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- 11 months ago
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NBA Free Agency News 2012: Steve Nash, Deron Williams Among First Official Signees
Despite the litany of verbal agreements made between NBA players and teams in the last few weeks, pens couldn't be put to paper (or, in the case of one free agent, a finger to an iPad screen) until 12:01 a.m. ET Wednesday. And right when clocks hit that number, a number of players officially became members of their new teams, while a few re-upped with the teams they've been with for their entire careers.
Here's a rundown of signings from last night:
- The Los Angeles Lakers were the first team to announce a new signing. That player, of course, is Steve Nash, who will officially join Kobe Bryant in L.A. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the contract is believed to be worth about $27 million over three years.
- The Brooklyn Nets weren't too far behind with their official signing of star point guard Deron Williams. Williams tweeted a photo of him signing his deal on an iPad, which, though pretty cool, doesn't seem quite official enough.
- All-Star, Olympian and breathing highlight Blake Griffin is not a free agent, but that didn't stop him from cashing in. Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a max contract extension that could be worth as much as $95 million over five years.
- The Nets may not be done. According to Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski, Brooklyn is on the verge of inking Brook Lopez to a max contract in wake of a series of trade discussions with the Magic that ended up going nowhere. The deal may be worth $58 million over four years or $78 million over five years, though an offer sheet is not out of the question.
- After declining to re-sign combo guard O.J. Mayo, the Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to terms with ex-Toronto Raptors guard Jerryd Bayless, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. No official announcement has been made, though.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 11 months ago
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Bulls Free Agency 2012: How Close Is Carlos Boozer To Being Waived Via Amnesty?
It is no secret that Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf has no desire to go past the NBA's luxury tax line. That, in turn, has put pressure on Chicago's front office to keep the team at the top of the Eastern Conference while staying under a salary cap number that many of its competitors may blow past. (Derrick Rose's injury, of course, hasn't helped matters.) It has long been discussed that one remedy for Chicago's predicament would be to use the amnesty provision on power forward Carlos Boozer.
On Monday night, ESPN salary cap guru Larry Coon addressed Chicago's likelihood of using its amnesty on Boozer this season and came to this conclusion:
The Bulls are desperately trying to stay below the tax line, especially if they match Omer Asik's offer sheet from the Houston Rockets. But this is one time that desperate times do not call for desperate measures. The Bulls are much more likely to wait a year or two before making a tough decision on Boozer.
(via ESPN)
Time will tell if that prediction turns out to be true.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 11 months ago
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Luol Deng Update: Olympics More Important Than Just Gold Medals
The Chicago Bulls All-Star PF Luol Deng may be going against many fans' wishes this offseason, but he has little doubt he is making the right choice. Deng is foregoing offseason surgery on his injured wrist so that he can participate in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
According to Deng, his decision to delay the surgery was not only for the Olympics, but the better of the Bulls:
"My whole thing is, when I had the wrist injury I really didn't want to do the surgery because I felt we had the team -- and I still think we did -- to win it all," Deng said. "Unfortunately, things just didn't go right. We had a lot of injuries throughout the season. When I had my injury I told the Bulls I was going to hold off from surgery because I felt like we had a chance to win but also that I still wanted to play in the Olympics."
And for Deng, playing in the Olympics was the only way he pay back England, the nation that gave his family asylum when they fled Sudan, without diverting from his charity work from Sudan -- making the Olympics a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Deng:
"Much as I wanted to please Chicago and Chicago Bulls fans, I just hope they understand if I don't play in these Olympics, it will haunt me for the rest of my life. Giving something back is something that comes from my family."
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency News: 3 Team Trade Sending Dwight Howard To Brooklyn Nets Gets Closer
It appears as if Dwight Howard is getting closer to finally joining the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets and Orlando Magic have long been searching for a third team to help a trade go through, and they may have found a partner in the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland would be willing to take on power forward Kris Humphries, but is currently holding out for a draft pick or two to sweeten the deal.
The Howard situation is far from the only thing going on in NBA free agency:
- The New Orleans Hornets and Orlando Magic have agreed to a sign-and-trade with power forward Ryan Anderson. Anderson will make $34 million over four years in New Orleans.
