HoopsHype.com Rumors

According to La Opinion de Malaga, one of the keys of Unicaja Malaga's summer market is Joel Freeland. The British big man has two more years left on his contract with the Spanish team but he has also an NBA escape to exercise by July 10 behind payment of little more than €1M. Sportando

Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja 

“I have to talk with my agent about everything,” Freeland told La Opinion De Malaga. Now that we have some downtime, I’ll speak with him and have a look at all my options. “I want to win something and if it can be in (Malaga), all the better. I have a contract here and that’s all I’m thinking about. Like every player, I’d also love to play in the NBA. If I get the opportunity this summer, I don’t know. I can’t say if I’d say yes or no.” MVP 24/7

Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja 

If former Blazer draft picks Joel Freeland and Victor Claver are technically under contract with their Spanish pro teams, the buyouts are low enough that it won’t be a problem bringing them to the NBA next season, Buchanan says. “European contracts can be interpreted a lot of ways,” the Blazers’ interim GM says. “We’ve had talks with both players and their parties, and we’re hopeful we can get something worked out. It will take some negotiations.” Portland Tribune

Portland Trail Blazers, Draft, Victor Claver, Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja, Valencia Basket 

Freeland will be in Houston in late June for a series of exhibition games with England’s Olympic team, coached by Rockets assistant Chris Finch. “We’ll see Joel when he’s there and will continue to have talks with his agent,” Buchanan says. Portland Tribune

Portland Trail Blazers, Draft, Victor Claver, Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja, Valencia Basket 

But as the Blazers plot ways to spend the $15-$20 million in salary cap money they will have at their disposal, two players they already have the rights to also will factor into their plans: Joel Freeland and Victor Claver. The former first-round draft picks have spent the past few seasons in the Spanish ACB League developing their games and preparing for a move to the world's highest level of basketball, and it appears the time to make that move finally has arrived. Two members of the Blazers' front office, Joe Cronin and Steve Rosenberry, traveled to Europe last week to visit the duo, and both expressed a desire to make the leap to the NBA next season. Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Victor Claver, Joel Freeland 

The Blazers responded by telling them they'd love to have them. "We'd really like to bring them both over," Blazers interim general manager Chad Buchanan said. "We're going to be aggressive to get them signed and get them in a Blazers uniform next season. Any deal will have to make sense for Joel, for Victor and for the Blazers and our offseason plans. But if we had a choice, we'd like to get them both signed." Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Victor Claver, Joel Freeland 

Nothing is set in stone, but it seems like the stars have finally aligned for Claver and Freeland to make the jump from the ACB League to the NBA. "We're high on both players," Cronin said. "And they are intrigued about the possibility of coming over. Nothing is a lock, but there is a good chance it will happen this year. We'd be very happy if we could get them over next year." Oregonian

Portland Trail Blazers, Victor Claver, Joel Freeland 

Joel Freeland: I'm thinking. As every player, I also want to be in the NBA. If I have the chance this summer... I don't know. I can't say yes or not. La Opinion de Malaga

Portland Trail Blazers, Spain, Joel Freeland 

Three NBA scouts from the Portland Trailblazers were rumoured to of visited Unicaja Malaga's training facility today to watch Joel Freeland. According to Malaga-based website www.diariosur.es - the scouts were also there to keep an eye on Augusto Lima and Alex Abrines but the main focus was the Great Britain international. Freeland's agent Rafa Calvo has also met with the forward today. He is still on the Portland Trailblazers books and are exploring their options at this time. Freeland has two years left on his contract with Malaga but that contract incudes an NBA-opt-out. TalkBasket

Portland Trail Blazers, Spain, Joel Freeland 

Another factor is former Blazer draft picks Joel Freeland and Victor Claver, both 6-10 forwards who played professionally in Spain last season. One or both could be signed for next season, though it sounds as if Freeland — more of a power forward, while Claver plays outside — is more likely. “Joel’s a free agent, hasn’t signed a contract (in Europe) and is a guy we’ve pursued pretty hard,” Buchanan says. “He’s well aware we’d like to have him come over.” Portland Tribune

