NBA Rumor Central: Finley to the Spurs? Other Rumors: MLB | NFL | NHL
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Tuesday, August 16
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Michael Finley
Mavericks Suns?
Heat?
Pistons?
Spurs?
Nuggets? Finley to the Spurs?
Aug 16 - Add the Spurs to the list of teams that are ready to pounce on Michael Finley, if and when the Mavericks waive the shooting guard via the amnesty clause, reports the San Antonio Express News. However, the Heat are reportedly still the front-runners in landing the potential free agent.
Marc Stein breaks down the teams in the running for Finley

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Allan Houston
Knicks Houston considering retirement
Aug 16 - Allan Houston is still a Knick. But the All-Star guard confirmed the New York Post's report that he'll retire if he's not healthy enough to compete at the beginning of the season.
"I communicated with the Knicks I plan on being back," Houston said. "But if I can't get back to the level where I want to get back, I would consider retiring. I felt there was a good chance of me remaining here after that conversation. ... I was honest in saying if I can't, it's time for me. But I'm believing I can."

The Knicks could have saved $39.8M in luxury tax by waiving Houston via the amnesty provision, but they can save more if he files for medical retirement.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Aaron McKie
76ers Nets? McKie thinking Nets
Aug 16 - Aaron McKie and the Nets have a mutual interest in each other, reports the New Jersey Star Ledger. McKie was cut by the 76ers under the amnesty provision but the Nets cannot officially discuss McKie until the shooting guard clears waivers and becomes a free agent Friday.
"There's definitely interest in the Nets on Aaron's part," agent Leon Rose said. "And he looks forward to speaking with them. He's going to evaluate what the options are, and make a decision as quickly as possible."

Rose also said he received "about five or six calls" yesterday about McKie.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Tyson Chandler
Bulls Bulls? Committed to Chandler
Aug 16 - The Bulls re-signed Chris Duhon. Now they'd like to do the same with restricted free agent Tyson Chandler. According to the Chicago Tribune, general manager John Paxson and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf are scheduled to meet with Chandler and his agent on Tuesday.
"It's important because this has gone on for quite a while," Paxson said of negotiations. "The thing that can get lost in translation is our commitment to him -- how much we want him back here."

The Bulls have reportedly offered Chandler a long-term deal heavy on incentives. The seven-footer has often been hindered by back injuries. He can also opt to play for the Bulls' qualifying offer of $6.26 million and becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

DeSagana Diop
Cavaliers Knicks? Knicks getting bigger?
Aug 16 - Fresh off of releasing Jerome Williams, Knicks president Isiah Thomas admitted he may be interested in center Desagana Diop, Cleveland's former lottery pick, the New York Post and North Jersey Media Group report. In four seasons with the Cavs, Diop averaged 1.6 points and 2.6 rebounds.
Monday, August 15
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Brian Grant
Lakers Suns? Sunny Outlook
Aug 15 - Brian Grant's agent, Mark Bartlestein, told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that his client is likely to sign a two-year deal with the Suns later this week. Grant was waived by the Lakers last week.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Vitaly Potapenko
SuperSonics SuperSonics? Sonics filling big void
Aug 15 - Thin at the center position due to the departure of Jerome James, the Sonics are closing in on an agreement to re-sign Vitaly Potapenko, the News Tribune reports. And an announcement could come this week on a deal.
The Sonics had also spoken with free agent big men DeSagana Diop and Andrew DeClerq.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Chris Duhon
Bulls Bulls?
Raptors? It's a match!
Aug 15 - The Bulls are expected to match the Raptors' offer to point guard Chris Duhon, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The team will likely wait until today's afternoon deadline to make it official.
The Raptors will now likely turn their attention to Miami's Damon Jones, Memphis's Earl Watson, Atlanta's Tyronn Lue and New Jersey's Travis Best, reports the Toronto Star.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Maurice Evans
Kings Timberwolves?
Spurs? No Mo' room
Aug 15 - With the additions of Bonzi Wells and Shareef Abdur-Rahim, the Kings may not keep guard Maurice Evans. The San Antonio Express-News reports that Evans' agent, Roger Montgomery, said his client has been negotiating with the Timberwolves on a possible deal, but the Spurs are also on his list since Evans went to the University of Texas and has a house in San Antonio.
"It's no secret that Mo would love to play for the Spurs," Montgomery said.

