mike James may make decision Monday

[ducks]

James may make decision Monday
•Rockets still in the hunt
•Guard weighs deals from three teams
By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

LAS VEGAS - Mike James, the Rockets' primary free agent target, has postponed his decision about where he would play next season until Monday, James' agent Bill Duffy said.
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James is choosing between offers from the Rockets, Mavericks and Timberwolves, all above the salary cap and limited to offering the mid-level exception unless they can reach agreement with the Toronto Raptors on a sign-and-trade deal. James chose to wait until Monday when he is scheduled to meet with Mavericks coach Avery Johnson.

Duffy said James initially considered the Rockets the front-runner but now is torn between the interest all three teams have shown.

"Now that Michael's sitting down with people ... the playing field has been balanced," Duffy said Friday. "In fairness to the entire process and all the teams that have expressed interest, Mike wanted to sit down with everybody. My belief is by Monday afternoon, we want to have this team figured out."

Duffy said he there is "ongoing dialogue" about a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Raptors. That would allow teams to pay more than the mid-level exception, expected to begin at about $5 million, but there are do not seem to be many players with appropriate contracts that would interest the Raptors.

The Rockets have a $4.2 million trade exception in which they could trade only a draft pick to acquire James in a sign-and-trade, giving him larger raises than if signing him outright.

"That is being contemplated," Duffy said. "He loves Houston, there's no question about that."

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printsto...bk/bkn/4032171

[NBA Junkie]

The Timberwolves also have a $4.2 million trade exception they got courtesy of the Szczerbiak-Davis trade from January.

[LEONARD]

He'll fall in love with Avery

[mabber]

He'll fall in love with Avery

Yeah, sure he will

He's so going back to Houston!!! He's just waiting longer to see if he can get any add'l money as teams should know by Monday exactly how much money they have to spend.