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Monday, June 28, 2004
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
Cap space. It's priceless.
That's the mantra many GMs have repeated over the past few weeks as they've dumped draft picks and offered incentives to the Charlotte Bobcats to take a high-priced player or two off their hands.
In February, it appeared just three teams -- the Jazz, Nuggets and Bobcats -- would have enough money to sign a free agent to a max contract. However, that number has risen over the past month to whopping eight teams.
Assuming the cap rises to $45 million, a total of 10 teams will have enough cap room to make some noise. To get next year's projected cap figures, Insider took into account a team's committed salaries for '04, free-agent cap holds for players the team is likely to keep, minimum roster holds for teams that have fewer than 11 players under contract, and first-round pick cap holds.
2004 Cap Space
Team Proj. Cap Space
Jazz $29.8 million
Nuggets $23.9 million
Hawks $19.5 million
Bobcats $17.3 million
Suns $16.3 million
Spurs $14.6 million
Clippers $14.5 million
Pistons $9.5 million
Warriors $7.9 million
Of course, the numbers can be deceiving. If teams like the Spurs and Pistons re-sign their own free agents, which appears likely, their cap room will disappear pretty fast. The Spurs want Emanuel Ginobili back, and he's asking for a big paycheck. The Pistons, in an effort to keep Rasheed Wallace from the Knicks, also will have to fork over the dough.
The Nuggets appear to have a deal worked out to re-sign Marcus Camby that could take as much as $9 million of their current flexibility. The Clippers, if they don't land Kobe Bryant, likely will use a large chunk to re-sign Quentin Richardson.
Still, this is the first time in several years that multiple teams have the ability to pay out a max contract. Clearly teams have targeted this summer's free-agent crop. But, the approach begs the question: Are there any free agents worth writing home about? And, even more important, will any team have enough cash and a good enough sales pitch to land the ultimate prize -- Kobe Bryant?
Bryant already has opted out of his contract, and there are reasons to believe he won't stay in L.A. this summer. Phil Jackson is gone (although that actually might encourage Kobe to stay). Shaquille O'Neal is demanding a trade (again, not necessarily a deterrent to Kobe staying). However, the chances of Shaq actually being traded still remain low. Lost in the Lakers' soap opera is the fact Kobe may not necessarily want to hang around, even if his two biggest nemeses are kicked to the curb.
While sources close to Kobe claim re-signing with the Lakers is still his first choice if all things are equal, who knows that they will be? The Spurs, Suns and even the Clippers could offer Kobe a better chance of winning a title next year than the Lakers, given L.A.'s current implosion. Kobe's eligible for a deal starting at $14.175 million next year, so that's the starting point.
San Antonio doesn't have L.A.'s market size, but it does have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker -- two younger and more congenial stars.
Phoenix is a place nearly every player likes to play, and with Amare Stoudemire on board, Kobe would have his young big man to mentor.
The Clippers? Same market, but a younger core -- Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Chris Kaman and first-round pick Shaun Livingston.
After Kobe, however, the market drops off pretty steeply. Kenyon Martin is probably the second-most likely top free agent to jump ship. New Nets owner Bruce Ratner is in cost-cutting mode and doesn't want to pay Martin's asking price unless the team ships off another high-priced piece to clear the room.
Other players like Steve Nash, Mehmet Okur, Erick Dampier, Mark Blount, Stromile Swift and Jamal Crawford can be had for the right price. But are any of these guys worth breaking the bank over?
Here's Insider's sneak peek at the free-agent class of 2004. Teams can begin their wooing on Thursday, July 1. Free agents cannot be signed until July 15, and a team will have 15 days to match an offer sheet to one of its restricted free agents.
Top 10 free agents
(R) = Restricted free agent
1. Kobe Bryant, G, Lakers
The skinny: Kobe's dilemma is this -- will any team offer him the farm without knowing the resolution of his rape trial, which doesn't start until late August? The Spurs, Suns and Clippers appear to have the most interest, with the Clippers and Suns both looking the most motivated. All three could offer max contracts, or close to it, but they still can't beat, financially, what the Lakers have to offer. Sign-and-trades are always possible, but the Lakers are in the driver's seat. Put the chances that Kobe re-ups with the Lakers this summer at about 75 percent.
