NBA Trade Rumors

"The agent for restricted free agent forward Carl Landry says his client may entertain offers to play overseas. "Carl would entertain all serious offers," Landry's agent, Buddy Baker, told Houston television station KRIV-TV on Wednesday. "There is serious interest in Carl by both other NBA teams and internationally." Landry was a rookie for the Houston Rockets last season and averaged 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds a game."

"Maybe it's Kelenna Azubuike. Maybe it's Maurice Evans. Maybe it's a mystery player. Warriors vice president Chris Mullin said Wednesday that the signing of a wing player essentially would end the team's whirlwind offseason and complete the roster. In a 25-minute talk, Mullin said a decision on Azubuike is a "Friday thing," admitted pursuing Evans and treaded around the idea that the summer workings could be done. A decision on whether to match the Clippers' multiyear offer to Azubuike doesn't have to - and probably won't - happen until Friday. Evans is a 6-foot-5 wing, noted as a defender and a three-point shooter who averaged 9.3 points in 68 games for Orlando in 2007-08. "We're having ..."

"On the heels of adding point guard Marcus Williams, the Warriors have reportedly added free agent forward Maurice Evans, who played for both the Lakers and Magic last season. Golden State has signed Evans to a three-year, $6.4 million deal, according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise. By adding Evans, it more than likely means the Warriors will not match the three-year, $9 million contract restricted free agent Kelenna Azubuike signed with the Los Angeles Clippers last week. Golden State have until Friday to match Azubuike's deal, but Evans represents a cheaper _ and perhaps better _ alternative."

"Since the free-agency period began at the start of this month, it was believed the status of Bulls restricted free agents Luol Deng and Ben Gordon might not be resolved until the fall. But according to a source close to Deng, the future of the 6-9 forward should be decided -- one way or another -- in the next two weeks. The source confirmed the main elements of a Yahoo! Sports report Monday that said Deng, 23, would opt to sign a one-year qualifying offer for $4.5 million and become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he's not able to reach a long-term agreement before he leaves the country Aug. 4. Deng will be in Europe for much of August playing with the British team in ..."

"If the Bulls want to sign Luol Deng to a contract extension, they have weeks, not months, to do so. Though the official deadline to reach an extension isn't until Oct. 31, Deng's camp has made clear to the Bulls that negotiations won't continue past the forward's early-August commitment to Britain's national team. The Bulls had no comment on Deng's stance, which was first reported by Yahoo! Sports. Talks are ongoing, remain professional and, according to sources, have focused enough on a shorter-term deal that optimism exists a deal can be reached."

"As expected with Monday’s acquisition of Kevin Dooling to back up Devon Harris at the point, the Nets quickly shipped out Marcus Williams today. New Jersey agreed to deal him to Golden State for a future first-round pick, according to league sources. The former UConn standout, who averaged 5.9 points and 2.6 assists in 53 games for the Nets last season, joins a team that lost free-agent point guard Baron Davis to the Clippers earlier this month and is still attempting to keep likely replacement Monta Ellis from also departing."

"If the Indiana Pacers are going to rid themselves of the headaches Shawne Williams has caused them in the past year, it will have to be through a trade. Pacers president Larry Bird said Monday he doesn't believe in buying out contracts, an issue that has arisen in regard to Williams and Jamaal Tinsley. "We hear this buyout stuff all the time," Bird told WFNI-1070 AM. "I think these guys should earn their money. If you can't trade them, let them stay at home. We're in some situations here where the same people continue to get in trouble. We have to deal with it. We'll deal with it the way we think is appropriate.""

"Free agent forward Matt Barnes arrived in Phoenix on Monday and completed much of the physical required to clear the way for him to join the Suns. The 6-foot-7 former Golden State Warrior will finish the physical this morning and then sign a one-year contract which, according to league sources, will be for the NBA veteran minimum salary. As a player entering his sixth year in the league, Barnes will earn $998,398. The Suns are responsible for only $797,581 of that total, with the rest paid from a league fund."

"Carlos Boozer hinted during Team USA training camp Monday that he plans to sign a contract extension with the Jazz when he becomes eligible to do so next summer. While teammate Deron Williams downplayed the idea that he would use his time with Boozer at the Beijing Olympics to lobby the power forward to re-sign with the Jazz now that Williams has done so - "he knows I want him here," Williams said - Boozer good-naturedly spoke about spending "the next four years" with Williams in Utah."

