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Friday, July 3

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Hedo Turkoglu has reached an agreement in principle to join the Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources. Although a verbal commitment may be announced sooner, the terms of the contract cannot be finalized until Wednesday when the NBA informs teams what the 2009-10 salary cap will be. ESPN.com

ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that the Turkish star remained in Portland on Friday, where he and the team were working on a deal. The Blazers, one of the youngest teams in the NBA, had been intent on adding experienced players this offseason. They targeted the 30-year-old Turkoglu as a player who could take pressure off team leader Brandon Roy, who has carried the burden of creating most of the team's scoring opportunities. ESPN.com

Portland's main competition for Turkoglu, the Toronto Raptors, are indicating that they've decided to back away from a bidding war and focus on re-signing their own free agents, Shawn Marion and Carlos Delfino. Both Marion and Delfino are close to agreements with Toronto, a high-ranking source with knowledge of those discussions said. Delfino is closer than Marion, the person with knowledge of those talks said, due to ongoing disagreement about his value. That would seem to leave open the possibility of a sign-and-trade for Marion, although another person familiar with the Marion talks said the Cavs, who are pursuing Parker, never asked about Marion. CBSSports.com

First things first: the latest word is that the three-year, $21-million deal that has been speculated as the Raptors' offer for Shawn Marion might be a bit light, I'm hearing. Think four years and north of $32-million; maybe as much as $34-million. If that's the case what is Marion waiting for, really? Toronto Globe and Mail

Alan Hahn: Also, TOR wants D-Lee, but in an S&T. Source tells me if Bosh isn't on the table, it's a non-starter. Forget Toronto. Twitter.com

I checked in with Toronto and was told Chris Bosh would not be part of any trade conversations and the reply I got from the Knicks end was that there wasn't much interest in any other player on that roster to even begin discussing a deal for Lee. Newsday

One reliable NBA source told me Thursday the Heat contacted free agent guard Allen Iverson. Another said the Heat didn’t contact Iverson. I wrote the Heat did make contact because Miami is traditionally good about at least reaching out, no matter how unrealistic the situation. But it was interesting someone would insist no contact was made. I could easily understand Miami not wanting Iverson. It might not take long before it becomes obvious Iverson might be a better point guard than Mario Chalmers. Then you’d have a problem on your hands. Would you set Chalmers’ development back for one year so Iverson could play alongside Dwyane Wade? And would an Iverson-Wade backcourt eventually cause headaches? Palm Beach Post

I spoke with Bill Stickland, the agent for Rasheed Wallace moments ago . He told me… Danny Ainge wanted to show up on Rasheed’s doorstep Wed. Night at midnight…which is when the free agent signing period began. Wallace told Danny that was not necessary so team green flew out Thursday instead. Danny, Coach Doc Rivers, managing partner Wyc Grousbeck along with KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce were in the meeting with Strickland, Rasheed and his wife Fatima. Without question the Celtics increased their chances of obtaining Rasheed by making this trip. The effort put forth by the Celtics impressed Rasheed, Fatima and Strickland. CSNNE.com

Rasheed would be visiting other clubs today but wanted to spend time with his family. He will travel next week. Other teams in play are Orlando, San Antonio and Dallas. It is not just about the money. The team has to have a realistic chance at a championship. The Lakers were in the hunt until they signed Ron Artest. He did visit Dallas last week but it was not regarding a basketball matter. CSNNE.com

The Orlando Magic have contacted Rasheed Wallace's agent and likely will not match the Dallas Mavericks' pending offer sheet for Marcin Gortat and want perhaps one last chance at re-signing Hedo Turkoglu. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel on Friday that he has been in contact with Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland. Smith disputed reports that Wallace was making a visit to Orlando, although he said "it was possible" a some point. Orlando Sentinel

An informed source has told HOOPSWORLD that Jason Kidd intends to return to the Dallas Mavericks for a three-year, $24 million contract. Kidd has indicated to the Mavericks and New York Knicks that he'll mull over their respective offers over the weekend. The Knicks are said to be offering Jason a guaranteed three years at the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) which works out to be approximately $18.1 million. Barring a surprising change of events, Kidd is expected to notify the Dallas on Monday that he'll take their offer which would start at approximately $7.25 million for the upcoming season. HoopsWorld

Dallas has also reached an agreement in principal with center Marcin Gortat for a five-year MLE deal (~$32.3 million). Because Marcin is a restricted free agent, the Orlando Magic will have the opportunity to match. The Mavericks are counting on Orlando passing on the lucrative offer for a player who would come off the bench behind Dwight Howard. Sources indicate the Magic may very well decide to match the Mavs offer despite Gortat's desire for a new home. Despite the success Orlando had in the playoffs, a source close to Marcin indicates he craves the opportunity to start and play major minutes. HoopsWorld

Smith said he had yet to receive an offer sheet from the Mavs. But he reiterated his stance that the club --- which can match any offer for Gortat because he is a restricted free agent --- will not pay that steep price to keep him. "Those numbers are a little rich for a back-up center, a guy playing behind my best player (Dwight Howard)," Smith said. "If it's 5 (million), it puts you in a situation (financially) that you don't recover from." Orlando Sentinel

"My next team could be in the NBA or Europe," Fabricio Oberto said. Cadena3

The Wizards were listed among possible suitors for Antonio McDyess, but sources with knowledge of the situation said although Washington would love to have McDyess on their roster, they know can't offer anything close to what other teams will offer him. The Wizards don't want to use the mid-level exception, because even if a player agreed to that ball-park figure of $5 million, Washington would be taxed equal that number and end up paying $10 million total. McDyess is a solid vet, but not worth $10 million as a 10-minute-a-game backup, which is what the Wizards are looking for. Washington Times