Friday, August 12
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Doug Christie
Magic Mavericks? Doug out
Aug 12 - With the Magic having waived Doug Christie via the amnesty clause, the veteran guard has reached an oral agreement on a one-year, $3 million deal with the Mavericks, according to the Dallas Morning News.
"Dallas is definitely one of the teams that are high on Doug's list, because of the type of team, the coaching staff, the city, and the way that his game is," Christie's agent, Bradley Marshall said in the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

Thursday, August 11
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Brevin Knight
Bobcats Bobcats? Knight's tale
Aug 11 - Brevin Knight appears to be headed back to the Bobcats, the Charlotte Observer reports, which will take some of the pressure off of rookie point guard Raymond Felton. Knight's deal probably won't be formalized before next week, since his agent, Bill Strickland, and Bobcats general manager Bernie Bickerstaff are away from their offices.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Jahidi White
Bobcats White noise
Aug 11 - In search of a backup for Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers met with Jahidi White on Tuesday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Agent Chubby Wells confirmed the meeting between White and the Cavs, but doesn't expect anything to happen soon.
Wednesday, August 10
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Dale Davis
Pacers 76ers Sixer backup
Aug 10 - Now that the Sixers have shipped Marc Jackson to the Nets, they'll have to find a new backup for Sam Dalembert and Chris Webber. Dale Davis could be the guy, Davis' agent Chubby Wells told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Steven Hunter, Andrew DeClercq, Walter McCarty and Jahidi White are also reportedly in the mix.
Tuesday, August 9
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Eddy Curry
Bulls Bulls?
Hawks? Hawks, Bulls still interested
Aug 9 - According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Eddy Curry met with John Paxson on Monday. The Bulls are offering a short-term deal to Curry, who might opt to play for the Bulls' one-year qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next year.
Curry's agent, Leon Rose, said the Hawks are still interested in the restricted free-agent center, too. "I called [Hawks general manager] Billy Knight on Friday, and he assured me that their extending an offer sheet to [Milwaukee Bucks center] Zaza Pachulia did not mean they no longer have interest in Curry," Rose said. "The Hawks still have $13 million worth of salary-cap room left, and they are still interested in Eddy."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Eddie House
Kings Heat? House Hunting
Aug 9 - The Miami Herald reports that the Heat have expressed interest in former Miami guard Eddie House, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. The Heat are in need of a backup point guard and are awaiting a decision from free agent Damon Jones. The team has also reportedly been in contact with the agents of Nick Van Exel, Earl Watson, Gary Payton and Dan Dickau.
Monday, August 8
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Damien Wilkins Nuggets?
Timberwolves?
Hawks? Nuggets eye shooting guard
Aug 8 - According to the Denver Post, the Nuggets are eyeing Seattle's restricted free agent shooting guard Damien Wilkins. Agent Mark Bartelstein named the Nuggets among the teams eyeing Wilkins. Others reportedly interested include Minnesota and Atlanta.
"We're having conversations, but nothing's settled right now," Bartelstein said.

Friday, August 5
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Nick Van Exel
Trail Blazers Nuggets?
Rockets?
Heat?
Timberwolves? Van Exel on the move
Aug 5 - According to the Denver Post, Nick Van Exel said he signing with the Nuggets, the team he asked to be traded from during the 2001-02 season, is a possibility. "Of course I would consider Denver," the point guard said. "They are a team on the rise. They are doing good things. But it would be a little odd."
Nick Van Exel is also open to coming to the Rockets, the Houston Chronicle reports. The Rockets can only offer their smaller exception, set at $1.67 million for the first season. Van Exel, who has also drawn interest from the Heat, Spurs and Timberwolves, has often said he would like to play in Houston, his adopted hometown.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Damon Jones
Heat Cavaliers?
Heat? Keeping up with Jones
Aug 5 - Point guard remains a priority for the Cavs and the team has made a big push for free agent Damon Jones, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. "The Cavs have expressed serious interest in Damon, and we recognize that the franchise is moving in the right direction," said Mark Termini, Jones' agent.
Meanwhile, the Heat are still hoping to re-sign Jones.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Greg Buckner
Nuggets Wizards?
Pistons?
Nuggets?
Rockets? Buckner waiting
Aug 5 - Denver free agent Greg Buckner is still hopeful to re-sign with the Nuggets, the Denver Post reports. Said agent Steve Kauffman: "We're still optimistic about reaching a deal with Denver. It's just not something I foresee happening immediately. It may be a week or two down the line."
The Nuggets will probably wait for the August 15 "amnesty" deadline to see which other players become available.

