Category Archives: Free Agency

On Casspi, Oden, Granger and Bargnani

February 28, 2013 – 4:46 pm

Random NBA stuff:

• Reports that the Cavaliers and Omri Casspi are working on a buyout were likely generated by Casspi’s agent, and any talks very well could be going nowhere. But if it actually happens, expect the Spurs to give him some consideration. The Grizzlies? Eh, not so much.

• Players must be waived by 11:59 p.m. EST Friday to be eligible for another team’s playoff roster. But some teams will still sign guys who have been waived after that date as an end-of-the-season tryout.

• The Cavs have an available roster spot, and GM Chris Grant said the team will indeed scour the waiver wire once these transactions take place in the next day or two.

• Grant’s exact words: “We’ll constantly look at those guys and take a look at D-League guys that make sense. Our roster stands at 15, so we’d have to make a decision if a player came up. That’s fine. Ownership allows us to do that.”

• Speaking of available players, in case you missed it, former No. 1 overall draft pick Greg Oden has decided not to sign with a team until the summer free agency period. The Cavs, Heat and Celtics are said to be the frontrunners.

• Here’s my story on the Oden situation from Wednesday.

• Pacers forward Danny Granger stands a good chance to get traded this summer. The Pacers would’ve moved him at the deadline had he been healthy. They need to find a way to trim salary. Anyone with a high first-round draft pick (or two) can be in the running for Granger.

• It’s also highly likely former No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani will be traded this summer. After his disappointing season (and huge contract), he won’t cost a whole lot, either. I still say Bargnani can be a really nice player if he lands in the right spot. Prediction time: It will be with the Kings (Sonics?), regardless of where they end up.

• Finally, here is what Raptors coach Dwane Casey had to say about the addition of small forward Rudy Gay.

Twitter: @SamAmicoFSO

 

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, NBA |


Cavs vs. Magic primer

October 15, 2012 – 4:41 pm

VENUE: U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati.

TIP-OFF: 7 p.m.

PRESEASON RECORDS: Cavaliers 2-2; Magic 0-2.

TV: None.

RADIO: WTAM-1100 AM, 6:30 p.m.

PROBABLE STARTERS

Cavs vs. Magic

C – Anderson Varejao vs. Nikola Vucevic

F – Tristan Thompson vs. Glen Davis

F – C.J. Miles vs. Hedo Turkoglu

G – Dion Waiters vs. J.J. Redick

G – Kyrie Irving vs. Jameer Nelson

NOTES: Magic a different, totally made-over team minus Dwight Howard. Cavs know how they feel, having lost LeBron James two years ago. … Difference is, Magic no longer seemed to be getting anywhere with Howard. … Another is fact Cavs have another good young star-in-rising in Irving. With any luck, Waiters will be in that class, too. … Waiters getting his second straight start, with Miles moving to small forward. … Bad news for Alonzo Gee in all this is he played his best game of preseason coming off bench in Saturday’s loss to Washington. … Looking at Magic’s lineup, you can’t help but wonder who’s going to score. … On the bright side, new coach Jacque Vaughn already has them playing with determination and together. … First-round draft pick Moe Harkless (hernia) is out until mid-November for Magic. … Ex-Cavs swingman Christian Eyenga (hamstring) is listed as questionable. … After waiving Kelenna Azubuike on Sunday, the Cavs still have two more cuts to make. …The Cavs are holding opponents to just less than 40 percent shooting in four preseason games.

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA Draft, Orlando Magic |


NBA preseason notes: Heat lose; lottery picks look good

October 7, 2012 – 6:32 pm

A few news and notes on opening weekend of the NBA preseason:

• Center Chris Kaman and shooting guard O.J. Mayo already look like a couple of offseason additions who will help the Mavericks. Both started in the preseason opener, an 89-84 victory over Alba Berlin in Germany. Kaman scored 14 points on 7-for-9 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Mayo scored eight points in 26 minutes, with four assists and a couple of steals.

• Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley bulked up over the summer and has gotten noticeably stronger. He compiled 18 points, eight assists and five boards in a 105-93 win over Real Madrid.

• Eddy Curry scored seven points in nine minutes in the Spurs’ 106-77 hammer job of Montepaschi Siena.

• The Clippers had a somewhat busy summer when it came to picking up veteran free agents. All but Grant Hill played in the preseason opener, a 106-104 loss to the Nuggets. And Jamal Crawford (19 points) and Matt Barnes (14) both looked good off the Clips’ bench. Lamar Odom (four points, three fouls) did not.

