***The Official Summer of '10 NBA Thread***

The first trade of what is sure to be a lot of player movement this offseason is done. Love the deal for Sacramento. They could look to grab a good SF like Wes Johnson if he somehow gets past Minny or they can go with Cousins or Favors at 5. Dalembert/Thompson/Garcia gives them length on the frontline and a couple of good rebounders and shotblockers. If they go with Cousins, he doesnt have to be rushed and playing time will open up next year when Sammy's contract ends. For Philly, this means more time at C for Brand in my opinion. Hawes is an enigma as he is as inconsistent as they come. One night he looks like a player the next he looks like a foul prone slug. If Philly can solve the riddle this trade goes in their favor but I'm not sure that will happen.

The Kings and Sixers have reportedly agreed to a deal that will send center Samuel Dalembert to Sacramento in exchange for center Spencer Hawes and forward Andres Nocioni.
The Kings have long coveted Dalembert, who is entering the final year of a large contract, while the Sixers have long taken him for granted. Hawes is the wild card here, and could develop into a quality starting center at some point. Nocioni desperately wanted out of Sacramento and got his wish. Dalembert should be the opening-night starter for the Kings, while it looks like Hawes and Marreese Speights will battle it out for the Sixers. The trade is expected to be finalized later on Thursday.
Source: ESPN.com

Take it with a grain of salt considering the source:

In a recent interview with ESPN Radio, Stephen A. Smith said that LeBron James is leaning toward signing with the Knicks "and that this factor played a role in Tom Izzo turning down the Cavs' head coaching job."
"From what my sources tell me, he still hasn’t made a final decision but he’s higher on New York now than he was a month ago," said Smith. "And the reality is that he is leaning more towards New York than he is towards returning to Cleveland. Izzo knew this." Apparently James' camp is making "in-depth" queries about Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni. While this can't be dismissed out of hand, it must still be filed under "speculation."
Source: RealGM.com

Stephen A Smith has made an entire career out of saying LeBron is going to NY.

Also - Steve Kerr's firing has a dramatic impact on Amare re-signing? Going from 0% chance to 0% chance is dramatic?

Where do you guys thin Bosh will end up?

"Tone_E wrote:

Where do you guys thin Bosh will end up?

Lakers. Sign and Trade. Hot topic here in Los Angeles.

"Tone_E wrote:

Where do you guys thin Bosh will end up?

Even though this piece from rotoworld says hes not waiting on lebron, i think hes going wherever Lebron goes. Hopefully its the Knicks.

Chris Bosh said in a recent interview that he will consider playing in New York, but emphasized that hes not going to wait on LeBron James to decide first.
When it all goes down, is gonna be one of the all-time greats, Bosh said. At the same time, I cant just sit around and wait. I have to be proactive with my choices and whats gonna make me happy. It doesnt sound like Bosh will remain in Toronto, and he has reportedly expressed interest in sign-and-trades with either the Knicks, Bulls, Heat, or Lakers.
Source: Akron Beacon-Journal


In other news, also per rotoworld:

The Knicks are reportedly still trying to acquire a first-round draft pick, and could be targeting the Thunder's #26 pick.
No word on what New York would send in return, but Oklahoma City could conceivably accept a lump sum while avoiding another guaranteed salary on their payroll theyll need maximum flexibility to re-sign Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook.
Source: Alex Kennedy via Twitter

"Finsanity wrote:

Lakers. Sign and Trade. Hot topic here in Los Angeles.

The question was not where you WANT him to end up. it is where you think he will end up.

Bynum's value after this series is shot.

By the way, this thread is for anything draft related, hot rumors on the star studded Free agent class, or trades in whats expected to be a very busy offseason for a lot of teams.

Could also make free agency predictions on what teams end up with what players.....

Looks as though Wes Johnson is the pick at 4 unless Turner or Favors falls to 4.

I read somewhere that apparently Turner will be the pick for Philadelphia, as their draft board was apparently revealed on accident.

"Boik14 wrote:

By the way, this thread is for anything draft related, hot rumors on the star studded Free agent class, or trades in whats expected to be a very busy offseason for a lot of teams.

Could also make free agency predictions on what teams end up with what players.....

Right on...:hi5:

Just wished to say I won't be starting a NBA draft thread this year, so let one of the young bucks post one...and there your post is B14.

I hope the Knicks find some bodies B14, that is a historic NBA franchise that has been in a rut since Thomas was driving the bus, down the turnpike, and into the East River, all the while sexting some poor Office Assistant...

"BuckeyeKing wrote:

Looks as though Wes Johnson is the pick at 4 unless Turner or Favors falls to 4.

Yep, Ive been reading for weeks that they love Wes. You'll love Wes as well as a Wolves fan. Hes very consistent, very mature and has a reasonably good basketball IQ for a young player. Just got to get him to go to the hoop more and improve his handle because hes very difficult to stop and a good foul shooter. Wherever Wes goes I'll be excited to follow him since he went to the Cuse :up:

"padre31 wrote:

Right on...:hi5:

Just wished to say I won't be starting a NBA draft thread this year, so let one of the young bucks post one...and there your post is B14.

