N B A Discussion thread

[snoopy369]

Wow... probably a good move by the raptors, as long as they feel really, really good about their guard position...

[-Jrabbit]

That's officially still in the rumor stage, with Toronto saying they are still talking to 4-5 teams. But the same report is appearing in several places, so it is likely to be pretty accurate.

Other pre-draft action:

The New Orleans Hornets are said to have traded their their pick, #27 overall, to Portland, for cash. They plan to build their young team with free agent help, and this will help with cap space.

Similarly, Denver has unloaded its lone remaining pick, #20 overall, to Charlotte in exchange for a future first-rounder.

[Lord Avalon]

I should have said "agreed to trade." According to the article, due to Ford's contract, a deal can't be finalized till July 9.

Actually, that might be July 1, which I see in the Freep hardcopy and SI.com.

BTW, Deputy Shaq got fired for language used in his rap on Kobe.

[-Jrabbit]

NBA draft about to start -- Everyone on ESPN clearly assuming the Bulls will take D. Rose -- and -- yes, they're right.

[snoopy369]

Rose He was the obvious choice for all involved - precisely what the Bulls need (a scorer who can go in and score by himself) and also the obvious pick for management (more tickets, as if they need that but still). Anybody up for adding 10,000 seats to the United Center?

[-Jrabbit]

The reasons Rose was the right choice are many. Most important among them is that he can get the ball to the other potential scorers -- especially Deng and Thomas.

Now, what to do with all those guards...

Next on tap: Sign Deng (restricted free agent) to an extension. Gordon, also an RFA, maybe a sign-and-trade there. It's a shame his market value is a bit low right now.

They're stuck with the bloated contracts of Hinrich and Hughes. Sefolosha is cheap, and worth more than either of them. Most likely, they'll just let Duhon walk.

[Will9]

Chicago needs to be sure there is "no gummy bears" clause in Rose's contract.

[-Jrabbit]

LATE NIGHT TRADE

Long after the draft was complete last night, the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off an 8-player trade, centered around a swap of their respective first-round picks.

The Wolves sent guard OJ Mayo out of USC (chosen #3 overall), forward Antoine Walker and guards Greg Buckner and Marko Jaric to Memphis for UCLA big man Kevin Love (#5 overall), shooter Mike Miller and frontcourt retreads Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins.

[Lord Avalon]

Baron Davis surprised the Warriors by opting out of his last year ($17.8M). Now he's reportedly agreed to a contract with the Clippers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3470016

Elton Brand had also opted out, but is likely to stay with LAC. July 9 is when contracts can be signed.

[Will9]

Oklahoma City

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3471503

[reismark]

Originally posted by Will
Oklahoma City

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3471503

Clay Bennett

Thankfully, it's not over yet. The city may have sold the team out, but Bennett still has to deal with Howard Schultz's lawsuit. If Schultz wins, he gets the team back and Bennett slinks back home to OKC empty-handed.

Go, Schultz, go.

[Lord Avalon]

Apparently the Clippers made Brand an offer he could refuse - he signed with the Sixers. 5 yrs, $82M.

[Lord Avalon]

Wizards offered Arenas a max contract of $127M for 6 yrs, but he signed for less, $111M.

[-Jrabbit]

Very cool. An athlete that actually understands the team concept.

[Lord Avalon]

Pistons agree to terms with Kwame Brown, 1 yr @ $4M, plus player option for another yr at $4M.



Donaghy sentenced to 15 months