* Offiical NBA Off-Season Thread: I'll give one of my damn kidney's for these Melo rumors to stop *

these dudes pulled out the chalkboard like
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"watchu think?"
 
If the Knicks really showed Big Homie that
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They must think LeBron a fool. Gonna make more money than both Tiger and Jordan combined, in this %+$$!$ up world economy?
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The Knicks are a joke of an organization and probably will get shut out in F.A. Except they'll get Carlos Boozer's wife. LeBron makes 2 billion just cause he'd play for the KNICKS?
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Can't believe I just read that. R.I.P. To the Knicks fans and the brains of the Knicks organization
 
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at Rudy Gay's contract...

Good to see that the Nets had a great meeting with LeBron..
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[h3]Stoudemire unlikely to return[/h3]
5:10PM ET

[h5]Amare Stoudemire | Suns[/h5]


UPDATE NO. 2: From ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher: "Amare Stoudemire now appears to be a long shot to return to Phoenix after opting out of the last year of his contract and negotiations on a new deal with Suns owner Robert Sarver broke off late Tuesday night, a source said.

"Stoudemire is now in the mix of free-agent power forwards being pursued by the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks."
---

UPDATE: "Stoudemire has exercised the opt-out clause in his contract and become an unrestricted free agent, his agent Happy Walters tells Y!" tweets Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

As we noted below, the Suns and Stoudemire's agent will continue to talk regardless of this move.
---

As we noted earlier Wednesday, the Suns seem agreeable to handing a three-year, max deal contract to Amare Stoudemire, just not a full six-year max deal.

So if no agreement was reached Tuesday, is that all for Amare and the Suns?

Not so. It looks like they'll continue to talk, according to Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic.

"[Stoudemire's agent Happy] Walters said they will continue talking Wednesday, when Stoudemire could become a free agent at 9 p.m. Arizona time by exercising an early termination option in his contract that has $17.7 million salary left on it for next season," he wrote. "Talks with the Suns could continue into free agency for Stoudemire, whose exclusive negotiating rights with him end Wednesday."

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports had a similar report Wednesday.

"Sources say the two sides are expected to resume talks on Wednesday, and Stoudemire is holding off opting out of the final $17.6 million season of his deal to make him a free agent. Free agency begins at midnight ET, and sources say it's still possible Stoudemire will opt out of his contract and continue negotiations with the Suns while also meeting with other teams."

So while many expect Stoudemire's days to be done in Phoenix, it appears the Suns are still in the hunt.

If Stoudemire returns, it would give teams like the Heat, Nets, Knicks and Bulls one fewer available big man to try to attain in free agency.

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[h5]ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher[/h5]
Stoudemire's knees make a max contract a risk
"The Suns' season has turned out far more successful than they ever imagined, and Amare has been a big part of that. But you don't pay players for what they've done; you pay them for what they're going to do. Amare's microfracture-repaired knee is ticking. He's due to have it redone in the next couple of years. To sign him to a max contract is a gamble not worth taking. Not for Phoenix, anyway."
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http://[h3]Stein: Jackson will return[/h3]
4:55PM ET

[h5]Phil Jackson | Lakers[/h5]


UPDATE NO. 2: From ESPN's Marc Stein: "Lakers just announced that mega free agent Phil Jackson will be back next season"

Jackson said this in a press release: "Count me in ... It'll be the last stand for me, and I hope a grand one."
---

UPDATE: Peter Vecsey of the New York Post has some more details on Jackson's health status.

"Jackson needs a knee replacement but otherwise is in good condition," Vecsey wrote. "I'm told he's in Montana helping plan his son's wedding. A couple more days and he should be sufficiently bored and be ready to commence negotiating another Lakers' coaching contract."

If Jackson is indeed back, he won't have to replace his assistant coach Brian Shaw. Shaw was in the mix for the Cavs job, but it ended up going to Byron Scott.
---


Last week, Phil Jackson said he was leaning toward retirement.

Jackson has stated his health will likely play a big role in whether he returns, and he was set to get some tests run shortly after the season.

According to a source speaking to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, Jackson's health checked out OK in a physical, though he hasn't been given the full go-ahead yet. The source indicated he believed Jackson would be back.

"Jackson has yet to receive the full green light from doctors to coach again next season, but a person with strong ties to him said Monday early indications are that Jackson's postseason physical went fine," Berger wrote. "If that's the case, health won't be the reason Jackson, 64, retires if that's what he decides to do. The gut feeling with the source, who is familiar with Jackson's thinking, remains that the 11-time champion will be back on the Lakers' bench next season."

http://[h3]Paul trade chatter continues[/h3]
4:24PM ET

[h5]Chris Paul | Hornets[/h5]


UPDATE: Ford has more on teams that may still try and trade for Paul, including the Knicks and Nets.

He writes: "The issue is whether Paul is now unhappy enough to force a trade. The Blazers believe he is and will continue to pursue a Paul deal. They won't be alone.