Thursday, August 4
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Derek Anderson
Trail Blazers Rockets?
Timberwolves?
Heat?
Lakers? Lakers eye Anderson
Aug 4 - With the Blazers waiving guard Derek Anderson via the amnesty clause, the Lakers have emerged as a leading candidate to sign the free agent. "In our minds, that's a pretty good fit for him," said Anderson's agent, Tony Dutt in the Los Angeles Times. "That's a good situation. They want to go short [in contract years], and we want to go short."
Anderson probably would accept a two-year deal if it was for the full midlevel exception of $5 million a season. Other teams that inquired about Anderson include the Heat, Rockets and Timberwolves, Dutt said.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Joe Johnson
Suns Hawks
Suns Setting Sun
Aug 4 - According to the Arizona Republic, the Suns' sign-and-trade deal with Joe Johnson has been delayed because of internal issues with the Hawks. On Wednesday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that one of the team's owners, Steve Belkin, who is the team's NBA governor, has not signed off on the deal. And the NBA requires the team's governor to endorse it.
The Suns, however, believe that the deal -- Phoenix will match the Hawks' five-year, $69.6 million offer, and trade Johnson for guard Boris Diaw, two lottery-protected draft picks and a trade exception -- will be completed by Monday.

Wednesday, August 3
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Vladimir Radmanovic
SuperSonics SuperSonics? Sonics to meet with Radmanovic
Aug 3 - The Sonics are offering Vladimir Radmanovic a six-year deal that, with incentives, could be worth as much as $42 million, the News-Tribune reports. The restricted free agent and his agent, David Bauman, flew to Seattle to meet with Sonics owner Howard Schultz, CEO Wally Walker and general manager Rick Sund and negotiations will continue today.
Radmanovic still wants more and might wind up signing a one-year tender offer worth $3.2 million that will allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next season. Radmanovic has until Sept. 15 to sign the one-year tender.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Walter McCarty
Suns Market for McCarty
Aug 3 - The Boston Herald reports that free agent forward Walter McCarty has narrowed his choices down to Philadelphia, Houston and Dallas.
Sunday, July 31
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Eric Snow
Cavaliers Knicks? Snow in New York?
Jul 31 - Don't be surprised if Larry Brown convinces Knicks president Isiah Thomas to go after Cavs point guard Eric Snow, the Plain Dealer reports. Snow played for Brown in Philly and could allow Marbury to play some minutes at shooting guard.
Friday, July 29
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Gary Payton
Celtics Heat? Where does 'The Glove' fit?
Jul 29 - The Sun-Sentinel reports that the Heat have had conversations with agent Aaron Goodwin about Gary Payton.
According to the Boston Globe, the Celtics aren't among the interested teams. Said Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge recently concerning Payton: "We're moving in a different direction."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Wesley Person
Nuggets Nets? Nets like Person
Jul 29 - The Nets may not be done shopping yet. The Rocky Mountain News and the Bergen Record report that the team is interested in signing free agent shooting guard Wesley Person.
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Tom Gugliotta
Hawks Bulls? Gugliotta in Chicago?
Jul 29 - The Bulls may be leaning towards signing veteran forward Tom Gugliotta with their midlevel exception, the Daily Southtown reports. Agent Richard Howell said Gugliotta is interested in four of the six teams that have inquired about him.
Wednesday, July 27
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Darko Milicic
Pistons Hawks? No Darko deal
Jul 27 - The Pistons never offered Darko Milicic to the Atlanta Hawks for small forward Al Harrington, the Detroit Free Press reports. Pistons vice president John Hammond said there is "absolutely no truth" to a report in the New York Daily News that the Pistons tried to deal Milicic after firing Larry Brown as coach. "He is an investment of ours," Hammond said.
Tuesday, July 26
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Andrew DeClercq
Magic Magic act over
Jul 26 - Free-agent center Andrew DeClercq, who played five seasons in Orlando, has not been offered a contract by the Magic, the Orlando Sentinel reports. "He won't be returning to Orlando, but there are various other options we're sorting through," said Joel Bell, DeClercq's agent. "He'll be in the league."
DeClercq, 32, missed most of last season with a knee injury.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Steve Blake
Wizards Cavaliers?
Timberwolves?
Heat? Terp love
Jul 26 - A source close to Wizards guard Steve Blake said teams have contacted the restricted free agent. Teams with reported interest include Miami, Minnesota and Cleveland, the Washington Post reports.
Friday, July 22
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Tyronn Lue
Hawks Hawks?
Lakers? Lakers pursue Lue
Jul 22 - Phil Jackson still needs a point guard after losing out in the Antonio Daniels sweepstakes. And his target now is reportedly unrestricted free agent Tyronn Lue, who played for the Lakers for three seasons, says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
But Hawks general manager Billy Knight said he's had conversations with Lue's agent, Andy Miller, and intends to bring him back.

Thursday, July 21
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Drew Gooden
Cavaliers Gooden gone?
Jul 21 - With Donyell Marshall the latest free agent to agree to come to the Cavs, trade rumors are swirling involving Drew Gooden, the Plain Dealer reports. However, general manager Danny Ferry is not ready to part with the power forward.
"Drew is a tenacious rebounder that will be a big part of things this fall," Ferry said. "We need a guy [like Gooden] that can rebound and score some. Drew is relentless going to the basket for rebounds. He's capable of having a positive impact in a game."