In other free agent news involving the Bucks, Ramon Sessions' agent, Jimmy "Chubby" Wells, said Thursday that 10 to 12 NBA teams have inquired about the 23-year-old point guard. But Wells said no contract offers had been made yet to the restricted free agent. "We've not talked numbers yet with anybody," Wells said. "The unrestricted guys will go first, and then it will get to the restricted (free agents). Once we get to that point, it will happen fast." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

A source tells HOOPSWORLD that Kupchak was prepared to give Ariza an offer equivalent to the full MLE but at 10.5% raises, totaling at approximately $33.8 million over five years. LA's ceiling might have been a $6 million starting salary for $36 million over five but before negotiations progressed after 9:00pm Pacific on Tuesday night, the source says that Ariza's agent, David Lee, took a confrontational approach with Kupchak. Lee wanted a deal in the $50 million range and took offense to the team's stance that Trevor should test the market first for that level of compensation. By the next morning, the Lakers were going after Artest in full force with Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and even Magic Johnson reaching out to the Houston forward. HoopsWorld

The 76ers received an inquiry from the agent for Atlanta Hawks free agent guard Mike Bibby, but a source familiar with the situation said the conversation ''didn't go anywhere.'' The theory seemed to be that the agent waqs doing his due diligence, checking the market for his client. Bibby was listed on the Hawks' salary cap last season at more than $14.98 million, but is more likely to play the coming season for something in the range of the $5.6 million mid-level exception. Philadelphia Daily News

The Sixers have equally been doing their homework while they negotiate with Andy Miller, the agent for Andre Miller, their own free agent. The Sixers, according to the source, have been unwilling to accept Andy Miller's desire for a contract of three or four years for Andre Miller, who will turn 34 in March. Andre Miller was listed on the Sixers' cap at slightly more than $10.3 million last season. Philadelphia Daily News

Raptors point guard Jose Calderon is spending his summer in Spain teaching young basketball players and getting his body healthy. That was enough to attract fellow dinosaur Chris Bosh for a three-day visit; one which, according to BDL reader Andreas, the biggest Spanish sports newspaper, Marca, loved. Yahoo! Sports

Jose Calderon: At the end of the season, when Shawn Marion came, that’s when we started to play the way we wanted, more up-tempo, when everybody was 100 percent physically… That’s when we proved we’re not that far away. We beat very good teams and we can be up there with them. We just have to make a few changes and some of them are under way. If we do that, we can fight with everybody. HoopsHype.com

What do you think of the moves Toronto is trying to make? JMC: So far, so good. Let’s see what happens in the end. There’s a lot of work to be done still. It all started with the Kapono-for-Evans trade, which gave us a physical presence in the paint that we were probably lacking. Now, let’s wait and see what else we can get. HoopsHype.com

What’s your opinion about Hedo Turkoglu and David Lee, the two main players Toronto is reportedly pursuing? JMC: Well, both are very, very interesting players. With any of those, the team will be very competitive. Let’s see which of them we’re able to land. We have a little bit of economic flexibility to sign players of maximum quality. Like I said, I think we are very close. This could be a thrilling project after the disappointment of last season. We could soon be doing very interesting things because the organization, the city and the people is fully behind the team. HoopsHype.com

How do you and your teammates cope with the uncertainty on Chris Bosh’s future and the fact that he’s asked all the time about 2010? JMC: Well, it’s stuff that’s always going to be around. The media is always focused on things like these. It’s one of the negative things this sport has. You make friends, but at the end of the day we all change teams for one reason or another. You just have to wait and see what happens. Chris has been here with me at my campus (Campus Jose Manuel Calderon - Marca Extremadura). He’s a great friend. We all have to focus on the present, get ready for next season and have a good year together. HoopsHype.com

How’s the leg feeling? Jose Manuel Calderon: Feeling better. I’m doing a little bit more every day. Not doing an awful lot, but’s looking good. Little by little, it seems like everything is moving forward. HoopsHype.com

Phil Jackson will be back next season. Here's the first few lines of a breaking story from our friends at Lakers.com: "After receiving results of medical tests, Lakers head coach Phil Jackson has announced he will return to coach the team for the 2009-10 season. 'After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason. All things point to go!,' said Jackson. Los Angeles Daily News

Jackson issued a statement confirming that he will be back to complete the final season of his contract, following an ESPN.com report earlier Friday that an announcement was forthcoming early next week. "After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason," Jackson said in the statement. "All things point to go!" ESPN.com

Sources said Jackson left Los Angeles on Wednesday to make the drive back to his offseason home in Montana after completing a positive series of medical check-ups following the Game 5 victory in Orlando on June 14 that clinched the 15th NBA title in franchise history. ESPN.com

The ability to keep Dennis Rodman plugged in with the Chicago Bulls, something only Jackson and Michael Jordan managed after Rodman's early days with the Detroit Pistons, helped him win two of those rings. Asked during a SportsCenter appearance Thursday if he believes he'll be playing for Jackson when he reports to Lakers training camp in October, Artest said flatly, "He's my coach." Artest also told the Los Angeles Times: "I had a great talk [Thursday] with Phil. I'm a huge fan of his and I can't wait to show him what I can do." ESPN.com

It is in no way a sure bet that Avery Johnson will be the next coach of the Detroit Pistons. That became clear early Friday when president Joe Dumars indicated that his coaching search was still open. Dumars said Johnson was still being considered, but that it was "not a given" that he was going to be hired. Detroit News

