Official Free Agency Signing Thread

[spurschick]

Simmons introduced as the Milwaukee Bucks' newest member
COLIN FLY
Associated Press

ST. FRANCIS, Wis. - Bobby Simmons' son, 5-year-old Bakari, walked down the hall of the Milwaukee Bucks training facility looking at pictures of the players.

"Where's daddy?" he asked.

The Bucks hope Simmons is on the wall very soon, because he's planning on being with the team a long time.

Simmons, the NBA's most improved player last season, was formally introduced Monday as the Bucks' newest member after signing a five-year agreement worth $47 million.

"It means a great deal to my family," said Simmons, 25. "I think it's a great fit as far as having a young nucleus of guys who want to win and play hard every night."

Simmons described the Bucks as an organization that wants to change and play hard. The former Los Angeles Clippers swingman averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season, his first as a starter.

"I feel we reached out and stole a Clipper," said general manager Larry Harris.

There is no guarantee Simmons will be a starter again this year, but he pointed to San Antonio Spur Manu Ginobili as a player who came off the bench to help the team.

Agent Mark Bartelstein said the new contract capped a long journey for Simmons.

"It's a wonderful day for Bobby," he said. "He's very excited and put in a lot of hard work through the backroads of the NBDL (National Basketball Development League) to get to this point."

Simmons, a Chicago native, played in DePaul before Seattle picked him in the second round of the 2001 draft. Simmons was traded draft night to Washington, where he played sparingly before being released during the 2002-03 season.

Simmons played the rest of that season in the NBDL before making the Clippers the following season.

"(Being cut) leaves a scar, but I covered it up and it healed," he said. "Fortunately, going to the Clippers I had a chance to play and showcase my skills and I benefited from it."

Now the Bucks should reap the benefits after finishing 30-52 last year and firing Terry Porter in June.

As part of the team's rebuilding, the Bucks selected Andrew Bogut with the first pick in the NBA draft, and agreed to terms with Michael Redd on a six-year deal worth at least $90 million.

Then Dan Gadzuric decided to return for $36 million over six years and Toni Kukoc signed for three more. Also coming back is a T.J. Ford, who missed all of last season after a spinal cord bruise that required surgery.

"This is Day One, as far as I'm concerned," Harris said. "It's certainly a breath of fresh air for the Milwaukee Bucks organization."

[Manu20]

Updated: Aug. 8, 2005, 7:42 PM ET
Heat sign Earl Barron to back up Shaq
Associated Press

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2129096

MIAMI -- Earl Barron missed an opportunity to play against Shaquille O'Neal a year ago, when the Orlando Magic cut him from their training camp just before facing the Miami Heat in a preseason game.

This year, Barron will finally get to see O'Neal -- this time, as a teammate.

The 7-foot forward-center who played college ball at Memphis has signed a one-year, partially guaranteed contract with the Heat, who became enamored with his standout play for their summer league team that competed in Long Beach, Calif.

Heat president Pat Riley even called Barron "the best player" in that league.

"It's kind of crazy to hear he said that," Barron said Monday, when the Heat introduced him and announced his formal signing. "Everyone knows who Pat Riley is. He's one of the greatest coaches, if not the greatest coach in this game. For him to say such great words is remarkable. I'm just a guy from a small town who never thought I'd hear praises from him about me."

Barron, who grew up in Clarksdale, Miss., has been on a bit of a basketball odyssey since leaving Memphis, which he helped capture the 2002 NIT le. He's played for Huntsville in the NBA's developmental league, plus had overseas stints in Turkey and the Philippines.

He was only a few days removed from the end of his season in the Philippines when joining Miami's summer team. If he was weary, Barron didn't show it.

He averaged 17.4 points on 65.2 percent shooting from the field, 83.7 percent from the line during the seven-game summer season. He also had 7.6 rebounds per game -- and his averages were hurt by a zero-point, zero-rebound, foul-plagued game midway through the summer.

"I know I can score. I'm real gifted offensively," Barron said. "I needed to focus on my rebounding, and I think I did that."

Barron's success has been a pleasant surprise to his college coach, John Calipari, who said last week that his former center "proved me wrong."