• No. 2 overall draft pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds in the Bobcats’ 100-88 win over the Wizards. Third overall pick Bradley Beale came off the Wizards’ bench to score 18 (on 7-for-17 shooting).

• Also in that game, veteran guards Ben Gordon and Ramon Sessions scored 16 and 14, respectively, off the Bobcats’ bench.

• Top overall pick Anthony Davis started for the Hornets in an 85-80 win over the revamped Magic. Davis scored eight points with eight rebounds. Rookie guard Austin Rivers also started, scoring 10 points. Free-agent pick E’Twaun Moore led the Magic with 16 points.

• Finally, the defending champion Heat fell by a 92-79 count to the Hawks. Josh Smith scored 21 points for the Hawks, and Lou Williams came off the bench to tally 18. Chris Bosh scored 22, Norris Cole had 13, and LeBron James and Ray Allen 10 apiece for the Heat — who were playing without Dwyane Wade (knee).

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA Draft, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs |


NBA Report: Curry a natural for Spurs?

October 2, 2012 – 11:49 pm

Eddy Curry is in camp with the Spurs and I like it. In fact, I’m pulling for him.

That’s the first time I’ve ever written that about the No. 4 overall draft pick (2001, Bulls). Not that I’ve ever had an issue with Curry. Honestly, I’ve never cared one way or the other.

But these days, I sort of feel for the guy. After a couple good seasons early in his career, he’s become the butt of a lot of NBA jokes. He’s been injured, overpaid and out of shape.

Curry hasn’t had a decent season since 2006-07, when he averaged 19.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, playing in 81 of 82 games with the Knicks.

Since then … well, forget it. Since 2008, he’s played in a mere 24 games.

So, how can I like Curry?

Well, first, because he’s 7-foot-0 and once displayed serious promise.

Second, he’s still only 29-years old (he entered the NBA straight out of high school).

Third, he’s trying out for a classy organization that has tendency to make something out of troubled basketball souls (see, Stephen Jackson and Boris Diaw).

Some folks might consider Curry a longshot. And maybe he is. But just imagine if the Spurs can get anything out of him. He won’t change the course of the franchise, but he could provide relief for Tim Duncan and get his career going again.

So, come on, Curry. You’re in the perfect spot to revitalize your career.

Dribbles

• Speaking of the Spurs, keep an eye out for Nando de Colo, a 6-5 point guard out of France. The Spurs drafted him in 2009 with the 53rd pick in 2009. Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio-Express news tweeted “those who have seen (de Colo) in the open court rave about his passing skills.”

• By the way, de Colo was drafted four spots higher than Manu Ginobili was back in 1999.

• Cavaliers coach Byron Scott gave forward Alonzo Gee a tip that all young players should take to heart: “If you can’t beat a guy in three dribbles, you need to pass the ball. Simple as that.”

• Have you seen the Rockets’ roster lately? Talk about a team with some serious training camp battles. Jeremy Lin is the likely starter at point guard, but nearly every other position is up for grabs. Should be an interesting team come January, once they get to know each other.

• Rockets centers: Omer Asik, Donatas Montiejunas; Power forwards: Patrick Patterson, Marcus Marris, rookie Royce White, Jon Brockman and JaJuan Johnson; Small forwards: Chandler Parsons and rookie Terrence Jones; and Shooting guards: Kevin Martin, Carlos Delfino, rookie Jeremy Lamb and Toney Douglas.

• Bucks guard Monta Ellis is likely to exercise the option on his contract and become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, sources tell the Racine Journal-Times. If so, that’s good news for the Bucks. Guys always seem to play better in a contract year.

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Draft, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs | Tagged |


NBA quick-hitters

September 24, 2012 – 4:35 pm

Some quick news and notes with NBA training camps fast-approaching:

* In the event you missed my column earlier, most camps begin next Monday (Oct. 1) or Tuesday. However, teams playing preseason games overseas open this Friday, the Celtics and Mavericks among them.

* Former Suns and Pacers forward Louis Amundson will sign with Timberwolves, reports Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida. With the additions of Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirelenko, Alexy Shved and now Amundson, the T-Wolves have had a nice offseason.

* Free-agents still in search of a team: Mickael Pietrus, Kenyon Martin, Derek Fisher, Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady, Josh Howard, Earl Boykins, Troy Murphy, Chris Andersen, Lester Hudson and the legendary Ben Uzoh.

* It’s been reported McGrady is having a hard time finding a taker and may be headed for retirement, as badly as he still wants to play. Overseas may be the best option.

* Howard has worked out for both the 76ers and Spurs, according to Yahoo! Sports. I’m leaning toward him signing in Philly, but that’s just a guess.

