2012 NBA Free Agent Watch Thread

[The War Report]

@ Tyreke Evans not getting an extension -
No Extension For Tyreke Evans? « NBA.com | Hang Time Blog

Move Thorton permanently to the 2 spot and draft a legit 3.

 

[PTBG]

The team's leading scorer is guard Marcus Thornton, who has three years left on his contract and is due approximately $24 million. Tyreke Evans was the Rookie of the Year in the 2009-10 season. But heading into his fourth season, the Kings are not expected to offer him a contract extension, though he will be eligible for one this offseason. John Salmons had one of the worst seasons of his career in 2011-12 before being benched. After that, he started showing flashes of the player the Kings traded for last June. The Kings also have Francisco Garcia and Travis Outlaw under contract and still could re-sign Terrence Williams. Even with all the players on the wing, none in the group is an established star and all could be challenged for his spot.

Asked #Sixers prez Rod Thorn if Lou Williams has informed team he's opting out of contract. "Not officially but he will," he replied.

The Philadelphia 76ers may amnesty Elton Brand this summer, according to sources. I heard that from several people at the NBA Draft Combine.

All indications are Jameer Nelson will decline the option and test free agency in order to avoid being traded as an expiring contract.

 

[PTBG]

If KG decides he wants to keep playing, he will be draw HUGE interest in free agency. The Spurs may consider signing Kevin Garnett this summer, according to a person within the organization.

Garnett will be an unrestricted free agent, as will Tim Duncan.

“Hopefully management can do something to bring [Garnett] back, maybe add some pieces to this team that we need to get over the top,” Paul Pierce told reporters after Boston was eliminated by the Heat on Saturday night. “If not, it’s been a tremendous run.”

Allen will likely test free agency, especially since he was nearly dealt at the trade deadline. Sources believe he’ll look to sign a multi-year deal with another contender. Garnett will also receive interest from a number of teams after his phenomenal postseason run. Pierce was almost traded at midseason for a lottery pick, and a similar move could be made before the draft if Garnett and Allen let it be known that they’re leaving.

Ray Allen will turn 37 next month, and contenders like the Bulls, Lakers, Knicks and Grizzlies are thought to be interested in pursuing him this summer. The Celtics agree with Allen's assessment of his future and will be interested in bringing him back, after he undergoes surgery to repair the bone spurs in his ankle that limited him throughout the playoffs. But Allen has heard his name involved in trade rumors for several years, and in March he would have been dealt to Memphis for a package of O.J. Mayo and a first-round pick if the Grizzlies hadn't backed out. If he receives an offer from a potential champion like Chicago, it may be hard for the Celtics to compete. The future of the Big Three is impossible to forecast because there are so many moving parts. A draft-day trade (always a possibility when Ainge is involved) could change the formula immensely. The Celtics may come up with an alternative plan to spend their cap space. Preemptive decisions by Allen and Garnett may take either or both of them out of play for Boston.

Eric Gordon told The Associated Press that he would like his next NBA city to be a long-term destination - even if he winds up staying in New Orleans. "I do like New Orleans," he said. "It's a pretty good city with good fans and it's a good organization."

Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal that Gay, who will make $16.4 million next season, is not being shopped. Still, the Warriors, Charlotte, Toronto and Brooklyn all contacted Memphis about Gay's availability, according to league sources.

An emerging player on the Celtics’ radar could be San Antonio restricted free agent Danny Green, who had a solid playoff stretch with the Spurs and is one of the league’s most improved players. Green started most of the postseason games for San Antonio, and because he is a second-round pick under the Arenas rule, the Spurs can match any offer to him. The Celtics will be seeking an athletic swingman who can play defense and has long-range shooting skills.

Brandon Bass said he would consider himself a Celtics vet if he was able to return next year. He's played on three other teams in his seven-year career, but it sounds like he wants to make Boston a permanent stop.

 

[PTBG]

Source very familiar with Allen’s situation told ESPNNewYork.com that the Heat, as well as potentially the Clippers, will be more attractive to the five-time All-Star in the offseason because they’re top teams that can offer more than the veteran’s minimum of $1.4 million. That will likely be the Knicks’ spending limit for free agents. “ "Before Allen even considers the Knicks or any other team, it's a given that he's first going to see if the Celtics want him back and what his two veteran All-Star teammates, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, are planning."

