2014 Free Agency Updates

[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sources: Cavaliers flying to NJ today to offer <a href="https://twitter.com/KyrieIrving">@KyrieIrving</a> max deal (5 yrs, $90 million) on July 1</p>&mdash; Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/statuses/483674817250738176">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sources close to <a href="https://twitter.com/KyrieIrving">@KyrieIrving</a> say he's happy so far with coach David Blatt. &quot;Most positive talk I've ever heard btwn Kyrie &amp; Cavs,&quot; said 1</p>&mdash; Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/statuses/483688289929814016">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Never doubted that Kyrie's max-extension would happen this summer. But I'm also cool with the narrative that Blatt sealed it for him <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cavs?src=hash">#Cavs</a></p>&mdash; Brendan Bowers (@BowersCLE) <a href="https://twitter.com/BowersCLE/statuses/483690823629176833">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Memphis forward Ed Davis will be an unrestricted free agent, league source tells Yahoo.</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/483704325768617984">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins">@JoshuaBRobbins</a>: The Orlando Magic have decided to waive Jameer Nelson, the Orlando Sentinel has learned.</p>&mdash; Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483705631992741888">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Chris Bosh opted out ... and went on vacation as opposed to entertaining other offers. Doesn't sound like someone looking to leave, does it?</p>&mdash; Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483712311668920320">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Add up Wade's willingness to opt out of the money left on his deal and Bosh's vacation and you get why few think the Heatles are breaking up</p>&mdash; Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483712680608288768">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Wizards officials returned today from trip to Poland to support free agent Marcin Gortat in camps, and remain confident in re-signing him.</p>&mdash; Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/statuses/483712291515670528">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Bucks have told forward-center Ekpe Udoh he will not be tendered an offer thus making him an unrestricted free agent, source told Yahoo.</p>&mdash; Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/483731349547659264">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[Randolphkeys]

James Anderson, formerly of the Sixers, was waived to save 1 million. Chauncey Billups did not have his option picked up and is considering retirement.

 

[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Miami's interest in Lowry is undeniable, but keep hearing Raps feel good about their chances with offer poised to start in $12 mil range</p>&mdash; Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483752829098934273">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Seems obvious w/addition of Wiggins, but Luol Deng moving on from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cavs?src=hash">#Cavs</a>. Feeling on both sides even before draft was Deng wasn't returning</p>&mdash; Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonLloydABJ/statuses/483753705507147777">June 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As free agency starts, James/Bosh/Wade plan to give Pat Riley a window to enact his plan on upgrading supporting cast, sources tell Yahoo.</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/483780097950756864">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As for Detroit's marquee free agent: Pistons have let it be known they want to keep Greg Monroe but won't rule out sign-and-trade if too $$$</p>&mdash; Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483785540274511872">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Atlanta Hawks are one team that keep coming up as a potential suitor for Greg Monroe as he becomes restricted free agent at 12:01 AM</p>&mdash; Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483786125643747329">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Add two teams to the expected Pau Gasol market: Phoenix and Atlanta. Lakers, Knicks, Bulls, Mavs, Rockets all expected to pursue.</p>&mdash; Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/statuses/483792654241898496">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Most teams interested in Gasol chasing Melo/Bron so he'll have to wait. Warriors also expected to have interest, but would need S&amp;T</p>&mdash; Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/statuses/483793123530002432">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Cavs expected to make run at F Chandler Parsons (Rockets) and C Marcin Gortat (Wizards) once free agency begins tonight. Parsons restricted.</p>&mdash; Sam The Bullshit Whisperer (@SamAmicoFSO) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamAmicoFSO/statuses/483793430334963712">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

:huh:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Raptors plan to offer their free agent PG Kyle Lowry a contract starting at $14.5 million at 12:15 AM meeting in Toronto, Yahoo source said.</p>&mdash; Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/483799724701413376">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Received a scam text from someone posing as Raptors front office member.There is no offer on the table paying $14M.Apologize for the mistake</p>&mdash; Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/483803307773657088">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Teams interested in LeBron James will meet w agent Rich Paul this week in Cleveland, according to NBA source. James will not attend meetings</p>&mdash; gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) <a href="https://twitter.com/GwashburnGlobe/statuses/483800062699790336">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

Sources: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh to give Pat Riley time to improve roster
Adrian Wojnarowski

As Miami Heat president Pat Riley begins to pursue free agency at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday, LeBron James and his Big Three teammates plan to give the franchise a window to recruit a supporting cast and close deals with them, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The Heat's free agents – James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem – have the framework of deals in place to remain with Miami, arming Riley with his limitations within the salary cap to sign talent, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

"Everybody has their [contract] number and has left a little bit of room to let [Riley] maneuver," one source briefed on the contract discussions told Yahoo Sports.

Now, it is on Riley to replenish a roster that failed in a five-game NBA Finals loss to San Antonio. As Yahoo Sports reported on Saturday, James is pursuing a full max contract extension, beginning at $20.6 million – or something slightly below. Bosh and Wade will need to take pay cuts – Wade's significant – to create the cap space for Miami to be competitive in pursuit of free agent targets that include Kyle Lowry, Luol Deng, Marcin Gortat, Trevor Ariza and Marvin Williams.