Cleveland assistant John Kuester was on Dumars' original short list, but as of Friday morning, the Pistons had not asked for permission to speak with him. Detroit News

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi was cited for drunken driving a few hours after she helped lead her team to victory over the Seattle Storm. An officer stopped Taurasi early Thursday for speeding, police spokesman Luis Samudio said. The officer smelled alcohol and gave the player several field sobriety tests, according to a police statement. AP

Ben Gordon to the Pistons is a done deal. The method by which he will get there is still under discussion. CBSSports.com has learned that the Bulls and Pistons may yet revisit Detroit's agreement with Ben Gordon and instead investigate a sign-and- trade that would send Allen Iverson to Chicago. CBSSports.com

Discussions have not yet reached the highest levels of both organizations, but the revised look at how Gordon goes from Chicago to Detroit would benefit Gordon and the Bulls. Gordon would get an extra year, and thus more money, by signing with the Bulls and getting traded. The Bulls, who currently are getting nothing for losing him, would get Iverson -- a fading future Hall of Famer who would get to finish his career in a major market as long as he's willing to accept a secondary role. CBSSports.com

A person familiar with the situation said the Pistons would flat-out refuse to entertain a sign-and-trade for Gordon unless it provided significant savings. The Bulls, too, may not be eager to do business with Gordon, whose agent did not give the team a chance to match Detroit's offer. The Bulls also would want to know that Iverson, 34, would be totally committed despite not making the $20 million he's accustomed to and without playing the primary role he enjoyed for his entire career until he was traded to the Pistons for Chauncey Billups last season. Iverson did not adapt well to diminished minutes with the Pistons, and late in the season vowed to retire before he would come off another team's bench. CBSSports.com

From a check of league sources Thursday, there is certainly mutual interest between the Heat and both Iverson and Artest. The Heat has been after these two before. But this may be the easiest path Riley has ever had to either one of them. Both are on the open market. Iverson can come with no strings attached - aside from a potential luxury-tax hit - if he's willing to sacrifice a couple million and a year on a contract. Artest will likely require sign-and-trade help, because Houston would be foolish to let him walk away without getting anything back. Miami Herald

So why are we talking about Iverson? Because, as a league source said, there aren't many options out there for Iverson. Yes, he might come cheap. But perhaps that says plenty about where Iverson stands at this point in his career. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Amid a cost-conscious approach to improving the roster this summer, the Miami Heat's attempts to upgrade through free agency apparently aren't being discounted. Allen Iverson and Ron Artest are among a group of free agents who have been contacted by Heat president Pat Riley in the opening days of free-agency negotiations, league sources said Thursday. On Thursday, Artest said that he plans to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although the discussions are said to be exploratory, it signals a far more aggressive approach to free agency by the Heat than the team suggested in recent weeks. Miami Herald

Riley entered the start of the free agency negotiating period Wednesday saying he would be reluctant to spend the $5.5 million mid-level exception because the Heat already was past the league's anticipated dollar-for-dollar luxury tax on excessive payrolls. Riley also had been unwilling to add contracts that extend beyond next summer, when the Heat will have spending flexibility to re-sign Dwyane Wade and another top -tier free agent to maximum contracts. The team's stance had been that a significant roster overhaul would only take place this summer if there were an earlier commitment from Wade, who is eligible to sign a three-year contract extension July 12. But the Heat appears to be covering both bases. Miami is taking the due diligence approach of lining up potential bargain options now if Wade doesn't extend his contract, while also keeping tabs on potential blockbuster trades in the event Wade does extend. Miami Herald

All-Star guard Allen Iverson has through representatives told the Grizzlies he would like to play in Memphis, an NBA source said Thursday. The high-scoring veteran is a free agent for the first time in his professional career. Iverson, 34, reportedly has only had mild discussions with the Miami Heat since the free agency period began Wednesday. Memphis Commercial Appeal

While no deal is imminent and conversations have been only exploratory, Griz brass are said to be weighing the pros and cons of adding Iverson to the team's youth movement. Iverson would certainly have to take a major pay cut from the $21 million he earned last season with Detroit. It is believed that the Griz would only entertain Iverson at what they'd deem a reasonable price, and if the 13-year veteran agreed to play off the bench. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Alan Hahn: Gortat to DAL would seem to make Curry an option for HOU, but I've heard two things today: 1. You could get TMac for less than Curry; 2...With Yao possibly out and Artest possibly leaving for LA, HOU may hit the pause button on the exodus. Twitter.com

There was no word Thursday from the Jazz or DeAngelo Simmons , the agent for restricted free-agent forward Paul Millsap , amid speculation that Millsap now was waiting to see what kind of offer New York forward David Lee would sign. Although one NBA general manager believed Oklahoma City still was planning to make an offer to Millsap, the Thunder also were talking to Orlando center Marcin Gortat , who reportedly reached agreement Thursday with Dallas. Salt Lake Tribune

As of early Friday, the Toronto Raptors had yet to decide whether to trump the Blazers with an offer for the 30-year-old forward. Portland is offering a five-year deal for approximately $50 million. Toronto, which is believed to be the preferred choice of Turkoglu's wife, could beat that by about $800,000 per year once it clears cap space through trades or by renouncing its rights to free agents Shawn Marion, Anthony Parker, and Carlos Delfino. CBSSports.com

Ric Bucher: Toronto's shot at getting Hedo: apparently his wife loves the city. Any (happily) married man can tell you how much weight that carries. Twitter.com

