One name that's rarely brought up as a potential free agent come July 1?
Paul Pierce.
But Pierce does have a $21.5 million player option for next season, and if he opts out, he would enter this summer's vaunted free-agency class.
He told the Boston Globe on Tuesday night he's yet to come to a decision: "Not at all. Everything's going to happen the way it's supposed to happen regardless of the direction the team has to go in. I'm fine with that. I told y'all I want to retire a Celtic. When the summer comes, we'll worry about that.
"I haven't really put no thought into it, truthfully. I haven't even taken one second to think about next month or next season. Right now the whole focus is the Cleveland Cavaliers, trying to advance, and win a championship."
Considering Pierce has played his whole career with the C's and $21.5 million is nothing to scoff at, it's possible Pierce would pick up the option -- especially if the Celtics keep playing well in the playoffs.
Yet, the new collective-bargaining agreement set for next summer -- one that could slash players' salaries -- could also be a factor in Pierce's decision.
If he opts out and re-signs with the team this summer, he could stand to make more per year than if he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2011 and looks for a new deal.
It's also possible the C's will extend Pierce's contract before the summer of 2011, ensuring him a solid payday.
With the Cavs' Game 5 loss to the Celtics last night, there's been some chatter about LeBron James' future.
If the Cavs end up losing this series -- after all, the team that wins Game 5 of a 2-2 series goes on to win the series 83 percent of the time -- questions will continue to arise as to whether LeBron will stay or go.
So as such, we'll reflect that, and touch on LeBron's future, one that appeared to be leaning towards Cleveland before last night's debacle.
Of course, there are the heavy hitters: The Knicks will likely make a strong push for the King, and the Bulls and Heat both have the cap space to make it work. The Clippers have the cap space and an opening at small forward, but their chances could be slim.
With a move to Brooklyn in a few seasons and new Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov in tow, along with the possible selection of John Wall in the draft, the Nets will have some nice selling points.
And there's also a team like Dallas, who will have sign-and-trade options and the ability to play home games in the new Cowboys' stadium to sell to the King.
Of course, if the Cavs lose the series, LeBron could very well remain in Cleveland.
And if the Cavs go on to win this series, and perhaps even the title, then this could all be moot.
But for now, it will persist.
[h5]Johnson's options[/h5]
- Cleveland. No matter what happens in the playoffs, LeBron still has strong ties and loyalty to the city.
- Chicago. The Bulls desperately need a scorer, and with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, this team could make noise for years to come.
- New Jersey. He could pair with John Wall if the team lands the No. 1 pick.
- http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lacLos Angeles Clippers. They'll likely have a better chance at small forward http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3005http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3005Rudy Gay, but LeBron fills a need for them.
- Dallas. They can sign-and-trade for the King.
- Miami. Dwyane Wade is probably a better pair with a low-post scorer such as Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer or Amare Stoudemire, but we're sure Pat Riley wouldn't mind the King either.
The http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=miaMiami Heat are desperate to bring in a sidekick for http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1987Dwyane Wade and Hawks free agent-to-be Joe Johnson says he wouldn't mind filling that role.
"I played that role already," Johnson told The Miami Herald. "It doesn't matter. You can still make your stamp on the game. I could care less about being the one or two guy. I just want to win."
"That's a great situation -- you have to look at it," Johnson added. "I'm not saying I'll go play with him. But being a free agent, you pay attention to everybody's salary cap, what everybody can do."
With both players at shooting guard, this pairing seems to make little sense in Miami. It's more likely the team targets Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire or Carlos Boozer to play with Wade, but the paper reports there is "mutual interest."
Johnson is hoping to land a max contract, but some don't think he's worth it.
According to the Daily Herald, former NBA player Charles Barkley doesn't think Johnson is a max-salary player after watching him average 12.9 points and shoot 29.8 percent against Orlando.
"It hurt him badly," Barkley said Monday on TNT. "He already turned down $16 million a year and I clearly would take that off the table if I'm the Atlanta Hawks. A guy can't play like that and get $16 million a year. ... He clearly can't be your best player. If you give a guy $16 million he's got to be the best player on your team. I like Joe Johnson, he's a good player, but he's not a $16 million a year player on any team."
[h5]Johnson's options[/h5]
- New York. He's familiar with Mike D'Antoni's system from their time together in Phoenix.
- Chicago. The Bulls desperately need a scorer, and with http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1987Dwyane Wade leaning toward Miami, Johnson is the next best available shooting guard.
- New Jersey. Would they sacrifice the development of http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3422Chris Douglas-Roberts and http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=4019Terrence Williams?
- Los Angeles Clippers. The Clips also have the cash for a free agent, but with http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3431Eric Gordon at shooting guard, they'll likely be targeting a small forward such as http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3005Rudy Gay.
- Atlanta. How the Hawks finish out their season could be a deciding factor for Johnson.
With a disappointing playoff season in the recent past, it's only natural for speculation to begin regarding how the Spurs might be altered this offseason. Teams that have elite talent but no apparent shot at a title rarely sit still.
And while Spurs general manager R.C. Buford insists he wants point guard Tony Parker to be part of the club's future and he won't trade him, others aren't so sure. Bottom line: If Buford's stance changes, the GM won't have any trouble finding a team that wants the point guard. And already there are hints at suitors.
A source tells the New York Daily News that Gregg Popovich is so high on George Hill that Parker could be traded and that New York would be a good spot for Parker, who has a slashing style that would fit well in Mike D'Antoni's offensive system.
"Pop loves George and I could see a scenario where he would trade Tony," said a Spurs source. "Tony will be looking for a max deal and New York may pay him."
Parker's contract expires at the end of next season and he could come to New York through a trade or free agency if the Knicks don't spend all their cap room this summer.
Not something to bank on, but the fact that there's a lot more chatter on Parker's future outside of San Antonio is indicative of a situation most feel is pretty unsettled.
BTW CP your boy Hollinger has stated that LeBron's elbow is clearly to blame for him playing so poorly last night and the Cavs being down 3-2. Figure I shouldn't post the excert.
Originally Posted by Im Not You
Per my guy holdenmichael's request
Take Lebron off the Cavs and they are = or worst than the Knicks.
Boozer is good friends with the Heat owner and lives in Miami, so at the very worst they should be able to sign him. He's been mentioned Miami as a possible place he'd like to play at since last season.
