By Sam Amico
Pro Basketball News
The Philadelphia 76ers will likely make a run at Atlanta forward Josh Smith, but they aren’t likely to get him. And next to the madness that’s sure to follow Golden State guard Baron Davis (who just opted out of his contract), Smith very well could be the biggest story of this summer’s free-agent scene.
Smith is a restricted free agent and one of the top players on the market. New Hawks general manager Rick Sund is likely to match any offer Smith receives -- even if it’s the max deal the Sixers reportedly are set to offer.
The free-agency period has begun. Teams can negotiate with free agents, but can’t officially sign them until July 9.
Here is some other news making the rounds:
* Miami boss Pat Riley has made it clear the team is in the market for a point guard
-- and if the Heat can’t land one in free agency, they’ll make a trade before training camp begins in October. Riley supposedly has his eye on Minnesota’s Sebastian Telfair and Sacramento’s Beno Udrih.
* Cleveland is also seeking a veteran point guard. The Cavs may be willing to move Daniel Gibson to make it happen. Jamaal Tinsley may be a possibility, as Indiana will trade him (or just buy him out) after picking up T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack last week.
* Also, the Cavs desperately want to trade forward Anderson Varejao. The problem is Varejao can veto any deal before Dec. 5. One scenario has Varejao going to Golden State for Al Harrington. Dan Fegan is the agent for both players, and sources close to him say he is not opposed to such a trade.
* Washington guard Gilbert Arenas is the biggest name in this year’s unrestricted class (meaning he can sign with any team without his current team matching the offer). Word is the Wizards are not likely to give him a maximum contract -- nor should they, considering Arenas’ recent history of knee problems. Still, they’re not about to let him walk for nothing, so there could be a sign-and-trade in the works. The Clippers are said to be high on Arenas. The question is will they pony up a big contract to get him?
* Along with Smith, expect Josh Childress (also restricted) to re-sign with the Hawks. Other players who are practically sure bets to return to their current clubs include Elton Brand (Clippers), Monta Ellis (Warriors), and Ryan Gomes and Craig Smith (Minnesota). Also, as you know, Wizards forward Antawn Jamison re-signed for four years and $50 million.
* Meanwhile, the Sixers do have plenty of cap space, and while it will take a miracle for them to get Smith, they could very well land a middle-of-the-pack free agent or two. Matt Barnes (Warriors) and Devin Brown (Cavs) are said to be two unrestricted possibilities.
* Sixers GM Ed Stefanski may also consider bringing in an older veteran to help his young, up-and-coming club. That’s especially the case if Stefanski can get one for dirt cheap. San Antonio is expected to allow guys like Michael Finley and perhaps Kurt Thomas walk in an effort to get younger, and the Sixers may look to bring one of them to Philly. Darrell Armstrong, a 40-year old point guard with an outstanding work ethic, might also get a look.
* As uncharacteristic as it sounds, the Spurs are expected to make a major play for Sacramento’s Ron Artest. And with so many contracts coming off the books (Finley, Damon Stoudamire, possibly Robert Horry), they may have the cash to make it happen. Don’t be surprised if the Spurs put in a bid for Boston’s Sam Cassell or James Posey, too.
* The Clippers are also said to be in the chase for Artest, especially if they can’t land Arenas. Of course, in order to create room for Artest, the Clips would have to lose Corey Maggette, an unrestricted free agent. And according to sources, that’s not something owner Donald Sterling wants to do.
* Yes, the Lakers are another team that’s interested in Artest. But they would have to put together some sort of package to acquire him, as they don’t have nearly enough cap space to fit him on the roster as it stands. Right now, GM Mitch Kupchak is content to bring back the lineup intact, making only minor changes. And you can’t blame him, considering the Lakers just reached the Finals and will have a healthy Andrew Bynum next season.
* One player who has been linked to the Lakers is 5-foot-5 veteran point guard Earl Boykins, who played with Charlotte last season. They also might put out feelers for guard Chris Duhon (Chicago), forward James Jones (Portland) and swingman Bonzi Wells (New Orleans).
* Meanwhile, Phoenix is said to be hot on the trail of guard Tyronn Lue (Dallas) and forward Jarvis Hayes (Detroit), both of whom are unrestricted. The Suns may also make a run at Barnes and Wells, and perhaps even the Heat’s Ricky Davis.
* Finally, Houston doesn’t have the cap space, but Rockets GM Daryl Morey would love to figure out a way to land unrestricted Warriors forward Mickael Pietrus. He is also expected to be strongly pursued by the Sixers and Heat, as well as the Kings if Artest leaves.
Sam Amico is the editor of Pro Basketball News. Contact him or sign up for his free e-mail newsletter at amico@probasketballnews.com.
Copyright 2008 Pro Basketball News. All rights reserved.
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NBA: July 1, 2008
Following the free agent free-for-all
