The NBA free agency market opened Wednesday night at midnight and a lot has happened. Before the market even opened up though, a few trades made big news. The San Antonio Spurs acquired Richard Jefferson for free basically. They were forced to give up Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto, which is basically nothing, minus the defense of Bruce Bowen, which was not always great at times.
Another big splash came from the east coast as Eastern Conference Champion, Orlando Magic, acquired Vince Carter for Rafer Alston, rookie sensation Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie. This has set the Magic up to look for another trip to the NBA Finals, even if they don't re-sign Hedo Turkoglu, which it appears they won't even have a shot at.
With those trades happening, free agency has also begin. The first big move has taken place as Ron Artest has as expected leave the Houston Rockets, but ended up with the LA Lakers. It appeared as the Cavaliers were the front runner for the Queens Bridge native, but seemed to be influenced by Lamar Odom, a free agent, who also is looking like he will re-sign with the Lakers. ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting Artest deal is worth 18 million over 3 years. With Artest choosing the Lake Show, and Odom probably getting what he wants, and staying in LA, there has to be an odd man out. That odd man out appears to be Trevor Ariza. Ariza has met with a few teams, including the Houston Rockets today in Las Vegas. Apparently the meeting went very well, and we all hope he chooses Houston. Other teams vying for Ariza, include Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, and LA Clippers. Ariza is wanting 8 million out of the Lakers, but after saying they'd only give him the MLE of 5.5 he wasn't thrilled. The Lakers have reportedly raised their offer to 6.5, but aren't going higher. The Lakers are frustrated with Ariza's agent, David Lee, who also represents Laker center Andruw Bynum, and they ran into problems with his negotiations last year.
Another big name free agent is also out there, in Rasheed Wallace. The Boston Celtics sent their guns ablazing today as they attempt to pull Sheed into Boston and make it the big 4 instead of 3. The Globe, citing a single NBA source, said that Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck, team president Danny Ainge, coach Doc Rivers, and the "Big 3," Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen for over 3 hours. The Celtics have reportedly offered Wallace a contract using the mid-level exception. The Spurs are also trying to bolster their team and have attempted to pull in Wallace as well.
Jason Kidd, also a free agent has been getting more attention then expected. The New York Knicks, are now in a war with the Mavericks for the services of Kidd. Earlier in the week the Dallas Mavericks revealed their offer with Kidd over 3 years. Tonight the New York Knicks have also reportedly offered Kidd a 3 year deal. It appears though Kidd might be headed for the north though to join the Knickerbockers.
After the news of Yao Ming being out for the year and maybe longer, they looked to acquire a big man. Rockets GM Daryl Morey didn't waste any time, and as soon as the market opened, he was on the door step of Magic backup center, Marcin Gortat. Gortat displayed great skills in the time Dwight Howard missed, and Morey gave Gortat an e-mail, Rocket fans could write to, and the very next morning, Gortat had received over 2,000 e-mails as fans asked him to please come be a star in a Rocket uniform. It was looking as if that would happen until Maverick owner, Mark "I have too much money" Cuban came swooping in and it appears as Gortat will sign with the Mavericks.
It should be an interesting off-season as teams look to improve, and also possibly cut salary to get ready for the 2010 sweepstakes.
No comments:
Post a Comment