- Brandon Rush could an option for whatever team loses out on Nic Batum, either the Minnesota Timberwolves, who signed the 23-year old Frechman to a hefty offer sheet, or the Portland Trail Blazers.
- Ersan Ilyasova and the Milwaukee Bucks have reached an agreement on a five-year, $45 million extension.
- If Andrew Bynum hits free agency in 2013, the Lakers center is said to be interested in either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Dallas Mavericks.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Rumors 2012: Bulls Won't Pick Up C.J. Watson's Option, Looking To Make Trade
The Chicago Bulls are trying to trade point guard C.J. Watson now that they've decided not to exercise his option for next season, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld. If they don't trade him, they'll be forced to waive him on July 10, potentially paving his path to unrestricted free agency.
Presumably, the Bulls would prefer to finalize a trade and get something in return for the 28-year-old, but they may be forced to simply place him on waivers next Tuesday. If nobody chooses to claim his contract, which includes $3.2 million for next season, he'll have the freedom to choose where he plays next year.
The Bulls could have simply brought back Watson for next season, but they agreed to a two-year deal with guard Kirk Hinrich this weekend instead. It appears that he'll take Watson's role as back-up point guard once Derrick Rose is healthy.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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Bulls Free Agency: Michael Redd, Gerald Green Still On Radar
The Chicago Bulls still have unrestricted free agents Michael Redd and Gerald Green on their radar even after reportedly signing Kirk Hinrich this weekend, as Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald reports. Assuming that the Bulls sign Hinrich to the mini mid level exception, they'll be hamstrung financially from adding to their roster from here, though:
If Hinrich got mini mid-level, then Bulls can only sign players to minimum salaries or make trades. Michael Redd & Gerald Green on radar.
— Mike McGraw (@McGrawDHBulls) July 8, 2012
Even after adding Hinrich, the Bulls could still presumably use some help on the wings. It's unclear whether they'll bring back Kyle Korver and/or Ronnie Brewer for next season, but someone like Redd or Green would presumably qualify as a replacement.
Like Korver, Redd has made his name in the NBA with lights-out shooting, but the 32-year-old has played in just 112 games over the past four years due to a variety of injuries. The Bulls presumably hope that he can re-capture some of his old magic; before the injuries, Redd averaged 24.3 points per game over a four-year span as the Milwaukee Bucks' star player.
Green has had a much different story, looking like one of the league's biggest busts before emerging with the New Jersey Nets last season. After being out of the NBA for two years, Green played in 31 games for the Nets, averaging 12.9 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game. At the age of 26, there's still some intriguing upside here.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency 2012: Celtics In Pursuit Of Courtney Lee
The shooting guard postion has been a weakness of the Chicago Bulls for years, and the team has long been linked in rumors to Houston Rockets guard Courtney Lee. The sharpshooter has been traded twice in his career, but now he's a free agent and is being coveted by various teams around the league. The Bulls are included in that group, although the team likely will not have enough money under the luxury tax to sign Lee outright.
Chicago still may pursue him, but they will have competition. Among those teams is the Boston Celtics, who, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, met with Lee after losing Ray Allen to the Miami Heat. Lee averaged 11.4 points per game for the Rockets last season and made 40 percent of his threes.
According to Stein, other teams interested in Lee include the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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Bulls Free Agency: ESPN's John Hollinger Expects Bulls To Keep Kyle Korver, Potentially Match On Omer Asik
The Chicago Bulls front office has plenty of options as it tries to bolster its roster while still remaining under the luxury tax line, and the signing of free agent guard Kirk Hinrich to a reported two-year contract worth $6 million may have illuminated a bit of what they plan on doing. According to ESPN basketball guru John Hollinger, Chicago's use of its midlevel exception on Hinrich will likely allow them to keep Kyle Korver and potentially even match the offer sheet that Omer Asik signed with the Houston Rockets.
Bulls apparently using taxpayer MLE on Hinrich, via @KCJHoop report, which is sign they likely keep Korver and may even match Asik.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) July 8, 2012
The Bulls have a team option on Korver for $5 million, and with Derrick Rose out and Luol Deng still injured, it's hard to imagine the team sacrificing one of it's better offensive weapons. Asik, of course, signed a three-year, $25.1 million "poison pill" offer sheet with the Rockets that will pay him close to max money in the final year of the deal.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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Bulls Free Agency: Kirk Hinrich, Bulls Reportedly Agree To Deal
The Chicago Bulls have finally made a move. According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls and free agent point guard Kirk Hinrich have verbally agreed to a contract.
Kirk Hinrich has verbally agreed to sign with Bulls. Terms not yet finalized. Story up soon at ChicagoTribune.com.
— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 8, 2012
Though terms of the deal have yet to be released, a source told Johnson that the contract is reportedly worth $6 million total over two years. This means that the Bulls likely fit Hinrich in using the "mini-mid level" exception, and that Hinrich turned down more lucrative offers to return to Chicago, where he spent the first seven years of his career.
Hinrich shot 41 percent from the field last season, and though his offensive game has slipped, he's a strong defender who can play both guard positions.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency News: Taj Gibson Wants Bulls To Retain Omer Asik, Sign Kirk Hinrich
The Chicago Bulls -- dealing with not only the injury absence of PG Derrick Rose -- appear poised to lose a piece of the depth as the Houston Rockets have offered C Omer Asik a rich, $25 million contract. Though many expect the Bulls to allow Asik to leave, one member of the Bulls bench -- PF Taj Gibson -- would be loathe to see the 26-year-old center move to Texas:
"Of course," Gibson said. "I'd like to have our whole team come back. But in this reality, it's tough in the NBA. Guys are making moves every day. You look on your (Twitter) timeline, you look on Twitter, you look on the Internet, there's guys making moves every day and it's scary. You know that one day you're not going to be with the same guy that was on your team last year like it was before."
Gibson also praised Bulls free agency target PG Kirk Hinrich, saying the veteran guard helped Gibson develop as a rookie.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency 2012: Brooklyn Nets Interested In Kyle Korver
One casualty of Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf's reluctance to pay the NBA's luxury tax may be sharpshooting forward Kyle Korver, whose team option for $5 million is in danger of not being picked up by Chicago's front office. If Korver is indeed let go by the Bulls, he would almost certainly be sought by a host of NBA teams looking to acquire one of the top three point shooters in the NBA.
One team that would be at the front of the line is the Brooklyn Nets, who, according to CSN, are eying Korver as the Bulls decide whether or not they can fit him in the budget. Korver, who shot 43 percent from downtown last season, spent three seasons with the Utah Jazz playing alongside new Nets cornerstone Deron Williams.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency 2012: Kirk Hinrich Offered Contract By Milwaukee Bucks Worth $4 Million Per Year
Free agent guard Kirk Hinrich has been a rumored target of the Chicago Bulls for much of this year's free agency period. But if the Bulls are going to sign him, it will likely be because Hinrich, who spent the first seven years of his career in Chicago, gave the franchise a discount, or because the Bulls offered a slightly longer contract than their competitors with maybe more guaranteed money.
Who those competitors are is not exactly known, but one team has made an offer to the combo guard: the Milwaukee Bucks. According to CSN (via Blog a Bull), the Bucks have offered Hinrich a contract worth $4 million per season, though the length of the contract is not yet known. The Bulls are likely only going to be in on Hinrich for the mini-mid level exception, worth about $3 million a year.
The Bucks are coached by Scott Skiles, who's entire four-plus year tenure as head coach of the Bulls overlapped with Hinrich's time in Chicago.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency 2012: Nets F Gerald Green To Meet With Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have seen much of their main competition in the Eastern Conference make moves to improve their teams, while they themselves have remained rather quiet, contemplating how to best manage their very minimal cap space. The Bulls are unlikely to make a splash, and the types of players the team is likely to target are those that will merely help fill out the rotation.
One of those players may be New Jersey Nets forward Gerald Green, who is scheduled to meet with the Bulls sometime in the coming week (via Blog a Bull). Green was a first-round of the Boston Celtics in 2005 but was out of the league from 2009 until the second half of the season, where he resurfaced with the New Jersey Nets before breaking out and scoring 20 or more points in seven of 31 games.
Despite the potential Green, 26, showed last season, the Nets may decide to cut him loose in order to use their exceptions on bigger names. For Chicago, Green could provide some much needed athleticism on the wing, and if he continues to grow as a player, he could be a steal on a low salary. In those 31 games last season, Green shot 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range. At the very worst, he can show his teammates how to blow out a candle while dunking.