"Both the Knicks and Nets are planning to step up pressure on the Hornets if they don't land LeBron. Both teams can offer massive cap relief to the Hornets if they take Paul and Okafor off their hands. The Knicks could also offer Danilo Gallinari. The Nets can offer Derrick Favors and Devin Harris."
---

Ever since reports surfaced that William "Wordwide" Wesley was telling teams they'd have a better chance of landing LeBron James if they traded for the dynamic point guard, his name has popped up in trade rumors.

Yet, the Hornets have essentially said they aren't trading him, though there still seems to be a small chance it could happen.

And then comes this from Bob Finnan of the News-Herald: "A source said Hornets point guard Chris Paul wants out of New Orleans. Hornets general manager Jeff Bower is a candidate to be the GM in New Jersey."

Remember, we also noted a report on Wednesday that said Paul and Carmelo Anthony were chatting with some current free agents.

So it's possible he could be getting a read on where some fellow elite players and friends could be going in hopes of joining them, though we'll note that's speculative for now.

Though it seems unlikely the Hornets would trade their franchise player, it could save them money, and they have Darren Collison to fill in, who shined as a rookie when Paul was out with injury this past season.

Bottom line: Teams will likely always be trying to pry Paul out of New Orleans as long as he's there. But if he also wants out, there could be more to it in the coming weeks.

On Thursday, ESPN's Chad Ford writes that Paul was close to being traded to the Blazers last week:

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[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
If unhappy, Paul could force trade
"The Blazers got close to a deal with the Hornets last week that would've sent Andre Miller, Joel Przybilla, Nicolas Batum, Jerryd Bayless and the 22nd pick to New Orleans for Paul before Jeff Bower pulled out of the deal saying that their owner wasn't ready to trade Paul. The trade they made on draft night got them out of the luxury tax, so that's no longer the issue. The issue is whether Paul is now unhappy enough to force a trade. Personally, I think the Hornets can do better than that for Paul, but it's a viable deal."
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http://[h3]Nets high on meeting with James[/h3]
4:18PM ET

[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers[/h5]


UPDATE: From ESPN's Chad Ford: "How did it go? A source close to the Nets said their meeting with LeBron was 'tremendous.' How tremendous? 'Front-runner tremendous.'

"The Nets continue to project confidence that they have the inside track on LeBron. If they get him, sources say they have a deal in place to move Kris Humphries to clear additional cap space to make a max offer to Chris Bosh or another free agent of his choosing."
---

The Nets are the first team to meet with LeBron James on Thursday.

According to the New York Post, his buddy and part owner of the team, Jay-Z, has some ideas up his sleeve for James.

"Hip-hop mogul and longtime James friend Jay-Z will propose James' own clothing line plus a new fragrance, as well as opportunities in entertainment," Fred Kerber wrote.

We noted Thursday that new billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov will talk of his successes around the globe and try to convince James he can become a global icon with the Nets.

While the Nets certainly have an interesting tag team to throw at James -- two guys who can't be ignored -- remember, the Bulls will also be talking business and marketing opportunities, as will other teams.

So while the Nets' duo is certainly a unique, tantalizing combo, it isn't the only one speaking to James' global icon aspirations.

http://[h3]Nowitzki, Mavs to meet Friday[/h3]
4:09PM ET

[h5]Dirk Nowitzki | Mavericks[/h5]


UPDATE NO. 2: The two sides are now expected to meet on Friday.

From ESPN Dallas: "Expected to arrive in Dallas on Thursday, Nowitzki and adviser Holger Geschwindner are now expected Friday, the team announced in an e-mail ... Nelson later learned that Nowitzki was stopping in New York because he didn't want to deal with all the fanfare that was expected to meet him in Dallas upon arrival. He also said he had no knowledge of Nowitzki having any meetings arranged with other teams."
---

UPDATE: Looks like we can rule out Dirk flying back to meet with other teams first.

From Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports: "Nowitzki's personal coach and adviser Holger Geschwindner phoned Nelson to tell him that he and Nowitzki would fly to Dallas on Thursday and the three of them could meet at Nowitzki's house."
---


Though Dirk Nowitzki has opted out of his contract, most believe he'll likely be back with the Mavericks.

Team President Donnie Nelson was set to board a plane to Germany to work out Dirk's next contract.

But ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted this Wednesday: "Mavs announce that team prez Donnie Nelson, just before boarding flight to Germany, informed Dirk now flying back to States on Thursday."

Some have surmised that Dirk flying back to the U.S. on Thursday could put the Mavs at a disadvantage, as Nowitzki might be flying back the first day of free agency to meet with other teams. Of course, that's just speculation for now.

In any event, the Mavs will still do what they can to retain the face of their franchise.

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[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Dirk likely staying in Dallas
"Mark Cuban lost Steve Nash a few years ago in a very similar situation. He won't let it happen again."
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http://[h3]Lockout talk persists[/h3]
3:32PM ET

[h5]League Issues[/h5]


We've mentioned on several occasions here that with a new collective-bargaining agreement set for next summer, one that the players union and owners aren't seeing eye-to-eye on, it's possible a lockout is looming.