The Raptors were weighing whether they'd be better off losing Marion, Parker and Delfino and adding Turkoglu or retaining one or more of their free agents and pursuing a mid-level signing. Toronto has expressed strong interest in Nuggets free agent Linas Kleiza, a restricted free agent, as an alternative to Turkoglu. CBSSports.com

Toronto has pencilled in three years and $18-million to $21-million (all currency U.S.) for Marion. The longer it takes him to survey the landscape and realize that might be the best offer on the table, the more likely he'll accept. Toronto Globe and Mail

Tellingly, Bill Duffy, Kleiza's agent, has signalled that he's willing to wait for the Raptors to sort out their dealings with Marion. “There's time,” Duffy said. Toronto Globe and Mail

The Trail Blazers' recruitment of Hedo Turkoglu shifted into full gear Thursday when team personnel greeted the free agent forward at Portland International Airport with a welcome sign and a compact disc of Turkish music for his commute into town. Turkoglu is in town until Saturday to see if Portland the city, and the Blazers as an organization, are where he wants to be long term. The Blazers are believed to be dangling a 5-year, $50 million deal. "They are pretty interested, and I'm happy about it, because as a player, that's what you want, interest from teams, especially good teams," Turkoglu said. "They have been a good team the last couple of years. So to get an invitation from them makes you feel special." Oregonian

"Listen, of course money is important. We can't kid ourselves," Turkoglu said at the airport. "On the money side, you have to look at what's best for you. Basketball wise, you have to look at how you can continue to take steps as a player. For me, coming over here, I think it's a good chance to have that kind of run I've been having the last few years, especially with this group. They are young, good, talented guys. It's a good opportunity for me." Oregonian

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The Houston Rockets, fresh off losing Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers, have essentially swapped players by agreeing to terms with Lakers free agent forward Trevor Ariza, whom Artest will be replacing in Los Angeles. The deal will be for five years at the mid-level exception; based on last season's $5.585 million amount for the mid-level, Ariza would get around $32 million. NBA.com

ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan reports that Ariza, according to sources, will receive the Rockets' full mid-level exception, which is being projected to come in at $5.8 million for next season. If the exception for the 2009-10 season is indeed set at $5.8 million Wednesday when the league announces next season's salary cap and luxury tax, Ariza's deal would be worth $33.5 million. ESPN.com

"We had a substantially larger offer above the mid-level from Toronto," Lee said. "Trevor decided to go to Houston. I told Mitch (Kupchak, the Lakers' general manager) that it was never about the money; it was about respect." NBA.com

You would be right about that. In fact, I’m guessing Morey took a flyer on Ariza, never figuring he had a chance to land him. Ariza told the Lakers and other teams it wasn’t going to be about the money, but that’s what people say. He apparently meant it, however; one source esti-mates he left $9 million on the table to join the Rockets. Houston Chronicle

Boston lead owner Wyc Grousbeck, general manager Danny Ainge, head coach Doc Rivers, Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce all went to Detroit on Thursday to formally present Wallace with an offer for the full mid-level exception. But they left town without Wallace agreeing to a deal. Wallace will visit San Antonio and Orlando next week, according to a source, before making up his mind. Wallace is not likely to visit Cleveland. NBA.com

Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce joined president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck for a three-hour meeting with Wallace in Detroit yesterday, the Celtics offering a contract using their midlevel exception. But Wallace is apparently in no hurry to respond, preferring to weigh approaches from Charlotte, Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio, according to an NBA source. Bill Strickland, Wallace’s agent, said in a text message that it was a “very good meeting; some contractual terms discussed, nothing agreed to.’’ Boston Globe

A contingent from the Celtics organization -- including owner Wyc Grousbeck, President Danny Ainge, head coach Doc Rivers and All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen -- descended on Wallace's suburban Michigan home on Thursday for a three-hour meeting with the free-agent forward. "Solid, thorough, cogent and very impressive," Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland, told SI.com about Boston's recruiting trip. "[They] definitely gave Rasheed and his wife something to think about." SI.com

The Cavaliers, who lost out on Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza, called the Raptors Thursday to inquire about a sign-and-trade for Parker. Cleveland did not ask about Marion, a person familiar with the situation said. Since the inquiry came from Cleveland, the discussions did not seem to be a precursor to a play for Turkoglu. CBSSports.com

According to a league source, the Cavaliers have begun homing in on Toronto Raptors free-agent guard Anthony Parker after both Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza appeared set to go to other teams. Another source said the Cavs also have spoken to another Raptors free agent, former All-Star Shawn Marion, though it was not clear late Thursday if the two sides had gotten serious. Both players are unrestricted free agents. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Parker is likely to leave Toronto, possibly for Europe. He is high on Real Madrid’s shopping list. Boston Globe

Another league source said the Cavs also have been in contact with Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Linas Kleiza. The 24-year-old is the type of "stretch" big man the Cavs have been interested in. He averaged 9.9 points for the Nuggets, who might not be able to retain him as they attempt to stay out of the luxury tax. Cleveland Plain Dealer

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the 76ers reached out this week to the agent for Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby, only to find that the 10-year veteran is intent on staying with the team he played for the last two seasons. With the uncertainty of the Sixers' relationship with guard Andre Miller - he also is a free agent, and there are no signs that he plans to return - the team may be in need of a veteran point guard for first-year coach Eddie Jordan. There is not much separating Miller, 33, and Bibby, 31, either in performance or contract requests. Philadelphia Inquirer