"Will Bynum walked away from lucrative offers overseas for a shot at making the Detroit Pistons squad as their No. 3 point guard. Bynum's gamble has paid off now that he has agreed to a multi-year deal with Detroit. "It's pretty much a done deal now," Bynum said. Bynum's agent, Mark Bartlestein, confirmed Monday night that his client has agreed to a two-year deal with Detroit, which includes a team option for the second season. "He's very excited about it," Bartlestein said. Bynum, whose previous NBA experience consisted of 15 games with the Golden State Warriors during the 2005-2006 season, said he got the offer from Pistons coach Michael Curry on Sunday night."

"Will he play in Memphis next season? That appears to be a 50-50 proposition as Crittenton, a 6-5 combo guard, is likely the odd man out in the five-way guard conundrum facing the Grizzlies. Crittenton, whom Memphis acquired in the Pau Gasol trade with the Los Angeles Lakers in February, is expecting to have another address fresh off his summer workout and the realization of where he fits in the pecking order. Reportedly, the Griz and Orlando Magic were engaged in trade talks regarding Crittenton soon after the summer league schedule. But Wallace said Monday that nothing was imminent on any front."

"As things stand now, Emeka Okafor will be an ex-Charlotte Bobcat by the end of next season, if not sooner. Negotiations between Okafor and the Bobcats are at an impasse, an informed source told the Observer, with the team offering less now than the $12million-plus annual salary it did a year ago. A restricted free agent, center-forward Okafor now wants a sign-and-trade to another team, the source said, and is not inclined to remain with the Bobcats long-term. Okafor's alternative would be signing a one-year qualifying offer with Charlotte, worth roughly $7million, then becoming an unrestricted free agent in July 2009."

"The Warriors reportedly have found another point guard to help out projected starter Monta Ellis. The New York Post is reporting that Golden State has acquired Marcus Williams from the New Jersey Nets for a future first-round pick. According to the Post, the pick the Warriors will send to the Nets is lottery protected for 2011, 2012 and 2013. If the Nets don't receive a pick by 2013, New Jersy would get second-round picks in both 2013 and 2015, the article says."

"Tony Allen and Eddie House are staying in the fold. According to Danny Ainge, the Celtics have agreed to terms with each on two-year contracts. Ainge would not be specific on the financial figures, but according to a source, both are being paid in the mid-$2 million range. In the case of House, the money is roughly half the mid-level exception of $5.585 million. The Celtics did not have to use any of the mid-level on Allen, because he has been with the club four years and the team thus has his “Bird rights.”"

"So much has been made here about Josh Smith and how his summer is playing out (more about that in a minute), but what of Josh Childress? He is absolutely considering an offer to play overseas, Olympiakos in Greece, this season (as first reported last night by Yahoo! Sports) with the Hawks having no right to match an offer from an overseas team. This is getting nuts. How in the world has it come to this for the Hawks and their own free agents?"

"Free-agent forward Matt Barnes is scheduled to arrive in Phoenix Monday, expecting to sign a one-year veteran's minimum deal with the Suns after completing a physical. Barnes, 28, spent the past two seasons in a mostly reserve role with the Golden State Warriors. He collected a career-best 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in the 2006-07 season. Last season, he averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game."

"Warriors free agent forward Matt Barnes is switching to a Pacific Division rival. He said he is signing a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. Barnes agreed to a one-year deal for the minimum (which for him, as a sixth-year NBA player, is $926,678). He is flying to Phoenix today to take a physical examination. "I owe a lot to the Warriors organization," Barnes said via text message Sunday night. "They gave my career a chance. The fans were great. Could be the best fans in sports. But I just don't understand what went wrong.""

"The Orlando Magic's at times shaky relationship with guard Keyon Dooling the past month will apparently end with him taking his game to the Atlantic Division and the New Jersey Nets. The Newark Star-Ledger and multiple other media outlets cited sources over the weekend that the Nets and Magic have a deal in principle for a sign-and-trade for the 28-year-old eight-year veteran. "I'm hopeful ... that we can make a trade," Nets team President Rod Thorn told the Star-Ledger."

"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 probability of swingman Devean George returning to the Mavericks next season appears to be decreasing every day. George, a free agent, has at least a half dozen other teams interested in signing him. The Mavericks, however, only have two open roster spots left with little money to work with after signing center DeSagana Diop."

"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."

"If a television report is accurate, owners of the Oklahoma City NBA team will have listened to the fans. KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City is reporting the team's name will be the Oklahoma City Thunder. That's the nickname that won The Oklahoman's contest, which was determined by internet fan balloting. The ABC affiliate cited a source close to the ownership group that Thunder will be the nickname for the NBA franchise that moved to Oklahoma City from Seattle earlier this month."

"Any program from a Nets' game this past season already is horribly dated. And it's going to get worse within a few days when Keyon Dooling is added after a sign-and-trade deal with Orlando is finalized. Dooling, 28, a 6-foot-3 combo guard, will fill the Nets' most conspicuous need as a backup at both guard positions. The Nets and Magic have worked out the trade that still needs league approval. The Magic get a $3.3 million trade exception that the Nets picked up in the Jason Kidd deal plus cash. Dooling, including three draft picks certain to make the roster, represents the eighth new player imported since draft day. He will bring defense, versatility and experience to an overall very ..."

"Knick forward David Lee, a name in every trade rumor that involves The Franchise Isiah Ravaged, acknowledged he doesn't know his future in New York. But Lee already sees positive change in the Knicks under new coach Mike D'Antoni and GM Donnie Walsh. "With the acquisition of Danilo Gallinari, he's a good character guy, and Chris Duhon coming in, I can see that there's a lot more positive feelings around the facility," Lee said at halftime of last night's Liberty-Fever game at Arthur Ashe Stadium... Whether the Knicks complete that move with Lee remains uncertain. After three seasons, the Knicks, burdened with more bad salaries than the MTA, know they'll have to come up with a ..."

"If getting away from the Artest madness is a no-brainer – one rival general manager called it "The Ron Show," considering the imagined contract extensions and the swearing of loyalty to the Kings and then saying he doesn't want to be here – Petrie is the one who has to make sure there's something good on the other side of the escape hatch. So he fits pieces, weighs salaries and factors in the added risk of youth. This is so different than his previous reclamation project. Petrie built those Kings on a foundation of experience, signing Vlade Divac, Scot Pollard, Jon Barry and Bobby Jackson, trading for Chris Webber, Doug Christie and Bibby, and hiring Rick Adelman as coach. Draft ..."

"Keyon Dooling, who angrily left the Orlando Magic following a contract dispute, could be close to joining the New Jersey Nets. The New York Post reported Friday that the Magic and Nets have held discussions about a sign-and-trade deal that would allow Dooling to get a three-year contract worth almost $10 million. The Magic could receive a trade exception worth $3.3 million and an undisclosed amount of cash, according to The Post. The trade exception could be used in a deal any time within the next year and would allow the Magic to take back $3.3 million more in salaries than they give up."

"There won't be anybody questioning C.J. Miles' decision to skip the Rocky Mountain Revue any longer. Now the Jazz's biggest concern is whether Miles will be playing for another team entirely this season. Miles signed a four-year, $15 million contract Friday with Oklahoma City, according to sources. Utah will have seven days to decide about matching the offer sheet and keeping the restricted free-agent guard."

"The Nets have an agreement in principle to make a sign-and-trade deal for free-agent Keyon Dooling, a combo guard they have pursued for years, and he'll fit right in as a reserve for starters Vince Carter and Devin Harris. "I'm hopeful ... that we can make a trade," was Thorn's closest statement resembling a confirmation last night. An eight-year veteran, Dooling would be acquired by making use of a $3.3 million trade exception the Nets obtained in the Jason Kidd deal last February. That will now be transferred to the Magic, who will prepare a two-year contract that calls for a $3.3 million salary next year and a $3.5 million salary for 2009-10, with a partially guaranteed third ..."

"The Sacramento Kings have expressed interest in acquiring Dallas Mavericks forward/guard Josh Howard in a trade for All-Star forward Ron Artest, but the Mavericks aren't interested, according to an NBA source. The Mavericks reportedly were willing to offer forward Brandon Bass and guard Jerry Stackhouse for Artest. But the Kings wanted Howard included in the deal, halting the discussions. Because the Mavericks won't budge on Howard, a potential trade for Artest is all but dead, the source said."

