NBA Rumors: Wed, Aug 1
InsideHoops NBA rumors updated 11:20 a.m. ET.
Tony Parker sprained his left ankle. It's apparently a full sprain - InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner
The Warriors would like to keep Mickael Pietrus, a restricted free agent, but are not willing to offer a long-term contract unless another team does so first. Happy Walters, one of Pietrus' agents, said his client has received no proposal from the Warriors other than the one-year, $3.5 million qualifying offer required for the team to retain the right of first refusal. "At this point, I don't see him willing to do that," Walters said when asked if Pietrus would simply play out the one season in order to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. "Right now, I would say no." Contra Costa Times
Walters said other clubs, such as the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks, are interested in a sign-and-trade deal with Pietrus, which would allow those clubs to offload a similar amount of salary and thus avoid paying luxury-tax fees that would essentially double Pietrus' cost. But the Warriors have shown little interest in pursuing that option as well. Contra Costa Times
Even though Matt Barnes is an unrestricted free agent, he's found the market similarly constricted because of luxury-tax concerns on the part of potential suitors, and he'll be hard-pressed at this point to get even half of the starting salary he desired -- the full $5.36 million midlevel exception. Contra Costa Times
James Posey's agent, Mark Bartlestein, confirmed Tuesday that the Warriors were still among several teams still pursuing his client, who could help replace some of the veteran presence lost when the Warriors dealt away Jason Richardson to the Charlotte Bobcats on draft night for rookie forward Brandan Wright. Contra Costa Times
Point guard Baron Davis, who can opt out of the final year of his contract after the upcoming season and is seeking an extension, said he and agent Todd Ramasar have yet to hold discussions with the team. Negotiations will have to wait at least until next week, since Davis is working on the L.A. Stars charity all-star game, which takes place Sunday in Los Angeles. Contra Costa Times
Publicly, Warriors officials have said all along that they expect Don Nelson to be back on Golden State's bench for the 2007-08 season. Tuesday, it looked as though they had good reason for such optimism. Representatives for the team and Nelson met Tuesday to discuss revamping the coach's contract, a person with knowledge of the discussions said, and signs are good for the return of the 67-year-old coach, who was obviously worn down by the end of last season. Nelson declined to comment in depth on the situation, and messages left with Warriors officials were not returned. InsideBayArea
In a rather amazing turn of events, Boston has suddenly become a desirable city for NBA free agents. Agents for legitimate veteran players were actually calling the Celtics yesterday, looking to place their clients in Boston as news of Kevin Garnett’s arrival spilled out further. Boston Herald
Eddie House, Troy Hudson, Brevin Knight and Charlie Bell are reportedly on the point guard list. Bell is a restricted free agent, which makes his situation a little different (Milwaukee can match any offer he gets). Hudson had his contract bought out by the Timberwolves yesterday, making him a free agent. And while the C’s were previously steering away from Knight because of alleged locker room issues, a source said, “Hey, just about everyone that’s out there now has (a few) spots.” Boston Herald
As for big men, Doc Rivers said the Celts are “very interested” in Dikembe Mutombo as a backup center, while P.J. Brown, Michael Ruffin, Calvin Booth and Scot Pollard are also under consideration. With money tight as the Celtics head into the market, rookies Glen Davis and Brandon Wallace may get larger roles sooner than expected. Boston Herald
Bill Neff, the agent for Troy Hudson, said he and the Timberwolves have come to a verbal agreement to buy out the point guard's contract, which would make him a free agent. The deal is for approximately 80 percent of the $12.256 million owed Hudson over the next two seasons. Minneapolis Star Tribune
Next team for Hudson: One possibility could be with Kevin Garnett in Boston, which is in need of a veteran point guard. Minneapolis Star Tribune
The buyout saves the Wolves money and clears a spot on the overcrowded roster now that the Kevin Garnett trade to Boston is official. Hudson will become an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers and would be free to sign with any team. Hudson will receive about 80 percent of what he was owed over the next two years - $5,953,000 next season and $6,303,000 in 2008-09 - agent Bill Neff said. That alone will save the Wolves more than $2 million. Hudson automatically would have been guaranteed one more year, at $6,653,000, if he had reached certain performance levels, but now the Wolves are off the hook for that, too. St. Paul Pioneer Press
It's possible Hudson could sign with Boston, although Neff and his client haven't decided how much money they will seek in a new deal. In addition to Boston, the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks need help at point guard. St. Paul Pioneer Press
Chuck Hayes and the Houston Rockets have reached an agreement on a 4-year contract to keep the forward in Houston. That's according to Hayes' agent Calvin Andrews. He tells Houston TV station KRIV that the contract should be signed later this week. AP/KGBT 4
Pressure is mounting on Milwaukee Bucks officials to make another overture to the representatives of first-round draft pick Yi Jianlian. The state-run China Daily reported Tuesday that Chinese Basketball Association chief Li Yuanwei may intervene in the dispute between Yi and the Bucks. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
