The World Famous LayupDrill Rumor Mill
6/27/09
As the dust begins to settle on the 2009 NBA Draft, things will begin to heat up over the next few days when the NBA Free Agency signing period begins July 1. Last week we saw many contenders, such as the Spurs, Magic, and Cavs make some big moves. Many of them are not done though, and others will be joining them in their quest to add the missing piece to get them over the top. One player on the top of a few teams lists is veteran big man Rasheed Wallace. Wallce, who is a free agent after his run in Detroit ended, is expected to be courted by three title contenders: Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, and San Antonio Spurs. The C’s and Spurs are reportedly the frontrunners, though Wallace is looking for a multi-year deal, and that may be something he won’t get from any of those teams.
In some interesting news, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that the Grizzlies and L.A Clippers were very close to a deal on Thursday that would have sent Clippers forward Zach Randolph along with guard Greg Buckner to Memphis. While the newspaper did not confirm what would have been sent in return in that nixed trade, sources close to the Clippers tell LayupDrill.com that the deal was called off by Donald Sterling at the last minute, but reportedly L.A was trying to secure the 2nd pick in the draft so they could land James Harden.
The NY Post reports this morning that with the additions of Darko Millicic and Jordan Hill, the days as a Knick for David Lee and Nate Robinson are likely over now. With Hill a Knick, Lee could be utilized in a sign-and-trade next week. Robinson, meanwhile, was likely to be out as well, as the Knicks still flirt with the possibility of trading for the rights to Ricky Rubio.
Now that Vince Carter is in Orlando, Hedo Turkoglu has offically landed on the free agent market. His agent believes Turkoglu will command an annual salary of $10 million, though the only teams that could afford him at that price would be the Pistons, Kings, and Blazers.
Two free agents that may be signing for a contender for cheap this summer are Allen Iverson and Shawn Marion. Iverson is not expected to land a starting job anywhere in the league, aside possibly Charlotte, and that now looks like a stretch. While things in Detroit did not work out for The Answer, could he be willing to take considerably less money to play alongside friends Lebron and Shaq in Cleveland? What about Dwyane Wade down in Miami? Marion, meanwhile, could see himself heading to the Spurs if they lose out on the Rasheed Wallace sweepstakes, but only for the mid-level exception. There is the chance Marion returns to Toronto as well, and the Raptors may look at bringing in a veteran guard to play alongside Jose Calderon.
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