The owners want less money and less guaranteed years on contracts with the new CBA.

And with the free agency period kicking off Thursday, there's more talk of a lockout.

From ESPN's Marc Stein: "The NBA Players Association, in a brief but sober memo circulated to player agents mere hours before the start of free agency, has issued its latest warning about a possible lockout in 2011.

"The memo, obtained by ESPN.com, advises agents who are worried about players who might have 'difficulty budgeting' over the next year in advance of a potential lockout 'can and should negotiate an 18- or 24-month payment schedule for [their] 2010-11 salary.'"

And with some questionably high contracts Thursday -- Darko Milicic, Joe Johnson and Rudy Gay chief among them -- Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports added this on Twitter: "'So far today, there seems to be a lot of new ammo for Billy Hunter in CBA talks with league,' one front office executive texts Y! Sports."

Meaning this: If teams are giving out a lot of money, owners who claim they're losing money and aren't able to afford players at such a rate as reasons for their CBA proposal will have some explaining to do.

http://[h3]Stein: Gay near verbal to Memphis[/h3]
2:55PM ET

[h5]Rudy Gay | Grizzlies[/h5]


The Grizzlies have long said they'll do what it takes to bring back Rudy Gay.

And it looks like they weren't bluffing.

From ESPN's Marc Stein on Twitter: "ESPN.com sources: Gay on verge of verbal agreement on five-year $80 million deal to stay with Memphis Grizzlies. Sources say Gay is canceling meetings with interested suitors, such as Minnesota, which was scheduled to host Gay later Thursday night."

If this is the case, the Nets, Knicks and Clippers, three other teams that are in the mix for Gay, will have to look elsewhere in free agency.

http://[h3]Farmar's interested parties[/h3]
2:45PM ET

[h5]Jordan Farmar | Lakers[/h5]


UPDATE: According to Yahoo! Sports, the Knicks and Blazers have also shown interest in Farmar.

ESPN's Chad Ford also chimed in Thursday afternoon with some commentary on the Pacers and Farmar.
---

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Lakers declined to tender a qualifying offer of about $3 million to Jordan Farmar. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

"The Lakers cared enough to let me become a free agent," Farmar said. "I was excited to hear it. I was real happy. If I do decide to leave, I'll have nothing but positive things to remember about the Lakers."

The Pacers are desperate to find a point guard and, according to Mike Wells of The Indianapolis Star, they have interest in Farmar.

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[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Pacers must weigh options against Farmar
"The question is ... do they want to overpay for a guy who could never beat out an aging Derek Fisher in L.A.? They explored all sorts of deals for Devin Harris, Darren Collison, Ty Lawson, Eric Maynor etc. at the draft. I feel like if they're patient, they probably land a better PG."
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http://[h3]What the Darko signing means[/h3]
2:38PM ET

[h5]Darko Milicic | Timberwolves[/h5]


From ESPN's Chad Ford: "Breaking News: Wolves agree to a four-year, $20 million deal with Darko Milicic."

During the season, Milicic talked about leaving the NBA and going back to Europe, but the Wolves traded for him at the deadline and were committed to giving him some solid playing time.

With Milicic back in the fold, it's possible the Wolves could trade Al Jefferson, as his name has surfaced in recent trade talks.

UPDATE: Ford has some analysis on the move:

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[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Wolves believe in Darko
"They spent three years, $13 million on Nikola Pekovic and fours years, $20 million on Darko Milicic. They needed a lot of help in the middle and they feel like these guys are great young assets. I've only seen Pekovic play in person once, but he's been very dominant for a young player in Europe. 14.8 ppg in 23 mpg is very, very impressive in Europe. And Darko's 25 years old. He was solid in March and April. They believe that he's finally found a situation he's comfortable with and think he's still has enormous potential. We'll all believe it when I see it, but that was the thinking. They'll try to move Al Jefferson to add another asset ... they'd love to get their hands on David Lee."
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http://[h3]Boozer to Orlando?[/h3]
2:33PM ET

[h5]Carlos Boozer | Jazz[/h5]


Carlos Boozer is expected to sign with either Miami, New York, New Jersey or Chicago. He could re-sign with Utah, however that's unlikely because that would put the Jazz over the tax threshold. Another team that might have interest in Boozer is Orlando. He could only go to Central Florida via a sign-and-trade.

From the Deseret News: "As for the Orlando sign-and-trade possibility, CBSSports.com on Wednesday identified Boozer as being on Magic star Dwight Howard's 'short list' of preferred offseason acquisitions. The Magic's official team website addressed a potential Boozer-to-Orlando scenario earlier this week. The Magic are over the NBA's team payroll salary cap, though, so obtaining Boozer would have to involve a sign-and-trade deal between Orlando and Utah."

