HoopsHype.com Rumors

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 

"The contract we're working on will make Joel [Freeland] not want to go anywhere, even the NBA," his agent Rafael Calvo said about negotiations between Freeland and Unicaja. La Opinion de Malaga

Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja 

Javier Maestro: (Blazers draftee) Joel Freeland will re-sign with Unicaja till 2014 with a $4 million buyout for European teams and $1.3 million buyout to leave for the NBA. Twitter

Portland Trail Blazers, Joel Freeland 

Even all the way over in Spain, the Portland Trail Blazers injury woes will hit close to home. Joel Freeland - who plays for Unicaja Malaga in the ACB Spanish league and remains the draft property of the Blazers - will miss the next 15 to 20 days of action with a sprained right ankle the team announced today. Freeland is averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game as Unicaja's leading scorer and his right ankle just might throw up a red flag when Portland decides to revisit conversations during the offseason about having what some scouts overseas consider "the best big in Europe" playing for the Blazers. Ridiculous Upside

Portland Trail Blazers, Joel Freeland 

Outside of Crawford and Afflalo, the Bulls have been in contact with representatives for Caron Butler, Josh Howard and Nick Young. Chicago wants to address their shooting guard position and it appears they’ll have a number of options to consider once free agency begins on December 9. HoopsWorld

Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Free Agency, Josh Howard, Nick Young, Caron Butler, Joel Freeland 

The Knicks also were hunting for assets Wednesday in the hopes of becoming a viable landing spot for Chris Paul in a trade. Along with the Nets, Clippers, Bulls, Heat and Spurs, the Knicks also expressed interest in Caron Butler -- but New York is going to be extremely careful not to eat into cap space next summer in the event Paul gets to free agency. CBSSports.com

Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Free Agency, Trade, Chris Paul, Caron Butler, Joel Freeland 

Luol Deng recently spoke with (fellow Brits) Joel Freeland, Robert Archibald and Daniel Clark about potentially playing in Spain. Encestando

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Spain, Joel Freeland 

Emiliano Carchia: Tiago Splitter on his way to return to Spain, not in @Baskonia but in Unicaja Malaga where he will be playing along with Joel Freeland Twitter

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Lockout, Spain, Joel Freeland, Unicaja