With that in mind, might Sixers' point guard Andre Miller, who became a free agent Wednesday, and agent Andy Miller (no relation) have to adjust what they want? The answer apparently is no. A three-year contract worth close to $30 million - the 33-year-old Miller made $10 million last season - would force the Sixers to pay the luxury tax, a dollar-for-dollar penalty, which team president Ed Stefanski must avoid. And that is what Andy Miller is asking Stefanski for, according to a source close to the situation. The source said paying that much doesn't make sense to the Sixers, given all the factors, and that hurting future cap flexibility could be an issue. Bucks County Courier Times

I was told earlier by a source close to the Davis camp that the Spurs, Pistons, Grizzlies and Knicks were interested in restricted free agent Glen Davis. Since Zach Randolph has signed with Memphis it would seem they would no longer be in the Big Baby sweepstakes. Comcast SportsNet

I was told by a source close to the situation that Celtic restricted free agent Glen Davis is wanted by at least four other teams. Those teams are the Pistons, Memphis, New York and San Antonio. I was also told that Joe Dumars wants him bad. It is no wonder considering Baby hung 20 points in 23 minutes on Dumar’s Pistons in January of 2008 in a Celtic seven point win. Comcast SportsNet

Glen Davis, who averaged 15.8 points per game in the playoffs, is expected to receive a qualifying offer from the Celtics. Said Davis’s agent, John Hamilton: “We’re encouraged by what we heard and we will be patient. I had a good conversation with Danny on Wednesday.’’ Boston Globe

The representatives for both of the Knicks' restricted free agents, David Lee and Nate Robinson, still are soliciting calls about their respective clients to gauge interest and market value. There was a report that the Raptors had a strong interest in acquiring Lee in a sign-and-trade, but once it became clear that Chris Bosh would not be part of any scenario, a Knicks source said there would be no interest in continuing the conversation. Newsday

Jason Kidd informed the Knicks he plans to take the holiday weekend to consider his options - coming to New York for the mid-level exception or taking a three-year, $24-million offer to stay in Dallas - before making a decision on his future. The nine-time all-star is believed to be weighing the financial aspects (it is unclear if Dallas' deal guarantees the third year or if it is an option) with the intangibles of playing at the Garden and being close to his three children, who live in the New York area with his ex-wife. Kidd's decision is one of the top stories of the first week of free agency. One of his friends, former Nets teammate Richard Jefferson, suggested that Kidd will choose New York. "He's gonna be a Knick," Jefferson said on "The Dan Patrick Show." Newsday

The Knicks, who entertained Kidd on Wednesday, showed their commitment by offering three years. They originally planned to offer Kidd a one- or two-year contract but added a third year in order to stay competitive with Dallas. Several league executives are convinced that Kidd is using the Knicks in order to squeeze more money out of Dallas. But a source close to Kidd claims that he is excited by the challenge of helping to turn around the Knicks. Also, Kidd believes that he could help lure LeBron James to New York if James becomes a free agent next summer. At least one of Kidd's former teammates believes the Knicks have a good chance of landing the point guard. Former Net Richard Jefferson said on Dan Patrick's radio show Saturday that Kidd's "gonna be a Knick." When pressed further, Jefferson added: "Yeah, I hope for him - he loves New York, we both really love New York." When asked if Kidd had told him that he will play for the Knicks, Jefferson replied: "No, no, no, no, no, he never said those words." New York Daily News

Q: Are you surprised the Knicks are pursuing Jason Kidd? Jeff Van Gundy: He is a good player. I thought Chris Duhon did an excellent job for them last year. He had some up-and-down games, but they really didn't have a backup point guard they could rely on. It's an interesting play by the Knicks, but not one I expect to happen. If they don't get him it will be because they couldn't match the years Kidd might want. I am not sure if the Knicks would want to cut into the cap space past this one year. New York Post

A day after Smith said that he planned to match any offer for restricted free agent Marcin Gortat, the Mavs brought the Magic's backup center to town, hoping he agrees to their contract offer that he can sign next week. According to at least one NBA source, the Mavs offer will start with the mid-level exception of $5.6 million, extending it out at least three years. Gortat, who served as the backup to All-Star center Dwight Howard in just his second NBA season, has seen his value soar this week because of the way he finished during the Magic's playoff run. FanHouse.com

The Mavericks are on the verge of their first big free-agent strike of the summer – emphasis on "big." Marcin Gortat, the 6-11 center who helped Orlando reach the NBA Finals last season, has been offered a contract by the Mavericks, multiple sources said Thursday. Gortat was expected to visit Dallas before the weekend, and the sources said that the only thing that would prevent him from becoming a Maverick is if the Magic match the offer, which is believed to be for the full mid-level exception – about $5.5 million. Dallas Morning News

The Mavericks are believed to be trying to trade center Erick Dampier, who has only one season left on his contract. Gortat would be able to step into a major role immediately if Dampier were packaged in a trade with Jerry Stackhouse or someone else. Dallas Morning News

Quinton Ross, the former SMU and Kimball star, appears ready to sign a free-agent contract Wednesday. Terms are not yet known. Dallas Morning News

Now that the Dallas Mavericks have reached a verbal agreement with former Orlando Magic center Marcin Gortat, it’s clear that free agent Brandon Bass will have to find another suitor. “If anything this will help move things along and could pave the way for a sign-and-trade,” said Tony Dutt, Bass’ agent upon learning of the Gortat deal. RealGM

Brandon Bass continues to get lots of interest leaguewide. Charlotte contacted Bass' agent Thursday, following San Antonio, Orlando, the Mavericks and a few other teams Wednesday. Dallas Morning News

