2009 NBA Free Agency
The NBA Rumor Mill
So far the offseason for the NBA has been almost as exciting as the regular season. A lot of new names are going to appear in new cities this coming season, along with some big names and some unknowns. There have been trades happening everywhere for the past couple of weeks now and now that free agency has begun, started Wednesday, we can expect to see many more new faces in new places.
June
Tuesday, June 9 – Toronto acquired forward Reggie Evans from Philadelphia for forward/guard Jason Kapono.
Tuesday, June 23
2009 NBA Free Agency
Golden State: Open Season to Hunt for Free Agents
Another off-season, another opportunity to shop around for new blood to either jump start a franchise from obscurity or take an established organization to another level. For the Golden State Warriors, it’s the former of the two options that they are seeking.
Cleveland Cavaliers Reportedly Making Plays to Sign Either Ron Artest or Trevor Ariza
According to NBA league sources, the Cavs are attempting to land free-agent forward Ron Artest, and the pitch included a meeting with LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles as both were in Southern California for various events.
In addition, a league source indicated the team is trying to attract guard Trevor Ariza, who appears to be disgruntled with the Lakers’ early attempts to re-sign him. Ariza’s agent told the Riverside, Calif., Press-Enterprise Wednesday, “I think I’m being optimistic when I say it’s not going anywhere.”
He added that Ariza might be ready to sign elsewhere.
Familiar Faces in New Places
Only two more days (July 8) until the salary cap is set and teams can make the deals official with the new faces to their franchise. Some huge moves were made over the patriotic weekend and there are still rumors floating around on whom will be going where. Many teams have made great additions to their rosters this offseason, and many people are arguing on who may run for the title next year.
Who did the best?
Kidd agrees to 3-year deal with Mavs
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tells The Dallas Morning News that Jason Kidd isn’t going anywhere. The free agent point guard has agreed to sign a three-year contract for more than $25 million to remain with Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of the Mavericks. The New York Knicks were among the suitors for the 37-year-old Kidd. With this contract, Kidd could end his career in Dallas, which is just how he started it back in 1994.
Detroit Pistons Sign Free Agents Ben Gordon & Charlie Villanueva to their Roster
The Detroit Pistons and free agent guard Ben Gordon have agreed on a five-year contract worth at least $50 million. Deals cannot be officially announced until July 8th. The Pistons also land free agent forward Charlie Villanueva from the Raptors. Villanueva reportedly agreed to a five-year contract worth at least $35 million.
With Ben Gordon, the Pistons get an explosive scoring guard just entering his prime. With Villanueva, the Pistons get a solid long-term replacement for departing power forward Rasheed Wallace.
Free Agent PF Rasheed Wallace to Meet with the Boston Celtics on Thursday (7/2/09)
Rasheed Wallace of the Detroit Pistons, now a free agent, will meet with Boston Celtics officials on Thursday, according to a report by Comcast SportsNet’s Gary Tanguay. Celtics GM Danny Ainge and assistant director of basketball operations Leo Papile visited free agent Rasheed Wallace just after midnight Wednesday to make their recruiting pitch.
“I know he is definitely considering playing for them,” a league source told Yahoo! Sports. The C’s are also said to be interested in Raptors free-agent guard Anthony Parker.
Hawks agree to 3-year deal with Bibby
The Atlanta Hawks have reached an agreement to re-sign Mike Bibby to a three-year deal. Bibby’s agent, David Falk, said Tuesday he has reached an “oral understanding” that will allow the Hawks to retain the point guard who has led the team to two straight playoff appearances. Bibby averaged 14.9 points and 5.0 assists per game last season as the Hawks won 47 games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
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