MIAMI -- Restricted free-agent forward Jamario Moon is joining the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Miami Heat said Friday they had decided not to match the offer sheet Moon signed with Cleveland. Moon finished last season with Miami.
The Cavaliers had roughly $3.2 million of its midlevel exception to sign the 6-foot-8 Moon.
"We declined to match because we want to stay true to our plan of not adding salary to our 2010 cap, and matching it would have reduced our flexibility," Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. "Michael Beasley will be getting significant minutes at both forward positions, and this opens up more opportunities for him to become the player we all expect him to be."
Beasley was the second overall pick in the 2008 draft.
The Heat's decision regarding Moon also gives them more flexibility this offseason. They have been courting free-agent forward Lamar Odom, and they've been linked to a potential trade involving Utah forward Carlos Boozer.
Moon and Jermaine O'Neal were acquired by the Heat from Toronto in February for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Moon, regarded as a good defender, appeared in 80 games last season, with 60 starts, and averaged 7.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 26 minutes. He led the NBA in steals-to-turnover ratio at 2.00.
Latest Boozer rumor: to Knicks for David Lee By John Coon
Could Carlos Boozer end up in a New York Knicks uniform?
A scenario is reportedly being considered by the Knicks in which the team would sign restricted free-agent forward David Lee and then send him off to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Boozer, according to a story published by Newsday.
Lee acknowledged feeling frustrated by the fact he remains unsigned by New York so deep into the free agency period.
"With the four years of hard work I've put in, I'm just frustrated this thing hasn't gotten done yet with the Knicks," Lee told Newsday. "It's been frustrating enough that it has caused us now to kind of look at other options."
The Knicks have not made offers to either Lee or their other restricted free agent, Nate Robinson, so far this summer.
A potential trade for Lee could cause an interesting conundrum for the Jazz, since both he and Paul Millsap play the same position and have comparable statistics. But such a move would undoubtedly prove to be popular with the team's fan base — given Lee's reputation for solid defense and hustle play.
Lee led the NBA with 62 double-doubles last season and averaged a career-high 16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds for New York.
Chicago also appears in the mix for Boozer, and a potential trade for the two-time NBA all-star received an endorsement from the team's franchise point guard, Derrick Rose.
Rose seemed excited at the prospect of playing with Boozer if a trade should come to fruition between Utah and Chicago.
"Boozer is a great guy," Rose said in an interview with Bulls.com. "Great post player, pick-and-roll player, pick and pop. For him to come I'd love it."
A trade between Chicago and the Jazz would likely become more difficult since Portland — a previous rumored trade partner — is unlikely to get involved in a potential deal this time around. The Blazers signed former Ute standout Andre Miller to be their point guard.
This spells an end to Portland's interest in acquiring Kirk Hinrich — the main reason the Blazers were originally involved in trade talks with Utah and Chicago
Just thinking of a rumor I've seen floating around on the net, but, what would people think about trading for Elton Brand?
His contract is terrible and he's coming off two major injuries. Philly would be willing to trade him for peanuts. The Cavs could provide a package like: Darnell Jackson+Kinsey+Jawad Williams+Wally S&T (at $8.5 million/yr with only year one guarenteed), and Philly might be forced to jump at it, just for salary relief.
The down side of a trade like this is that Elton Brand's health is a question mark, and he's a 30 year old, slightly undersized PF. His huge contract precludes the Cavs from getting a Bosh type in 2010, but that looks less realistic now anyway.
The bright side is this, he's averaged a 20/10 over his career. Actually shoots pretty well from the outside (.470 efg% on jumpshots his last full season). Can anybody comment on how many of those jumpshots are 10-15 footers, as opposed to 6 footers?
He's never been hurt before 2 years ago, so the injury concern might be overrated, and he even put up pretty reasonable numbers when he was semi-healthy for a bit last year. Also, achilles injuries usually take two years to come back fully from, so he should see a boost this upcoming season. Alongside Shaq he won't be asked to play above the rim much, and he's a dominant below the basket player. Add in that we'd have to give up virtually nothing for him, and we're in win now mode.
Our lineup this year could be ridiculous:
PG - Williams/West/Gibson SG - West/Parker/Moon SF - James/Moon/Green PF - Brand/AV/Hickson C - Shaq/Z/AV
We'd have a full 2nd team of players who are starting caliber, on top of that, we'd have a legit 20 point scorer at every position on the field (besides maybe SG). LBJ/Brand/Shaq could foul out opponents front courts at will.
Honestly, assuming Brand is half the player he was in 2005/6 (when he was a perennial all-star), this move would set us over the top. As long as Brand's jump shot is good enough to spread the field a little bit (i just mean marginally better than AVs), then I'm not really sure how somebody could defend our half-court offensive attack.
That is definitely something to think about if Phili were to be interested at all in something like that. I don't think that it will happen anytime soon though. From what I saw of Brand last year he was sluggish all around the court and never really got back into playing shape, then got hurt again. He could be the comeback player of the year next year or he might not even finish a game. Who really knows at this point.
i agree. the move would be a gamble. high risk, high reward.
if it's bad, it could handcuff our future. if it works.
assuming he was good, his style fits our need and what we want to do.
really, really tough call. i always say i would love to be the gm of an nba team, but in a situation like that, i am glad i am not danny ferry, that could keep me up for nights.
I LOVE what Moon can bring to the table. He's a highflyer who I can see LBJ throwing some ridiculous alley-oops to and is athletic and versatile enough to be on the floor as a stretch 3-4 type to help us mathup with whoever just a bit better. This team is set for next year, we can only hope that Odom isn't back with the Lakers and aside from the Celtics, I don't see too much competition for the title (unless SA stays healthy, they are frightening)...
Politicians are puppets, y'all. Let's get Geppetto!
what gives me confidence in Elton Brown, is that his numbers when he came back last year weren't actually terrible...especially given that he was working on an offense that didn't fit him, and he was still not far back from an injury that requires two years to heal etc.
He still pulled down 8.8 RPG, and though he didn't shoot well, that's shouldn't really go away due to his injuries. I really think this might be worth the risk, if Brown was healthy, this team would be almost unstoppable. Brown+LBJ+Shaq could foul out oppsing front courts almost at will.
I'm hearing more and more that Lamar is close to signing with Miami however don't take my word for it.
I agree San Antonio looks scary on paper. They were good enough even with Manu missing significant time to earn the #3 spot in the West and win the toughest division in the NBA.
PG: Tony Parker SG: Michael Finley SF: Richard Jefferson PF: Antonio McDyess C: Tim Duncan
Bench:
PG: George Hill SG: Manu Ginobli SF: Malik Hariston PF: Dejuan Blair C: Ian Mahinmi
Extras: F: Matt Bonner G: Marcus Williams G: Roger Mason Jr
Well let's also think about this possibility... if Miami gets Lamar Odom, how scary might that look?
The end of game floor lineup could be just GROSS offensively, like good luck stopping it and it'll be plenty solid on defense too...
I put Wade at the One, because at the end of the game, the ball IS in his hands no matter what... 2.) Daquen Cook (shooting purposes... could feel off passing of Wade and Odom) 3.) Michael Beasley (can be a MONSTER offensively on his own, can take pressure off Wade as he develops and is going to be frightening at the 3..) 4.) Lamar Odom (the dude is LENGTHY almost 7' and proved in the playoffs he can be confrontational and strong inside. I mean he was rebounding, passing, going strong to the whole, shovin', angry, jes plain GOOD. 5.) Jermaine O'Neal (I mean he IS older and not moving as well as when he was young but he is a SOLID center defensively, can rebound, and even score and shows a bit of a midrange game...)
Offensively, that is just PRETTY....
But this is ONLY if Odom surprises me and signs with them...
Politicians are puppets, y'all. Let's get Geppetto!
agreed that it is a good offensive line-up...but where's the defense?
Beasely and Cook don't have it yet....Jermaine has lost his lateral movement and Odom is hit-or-miss defensively.
That lineup would score a bunch, but also give up a ton....
and let's not forget that they would have to be in it at the end of games...they are not a deep team.
what is scary is that even if Miami signs Odom...they are the one team that could conceivably still get Bosh to pair with their superstar next offseason (even with the cap falling)
The New Orleans Hornets have agreed in principle to a trade that will send center Tyson Chandler to the Charlotte Bobcats for Emeka Okafor, signaling the Hornets' unexpected intent to try to keep up with the contenders and spenders in the Western Conference.
NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that the deal was nearly consummated Friday and that talks had advanced to the point that the swap is on course to be submitted to the league office for approval Tuesday, barring any unforeseen snags.
Just days after star guard Chris Paul wondered aloud about management's strategy at the NBA's annual summer league in Las Vegas -- "I'm not sure if we're going to make any moves," Paul told ESPN.com's J.A. Adande -- New Orleans stunned numerous league observers by moving ahead with a deal that will bring them limited savings next season and force them to take on three extra years of eight-figure salary commitments to Okafor.
That represents a striking departure from the Hornets' recent cost-conscious efforts to move Chander.
The Hornets initially dealt Chandler to Oklahoma City days before the league's annual trading deadline in February for the then-expiring contracts of Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith, only for the Thunder to rescind the trade 24 hours later because of concerns about Chandler's long-standing toe problems.
The widespread belief around the league at the time and then during New Orleans' subsequent discussions with Phoenix about swapping Chandler for the expiring contract of Ben Wallace -- which Phoenix has since bought out -- held that New Orleans was only interested in shedding Chandler's contract in exchange for an expiring deal to create payroll relief.
Swapping Chandler (due to earn $11.7 next season) for Okafor ($10.6 million) will save the Hornets just over $1 million next season and cost them an extra $40-plus million over the final three years of Okafor's deal if the 26-year-old exercises his $14.5 million option for the 2013-14 season. Chandler has just one year left on his contract after this season at $12.6 million.
Although Chandler was a favorite of Paul's for his ability to run the floor and finish lobs, making a so-called "basketball trade" as opposed to a salary dump will come as a welcome surprise to Hornets fans and will undoubtedly be interpreted as a message from management to their point guard that it is intent on keeping a quality team around him.
Initial indications Monday were that no other players will be added to the deal. Sources with knowledge of the talks said this proposal featuring Chandler and Okafor as the main components has been pursued since late last week.
The Bobcats would be giving up their first-ever draft pick and the only starting center in franchise history for Chandler, who was restricted to just 45 games last season because of myriad foot injuries. Okafor averaged 13.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks last season in the first year of a new six-year, $72 million deal with the Bobcats.
Chandler averaged 8.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last season. It remains to be seen whether Charlotte wanted him because coach Larry Brown, who has at times struggled to mask his frustrations with Okafor's offensive limitations, craves the mobility and athleticism Chandler can supply when he's healthy.
Another possibility, given the uncertainty surrounding Chandler's health after Oklahoma City rescinded the February trade, is that the move is financially motivated on the Bobcats' side. Reducing the team's long-term salary obligations would likely only enhance owner Bob Johnson's stated intention to sell the team.
Provided there are no complications with Chandler's physical in Charlotte, his arrival and Okafor's exit will leave swingman Gerald Wallace as the only holdover from the Bobcats' original roster in 2004-05. Okafor stands to be the fourth of Charlotte's seven lottery picks to leave town, joining Sean May (waived), Adam Morrison (traded last season to the Los Angeles Lakers) and Brandan Wright (traded to Golden State on draft day in 2007).
Cavs quiet on LeBron contract extension WESTFIELD, Ohio (AP)—Intentionally vague during an important negotiation, Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said Monday that the club has had ongoing talks with LeBron James’(notes) agent about a contract extension for the NBA’s reigning MVP.
The Cavaliers are believed to have offered James an extension of up to three years on July 18, the first day they were allowed. James has an option for the 2010-11 season, and has until June 30, 2010, to extend the deal or pick up his option.
James can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
At a team charity golf outing Monday, Ferry said little about the status of James’ contract.
“We’ve talked to (agent) Leon Rose, but beyond that I don’t really want to comment,” Ferry said after introducing newly signed free agent forward Jamario Moon(notes).
The Cavaliers have had a busy offseason acquiring help for the 24-year-old James. Cleveland traded for All-Star center Shaquille O’Neal(notes) and signed free agents Anthony Parker(notes) and Moon, who will back up James and give the Cavs some much needed frontcourt versatility.
Rose did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
The Atlanta Hawks and restricted free-agent forward Marvin Williams(notes) agreed in principle to a five-year contract worth about $40 million on Wednesday, sources told Yahoo! Sports. The deal isn’t expected to be signed until next week.
It sucks that they resigned odom. However other than Artest the lakers are still going to be soft on defense. They will score a TON amount of points but the cavs are still better defensivley.
dude r u on cack? they play good D...this isn't the suns where they put up 132 and give up 142...
They have kobe bryant who is on the all D team every year. Sure their Bigs aren't that tough inside...but they have nuf players who play..
I STILL think ariza leaving will hurt them more...he proviced pretty good scoring from the outside and had GREAT D!! ...he had so many steals last year that took the game back...will surely miss him.