"Francisco Elson's first home is the Netherlands. His second? Denver. And that's where the 7-foot center would love to play next season. "I would be very excited to have the opportunity to play in Denver," Elson, who played with the Nuggets from 2003- 06, wrote by e-mail Thursday from his native Netherlands. "It's the team that drafted me and a place I call my second home. The fans have been fantastic, and I respect the staff, coach (George) Karl, and the guys on the team are all still friends.""

"The Utah Jazz and point guard Deron Williams will make an announcement of agreement on a contract extension during a news conference that will be held Friday. "There's going to be a great announcement tomorrow afternoon in Salt Lake City," said Williams' agent, Bob McClaren, from his Houston office. "One that will make everyone happy, I think." The Jazz and Williams' camp have been discussing an extension on Williams' rookie contract since the negotiating period for doing so opened July 1."

"At least it seems everybody can agree on this: Tracy McGrady is happy. Whether the Houston Rockets will trade him to, say, the Pistons, is another matter. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith stirred that pot Tuesday when he said McGrady wouldn't mind coming to Detroit and joining Team Dumars. Said Smith: "Is Tracy McGrady interested? Yes, he is. I spoke to Tracy McGrady earlier. His basic thing is he's very happy in Houston, but he wants to win. So whatever is a winning situation for him is something he is more than willing to entertain.""

"The Suns need to sign three players to reach the 13-man roster minimum. The priority was to land a veteran point guard before signing a wing and a big man. Phoenix will pursue Sam Cassell, Damon Stoudamire or Jason Williams to be its backup point and Carlos Arroyo if he fell to minimum-contract status. Shaun Livingston, a 22-year-old former No. 4 pick, could be brought in if he checks out with the medical staff. He may be a year away from returning to full strength after tearing four left knee ligaments and dislocating his patella in February 2007."

"The Knicks have agreed in principle on a two-year contract to sign free-agent guard Anthony Roberson, with the deal likely to expediate the departure of Stephon Marbury, The Post has learned. Knicks president Donnie Walsh appeared to be waiting to add another backcourt player before he made a move with Marbury. And now he feels he has it in Roberson, a 6-2 combo guard who is playing for the Knicks summer-league team here and excelled in his debut, scoring 22 points, including three 3-pointers."

"James Posey, the Celtics' highest-priority unsigned veteran, is seeking a four-year contract, an NBA source said yesterday. Posey, 31, is treating negotiations as if this could be his final contract and has been in talks with Detroit, the Lakers, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Washington. No team has been willing to offer a deal beyond three years."

"Chinese newspapers say Yao Ming is likely to resume working out with China's national basketball team later this week. The Houston Rockets' center has a "very high" chance of playing in China's three games at the Stankovic Cup Olympic warmup tournament in the eastern city of Hangzhou, Hu Jiashi, deputy director of the Chinese Basketball Association was quoted as saying by newspapers. China's first game is against Serbia on Thursday."

"It looks as if the Orlando Magic will find their extra big man to provide depth behind all-star Dwight Howard. While he might not be officially re-signed until next month, veteran center Adonal Foyle is expected to return to play for the Magic. The Magic want Foyle to come back and mentor young center Marcin Gortat and shooting guard Mickael Pietrus --- Foyle's former teammate with the Golden State Warriors. Pietrus signed a four-year free-agent deal with the Magic."

"Smith said he would like to sign a third point guard. He currently is scouting players in the Las Vegas summer league. "You got to look when you have the chance; that's why I'm here," he said. Smith said he has looked at several teams in hopes to acquire a third point guard, including the Memphis Grizzlies (Kyle Lowry and Javaris Crittenton), but talks have yet to heat up. Crittenton is playing in Las Vegas. Said Crittenton's agent, Wallace Prather, "I've spoken to both GMs [Smith and Grizzlies' Chris Wallace], and there's no deal on the table or any deal pending. There's nothing I'm aware of.""

"The agent for Memphis' Javaris Crittenton said on Monday that the Magic have been in trade talks with the Grizzlies about the second-year point guard. NBA teams aren't allowed to comment on the availability of players affiliated with other teams. However, Smith said the Magic still could be in the market for help at point guard. "We're looking at a thousand things right now," he said. "We'll keep looking around and see what makes sense.""

