Lee and Millsap to stay put?

photo - Tom Smart

This summer might be the worst possible time to be a free agent looking to cash in off of a solid prior season. If you think about some of the names last summer that received big deals, like Elton Brand and Baron Davis, neither truly impacted their new teams the way they were expected for various reasons. Given the state of the economy, as well as many teams looking to save money, players like Paul Millsap of the Jazz and David Lee of New York could find themselves making a difficult decision. Both expected to receive big time offers on the free agent market, however with the wave of big names already off the board, the pickings are slim for the rest of available players.

Paul Millsap and Lee both were thought to be options in Oklahoma City, however it seems the Thunder may be having seconds thoughts on breaking the bank for either player. Given the fact that Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest signs for the mid level exception, Millsap and Lee may be given a reality check if they receive similar offers from their current or prospective teams.

In other news, it appears no one will be willing to trade for the Rockets Tracy McGrady until he returns from his latest rehab and performs on the floor. T-Mac, who will be entering the final year of his contract, was being discussed in a potential deal that would have sent Andrei Kirelinko to Houston, according to The Deseret News.

The Charlotte Bobcats reportedly are not interested in bringing in Allen Iverson or Rasheed Wallace if either are looking for long term contracts, which is expected by both camps. The Charlotte Observer reports that the team is interested in Brandon Bass of the Mavs and Antonio McDyess of the Pistons over Wallace.

Cleveland may have lost out on both Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza, but there hopes of improving their wing play is still evident. The interest level in Grant Hill has waned(likely because Hill is expected to join Boston and Doc Rivers), so the Cavs are looking at bringing in Anthony Carter, formerly of the Raptors.

Tagged as: anthony carter, antonio mcdyess, brandon bass, david lee, grant hill, paul millsap, rasheed wallace