 

[mastermind]

Gerald Wallace opting out


Thus confirming the Nets trading for him is the worst trade I have ever seen in the NBA.

 

[StatUS]

Gerald Wallace opting out


Thus confirming the Nets trading him the worst trade I have ever seen in the NBA.

 

[PTBG]

Kevin Garnett will wait to see how Boston’s roster shakes out before delving into contract negotiations, according to a source.
“Kevin’s very loyal, and he hates change,” the source said. “But I think it’d be hard for him to come back if it’s a total rebuild. If he’s going to play, he has to be playing for something.
“I think he’ll wait to see what’s going to happen. If Danny can give him a solid answer right away, then maybe he gives them an answer, too. But KG’s going to want to know who he’ll be playing with.”
Garnett and Ray Allen will become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

Interesting note from agent Tony Dutt: Brandon Bass took less cash to play in Orlando; might consider same for Boston (needs fair-value contract). Dutt: "Obviously, he'd love to be back in Boston... my gut tells me they are going to want to keep him." However, all indications are that Bass is hoping to return to the Celtics with a multi-year deal. "Oh absolutely," his agent Tony Dutt said when asked if Boston was his client's first choice. "Without question, he would love to go back." The decision to not pick up the final year of his contract, worth $4.25 million, is driven by Bass' desire to sign a long-term deal with the C's.

The Mavericks, Celtics, Clippers (should they use the amnesty provision on Mo Williams) and Pacers (as an admittedly expensive third big man/small-ish power forward) all stand out as potentially solid teams for whom Wallace could fill a need, but none are true title contenders at this second, and a few have to make serious roster choices before dealing in other teams’ free agents. Wallace will turn 30 next month, and he’s a fine complementary player — likely to transition from second/third option on a good team into a third/fourth option on the same level of team as his athleticism declines. Given that reality, he may be angling here for a multi-year contract with about the same annual salary, and he could get that from Brooklyn more easily than from most of the realistic or semi-realistic contenders for the title next season.

 

[The War Report]

Brandon Bass is feeling himself.

 

[PTBG]

Bass is probably the best role player you can have, but without KG protecting and hiding his bad defense, he would be on the bench for good. He is a really good shooter and was used to perfection in Boston, but he might be feeling himself a bit too much of trying to opt out. He was used perfectly with KG on defense helping him and Rondo feeding him all those perfect and good passes.

 

[Sonny Corinthos]

Cheap ass magoofs if they dont re sign Tyreke....I love Marcus damn

They better get a good package for Reke or Im done with that damn franchise.


The worst part is Tyreke and DMC could be great they just mis managed the fukk outta what this squad could be.They should be molding these two to be dominant at their positions instead these dumbasses start lil as IT all year and move Reke to the three its just sickening and yes Im mad I really wonder why I give a fukk sometimes.

 

[The War Report]

Cheap ass magoofs if they dont re sign Tyreke....I love Marcus damn

They better get a good package for Reke or Im done with that damn franchise.

The Kings are good with Isiah Thomas and Marcus Thornton. What they need is a real SF.

 

[PTBG]

The Kings actually have some really good talent with Thomas, Thornton, T-Will did really good with the Kings, and Big Cuhz. They need a real SF or a 4, as I think Thompson will be better served as an energy player on the bench. If only they can get rid of Salmons and Outlaw for a trade it would be great for them. I keep hearing about a potential trade between the Bulls and Kings regarding Reke from the Kings and possibly Deng from the Bulls. But, its just rumors though.

 

[PTBG]

Jamal Crawford has opted out of his contract with the Trail Blazers and entered free agency. Teams said to be on his radar include the Heat, Clippers, Kings, Knicks and Cavaliers. Crawford, 32, averaged 14.0 points per game last season. He was originally drafted by the Cavs with the No. 8 pick in 2000, then quickly shipped to the Bulls for Chris Mihm.

 

[Q2EEzY]

Gerald Wallace opting out


Thus confirming the Nets trading for him is the worst trade I have ever seen in the NBA.

 

[tremonthustler1]

Jamal Crawford = plan J