With less than a week before free agents can sign contracts, Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower has inquired about former LSU and Hornets forward Brandon Bass, a league source said Thursday afternoon. Before the free agency period began Wednesday, Bass said through his agent, Tony Dutt, that the Hornets were one of the teams on his list. Although Dutt said the Hornets did not contact him early Wednesday morning, he anticipated getting a phone call from Bower eventually. New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Hornets are also interested in veteran power forward/center Joe Smith, but his Los Angeles-based agent, Dan Fegan, could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon. In addition, the Hornets have inquired about free agent frontcourt players Mikki Moore, Maceo Baston and Jake Voskuhl, all are unrestricted free agents. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Rich Bucher (on which players the Spurs are pursuing): Have heard McDyess and Frye. There's a chance Tiago Splitter could be coming over, which would solve a *lot* of problems. Twitter.com

Ronnie Price looked little like a free agent Thursday as he signed autographs at the opening of a Fanzz store at The District, while sitting next to Zane Miller , grandson of late Jazz owner Larry Miller. "Anything I can do as far as to maybe get close to some fans, I never turn that down," Price said. He also sounded as if he would have been the Jazz's fourth player this week to opt for a return to Utah -- joining Kyle Korver , Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur -- if not for the small matter of being in search of a new contract. "I'm not a guy that likes to jump around the NBA much," Price said. "I'm not saying anything bad about guys who do, but of course I like it here." Salt Lake Tribune

Celtics free agent guard Stephon Marbury said to The Globe early Friday morning that he doesn't expect to be returning to Boston after receiving a disappointing one-year contract paying $1.3 million using the veteran's minimum. Marbury said his representative, National Basketball Players Association deputy counsel Hal Biagas, called to tell him about the Celtics offer on Thursday night. The 32-year-old said three other teams, which he would not disclose, are currently interested. The two-time All-Star signed with the Celtics on Feb. 27 for the rest of the season after working out a buyout of his contract with the Knicks that paid $21.8 million after dealing with a soap opera-like situation that kept him sidelined over a year. Marbury averaged 3.8 points and 3.3 assists in 18 minutes per game during 23 contests last season with Boston. Boston Globe

Some days, he feels he might be able to play one final season. Others, he suspects his NBA career could already have come to a close. Matt Harpring isn't sure what will happen. But he does plan to let the Jazz know by late August if he'll be good to go for training camp in October — or if his seven-year Utah run is done, cut short by a rash of injuries that have ravaged his body. "Sometimes," Harpring said Thursday from his offseason home in the Atlanta area, where he played in high school and starred at Georgia Tech, "I have thoughts of playing. And then I have thoughts of not playing." Deseret News

Green, the 6-foot-8 swingman who surrendered a scholarship to Oklahoma State in 2005 to jump straight to the NBA, is now a four-year veteran. He’s played for four different coaches on four different teams. "It’s been a roller-coaster,” said Green about the start to his career. "It’s gone up and down and in circles. But I don’t ever give up.” It’s low-risk, high-reward players like Green that Thunder general manager Sam Presti has become known for targeting. Green turned only 23 in January and figures to be four years from entering into the prime of his career. For now, he’s seemingly a cost-effective option that potentially could provide Oklahoma City with another perimeter shooter and rangy defender on the wing. Oklahoman

Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg posted on his Twitter account that former Hokies standout Deron Washington has signed a guaranteed contract with the Detroit Pistons, who selected him 59th overall (second round) in the 2008 NBA draft. Daily Press

Former NBA players and undrafted free agents are already filling up the rosters of summer-league squads. Among the bigger names are former Pacer David Harrison, who’s joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Luke Jackson, who will be playing for the Dallas Mavericks, HoopsHype.com has learned. HoopsHype.com

Grant Hill isn't the only Lon Babby client the Knicks hope will be on their club come October. In fact, the Knicks may have found their "Almond in the Rough." In another sign of Nate Robinson's looming exit, the Knicks signed Morris Almond, Utah's 2007 first-round pick out of Rice, to their summer-league team. According to a team source, the Knicks fully expect to sign the free agent sharpshooter for next season as long as he performs decently in Las Vegas. The summer league begins July 14. New York Post

The Lakers got a little older, a little more experienced and a good deal more interesting when combustible free agent Ron Artest agreed to leave the Houston Rockets and join the NBA champions Thursday. The deal is believed to be worth about $18 million over three seasons. "We have an agreement in principle," said David Bauman, Artest's agent. "Ron intends to sign with the Lakers on July 8, the first day he can sign a new contract." Daily Breeze

Bryant never campaigned for Artest over Ariza, his loyalty with the hot-shooting kid who helped him win a championship without Shaquille O’Neal. In the long run, the Lakers were wiser to keep the young Ariza to transition into a post-Kobe stardom. Yet, general manager Mitch Kupchak barely blinked when Ariza’s agent, David Lee, started talking like a tough guy, parading his client on what one rival GM called “a leverage tour.” Yahoo! Sports

"I am very excited to finally be going to L.A. For years now, the Lakers have expressed interest in having me play for them, but we could never get the stars to align. I'm finally a Laker and I can't wait to get on the court with Kobe, Pau and the rest of the team, and play for Phil," said Artest. "The Lakers really made me feel wanted. I had a great talk today with Phil. I'm a huge fan of his and I can't wait to show him what I can do. I also spoke with Magic Johnson last night. In addition, my agent (David) has been in constant contact with Mitch Kupchak. I made my decision after I had lunch today with Dr. Buss, and I realized what a great organization I'm joining. I'm very, very excited to be a Laker. I look forward to helping the Lakers defend their championship, and it will be great to finally not get booed in the Staples Center." Los Angeles Daily News