Wednesday, July 20
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Willie Green
76ers 76ers Sixers give Green green
Jul 20 - The Sixers have re-signed free agent point guard Willie Green to a six-year deal worth about $20 million, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. The Utah Jazz were also reportedly interested in Green. The deal does not become official until the league's new collective bargaining agreement is completed.
Sunday, July 17
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Jay Williams
Bulls Open Jay
Jul 17 - According to the Miami Herald, Jay Williams said he's "positive" he will play in the NBA next season and believes the Heat are interested in scheduling a workout with him.
"This would be a great fit for me," said Williams, who suffered serious leg injuries in a motorcycle accident in 2003. "I'm a lot further ahead than people think."

Saturday, July 16
WHO WHAT THE SKINNY

Pat Riley Coaching? Riley's coaching itch
Jul 16 - Trying to put an end to the speculation that he would return to the sideline at the expense of Stan Van Gundy, Pat Riley held a teleconference.
"I would quit my job before I would dismiss Stan Van Gundy as the head coach simply because I wanted to coach," Riley said. "Period. That's not me. Anybody who knows me knows that I wouldn't do that for the sake of me wanting to get back into the job."

The controversy began when Riley said last month that he missed coaching and would like to take more of an "active participation" in the context of coaching.

Wednesday, July 13
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Voshon Lenard
Nuggets Nuggets? Nuggets still deciding on Lenard
Jul 13 - The Nuggets can buy out Voshon Lenard's contract by Thursday, but may be leaning towards keeping the shooting guard, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe and coach George Karl have spoken of wanting Lenard, whose $3.27 million contract can be bought out for $250,000.
Lenard, who tore his left Achilles' tendon last season, is expected to work out for Denver officials Thursday morning.

Tuesday, July 12
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Paul Pierce
Celtics Celtics? Pro-Paul Pierce
Jul 12 - While most of Boston seems to want Paul Pierce and his sour attitude to go away, there's at least one guy who wants him to stay put, the Boston Herald reports. And it's none other than onetime problem child Ricky Davis.
"I'm hoping there's nothing going on with all the (trade) rumors," he said. "We need Paul. He's a big part of who we are and what we can get to be. We just need him. It'd be hard without him. I just think everyone has to let what we have develop. I mean that for Paul, too."

Monday, July 11
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Ronald Murray
SuperSonics Nuggets? Flip for Nuggets?
Jul 11 - The Nuggets are still searching for guard help and are interested in the Sonics' restricted free agent guard, Ronald "Flip" Murray. According to the Rocky Mountain News, Nuggets coach George Karl has had conversations with Murray's agent, Arn Tellem, and has also exchanged voice-mail messages with Murray.
"I had Ronald for six months in Milwaukee," said Karl. "He's blossomed and played very well. ... I didn't think he would be as explosive as he has been."

The Nuggets can only offer a midlevel exception.

Thursday, July 7
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Stephon Marbury
Knicks Hawks?
76ers? Marbury in the Middle
Jul 7 - Knicks president Isiah Thomas is denying reports that he is shopping his star player, Stephon Marbury. According to the New York Times and the Daily News, Thomas had this to say concerning the rumors: "That is so far from the truth. And I'm ashamed for you guys that you even have to ask me that, because there is absolutely no truth to it at all."
When told that several general managers confirmed that they had talked to Thomas about Marbury, the former Bad Boy erupted. "Tell the GMs, whoever the GM is, to put his name on it," Thomas said.

The New York Times had reported last week that two sources said the Knicks are open to moving Marbury. While ESPN Insider Chad Ford reported Marbury rumors concerning a sign-and-trade with the Sixers for center Samuel Dalembert and also a potential deal with the Hawks for forward Al Harrington.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Nene Hilario
Nuggets Kings? King Nene?
Jul 7 - Apparently the Nuggets don't like the sound of that. Sacramento has shown interest in Nene and there have been rumblings about a sign-and-trade scenario involving him and Kings free agent guard Cuttino Mobley. But Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he is not shopping his power forward, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
"I am not looking to trade Nene," Vandeweghe said. "I like him. I view him as one of our core guys."

Friday, July 1
WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Vlade Divac
Lakers Lakers? Lakers taking time with Vlade
Jul 1 - According to the L.A. Times, the Lakers and Vlade Divac have postponed a decision on the center's contract status until Sept. 30. The Lakers can pick up a one-year, $5.4-million option or buy him out for $2 million. The new deadline allows the Lakers to evaluate Divac's back and the development of rookie Andrew Bynum a few days before training camp.
"It's something that affords us a lot more flexibility in a lot of different ways," Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak said.