2. Kenyon Martin, F, Nets (R)
The skinny: Martin is looking for a six-year, $90 million deal from the Nets. The Nets, understandably, are balking. They tried to trade Martin to the Nuggets earlier in the week in return for Nene. The Nuggets didn't bite then but still might have interest. Kiki Vandeweghe is close with Martin, and the Nuggets still are looking to upgrade their low-post scoring. Denver has enough cash to offer Martin and Quentin Richardson (another Nuggets favorite) big deals. The Hawks also will consider throwing a max contract Martin's way. The team didn't draft one big guy with any of its five picks last Thursday and needs size in the worst way.
3. Rasheed Wallace, F, Pistons
The skinny: After the Pistons won the NBA title, everyone just assumed Wallace would re-up there. The Pistons can offer him more money than anyone else, and he seems like a perfect fit in Detroit. However, he has taken the stance that the money doesn't matter and wants to find a place where his family is most comfortable. The Pistons are still the heavy favorites to re-sign him, but two teams -- the Sixers and Knicks -- could be in the mix. Wallace grew up in Philly and has always wanted to play there. He has made his desire to play in New York clear for the past year. However, if he plays for either team, the Pistons would have to agree to a sign-and-trade or 'Sheed would have to agree to take a pay cut and play for the mid-level exception (starting salary of about $5 million).
4. Steve Nash, G, Mavs
NashThe skinny: It's been considered a forgone conclusion for months that Nash would return to Big D, but the events over the past few weeks have put that in serious doubt. The Mavs are in the hunt for Shaquille O'Neal and reportedly are offering Nash as bait in a sign-and-trade. The team also raised eyebrows Thursday when it used the No. 5 pick on point guard Devin Harris. The Mavs claim they brought in Harris to be Nash's backup. However, Harris was considered the most NBA-ready point guard in the draft. If Nash signs the lucrative long-term deal he wants, will they really just stash Harris away? More likely, the team is sending a signal to Nash -- either agree to a sign-and-trade with the Lakers or go find your dough somewhere else. Nash should have no problem finding suitors. The Suns, Jazz and Clippers all are in the market for a veteran point guard.
5. Mehmet Okur, C, Pistons (R)
The skinny: There's a dearth of big men available, and a number of teams are going to show major interest in Okur now that it looks pretty clear the Pistons won't re-sign him. Four months ago, the team appeared prepared to re-sign him at any cost. But coach Larry Brown wasn't a fan, and Okur stewed on the bench the last two months of the season after Brown all but replaced him in the rotation with Rasheed Wallace. Okur wants out, and unless 'Sheed decides he doesn't want to stay in Detroit, there's probably little Joe Dumars (who really does want Okur back) can do about it. Unless the Pistons clear more cap room, the most they can offer him is the mid-level exception. The Suns, Jazz and Nuggets are all expected to make offers starting in the $6 million to $7 million a year range. Right now it appears the Suns are the heavy favorites to land him.
6. Erick Dampier, C, Warriors
DampierThe skinny: Dampier had a career season and decided to opt out of his contract, foregoing a starting salary of $8.1 million next season. Can he recoup that on the open market? Maybe. Several teams with cap room are in desperate need of a big man and may be willing to offer Dampier big bucks, despite a pretty spotty history of injuries and malaise. More likely, Dampier will recoup the cash in the long term. The Lakers are interested if they lose Shaq. The Grizzlies, Heat, Mavs and Pacers are interested, as well, if they don't land Shaq. All five teams can offer a six-year deal at the mid-level that, in total, would exceed what Dampier gave up by opting out. Or, they could work out a sign-and-trade with the Warriors that would earn Dampier even more cash.
