Expectations were high for the Raptors last season, but coach Sam Mitchell was fired after an 8-9 start and coach Jay Triano steered them backwards and led them to a 25-40 record the rest of the way. The aftershock of such a season is the swirling of rumors that their star, Chris Bosh, will not re-sign with the team once he becomes a free agent next summer. On the positive side, they were able to move the grossly overpaid Jermaine O'Neal for one of the larger expiring contracts in Shawn Marion, and their former No. 1 overall draft pick, Andrea Bargnani, showed promising signs of development.
Cap situation: $48 million committed to 11 players. League salary cap estimated at $58 million for...
One of the biggest free agents on this year's market, Ron Artest, has landed in Los Angeles. And, no, it's not the perennial doormat Clippers who have added the bad boy to their roster. The NBA champion Lakers have agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with Artest, as reported by many sources.
The 30-year small forward needs little introduction to NBA fans and fantasy owners. Artest spent last season with the Rockets, a team that pushed the Lakers to seven games in the second round on the playoffs. He averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.2 threes while shooting a poor 40.1 percent from the floor. The mercurial Artest is known as much for his tough defense...
The Fanball Sports Network, currently the home to more than 70 blogs about fantasy sports dealing with MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL, features some of the internet's best and most thought provoking team writers. This article is part of a weekly series profiling the recent Fanball Sports Network NBA blog posts and news, as well as how this news and analysis impacts fantasy owners.
Cavmen.com: Key Rival First To Strike... Time to Counter!
Cavaliers correspondent Ward Peterson sees the glass half full following the Pistons' acquisition of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.
"Villanueva was reportedly high on the Cavaliers wish list and would have been a strong fit into the starting lineup alongsi...
The hot potato known as "Z-Bo" continues to be passed around the NBA. The Grizzlies will be the latest team to employ enigmatic power forward Zach Randolph. They agreed to a trade with the Clippers to bring the big man to Memphis in exchange for shooting guard Quentin Richardson. The deal can't be officially completed until next week.
Randolph, who turns 28 this month, averaged 20.8 points and 10.1 rebounds over 50 games in 2008-09. He played in 11 contests with the Knicks before appearing in 39 tilts for the Clippers. It was the third time that Randolph averaged 20 points and 10 boards in a season, with 2003-04 and 2006-07 being the other cases.
The Grizzlies came into the summer wit...
Joe Dumars wasted no time jumping into the free agent pool. On the first day of open negotiations, the Pistons agreed to five-year deals with guard Ben Gordon and forward Charlie Villanueva. According to the Detroit News, Gordon's deal is worth closer to $55 million, and Villanueva's contract comes in at around $35 million. No free agents can officially sign until July 8.
The agreements come shortly after the Pistons announced that they would not bring back coach Michael Curry for another season. It's a new day in Detroit, although possibly not a welcome one as our "Smoking Pistons" blog explains. We won't be surprised if the next head coach has less of a hard-nosed, defensive edge and m...
Before the season ever started, the Wizards had to deal with the fact they would be without starters Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood due to injuries. They went on to have the worst record in the Eastern Conference (19-63), 13 games worse than any other team. Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler played like All-Stars, but the rest of the roster was a young work in progress. An overhaul this offseason is producing some grandiose expectations for 2009-10.
Cap situation: $75.8 million committed to 13 players. League salary cap estimated at $58 million for 2009-2010 season.
Returning players: Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Gilbert Arenas, Brendan Haywood, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, JaVale McG...
Davis receives offer from Boston Restricted free agent Glen Davis has received a qualifying offer from the Celtics, according to the Boston Globe.
Brown will stay in Detroit Kwame Brown will remain in Detroit as he does not intend to opt out of his contract, according to MLive.com.
No offer for Frye Portland has opted not to make Channing Frye a qualifying offer, according to the Oregonian.
Korver to honor contract Kyle Korver intends to honor his contract with the Jazz and will not opt out of the final year, according to ESPN.
No offer for Villanueva The Bucks will not make an offer to restricted free agent Charlie Villanueva, according to the Associated Press.
Sessions receiver offer from Bucks Restricted free agent Ramon Sessions has received a qualifying offer from the Bucks, according to the Associated Press.
Yao's career possibly in jeopardy According to Yahoo! Sports, Yao Ming is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2009-10 season, and that he and his reps are worried that the the 7-foot-6 center may never play again.
Nets keep Hayes The Nets have exercised their 2009-10 team option on forward Jarvis Hayes, according to The Sports Network.
Felton likely back in Charlotte Raymond Felton is likely to be back with the Bobcats in 2009-10, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Thunder eyeing Millsap The Thunder have a great deal of interest in restricted free agent Paul Millsap, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Brand not headed to Miami There is no truth to the rumors of Elton Brand being traded to the Heat for Daquean Cook and Jermaine O'Neal, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Stoudemire: make up your mind Amare Stoudemire wants the Suns to make a decision soon about whether or not they are keeping him, according to the Arizona Republic.
Iverson on Bobcats' radar? Allen Iverson is reportedly on the Bobcats' radar, according to the Associated Press.
Howard endorses Turkoglu Elite center Dwight Howard stated that he would like the Magic to re-sign Hedo Turkoglu, according to HoopsWorld.com. Howard said, "I really would love for Hedo to stay, I really do. I believe that we can win a championship. We came so close and we are right here. I really want Hedo to stay. He has been a big part in my development as a player and I hope he stays around."
Okur to remain in Utah Mehmet Okur has decided to honor the final year of his contract with Utah and will not opt out to become a free agent, according to the Deseret News.
Villanueva on Pistons' radar? Charlie Villanueva is believed to be on the Pistons' radar, according to the Detroit News.
Varejao to enter free agency Anderson Varejao has decided to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Cavs, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent, according to ESPN.
Kobe to remain with Lakers Kobe Bryant has opted against exercising an early termination option in his contract and will return to the Lakers for the 2009-10 campaign, according to ESPN.
Maggette has surgery Corey Maggette underwent surgery to relieve pain in his ailing right wrist Monday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
House exercises option Eddie House has exercised his $2.9MM player option and will remain with the Celtics for next season, according to the Boston Herald.
Jack receives offer from Pacers Jarrett Jack has received a qualifying offer from the Pacers, according to the Associated Press.
Boozer to honor contract with Jazz Carlos Boozer has decided to honor the final year of his contract with Utah for the 2009-10 campaign, and will not opt to become a free agent, according to the Deseret News.
Clips make Acker free agent Alex Acker is an unrestricted free agent after the Clippers chose not to exercise a 2009-10 team option on him.
Skinner an unrestricted free agent Brian Skinner is now an unrestricted free agent after not exercising his Clipper option for 2009-10, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Davis coming back to Clippers Ricky Davis has exercised his player option for 2009-10, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Clips make Novak a restricted free agent The Clippers have extended a qualifying offer to Steve Novak, making him a restricted free agent, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Cavs targeting Villanueva The Cavaliers are expected to target unrestricted free agent Charlie Villanueva, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Rockets interested in Bosh The Houston Chronicle reports that the Rockets are interested in either trading for Chris Bosh this summer or singing him in 2010 when he will be a free agent.
Kidd meeting with Knicks, Cuban Jason Kidd is expected to be in New York on Wednesday to meet with the Knicks about potentially signing with them as a free agent this summer, but Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has also flown there to convince the veteran point guard to stay with the team, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Richardson traded for second time in just over a week Only one week after being traded to Memphis, Quentin Richardson has been shipped to the Clippers in exchange for Zach Randolph, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Pistons get Villanueva The Pistons have agreed to a five year deal in the neighborhood of $35 million with free agent forward Charlie Villanueva, according to TSN.ca.
Pistons get Gordon The Detroit Pistons have signed free agent guard Ben Gordon to a five year $55 million deal, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Grizzlies willing to pay for Lee According to Yahoo! Sports, the Grizzlies are interested in restricted free agent David Lee and are prepared to offer him anywhere from $40-50 million.
Celtics make pitch to Wallace Celtics' GM Danny Ainge and some of the front office staff visited Rasheed Wallace on Wednesday night to try and recruit the former Piston, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Jazz sign Maynor According to the Deseret News, the Jazz have signed 2009 first-round pick Eric Maynor.
Kidd meets with Knicks According to the New York Daily News, Jason Kidd met with the Knicks for three hours on Wednesday.
Kobe sticking with Lakers According to the LA Times, Kobe Bryant is expected to sign a three-year extension with the Lakers sometime in the next month.
Kidd may re-sign with Mavs Updating a previous report, Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban said Tuesday night's meeting with free agent Jason Kidd went great, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Mavs like Gortat According to ESPN.com, the Mavericks are pursuing free agent Marcin Gortat.
Gordon close to being a Piston According to Yahoo! Sports, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva flew to Detroit on Wednesday to visit with Piston's President Joe Dumars.
Blazers interested in Turkoglu According to the Orlando Sentinel, Hedo Turkoglu was contacted by five teams on Wednesday. The Trailblazers were the first in line.
Report: Rockets get Ariza Trevor Ariza has signed with the Houston Rockets, according to the Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice.
Artest and Lakers reach "verbal agreement" Prized free agent forward Ron Artest has reached a verbal agreement with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers for three years and $18 million, according to ESPN.com.
Ariza visits Rockets Trevor Ariza visited the Rockets Thursday, according to OregonLive.com.
Artest to join the Lakers? Ron Artest is reportedly nearing a deal with the Lakers, according to OregonLive.com.
Gordon: Bulls never made an offer Ben Gordon revealed on Thursday that the Bulls never made him an offer this offseason, according to Hoopsworld.com.
Heat looking at The Answer The Miami Heat have interest in free agent guard Allen Iverson, according to the Miami Herald.
Gortat set to sign Dallas offer sheet Marcin Gortat is reportedly set to sign an offer sheet with the Mavericks next Wednesday, which the Magic will have seven days to match if they wish to keep him, according to ESPN.
Artest on Miami's radar? The Heat are reportedly interested in Ron Artest, according to the Miami Herald.
Singleray becomes URFA According to the Charlotte Observer, did not renew the team option on Sean Singletary. With that move he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Mavs made offer to Gortat According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks have reportedly made an offer to big man Marcin Gortat.
Rubio staying in Spain According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Ricky Rubio plans to remain in Spain and play out the remaining two years of his contract with DKV Joventut instead of joining the NBA.
Celtics prepared to offer Wallace deal According to CelticsBlog.com, Boston is said to be willing to offer Rasheed Wallace the full $5.8 million mid-level exception, but are only willing to go as long as two years.
Childress leaving Greece? According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Josh Childress is considering a return to the NBA. The restricted free agent is set to meet with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cavs interested in Artest According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavaliers are making a push to sign free agents Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza.
Raptors going after Lee According to Hoopsworld.com, the Raptors are interested in free agent David Lee.
Gordon to be sixth man? According to Hoopsworld.com, Ben Gordon stated that he expects to be the sixth man behind Rip Hamilton next season.
Turkoglu not a Blazer yet Despite reports to the contrary, the Blazers and Hedo Turkoglu have not yet reached an agreement, according to the Oregonian.
Wallace not making any decisions yet According to the Boston Globe, Rasheed Wallace is not expected to make a decision regarding the offer made to him by the Celtics for at least a week.
Turkoglu, Blazers agree to deal ESPN.com is reporting that the Portland Trail Blazers and Hedo Turkoglu have agreed in principle to a contract. The terms of the deal are not expected to be announced until next Wednesday when teams are informed what the salary cap will be next season.
Pistons sign Washington to guaranteed contract Mlive.com is reporting that the Detroit Pistons have signed 2008 second round pick Deron Washington to a guaranteed contract for the 2009 season. Washington will join a deep roster at the guard postion for the Pistons.
Jackson close to returning to Lakers According to a report at ESPN.com, Lakers' coach Phil Jackson is close to announcing that he will return to the bench next season. The source believes that his return could be announced early next week.
Starbury unlikely to return to Boston The Boston Globe is reporting that guard Stephon Marbury is unlikely to return to Boston next season after turning down a one-year deal worth $1.3 million, the veteran minimum. Marbury told the paper that there are three other teams who are interested.
Big Baby getting some interest According to Celticsblog.com, there are at least four other teams interested in Celtics' restricted free agent Glen Davis. The teams said to have interest include Detroit, Memphis, New York, and San Antonio.
Magic to make Wallace an offer According to NBAfanhouse.com, the Magic plan on making offers to free agents Rasheed Wallace and Brandon Bass.
No word of surgery for Deng, yet According to the Chicago Sun Times, Luol Deng is still rehabbing the stress fracture in his leg, but so far there has been no mention of surgery.
Pacers not picking up Daniels' option According to the Indianapolis Star, the Pacers have decided not to pick up Marquis Daniels' $7.5 million team option.
Okur leaning toward opting out According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Jazz big man Mehmet Okur is leaning toward opting out of his contract with the team to become a free agent. Okur is owed $9 million next season, but it appears he may test the waters in free agency instead.
Jazz look to re-sign Millsap According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the Jazz will likely re-sign Paul Millsap before he has a chance to latch on with someone else.
Nuggets to make offer to Kleiza According to the Denver Post, the Nuggets plan to make the $2.7 million qualifying offer to Linas Kleiza, which would make him a restricted free agent.
Rubio's debut delayed? According to the New York Post, Ricky Rubio has an offer from a team in Turkey and may not play in the NBA next season.
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