Bill Simmons seemed to think that the Artest for Ariza swap was a down-grade for the Lakers ... then again, he's pretty much a reknown Laker hater.
His reasoning was that Ariza was younger and starting to come into his own, while Artest was aging, and living mostly on reputation. Plus he's a bit of a head-case. I don't know about all that ... I'd call it a push at least. I guess the good news is that the Lakers didn't really pick up anybody else.
The Cavs on the other hand made some definite upgrades: Shaq over Ben, Moon over Wally and Parker over Sasha. The only real loss was Joe Smith.
lakers will still be damn good. i really think its lakers 1, spurs 2, and then everyone else (in the west). we'll see if denver can repeat their success as well.
i'm hoping that artest shows signs of wear. i think he'll be solid but i kind of agree that ariza was starting to blossom as a very good player that could start on a championship caliber team.
as far as odom goes, i hope he gets his money, enjoys it, and goes back to being the disappearing act that he usually is in big moments.
i really really love that we get shaq in a contract year. he's going to be motivated from game 1. and you know he has christmas day circled on his calendar.
even so, with artest and kobe, the lakers have the ability to lock down on 2's and 3's, who are usually your prime ball handlers in crunch time.
although, it's just my opinion, but i think san antonio regroups and will give LA a serious run for the top seed.
as far as the east goes, i don't think the landscape has changed. i think boston, cleveland, and orlando are still 1-3. we got much better by adding shaq and adding much better supporting players. the magic are probably about the same while adding carter but losing turkoglu. and boston didn't really get better, but if kg comes back healthy it won't matter because they are damn good when he's on the floor.
i agree on SA....as long as Duncan comes back healthy.....Ginobli's injury issues have been well known, but Duncan just wasn't Duncan in the 2nd half last year.
That said....McDyess and Blair might ease his burden a bit, which can only be good for him (he may have just burned out carrying the Spurs in Nov/Dec last year when Parker and Ginobli were out).
Quote: i agree on SA....as long as Duncan comes back healthy.....Ginobli's injury issues have been well known, but Duncan just wasn't Duncan in the 2nd half last year.
That said....McDyess and Blair might ease his burden a bit, which can only be good for him (he may have just burned out carrying the Spurs in Nov/Dec last year when Parker and Ginobli were out).
the other thing is jefferson's health. he's been known to miss games.
i think timmy comes back and has a real solid year. parker is a given. they always get contributions from the bench. ginobili is a wild card with his health. as is mcdyess. but pop always seems to get things to work.
Hakim Warrick is deciding between Cleveland, Milwaukee and Philly..
This would be a good pick up IMO.. I have a feeling Warrick would be very active defensively for us.. He has always played on bad teams, so I think if he gets the chance to be a "contributor" for a championship contending team, it would prolly do a lot for his career.. He is only 27..
I guess we will see if he wants the money or a chance at a title. Hands down he should sign with the CAVS, win a tilte and try to cash in later. Who knows when Z and Shaq are gone after next season, AV moves to the 5 he could start at the 4 for a championship team.
Quote: I guess we will see if he wants the money or a chance at a title. Hands down he should sign with the CAVS, win a tilte and try to cash in later. Who knows when Z and Shaq are gone after next season, AV moves to the 5 he could start at the 4 for a championship team.
I almost always agree with that except that with the economy, the falling cap, and the amount of better FAs on the market next season...he should get his $$$ now.
no guarantees he'll start (I think AV would and should)....and who knows what happens if he gets a small injury and Hickson shines. He could end up playing minimal minutes and get next to nothing next summer.
i'd love to have him (we'd have guys who could start for at least a few teams on the bench at SG, SF, PF, and C), but i'm a bit doubtful
per windy's twitter, sources are telling him the cavs have offered leon powe a contract.
here's the thing about powe...
i think his style of play would be great for us. he would definitely see minutes. i think mike brown would love him.
however. he got hurt in the playoffs last year with a knee injury, and he probably won't be able to play until january-february.
not only that, but it is his 4th surgery on his knee. yikes.
that is really tough to believe for a young guy who has only been in the league a few years.
i just hope we get a discount on him, it could pay off, but the knee worries me as it does with most.
really love this offseason for the cavs though, dan gilbert and danny ferry seem to keep working on getting this team better. they could have stopped after shaq and said that was good enough, but they found a way to resign andy, add 2 very good depth bench players, and now are still chasing productive guys.
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