The Clippers decided not to match the Suns' six-year, $42.6 million offer sheet for Quentin Richardson, sources told Insider. Instead, they traded for Nets shooting guard Kerry Kittles in a move that preserves their cap space for next season.
With most of the free-agent dollars dried up, several teams and player agents were waiting with bated breath for the decision. The Clippers' decision not to match for Q, but to trade for Kittles, may have been the worst of all worlds for the few free agents left out there.
If the Clippers had matched, suddenly the Suns would've become players in the free-agent market again. Warriors free-agent center Erick Dampier has been waiting over a week to see what happens with Phoenix. The Suns still needed a big man and Dampier would've been a good fit. However, with Q on the books, the Suns are totally out of cap space.
Their pursuit of Dampier may not be over, however. With Q in the fold, the team now has a logjam of swingmen with Richardson, Joe Johnson, Shawn Marion and Casey Jacobsen. The Suns could attempt to package Marion in a deal for Dampier if they feel they still need a center. Johnson could be another trade target. He's up for a lucrative extension this summer and, depending on what he asks for, the Suns could choose to move him instead of meeting his asking price.
By not matching, the Clippers had roughly $13.2 million in cap space to use. However, they absorbed all of Kittles' $10.3 million contract in the trade, leaving them around three million under the cap. Why would the Clippers pay Kittles $10.3 million but refuse to pay Richardson (arguably the better player) $5.8 million next year? With Kittles and Marko Jaric coming off the books next summer, the Clippers will have max cap room to play with again next year.
With the Clippers and Suns now out of the free-agent market, that leaves only the Hawks and Bobcats with significant cap room to re-sign free agents. The Hawks have been talking to Dampier and Stromile Swift. The Bobcats have been pretty quiet with GM Bernie Bickerstaff indicating that he's happy with the roster they've put together.
The Nets, by virtue of not getting back anything in return for Kittles, also acquire a $10.3 million trade exception they can use. Theoretically, the Nets could acquire any player in a trade who makes up to $10.3 million without sending out a player in return. They cannot, however, use the exception to sign a free agent. Given the cost cutting that Bruce Ratner is forcing GM Rod Thorn to undergo, it's doubtful that the team will use the exception, however.
"We don't want to be a taxpayer," Thorn told Insider on Thursday afternoon. "This was an attempt to make that possible."
The Nets now stand at $47 million in payroll, about $6 million short of where the threshold landed last season. Thorn told Insider he expects to use part of his mid-level exception and possibly their $1.6 million exception, but the team won't go overboard.
"We need to fill in a few holes," Thorn told Insider. "Making this deal allows us to add several smaller pieces. Kerry was very good for us, but he was a role player. We felt like we could sacrifice him and still be good."
Around the League
More restricted news: Only five other restricted free agents have signed offer sheets with teams. Mehmet Okur signed one with the Jazz. The Pistons withdrew their qualifying offer from Okur when they signed Rasheed Wallace and Okur signed with the Jazz on Monday. The Wizards matched the Bucks' offer to Etan Thomas. The Cavs will be unable to match the Jazz's offer to Carlos Boozer and he's expected to formally sign today.
The Raptors have decided to match the Hornets' three-year, $15 million offer to Mo Peterson, according to several reports. They are expected to announce their decision today. The other outstanding offer is the Blazers' six-year, $27 million offer sheet to Trenton Hassell. The Timberwolves have until Aug. 10 to match the offer.
More options for Damp? Now that the Suns are likely out of the picture, look for Dampier to land in either New York or Atlanta by early next week.
The Knicks have reportedly upped their offer to Golden State, offering Kurt Thomas and Othella Harrington (who is in the last year of his contract) to the Warriors for Dampier in a sign-and-trade. Thomas could provide the Warriors with a much-needed veteran presence at the four, though Chris Mullin might balk at the five years, $36.8 million left on his contract.
If things don't go that way, Dampier will likely sign the Hawks' offer. The Hawks have, according to sources, upped their offer to Dampier now that they've received considerable trade interest from several teams, including the Grizzlies. The Warriors may not be interested in doing a sign-and-trade, but the Hawks wouldn't be averse to signing Dampier and then trading him. If they sign Dampier, they won't be able to trade him until Dec. 15.
There's always the risk, given his history, that Dampier will get injured and become untradeable before the deadline. But if he goes to Atlanta and plays well for a few months, it may convince a team like the Grizzlies or Pacers to make a trade that could help fill a number of holes that the Hawks have.