The Salt Lake Tribune reports Boozer will give the Jazz the first shot at signing him to a new contract. According to the newspaper, the Jazz will probably have to offer a six-year deal to keep Boozer.

ESPN's Chad Ford has more on this potential sign-and-trade:

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[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Magic offering Bass, Gortat and Carter
"The Jazz would like to re-sign Boozer. But if they can't, they'll actively pursue a sign-and-trade to get something back for Boozer. The Magic have been offering Marcin Gortat, Brandon Bass, the expiring contract of Vince Carter to interested teams. The Jazz may also have interest in a sign-and-trade for J.J. Redick. They still need a shooter to replace Kyle Korver."
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http://[h3]Frye's options[/h3]
2:29PM ET

[h5]Channing Frye | Suns[/h5]


According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports the Suns have a five-year, $25 million deal on the table for Channing Frye.

But Wojnarowski tweets that Frye is "waiting on the likes of Chicago and New York to have resolution on big stars."

So don't expect Frye to fall anywhere until some of the big names find a home, and the likes of the Bulls and Knicks see what kind of money they have available.

http://[h3]Salmons near a deal with Bucks[/h3]
1:40PM ET

[h5]John Salmons | Bucks[/h5]


Once John Salmons decided to opt out of the last year of his contract, it was assumed he'd probably not be back with the Bucks.

But looks like such an assumption could be wrong.

From David Aldridge of NBA.com: "The Bucks are on the verge of re-signing guard John Salmons, one of the top shooting guards available in free agency -- and thought to be on the move after opting out of his deal last month -- to a five-year, $39 million contract. The deal also includes $5 million in potential bonuses, according to a source, and two league sources say the Bucks have a buyout option for the fifth season."

The Bucks are wasting no team in free agency. They've already signed Drew Gooden earlier on Thursday. A little over a week ago, the team traded for Corey Maggette.

With Salmons now near off the market and Joe Johnson likely heading back to Atlanta, Ray Allen and Mike Miller become the best options at shooting guard.

http://[h3]New Jersey's backup plan[/h3]
1:31PM ET

[h5]New Jersey Nets[/h5]


The Nets met with LeBron James on Thursday, and their obvious hope is that he signs with them.

But if it doesn't happen?

Looks like the team will target other small forwards in Rudy Gay and Danny Granger.

The Grizzlies have been adamant about wanting to re-sign Gay, so there could be a bit of a tug-of-war here. The Clippers could also get in the mix, as they have a hole at small forward right now and money to sign a max player.

ESPN's Chad Ford has more on New Jersey's Plan B:

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[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Nets will give big offer to Gay if LeBron turns them down
"After meeting with LeBron in Akron, they are heading to Chicago this afternoon for a sit down with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The team also is taking a very aggressive approach toward Grizzlies free agent Rudy Gay. If LeBron says no to the Nets, sources say they will make a big offer to Gay. The Nets biggest need is at small forward. If the team can't land LeBron or Gay, look for them to go back to the Pacers and a potential Danny Granger for Devin Harris and Derrick Favors deal."
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http://[h3]LeBron's schedule[/h3]
1:16PM ET

[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers[/h5]


As of the time of this update, the Nets have just left their meeting with LeBron James and the Knicks are now heading in to speak with James.

Beyond those two teams on Thursday, LeBron will meet with the Heat and Clippers on Friday.

On Saturday, he'll take his last meetings with Chicago, and then Cleveland.

And as ESPN's Chad Ford writes, those last two visits on Saturday could be telling:

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[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Bulls, Cavs believed to be in lead for LeBron
"If I were you, I'd read some significance into the Bulls and Cavs getting the last pitch. Multiple sources continue to believe that LeBron is still leaning toward Chicago and Cleveland at the moment."
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http://[h3]Scott's effect on LeBron[/h3]
12:50PM ET

[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers[/h5]


Byron Scott has agreed to a three-year deal to coach the Cavs. So what does that mean for LeBron James?

Well, James has decided to stay out of directly influencing the Cavs' coaching search all along.

But there are indications he views it as a favorable move.

From Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer: "LeBron James did not play an active role in the process and likely did not talk directly with Scott. However, Scott's background as a former player who also has 10 years of head coaching experience was known to appeal to James. Scott has a strong relationship with Hornets guard Chris Paul, who is one of James' closest friends."

Of course, LeBron's view of the hiring doesn't mean he'll be back in Cleveland for sure. But it certainly doesn't hurt that he seems to be agreeable with the Scott hire.

http://[h3]Felton's list of suitors[/h3]
12:12PM ET

[h5]Raymond Felton | Bobcats[/h5]


If the Bobcats have interest in bringing Raymond Felton back to Charlotte, it looks like they'll have plenty of competition.

According to Yahoo! Sports, "Felton received calls from New York, Miami, Indiana, New Jersey, Dallas and Memphis at the beginning of free agency, a source said. Felton is viewed as the best point guard available in free agency. While the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a point guard, Felton is expected to command more than the midlevel exception and is likely out the Lakers' range."

