, Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer and Pistons assistant Terry Porter. The Cleveland Plain-Dealer suggested that ..."

"Other than Iguodala, the Sixers' only consistent scorer was point guard Andre Miller, whose job is to pass first and shoot second. Samuel Dalembert still is too inconsistent, Thaddeus Young still is too young and Reggie Evans is, well, Reggie Evans. Sixers president and general manager Ed Stefanski knows this, of course. He has about $11 million in salary cap space to do something about it this offseason."

"WHO'S No. 1? If the question is whether Andre Iguodala is the No. 1 player around whom the 76ers will build their future, the answer remains more than somewhat hazy. If the question is whether Iguodala, as a restricted free agent, is president/general manager Eddie Stefanski's No. 1 priority, the answer is unequivocally yes. In a teleconference yesterday with reporters, Stefanski said Iguodala, " . . . is a very good basketball player. I think - I know - he's a guy we'd like to keep, going forward here. "Now, negotiations are negotiations," Stefanski said. "What I've said numerous times is, we're trying to get a 'team.' We're not built to run [the Detroit Pistons'] style, but ..."

"Ed Stefanski said he has a number of off-season priorities, but deciding the future of 76ers point guard Andre Miller isn't at the top of the list. That doesn't mean the Sixers' president and general manager doesn't value Miller's huge contributions. It's just that because Miller is signed through the 2008-2009 season and can't be a free agent until afterward, Stefanski can focus on other issues. At some point, however, Miller's future will have to be addressed both by him and the team, because the decision will affect many of the other decisions the team is going to make this summer."

"Here are some off-season decisions that Stefanski will have to make: Andre Miller On Friday, Miller, the point guard, said he didn't know if he would like to stay with the team after his contract runs out next season. He will be paid nearly $10 million for the 2008-09 season. Miller is 32 and doesn't have the game that will decline swiftly because it's based on intelligence more than sheer athletic ability. The most important thing is whether Miller wants to stay. After speaking Friday, he gave the impression he wants to see the improvements before making a commitment."

"Stefanski obviously is not tipping his hand as to whom he will pursue. But it has been mentioned that forward Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks, a restricted free agent, could be someone the Sixers would like."

"Back in October, it seemed ludicrous that Andre Iguodala would turn down a contract extension for five years and $57 million."

"Brand also maintained he intends to be a Clipper next season. He again fell just short of saying he will not use his opt-out clause and test free agency. Brand is believed to still be wavering on whether to opt out of the final year of his contract in which he is due $16.4 million. Few teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Grizzlies among them, are expected to have enough salary-cap space to sign a high-profile free agent."

"Although the Bulls believe they need an upgrade over Kirk Hinrich, the belief is they'd go for Beasley if they got first pick and Rose if they got the second... This Bulls team needs to be more like the Celtics of last season: package the pick with one or two players and perhaps pick up a veteran point guard like Andre Miller. I could also see them pursuing a star player in perhaps a sign-and-trade with Washington for Gilbert Arenas, sort of a go-for-broke summer. Perhaps Elton Brand tells the Clippers he won't re-sign and the Clippers cash in for a package that includes Hinrich, Andres Nocioni and the Bulls' first pick. And if Nene gets healthy, the Nuggets have to move someone."

"He wants to be a franchise player. He wants to be paid accordingly. But he walked away from a $57 million contract extension. And his team is 28-33. And that has observers all around the NBA wondering exactly where that leaves the 76ers' Andre Iguodala as he approaches restricted free agency this summer."

"In a move that had been expected, the 76ers waived Gordan Giricek yesterday, two months to the day after they got him from the Utah Jazz with a first-round pick for Kyle Korver. Giricek, who was acquired Dec. 29, is expected to sign with the Phoenix Suns after clearing waivers."

"Bygones, Brent Barry. Greetings, Gordan Giricek. Barry told Suns General Manager Steve Kerr on Thursday night that he would re-sign with San Antonio despite a tempting role offer in Phoenix."

"In the end, Brent Barry just couldn’t leave home. Barry told Suns general manager Steve Kerr late Thursday evening he intends to re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs when he is able to do so next month... The Philadelphia Daily News reported the 76ers are willing to release Giricek as long as he signs with a Western Conference team, and that his direction is Phoenix."

"As long as Giricek is waived before midnight Saturday, he will be playoff-eligible if he signs with another team. The source indicated that, as of now, his likely destination is Phoenix, although that hinges on a decision coming from veteran Brent Barry, recently waived by Seattle after being traded there by San Antonio."

"Gordan Giricek, who has seen scant playing time since being acquired by the 76ers for Kyle Korver on Dec. 29, has been given permission to seek a deal - with a few provisions. An NBA source said yesterday the Sixers would be willing to allow Giricek to leave if he can join a team that has a chance to make the Western Conference playoffs."

"The Suns failed to make a trade before Thursday’s 1 p.m. deadline. Efforts to acquire Los Angeles Clippers guard Quenton Ross did not pan out... The Suns would prefer keep an eye out for players who might get bought out of their contracts. Potential buyout candidates could be Brent Barry, who was dealt from San Antonio to Seattle in the Kurt Thomas trade; Gordan Giricek of Philadelphia; and Tyronn Lue, was traded to Sacramento in the Mike Bibby deal."

"If there's a trade for the 76ers to make before today's NBA in-season deadline, Eddie Stefanski insisted before the start of last night's game against the New York Knicks that he wasn't aware of it."

"The 76ers and coach Maurice Cheeks are closing in on a contract extension. An NBA source said last night that both sides have been in negotiations regarding a new deal, one that appears imminent."

"A source familiar with the situation confirmed that Stefanski is on the verge of finalizing a contract extension for Maurice Cheeks."

"With tomorrow's 3 p.m. trade deadline looming, the 76ers continue to get calls about Andre Miller. According to a league source, the Sixers have been telling teams that they are not interested in shopping the point guard."

"Several point guards reportedly are available, including Philadelphia's Andre Miller, Memphis' Kyle Lowry, Indiana's Jamaal Tinsley and Portland's Jarrett Jack. Memphis swingman Mike Miller also is considered available, though Riley downplayed that possibility last week."

"And after trading Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz for the expiring contract of Gordan Giricek and a first-round pick, the Sixers seemed content to ride out the string and be ready for the summer with about $10 million in salary-cap space and another lottery pick. The only issue seemed to be if some team would make an enticing enough offer to acquire veteran point guard Andre Miller."