Miles, Abdur-Rahim blazing in Portland: Lost in the Shareef Abdur-Rahim trade demand on Tuesday was a subtle hint as to why restricted free agent Darius Miles and the Blazers aren't even close to an agreement.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Power Forward
Portland Trail Blazers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
85 16.3 7.5 2.0 .475 .869
According to Abdur-Rahim and coach Maurice Cheeks, the Blazers are offering Shareef Miles' job at the three. Miles started 42 games at small forward for the Blazers last season, averaging 12.6 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 28 mpg. By the end of the season, he'd upped his averages to 14.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg. Not too shabby.
Last season, Cheeks clearly preferred Miles to Abdur-Rahim and it was tough to argue with the results. The team went 24-16 with Miles in the starting lineup, a dramatic improvement from where it began the season.
Abdur-Rahim averaged 10 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 23 mpg coming off the bench. However, his production steadily fell off as the season wore on. By April, he was averaging just 7.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 17.8 mpg.
Why the sudden change of heart from Cheeks? Even Abdur-Rahim doesn't get it.
Darius Miles
Guard-Forward
Portland Trail Blazers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
79 10.9 4.5 2.1 .485 .642
"My problem with that is if you started Darius at small forward all of last year -- and Darius is supposed to be a big part of the Blazers' future – and now I'm going to start there?" Abdur-Rahim told the Oregonian. "That's creating a crazy situation. What is Darius supposed to think about that? And for the team? That's not good. I don't want to be in a situation where it's uncomfortable.
"And last season, I didn't even split time at the four, and now all of a sudden you want to start me at the three and have me back up at the four? I just want to know what is really going on. Are they trying to keep me to save luxury tax dollars the next season, or what? I just want to sit down and get some straight talk."
Abdur-Rahim is so upset about the situation that he's threatening to sit out the season if he isn't traded. Can you imagine how Miles feels? During his exit interview, Miles was told he was going to be a big part of the Blazers' future. Abdur-Rahim was told they'd try to trade him. Now, it looks like both promises have been turned on their head.
After the latest fiasco, there's no question that Miles, too, now wants out of Portland. He was stunned when the team offered him a contract that started lower than its one-year tender offer ($5.4 million). The few teams left with cap room have been reluctant to make offers because the Blazers are claiming they'll match. Several teams are willing to do sign-and-trades, but the Blazers are refusing to talk.
That leaves Miles with just two options. One, he can still try to convince a team like the Hawks or the Bobcats to make him an offer. If that doesn't work, Miles can accept Portland's one-year tender offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Doing so guarantees that he'll bolt the Blazers next summer. Like most free agents, he'd prefer to get a deal done now before the collective bargaining agreement expires . . . but given the current climate in Portland, sources say he's on the verge of taking the tender offer.
All of this leads to the inevitable, what the heck are the Blazers thinking, conclusion. While clearly they hold most of the negotiating cards right now, if Miles calls their bluff and takes the tender offer, they've just lost a valuable asset. Owner Paul Allen and GM John Nash may prefer Abdur-Rahim to Miles, but the reality is that Shareef is bolting Portland.
If the Blazers don't trade him this year, he'll leave via unrestricted free agency next summer. If Miles does the same … where does that leave the Blazers? With Zach Randolph (who's looking for a big extension next summer) and roughly $20 million in cap room. Maybe the Blazers think they can do better on the open market next year, but if Miles blows up this year (he showed signs of it toward the end of the season) the Blazers will end up kicking themselves.
Free agent updates
League sources told Insider that the Lakers have reached a multi-year agreement with big man Slava Medvedenko. Look for him to sign the contract on Monday. The Lakers are also close to signing second round draft pick Marcus Douthit to a deal.
Lithuanian sharp shooter and top international free agent Arvydas Macijauskas signed a three year extension on Monday with Tau Ceramic. However, he can still head to the NBA this season as long as he does a deal by July 31st. After that window, he's unavailable until next summer. Several teams, including the Bulls, have shown interest.
Look for Hawks free agent point guard Jacque Vaughn to land in New Jersey along with another free agent guard Rodney Buford. Both have been in serious talks with the Nets all week. Vaughn is the most critical signing. It looks like Jason Kidd may miss that start of the season after offseason knee surgery and the Nets need someone with starting experience to replace him.