It's possible that some of these teams targeting Felton -- like the Pacers, who are in desperate need of a point guard -- could snag Jordan Farmar instead if Felton signs elsewhere.

http://[h3]Shooting guard targets for the Cavs[/h3]
12:00PM ET

[h5]Cleveland Cavaliers[/h5]


In Thursday's edition of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Brian Windhorst details the Cavs' plan in free agency at shooting guard.

He writes: "The Cavs are also believed to pursue in various shooting guards. Sources indicated the team planned to make contact with Ray Allen, Mike Miller and John Salmons. Allen, like Amar'e Stoudemire and Chris Bosh, would become more likely if James re-signs."

Miller is a friend of LeBron James, so it's possible if LeBron stays, Miller might have an enticement to sign in Cleveland.

Allen is likely to draw a lot of interest in free agency, but with Doc Rivers coming back to Boston, he may stay put.

Salmons had a nice season after being traded from Chicago to Milwaukee, and he should draw some decent interest as well.

http://[h3]Cavs could target Haywood[/h3]
11:53AM ET

[h5]Brendan Haywood | Mavericks[/h5]


With Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas now free agents, the Cavs could have a void at center if they don't bring them back.

And according to Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, that means they could be targeting Brendan Haywood in free agency.

"According to sources, one of the team's other interests is Dallas Mavericks' center Brendan Haywood," he writes. "The Cavs actually drafted Haywood in the first round nine years ago before trading him on draft night. With Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgausaks becoming free agents, the Cavs are looking at big men options ... A source said the Cavs may be interested in doing a double sign-and-trade by swapping Haywood for O'Neal. However, such a deal would be complex and hard to execute."

There aren't a ton of centers available in free agency, so the Cavs could see some competition for Haywood.

http://[h3]What Dampier wants[/h3]
11:39AM ET

[h5]Erick Dampier | Mavericks[/h5]


As has been brought up on several occasions, Erick Dampier's contract is a nice trade chip for the Mavs.

His salary for next season is a non-guaranteed $13 million -- meaning the Mavs can trade him, and the receiving team can cut the $13 million off their books like that.

But according to Jeff Caplan of ESPN Dallas, the team could also waive him and then bring him back at a reduced rate.

"Even if the Mavs fail to trade Dampier, they'll cut him to avoid paying the $13 million," writes Caplan. "Dampier would then become an unrestricted free agent. It has been something of a given that Dampier would then re-sign with the Mavs at a reduced rate. The Mavs love Dampier's screen-setting and his attention to detail as the defensive anchor, however, they don't want to touch the MLE, which last year was $5.85 million. They're likely more in line with the bi-annual exception, which was $1.99 million last season."

So what's at issue here is Dampier appears to want more than the Mavs are willing to give.

In any case, Brendan Haywood is a free agent this summer, and if the Mavs let him walk, they could target some more help at center outside of Dampier.

There's been rumblings that Shaquille O'Neal could land in Dallas this offseason.

http://[h3]Sources: Raptors don't want Beasley[/h3]
11:23AM ET

[h5]Chris Bosh | Raptors[/h5]


UPDATE NO. 2: The Miami Herald is citing league sources who say the sign-and-trade proposed below isn't legitimate.

Writes Michael Wallace: "Multiple league sources disputed the deal, including a high-level Raptors source who said the team had no real interest in Beasley or Chalmers. Toronto would, however, consider a $16 million trade exemption and the return of its first-round pick from Miami in the 2009 Jermaine O'Neal trade for a potential Bosh move."

Considering the Heat haven't found any takers for Beasley so far, this does make sense.
---

UPDATE: ESPN's Chad Ford tweeted this Wednesday afternoon: "Multiple GMs who are after Bosh think he's going to Miami now."
---


Earlier on Wednesday, we noted that the Heat are going to be essentially unable to offer LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all max contracts.

But that doesn't mean two of the three won't wind up there next season. As free agency approaches, word that Bosh may land in Miami is growing.

Writes Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel: "A long-time NBA agent representing several players on the upcoming free-agent market told the Sun Sentinel on Wednesday that he expects the Miami Heat to land Toronto Raptors power forward Chris Bosh during the impending NBA free agency period. Aware that Bosh is seeking the type of maximum contract that only would be available through a sign-and-trade agreement, the agent said Toronto could be in a position where it recognizes it has to take pennies on the dollar in such a transaction."

ESPN TV commentator and Miami Herald columnist Dan LeBartard tweeted this Wednesday: "I hear Bosh-Miami is done. Bosh-Wade shared agent avoids tampering. It's why [Michael] Beasley, [Mario] Chalmers and [Joel] Anthony [are] still [in Miami]. Raptors get them."

For Bosh, it would be a win. By first signing with the Raptors, he'd make the most money possible in a max deal. He'll get to pair with Wade, and they'll still have some money with which to fill out the roster.

