Sources close to the Magic situation say Magic GM, Coltsguy was elated to have a run to the finals, but knew it was more circumstances of the East more than it was his team being the best. Thought rebuilding was best plan before playoffs and stuck with it.
There was a lot going on last night around the 3 pick. The Grizzlies who were looking to initially deal down from the 1 pick, coveted a PG but were infatuated with Shawn Marion's talent. The Grizz reported offered the same package for Jason Kidd which was tentatively accepted if they couldn't pull off the deal for #3. The rest is history, the Grizz worked out a deal for number 3, getting their cake and eating it too; this is of course after they finished sucking sim league dick.
I'm told Raptors ran not walked to submit their pick to take Elton Brand. This GM is known to love bigs and in Brand they get a big cornerstone they can run their offense. Rapts GM Sound Wave was concerned about Michael Finley taking too many midrange jumpers last night, and playing through Brand down low coincides with limiting those shots.
Kevin Garnett told GM Balls O'Hard at the start of FA that he was tired of losing. Has been in the league 4 years and hasn't been to the playoffs once. Told the Lakers if they wanted any shot of him staying long term to add talent, his back was too tired from carrying them. Lakers responded by acquiring Jason Kidd fresh off a finals visit, and drafting young but very talented Andrei Kirilenko. Talked to O'Hard after the busy day, he said patience, but playoffs will be up to the players and coaching staff to get on the same page.
Wizards owner J2 is said to be the most active GM this draft. They've already sold the 3 pick to get more peripheral talent on their roster and are now sitting with the #9 pick which we're told is being shopped right now. Sources within their inner working say they want to build a foundation this time around then get their star.
The Bucks have been very active around the league talking about deals. Their team is at a crux now with Brandon, Phills, and Fox all hitting FA. Bucks contemplated rebuilding but after the aquisition of Bo Outlaw it looks like they'll be reloading for a few more runs with this core. Still, don't count out the bucks to get in the draft, they've been historically in love with potential in favor of 'win now talent'
Sources close to Shawn Kemp say after his most recent championship with the GSW, he's ready for a new challenge and wont be returning to the Bay. Recently he's been seen around Miami and Orlando with speculation he might sign for one of the Florida based teams.
One of the most interesting Free Agents this offseason is 34 year old Arvydas Sabonis, he's only played 4 years in the NBA but has still been really effective but at his age getting a long term deal seems unlikely. On another note Sabonis is vacationing in Lithuania this summer leading to rumors he might reject all offers in the NBA and follow his childhood dream and open an ice cream shop in his native land
Sources wrote:Hearing that after much deliberation the Knicks are looking to bring a talented Jet to new york. Something the football team has failed to do for some time.
After leaks of a failed arena proposal and subsequent rumors of relocation, the Rockets now not only have to prove to Shaq that they are committed to winning... they have to prove to Houston that they are committed to the fans. Times are bleak in H-Town. Where do they go from here?
Scoop scoop!Despite assurances from their original GMs that all offers would be matched or beaten, word is Garnett, Finley, and McDyess have all received max offer sheets
Theo Ratliff is currently installing an olympic size pool at his house because he believes he will be swimming in money.
Kevin Garnett currently has at least 3 max offers on the table, more incoming.
So far there has been at least 1 big money offer to Arvydas Sabonis
Big Money Mike Finley has received more maxes than any other player so far. At 6 and counting.
Sources wrote:Big Money Mike Finley has received more maxes than any other player so far. At 6 and counting.
Make that 7.
Eric Snow has received 3 offers worth more than $4mil per year.
Only 3 players have resigned with their original team.
It's gonna take a lot for the Bucks to keep McDyess, probably more than they are willing to part with.
8========DSources wrote:It's gonna take a lot for the Bucks to keep McDyess, probably more than they are willing to part with.
Sources in the Oakland area saw Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp eating dinner last night. There's been rumors saying these two have always wanted to make a run together. Payton has been very expressive with his desire to play with a competent big his whole career, and the Heat GM has failed to provide that or make much movement in the playoffs. There is also the possibility that Payton was just in his hometown eating dinner. Conspiracy or Speculation?
2 time GMOY, The JNR of the Timberwolves, has had a quiet offseason so far, but i'm being told not to buy that. He's watched the West get better and is very conscious that staying the same is moving backwards. Word is, he wants to respond to the top of the West with something that will leave the league's jaws on the floor. Stay tuned...