Hawks guard Travis Hansen is trying to talk the Hawks out of picking up their team option for his second year. The Hawks drafted a four swingmen in this year's draft and played Hansen sparingly in the summer league. A number of teams are in hot pursuit of Hansen, but can't do anything until the Hawks decide what to do with him. The Hawks have until Aug. 15th to waive him or his salary protection becomes full.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
-------------------------------------------
Thursday, July 29 Updated 3:53 PM EST
Rumor Central
Knicks, Hawks up ante for Dampier
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Erick Dampier
Warriors
Knicks
Hawks
Grizzlies
Pacers
Suns Jul. 29 - The Knicks have reportedly upped their offer to Golden State, offering Kurt Thomas and Othella Harrington (who is in the last year of his contract) to the Warriors for Dampier in a sign-and-trade. Thomas could provide the Warriors with a much-needed veteran presence at the four, though Chris Mullin might balk at the five years, $36.8 million left on his contract.
If things don't go that way, Dampier will likely sign the Hawks' offer. The Hawks have, according to sources, upped their offer to Dampier now that they've received considerable trade interest from several teams, including the Grizzlies. The Warriors may not be interested in doing a sign-and-trade, but the Hawks wouldn't be averse to signing Dampier and then trading him. If they sign Dampier, they won't be able to trade him until Dec. 15th.
There's always the risk, given his history, that Dampier will get injured and become untradeable before the deadline. But if he goes to Atlanta and plays well for a few months, it may convince a team like the Grizzlies or Pacers to make a trade that could help fill a number of holes that the Hawks have.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Vince Carter
Raptors
Hornets? Jul. 29 - A television station in New Orleans, WGNO, is reporting that the Raptors are offering Carter and Jalen Rose to the Hornets in exchange for P.J. Brown and Jamaal Magloire. Although Carter has hinted he wants out of Toronto, the proposed deal doesn't work under the salary cap. The Hornets would have to include Jamal Mashburn and David Wesley in the trade to make it work.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Darius Miles
Blazers
Blazers
Hawks
Clippers
Bobcats Jul. 29 - Portland wants to re-sign him, but its original offer sheet was very low, causing Miles to look elsewhere. Unfortunately for Miles, unless the Hawks, Clippers or Bobcats come through, he's not going to be able to cash in on the free-agent bonanza the way some were. That's the curse of restricted free agency. If the Blazers trade Shareef Abdur-Rahim, they might be more willing to commit. There's no question Miles wants out of Portland. He was stunned when the team offered him a contract that started lower than its one-year tender offer ($5.9 million). The few teams left with cap room have been reluctant to make offers because the Blazers are claiming they'll match. Several teams are willing to do sign-and-trades, but the Blazers are refusing to talk.
That leaves Miles with just two options. One, he can still try to convince a team like the Clippers, Hawks, Suns (if Quentin Richardson's offer isn't matched) or the Bobcats to make him an offer. The Clippers make the most sense. He flourished in L.A. and has a rock-solid relationship with Corey Maggette, Elton Brand and rookie Shaun Livingston. He works out with all three at Hoops the Gym in Chicago all summer. He's also best friends with Quentin Richardson. The two would love to be reunited.
If that doesn't work, Miles can accept Portland's one-year tender offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Doing so guarantees that he'll bolt the Blazers next summer. Like most free agents, he'd prefer to get a deal done now before the collective bargaining agreement expires . . . but given the current climate in Portland, sources say he's on the verge of taking the tender offer.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Mo Williams
Jazz
? Jul. 29 - Williams worked his way into the Jazz rotation last season, which resulted in Utah tendering a qualifying offer to the young point guard. However, the Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that Williams might be looking for a team with more playing time available since the Jazz already have Carlos Arroyo and Raul Lopez under contract.
"We didn't draft a point guard and we didn't sign a [new] point guard," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said. "That's what he should be looking at." By giving Williams the offer, the Jazz can match any other offers that may come his way.
-------------------------------------------
Welcome to ESPN.com's moderated chat room. On Thursday, July 29, ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford dropped by to take your NBA draft and offseason hoops questions in chat.
Ford writes the daily NBA Insider column for ESPN Insider. He also in a frequent contributer to ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and makes weekly apperances on ESPN Radio and ESPNEWS. Before joining ESPN, he was the co-founder and executive editor for sportsTALK.com, a sports information website.
The following is a transcript of the July 29 chat:
Click here to get a free 30 day trial of NBA Insider.