Green will meet with the Nets on Sunday, and is also scheduled to visit the Pacers.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency News: Ray Allen Joins Miami Heat, Jason Kidd Signs With Knicks
The greatest three-point shooter of all-time is set to the join the NBA's reigning champions. Shooting guard Ray Allen turned down twice as much money from the Boston Celtics to play for the team that defeated them in last season's Eastern Conference finals, the Miami Heat. Allen's decision to leave Boston was apparently fueled by a deteriorating relationship with point guard Rajon Rondo, as well as the heavy trade speculation he endured over the last two seasons.
Allen's presence on Miami is certainly terrifying for the rest of the league. While LeBron James starred throughout the postseason for the Heat, it was the deadly three-point shooting of his teammates that made Miami such a force last season. Allen figures to step right in after signing for the mini mid-level exception, worth $3 million per season.
The Heat likely aren't done adding veteran talent, either.
- Marcus Camby visited Miami on Saturday. The Heat would have to work out a sign-and-trade with the Houston Rockets to acquire the center.
- Rashard Lewis could also be on his way to Miami, though the small forward would have to sign for the veteran's minimum. Considering Lewis has made $138 million in his career, he might be able to afford the pay-cut.
- Future Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd is leaving the Dallas Mavericks for the New York Knicks. He'll earn $9 million over the next three seasons.
- The Pacers said to be "50/50" on whether they will match the max-level offer sheet center Roy Hibbert signed with the Portland Trail Blazers.
- The Toronto Raptors pulled their tender offer to guard Jerryd Bayless. The 23-year old is now an unrestricted free agent, and the Chicago Bulls could potentially have interest.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency 2012: Ray Allen Chooses Miami Heat
The NBA's rich has gotten richer. Free agent shooting guard Ray Allen has spurned a contract offer to return to the Boston Celtics and chosen to join the defending NBA champion Miami Heat. Contract details have not yet been released, but it's widely believed that the Heat offered Allen the "mini-mid level" exception, which is worth $3 million a year.
As is fitting for 2012, the news was first broken on Twitter by Heat owner Mickey Arison.
Its 2:30am in London and I was just woken up with great news.Welcome to the family #20!!
— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) July 7, 2012
It has been said that Allen has been holding a grudge against the Boston front office over various incidents that occurred last season, including his benching in favor of Avery Bradley and nearly being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski had sources on Friday night that at least confirmed the latter.
Allen will likely join Miami's unorthodox rotation, alongside Shane Battier and Mike Miller, as an almost exclusive three-point shooter.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency News: Bulls Interested In SG Michael Redd
According to Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports, the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns are pursuing free agent SG Michael Redd. Tomasson reports that both teams, though interested in Redd, are waiting for the right circumstances before they make a move:
Phoenix and Chicago are the 2 teams most heavily in the mix for free-agent shooting guard Michael Redd. Suns, who had Redd last season, are waiting to see if Eric Gordon offer sheet gets matched by New Orleans. Bulls are waiting to see what they might due with the July 10 deadlines to guarantee contracts of Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Watson.
The 32-year-old guard played 11 season with the Milwaukee Bucks before signing with the Suns in 2011. In the 2011-12 NBA season, Redd appeared in 51 games, averaging 15.1 minutes with a 13.98 player efficiency rating (league average is 15.00).
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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NBA Free Agency 2012: Brandon Roy To Sign With Minnesota Timberwolves
Free agent shooting guard Brandon Roy has agreed to sign a two-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, as Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld reports. Roy retired last year due to the condition of his knees, but he recently announced his desire to return to the NBA after his health improved.
According to NBA.com's David Aldridge, the deal is worth $10.4 million, a pretty significant investment considering what he's been through. A year ago, Roy retired because his health had deteriorated so badly, but a few years ago he was one of the NBA's best players.
