Since Lebron is dominating all the other threads I thought we needed another to expand on the developments. The Bulls reeled in Boozer and Korver from the Jazz and have a very deep team now. They have also offered Redick. The Jazz are in negotiations with Haslem. Mike Miller committed to the Heat but not signed yet. Heat also let Beasley got to Minnesota for a 2nd round draft pick and are in meeting with Fisher today who might be using the Heat as leverage against the Lakers. Laker fans are already saying it would be a slap in the face if he left for less money.
I like that the Celts picked up JO'neal. I have not followed him recently, but he certainly has size and ability. With all of the talent/experience around him, he could really do well there. With LBJ getting all of the headlines, that was a quiet but big pick up, imo. I think they can get another year or two out of the Pierce-Garnett-Allen trio, and O'neal could really help get them over the top. Waiting to see what the Hornets end up getting.
Luther Head a versatile player with good character, Monty Williams says | NOLA.com just saw this. does bringing LHead in mean the hornets are interested in trading dcollison? maybe bring in a center?
I love Wesley Matthews who played for the Jazz last year. He wasn't drafted and was fighting his way into the NBA and played well. But do I love him this much? He signed an offer sheet with Portland worth $34M/5 year and the Jazz would have to match that offer to keep. He will be paid more than the #1 draft pick from last year. I think not that is a huge risk considering only one year in the league as a role player. Look for the Jazz to sign Ronnie Brewer as a replacement for less money and a proven player. Jazz also looking at Haslem, Al Jefferson, Al Harrington, Shannon Brown, and Roger Mason. Also look for a possible trade since we have exemptions now. Miami still in play for Fisher and don't be surprised if they land Ilgauskas to a short term deal which would allow Bosh to stay at PF. They might keep Haslem as well. Juan Howard and Josh Childress could be options as well. Rumors that Scola might sign an offer sheet with the Nets and Houston would have to match. Lakers and Raja Bell rumors as well.
Jazz trade 2 draft picks and Koufus for Al Jefferson. Charlotte traded big men Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca to Dallas for forward Eduardo Najera, ex-Bobcat Matt Carroll and, perhaps most important, the nonguaranteed $13 million final season on the contract of center Erick Dampier.
This sucks, this proves once again that without his dad, Donnie Nelson is a damned idiot. That Damp contract would have been huge to get rid of after next season, and could have helped Dallas push for a slasher/scoring small forward. You get rid of Devin Harris for Jason Kidd, make absolutely no move to get LeBron, or Bosh, or anyone worth a damn. Chandler isn't the same player he used to be, and who the hell is Alexis Ajinca? The Damp contract coming off the books at the end of next season would have helped Dallas make a play at Carmello also. I hope Cuban and Nelson have something remarkable planned. Because they have been striking out in past off seasons and this off season with the exception of resigning Dirk.
I agree we have been waiting for some power and size in the middle for a while now. This allows Milsap to focus on PF and we got someone who can defend and block shots in the middle. Looks like we are going to get Ronnie Brewer back as well which I would really like. I don't see the Jazz matching the Matthews contract but we have the money to do it.
With Jefferson and Milsap, I believe they can contend with the Lakers honestly. I think they are lacking just one guy though, I dont know who it is, but maybe they should consider Raja Bell.