Interestingly, my sources in Houston are telling me that the Rockets' desire to re-sign Artest waned dramatically when it was learned that both Tracy McGrady (knee) and Yao Ming (fractured foot) will be sidelined with injuries for much of next season. Rockets officials viewed Artest as a second or third star - a complementary star to Yao and McGrady on a contender - but feared that he could become a disruptive force on a team that is rebuilding or, at the least, missing its two most dominant performers. Sacramento Bee

As for the Rockets, Artest will not be missed by the coaches or players. There was just too much craziness, too many wild mood swings, too much selfishness. If the Rockets have to line up and play with Landry, Brooks, Shane Battier and Ariza next season, so be it. I’ll take fast, scrappy and energetic over Artest and his myriad issues any day. Houston Chronicle

He screamed at the young point guards so much that he finally was told to stop. He would agree he shouldn’t do it and would promise to stop. Then a game or two later, he’d be back out there on the perimeter, demanding the ball, then dribbling away the 24-second clock or bulling his way into the lane. Houston Chronicle

First, the questions and doubts. David Thorpe is less optimistic as me, and points out: * "I don't think the Lakers are suddenly better, even assuming Lamar Odom is back. What is chemistry worth? Five points? Ten points? I argue it's a difference maker. If you win by eight, maybe chemistry was worth nine. I'm not saying Ron will be a jerk, I don't think he will be. But I do know that for this team to succeed he'll have to play a role, and I don't know how he'll be at that." * "Trevor Ariza has much better shot selection than Artest, and the ball tends to stop with Ron. Now, the Lakers have Phil Jackson, but a coach only has so much energy. Think of it like a bottle of water. When it's empty, it's freaking empty. If Phil Jackson has to spend a lot of his energy stopping Ron from taking stupid shots, that means he's not putting energy and focus into other things that make the Lakers better." ESPN.com

"We don't know if Trevor Ariza just made some shots last season, or has actually improved as a shooter. But if he is now a much improved shooter, he has superstar potential." * "The Lakers didn't run much triangle last year, and I assume they'll run even less now. Ron Artest is a very instinctive player, and the triangle is not a very instinctive system." ESPN.com

How well will Ron Artest fit in with the Los Angeles Lakers? "Perfect," former NBA coach and PBN contributor Eric Musselman told me. "It's a perfect fit both for the player and the organization." Musselman coached Artest for one season in Sacramento (2006-07), and has attended Lakers training camp as an invited observer. So he knows both player and organization well. "(Lakers coach) Phil Jackson loves guys who play multiple positions, and Artest is that kind of guy," Musselman said. "He can defend the other team's shooting guard, small forward or power forward. Offensively, Jackson loves multi-dimensional guys who can pass, shoot and dribble and do all three well." ProBasketball News

"Think about their versatility with Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant, Artest and Lamar Odom -- assuming they can bring Odom back -- the Lakers will now have four players on the floor who can all shoot and dribble and pass very well," Musselman said. "No other team in the NBA can say that." That's not all. "Defensively, getting Artest will really help Kobe, because now Artest can take on the opposing (small forward), no matter who it is," Musselman said. "Kobe will never have to worry about defending a bigger player. Artest will handle that for him." ProBasketball News

Ben Gordon’s insistence that the Bulls never made him an offer before he took a $55 million deal from Detroit – that the Bulls no longer wanted him – was met with a roll of the eyes from his old franchise, league sources said. Gordon turned down offers of $50 and $54 million over the past two years, and league sources familiar with the talks say Gordon’s agent, Raymond Brothers, told Chicago management on Wednesday that he had an offer from the Pistons. Only, Brothers wouldn’t tell the Bulls how much Detroit was willing to pay. Even so, the agent still wanted Chicago to “counter.” Yahoo! Sports

The 37-year-old O'Neal has one season at $21 million left on a five-year, $100 million contract. However, early in his remarks he said, "I've got three years left in my career," perhaps an initial attempt to persuade the Cavaliers to extend his deal past 2010. "I have a lot left," he said. "There's only four or five good centers in the league and I'm in that number. ... I've been in it (the NBA) for 17 years, but I've missed three years because of injury. If you do the math, I've still got three years left. You got that?" New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Cavaliers most likely will ride out next season before making any plans with O'Neal, but the fifth-leading scorer in league history made it clear he doesn't want to be around for just one year. Rent-a-Shaq is not his idea of a lasting impact. "I would love an extension, who wouldn't?" he said, flashing his easy smile. "If they offer me a $35 million a year extension, I'll sign it right now. I won't even read the contract. I'm just here to take care of business, and I know can help give the city what it's looking for." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Q: Did the Nets make the right move by dealing away Vince Carter to the Magic? Jeff Van Gundy: Just how it's important for the Knicks fans to trust Donnie Walsh, the Nets have to do the same with Rod Thorn. He took over a franchise that was just as good as the Clippers and have made them into contenders. Now they are in the rebuilding phase. And if Yi [Jianlian] and Courtney Lee turn out to be the players they hope they can be, then they will be right back there. I think it's a great deal that should work out for both teams. New York Post

O'Neal joked that his trade to Cleveland made his family happy. "My sons love LeBron more than they love me," he said. "I'm just a little jealous about it." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Unicaja signed Giorgios Printezis to a three-year contract. ProExposure.com

That is the single-minded goal of Calderon this summer: Become the Calderon of old. He may not be one to play the "everyone's-against-me-I'll-prove-them-wrong" card; he is simply supremely confident that given good health after a summer of work, that people will go back to lauding him as they were the season before last. "It was not me, I knew it, I was like 50 per cent," Calderon said in a telephone conversation from Spain yesterday. "My numbers were good but I was not playing. And I knew it." Toronto Star

There will be no playing for Spain in the European championships in September – the first time he's refused a call from the national team in more than a decade – and hours spent in the workout room and on the court. "It's very important for our team that I am better," he said after finishing another day at the week-long camp he runs for kids in the Extremadura region near his home town. "I had good numbers (12.8 points, 8.9 assists per game) but I was not the real Jose Calderon. "If I can get those numbers up a little bit, maybe to 15 and 10 or 15 and 9, and I am 100 per cent, I know I can compete against all the point guards in the league." Toronto Star

Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot. The playing future of the 7-foot-6 Yao is in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out all of next season, and potentially end his career. "It hasn't been decided yet," Yao's agent, Eric Zhang, told The Associated Press on Friday. "He is still in the process of group consultations of doctors holding different opinions and different plans. The result of the consultations is due within a week." ESPN.com

The team is not certain if Yao will miss part or all of next season. (A source close to Yao said that within the next three or four days, the team hopes to find consensus among up to five doctors on a course of treatment for Yao, which will almost certainly involve surgery.) NBA.com

Grant, a West Linn resident who ended a successful 12-year NBA career in 2006, donned hand pads and worked as a defender in drills with Oden this week. “Brian was in there bumping and banging with Greg, providing some inspiration,” Bayno says. “I’m excited to have Brian working with us.” Bayno, who is overseeing the workouts, has also been excited to see Oden’s work ethic. “I give Greg an A-plus,” Bayno says. “His effort has been fantastic. I’ve been pushing him hard. He has accepted it. He has worked with very little rest, but he doesn’t ask for a lot of rest. “Today we went for an hour and 20 minutes straight. That’s a killer for one guy to go that long at the pace we’re going. We had two water breaks and shot free throws in between, but he’s been working really hard.” Portland Tribune

Pau Gasol will play the European Championship in Poland next September. FEB.es

Esteve Rubio (Ricky's father): "Going at No. 5 and with Minnesota is the best thing that could ever happen to Ricky. He could go two years without going to the NBA. Going earlier (in the draft) he would have had to leave (for the NBA) for sure and we'd now be speaking with banks to pay the buyout clause, and he would be playing two years for free. With the current (buyout) clause it's impossible that he goes to the NBA". Marca.com

"You fly around the country, work out for all these teams, they tell you how interested they are, how much they like you, and then the call never comes and it's demoralizing," McNeal said. "It's supposed to be the biggest night of your life so far, and you end up disappointed." McNeal turned his phone off and kept to himself for a while, depressed, angry and a little embarrassed. "Everybody tells you they know how you feel, but they really don't," he said. "You're the one who has put in all the work to get ready for this. I was disappointed, no question. "But by Friday night it was time to move on. Just another obstacle to overcome. I went back to the gym and went to work." Chicago Tribune

Q: Your broadcast partner Mark Jackson was linked to the Timberwolves job. Do you think he's ready to be a head coach? Jeff Van Gundy: He has every component you would need to be an outstanding head coach. He is a tremendous communicator, he has a good X's and O's background playing for some of the greatest coaches in the sport. To me, if you are doing a coaching draft, he would be a can't miss. New York Post

In other news, the Sixers confirmed that Mike O'Koren has been added to Eddie Jordan's staff as associate head coach, while assistants Jim Lynam and Aaron McKie have been retained. "I am excited to be joined on the bench by three coaches with a wealth of basketball knowledge and for whom I have a tremendous amount of respect," said Jordan in a statement. "My staff has a common vision for this team and how we will play, and I truly look forward to working with them to achieve our goals." Bucks County Courier Times

Asked Saturday who he thinks is better, Bryant or the legendary Michael Jordan, the President left no doubt, saying, "Oh, Michael." "I mean, Kobe's terrific. Don't get me wrong," Obama said. "But I haven't seen anyone match up with Jordan yet." New York Daily News

Still fresh from winning his fourth NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant will be heading for the Manila later this month as part of a six-city tour sponsored by Nike. Bryant will make his first stop in the Philippines on July 21 and thereafter proceed to Singapore, Taipei (Taiwan), Hong Kong and Shanghai and Chengdu in China, according to a statement from Nike. Inquirer.net

After four years and a number of price cuts, former L.A. Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal has finally sold his Miami Beach mansion for $16 million. The NBA star, traded this week to Cleveland, paid $18.8 million for the house, first listed in 2005. O'Neal had been asking $22.5 million for the nearly 20,000-square-foot home. Real Estate

So I’m heading back to my room and I see Paul Pierce playing craps. Obviously, he wasn’t part of the contingency romancing Rasheed Wallace to the Celtics on Thursday or most likely on Friday. I’m in a semi-Red Bull and Vodka daze, but not enough that I don’t have my bearings or really need to worry about spelling words incorrectly. I watch him play craps for a few minutes and when a lull in the action occurs, I say “I thought you were supposed to be wooing Sheed”. Sports Radio Interviews

The Truth didn’t take too kindly to my statement. He then says, “Oh man, can’t I get any privacy! Shouldn’t you be looking for girls.” I then tell him I’m married and Pierce then says to me “Then why are you in Vegas?” My response is I’m here on business working with Doyle Brunson for the WSOP Main Event. He loses his roll of the dice and slams his hand down on the craps table as hard as he can. I’m not sure if I should feel guilty, not give a crap, or run as fast as I can. Sports Radio Interviews

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