The move also removes a key option from the market for the Chicago Bulls, who had previously been considered one of the suitors for Roy's services. The Bulls could use someone with upside as a scorer and playmaker like Roy, but he's apparently decided to go play with Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio in Minnesota.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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Bomani Jones: Omer Asik Offer Represents 'Max Deals For Mediocre Talent'
NBA Analyst Bomani Jones examined the recent Houston Rockets offer to sign C Omer Asik to a 3-year, $25 million contract. The unusual max contract offer to a player who has started only two NBA games appears to be the emblematic backlash from the new collective bargaining agreement, argues Jones:
According to Jones, the Asik offer does not fit the apparent talent level the Rockets are trying to hire:
[Jrue Holiday] averaged 13.5 points per game. Asik average 14.5 -- minutes. If [Asik] is so damn good, why was he getting 15 minutes a game while Carlos Boozer was getting 30?
Jones also argues the offer represents an unusual diversion of funds:
This is the problem with the NBA. These executives, who put us through a lockout that was supposed to stop contracts like Asik's from happening, can't help themselves. Since they can't blow their cash on a really good player, they burn it on a regular dude.
The Bulls will have a chance to respond to Asik's offer, but given their tight financial standings and the limited productivity of Asik (who had only a 13.47 player efficiency rating in 2011-12), the Bulls may not be able to keep the 26-year-old center.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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Los Angeles Lakers Agree To Sign-And-Trade For Suns' Steve Nash, According To Report
The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal that will send point guard Steve Nash to L.A. in exchange for a series of draft picks, according to John Gambadoro of 620 KTAR in Phoenix. The deal has since been confirmed by other sources, including Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
It's unclear what picks are exactly being given up by L.A. at this point, but the Lakers now have one of the league's best point guards despite Nash's advancing age. With a roster that already includes star-level players in Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, this move seriously boosts the Lakers' odds of competing for the title next year.
It had previously been reported that the New York Knicks were emerging as the top suitor for Nash, but it appears that the Suns wanted to send him somewhere that would allow him to stay closer to his family. The deal also removes another option from the market for teams like the Chicago Bulls that are seeking additional firepower.
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- 12 months ago
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Steve Nash Rumors: Mavericks, Raptors Still Pushing For Veteran PG
While reports have the New York Knicks getting closer to a sign-and-trade that will land point guard Steve Nash in NYC, the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors haven't given up on their respective pursuits yet, as Marc Stein of ESPN reports.
Beyond any sign-and-trade talks, Mavericks remain in talks w/Steve Nash as well, sources say. I'm told Raps aren't conceding yet, either
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 4, 2012
Current reports have the Knicks and Suns nearing a sign-and-trade that would send Nash, signed for three years at $25 million, to New York for a package centered on guard Iman Shumpert. It's unclear how much the Mavericks are offering Nash at this point, but the Raptors have reportedly offered $36 million over three years.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
- 12 months ago
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Omer Asik Rumors: Salary Cap Will Determine Exact Value Of Rockets Offer On July 10
While we know that the Houston Rockets are going to offer free agent center Omer Asik a back-loaded three-year deal once free agency begins, the exact figures within the offer won't be determined until the salary cap is set on July 10, as K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Johnson also notes that the Bulls could look into possible sign-and-trade scenarios regarding Asik and Houston before that date, which would allow Chicago to recoup some value from the departing center while giving the Rockets a guarantee that Asik would in fact be going to Houston.
On July 11, the Bulls will have the option of matching whatever offer Houston makes to Asik within three days, or Chicago will see their back-up center walk without receiving any compensation. As Johnson notes, the option of sending Asik to Houston is gone if they match the offer sheet, among other limitations:
According to the new collective bargaining agreement, if they match and retain Asik, 'they cannot trade him without his consent for one year and cannot trade him at all to the team that signed him to an offer sheet. They also can't trade the player in a sign-and-trade transaction (to another team).'
Essentially, whatever happens over the next week will likely determine Asik's role in the Bulls' organization for a pretty long time.
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- 12 months ago
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Chauncey Billups Rumors: Chicago Bulls Have Shown Interest, Deal Isn't Likely
After a disappointing 2011-2012 campaign, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly considering a wide variety of actions in order to get the team back into the championship conversation. That's had them busy in free agency, with K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reporting that the team has reached out to guard Chauncey Billups:
The Bulls have cast an extremely wide net in free agency, even making perfunctory calls to the camps of veterans like Chauncey Billups, who would have little interest in signing for any of the exceptions or minimums the Bulls are willing to offer.