Of course, we'll caution that this is not a done deal and things can change. It's still possible James could join, but it seems unlikely he'd be willing to be the guy getting the short end of the stick as far as a contract is concerned.

But considering Bosh has long been known to likely be leaving Toronto in a sign-and-trade, is friends with Wade and shares an agent with him as well, the dots are certainly there to connect.

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[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Sign-and-trade still likely for Bosh
"[The Raptors] don't have to do a [sign-and-trade]. They can refuse. But [Raptors GM] Bryan Colangelo is keen on getting back assets, and Bosh wants that extra year and higher raises, so my guess is they work together to make something happen."
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http://[h3]Decision by Monday for James?[/h3]
10:58AM ET

[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers[/h5]


Though free agency began Thursday, there hasn't been a ton of indication on when LeBron James will make his decision.

Will he listen to pitches and then take a week to think it over?

Will he trend towards a quicker decision and take just a few days to decide?

Recent reports make it seem like it's the latter.

From John Jackson of the Chicago Sun-Times: "James has let teams know that he doesn't want to drag out this process and wants to make a decision by Monday."

If this rings true, it's a good sign for the rest of the free agents out there.

Some have surmised that James is the first domino that needs to fall before other big names make their decisions.

If James decides as soon as Monday, the process won't be dragged out for him or others.

http://[h3]OKC looking to lock up Durant[/h3]
10:40AM ET

[h5]Kevin Durant | Thunder[/h5]


According to ESPN's Marc Stein, "sources with knowledge of the Thunder's plans said team officials met with star forward Kevin Durant at his new Oklahoma City home at one minute past midnight Thursday to formally open negotiations on a contract extension."

Durant is happy in Oklahoma City, and the team is poised to make some noise in the coming years.

Barring something unforeseen, expect Durant to sign a maximum five-year extension worth in excess of $80 million before Oct. 31, which is the deadline for a such a deal to get done for a player of Durant's tenure.

http://[h3]How Sheed can help C's land a FA[/h3]
10:21AM ET

[h5]Boston Celtics[/h5]


Rasheed Wallace is planning to retire and take a buyout for the remaining compensation of his contract. If Wallace doesn't change his mind, general manager Danny Ainge will use Wallace as trade bait, reports Yahoo! Sports.

By trading Wallace, which allows a team to dump salary if a zero buyout is agreed to, the Celtics can use the mid-level exception to target a free agent like J.J. Redick.

Redick is a restricted free agent, which gives the Orlando Magic the right to match an offer sheet.

http://[h3]Blazers eye Matthews[/h3]
10:11AM ET

[h5]Wesley Matthews | Jazz[/h5]


Yahoo! Sports reports the Blazers have targeted restricted free agent Wesley Matthews. Matthews was an undrafted rookie who spent a good part of the season in the starting lineup for the Jazz.

Matthews made $457,588 this past season.

http://[h3]Gooden gets $32 million from Bucks[/h3]
10:05AM ET

[h5]Drew Gooden | Clippers[/h5]


Yahoo! Sports reports the Milwaukee Bucks and Drew Gooden have come to an agreement on a 5-year, $32 million deal.

Gooden will sign the contract on July 8.

http://[h3]Cavs job goes to Scott[/h3]
9:59AM ET

[h5]Cleveland Cavaliers[/h5]


A source tells ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that Bryon Scott will be the next head coach of the Cavaliers.

Scott's agent, Brian McInerney, has confirmed that Scott has agreed to terms with the Cavaliers.

Brian Shaw was going to be the next coach, but he removed himself from contention Wednesday afternoon.

http://[h3]Bosh likes idea of playing with Yao[/h3]
9:44AM ET

[h5]Chris Bosh | Raptors[/h5]


"It's been an exciting first couple of hrs. Got some interesting visits and presentations from Houston, Toronto, Chicago and Miami. We'll see who else will come out tomorrow," wrote Chris Bosh on his Twitter page early Thursday morning.

"Just finished meeting with @chrisbosh -- great player & person. He is about winning so I focused on how w/Houston he can win a championship," wrote Rockets general manager Daryl Morey on his Twitter page Thursday night.

Most have Bosh going to Miami, Chicago or New York. However, he could end up in other cities, like Houston via a sign-and-trade with Toronto.

The Houston Chronicle reports Bosh indicated through a third-party that he "definitely" would consider the Rockets and likes the idea of playing with Yao Ming and the chance to play on "a world stage."

http://[h3]Gay and Lee will visit Twin Cities[/h3]
9:38AM ET

[h5]Minnesota Timberwolves[/h5]


UPDATE: ESPN's Chris Sheridan reports that Lee will also meet with Chicago and Miami on Thursday before heading to Minnesota, and will meet with the Nets soon as well.
---

The Timberwolves opened free agency Wednesday night by contacting forwards Rudy Gay (Memphis) and David Lee (New York). Gay will be in Minneapolis Thursday and Lee will arrive on Saturday.

