AI continuee to be the most talked about RFA, as some GMs feel they have a legit shot at Iverson. "Is he worth a msx? No," one general manager claimed "and I dont think the Suns will max hom either. He's an undersized 2 or a turnover prone 1. Either way, he is a liabilty."
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Continuing on the A.I. talks, am hearing that a team, who's cap is slated to go significantly up, has decided to offer Iverson a max to pry him away from Phoenix
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More on the Kemp front: a respected league official was quoted saying "If you thought beating one OP was hard enough, try two."
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Just spotted superstar Tom Gugliotta at the airport. Asked him where he was headed. He smiled and replied "I'm going home."
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RFA news: The Spurs have been league disappointments for years now after their incredible lottery luck. With two big pieces in Allen and Shareef coming up in RFA this year, sources say it's 50/50 whether or not they'll both be brought back. Teams around the league view these two as "highly attainable."
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Potential leak from Minnesota. Chris Webber talks have heated up and there's a chance that he may be headed north of the border. Hearing the Timberwolves are looking for a re'Brand' of sorts.
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We are getting good vibes from Seattle. Their fan base is extremely excited with the new regime. New GM Dzig (such a mysterious name!) has come in and already topped moves made by the last GM of the Sonics, Trell. Sources hypothesize that Dzig is doing so well because, after being evicted from his role and office, Trell left behind "spreadsheets and stuff". Perhaps this provided the new regime with the keys to success for their current, upward-looking rebuild.
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Talks heating up around the league. Here's a little riddle that leaked through the cracks: What does the Motor City and L.A. have in common? They both have an Exel/axel to spare.... More to come!
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The Nets have decided to do a fan vote for a new team name. One of the choices was picked for all the noise they've gotten from other teams in terms of Gugs being on the block: The Crickets
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Ron Artest has been noted as 'not happy' in Charlotte after he heard he was being shopped by Charlotte. When asked about it, he said the current GM told him, he was 'the future'. Artest feels like he was stabbed in the back like so many other former Hornets.
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New York Knicks GM Snug Life was seen recently walking out of New York Community Bank with a check for $7,910,409. Who was it made out to? The Check Payable line read: YOUR RFA.
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It seems clear the Wizards are taking the Hawks method of team building. Hoarding a ton of assets that don't fit well together and trying to hit a homerun with all the assets.
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And under the radar name that could be looking at a potentially huge offer sheet: Erick Dampier. Despite only being G/G, he's an incredible rebounder and adequate defender... And he's only 24. One respected Eastern Conference GM said "If I had money to throw around, I'd seriously consider sending him a max. Trainings could make him an elite defensive big."
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Many GMs peeved with current Dallas Maverick GM. Lots of e-mails not responded to, and a couple of GMs feel like he put Penny on the block with no intention of moving him. I've heard from 5 GMs that say he's black listed due to his lack of professionalism.
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After a pick-up game in a local Cleveland playground, Steve Nash was quoted saying: "I would love to be back, but I'm not sure if I'm wanted back. It'll be interesting for sure to see what kind of market there is for me out there. Ideally, I'd like to stay maroon and gold."
When asked about taking a pay cut in order to surround himself with more talent: "I want to do what's best for my team, but at the same time, I have to look out for myself."
As he got in his car he left one clue as to where he would like to play if Cleveland wasn't an option: "I'd love to play for Phoenix, but they seem pretty committed to Jason Williams and Allen Iverson. Portland is another possible option".
Portland reps were unavailable to comment directly, but sources said that Steve Nash fits the "tone" of their team and that other PGs "pale" in comparison.
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Derek Fisher on if he'll be back in Detroit... "Who knows, not sure if i'm the right color for him."
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The biggest question mark in RFA this year is Derek Fisher. His defense screams starter, while his size, athleticism, and offense show decent backup. What will he be paid as? It only takes one team to fall in love...
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More from Derek Fisher... "I'm not even sure the GM knows I'm an RFA."
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Tony Delk is an under the radar prospect most teams aren't thinking about. His great defense and scoring ability added to the fact that he's a great combo off the bench just add to his value. With $384 MILLION dollars combined left for teams, sources expects max money for this young guard.
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Shaquille O'Neal was in Louisiana today at the LSU baseball game when he spotted a fan in a Rockets jersey with a sign reading "Come Home Shaq!" O'Neal then muttered to himself "Oh hell no!" and was seen sprinting out of The Box.
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Stephon Marbury is less than 2 hours away from hitting the Unrestricted Free Agency market. Will Utah exercise his rights before the deadline? Sources point to "no"; Prej was last spotted in his home, baking cookies with his wife. Who's going to come in and eat these cookies this time?
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Biggest question mark in RFA, Antoine Walker. After he showed up fat and out of shape a lot of teams don't know if he's worth a max or not.
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After having no luck in the draft lottery, the Rockets were pleased with drafting Quentin Richardson and Hedo Turkogolu as well as trading for Joe Smith and Travis Best. They feel the new guys bring young adequate depth for the future, but are still looking for a long-term elite solution on the perimeter to matchup with Big Z. They don't believe it will happen in free agency unless they get lucky and aren't willing to trade future picks for one unless its a sure home run player. Most likely it will have to come from the draft.
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The Pacers have been quiet this off-season. Expect that to change with RFA.
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Shaq was later seen eating a hot dog at the Box. When asked about why he ran when asked about the Rockets, he didn't recall it. He explained that ever since his concussion, he seems to get really freaked out when people ask him questions. He said he enjoyed his time in Houston and would completely consider signing again this offseason.