I hope the Knicks find some bodies B14, that is a historic NBA franchise that has been in a rut since Thomas was driving the bus, down the turnpike, and into the East River, all the while sexting some poor Office Assistant...

It was Scott Layden who really started driving the bus downhill when he dealt Ewing in the final year of his deal for Shandon Anderson and other assorted junk with multiple years left on their contracts. :wink2:

The Magics will sign everyone and draft John Wall.

OUR DESTINY AWAITS

"Boik14 wrote:

Yep, Ive been reading for weeks that they love Wes. You'll love Wes as well as a Wolves fan. Hes very consistent, very mature and has a reasonably good basketball IQ for a young player. Just got to get him to go to the hoop more and improve his handle because hes very difficult to stop and a good foul shooter. Wherever Wes goes I'll be excited to follow him since he went to the Cuse :up:

It was Scott Layden who really started driving the bus downhill when he dealt Ewing in the final year of his deal for Shandon Anderson and other assorted junk with multiple years left on their contracts. :wink2:

Only problem I have with Wes Johnson is he cannot create his own shot. I'm optimistic about him because of his length and athletic ability but I don't think he can make a impact right away.

"BuckeyeKing wrote:

Only problem I have with Wes Johnson is he cannot create his own shot. I'm optimistic about him because of his length and athletic ability but I don't think he can make a impact right away.

Be careful with that. Wes has a variety of moves inside and outside and once he improves his handle he will be able to create his own shot. I see him and I see a lot of Paul Pierce (minus the whiny attitude) or Carmelo. He can really score in bunches. He needs to improve his dribble/drive and he will be a very complete offensive player.

Cavs have made contact with Toronto about a sign and trade for Bosh. Supposedly Toronto is asking for AT LEAST, Varajao, Hickson, 13 pick and filler.

Obviously unless Bosh says he wants to go to Cleveland it is a moot point.

"PhiNomina wrote:

Cavs have made contact with Toronto about a sign and trade for Bosh. Supposedly Toronto is asking for AT LEAST, Varajao, Hickson, 13 pick and filler.

Obviously unless Bosh says he wants to go to Cleveland it is a moot point.

Cleveland wasnt on Bosh's list of teams to go to a few weeks ago..he listed LAL, NYK, Miami, NJ and Chicago...teams that have room to give max money or are stud teams already

Living in Toronto is tough on the basketball fans.

We've had so many great players here but we can't keep them.

T-Mac
Vince Carter
Alonso Mourning (refused to play with us that a hole, then goes to MIA and wins)
and now Chris Bosh.

I think if Bosh teams up with James it will be the next Jordan Pippen pairing.

"Tone_E wrote:

Living in Toronto is tough on the basketball fans.

We've had so many great players here but we can't keep them.

T-Mac
Vince Carter
Alonso Mourning (refused to play with us that a hole, then goes to MIA and wins)
and now Chris Bosh.

I think if Bosh teams up with James it will be the next Jordan Pippen pairing.

LeBron is no where near MJ never will IMO.

"BuckeyeKing wrote:

LeBron is no where near MJ never will IMO.

Agreed 100%. What I meant was James/Bosh combination will show similar dominance than the Jordan/Pippen combo.

Not contesting who is the better individual player.

"alen1 wrote:

I read somewhere that apparently Turner will be the pick for Philadelphia, as their draft board was apparently revealed on accident.

I'd be very surprised considering they have Iguodala and need a PF.

The whole leak is a smokescreen to get the Nets or Timberwolves to trade up. 6ers are taking Favors.

"Tone_E wrote:

Agreed 100%. What I meant was James/Bosh combination will show similar dominance than the Jordan/Pippen combo.

Not contesting who is the better individual player.

Possibly. I would like to see what Bron could do with another Star.

"Tone_E wrote:

Living in Toronto is tough on the basketball fans.

We've had so many great players here but we can't keep them.

T-Mac
Vince Carter
Alonso Mourning (refused to play with us that a hole, then goes to MIA and wins)
and now Chris Bosh.

I think if Bosh teams up with James it will be the next Jordan Pippen pairing.

I do feel kinda bad but I hate toronto simply cause i cant stand the maple leafs so my dislike of their hockey team carries over :(

I think Bosh/Lebron would be a great combo. I feel like those are 2 of the top 3 FA's available (along with Wade) and might be a better 1-2 punch then Kobe/Pau which is one of the reasons I think it will happen that way. Whereever Bron goes he will need a secondary star and Bosh is one of the top 3-4 bigs in the game.

"BuckeyeKing wrote:

I'd be very surprised considering they have Iguodala and need a PF.

The whole leak is a smokescreen to get the Nets or Timberwolves to trade up. 6ers are taking Favors.

The 76er's really should go Turner at the 2 and Igo at the 3. Gives them length and 2 athletic scorers off the wing which will be a difficult matchup for any team. either player can kill ya, its just how you want it. The 76ers have been smitten with Turner all along and I dont believe hes actually worked out for any other team.

"BuckeyeKing wrote:

Possibly. I would like to see what Bron could do with another Star.

This is the point Ive made for months now. You need at least two to win and Cleveland never gave him that 2nd guy. They tried and through no fault of their own just didnt have the talent to get it done. They should have pulled the trigger for Amare when they had the chance of they indeed had the chance.