"Beyond Deron Williams' brief family vacation to Mexico earlier this month, general manager Kevin O'Connor shed no light Tuesday as to what is holding up agreement on a contract extension between the Jazz and their Team USA point guard. He did, however, suggest dialogue between the sides continues. "We've had constant conversations," the Jazz GM said. "I respect what Bob (McClaren, Williams' agent) said, and I think I feel the same way," O'Connor added. "We're working toward a resolution." McClaren on Monday suggested daily progress is being made, and said "everybody's very committed to trying to put a deal together.""

"As often as Carlos Boozer's name has been mentioned in connection with the Miami Heat, Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said Tuesday he has no interest in asking the NBA to conduct an investigation into possible tampering. O'Connor said he had too much respect for Miami president Pat Riley and general manager Randy Pfund to do so. "I really have a great deal of confidence that that's not something that they would do," O'Connor added. At the same time, O'Connor acknowledged to being irritated by the nonstop speculation that Boozer will opt out of his contract after next season to sign as a free agent with Miami, where he lives in the off-season."

"Despite his injuries and advancing age -- Ratliff will be 36 before the end of next season -- I believe he is the type of player who could help the Jazz. In his first 12 seasons, Ratliff averaged one blocked shot for every 10 minutes he was on the floor. For a comparison, ex-Jazz center Mark Eaton had one block every eight minutes, so you can see Ratliff's ability to impact a game with his defense. I'm guessing Jazz vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor, who I know has always been fan, has talked to Ratliff's agent since July 1. That said, don't expect Ratliff to end up in Utah. From everything I can gather, he is preparing to re-sign with the Pistons."

"James Posey and Eddie House, key reserves in the Celtics' NBA championship run last season, last night expressed a desire to remain with the team, in their first public comments regarding free agency. "That's my No. 1 choice," said Posey. "I've stressed that to the organization and to everybody. At the same time, I'm still waiting. So we'll see what's going to happen." House and Posey were interviewed before a screening of a highlight DVD of the Celtics' season at TD Banknorth Garden. Posey played down the possibility of returning to Cleveland, his hometown, though an NBA source said the Cavaliers might up the ante in an effort to get a talented player to aid LeBron James. Other ..."

"The chant went up when James Posey was introduced at the Celtics championship DVD premiere last night. “Re-sign Posey. Re-sign Posey.” But what worked in the Mike Lowell case is no lock to work here. The Celts still are apparently willing to go no further than three years at the mid-level exception of some $5.6 million to retain their key veteran reserve, so Posey is waiting. “I know what I bring to the table,” Posey said before the video was shown. “It’s just if they believe I can help them or not. That’s with any organization. That’s why I’m still waiting.”"

"The Orlando Magic have held serious trade talks with the Memphis Grizzlies about point guard Javaris Crittenton, proof that the Magic have abandoned any serious hopes of retaining combo guard Keyon Dooling. Dooling, Orlando’s top reserve off the bench last season, blasted the Magic today for offering him their Bi-Annual Exception, a contract that would be worth $4.2 million for two years. Dooling, who made $3.5 million last season while averaging 8.1 points and 1.8 assists, summarily rejected the offer saying he was ``insulted’’ by it.``I don’t even know why they offered that bi-annual because I rejected it right away. I don’t know if they were trying to devalue me or whatever ..."

"The Hawks all-star guard inquired about the status of Hawks restricted free agents Josh Smith and Josh Childress while at a charity event in Mississippi over the weekend. That's our summer right there," Johnson said. "That's all there is to it." Neither Smith nor Childress have signed offer sheets with other teams as the NBA's free agency period continues. Johnson, who said he talked with Smith prior to the start of the free-agency period, just wants a team ready to build on last season's playoff appearance."

"It’s the NBA offseason, another chance for Eddie House to sell himself. The Celtics are very much interested in keeping the free agent backup guard, but the fact they’d like to sign someone to a one-year contract for that slot might be problematic. “Just feeling good about what’s going on, about the deal,” House said when asked what he was looking for in this contract. “You know, maybe getting some years and definitely getting a raise. I think that’s something that I do deserve after winning the Finals. I don’t think I played bad. I think I played well given the circumstances of not playing and then coming back in. So a little bit of a raise and just some security. “My agent and ..."

"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."

"Celtics forward James Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstien, said Sunday that there could be "something" contract-wise for his client on Monday. Bartelstien would not divulge the interested teams, but an NBA source said that the Hornets seem to be Boston's main competition. The Celtics seem willing to give Posey the full $5.5 mid-level exception, but it seems doubtful that it will be offered more than two years. The 31-year-old seems interested in getting a four-year deal. Other teams potentially interested in Posey include Detroit, Washington and Cleveland"

"Veteran NBA point guard Tyronn Lue said Sunday he is scheduled to take a physical with the Heat this morning and is hopeful of receiving a contract offer from the team shortly thereafter. In South Florida for Zo's Summer Groove, Lue said before the charity game that he has narrowed his free-agent choices to the Heat, Celtics and Suns. Lue said the decision would be difficult because of his friendship with Boston's Kevin Garnett and Phoenix's Shaquille O'Neal, his former Lakers championship teammate. However, Lue also gushed about the possibility of playing alongside Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion."

"Veteran point guard Tyronn Lue said Sunday that he has a physical examination scheduled with the Heat at 5 a.m. Monday and that he expects to receive an offer from the team if there are no red flags. Lue, who was slowed by a strained calf last season, said he then would decide among the Heat, Phoenix and Boston but wasn't sure which he would choose. But a Heat spokesman cautioned Sunday that no offer to Lue is imminent."

"As Italian forward Danilo Gallinari makes his Knicks debut today at UNLV in their summer-league opener vs. Cleveland, the status of David Lee becomes murkier. Lee, the team's most popular player and among the league's best rebounders, admitted yesterday he is bracing for the worst. Lee, who arrived in Vegas Friday to work out with the summer league team, had lunch with Mike D'Antoni and the Knicks coach explained to him why his name has come up in trade talks."

"It would be akin to a badge of honor for those Knicks players who lived through the worst of times to be around when this franchise finally finds long-lost success. Perhaps they'll hand out T-shirts that read: "I Survived the Isiah Thomas Era." David Lee, whose name has come up the most in trade rumors, probably would like to have one. "I'd love to be part of this when it turns around," Lee said, "because I've earned the right to be part of it when it turns around after all the stuff we've been through the last few years as a team." Ironically, one of the most popular and widely respected players of the Blunder Years happens to be the one most likely to be among the casualties of ..."

"The Orlando Magic have offered Keyon Dooling a contract, but it likely isn't enough for him to return and back up starting point guard Jameer Nelson. Magic General Manager Otis Smith said Sunday that the club has offered Dooling the biannual exception, a two-year deal worth about $3.8 million or $1.9 million per season. Dooling made almost that much last season ($3.5 million). "We'd like to have Keyon back, but that's up to him," Smith said. "We're not sure if that's going to work." When contacted by the Sentinel last week, Dooling intimated that the Magic might not have the resources to re-sign him. Dooling, 28, has said he had as many as seven NBA teams courting him and would ..."

"Consider it the two-year tease. It's a game played with a wink and a grin, one that could prove as compelling as anything on NBA courts over the next two seasons. Sunday, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James were winking and grinning before participating in the Zo's Summer Groove charity game at AmericanAirlines Arena. The punchline? The summer of 2010, when Wade, James and several other top-tier NBA players can become free agents, such as Kobe Bryant, Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh. "We're just going to joke about it for the next two years until that time comes," Wade said. "So, it's going to be an exciting year for the NBA, but it's two years away." For fans, it could be two years ..."

"A team source indicated today that the Pistons are not “remotely” close to a deal for Houston Rockets superstar Tracy McGrady. Metronews.ca, which is based in Toronto, said in an Internet report — but cited no sources — that the Pistons are "making a big push for McGrady." The Pistons source downplayed the report, saying the Rockets are just one of many teams to whom the club has spoken about potential trades."

"With Shawn Marion and the Heat expected to resume contract talks shortly, several teams -- including the Clippers and Golden State -- have expressed an interest in acquiring him. The issue, though, will be whether any offers will be more appealing than keeping Marion long-term or allowing his deal to expire next summer to sign Utah's Carlos Boozer. Although Pat Riley said he wants to keep Marion, Miami's first offer wasn't close to Marion's wishes. The Warriors like Marion, 30, and likely would deal Al Harrington (who is due $9.2 million and $10.2 million over the next two seasons), but appear reluctant to include restricted free agent center Andris Biedrins in a sign-and-trade."

"As distasteful as it may seem for many local basketball fans, Seattle officials can learn a lot from Clay Bennett as they attempt to lure an NBA team. "If you're going to play this game and win, you must have commitments from three places: the private sector, the public sector and the NBA," said Marc Ganis, president of Sportscorp Ltd., a Chicago-based sports-industry consulting firm. "Oklahoma City had all three." Now that the dust has settled from the surprising July 2 settlement between the city of Seattle and Bennett, which allowed him to pay $45 million and immediately move the team, local officials face the cold realization that securing another franchise is no slam dunk. In ..."

"Role players on championship teams don’t come cheaply these days. But championships don’t come easily either, and that’s why Celtics guard Ray Allen is very fond of unrestricted free agent James Posey. “He brings experience, championship experience,” Allen said Friday at the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe. “It’s hard to find a guy who is the sixth man, coming off the bench, that has two rings that doesn’t want to have to shoot the ball all of the time.” Posey, a 6-foot-8 forward, also was a member of the Miami Heat’s 2005-06 championship team. The 11-year NBA veteran is seeking at least a four-year contract worth the mid-level exception. ..."

""We could be very active," said Thorn, who hasn't quite been a tree stump the past month, drafting Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson, Chris Douglas-Roberts, trading for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons and now reaching agreement with free agents Eduardo Najera and Jarvis Hayes. "When you look at our roster, we've got a lot of players now and we could still be active. We might add a combo type of guard or a point before all is said and done." Keyon Dooling is the most coveted combo guard, but after making $3.6 million last season in Orlando, he is looking for more than the Nets care to offer - unless they make those moves...Thorn said he has not "closed the door" on Bostjan Nachbar and Nenad ..."

"How soon the young duo can get major minutes depends on the status of incumbent starting forwards Zach Randolph and Quentin Richardson. The Knicks desperately want to trade Randolph's contract to get under the cap by 2010. SI.com reported the Clippers were interested in Randolph but president Donnie Walsh reportedly rejected a deal, likely because he couldn't get enough short-term contracts. Meanwhile, Richardson, coming off an out-of-shape, disgraceful shooting season, arrived in Vegas to work out with the summer-league team, claiming to be 228 pounds, 15 pounds lighter than when the season ended."

"There will be change with the roster, that much is certain. How much and how soon remains to be seen. Walsh already proved he will work at his own pace when he turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Clippers for Zach Randolph, whom Walsh had been shopping for a while. The Clippers reportedly offered a second-round pick for Randolph, but Walsh believes he can get a better offer. Randolph, who has a hefty three years and $48 million left on his contract, is still a consistent double-double performer."

"Point guard Anthony Carter is back with the Nuggets. Carter said Saturday he has signed a one-year contract for the NBA minimum of $1.26 million to return to the Nuggets. The deal was signed in Las Vegas, where the Nuggets are having summer league and Carter has been working out. The signing had been expected since Wednesday, when Carter made up his mind to return to the Nuggets. He had originally hoped to sign by Thursday. "It was no big deal,'' Carter said of the delay. "I just had to wait for Greg Knight (the Nuggets contract specialist) to come out here. I had given them my word that I was going to sign.''"

"The Nuggets also want to re-sign restricted free-agent guard J.R. Smith and they are considering re-signing unrestricted free-guard Yakhouba Diawara. NBA teams must keep at least 13 players, and it's possible the Nuggets, deep into the luxury tax, might not carry more than that."

"The circumstance is that Denver doesn't have a lot of dough. Because the Nuggets are already above the salary cap, they couldn't match a four-year deal for Najera. Moreover, Najera is 32, and locking up a 30-something reserve for four seasons is a risk. Because Denver doesn't have much money, it likely won't sign any "name" free agents. The team was deeply interested in Mavs forward Antoine Wright, according to agent Andy Miller, but Wright has agreed to re-sign with Dallas. Denver's coach said it's possible reserve Yakhouba Diawara will return, but even so, Diawara seldom played. It's possible Denver will add a new player or two via free agency, but it appears the players would ..."