7. Emanuel Ginobili, G, Spurs (R)
The skinny: The Spurs want to keep him. But if they get wrapped up in the Kobe sweepstakes or get involved in a trade, Ginobili could be in play. His asking price also could cause a few gags in San Antonio. According to sources, he wants a deal with a starting salary between $8 million and $9 million a year. That's a lot of bones for a guy who spent the second half of the season coming off the bench. The Nuggets love him and won't let him slip if he, for some reason, wiggles out of the Spurs' grasp.
8. Stromile Swift, PF, Grizzlies (R)
SwiftThe skinny: Expect Swift to be a hot commodity this summer. The Grizzlies want to keep him, but at what price? He really started coming on last season, and with so few athletic shot blockers available, he's sure to command a big raise. The Hawks, Bobcats, Nuggets, Warriors and Jazz could end up being players. The Grizzlies are claiming they'll match any offer for Swift, but if the salary starts creeping up into the $7 million range, will they still be willing?
9. Mark Blount, C, Celtics
The skinny: While Danny Ainge insists the Celtics have a chance to re-sign Blount this summer, don't count on it. He's been unhappy in Boston since the team let Jim O'Brien walk away and traded two of his closest teammates. Blount likely will land in either Philly, Miami, Dallas or Orlando. All four teams will pursue him hard with their mid-level exceptions. Philly offers him the chance to be reunited with O'Brien. He has a home in Miami, and Orlando believes he could be the guy who helps propel the Magic back into the playoffs. But don't count out teams like the Hawks, Suns and Jazz, who have designs on winning now and can outbid teams that are over the cap.
10. Jamal Crawford, G, Bulls (R)
CrawfordThe skinny: Crawford claims he wants to re-sign with Chicago, but the truth is the Bulls appear to be going in a different direction. The fact Chicago drafted Ben Gordon appears to hurt Crawford's chances of getting a big contract there. Teams that believe Crawford can be a good NBA point guard are going to be the most interested. Look for the Clippers, Bobcats, Nuggets, Hawks and Warriors to make the most noise. The Knicks and Sonics also could be in the picture if they can work out a sign-and-trade with Chicago. The Bulls have had their eye on Kurt Thomas for a while. The Sonics could offer a combo of Vladimir Radmanovic and Ronald Murray that may make some sense for the Bulls.
11. Quentin Richardson, G, Clippers (R)
The skinny: The word on the street is the Nuggets love him. The speculation is met with a chuckle when posed directly to Nuggets brass. He does fit the system and seems like an upgrade ... but what's the price? The Clippers own his Bird rights. If they can't get Kobe, they'll want to keep Richardson, and Denver GM Kiki Vandeweghe won't overpay.
12. Darius Miles, F, Blazers (R)
MilesThe skinny: Miles was a breakout performer for the Blazers over the last two months of the season. He ended the season averaging 14.5 ppg and 5.1 rpg and was a big part of the team's late playoff push. Portland will absolutely try to re-sign him, but other teams likely will get involved, as well.
13. Vlade Divac, C, Kings
The skinny: Divac's goal is to remain with the Kings for one final contract. But if the Maloof brothers decide to save the money (that's why they paid Brad Miller the big bucks last year) Divac will have a number of suitors. Don't rule Phoenix out as a possible destination here. He loves it there and could be a great mentor to Maciej Lampe.
14. Adonal Foyle, C, Warriors
FoyleThe skinny: Foyle as one of the hottest free agents on the market? Isn't this the guy who played just 44 games for the Warriors last season? Well, he's big, he blocks shots and most teams beleive he can be had for cheap -- about half the mid-level exception. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I've had 20 NBA teams tell me they had Foyle ranked near the top of their free-agent list this year. That's how ugly the center situation is around the league.
15. Andres Nocioni, G/F, Tau Ceramica
The skinny: Nocioni, a native of Argentina, is widely considered the best NBA player not currently in the NBA. The 25-year-old, 6-foot-6 swingman is a strong, athletic, aggressive player who has shined on the Argentine national team and in Europe. He's averaging 13.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg in 25 minutes per game for Tau. Nocioni is a solid perimeter shooter with NBA 3-point range, but he shines posting guys up and playing the mid-range game. Teams have wanted him for some time, but a big buyout with Tau has prohibited him from making the leap. To get him this year, a team will have to give up a large chunk of its mid-level exception. He's worth it. Look for the Sixers, Spurs, Nuggets, Rockets, Celtics and Magic to show the most interest.
Best of the Rest
Unrestricted: Stephen Jackson, G/F, Hawks; Marcus Camby, C, Nuggets; Karl Malone, F, Lakers; Brent Barry, G, Sonics; Antonio McDyess, F, Suns; Rafer Alston, G, Heat; Bruce Bowen, G/F, Spurs; Eric Williams, G/F, Cavs; Keon Clark, F, Suns; Greg Ostertag, C, Jazz; Jon Barry, G, Nuggets; Rodney White, G/F, Nuggets; Troy Hudson, G, T-Wolves; Derek Fisher, PG, Lakers; Brian Cardinal, F, Warriors; Slava Medvedenko, C, Lakers; Toni Kukoc, F, Bucks; Bob Sura, G, Hawks; Brian Skinner, F, Bucks; Marcus Fizer, F, Bobcats; Trenton Hassell, G, T-Wolves; Ron Mercer, G, Spurs; Zaur Pachulia, C, Bucks.
Restricted: Marquis Daniels, G, Mavericks; Etan Thomas, F/C, Wizards; Hedo Turkoglu, G/F, Spurs; Carlos Arroyo, PG, Jazz; Mo Peterson, F, Raptors; DeShawn Stevenson, G, Jazz; Gordan Giricek, G/F, Magic; Zeljko Rebraca, C, Pistons; Jake Tsakalidis, C, Grizzlies; Chris Mihm, PF, Celtics; Joel Przybilla, C, Bucks; Keyon Dooling, G, Clippers; Courtney Alexander, G, Hornets.
International free agents: Arvydas Macijauskas, G, Tau Ceramica; Fabrico Oberto, C, Parmesa Valencia; Sarunas Jasikevicius, PG, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Ognjen Askrabic, F, FMP Zeleznik; Demos Dikoudis, PF, AEK (Greece); Walter Hermann, PF, Argentina; Nikola Vujcic, PF/C, Croatia.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
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Monday, June 28, 2004
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
If you're the Rockets, how do you counter the dynamic duo of the best center and best two guard in the league -- Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant?
You get the league's second-best at each position and hope like hell the Lakers implode. Sometime before Wednesday, it looks like the Rockets could be set on both fronts.
Summer Blueprints
What will your team be up to this summer? NBA Insider Chad Ford breaks it down
Charlotte Bobcats
L.A. Lakers
Sacramento Kings
Utah Jazz
Philadelphia 76ers
Atlanta Hawks
Washington Wizards
Phoenix Suns
Cleveland Cavaliers
Seattle SuperSonics
Chicago Bulls
Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Clippers
Orlando Magic
Boston Celtics
Portland Trail Blazers
Sources continue to insist the Rockets and Magic are inching closer to a deal that would send Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines to the Rockets in return for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato.
The two sides have until Wednesday to make things work before a two-week player movement moratorium kicks in, leaving both teams up in the air about how to approach free agency.
Francis is expected to arrive in Orlando today or tomorrow for a face-to-face meeting with GM John Weisbrod. If all goes well? McGrady and Howard will be wearing Rockets uniforms by the end of the week.
With L.A. appearing to be on the verge of implosion, could the inside-outside combo of Yao Ming and T-Mac be the new dominating power in the West? As Insider continues its summer blueprint series, here's a look at what to expect if the T-Mac-for-Francis trade goes down.
Rockets Summer Blueprint
DRAFT: The Rockets had only a second-round pick in last week's draft and used it to select Manhattan G Luis Flores. They then turned around and sent Flores to the Mavericks in return for Greek point guard Vassiliss Spanoulis, considered one of the top young point guards in Europe. The plan is to leave him overseas for another year or two.