Portland Trail Blazers, Free Agency, Victor Claver, Joel Freeland 

Freeland would probably be signed with available cap room or for the mid-level exception. Claver, who missed six weeks with a broken foot this season but has recovered, is in the same category. “We haven’t ruled out having both of them come over,” Buchanan says. Portland Tribune

Portland Trail Blazers, Free Agency, Victor Claver, Joel Freeland 

As is the case every season, Freeland is asked about what his plans are. He was an NBA draft pick several years ago by Portland and everyone wonders if his intention is to cross the Atlantic. His aim is to play in America eventually but that time has not arrived. "I just want to be here in Malaga," he said. "I don't want to make specific deadlines. When I'm ready, I'll take that step. (But) I have a lot to learn." FIBA.com

Portland Trail Blazers, Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja 

As of now, if you could choose between staying in Malaga, signing with another top European team or playing in the NBA, what would you choose? Joel Freeland: If I have a good option to stay, I'd stay in Malaga, no doubt. Diario Sur

Portland Trail Blazers, Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja 

Joel Freeland: Playing in the NBA is my goal, like with many other players. I've always said that. But I don't think about it, I only want to be here in Malaga. Diario Sur

Portland Trail Blazers, Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja 

Joel Freeland could be a Portland Trailblazer next year after all. Reports surfaced last week that the 25-year-old British power forward and Trail Blazers draftee (30th overall in 2006) had signed an extension with Unicaja Malaga of Spain, lending serious doubt to his NBA future. After a 75-65 loss to Banca Civica Sevilla in the Copa del Rey, Joel Freeland said those reports were untrue. “We’ve always been talking since day one but there’s no agreement at this point,” said Freeland. SheridanHoops

Portland Trail Blazers, Spain, Joel Freeland 

When another reporter asked Freeland if Portland could do anything to sway him, Freeland went on the defensive. “I’ve never said that I didn’t want to be [in Portland]. I never have said that,” he responded. “If the situation’s right and I feel like I’m ready, then I’ll make that step obviously. But you know, I’m here, I’m focusing on [Unicaja] at the moment.” SheridanHoops

Portland Trail Blazers, Spain, Joel Freeland 

It's gone from the walking wounded to an apparent contract extension for Joel Freeland over the last month, but the Portland Trail Blazers aren't giving up hope just yet on luring "the best big man in Europe" to Rip City. In fact, they're not even sure there is a lot of validity to recent reports stating Freeland is set to sign a contract extension with Spanish club Unicaja Malaga. "Joel is aware of how we feel about him and his future with us and we are aware of Joel and his interest in becoming a Trail Blazer," Blazers acting General Manager Chad Buchanan told Ridiculous Upside. "When the season is over and we can begin to engage in more serious contract talks with Joel we will do so." Ridiculous Upside

Portland Trail Blazers, Joel Freeland 

"We have been in contact with Joel's Spanish and US agents all season long and are very aware of where things are at with his contract extension talks with Unicaja. These talks have no impact on our desire to try and bring Joel over to our team next season. When the season is over and we can begin to engage in more serious contract talks with Joel we will do so." Ridiculous Upside

Portland Trail Blazers, Joel Freeland 

Joel Freeland has agreed with Unicaja Malaga to extend the contract with the Spanish team, according to La Opinion de Malaga. The new contract of the British big man with Unicaja Malaga will have a €2.7M buyout clause. The deal should be official after Copa del Rey who will be played till Sunday in Barcelona. Sportando

Portland Trail Blazers, Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja 

Blazers Acting GM Chad Buchanan on Joel Freeland's reported extension: "We still want Joel Freeland in Portland next year. That hasn't changed. We talk frequently with his representatives... We're very well aware where things are at with his extensions talks with Malaga... I know there are discussions but there's nothing finalized with Joel and Malaga... Sportando

Portland Trail Blazers, Chad Buchanan, Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja