HoopsHype.com Rumors

Monday, August 3

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Yes! In possible fulfillment of this writer’s dream for the 2009-10 Euroleague season, Lithuania-based Basketworld.lt is today reporting that Olympiacos will be extending a contract offer to Allen Iverson. Reportedly, Olympiacos officials are ready to offer free agent Iverson a two-year, $10 million deal, “exactly the same proposal that was presented to Nate Robinson” earlier this year. BallinEurope.com

David Lee's existence in the NBA's purgatory known as restricted free agency has entered its second month, and negotiations with the Knicks are "nowhere new," the power forward's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Monday. The Knicks are "open minded" and "willing to listen," said Bartelstein, who continues to seek sign-and-trade possibilities that are severely limited by the dearth of teams with cap space and Lee's status as a base-year compensation player -- which makes it more difficult to match salaries in a trade. Running out of options, Bartelstein and Knicks president Donnie Walsh have begun talking in general terms about a one-year deal that would make Lee an unrestricted free agent next summer, when at least half the league's teams will have significant salary cap room. "There's a possibility a one-year deal could happen," Bartelstein said. "We're not ruling anything out. If it’s a one-year deal, we’ll try to get a one-year deal that compensates him for who he is." CBSSports.com

Lee's situation is holding up some of the remaining player movement at the back end of the free-agent process. Comparable players like the Celtics' Glen "Big Baby" Davis (also a restricted free agent), Tyrus Thomas (eligible for an extension with the Bulls), and Aaron Gray (who is expected to re-sign with Chicago) have been waiting to see what happens with Lee before proceeding. So have their respective teams. The Celtics, meanwhile, struck pre-emptively Monday by agreeing to terms on a one-year, minimum salary deal with free agent forward Shelden Williams. CBSSports.com

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The Knicks have until Thursday to negotiate exclusively with ex-Clipper Jason Williams, who has decided to end his retirement. By claiming Williams on waivers, the Knicks acquired the Clippers' exclusive negotiating rights. But a person with direct knowledge of the Knicks' plans said they intend to trade Williams if they can reach agreement with him on a contract. Since they acquired his rights by claiming him on waivers, the Knicks wouldn't have to wait the customary three months to trade him. It's a risk-free way to acquire another minor asset without incurring any cost. This is a significant change in approach for the Knicks, who have spent the past decade or so acquiring minor assets at extraordinary cost. CBSSports.com

Sekou Smith: Sources: Hawks will finally get deal done with Marvin Williams this week. Twitter.com

Forward Shelden Williams has agreed to a one-year contract with the Celtics, according to an NBA source. Williams is expected to sign a deal worth the veteran's minimum salary of $1.306 million. Williams, 25, was the fifth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks after a decorated college career at Duke. He was a first-team All-American in 2006 and graduated as the program's all-time leader in blocked shots and rebounds. Boston Globe

Marc J. Spears: The Cs agreed in principle to sign forward Shelden Williams, according to source. The signing will not have bearing on C interest in Davis. Twitter.com

Marc J. Spears: The Cs are still struggling to work a sign and trade for Daniels, but either way he's coming, source said. Rookie Hudson's status in air. Twitter.com

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed restricted free-agent center Ryan Hollins to an offer sheet. Under the terms of the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Dallas Mavericks will have seven days upon receiving the offer sheet to match Minnesota's offer. Per team policy, terms of the contract offer were not disclosed. Timberwolves.com

Marc J. Spears: MIN signed restricted FA center Ryan Hollins to a three-year, $7 million offer sheet that DAL isn't expected to match, a source said. Twitter.com

Mark Cuban: congrats to ryan hollins. wish him the best w twolves. Twitter.com

Now back to business: What’s this buzz we’re hearing about the availability of Monta Ellis? DallasBasketball.com

Former Celtics forward Leon Powe's camp says the Cavs might be his No. 1 choice. There's no indication yet the Cavs have offered a contract. But that could happen — and might have already happened. His camp says the Cavs are very interested in the 6-foot-8, 240-pounder. "It would be nice to work something out," agent Aaron Goodwin said. "He's an incredible young man. (The Cavs are a) great, patient organization." News-Herald

Primoz Brezec, after an unsuccesfully season in Italy with the jersey of Virtus Roma, is close to going back to NBA. His next destination should be Philadelphia 76ers. Sportando.net

Two available unrestricted free agents are Jason Hart and Mike Wilks. But the Magic have not expressed interest in either of them so far, their agent, Bill Neff, said Friday. Orlando Sentinel

Mickeal Gelabale will not play in Alicante next year despite the Spanish team announced his signing. Former NBA player reached an agreement with Lucentum for 400k per season but the contract sent was changed to 350k without his knowledge. As soon as the player knew the situation fired his agent and through his new agent let to know to Alicante that he will not play for them and will try to play in NBA again. Sportando.net

Carife Ferrara has a new guard for the coming year: Luke Jackson. The player reached an agreement with the Italian team and the deal will be official soon. The American player will replace Allan Ray. Sportando.net

Stevenson said that he thought the Wizards trade to acquire Mike Miller and Randy Foye "was good for us. It makes us deeper. It makes us a contender." But he followed up that comment with the worst kept secret regarding the franchise -- the team will only be as good as its best player. "This whole team revolves around Gilbert Arenas. Everybody knows it. Nobody wants to say it, but I'm going to say it," Stevenson said. "I've been on this team four years -- it depends on Gilbert Arenas. We can make as many trades as we want to. When he's healthy and he's playing, we're a dangerous team. When we don't have him, it makes it harder to move the ball; it's hard to get things easy. That's my point of view. If Gilbert is 70 percent, we're going win a lot of games. If Gilbert is 80 percent, we're going to be No. 1 in the East. If he's 100 percent, we might win a championship." Washington Post

He continued: "If he's 70 percent, we're still going to be good. But we need him on the court. It's all on Gilbert. I don't want to put pressure on him, because that's my boy. I look at him as a best friend, brother. But it's not pressure to him, because I know what he can do. If he's healthy, it doesn't matter what team we have." Washington Post

While explaining his benching last season, Stevenson said he never was upset with Ed Tapscott and realized that his lackluster performance would likely lead to a change. "All respect to Tap. I love Tap. He did a great job with the team, with what he could," Stevenson said. "A lot of people wouldn't have took it as well as I took it." Washington Post

Stevenson is also upset with the criticism that he's received from bloggers and other media members. "It's tough. When you hear stuff and read stuff. People don't understand what we go through. Unless you come to talk to me, they just think DeShawn had back surgery, he had a bad year, maybe he's not the same." Washington Post

Cavs forward/center J.J. Hickson's back is making progress. The Cavs say he'll soon be ready to scrimmage. News-Herald

Jonathan Givony: Renardo Sidney apparently has an offer from a team in 2nd division Italy for around 200k...will he take it? Twitter.com

The Orlando Magic and Amway Global have signed a 10-year, $40 million naming-rights deal for the team’s new arena, according to industry sources. Sports Business Journal

David Beckham has finally responded to Shaquille O'Neal's footie challenge. Last week the England ace was challenged to a penalty shoot-out by basketball star. But now Becks has hit back - saying the man mountain should pick on someone his own size. When questioned about the Twitter challenge, Goldenballs said: "I don't see him calling Kobe out ... "I think Kobe could score against him." The Sun

A northern New Jersey man is charged with stealing a prime piece of Internet real estate and reselling it for more than $100,000. Authorities say Daniel Goncalves, 25, of Union, hacked into the online account belonging to one of the owners of the P2P.com domain name. He allegedly shifted ownership to himself and resold the Web site address on eBay to professional basketball player Mark Madsen of the Los Angeles Clippers. AP

Caught in the middle of this and claiming to be a “good faith” purchaser is Mark Madsen, NBA basketball player with the LA Clippers. Madsen is reportedly also a domain name investor and was the buyer of the P2P.com domain name on eBay.com. Domaintools.com Whois history shows that Madsen took ownership of the domain name on February 28, 2007. Current whois records for the domain show that the domain name is protected with whois privacy protection, but according to insiders familiar with the case the current owner is still Madsen. Madsen has been investing in domain names for years and has been linked to the user name thecollins2 in some domain name forums and the company Woodside Technology Group. Domain Name News

Mark Madsen once owned www.menstrualperiods.ca. I'm not making this up. Twitter.com

Former Mountaineer basketball standout Jerome “Jay” Anderson died Saturday, Aug. 1, at the age of 56 after a long illness. Anderson coached 12 years in Sweden after a lengthy playing career in that country. WMetroNews.com

The Knicks' tango with Ramon Sessions could wrap up tomorrow, according to his agent. Chubby Wells, agent for the young Bucks point guard, told The Post yesterday Sessions could accept a Knicks offer either today or tomorrow. New York Post

"We've been playing footsie with the Knicks the last two weeks," Wells said. "I'm sure we'll clarify something in the next couple days with the Knicks or another team and figure out what's going on." The Clippers, who waived guard Mike Taylor, are the other team involved, but the Knicks appear to be the frontrunners because they are able to offer Sessions a starting role. New York Post

According to a source, Walsh wants to sign Sessions to a long-term deal starting at less than $5.8 million so that his 2010-2011 cap number will be less than $6 million. The source said a number of proposals have been discussed, including a one-year contract. New York Post

The Knicks' interest in un-retired point guard Jason Williams, whom they will work out this week, has no effect on the Sessions pursuit. Williams is a cheaper alternative if they can't re-sign Nate Robinson for one year. New York Post

Marc Stein: Based on everything I know, Tinsley's agent (Raymond Brothers) canceled the weekend meeting with the Heat. But the sides are still talking. Twitter.com

Marc Stein: Tinsley is said to be seeking a one-year deal with MIA or NYK so he can re-enter free agency next July. Presumably off a good comeback year. Twitter.com

If Denver rescinds on Kleiza, Toronto might still have some interest but word I’m hearing is he’ll go to Europe rather than play for relative peanuts – read minimum value contract – in the NBA. Toronto Star

The 76ers are finalizing a deal to bring back combo guard Royal Ivey on a 1-year contract. The two sides have agreed to terms, although a contract probably will not be executed until at least the end of the week. Ivey, who joined the Sixers last season, opted out of the second leg of his 2-year contract. A source familiar with the situation indicated the deal is for slightly more than the league minimum. Philadelphia Daily News

Ivey created a weekend buzz when he sent out a Twitter message saying, "Going back to Philly!'' That could have been, in part, because he is completing a summer class at Texas. By last night, there was a bit more meaning. Ivey would become the fourth full-fledged guard on the roster, joining Holiday, Lou Williams and Willie Green. Philadelphia Daily News

Nothing is official, but it's likely that James Singleton will return to the Mavs. They need him. Singleton won't play major minutes. With Drew Gooden and Tim Thomas crowding the frontcourt picture, Singeton might not even play as many as he did last season, when he averaged 14.3 minutes in 62 games. But Singleton would play a significant role as a energy source/enforcer when he's summoned off the bench. Dallas Morning News

Former Wolves guard Troy Hudson is playing in the Howard Pulley League and sponsoring a team. He still hopes to make a comeback in the NBA. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Marc Stein: Portland indeed made a run even though that would have required some wheeling and dealing. Twitter.com

Marc Stein: Let's face it: LO wasn't leaving LA. But POR was apparently prepared to give away a contract like Outlaw's to a cap-room team to make a play. Twitter.com

Shaquille O'Neal: Holy shit, I'm at the santa monica airport I just saw a lil plane crash, and the guy walk away, dam dam glad he's ok shit, excuse my words. Twitter.com

JR Smith: thinking bout buying a house in vegas. Twitter.com

Taylor also spoke about Rubio's sticky contract situation. The 18-year-old point guard is under contract with DKV Joventut in Spain for another two years, a deal that has a buyout of around $6.6 million. The Timberwolves can offer only $500,000 to help with the deal, so the financial strain it would put on Rubio is making him think twice about coming to the NBA this season. "It appears to be just a wait and see thing," he said. "He wants to come, so that's not a problem. It's just that money deal. The team that he has played for is, so far, kind of held on to a higher figure than what his family feels they can afford to give him." St. Paul Pioneer Press

When Kahn flew to Spain to meet with Rubio's family and Joventut officials, he was hoping to help Rubio's representatives reduce the buyout to a level that would make it easier for Rubio to pay. Kahn called the trip "productive" but has not commented specifically on how things went. The way Taylor sounded Sunday, it doesn't appear much headway was made in that area. "I don't know what's going to be his options or if they're going to come down a little bit," Taylor said. "There's nothing more we can do other than go over there and say, 'I wish you guys would work it out.' " St. Paul Pioneer Press

Ricky Rubio rejected Friday the offer made by Olympiacos, the best one of all he has received. Marca.com

Rudy Fernandez: After the vacations, now it´s time for the national team. the time has come to start working in order to be able to achieve our goal: the gold medal in the European Championship in Poland. Like every year, we are now in Cádiz and, like allways, we are a team in and outside the court. I’im sure that, If we work hard, we will be able to win the gold. I can’t wait for that to happen. Me, after some days sick, I’m back 100% and ready to work. The first days, like you see in the picture, are for us to meet, do medical and physicl exams, and start working. I just want to be able to tell you, in a little more than a month, that we really achieved our goal… Rudy5.net

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Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor says he expects a decision on the team's next head coach to come fairly soon. After visiting Minnesota Vikings training camp in his hometown on Sunday, the Mankato businessman told The Associated Press that new vice president David Kahn has not made a decision yet, "but I think we're close to doing that." ESPN.com

Taylor said on Sunday that the financially motivated trades Kahn has made this summer that have jettisoned veterans Mike Miller, Randy Foye, Mark Madsen, Craig Smith and Sebastian Telfair probably would not have sat well with former coach Kevin McHale, who brought all those players to Minnesota when he was the boss. Kahn told McHale in June that he would not return to coach next season, but he refused to divulge his reasons for making the decision in a news conference after it was announced. "It's probably a little bit more obvious why he would have had trouble with Coach McHale," Taylor said Sunday after a visit to Vikings training camp in his hometown of Mankato. "Some of those guys were really his favorite guys. St. Paul Pioneer Press

In a press conference on yesterday at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA, the new expansion team for the NBA Development league, Springfield Armor, named former NBA player Kevin Whitted as Assistant Coach and former NBA player Dee Brown as Head Coach. OurSportsCentral.com

“Basketball is basketball at any level. The Xs and Os are the Xs and Os,” said Thomas with a smile when I asked about the transition he will have to make from coaching at the NBA level to now at the collegiate level. “But just the learning of the rules, the managing of the game, those are the things that will come into play.” And the ever-controlling NCAA rules will also be an adjustment and adaption that he will have to commit to. “The NCAA rules are the biggest thing I’m trying to understand right now,” Thomas said. “The difference between the state and private university rules.” SLAM

Some may think that since Zeke is a legendary former NBA player, it shouldn’t be too hard to get players to play for him and win, but if you ask him, communication is the key. “You just gotta be able to communicate. That’s the biggest difference. Whether you are out on the floor communicating with your teammates or whether you are coaching and communicating to your team, you just gotta be able to articulate your thoughts and get the team to implement your thoughts,” Thomas said. SLAM

For the past few years, Augustin said he has hoped to do something to give back to his old hometown, and this week he has that chance. Augustin will host the first D.J. Augustin Basketball Camp for children ages 8 to 15 at Brother Martin on Monday through Thursday. Augustin also will have a point guard camp for some of the country's top-rated point guard prospects from Thursday to Saturday at Xavier. "This (New Orleans) is where I grew up and where I learned everything I know," he said. The camp is free, and Augustin wouldn't have it any other way. "I know times are tough not only for people coming back from Katrina, but for people, period," he said. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Gilbert Arenas may not be blogging anymore but come Feb. 2010, Gilbert Arenas fans will be able talk, think, and sleep like Agent Zero. 224 pages of Gilbert’s thoughts, opinions, and stories. Check out the product description: From Gilbert Arenas, NBA All-Star and the first player with his own blog—a no-holds-barred, all-access pass into the mind of one of today’s most intriguing and entertaining sports figures. Gilbertology.net

The Basketball Hall of Fame has opened a Michael Jordan exhibit before his enshrinement next month. The display features items from Jordan's NBA career and from his time at North Carolina and with the 1992 Olympic Dream Team. There is also a batting glove from Jordan's brief foray into baseball. ESPN.com

Memphis police have charged a suspect in connection with the robbery and shooting that left former University of Memphis and Memphis Grizzlies guard Antonio Burks critically injured. Ladarrius Deandre Carr, 19, has been charged with especially aggravated robbery, two counts of aggravated robbery, attempted robbery, evading arrest and using a gun to commit a felony. He's being held in the Shelby County Jail on $500,000 bond. Memphis Commercial Appeal

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