FREE AGENCY: If the McGrady trade goes through, the Rockets will be left with a gaping hole at point guard. Lue, if he is included in the trade, likely will opt out of his contract in search of bigger money either with the Rockets or elsewhere. Gaines couldn't get off the bench on the worst team in the league last season. Don't expect Jeff Van Gundy to do him any favors either.
The Rockets will comb the free-agent market looking for a veteran point guard to run the team. Van Gundy has never used or needed star point guards, so anyone who can play mistake-free basketball will do, especially with the firepower McGrady brings to the backcourt.
Van Gundy's old buddy Charlie Ward is on the market and available. Sonics free agent Brent Barry also would be a nice addition. He played the point in Seattle for part of the last two seasons and did a solid job. The Jazz's Carlos Arroyo, a restricted free agent, also might fit the bill. Veterans like Jacque Vaughn and Rafer Alston might work, as well.
The Rockets won't break the bank just to land a point guard, especially when one or two might be available via trade. But considering the team needs depth, at least one of these players likely will find a job in Houston next season. The Rockets also need to replace Kelvin Cato as Yao's backup in the middle and are said to be enamored with Adonal Foyle. However, the Rockets can expect steep competition for Foyle this summer.
TRADES: Houston's best chance at landing a starting point guard probably will be via trade. Several players, including the Sixers' Eric Snow, the Grizzlies' Earl Watson, the Celtics' Chucky Atkins and the Warriors' Speedy Claxton make a lot of sense.
What are the Rockets offering? They have several things going for them. One, the team owns at $6.9 million trade exception. That means it can take a salary as high as $6.9 million without sending back a player in return. This might be especially attractive to a team like the Sixers, who have been trying to find a taker for Snow's contract for months. Snow's mistake-free, slow-it-down style would be a perfect fit for Van Gundy.
The team also is dangling Bostjan Nachbar and Eric Piatkowski as trade bait. Neither player makes much money, and both have just two years remaining on their contracts and could be enticing to a team like the Grizzlies or Warriors.
Howard also could be used in a trade, as long as he isn't packaged along with other players. The Bulls might be willing to work out a deal with Rockets for Howard. Ditto for the T-Wolves. Both teams tried hard to land him in free agency last summer.
COACHING: Van Gundy gets the best of all worlds if the T-Mac trade goes down -- a new point, two and four. Van Gundy complained throughout the season about how Steve Francis ran the offense, and most believed it was a foregone conclusion Francis would be traded this summer. After such a terrible season, though, everyone also believed Francis' trade value was at an all-time low.
Van Gundy also wanted to upgrade the two and four positions. Mobley was undersized to play the two guard and, combined with Francis, took too many shots for the coach's taste. Cato started at power forward all season.
Moving Francis allows VG to hand pick his new point guard. T-Mac is a major upgrade over Mobley. And Howard, despite all of his faults, is a good fit at the four. If Van Gundy can't win with this team, he's going to be in trouble quickly.
FRONT OFFICE: Hand it to Carrol Dawson. A month ago it looked like the Rockets might have to give Francis away. Now? It looks like they've landed a top-five player for him. The T-Mac deal, if it goes through, is a home run for the Rockets. It's the type of deal that turns the fortunes of a franchise around overnight.
As long as both McGrady (who has a history of back problems) and Yao (who will be overworked this summer because of Chinese national team duty) stay healthy, the Rockets are poised to move up in the West, regardless of the additional pieces they add.
However, with the right move or two in free agency and trade, the Rockets could be on the verge of huge jump into the upper echelon of the West. With the Lakers crumbling, the Kings facing free-agency defections and the Spurs still trying to find a missing piece or two -- there's an opening. One or two nice free agents or trades and the Rockets could be the team to beat in the West next year.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
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Monday, June 28 Updated 2:05 PM EST
New Jersey concerned about growing payroll
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jason Kidd
Nets
? Jun. 28 - Rod Thorn, Nets CEO, is finally saying what those around the team have thought for awhile -- if New Jersey is unable to trade Kerry Kittles, the team might have to deal Jason Kidd or allow Kenyon Martin to walk away for nothing as a restricted free agent. "I can't put a percentage on it," Thorn told the N.Y. Post of the chances the team's Big Three will return intact. "Obviously, we'll do everything to keep our team as competitive as we possibly can."
The problem, though, is that the Nets may not get back full value for Kidd in terms of talent, because the point guard is due for knee surgery. "We'll know in the next couple of days, but he'll probably end up having surgery," Thorn said. Sources told the Post Kidd has scheduled the procedure for July 1.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kenyon Martin
Nets
Nets?
Nuggets?
Hawks? Jun. 28 - Martin is looking for a six-year, $90 million deal from the Nets, who, understandably, are balking. They tried to trade Martin to the Nuggets for Nene, but Denver didn't bite. However, the Nuggets still might have interest. Kiki Vandeweghe is close with Martin, and the Nuggets still are looking to upgrade their low-post scoring. Denver has enough cash to offer Martin a big free-agent deal that New Jersey would be inclined not to match.
The Hawks also will consider throwing a max contract Martin's way. The team didn't draft one big guy with any of its five picks last Thursday and needs size in the worst way. New Jersey officials have acknowledged they can't afford to keep Martin unless they're able to unload Kerry Kittles, or perhaps even Jason Kidd.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jamal Crawford
Bulls
Bulls
Nuggets
Knicks Jun. 28 - Having drafted Ben Gordon, the Bulls might be less inclined to match an offer to Crawford, or so speculates the Newark Star-Ledger. The paper suggests that if the Knicks were to throw their entire mid-level exception at Crawford (six years, $40 million), Chicago might simply let the point guard walk.
"But all this revolves around what we can get accomplished with the Bulls," agent Aaron Goodwin told the paper. "He loves New York and thinks the world of Isiah Thomas. But we don't want to even think about talking with any other team until it's clear that we can't get anything resolved with the Bulls."
Meanwhile, Goodwin told the Rocky Mountain News, Crawford has "definite interest" in the Nuggets. "Initial intent would be to re-sign with the Bulls, but Denver becomes a big focus because of what Kiki is doing there," Goodwin told the paper.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Steve Nash
Mavericks
Mavericks
Lakers
Nuggets
Suns
Suns
Jazz
Clippers Jun. 28 - It has been considered a foregone conclusion for months that Nash would return to Dallas, but events of the past few weeks have called that into question. The Mavs are in the hunt for Shaquille O'Neal and reportedly are offering Nash as bait in a sign-and-trade.
The team also raised eyebrows Thursday when it used the No. 5 pick on point guard Devin Harris. The Mavs claim they brought in Harris to be Nash's backup. However, Harris was considered the most NBA-ready point guard in the draft. If Nash signs the lucrative long-term deal he wants, will they really just stash Harris away? More likely, the team is sending a signal to Nash -- either agree to a sign-and-trade with the Lakers or go find your dough somewhere else.
Nash should have no problem finding suitors. The Suns, Jazz and Clippers all are in the market for a veteran point guard.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Shaquille O'Neal
Lakers
Mavericks
Pacers?
Grizzlies?
Blazers? Jun. 28 - The Lakers have been holding out hope O'Neal would change his mind about wanting to be traded, but Sunday he reiterated his desire to leave L.A., even going so far as to put his Beverly Hills home on the market for $7.5 million, according to the L.A. Times.
The Mavericks are considered to be the front-runner to deal for Shaq, but they are reluctant to part with Dirk Nowitzki, a condition L.A. has said is non-negotiable. Dallas reportedly is trying to interest the Lakers in a package headlined by Steve Nash. The Pacers, Grizzlies and Blazers are also possible trading partners for L.A., but a trade with Dallas makes the most sense by far.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Rasheed Wallace
Pistons
Pistons
Knicks?
Sixers? Jun. 28 - After the Pistons won the NBA title, everyone assumed Wallace would re-up there. They can offer him more money than anyone else, and he seems like a perfect fit in Detroit. However, he has taken the stance that the money doesn't matter and wants to find a place where his family is most comfortable.