"Those are the only two people I anticipated calling today," president of basketball operations David Kahn told the Pioneer Press. "That doesn't mean that we may not ask others to come in, but they clearly were the two players I felt we wanted to meet and wanted to get to know better and have an opportunity to have a dialogue with."

When asked about Lee visiting a team already with two power forwards, Kahn told the Star Tribune: "Our frontline is very much in flux. I don't know what will occur there. David Lee fits who we are or who we aim to be. He runs really well. He finishes strong around the basket. He's an exceptional passer. He and Kevin Love easily could play some minutes together."

Memphis can match any offer sheet signed by Gay since he's a restricted free agent. Lee has no restrictions on where he can sign.

http://[h3]Calderon wants to stay in Toronto[/h3]
8:25AM ET

[h5]Jose Calderon | Raptors[/h5]


There are rumors that the Raptors are trying to trade Jose Calderon or Jarrett Jack, along with Hedo Turkoglu. Calderon spoke with the Toronto Star Wednesday and hopes he's not the one that leaves.

"I've been there five years, I love that team and want to get back to the playoffs and win games, that's all that matters. ... I feel good about the team and the city and winning games. That's all I care about. I have a house in Toronto, friends there; if I leave it's going to be very hard.

"There will always be rumors," Calderon added. "But I can't worry about it."

Calderon has three years and about $29.2 million remaining on his contract.

http://[h3]Wolves reach deal with Pekovic[/h3]
7:55AM ET

[h5]Minnesota Timberwolves[/h5]


ESPN.com's Chad Ford reports the Timberwolves reached a verbal agreement with Nikola Pekovic on a three-year, $13 million contract.

Pekovic was selected in the second round of the 2008 draft.

One league source tells Ford that Pekovic would have been a top-10 pick in this year's draft.

"He's one of the most dominant big men in Europe right now and I think he can have an immediate impact in the NBA," the source said.

http://[h3]Bucks keep Delfino[/h3]
7:27AM ET

[h5]Carlos Delfino | Bucks[/h5]


Carlos Delfino will return to the Bucks for the 2010-11 season. Delfino's contract became fully guaranteed since he was not waived Wednesday.

Delfino will make $3.5 million next season.

http://[h3]Could Thomas leave Charlotte?[/h3]
7:19AM ET

[h5]Tyrus Thomas | Bobcats[/h5]


Is there a chance restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas won't be with the Bobcats next season?

The Charlotte Observer writes: "The short answer: He's likely to stay because the Bobcats want him and he wants to be here. The coaching bond between Larry Brown and Thomas is real. The long answer: If a team with a lot of salary-cap room wants him that much, you might make the Bobcats blink with a front-loaded contract. The point of an offer sheet is to assemble something diabolical to exploit the other team's troubles. The Bobcats have overpaid for certain players (Gana Diop chief among them). That means they're a marginal playoff team too close for comfort to the anticipated luxury-tax threshold."

Thomas is a restricted free agent because the Bobcats tendered a $6.2 million qualifying offer to the forward.

http://[h3]Nuggets eye Biedrins[/h3]
6:25AM ET

[h5]Andris Biedrins | Warriors[/h5]


Dave Krieger of The Denver Post reports the Nuggets want to acquire Andris Biedrins.

Krieger writes: "Desperate to upgrade an increasingly fragile frontcourt, I'm told the Nuggets are trying to pry center Andris Biedrins from the Golden State Warriors. At 24, Biedrins has already played six years in the NBA. He averaged a double-double two years ago, but slumped to averages of 5.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in an injury-marred campaign last season. That and his contract -- he has four years left at $9 million per -- have apparently made him expendable to the Warriors. But the Nuggets are struggling to come up with a package that will get a deal done."

http://[h3]Why Ferry won't go to Portland[/h3]
6:11AM ET

[h5]Portland Trail Blazers[/h5]


Danny Ferry completed two days of meetings with the Blazers on Wednesday concerning their general manager vacancy.

"He's a good candidate, for sure," president Larry Miller told The Oregonian. "From my perspective, what we expected, we saw from Danny."

Unfortunately for the Blazers, Ferry reportedly won't take the job.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com writes: "The Trail Blazers' GM position remains Danny Ferry's job to turn down, and that's exactly what Ferry is expected to do, a high-level coaching source familiar with the situation said. The meddling ownership elements that resulted in the demise of Kevin Pritchard and Tom Penn are still in place, and that's a concern for Ferry, who may not be eager to step back into such a situation after an exhausting experience in Cleveland."

http://[h3]Bad contracts now tradeable[/h3]
5:44AM ET

[h5]Indiana Pacers[/h5]


The Pacers have a bunch of contracts that have been difficult to trade, but that's no longer the case since they're set to expire at the end of next season.

The Pacers need to upgrade the point guard position and could use Troy Murphy, T.J. Ford, Mike Dunleavy, Jeff Foster or Solomon Jones to help facilitate a trade.

"We've got these expiring contracts and there are teams that want them," general manager Larry Bird told The Indianapolis Star. "They may not have wanted them during the draft, but as the offseason and season goes on, they start looking at their team and they're going to see the opportunity to do a deal. We're in a good position now."

http://[h3]Bonner wants to re-sign with the Spurs[/h3]
5:30AM ET

[h5]Matt Bonner | Spurs[/h5]


Matt Bonner is one of many free agents with the Spurs and he hopes to sign a new deal with the team. Bonner's agent, Kenny Grant, said talks with the Spurs have not yet begun, but he expects them to start soon.

"Matt wants to be a Spur, and I'd imagine they want him back, too," Grant told the San Antonio Express-News.

A career 40.5 percent shooter from 3-point range, Bonner made $3.2 million last season.

http://[h3]Parker on the Spurs, for now[/h3]
5:25AM ET

[h5]Tony Parker | Spurs[/h5]


There have been some rumblings that Tony Parker could be traded. According to the San Antonio Express-News, Parker told the French newspaper L'Equipe that he's confident he will remain with the Spurs.

"I talked with Pop [head coach Gregg Popovich], he told me that I'm not going anywhere," Parker said.

Parker's contract expires after next season and he could sign with another team next summer.

"It would be ... maybe a good challenge for me to go elsewhere," Parker said. "If I leave, I can make another career -- eight, nine years in a different club."

Parker said the Spurs have turned down offers from Portland and New York.

http://[h3]Why Jefferson opted out[/h3]
5:13AM ET

[h5]Richard Jefferson | Spurs[/h5]


Richard Jefferson surprised everyone Wednesday when he opted out of his contract for next season that would have paid him $15 million. What was he thinking?

Jefferson's agent, Todd Eley, said the decision is a way to take advantage of a sellers' free-agent market this summer and to hedge against the uncertainty of the next collective bargaining agreement, which will start next summer.

"It's not an issue of not wanting to be in San Antonio," Eley told the San Antonio Express-News. "It's maximizing as many opportunities as you can. The Spurs will be one of those teams we talk to in this process.

"He wants to see if there's a long-term opportunity," Eley added.

"We brought Richard into our program with ideas that he would add a great deal to us," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. "As free agency approaches, we'll evaluate Richard's market value as we build our team."

http://[h3]Lakers want Fisher at a discount[/h3]
4:47AM ET

[h5]Derek Fisher | Lakers[/h5]


According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers called point guard Derek Fisher Wednesday night and hope to re-sign the 14-year veteran.

Fisher made about $5 million this past season and reportedly the Lakers plan to offer him about $2.5 million for next season.

http://[h3]Brewer unrestricted[/h3]
4:35AM ET

[h5]Ronnie Brewer | Grizzlies[/h5]


The Memphis Grizzlies traded a future No. 1 pick to the Utah Jazz at the February trade deadline for Ronnie Brewer. During his first game, he suffered a groin tear and only played in five games for Memphis.

In a surprise move, the Grizzlies declined to give Brewer a $3.7 million qualifying offer. He is now an unrestricted free agent.

"Strategically, we thought it was better to not have a restricted free-agent tag on Ronnie. Our priority is to keep Rudy Gay," general manager Chris Wallace told The Commercial-Appeal. "Organizationally, our main goal is to get a deal done with Rudy."
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I'm not even gonna say +%%$ about the plan the Knicks came up with. The experts in here will do that enough. I'm sure the Nets had a much better pitch for their fantastic core that went 12-70. And I'm sure the Heat will have a great plan for the 9 fire hydrants they'll put around the dream team.
 
The Nets can offer Derrick Favors and Devin Harris."
  well the nets can only do that trade if Favors hasn't signed his contract yet


and pro post the insider in the morning since half that info is old news now you dumb @@%#%%+ idiot
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TheNBAScoop
  
The Orlando Magic will likely try to acquire Carlos Boozer through sign-and-trade. Boozer is very high on Dwight Howard (@dwighthoward)
 
@chrisbosh

Just said what's up to @dwadeofficial as I was heading out. Good to see a fellow free agent going through the same process. #freeagency


IraHeatBeat
  
A slice of 2010 Free Agency: Chris Bosh ran into Dwyane Wade when Wade was coming out of his meeting with the Nets and Bosh was entering.
 
 SpearsNBAYahoo
  
Toronto Raptors have reached agreement to sign centre Amir Johnson to a five-year, $34 million deal, agent Kevin Bradbury tells Y! Sports
 
Originally Posted by Bigmike23

Originally Posted by JPZx

lol how is that newsworthy h3at?
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someone needs to tell dude all that crap doesnt have to be posted
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Let's make a deal. I'll stop posting crap when you stop posting like crap. Deal?!
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Originally Posted by Chester the Cheetah

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Homie just got back after spending the last 8 weeks perfecting his magnum opus... "The 2009-2010 Cleveland Cavaliers"
 
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