Among top-level NBA executives and agents, there remains a strong belief that Miami will convince its key players to return on new deals. Within the suitors for James, there's an increased pessimism they'll never get a serious chance to engage James in free-agent meetings and presentations, sources told Yahoo Sports. His agent Rich Paul told teams he will accept their calls beginning after midnight on Tuesday, but there's no sense the formal meetings will be scheduled in the near future, sources said.

As one general manager told Yahoo Sports, "Right now, it's clear they're buying time for Riley to go out and hit the market."

Paul has avoided any communication with teams on James' free agency, abiding by loosely enforced NBA rules on holding free agent talks before the official start of the period at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday, league sources said. Cleveland undertook an investigation in 2010 on James' camp, charging tampering with James and league sources believe that's a significant reason why Paul has been so careful.

 

[wuck]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Mavs prioritizing meeting with Carmelo Anthony before locking in with LeBron James. Speaks to belief around league James stays in Miami.</p>&mdash; Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KBergCBS/statuses/483825232575078402">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey has traveled to Philadelphia to meet with free agent guard Kyle Lowry tonight, league source tells Yahoo.</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/483825587471937536">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>First call to free agent forward Luol Deng's reps tonight: Dallas Mavericks.</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/483824703824359424">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Mavs' first face-to-face meeting tonight is owner Mark Cuban and his own point guard: Devin Harris</p>&mdash; Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/statuses/483824676360052737">July 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[wuck]

From Jason Lloyd:

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Cavs willing to spend to win James back

By Jason Lloyd
Beacon Journal sports writer

Published: June 30, 2014 - 11:15 PM | Updated: June 30, 2014 - 11:57 PM

The white Cadillac Escalade pulled into the parking garage attached to the IMG building on July 1, 2010, and LeBron James slipped out of the passenger side door. He flipped a black backpack over his shoulders and entered the headquarters of his LRMR marketing firm as the frenzied scene outside erupted.

Traffic was occasionally stopped as generally civil people ran – paparazzi style – into the streets to catch glimpses of NBA team personnel entering and exiting the building. Jay-Z was there. So was Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. Pat Riley showed up, too, and eventually walked away with the grand prize.

As James enters into free-agent waters again today, the feeling is far different. There is a more professional, business-like feel to the event. James has grown up and matured over these last four years, and so have the people around him.

All communications will now go through his agent, Rich Paul. And with the widely held belief James will ultimately return to Miami, teams interested in speaking with him don’t know when – or if – they’ll receive a face-to-face meeting.

The Cavaliers, however, will be ready if called upon.

ESPN reported Monday that James will be seeking a max contract, estimated to be worth about $22.2 million for next season. The Cavs will have to move some contracts around to get there, but have always remained confident that’s attainable.

What’s more important to them is the pitch to get James back. They have been preparing for months, even years, for this moment. They know any team that gets in front of him will lay out a plan of how they’ll win with him, how they’ll surround him with top talent and how they can win titles together.

But the Cavs privately feel they can separate themselves in two key areas: This area is still home to him, and Dan Gilbert is willing to cut any check necessary to help the team win.

The Cavs know how much James and his wife, Savannah, love being in Northeast Ohio. He spends plenty of time at his Bath home in the summer, and the Cavs will try to convince him of the merits to return here permanently.

Perhaps more importantly, they’ll try to sell him on Gilbert’s deep pockets. The history between Gilbert and James is all-too-well documented. Gilbert’s letter in the hours after James’ departure four years ago did significant damage to the relationship, but what can’t be denied is Gilbert’s willingness to spend.

If given the opportunity, the Cavs will remind James how the Heat parted ways with Mike Miller last summer in what was strictly a cost-cutting move. Miller’s release under the amnesty provision saved Heat owner Micky Arison about $15 million in tax penalties. On top of that, the Heat never used their midlevel exception to replace Miller or give the Heat another weapon.

Both decisions irritated James.

Gilbert, conversely, has never let money cloud a decision. He proved that again when he essentially bought assistant coach Tyronn Lue from the Los Angeles Clippers. The potential total value of Lue’s deal – four years, $6.5 million – is more than some general managers make.

Gilbert will spend any price to win, and that’s not to label Arison as cheap. The Heat have consistently held one of the league’s highest payrolls since James joined them and will likely be in line to pay an expensive repeat offenders tax following next season. But the Cavs certainly will cite the Miller amnesty, if given the opportunity, as proof Gilbert is willing to spend more than Arison.

A more likely scenario for the Cavs, however, will be to move on without LeBron, continue building this team through the draft and supplementing with appropriate trades and free agents.

Along that line of thinking, ESPN reported the Cavs will fly to New Jersey to meet with Kyrie Irving today about a possible max extension. Teams can start negotiating with free agents at 12:01 a.m. today, and rather than using those early hours to pursue other players, the Cavs seem to be making the commitment to getting something done quickly with Irving.

Irving is already under contract for next season. The extension, if completed, won’t begin until the 2015-16 season. Irving will earn $7 million next season as the final guaranteed year of his rookie deal, which gives the Cavs one final chance to add a high-priced free agent while paying Irving rookie contract dollars.

At this point, that player seems unlikely to be James. But the Cavs have come too far to give up now. They’re ready to talk if he’s willing to listen.