"My first thought was for him to go overseas, make $5 or $6 million over his career, then come home and do whatever he wants," Calipari told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "But he chose the unconventional way, the NBDL, which is hard. But he did it."

Calipari was out of the country Monday, vacationing with family, and unavailable for further comment, according to a Memphis spokesman.

Already, Barron is settling into his new home. He appeared at Little River Elementary School on Monday along with teammates Wayne Simien and Dorell Wright, handing out school supplies and welcoming kids back for their first day of classes.

And soon, he'll start working out in earnest with the full roster _ including O'Neal and presumably Alonzo Mourning, who has not publicly announced if he's returning or retiring.

"Those are two of the best centers to play the game," Barron said. "That really hasn't sunk in yet, but when they get here, it'll be a shock, a little dream come true for me."

[Manu20]

Updated: Aug. 9, 2005, 12:50 AM ET
Hawks sign Pachulia after Bucks decline offer sheet
ESPN.com news services

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2129262

Atlanta Hawks: Zaza Pachulia joined the Hawks on Monday after the Milwaukee Bucks declined to match a four-year, $16 million offer sheet.

The 21-year-old Pachulia, a 6-foot-11 center from Tbilisi, Georgia, was a restricted free agent. He averaged 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Bucks as a backup last season.

He spent his 2003-04 rookie season with Orlando, where he averaged 11 minutes, 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds. He was drafted by the Magic in the second round in 2003.

After his rookie season, Pachulia was selected by Charlotte in the 2004 expansion draft and then was acquired by the Bucks for a 2004 second-round draft choice.

[Kori Ellis]

Paxson expects to keep Duhon
GM will likely match offer from Raptors

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....ck=1&cset=true

By Marlen Garcia
Tribune staff reporter

Chris Duhon has signed an offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors , but in all likelihood the Bulls restricted free agent will suit up at the United Center this fall, Bulls general manager John Paxson said Monday.

"It's highly likely that we will match the offer," Paxson said in a conference call with reporters. "Relatively, in the scheme of things, it's not a lengthy deal and it's money we've allocated for Chris."

The offer from Toronto is believed to be worth no more than $2.5 million a season for three years. Paxson's initial offer to Duhon was in the range of $6 million over three years.

Duhon could not be reached for comment. His agent, Bill Duffy, declined to comment on negotiations.

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, Paxson has a week to match the offer and probably will use all seven days to mull over the contract.

"It's in our best interests to wait out the week and analyze everything," he said. "As I've said all along, we're going to re-sign our guys."

Duhon's salary will be subtracted from the team's mid-level exception of $5 million, the rest of which Paxson will use to pursue a veteran free agent.

[Kori Ellis]

Sacramento signs Jamal Sampson
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Forward Jamal Sampson signed with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, joining his fourth team in four NBA seasons.

Sampson played one season at California before entering the NBA draft. He appeared in 23 games with Charlotte last season, averaging 3.4 points and 5.3 rebounds before being waived. He missed significant amounts of playing time because of various injuries.

Sampson also played for Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Lakers.

[tempest186]

I can't access it but other sites are saying that according to Hoopsworld, the Nets acquired Marc Jackson for a 2nd round pick and the Nets trade exception

[timvp]

I can't access it but other sites are saying that according to Hoopsworld, the Nets acquired Marc Jackson for a 2nd round pick and the Nets trade exception

Hmmm.. Interesting.

[Manu20]

Nets Get Jackson From Sixers

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2129971

The Nets acquired forward Marc Jackson and cash considerations from the 76ers, team president Rod Thorn announced Tuesday. In exchange for the five-year veteran, Philadelphia received future draft considerations.
"We are pleased to add Marc to our roster," said Thorn. "He is a solid frontcourt player who will add length, toughness and depth to our frontline rotation."

The 6-foot-10 Jackson averaged 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 81 games for Philadelphia last season.

[Manu20]

Updated: Aug. 9, 2005, 2:58 PM ET
Timberwolves re-sign 'Mad Dog'
Associated Press

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?...nba&id=2129662

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Timberwolves signed forwards Mark Madsen and Nikoloz Tskitishvili on Tuesday.

Madsen, a free agent who had spent the two previous seasons in Minnesota, signed a five-year contract. The terms of Tskitishvili's deal were not disclosed.

Madsen agreed to terms with the Timberwolves in July, but a deal couldn't be announced officially until Aug. 1. He carved a niche on the team with his tireless effort and boundless energy.

"Mark brings so much more to a team than just statistics," Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale said. "First and foremost, he brings energy, and a tremendous work ethic. Plus, he is a good teammate and a great guy to have in the locker room."

Madsen, 6-foot-9 and 245 pounds, is recovering from surgery in March to repair a ruptured ligament in his shooting wrist.

Madsen spent his first three NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers after a standout career at Stanford. He averaged 2.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 14.7 minutes last season, appearing in only 41 games. A broken thumb sidelined him about six weeks and then the ruptured ligament kept him out the rest of the season.

The 7-foot Tskitishvili spent his first two-and-a-half seasons in the league with Denver before finishing last year with Golden State.

He's averaged 3.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in his career, but impressed the Timberwolves at their summer camp before breaking his right hand.

[Manu20]

Aug. 9, 2005, 11:21PM
Barry to agree to one-year deal
Rockets seeking to sign Mutombo for last two years

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory...bk/bkn/3303912

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Describing signing with the Rockets as no more than a formality, guard Jon Barry returned to Houston on Tuesday and said he expected to this week sign a one-year deal that could complete his career.

I'm just waiting to sign the contract," Barry said while indicating that the only remaining issue is setting up a time to sign the deal while moving to Houston this week.

The Rockets are close to completing a deal to bring back center Dikembe Mutombo, Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said.

Mutombo, who had been vacationing in Europe and did not return to the United States until late Monday, said Tuesday that he had not yet spoken to his agent David Falk and did not know where contract talks stood.

But as he has said since last season, Mutombo reiterated that his desire is to return.

"I hope things work out to come back to Houston," Mutombo said. "My plan is to play two more years and then retire. I'm not asking too much. I'm hopeful it will work out with the Rockets. I think it will."

Falk was unavailable for comment on the details of Mutombo's contract talks.

Barry, meanwhile, left no doubt about where he stands.

"I want this to be the last stop of my career," Barry said. "I came in here and got a shot of adrenaline. It's a great team, the best staff I've ever had and one of the best groups of guys I've ever been around. I'm excited about doing it again.

"If we stay healthy, we have as good a team as anybody."

[CaptainLate]

Aug. 9, 2005, 11:21PM
Barry to agree to one-year deal
Rockets seeking to sign Mutombo for last two years

Barry, meanwhile, left no doubt about where he stands.

"I want this to be the last stop of my career," Barry said. "I came in here and got a shot of adrenaline. It's a great team, the best staff I've ever had and one of the best groups of guys I've ever been around. I'm excited about doing it again.

"If we stay healthy, we have as good a team as anybody."

I'd say Jon is dissing his Bling-wearing brother's teammates. We'll have to spank them next season.

[Manu20]

Pacers Sign Free Agent Jasikevicius

http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/jasik...ns_050811.html

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 11 -- The Indiana Pacers announced Thursday they have signed free agent guard Sarunas Jasikevicius to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not revealed.
“We are very excited that Sarunas decided to sign with the Pacers,” said Larry Bird, President of Basketball Operations. “It means a lot to the franchise to have him as a member of our team. I think this is a good situation for him and it helps our team tremendously.”

“I am very happy to be here and very excited,” said Jasikevicius. “I am looking forward to this experience.”

Jasikevicius, a 6-4, 197-pound guard from Lithuania, has played the previous two seasons in Israel for Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv. He led the team to its second consecutive “Triple Crown,” winning the Premier League le, the Israeli Cup le and the championship of the Euroleague. The Premier League le was his fifth straight league le with three different teams in three different countries. In 93 games over five seasons in Euroleague compe ion, Jasikevicius has averaged 14.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

Jasikevicius played collegiate ball at the University of Maryland, averaging 7.6 ppg and 2.3 apg, making four consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament. He finished his career at Maryland ranking third in school history in 3-pt FG made (136) and attempted (363). In his only season at Solanco High School in Quarryville, Penn., he averaged 20.5 ppg.

[Bruno]

Magic Waive Christie

http://www.nba.com/magic/

Magic Waive Doug Christie
The Orlando Magic have waived guard Doug Christie. The team also announced that Christie will be designated as the team’s amnesty player, as allowed in the new collective bargaining agreement.

[sa_butta]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont....6433d015.html

Source: Mavs agree with veteran Christie


Swingman could bring defensive presence, help replace Finley


12:50 AM CDT on Friday, August 12, 2005

By CHUCK CARLTON / The Dallas Morning News

Even before reluctantly parting with Michael Finley by trade or waivers, the Mavericks have found a replacement.

The team has reached an oral agreement with veteran swingman Doug Christie on a one-year, $3 million deal, a source said. Christie, 35, was waived Thursday by the Orlando Magic as part of the NBA's luxury-tax amnesty provision.

Before Christie officially becomes a Maverick, he must wait seven days to clear waivers, according to league rules. It is unlikely any team will claim Christie and his $8.2 million salary, making him an unrestricted free agent who could then sign with the Mavericks on Wednesday.

Mavericks Doug Christie bio, statistics

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Christie's agent, Bradley Marshall, declined comment other than to say than Christie and his wife, Jackie, would be visiting Dallas soon to meet with the Mavericks.

If Christie is healthy and happy, he could be a key acquisition and address a targeted need for the Mavericks.

He was always a top candidate for all-defensive team honors in Sacramento, a point of emphasis under Mavericks coach Avery Johnson. And Christie has played in 58 career playoff games and could provide the Mavericks with locker room leadership.

Some of his skills could particularly help the Mavericks. At 6-6, Christie could be used against San Antonio's talented Manu Ginobili. But in Sacramento, he was versatile enough to bother smaller point guards such as Phoenix's Steve Nash or San Antonio's Tony Parker.

While a natural swingman offensively, Christie handles the ball well enough to play point guard. That could allow the Mavericks to use Jason Terry as a shooting guard in some situations.

One concern is the decrease in Christie's production after Sacramento traded him to Orlando in January for Michael Bradley and Cuttino Mobley. Christie's production and playing time decreased dramatically in Orlando.

A career 11.4 point-per-game scorer, Christie averaged 5.7 points in 21 games for Orlando, shooting 36 percent from the field.

A foot injury forced him onto the injured list in March. But he underwent successful surgery to remove bone spurs following the season.

Although a different kind of player, Christie would give the Mavericks a veteran who could immediately fill Finley's lineup spot. The Mavericks are expected to waive Finley under the luxury-tax amnesty clause Monday if they can't work out a trade beforehand.

While they landed Christie, the Mavericks saw 7-foot center Stephen Hunter sign a five-year, $16.5 million contract in Philadelphia. The Mavericks sought Hunter as a backup to Erick Dampier, but he chose Philadelphia because of the long-term contract and the promise of additional playing time.

One name left on market is DeSagana Diop, another interesting 7-footer. Diop, 23 and the eighth pick in the 2001 draft, is a restricted free agent unlikely to be retained by Cleveland.

[Manu20]

Updated: Aug. 11, 2005, 8:13 PM ET
Former North Carolina star to back up Kidd
Associated Press

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2131894

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Jeff McInnis signed a two-year deal with the New Jersey Nets on Thursday to back up Jason Kidd.

"I still think I am a starter in this league," McInnis said by telephone from Charlotte, N.C. "The short-term contract will give me an opportunity to be a starter in this league, whether with New Jersey or not."

The former 30-year-old North Carolina star said he's looking forward to a fresh start after a tumultuous exit from Cleveland. He was benched by coach Paul Silas on March 20 for a game in Toronto, a day before Silas was fired and replaced by assistant coach Brendan Malone.

McInnis did not accompany the team to its final regular-season game, also in Toronto, because of an unspecified and unexplained "viral syndrome." The day before, at a game in Boston, he remained in the locker room for part of third quarter and sat on the bench for the rest of the game with a towel wrapped around his head.

The Cavaliers finished the season with a 42-40 record and missed out on the final Eastern Conference playoff spot in a tiebreaker with the Nets.

"The Cleveland thing is in the past," McInnis said. "I'm just happy go be a Net. I just want to move forward."

McInnis has averaged 10.6 points and 4.6 assists in eight seasons with Denver, Washington, the Los Angeles Clippers, Portland and Cleveland. Last year with the Cavaliers, he averaged 12.8 points and 5.1 assists.

Nets President Rod Thorn has said McInnis will back up Kidd at point guard and also play shooting guard, a prospect McInnis said was appealing.

"Playing behind Jason Kidd, or just to go against him every day in practice, you can learn," McInnis said. "I'm really excited about it."

McInnis qualifies as the Nets' major offseason acquisition after a deal for Portland forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim fell apart when Abdur-Rahim failed a physical. On Tuesday, New Jersey used the trade exception it had planned to use in that deal to acquire 76ers forward Marc Jackson instead.

The team also re-signed veteran forward Cliff Robinson, who played in 29 games for the Nets last season after being acquired from Golden State midway through the season.

[Manu20]

Bucks Re-Sign Michael Redd

http://www.nba.com/bucks/news/Redd_Signs_050813.html

August 13, 2005 - The Milwaukee Bucks have re-signed free agent guard Michael Redd to a multi-year contract, General Manager Larry Harris announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Obviously, it’s an exciting day for Michael and his family,” said Harris. “And it’s an exciting day for our organization. Michael has established himself as an all-star and one of the premiere players in the league, and we feel that he’s going to accomplish much more in the upcoming years.”

“This was something that we felt was going to happen ever since the start of last season, when we knew Michael was going to be a free agent,” added Harris. “Today’s signing is definitely the culmination of everything we’ve done this off-season.”

Redd, 25, has spent his entire five-year NBA career with the Bucks after being selected 43rd overall in the 2000 NBA Draft. He averaged a career-high and team-high 23.0 points in 2004-05 (11th in the NBA), the fifth consecutive year he has increased his scoring average, and led the Bucks in scoring 50 times. Not since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1974-75) has a Bucks player led the team in scoring 50 or more times in one season. Redd crossed the 30-point mark 14 times and reached double figures in 71 of the 75 games he played in. He also led the team in three-pointers made (104) and free throw percentage (.854).

An all-star in 2004, Redd currently ranks high in many of Milwaukee’s all-time franchise rankings, including: three-point field goals made (501, 2nd); three-point field goal percentage (.394, 4th); scoring average (17.7, 10th); and points (5,520, 16th).

“I’m very happy for Michael,” said Head Coach Terry Stotts. “He’s worked very hard to get to this point in his career, meeting every challenge along the way. He’s one of the hardest working players I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and he has the character to match. I’m confident he’ll embrace the responsibility given to him and help lead this team back into the playoffs.”

After playing on and off during his first two years in the league, Redd played in a full 82 games during the 2002-03 season and was the runner-up for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award after averaging 15.1 points in 28.2 minutes per game. He had an all-star year in 2003-04 while averaging 21.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 82 games.

“This is one of the greatest days of my life,” said Redd. “To be able to stay where my career began is a blessing. I’m so humbled that Milwaukee would even think of me in this manner.”

[coz]

Haven't seen it posted, sorry if duplicate
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2132889


Former Blazer finally finds a new home

When the New Jersey Nets decided they didn't want Shareef Abdur-Rahim, the Sacramento Kings eagerly grabbed him.


Abdur-Rahim




The Kings signed Abdur-Rahim to a multiyear contract Friday, three days after the Nets rescinded a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers because of medical concerns about the nine-year veteran's right knee.


The Kings, who bid for the free agent's services earlier in the summer, wasted no time reasserting their interest. They quickly closed a deal, locking up a 28-year-old power forward who has racked up impressive statistics and made plenty of money, but never reached the playoffs.


"The biggest thing for me was trying to get on a team that had a chance to win and win big," Abdur-Rahim said. "That's what I want to try and do for the rest of my career. The guys that are already here are accustomed to winning and competing at a high level. I'm looking forward to coming in and being a part of it. It's a nice fit for me here."


Abdur-Rahim, who made more than $14 million last season in Portland, took a pay cut to join the Kings, who have made the postseason seven straight times and won 50 games in five straight seasons. Because the Kings already are over the salary cap, he is expected to be paid the NBA's midlevel exception, worth about $5 million next season.