Check out previous Ford chat wraps in the NBA chat archive!
For a list of upcoming ESPN.com chat guests, visit SportsNation.
Chad Ford: Hey everyone, thanks for coming today. Free agency is beginning to wind down a bit, but there's still a few guys out there (and a few trade rumors) worth talking about. Let's roll.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike (Detroit, MI): Yo Chad, What possible reason would the Clippers have for not matching Q's offer sheet? If they don't, are they just moving back in to the normal Clipper patern?
Chad Ford: The Clippers have until midnight eastern to match the offer for Q. Sources claim they are leaning heavily toward matching the Suns offer. Why wouldn't they? They've had trade discussions with several teams that would require them to have their full cap space available to them. Making a trade for say, Kerry Kittles, allows them to also go into next summer with max cap room.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill (Boston): Recent subscriber to the Insider here! Thanks for all the insights! You mentioned in your article today that the Clips might want to roll max money into next year...but who's going to be available next year that's deserving of max dollars?
Chad Ford: Vitaly Potapenko!
Chad Ford: That was a joke. . .with the exception of the draft class of 2001, it's not a great class. Ray Allen, Michael Redd, Shareef Abdur Rahim and Theo Ratliff top the list.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
john (phoenix, az): As much as I love Q's game, don't you think the Suns would be better off if the Clips match the offer sheet, freeing the Suns up to pursue Dampier? Doesn't Amare need a little help down low?
Chad Ford: You're right. Back when they made the offer to Q, the conventional wisdom was that Dampier was way out of their price range. Now that he's getting desperate to sign a deal, the Suns will have a good shot at getting him either straight up or a sign-and-trade. You're right, they need a big man more than they need Q.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
david scottsdale: If the suns do get Q, will they trade marion mabe for a big guy of erick dampier calibur? or will they be a run and gun team with no true center
Chad Ford: That's the other option. While the Suns claim they're happy having Q, Joe Johnson and Shawn Marion, there's obviously a log jam there. Marion's contract might be tough to move. Johnson could be more likely, especially if his contract demands are out of control. He's due for an extension this fall.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
brandon nashville tn: Can the clips keep Q and go after D-Miles that would be a team that could be dangerous years to come.
Chad Ford: Yes. The Clipps would have around $7.4 million left if they match Q. That's more than enough to land D-Miles too. The offer he got from the Blazers was very low. He wants out and the Clippers might be one of the few teams willing to spend the cash.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian (Elgin, IL): Chad, love the "inside" updates. I'm a bit anxious to see if the Bulls and Knicks are going to make the Crawford sign-n-trade happen? What's the latest and if it doesn't happen, do the Bulls have any other option for a Crawford sign-n-trade deal? Thanks! Brian
Chad Ford: Here's the skinny. Isiah Thomas is trying anything and everything to give him. Jim Paxson doesn't mind trading Crawford, but he wants Isiah to take back a couple of bad contracts and doesn't want any long term contracts back in return. There's a way to make it happen, but so far Isiah and Paxson aren't budging. If the Knicks lose out on Dampier and/or Antoine Walker, they may pay Paxson's heavy price. Right now the Bulls are in the driver's seat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan(New Orleans, LA): Chad, VINCE CARTER?? Is he going to the Hornets?? Newest rumor had him offered for Jamal Magloire among others. Any truth??
Chad Ford: The deal that's getting reported: Carter and Jalen Rose for Jamaal Magloire and P.J. Brown doesn't work under cap rules. Not even close. The Hornets would have to include Jamal Mashburn and David Wesley to make it work, or take Rose out of the deal. I can understand why the Raptors would do this trade. It makes much less sense for the Hornets. They're giving up their whole front line for him. I know Vince sells tickets, but without a center and a power forward the Hornets would look a little like . . . last year's Raptors.
Chad Ford: BTW, I've talked to several sources in the league and none of them have heard anything about this. The fact that Magloire is a Canadian native makes it sound awfully fishy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy (Vancouver, Washington): Hey Chad, thanks for taking the Question. Mine is, do you think the Timberwolves will match Trenton Hassell's offer sheet from the blazers? And if they don't, are they planning any other moves to get another guard into the rotation?
Chad Ford: They don't want to lose Hassell but the Blazers probably over paid. I like Hassell's defensive effort, but four years, $27 million? If I was GM Kevin McHale, I wouldn't match.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JCK (Chicago): Will the Bulls sign Andres Nocioni? If so, should the fans be excited?