Considering that Billups has made at least $10 million or more annually in every season since 2007, it's understandable that he wouldn't be willing to take such a massive pay cut. Last season, he appeared in only 20 games, averaging 15.0 PPG and 4.0 APG while shooting just 36 percent from the field.
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- 12 months ago
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Steve Nash Rumors: Point Guard Could Be Headed To The New York Knicks In Exchange For Oak Park Native Iman Shumpert
While they're reluctant, the New York Knicks are willing to give up shooting guard Iman Shumpert in order to bring Steve Nash to the Big Apple in a sign-and-trade, as Marc Stein of ESPN reports. The Phoenix Suns have made Shumpert, a native of Oak Park, their primary focus in talks with the Knicks regarding the former MVP.
According to Stein's sources, significant progress has been made in negotiations even though a deal hasn't been completed yet. The Knicks have been hesitant to include Shumpert in their offers to Phoenix for Nash, but they're set on landing the point guard at this point so they're backing off that demand.
If a deal is ultimately completed, Nash will end up going to New York on a three-year contract worth roughly $25 million, with the Suns receiving Shumpert and a series of cap-friendly filler contracts like Toney Douglas, Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan.
In the past, the Chicago Bulls had reportedly shown interest in Nash, but that possibility seems to be incredibly unlikely at this point. The Raptors have already been aggressive in pursuing the Canadian's services, while the Knicks only appear to be stepping up their efforts.
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- 12 months ago
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Jeremy Lin Rumors: Lin To Reportedly Be Offered 4-Year, $30 Millon Contract By Houston
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has already likely pulled Omer Asik away from the Chicago Bulls with a backloaded contract that exploits a salary cap loophole in the new CBA, but that may only be the start of his diabolical madness. Marc Berman of the New York Post reported Wednesday morning that Morey is set to offer New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin a backloaded four-year, $30 million contract that could wreck New York's offseason plans.
According to Berman's source, the offer to Lin would be for $5 million and $5.2 million in the first two years and $10 million in the final two years. The Knicks can offer Lin the full early-Bird Rights exception, which is worth $23 million over four years, but all indications are that they will match any offer sheet signed by Lin, regardless of the price.
But the "poison pill" offer by Morey may indeed force the Knicks to re-think their stance. If Lin signed Houston's offer sheet and it was matched by the Knicks, New York would be committing nearly $68 million to Lin, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler alone in the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons.
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- 12 months ago
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Joakim Noah Injury Update: Noah Out For Olympics
Only one Chicago Bulls player will ignore an injury in order to compete in the 2012 Olympics. Despite continued protests of the team's front office, Luol Deng will play for Great Britain's national team; Joakim Noah, on the other hand, will not join the French in London. Noah, who severely sprained his ankle in the Bulls' first round playoff loss to the Philadelphia Sixers, will not be healthy enough to participate in the Olympics.
Joakim Noah out of Olympics for France. First reported by L'Equipe in France. Severely sprained left ankle still not ready.
— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 4, 2012
The Bulls once seemed on the verge of having a major imprint on the basketball portion of the 2012 Olympics, but with Noah and Derrick Rose both out, only Deng, who plays for a team with little chance of advancing past group play.
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Bulls Free Agency 2012: Chicago Reportedly Offers Contract To Kirk Hinrich
The Chicago Bulls will be focusing on two areas in free agency: the frontcourt and the guard position. The former will likely get most of the publicity with the seemingly imminent departure of center Omer Asik to the Houston Rockets, but with Derrick Rose out for most of the year, the latter is just as important.
If the Bulls pass on matching Asik's deal, they may be able to pick up their one-year option on point guard C.J. Watson, who would take over for Rose in the interim. But the Bulls are also exploring other options, and one of their main targets appears to be ex-Bull Kirk Hinrich. According to CSN (via Blog a Bull) the Bulls have offered Hinrich a contract that is above the veteran's minimum but below the "mini" mid-level exception.
Blog a Bull reports that the minimum for a player with Hinrich's experience is $1.23 million, while the "mini" mid-level is $3 million. A salary in that range is reportedly below Hinrich's desired price, but there may be a feeling in Chicago's front office that he'll return to the Bulls at a discount.
If the Bulls can't land Hinrich, CSN also reported that the Bulls may look at Willie Green. Green isn't special in any area, but he would be a cheap veteran.
For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.