* One NBA GM told me he expects veterans such as Fisher and Redd to sign late in camp or even after the season starts, as opposed to within the next week.

* Barbosa would love to join the Lakers or Cavs, but all signs point to the feelings not being mutual for either club.

* Here’s the blog post from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Cavs public relations man Garan Narain. He is leaving the Cavs after nine years to join GM Danny Ferry and the Hawks as VP of Public Relations.

* Not nearly enough credit is given to the PR folks. They work tireless, sometimes thankless, hours during the season, acting as liaisons between coaches, players and the media, compiling stats and just generally putting together and dispersing needed info about their teams. Narain’s among the absolute best.

* With Ferry, Naran and assistant GM Wes Wilcox, the Hawks now become the team I’ll follow second-most closely in the East.

* I’ll be posting complete training camp rosters in this very space within the week. We’re almost there, NBA fans.

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Draft, San Antonio Spurs |


Cavs re-sign SF Alonzo Gee

September 10, 2012 – 6:43 pm

The Cavaliers have re-signed small forward Alonzo Gee, general manager Chris Grant said Monday. Gee, 25, averaged 10.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in 31 starts (and 63 total games) last season, his third in the NBA.

“From the start of free agency, we made it clear that re-signing Alonzo was important to us and we’re happy we’ve been able to do that,” Grant said in a written release. “Alonzo has worked very hard to make the most of the opportunities he has had thus far and it has been great to see his development and growth as a Cavalier. We’re excited he will be part of our team as our young group of players continues to grow together.”

Gee entered the off-season as a restricted free agent. His new contract is believed to be in the $9.75 to $10 million range over three years.

“I am excited to be back with the Cavs and be a part of what is being built here in Cleveland,” Gee said. “I wanted things to work out for me to be here and I’m really happy that they did. I’m really thankful that the Cavs gave me an opportunity and I can’t wait to get back to work with Coach (Byron) Scott and our coaches and my teammates.”

I’ll have more on Gee and the Cavs later this evening on FOXSportsOhio.com.

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, Uncategorized |


NBA 2013 unrestricted free agents

August 13, 2012 – 4:33 pm

A look at the NBA’s unrestricted free agents at the end of the 2012-13 season, by division:

Atlantic

Celtics – Jason Collins, Keyon Dooling, Chris Wilcox; Nets – Keith Bogans, Jerry Stackhouse, CJ Watson (player option); Knicks – Ronnie Brewer, JR Smith (player option), Kurt Thomas; Sixers – Royal Ivey, Dorell Wright, Nick Young, Kwame Brown (player option), Andrew Bynum; Raptors – Alan Anderson, Jose Calderson, Amir Johnson, Linas Kleiza (player option), Aaron Gray (player option).

Central

Bulls – Marco Belinelli, Nazr Mohammed, Vladimir Radmanovic, Nate Robinson; Cavaliers – Daniel Gibson, Kelenna Azubuike, Luke Walton; Pistons – Will Bynum, Corey Maggette, Jason Maxiell, Charlie Villanueva (player option); Pacers – DJ Augustin, David West; Bucks – Samuel Dalembert, Mike Dunleavy, Beno Udrih, Monta Ellis (early-termination option).

Southeast

Hawks – Devin Harris, Kyle Korver, Anthony Morrow, Zaza Pachulia, Johan Petro, Josh Smith; Bobcats – Matt Carroll, DeSagana Diop, Ben Gordon (player option), Reggie Williams; Heat – Rashard Lewis (player option); Mario Chalmers (team option); James Jones (player option); Magic – J.J. Redick, Quentin Richardson (player option), Hedo Turkoglu (early-termination option), Josh McRoberts; Wizards – Trevor Ariza (player option), Cartier Martin, Emeka Okafor (early-termination option), A.J. Price.

Southwest

Mavericks – Elton Brand, Chris Kaman, Dahntay Jones, OJ Mayo (player option), Shawn Marion (early-termination option), Delonte West, Brandan Wright; Rockets – Jon Brockman, Shaun Livingston, Kevin Martin, Sean Williams; Grizzlies – Tony Allen, Jarryd Bayless (player option), Marreese Speights (player option); Spurs – Boris Diaw (player option), Manu Ginobili, Stephen Jackson, Patrick Mills.

Northwest

Nuggets – Corey Brewer, Andre Iguodala (early-termination option); Timberwolves – Andrei Kirilenko (player option); Thunder – Daequan Cook; Trail Blazers – JJ Hickson; Jazz – DeMarre Carroll, Al Jefferson, Randy Foye, Paul Millsap, Jamaal Tinsley, Earl Watson, Mo Williams, Marvin Williams (early-termination option).

