I’m all for the concept of “innocent until proven guilty,” but I doubt few people were surprised to hear about the latest potential scandal involving Kentucky basketball.
According to sources cited by gossip site TMZ (so take it with a grain of salt), the NCAA is taking an “aggressive look” at UK’s program, and specifically into the possible involvement of four players with pro agents. Read More »
When the Phoenix Suns made a somewhat surprising run to the Western Conference Finals, it seemed pretty likely that Amar’e Stoudemire re-sign in free agency, or perhaps decide not to opt-out of his contract at all. Amar’e would stay with his point guard Steve Nash, then take his place as the centerpiece of the franchise whenever Nash retired.
But Amar’e opted out anyway, and soon after this summer’s free-agency period began, reports began to surface that talks between Amar’e and the Suns had broken down completely. Read More »
As expected, Paul Pierce isn’t going anywhere. From the time he opted out of the last year of his contract right before the free agency negotiation period began, the only team we heard about talking to Pierce was the Celtics, and this morning it’s been reported the two sides have agreed to a four-year, $61 million contract that will keep Pierce in Boston presumably until he retires.
At an average of $15.2 million per year, Pierce took a pay cut from the $21.5M he would have made next season so the Celtics could have more cap room. Read More »
The Miami Heat have shed salary like Jared Fogle shed pounds on his Subway diet. After buying out James Jones before the free-agency period began, the Heat only have two players under contract for next season: Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers.
While Chalmers seems to still be in the Heat’s plans, Beasley definitely looks like he is on his way out of town, as the Heat are trying desperately to get rid of him and his contract. It will likely take nothing to pry the former No. 2 draft pick from the Heat. Here are five teams that should take a chance on Beasley: Read More »
Right before the NBA free agency negotiating period began, Richard Jefferson threw a wrench into the game by surprisingly opting out of his contract with the San Antonio Spurs. Jefferson would have made $15 million next season, but after a disappointing campaign (12.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg), word is he wants to be back in the New York area, either with the Knicks or Nets. (Although conflicting reports say the Spurs might just re-sign him for less money.)
But if in fact the Spurs did get some wiggle room salary-wise, can they become players in the free-agent bonanza? Yes. Actually, they could walk away with one of the most coveted players in the League. Here’s the trade that can get it done: Read More »
Before the first two big fish got snatched up — Rudy Gay taking $80 million from the Grizzlies and John Salmons about $40 million from Milwaukee — Day 1 of NBA free agency was shaping up to be the day of the talented-yet-underachieving big man. The first guy to reach an agreement after the 12:01 a.m. tip-off was none other than the perpetual free agent, Drew Gooden. The Charlie Sheen of the NBA (he’s been with everybody) somehow convinced the Bucks to pay him $32 million over five years, with an extra $200,000 a year for rat-tail and beard maintenance. Read More »
Day 1 is finally starting to heat up. There have been multiple signings thus far, most of them puzzling. The most recent news is that Rudy Gay will accept a five-year, $80 million contract from the Memphis Grizzlies.
In other news/rumors:
* Negotiations on a new deal with Phoenix fell through last night, so it looks like Amar’e will be playing elsewhere next year. Read More »
Milwaukee ain’t playing around. After a surprise run to the playoffs last season, GM John Hammond must have decided this team couldn’t score, because he’s making moves all over the place to bolster the offense. Recently he’s added Corey Maggette and Chris Douglas-Roberts via trade, and earlier today, Drew Gooden agreed to a 5-year, $32 million deal with the Bucks.
Now it apparently won’t be long until late-season hero John Salmons is on his way back to Milwaukee. The 6-7 swingman is very close to accepting a five-year, $39 million offer according to NBA.com. The deal also includes $5 million in potential bonsues, with a buyout option for the fifth season. Read More »
After their season ended in disappointing fashion, Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith vowed that changes would be made, but also said he didn’t foresee a major roster overhaul. If today’s rumor that Carlos Boozer may be headed to Orlando is true, then change is certainly coming.
The proposed sign-and-trade for Boozer would have Orlando getting Boozer while giving the Jazz Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat and Brandon Bass. Read More »
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