Marion Could Be Headed To Dallas

Over the weekend, we discussed the potential landing spots for free agent Shawn Marion. He continues to find few teams looking to acquire his services, but one team may be willing to bring him in: the Mavericks. A possible sign-and-trade with the Raptors is being discussed, according to ESPN.com:

The Dallas Mavericks, after striking verbal agreements over the past few days to retain Jason Kidd and sign restricted free agent Marcin Gortat to an offer sheet, have identified their latest target: Shawn Marion.

The Mavericks and Toronto Raptors, according to NBA front-office sources, are discussing a sign-and-trade deal that would bring Marion to Dallas.

Although no trade appeared imminent Monday night, Dallas has emerged as perhaps the best option for Marion. He appeared to be heading for a new deal with the Raptors when Toronto succeeded in wooing Hedo Turkoglu away from the Portland Trail Blazers with an 11th-hour bid on Friday after Turkoglu had committed to the Blazers.

If the Mavericks and Raptors can strike a deal — with a third team potentially needed to help make the salary-cap math work — sources say that former All-Star guard Jerry Stackhouse will almost certainly be headed to the Raptors in the exchange. Stackhouse is scheduled to earn $7 million next season at age 34, but only $2 million of his salary is guaranteed.

Unlike the Jason Kidd signing, I think this would be a good deal for the Mavericks. Jerry Stackhouse is getting up there in age, and he’s become somewhat useless. Marion is athletic, can get to the basket and has the ability to hit long-range jumpers — all things Dallas is desperately in need of. Though Josh Howard is already the team’s starting small forward, Marion has the talent to play shooting guard.  Plus, Marion is a player that can get the job done for 48 minutes, while Howard is a player who tends to get off to a fast start and then fadeaway late.

The move makes sense for the Raptors, who most certainly want to save money. The fact that just $2 million of Stackhouse’s salary is guaranteed is probably a big selling point.

The Mavericks are still far away from competing for a championship, but adding Marion could bring them into the top-5 of a strong Western Conference.

Offseason Report: The Remaining Free Agents

The 2009 Offseason has started to heat up with the contract agreements of Ron Artest with the Lakers, Hedo Turkoglu with the Raptors, and Trevor Ariza with the Rockets, and Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva with the Pistons, but there are still many top-level free agents available that could mean the difference between a championship and disappointing June for many teams.  For example, the Lakers are no guarantee to repeat if they aren’t able to re-sign Lamar Odom, and the Celtics will be low on big men and wins if they can’t sign Glen Davis or Rasheed Wallace.

Among the biggest names still available are Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Paul Millsap, Jason Kidd, and Mike Bibby, though it is reported that Bibby with reach an agreement to return to the Hawks soon.  Jason Kidd has recieved interest from the New York Knicks and his team last season, the Dallas Mavericks.  Most likely he will reach a deal soon, or go to the Lakers or Cavaliers for the veteran minimum for a chance to win a ring.  After a disastrous 08-09 season, Allen Iverson is looking for a team that will take him.  Last season, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, the team instantly got worse and barely made the playoffs while the Nuggets instantly got better and become championship contenders.  Iverson has been reported to be interested in the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats, two lottery teams that aren’t anywhere close to championship contention.

Most likely, Lamar Odom, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller, and Glen Davis will re-sign with their teams, but free agents such as Shawn Marion, Anderson Varejao, Leon Powe, Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Rasheed Wallace are looking for a new home.  Wallace has received a ton of interest from the Boston Celtics and their Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, while also getting calls from the Orlando Magic.  The Celtics have already said that they will not be re-signing Leon Powe because he is injured, so expect him to sign with a team part-way through the season once he is healthy.  Glen Davis on the other hand, did excellent for the Celtics in the postseason in place of the injured Garnett and will be demanding the mid-level exception from teams.

What About Shawn Marion?

With the news that Hedo Turkoglu has agreed to a five-year, $56 million deal with the Raptors, one of the intriguing questions becomes what happens to forward Shawn Merion.

With all of the blockbuster trades and free-agent signings, Marion has become somewhat of a forgotten man. Two years ago, his name was all the talk when it came to the 2009 free-agency class. But with poor performances in Miami and Toronto, it feels like some people forget that he is on the market.

Marion was excellent during his stint with the Suns, but I’ve always wondered whether he was a product of Mike D’Antoni’s seven-seconds-or-less system. Was he putting up 20 points per game because of his talent, or because of the system? I’m inclined to believe that it may have been a combination of both. Having said that, I still think Marion is a very good player, which is why it is somewhat surprising that no team other than the Raptors has offered him a contract.The economy may be a contributing factor, since few teams have a good amount of cap space. Still, Marion is one of the best players available. ‘

Now that the pieces to the free-agent puzzle are starting to connect, teams may start to look at Marion, who will quickly become the best available player. But will any team make a hard push for his services?

The Trail Blazers, with $9 million dollars in cap space, may be his best option. The Blazers attempted to sign Turkoglu — and reportedly had worked out an agreement with him — before he bolted for money with the Raptors. Clearly, the Blazers are in the market for a small forward. Turkoglu is the best small forward in this free-agent class, and with Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza already having agreed to deals with the Lakers and Rockets, respectively, Marion is the best option left at the postion.

While the Blazers aren’t a team that runs the ball up the court all game long, they do like to get up-and-down at times, which would fit Marion. He could also improve the team’s shooting, as Steve Blake and Brandon Roy are really Portland’s only options from the perimeter. Moreover, the move wouldn’t be a bad counter to the Lakers signing of Artest.

If Portland isn’t the destination, I really don’t know what is. If the Pistons, even after agreeing to terms with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, are reportedly looking to make more deals, and Marion would seem to be a good fit if the team plans are parting ways with Tayshaun Prince — which they very well may do.

There aren’t a ton of options available for Marion, but he may be able to find a team with that makes a good fit. If not, there’s always Europe.

Sources: Turkoglu Joining Raptors

I don’t see why he would rather go to the lottery-bound Raptors over the soon-to-be championship contender Blazers, especially when he will be making the same amount of money?

ESPN: Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu changed his mind Friday, deciding not to join the Portland Trail Blazers, opting instead to accept an offer from the Toronto Raptors, sources told ESPN.com.

The Raptors last-minute bid will give Turkoglu all of the salary-cap space they will get by renouncing their rights to Shawn Marion, Anthony Parker and Carlos Delfino. The Raptors expect to have about $10.1 million in cap space to give to Turkoglu for his first-year salary; he would get an eight percent annual raise over the next four seasons of the deal, a source told ESPN.com.

The Raptors have until July 7 to renounce Marion, Delfino and Parker, so it remains a possibility and that a sign-and-trade deal could take shape. But as of now, it is a straight-up deal between Turkoglu and Toronto.

Turkoglu’s decision to go to the Raptors sent shock waves throughout the NBA as he apparently became the first player to renege on an agreement in principal since Carlos Boozer left Cleveland for Utah in 2004.

Earlier Friday, ESPN.com’s Henry Abbott reported that Turkoglu had agreed in principle to a deal with the Trail Blazers, citing sources. The report, which said the deal couldn’t be formally signed until the NBA salary cap is set next Wednesday, followed a Wednesday night dinner in Orlando between Turkoglu and Blazers head coach Nate McMillan, followed by two days of negotiations.

Friday afternoon, Bucher reported that the Turkish star remained in Portland, where he and the team were working on a deal.

After ESPN.com reported the agreement in principle, several news organizations confirmed it, using sources. Late Friday afternoon, the Oregonian reported that Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard and Turkoglu’s agent, Lon Babby, had not confirmed the deal, but that talks were continuing.

Turkoglu, a 6-foot-10 forward from Turkey who played a prominent role in the Orlando Magic’s recent trip to the NBA Finals, had been looking for a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $50 million. Turkoglu is a nine-year NBA veteran. He played for Sacramento and San Antonio before signing with Orlando as a free agent in 2004.

This season he often ran Orlando’s offense and created matchup problems for the Celtics and Cavaliers in the playoffs. Against the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers in the finals, Turkoglu averaged 18 points.

The Blazers are looking to bolster a team that won 54 games last season and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

Anchored by All-Star guard Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers were the second-youngest team in the NBA.

ESPN.com’s Chris Sheridan, Ric Bucher and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Report: Hedo Turkoglu backs out of commitment with Blazers

This is a stupid move by him.  Not only does he make himself look unloyal and like a jerk, but he also is now forced to sign for way less or go to the Raptors, who won’t be contending anytime soon.

Yahoo! Sports: Free agent Hedo Turkoglu has backed out of his commitment to the Portland Trail Blazers and could be signing with the Toronto Raptors, a source close to the talks told Yahoo! Sports on Friday night.

Turkoglu had agreed on a five-year, $50 million deal with the Blazers, but changed his mind and could be headed for a five-year, $56 million deal with the Raptors. Toronto would have to renounce three free agents – Shawn Marion, Carlos Delfino and Anthony Parker – to create the cap space for Turkoglu.

Apparently, the Blazers are already busy exploring other free-agent options for the $9 million in salary-cap space.

Five years ago, Turkoglu was close to signing with the Phoenix Suns that now-Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo was running, but changed his mind and went to the Orlando Magic.

Free Agency News Round-Up

Allen Iverson interested in joining the Memphis Grizzlies

The Oracle’s Take: Allen Iverson isn’t wanted by any of the contending teams, so going to the Grizzlies would be the best move for him and, surprisingly, the Grizzlies.  Allen Iverson wants to get paid more than the minimum, and the Grizzlies would likely give in the mid-level exception and the Memphis Grizzlies desperately need to sell more tickets, and Iverson is one of the most exciting players in the league.

 Allen Iverson is interested in playing for the Grizzlies, according to a league source.

Iverson, a free agent for the first time in his career, had minor discussions with the Heat after free agency opened on Wednesday.

Memphis had no comment on Iverson’s interest in playing for the team.

The Grizzlies are believed to be weighing the pros and cons of signing Iverson, who would likely be asked to come off the bench.

Iverson wrote about his free-agent status on his Twitter page Thursday.

“I’m a Free Agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team,” he wrote. “My only preference will be to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night! Someone that knows how to best utilize my skills to make our team the very best that we can be.”

Toronto Raptors offer Shawn Marion 4-year deal

The Oracle’s Take: The Raptors aren’t anywhere near contending for a championship, in fact, it would be a surprise if they were able to make the playoffs.  The shouldn’t be spending their money on 31 year-old players who’s games are based solely on athleticism.  They should save the money and start rebuilding, starting with the trade of Chris Bosh before he leaves as a free agent next season anyway.

The Raptors have offered free-agent forward Shawn Marion a four-year deal worth more than $32 million, according to the Globe and Mail.

The deal could be worth as much as $34 million, according to the report, and is longer and more lucrative than the three-year, $21 million offer Toronto was reported to have made to Marion.

Jason Kidd intends to stay in Dallas

The Oracle’s Take: I believe that the Mavericks are overpaying for Jason Kidd.  If he was younger he would be worth that money for the stats and impact that he has, but he is getting older and won’t be an elite point guard for much longer.

Jason Kidd intends to return to the Mavericks for a three-year, $24 million deal, according to HoopsWorld.

HoopsWorld cited an “informed source.”

Kidd said that he would take the holiday weekend to mull over offers from both New York and Dallas.

Barring an unforeseen development, Kidd is expected to tell the Mavericks on Monday that he will accept the offer.

New Orleans Hornets are shopping Tyson Chandler Again

The Oracle’s Take: Even with the talented nucleus of Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, David West, and James Posey, the Hornets aren’t anywhere near competing for the championship.  The Hornets should start rebuilding around Chris Paul with better players before it is too late.  If they can get Phoenix to take Chandler for Ben Wallace like it has been rumored, or trade Chandler for an expiring contract, then they should do it.

A number of sources said last week that the Hornets are again shopping center Tyson Chandler.

New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower could work on making a trade before he offers a contract to any free agent.

In addition, the Hornets could look to move one of their veteran guards, such as Morris Peterson, Antonio Daniels or Devin Brown.

The Hornets are also interested in bringing guard Jannero Pargo, who played overseas this past season, back.

Stephon Marbury doesn’t think he will be coming back to the Celtics

The Oracle’s Take: Stephon Marbury doesn’t deserve more than the Celtics offered him, especially considering his attitude problems and lack of productivity last season.  No team with offer him more than the Celtics did.

Free agent Stephon Marbury, the former New York Knicks guard who joined the Celtics midseason, says he doesn’t foresee a return to Boston after the team offered a veteran’s-minimum deal that would’ve paid $1.3 million, according to The Boston Globe.

“Thank you Boston for allowing the world to see me play again after all that went on in N.Y.,” Marbury said in an e-mail to The Globe. “The fans treated me with open arms and that’s all anyone can ask for.”

Marbury, 32, joined the Celtics on Feb. 27 after a buyout of his $22 million Knicks contract. Marbury told the Boston newspaper that three other teams, which he wouldn’t name, were interested in signing him for next season.

Marbury averaged 3.8 points, 3.3 assists and 18 minutes in 23 games last season with the Celtics.

Hopes, The Future, And All Of The Nonsense That Comes With It All

Well for the Miami Heat (43-39) this offseason will be one where they’re hoping that their All Star guard Dwyane Wade will be re-signing with the team. For team President Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra this is of the utmost priority for the team. And in particular for the franchise’s billionaire owner Micky Arison.  

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat with his NBA Finals' MVP trophy and NBA Trophy in 2006. Picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matthew McFadyen

For the Heat this was something of a disappointing season . Albeit that they made the postseason. However their’s was a postseason that abruptly ended with them being dispatched by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of this season’s playoffs.

Spoelstra (right) is seen here with Team President Pat Riley for the announcement of his hiring as head coach. At 37, Spoelstra is the youngest coach in the NBA. Picture appears courtesy of afp/china.org/cn

The team saw the departure of Shawn Marion who was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jermaine O’Neal. Many questioned the prudence of the deal. Considering that though Marion was to become a free agent , come the postseason. With the acquisition of O’Neal they were getting a player who many viewed hasn’t been a player who at the height of his undoubted prowess was seen as an offensive threat. Over the last few years however , be it that with recurring injuries. The player has been a mere shadow of himself and his days with the Indiana Pacers . When he, in partnership with Reggie Miller were one of the better offensive combos around the league.

Jermaine O'Neal (7), All-Action Hero? Picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Scott Pettigrew

With the collective bargaining now doubt reeking havoc with the economic aspirations with many of the franchises around the league. And the very fact that the Players’ Union will be looking for a great deal of leverage as to what they still perceive to be an imbalance as to the sharing of the league’s revenues. It has to be said that for the likes of the Heat as well as the other franchises around the league they will have to be fiscally responsible as to how they spend their resources, with regard to the acquisition of players and re-signing the players that they seek to have within their fold.

Report: Raptors Trade Kapono to 76ers for Evans

I think this trade is a smart move by the 76ers, and a bad move for the Raptors.  The 76ers need a 3-point threat, but the Raptors need Jason Kapono much more than they need another big.  Jason Kapono has the chance to start for the Sixers to give them range with Thaddeus Young as a 6th man of the year candidate off the bench.  Reggie Evans will barely play for the Raptors.

ESPN: The Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers have completed the first trade of what is being widely forecast as an active month for NBA transactions by agreeing to swap sharpshooting guard Jason Kapono for rebounding specialist Reggie Evans.

The Sixers targeted Kapono — two-time winner of the NBA’s Long Distance Shootout at All-Star Weekend and a career 45.4 percent marksman from 3-point range — to address their well-chronicled lack of outside shooting since dealing Kyle Korver to Utah in December 2007.

The Raptors, meanwhile, potentially address two needs with the trade, adding Evans’ physicality to a roster short on that quality last season and creating a bit of extra salary-cap space for a crucial summer before Chris Bosh becomes an unrestricted free agent in July 2010.

Although the league’s salary-cap figure for next season won’t be established until July, Toronto expects to have the ability to clear nearly $9 million in cap space this offseason, with that figure potentially climbling to $10 million if the Raptors don’t retain low-cost free agents Quincy Douby and Patrick O’Bryant.