The Pistons are still the heavy favorites to re-sign him, but two teams -- the Sixers and Knicks -- could be in the mix. Wallace grew up in Philly and has always wanted to play there. He has made his desire to play in New York clear for the past year. However, if he plays for either team, it would have to be via a sign-and-trade deal, or else he would have to take a pay cut and play for the mid-level exception (starting salary of about $5 million).
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Mehmet Okur
Pistons
Suns
Nuggets
Jazz
Pistons Jun. 28 - There's a dearth of big men available, and a number of teams are going to show major interest in Okur now that it looks pretty clear the Pistons won't re-sign him. Four months ago, the team appeared prepared to re-sign him at any cost. But coach Larry Brown wasn't a fan, and Okur stewed on the bench the last two months of the season.
Okur wants out, and unless 'Sheed decides he doesn't want to stay in Detroit, there's probably little Joe Dumars (who really does want Okur back) can do about it. Unless the Pistons clear more cap room, the most they can offer him is the mid-level exception. The Suns, Jazz and Nuggets are all expected to make offers starting in the $6 million to $7 million a year range. Right now it appears the Suns are the heavy favorites to land him.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Erick Dampier
Warriors
Warriors
Lakers
Grizzlies
Heat
Mavericks
Pacers Jun. 28 - Dampier had a career season and decided to opt out of his contract, foregoing a starting salary of $8.1 million next season. Can he recoup that on the open market? Maybe. Several teams with cap room are in desperate need of a big man and may be willing to offer Dampier big bucks, despite a pretty spotty history of injuries and malaise. More likely, Dampier will recoup the cash in the long term.
The Lakers are interested if they lose Shaquille O'Neal. The Grizzlies, Heat, Mavs and Pacers are interested, as well, if they don't land Shaq. All five teams can offer a six-year deal at the mid-level exception that, in total, would exceed what Dampier gave up by opting out. Or, they could work out a sign-and-trade with the Warriors that would earn Dampier even more cash.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Brent Barry
Sonics
Warriors
Rockets
Sonics
Nets
Nuggets
Cavs Jun. 28 - The Warriors are said to have Barry high on their free-agent shopping list, and the Rockets might have interest in him, too, once the expected trade for Tracy McGrady opens up space in their backcourt. Previously, reports indicated the Nets, Nuggets and Cavaliers were expected to make runs at Barry in free agency. Indications are Barry will be seeking the mid-level exception of $5 million per year over three to four years. However, the Seattle Times cites sources who say Barry has turned down a three-year, $18 million deal to re-sign with the Sonics and is seeking a four-year contract. The Sonics still hope to re-sign him.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Al Harrington
Pacers
Cavaliers?
Bulls?
Knicks? Jun. 28 - The Pacers shopped Harrington hard before the draft but weren't able to get anything done. Team president Larry Bird has said, "Sometimes it's best for both (parties) if there's a trade." Harrington wants to start, but he has Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal ahead of him the forward spots. Chicago, New York and Cleveland were said to be interested before the draft.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Blazers
Nets? Jun. 28 - Before last week's draft, sources were claiming the Blazers had a deal in place to move Abdur-Rahim to the Nets for Kerry Kittles, Aaron Williams and the No. 22 pick. The teams did end up making a deal for the draft pick, which Portland used on Viktor Khryapa, but it's unclear whether the teams still are discussing Abdur-Rahim.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Paul Pierce
Celtics
Bulls? Jun. 28 - A pre-draft report in the Arlington Heights Daily Herald indicated Pierce had been mentioned in a trade with the Bulls that would have sent Tyson Chandler, the No. 3 pick in the draft and another player to the Celtics. The Boston Globe had reported previously that Pierce was on the block, quoting GM Danny Ainge as saying: "Paul is huge. He's our best player. He's the greatest asset our franchise has. He's not untradeable. There's no such thing. I would be asking about Paul Pierce. He's worth the money. He fits the criteria everyone is looking for."