Knicks Declining Sign-&-Trades for Lee?
August 10, 2009
The agent for David Lee tells me that there have been sign-and-trade opportunities that have worked for Lee, but the Knicks haven’t liked the deals. Mark Bartlestein, Lee’s agent, says Lee’s first choice is still the Knicks. Bartlestein is still exploring sign and trade possibilities as well and has no timetable on a resolution.
Source: ESPN.com
Linas Kleiza signs deal with Olympiakos
August 10, 2009
Denver Nuggets forward Linas Kleiza is taking his playing career to Greece after signing a two-year contract worth $12.2 million with Olympiakos on Monday.
Kleiza can opt out of the deal after one season to return to the NBA, according to a source.
The Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Nuggets all showed interest in Kleiza at various points this summer, but none were offering more than the bi-level exception.
Source: ESPN.com
Hawks Holding out Hope for Joe Smith?
August 10, 2009
While big men have been flying off the free-agent shelves all summer, the Hawks have had no luck in luring talent outside of the organization. The Hawks’ have been pursuing veteran power forward Joe Smith since last month but haven’t been able to secure a commitment from the former No. 1 overall pick.
Source: ajc
Grizzlies for Sale?
August 10, 2009
They are absolutely for sale, a fact that owner Michael Heisley has made known for some time, but he says he only wants to see to someone who’ll keep the team there and as I know from friends down there, the cost of breaking the lease at the FedEx Forum is so prohibitive, it makes it virtually impossible to move the team now in any case.
But they’ve whacked scouts, dumped salary, pared costs and eliminated some staff so if there are any fans of the team left, I cannot imagine they feel too good about the product they’ll see on the court for the foreseeable future.
But a move? That’s not in the cards at the moment.
Source: TheStar.com
Ira Newble Signs in Greece
August 10, 2009
Aris BSA of Greece has added experience and talent with the signing of versatile veteran Ira Newble at forward. Newble (201, 34) arrives from Bnei Hasharon of Israel, where he finished last season averaging 14.4 points, 6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals. Newble spent most of his career in the NBA, plaing for San Antonio, Atlanta, Cleveland, Seattle and the Los Angeles Lakers between 2000 and 2008. In his last season there, he averaged 4.3 points and 2.8 boards for Cleveland in 2007-08. Newble’s previous European experience started with a stop at Keravnos Nicosia in Cyprus, where he won the Cypriot League title in 2000.
Source: Euroleague.net
Billups: We Need Linas Kleiza Back
August 8, 2009
The Nuggets really will need another outside shooter if restricted free-agent forward Linas Kleiza bolts. Kleiza has received a $2.7 million qualifying offer from Denver, which would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. But indications are Kleiza wants more money, and he might have to travel far to get it.
Kleiza, who told the since-shuttered Rocky Mountain News last October that playing overseas in 2009-10 was a realistic possibility, might go through with that. He’s being courted by teams in Greece and Spain, much to the chagrin of (Chauncey) Billups.
“We need LK,’’ Billups said. “But, at the same time, if he has offers, I’m never going to tell somebody what’s best for them and their own situation. But we need LK back.’’
Source: HoopsWorld.com
Tony Parker back from injury as France wins European Championship qualifier
August 8, 2009
Tony Parker returned from injury to help France beat Finland 82-72 in a European Championship qualifying match Saturday.
The San Antonio Spurs point guard, who missed Wednesday’s 80-77 overtime win over Italy due to a right ankle sprain, was used sparingly by coach Vincent Collet.
Souce: ESPN.com
Wolves reached an agreement to sign Rambis as their new head coach
August 8, 2009
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Kurt Rambis have reached terms on a deal that will install Rambis as the Wolves’ new head coach, according to NBA coaching sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves are planning a Tuesday news conference to introduce Rambis as the replacement to Kevin McHale.
Long considered a potential heir apparent to Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson, Rambis has been lured away from Jackson’s staff by a four-year deal believed to be worth in excess of $8 million.
Source: ESPN.com
LeBron James unlikely to accept contract extension
August 8, 2009
LeBron James is going to make the Cleveland Cavaliers wait — and sweat.
James indicated Friday that he is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cavs until after the 2009-10 season and presumably will become a free agent.
At an event in his hometown to unveil Nike Air Max LeBron VII, the latest sneaker in his signature line, James made his strongest comments yet about his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a three-year contract in 2006 to give him more options once it expires.
“I signed a contract in 2006 with an option, and it would make no sense for me to sign that contract if I didn’t keep my options open,” he said. “I’ll let you fill in the blanks.”
Source: ESPN.com
Source: Glen “Big Baby” Davis to stay in Boston with two year deal
August 8, 2009
Glen “Big Baby” Davis is close to signing a two-year contract to stay with the Boston Celtics, a league source told Yahoo! Sports on Friday night.
The deal is expected to be signed early next week.
Davis tried to get several teams to offer him the mid-level exception, but a depressed financial market made it hard for that to happen. A handful of teams – including Detroit, New Orleans and New Jersey – discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with the Celtics, but Boston general manager Danny Ainge never wanted to lose him.
Source: Yahoo NBA