Abdur-Rahim has averaged 19.9 points and 8.1 rebounds in a career with Vancouver, Atlanta and Portland, but he doesn't want to go down in league history as the archetypal good player on bad teams. His playoff drought seems likely to end with the Kings, who added him to a starting lineup that now could be one of the NBA's strongest.


But until early this week, he thought he would be playing alongside Jason Kidd and Vince Carter in New Jersey.


"The only thing I can tell you is that I'm healthy," Abdur-Rahim said. "I guess [the Nets] did their physical and found something that made them uncomfortable. I've never missed games or practices because of my knees, so like I said, their concerns came out of the blue to me."


Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president of basketball operations, moved swiftly to complete the latest move in his yearlong makeover of the franchise, which has parted ways with Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Doug Christie, Cuttino Mobley and Bobby Jackson since last summer. With Abdur-Rahim in town, Maurice Evans and Darius Songaila now are likely to leave as free agents.


Petrie said the Kings' medical staff shares none of the Nets' concerns about Abdur-Rahim's knees. Abdur-Rahim missed 22 games last season with an elbow injury -- the first time he missed more than five games in an NBA season.


"We think he'll improve our team in areas where we wanted to get better and give us dimensions on the [low] block," Petrie said. "He has not only been a high-caliber player, but also a high-caliber citizen."


Sacramento acquired high-scoring guard Bonzi Wells in a trade with Memphis last week, and the Kings picked up guard Francisco Garcia in the draft. Abdur-Rahim joins a projected starting lineup with Wells, Mike Bibby -- Abdur-Rahim's former teammate in Vancouver -- Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller, along with Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson, Brian Skinner and new signees Jason Hart and Jamal Sampson on the bench.


"I think we've been able to add pieces that are going to fit together well," coach Rick Adelman said. "The challenge this team has is that so many new players have to come together quickly. In talking with Shareef and the other players we have, we're all about trying to win as a team. I'm excited this worked out."


While Abdur-Rahim visited his list of potential new teams in recent weeks, he said the Kings were among his top two choices. His wife is from the San Francisco Bay area, about 90 miles west, and he played one collegiate season at California.


"Since college, I've always like this area," Abdur-Rahim said. "I spent two or three years after college here in the offseason, so if I have a second home other than Atlanta, it would be here."

[Manu20]

Updated: Aug. 15, 2005, 2:20 PM ET
Duhon stays with Bulls after they match Raptors' offer
Associated Press

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2134818

The Chicago Bulls announced Monday they have matched the contract offer to restricted free agent guard Chris Duhon by the Toronto Raptors.

Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. The Raptors had made their offer August 9.

"Chris was an integral part of our success last season and we're excited to have him back," said John Paxson, the Bulls' executive vice president of basketball operations.

"The opportunity to retain our continuity and see our young team grow together has been a key offseason focus for us, and this is a step in that direction," he said.

Drafted by Chicago in the second round (38th overall) of NBA Draft 2004, the 6-1, 185-pound Duhon was one of only two Bulls to appear in all 82 games during the 2004-05 season, including 73 starts.

The 6-1, 195 pound guard averaged 5.9 ppg, 4.9 apg (NBA rookie-high), 2.6 rpg, 1.00 spg and 26.5 mpg. He also appeared in all six of Chicago's playoff games in 2005 and posted 6.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.5 apg and 26.5 mpg.

[Manu20]

Wizards Sign Hiram Fuller and Donell Taylor
Team signs forward Fuller, guard Taylor after Summer League success
August 16, 2005

http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/full...lor050816.html


Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has signed forward Hiram Fuller and guard Donell Taylor. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We were really encouraged by both Hiram’s and Donell’s performances during Summer League play,” Grunfeld said. “We have watched both of them develop as players, and we’re pleased to add them to our roster.”

Fuller, a 6-9 forward out of Fresno State, averaged 7.0 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game for the Wizards during the 2005 Reebok Vegas Summer League in July. A 2004-05 All-NBDL First Team selection, Fuller saw four games of NBA action with the Atlanta Hawks in 2003-04.