Chad Ford: It sounds like it's very close. Nocioni is a stud. He's tough, agressive and can flat out play. He's a star in Europe. I'm not sure he could achieve that status here. He a good but not great athlete and a bit of a tweener in the NBA. It's a great signing for the Bulls, but Luol Deng is their future star at the three, Nocioni will play more of a Toni Kukoc role off the bench.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JM: Chad- All of the Grizzlies fans would love to know- are we gona get a center this offseason?
Chad Ford: Jerry West has been working the phones, trying to make something happen. Dampier was at the top of their list, but they've been unable to get a sign-and-trade done with the Warriors. There aren't many other worthy big men available. They may be stuck with what they have.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt, Baltimore: I am a Big Fan Chad! Hawks question here, with another lottery season and more cap room, will any free agents actually go to ATL next off season?
Chad Ford: If they land Erick Dampier, most of it will be gone. If they don't, they'll have lots of room next year. Will free agents come? Sure . . . if the Hawks build a franchise worth coming. Who would've thought, two years ago, that the Nuggets would be a prime time free agent destination. If the organization is built to win and the team experiences some success, the free agents will come. With that said, it doesn't look good right now. From everything I've been told, their front office is a wreck, the owners can't agree on things and obviously, they have yet to sign a significant free agent (though I really like the trade that landed them Al Harrington).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeremy (Greeley, CO): Didn't Orlando give up too much for Battie? Why on earth did they include Varajeo along with Gooden?
Chad Ford: It's the second really bad trade for John Weisbrod. I like Battie, but he gave up two young power forward for an aging one with knee problems. I know the Magic are looking for guys with great character who play hard and I do believe they've upgraded their team. But in the long run, I'm think they could've gotten more for McGrady, Gooden and Varejao.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dino (Columbus): I think we were both glad to see the Cavs steer clear of Vin Baker. Do you like the recent trades (Snow, Gooden, etc)????
Chad Ford: Yes. I think they've done a pretty good job recovering from the defection of Carlos Boozer. The additions of Drew Gooden, Eric Snow, Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao should be enough to help the Cavs make a serious push for the playoffs in the East.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shawn Lowery (Miami, FL): Chad, please give us the latest on where free agents are going. In Insider you mentioned a few, but what's the latest on Chris Mihm, Eric Williams, Marcus Fizer, Rodney White, and DeShawn Stevenson?
Chad Ford: Williams is getting the most buzz out of the guys you mentioned. There's a half dozen teams trying to work out some sort of sign-and-trade with the Cavs. The Warriors, Celtics and Heat are among the teams trying to get him. White claims he's narrowed his list to the Knicks and Kings, though the Nuggets may want him back. The Celtics made an offer to Mihm. Fizer and Stevenson have been virtually silent.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Darius (Oakland): Do the Lakers have any more $ to spend on free agents? I know they are over the cap, but do they have any exceptions remaining?
Chad Ford: No, they're basically done. They can re-sign their own free agents (they'll re-up Slava Medvedenko on Monday) sign players to minimum deals and make trades. They have no free agent money left.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe (boston): Hi Chad, how good is Al Jefferson? Is he a superstar in the making? Thanks for taking the question....
Chad Ford: He looked as good as any other rookie in the summer league. I think it's early to call him a superstar, but it was clear he knows how to rebound and score in the paint. He should contribute right away next season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ddubb (long beach): What rookies other than the top two are gonna be last years Dwyane Wade?
Chad Ford: Along with Jefferson and No. 1 pick Dwight Howard . . .J.R. Smith and Luol Deng looked great in the summer league. Ditto for Devin Harris, Kevin Martin and Josh Smith. I also think the Bulls Ben Gordon will have a great shot at the Rookie of the Year honors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt (Casper, WY): Come on Chad, I need some info. Where will Shareef Abdur-Rahim end up? NJ still the fav? I think this trade will be the most underrated of the off-season...
Chad Ford: I think the Nets are out of it. The Blazers want to keep Shareef. He's demanding a trade and threatening to sit out camp if they don't move him. His agent, Aaron Goodwin, ususally gets what he wants. If a team can offer expiring contracts or a young big man to back up Theo Ratliff and Zach Randolph, they might be interested.
Chad Ford: I've got to run everyone. Thanks for coming to the chat today. We'll do it again next week.