NBA Rumors

[Chrispy]

July 16, 2009

Olympiakos pursuing Lee

Olympiakos is not only pursuing Nate Robinson, but the Greek team has also contacted David Lee's agent reports the New York Daily News.

Despite the interest from Greece, Mark Bartelstein told the newspaper Wednesday night that he is confident Lee will play in the NBA next season.

"I've had a lot of dealings with Olympiakos over the years," said Bartelstein. "I'll never say never, but that's not where we're looking right now."

C's tried to trade Davis for Moon

Sources close to the negotiations told the Boston Herald that the Celtics explored a now-dead sign-and-trade deal that would have sent Glen Davis to Miami in exchange for restricted free agent Jamario Moon, but the trade never got off the ground because both players fall under the base-year compensation rule.

The newspaper reports the Celtics are now exploring other sign-and-trade possibilities as well as signing free agents to the $1.99M biannual exception.

Knicks to offer Miller a contract?

The New York Post reports Knicks' president Donnie Walsh appears close to making 76ers point guard Andre Miller a formal offer for the one-year, $5.8M mid-level exception.

The 76ers, at this time are only offering Miller a one-year deal to remain with the team, in addition to possible sign-and-trade scenarios for the point guard.

Decision on Pavlovic won't be rushed

Sasha Pavlovic's $4.95M salary is only guaranteed for $1.5M. Suns general manager Steve Kerr, looking to trim the teams luxury tax situation, will take his time on deciding whether to trade or waive Pavlovic.

"We don't want to leave Sasha hanging all summer and not allow him to look for other possible situations," Kerr told The Arizona Republic. "At the same time, we need to take our time with the contract because it is a creative contract that allows for some other possibilities."

Any room for Mason?

The Oklahoman reports the Thunder and Desmond Mason are having ongoing discussions, but nothing is imminent and a potential agreement could take until the end of the summer.

The newspaper points out that one issue complicating Mason's return to the Thunder is the logjam at the wing positions with Kevin Durant, James Harden, Thabo Sefolosha and Kyle Weaver already under contract.

[Chrispy]

July 18, 2009

Cuban talks Dirk's Dallas future

Dirk Nowitzki can opt out of his contract after the 2009-10 season and join LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh as part of the stellar 2010 free agent class. Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban told FanHouse.com that he's not worried if Nowitzki becomes a free agent next summer.

"I've got a good relationship with Dirk," Cuban said Thursday. "I'm not worried about it one way or another. You try to rebuild while you're winning. You try to add a young piece here and a young piece there and see what happens. We've been doing this for nine years, 10 years now and every couple of years everybody say well its time to rebuild and we don't, so we'll see."

2010 remains Heat's priority

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Miami Heat president Pat Riley met with season-ticket holders Thursday and told them the team continues to place an emphasis on next summer's free-agent class, despite reports linking the Heat to several high-profile trade options, including Carlos Boozer this summer.

Riley, according to the newspaper, also told season-ticket holders that the Heat's interest in reacquiring forward Lamar Odom from the Lakers is legitimate.

Lee, Robinson feel disrespected

The New York Post reports restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson have spoken to each other during the July free-agency period and feel "disrespected" by the Knicks' lack of urgency in retaining their services.

The newspaper also reports the Knicks would like to arrange a three-team deal for Carlos Boozer with Lee as a pawn.

Lee's agent, Mark Bartelstein tells Newsday that Lee is willing to take a lower salary during the 2010-11 season to save the Knicks salary-cap room to make a run at high-end free agents next summer. Bartelstein has presented ideas that involve a back-loaded contract that includes a lower salary in 2010-11.

Bartelstein also told the newspaper that Lee won't play for his one-year qualifying offer of $2.7M. Donnie Walsh has said his intention is not to force Lee into taking his qualifying offer.

Pistons not pursuing Boozer

Despite all the reports, Detroit isn't actively pursuing a deal for Carlos Boozer.

According to A. Sherrod Blakely of Mlive.com, the Pistons are monitoring the situation, but if they were truly interested in getting something done, they could have wrapped up a deal by now.

Nash close to signing extension?

The Arizona Republic reports Steve Nash's agent, Bill Duffy, and Suns general manager Steve Kerr have continued their talks about a two-year contract extension and both sides feel they could be close to a deal.