Taylor, an undrafted rookie free agent, led the Wizards in scoring during Summer League play with 13.6 points per game. Taylor played collegiately at UAB, where he earned second team All-Conference USA honors after averaging a team-best 15.5 points per game in his senior campaign. As a junior, Donell and his twin brother, Ronell, led the Blazers to the 2004 NCAA Tournament and a second round upset of the Kentucky Wildcats.

[Kori Ellis]

Nuggets sign Schenscher
Associated Press
National Basketball Association News Wire

DENVER -- The Denver Nuggets signed rookie free agent Luke Schenscher Thursday.

Terms were not released.

Schenscher, a 7-foot-1 center, averaged 7.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in four years at Georgia Tech. He helped lead the school in its surprise run to the NCAA Finals in 2004, averaging 14 points and 11.5 rebounds in the playoffs.

He ranks fifth all-time at Georgia Tech with 157 blocked shots.

[Kori Ellis]

Bucks sign guard Charlie Bell
Associated Press
National Basketball Association News Wire

MILWAUKEE -- Guard Charlie Bell signed a multiyear contract with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday after leading the Spanish league in scoring last season.

Bell, who went undrafted out of Michigan State, played for the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks in 2001-02.

The 6-foot-3 guard spent three seasons in Italy, leading all scorers in 2003-04 with 25.5-point average for Livorno. He was tops in Spain last season, averaging 27 points for Breogan.

"Charlie is an explosive scorer who can play both the point and two-guard positions," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said.

[Kori Ellis]

Suns Sign Irishman Pat Burke
18th August, 2005 - 4:13 pm

RealGM - The Phoenix Suns today signed veteran center Pat Burke, a former member of the NBA’s Orlando Magic .

The 6-11, 250-pound center has played seven of his eight professional seasons in Europe. Last season he played for Real Madrid, where his team won the 2004-05 ACB Spanish League Championship, and averaged 7.0 points and 4.2 rebounds on .511 shooting from the field in a combined 41 regular season and 19 playoff games.

Burke, 31, also won three consecutive Greek League Championships with Panathinaikos from 1998-2000 and has averaged 8.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 211 Euroleague career games.

A native of Dublin, Ireland and former member of the Irish National Team, he became the first Irish-born player to play in the NBA when he joined the Magic in 2002-03 and averaged 4.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in 62 games (eight starts).

[sa_butta]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ar...ouis_williams/
Sixers Sign Louis Williams18th August, 2005 - 5:45 pmPress Release - Philadelphia 76ers President Billy King announced today that the Sixers have signed Louis Williams, their 2005 Draft Pick (45th overall selection), to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the contract are not disclosed.

An early-entry candidate, Williams was named Mr. Basketball in Georgia as a junior and senior while attending South Gwinnett High School (Snellville, Ga.). The 6-foot-2, 175-pound guard tallied 3,338 points, 768 rebounds, 650 assists and 355 steals during his career, helping South Gwinnett post a 103-16 record. Last season, Williams received the Naismith Award, signifying the nation's top high school player and was named to the McDonald's All-America Team. Williams became the first high school player selected by the 76ers in the NBA Draft since Darryl Dawkins (1975, 1st round, 5th pick overall).

[Dos]

Grant says decision to join Suns an easy one
Posted: Thursday August 18, 2005 6:42PM; Updated: Thursday August 18, 2005 6:42PM

PHOENIX (AP) -- Free agent forward Brian Grant signed a one-year, $1.67 million contract Thursday with the Phoenix Suns.

The 11-year NBA veteran called the decision to go to the Suns a "no-brainer." He became the first of the players waived under the one-time "amnesty clause" to sign with another team.

Grant was given an option for a second year.

The Suns also signed 6-foot-11 center Pat Burke, who spent seven of the last eight seasons playing in Europe.

Grant has career averages of 10.7 points and 7.6 rebounds with Sacramento, Portland, Miami and the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-9, 254-pound forward said the Suns and Chicago Bulls and showed the most interest.

While the Bulls could have been a good fit, Grant said, he quickly chose Phoenix because of the organization's reputation and what he believes is an opportunity to win an NBA le. When the Suns' Steve Nash called to sell the deal, Grant told him to save his breath.