Pacific

Warriors – Andris Biedrens (early-termination option), Jarrett Jack, Carl Landry (player option), Richard Jefferson (player option), Brandon Rush (player option); Clippers – Ryan Hollins, Chauncey Billups, Grant Hill (player option), Lamar Odom, Chris Paul, Ronny Turiaf; Lakers – Dwight Howard, Antawn Jamison, Metta World Peace (early-termination option), Earl Clark; Suns – Sebastian Telfair; Kings – Francisco Garcia (team option); Aaron Brooks (player option).

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, NBA, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs |


Sources: Barbosa open to Cavs

August 1, 2012 – 4:59 pm

With more than $16 million in available salary-cap room, the Cavaliers have yet to make a splash. Or really, much of a move of any sort.

But two months still remain before training camp, and while the lingering free agents hardly qualify as game-changers, teams can still find help. Most of that is of the veteran variety – with names such as Derek Fisher, Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady and many others like them on the market.

Among those types: Leandro Barbosa, a 29-year old combo guard entering his 10th NBA season. Last year, he averaged 12.2 points in 66 combined games with Indiana and Toronto.

Still, Barbosa has drawn little interest in free agency, with no team having made a serious run at his services. Most haven’t even given him a second thought. So Barbosa knows that at this point, a short-term contract most likely awaits.

That could make him a nice find for a team like the Cavs, who wouldn’t mind finding some help in reserve – provided they’re able to preserve their assets and cap space.

And according to several sources close to Barbosa, he’d be more than willing to talk with the Cavs about a potential role. Those sources could not say, however, if the interest was mutual.

Right now, Barbosa is focusing on the Olympics and his role on the Brazilian national team, which also features Cavs forward Anderson Varejao.

Barbosa has spent the majority of his NBA career providing instant offense and energy off the bench as a backup at both guard positions. That’s something the Cavs could use, as their backcourt currently consists of reigning Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving, lottery pick Dion Waiters and veteran Daniel Gibson, and possibly Sloan and/or recently obtained Jeremy Pargo.

Cavs coach Byron Scott recently told NBA TV the team doesn’t have its eye on anyone specific in free agency.

“Maybe if we can find someone who’s the right fit,” Scott said. “If not, we’re excited to move forward with the young guys we have.”

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA |


Cavs claim Leuer off waivers

July 21, 2012 – 12:47 pm

The Cavaliers have claimed center Jon Leuer off waivers from the Houston Rockets, Cavs general manager Chris Grant announced Friday.

Leuer, 23, averaged 4.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 26 games with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, his rookie year. He is 6-f00t-10 and selected 40th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. The Rockets waived Leuer July 18.

“Jon is a young, athletic, hard-working post player,” Grant said in a statement. “He will add depth and also bring a perimeter shooting element to our big positions. We’re happy to add Jon to our team and looking forward to his continued growth and development as a Cavalier.”

The Cavs recently completed play in the Las Vegas Summer League, and are scheduled to begin training camp in late September.

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA |


Jamison, Bobcats set up meeting

July 3, 2012 – 11:51 am

Former Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison will meet with the Bobcats on Wednesday, according to a report by Yahoo! Sports. Sources close to both sides confirmed the report.

Jamison, 36, is an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team without the Cavs receiving compensation or the ability to match the offer.

FOX Sports Ohio reported Monday that the Bobcats’ interest in Jamison is strong. He played high school ball in Charlotte and collegiately at North Carolina – the same school as Bobcats owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Jamison was second on the Cavs in scoring this past season, his second full season with the team, at 17.2 points per game. He started in 65 of a possible 66 games in the lockout-shortened year.

“That’s always been a dream of mine – to be home.” Jamison told the Charlotte Observer in January. “To have my parents there (at home games), to have my kids there.”

Jamison repeated similar comments to Cleveland reporters.

He’s spent 14 years in the NBA, including time with the Wizards, Warriors and Mavericks, posting career averages of 19.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. He plans to play another two or three seasons.

As also reported by FOX Sports Ohio, Jamison is expected to visit with two or three more teams before making a final decision on where he’ll play next season. He said at the end of the year he will not return to the Cavs. The Bobcats may also have an interest in veteran small forward Grant Hill, 39, who played collegiately at Duke.

Here is my column on Jamison and Hill potentially joining the Bobcats from June:

http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/nba_rumors_draft_news_day_3/10957298

By Sam Amico | Also posted in Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA |