Ntnsnoopy - NBA and Lakers Updates

Wallace Agrees with Celtics

2009-07-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Rasheed Wallace has agreed to join the Boston Celtics. This now poses match up problems for opponents and give the Celtics one of the best defensive front lines with Garnett, Pierce, and Perkins. Wallace's 3-point shooting gives the Celtics another weapon to open up the lanes for Rondo and Pierce to drive. Opponents can no longer focus on Ray Allen on the wing either.

Nice pick up by the Celtics after seeing other elite title contenders make major moves during the free agent signing period. The Cavs (Shaquille O'Neal), Magic (Vince Carter), Spurs (Richard Jefferson) and Lakers (Ron Artest) have all upgraded their teams. Some of them may not be done yet. The Lakers still looking to re-sing Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown. The Celtics still need to address Glen Davis.

Boozer To Return To Utah

2009-06-30T15:09:00.001-07:00

Carlos Boozer has exercised his option and will return to Utah for the upcoming 2009-10 season. Boozer will make $12.7 million in his last season and figured he would not make that much on the open market. The Jazz now have to come to grips they may not be able to match any offer for restricted free agent Paul Milsap and awaiting the word if Mehmet Okur is going to opt out of his contract.

http://www.nba.com/jazz/news/09_boozer_opts.html

NBA Rumors and Updates

2009-06-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

- Rockets and Yao Ming are facing the possibility that Ming might be out for the entire 2009-2010 season as his broken left foot has not been healing.

- Paul Milsap drawing interest from Oklahoma City, Detroit and Portland. However he is a restricted free-agent and Utah can match any offer. This is dependent on what Carlos Boozer does today. Boozer is now thinking of picking up his option as there are doubts he can make more on the open market. This would throw a monkey wrench into Utah's plan as they were hoping Milsap would be the new starting PF.

- Boston Celtics interested in Fabricio Oberto.

- New Jersey picks up the $2.06 million option for Javis Hayes.

- Rumor that Mike Bibby will not return to Atlanta with the recent aquisitions of Jamal Crawford and Jeff Teague.

- Pau Gasol has been listed on Spain's 12-man EuroBasket roster but he has not confirmed yet whether we will play. GET SOME REST PAU!!!

- Mehmet Okur is "leaning toward opting out".

- Jason Kidd plans to meet with the Knicks on Wednesday. Knicks only have the midlevel exception and probably only offer a 1 year deal.

- Kyle Korver has declined a chance to opt out and will remain with Utah for next season.

- OKC could be a potential destination for Ben Gordan.

- Charlie Villanueva is now an unrestricted free agent. Milwaukee declined to make a qualifying offer. Cleveland is now hot on his tail with his former teammate Mo Williams and a chance to play with LBJ.

- Portland looking to upgrade its PG spot, is looking seriously at Andre Miller. A sign-and-trade scenario could result in Steve Blake going to Philadelphia.

- Orlando had offered Turkoglu a 4 yr/$35 million extension just after the Finals ended but Turkoglu declined. Thus, the Magic turned their attention to aquiring Vince Carter.

- Ariza's agent, David Lee stated that the Lakers won't receive any hometown discount for his client. During tough economic times, this is not a good sign for the Lakers to re-sign all three free agents (Odom, Ariza and Brown).

- Dallas is hoping to save their mid-level exception for Rasheed Wallace.

Kobe vs. Mayor

2009-06-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

Looks like Kobe is not a fan of L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_12706677

Nets-Magic Talking Carter-Alston Trade

2009-06-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

The New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic are in serious discussions involving Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson for Orlando's Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee. The deal could be completed by the end of today.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4287197

Lakers Sell #29 Pick to Knicks

2009-06-25T13:23:00.001-07:00

The Lakers have sold the #29 overall pick to the Knicks for $3 million. Lakers still retained their two 2nd rounds picks (#42 and #59).

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285133

Finalized! Shaq to join LeBron James

2009-06-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Cleveland has come to an agreement with Phoenix to send Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for Shaquille O'Neal. Phoenix will aso receive the 46th pick in today's draft along with $500,000.

There's risk-reward in this transaction. Shaq is coming off a year in which he turned everyone's heads with a steady, productive season. Cleveland is looking to improve their playoff performance in which they were ousted by the Orlando Magic. Shaq is exactly what the Cavs need to defend Dwight Howard who demolished Ilgauskas and Varejao. Cleveland is only renting Shaq for the upcoming season to position themselves in the 2010 free agent class.

Phoenix appears to be headed for rebuilding mode. The team still has assets (Nash, Stoudemire, Barbosa) but all names have been mentioned in some trade rumors. Phoenix gambled on Shaq and crapped out by trading away Shawn Marion. Sitting in first place at the time of the trade, Phoenix became lottery fodder by the end of this season. GM Steve Nash is at a crossing point and all points appear to be "rebuild".

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285489

2009-06-25T06:36:00.001-07:00

wg3psfitq8

Yao Ming Out Indefinitely

2009-06-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

Yao Ming's broken foot has not healed and is he now considered out indefinitely. Originally estimated to be out 8-12 weeks, the team doctor examined Yao's foot and revealed the fracture has not healed.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285514

NBA Rumor: McGrady-Stoudemire In The Works??

2009-06-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

Report the Rockets are leaning toward sending Tracy McGrady ($22 million expiring), Carl Landry and Aaron Brooks to Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa and Amare Stoudemire.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06252009/sports/moresports/wolves_on_path_of_kahn_176015.htm?page=2

Lakers Probably to Trade First Round Pick

2009-06-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

Lakers to trade first round pick but keep both second round picks. Reason: In the likelihood they re-sign Ariza, Odom and Brown, that makes the roster at 13 which is the league minimum. First round picks have guaranteed contracts but second round picks do not.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285133

Portland moves up from #24 to #22 in draft

2009-06-24T19:23:00.001-07:00

Portland sends the #24 and #56 pick in this years draft and the worst of their second round picks in 2010 for Dallas' #22 pick. Why would Portland move up 2 spots? Word has it that Portland is eyeing Omri Casspi but Sacramento was lurking to be selecting him at #23.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284712

NBA Trade: Jamal Crawford to Atlanta

2009-06-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Atlanta closing in on a deal to acquire Jamal Crawford and send Acie Law and Speedy Claxton to Golden State. Trade looks to be completed Thursday morning but Crawford's early termination option after next season could be a sticking point.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284512

NBA Updates (6/24/2009)

2009-06-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

- Rumor: Rajon Rondo and Brian Scalabrine to Memphis for Mike Conley and Rudy Gay.

- Milwaukee is looking to move Luke Ridnour.

- Dallas is looking to move Jerry Stackhouse.

- According to an Eastern Conference exec, Bowen, Oberto, Thomas and Mason Jr. were offered to New Jersey for Vince Cater and their #1 pick in Thursday's draft.

- New Yorks Knicks are looking to move up from #8 to #3 from OKC. Curry is on their radar.

- Tyler Hansbrough's stock is rising. Atlanta ,Utah and NO have shown interest but he will probably not be available by the time these teams get to pick.

- Phil Jackson to skip road games and have assistant coach Kurt Rambis handle duties.

-

Wizards & T-Wolves Deal

2009-06-23T16:47:00.001-07:00

Washington Wizards close to sending #5 pick, Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas, and Darius Songalia to Minnesota T-Wolves for Randy Foye and Mike Miller. Trade will be finalized on Wednesday.

Richard Jefferson Traded To Spurs

2009-06-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4281291

Another reason why San Antonio has been considered one of the best run franchises. As father time creeps up on them, they pull another rabbit out of the hat and aquire Richard Jefferson and send Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto to Milwaukee.

Great move to aquire a young, athletic scorer however, this leaves the San Antonio front court very thin. Ime Udoka now becomes an interesting bargaining chip for a big man. Spurs cannot be done making moves.

NBA Rumors/Updates (6/23/2009)

2009-06-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

- Boston offered Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen to Detroit for Rodney Stuckey, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. Detroit rejected the offer. However, this deal was brought up with lower level execs. Danny Ainge and Joe Dumars never spoke nor heard about the offer. Boston needs to keep its core for one more year...give them a chance to get to the top.

- Washington is looking to trade down from the number 5 pick. This is purely to remove salaries and get under the luxury tax. Caron Butler seems to be the hot commodity but Washington is very hesitant to move the young all-star. Which I think is a good move. Build around Caron and attempt to move Jamison. Arenas' injury history will make him very difficult to move if Washington is in rebuilding mode.

- Possible buyout of Ben Wallace's contract could be on the horizon. Slated to earn $14 million, Wallace has numerous thoughts running through his head including retirement. Should a buyout be reached, this will help Cleveland retain LBJ and possibly sign another piece of their puzzle...particularly in the low blocks where a consistent scorer is needed.

- Houston is looking to move up into the lottery pick range and is offering Carl Landry. This has the looks of a steal if Houston can pull it off. Landry made a name for himself in the playoffs but I cannot see him doing more on a consistent basis throughout the season.

- Memphis looks to be a solid lock for Hasheem Thabeet. Only a trade would prevent Memphis from selecting the UConn beast.

- Ricky Rubio show has landed in Sacramento. Picking up a basketball for the first time in a month, he did NOT wow anyone. So much hype (positive and negative) surround his selection...some say "greatest passer" and some are very skeptical.

- Chicago could be looking to package the #16 and #26 picks into a higher selection...looking to move into Duke's Gerald Henderson range.

- Portland is also looking to move up from #24 into the #8-14 range. North Carolina's Ty Lawson is on their radar. Another rumor is trading for Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire. Can billionaire Paul Allen afford Amare, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge? Still, a point guard is needed to guide these max-priced veterans.

Boston: Ray Allen or Rajon Rondo

2009-06-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Coming from the NewsOK (Oklahoma), I find this hard to believe that Boston would trade Rajon Rondo to move into the top 10 draft picks. Ray Allen...maybe only because of age. Why not give these guys another shot with a healthy Garnett?

http://newsok.com/nba-draft-rumor-mill/article/3379207

NBA Updates (6/22/2009)

2009-06-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

- Washington Wizards inquiring about Knicks' Larry Hughes and Jared Jeffries. Wilson Chandler is not available for trade. In fact, Chandler may see some ball handling duties as the Knicks' starting shooting guard next season.
- T'wolves GM, David Kahn, has offered Mike Miller to the Clippers for Chris Kaman. Clippers turned down the offered and countered with Marcus Camby.
- Kwame Brown has until June 30th to exercise his player option for $4 million next season. All signs point Kwame will exercise the option.
- Cavs and Nets are in discussion about a Vince Carter deal. Nets are looking for cap relief but trading away Carter would kill their attendance/fan base.
- Bobcats have offered Raja Bell for the Warriors Azubuike and Belinelli. Warriors looking to shore up their defense.

Lakers on Jimmy Kimmel Live

2009-06-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9OkMq8oShg

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6Oj4D37VPg

Lakers Off-season

2009-06-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

First of all, congratulations to the 2009 NBA Champs, Los Angeles Lakers. They now have a monumental task of retaining Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, and Shannon Brown. Kobe Bryant who has stated he will return, will have decisions to make on whether he opts out of his current contract on July 1st. If he does, does he want more or will he be willing to ask for less to retain the core of the team?

Kobe will be turning 31 in August and yes, he does have probably 1 maybe 2 strong years left in him that will be comporable to what he did this past off-season. He is due to make $23 and $24 million the next 2 seasons...If he wants to maintain a championship core, he should opt out this year and re-nogotiate to a 4 year contract in which the amount is lesser each year. This will help retain the core plus keep the Lakers out of luxury tax territory.

Kobe is currently tied for #2 as the highest paid athlete (Forbes.com) at $45 million so he can make his salary easily with endorsements and coming off a championship season, he's due to make even more with the possible explosion in China lurking around the corner.