"I knew he was going to start to tell me why I should come to Phoenix," Grant said. "But before he even got to it, I just said, 'Look, you don't have to really say anything. I'm coming.' I think somebody put in the paper, 'He had me at o.' "

Grant played in 309 of 312 games from 2000 to 2004 with Miami. Then he went to the Lakers as part of the Shaquille O'Neal trade and suffered through an injury-hampered season. Bothered by a neck injury and knee tendinitis, he averaged career lows of 3.8 points and 3.7 rebounds in 69 games.

Grant, 33, believes, though, that the injuries are behind him and he can keep pace with the up-tempo style.

"We'll clean off the boards, then run down the court," he said.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Wolves, Wilkins agree on offer


Team also interested in free agent Finley

BY RICK ALONZO

Pioneer Press

The Timberwolves signed Seattle SuperSonics restricted free agent Damien Wilkins to a five-year, $15 million offer sheet Thursday.

Meanwhile, Wolves owner Glen Taylor confirmed that the team has an interest in free-agent shooting guard Michael Finley.

The question remains whether Minnesota would have the ability to add both players. The Wolves have about $3 million left of their midlevel salary cap exception, but that money could be tied up in the offer to Wilkins. Wilkins holds an option on the fifth year of the deal with Minnesota.

The Sonics can retain Wilkins, a 6-foot-6 forward, by matching the offer within seven days.

Wilkins' agent, Mark Bartelstein, said he was unsure whether Seattle would match the Wolves' offer.

"They've got a lot of perimeter players with Rashard Lewis and (Vladimir) Radmanovic and Ray Allen," Bartelstein said of the Sonics. "We think Minnesota is a great opportunity to come in a contribute right away."

Wilkins boosted his profile by averaging 7.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in last season's Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio.

Finley's agent, Henry Thomas, has talked with Wolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale about Finley's interest in Minnesota. Finley has also talked to all-star Kevin Garnett. General manager Jim Stack is involved, too.

"There are a lot of teams interested in Michael," Taylor said. "There are four or five teams Michael would consider. We're one of them. I wouldn't say for sure we're on the top of the list. I don't know that. I think what they're saying at this point is, 'We haven't made a decision, but you're one of the clubs we would consider.' "

Dallas tried to trade Finley before Monday night's amnesty provision deadline. The Mavericks settled on cutting Finley to save $51 million in luxury taxes over the next three years.

Taylor said Finley is not in a hurry to pick a new team. For Finley to play for Minnesota, he would have to accept less money than he could get from Miami or Detroit. Those clubs can offer their full $5 million midlevel exception.

The Wolves plan to add one or two more free agents in the coming weeks.

Other prospective Minnesota additions include guard Ronald Murray and forward Reggie Evans, who both played for Seattle last season. Memphis point guard Earl Watson is another possibility. The Wolves have only one true center under contract, so Milwaukee free agent Calvin Booth could be a low-budget target.

Still, the possibility of luring Finley remains enticing.

"If it gets really serious, I would get involved," Taylor said. "Both his agent and Michael say they need a little time. It isn't something that's going to happen in the next couple days.

"Ideally, in the next two weeks, it would be nice if we had another guy lined up."

Dallas proposed a trade involving Finley for Minnesota swingman Wally Szczerbiak and other Wolves to even out the salaries involved, a stipulation necessary for the deal to be approved. But Taylor said his team had no interest in taking on Finley's large contract.

"We didn't see a trade that would work out for us," Taylor said. "Dallas called us and just said if there's something that would work out, they were interested in trading him. He's paid more than everybody on our team except Kevin (Garnett), so it would be very difficult. I think they called 28 other teams, too."

Taylor said the Wolves did not initiate the trade talks involving Szczerbiak. He said the Mavericks made the inquiry and that the Wolves listened but the discussion never became serious.

Szczerbiak's name often comes up in trade discussions because he is a marketable player, Taylor said. Szczerbiak made the NBA all-star team in 2001-02, when he averaged 18.7 points a game, his career high.

Last season, Szczerbiak expressed his frustration with his role as a reserve. He did not seem averse to the idea of a trade if it meant he could start for another team.

"Any time anybody calls, they always talk about Wally," Taylor said. "They know we aren't going to trade Kevin. Wally is the more interesting person because he's such a good shooter. … We have not pursued anything or initiated anything with Wally."