More and more rumors are being confirmed as tomorrow, the first day that signings can officially take place, approaches…
JJ Barea, DAL, UFA: Barea wants to be a Mav, but he says they won’t offer anything but a one-year deal, and that doesn’t interest him. Looks like Cuban and company are completely dedicated to making a run at a big-time stud next summer. They’ve officially lost Butler, and are set to lose Chandler and Barea shortly.
Shane Battier, MEM, UFA: Shane Battier via Twitter: Let’s Go #Heat!!!!! Five exclaimation points? I’d say he’s excited to join his new team (and I’m sure they’re excited to have him as well).
Chaucey Billups, NYK: Chauncey Billups has become an amnesty candidate due to New York’s desire to land Tyson Chandler. It would be pretty f@cking funny if the Knicks amnesty Billups because they just picked up his $14.something million team option in April. Billups is obviously not happy about all of this talk. If this does go down and Billups goes on the market, the Heat are interested. Every single team under the cap will have to pass on him before a team like Miami gets a shot, though. It’s rather unlikely.
Kwame Brown, CHA, UFA: The Bobcats met with Brown on Tuesday and once again expressed interest in bringing him back to Charlotte. They’re concerned that he’s become too pricey, though, with contenders like the Heat and Celtics possibly interested in his services.
Shannon Brown, LAL, UFA: According to everyone’s favorite reporter, Chris Broussard, Brown will sign a one-year deal with Phoenix tomorrow.
Caron Butler, DAL, UFA: Earlier today, reports stated that the Bulls were the favorites to get Butler. So much for that… he’s signing with the Clippers, the original favorite.
Tyson Chandler, DAL, UFA: In a surprising scenario that has developed over the course of the day, it appears that the Knicks may be about to land Tyson Chandler. They’d have to trade or amnesty Chauncey Billups in order to make room. I’m not sold on this idea unless they plan to acquire Chris Paul somehow… but I have no idea how they’d do that (at least not this year) without trading a big gun.
Eddy Curry, —, UFA: Miami restaurant owners rejoiced as word that Curry will sign with the Heat spread this morning. Does this mean the Heat are no longer chasing Kwame Brown? What a star-studded free agent class this is.
Marquis Daniels, SAC, UFA: Marquis Daniels will be returning to Boston on a one-year deal after a brief stint in Sacramento. He didn’t play a single game with the Kings due to injury.
Keyon Dooling, MIL: The Celtics failed to get CP3, but will execute a backup plan. Boston will get Keyon Dooling from the Bucks for a second round draft pick. This has to make them the favorite to win the East.
Mike Dunleavy, IND, UFA: The Milwaukee Bucks will sign Mike Dunleavy to a two-year, $7.5 million deal. Stephen Jackson and Mike Dunleavy… interesting duo for sure. Both are former Warriors and Pacers!
Josh Howard, WAS, UFA: Howard met with Flip Saunders yesterday and Gregg Popovich earlier this week. The Spurs are interested in bringing him in to replace Richard Jefferson, but the Wizards would like to bring him back, too. I just can’t believe he’s 31 years old! Time flies.
Larry Hughes, —, UFA: He’s been out of the league for a while, but the Orlando Magic still believe Hughes has enough game left to be worthy of a training camp invite. I’m not sure this is what Dwight Howard had in mind when he asked GM Otis Smith to bring in some talent.
Jonas Jerebko, DET, RFA: The Pistons will re-sign one of their better young players to a four-year, $16 million deal.
DeAndre Jordan, LAC, RFA: Four teams are interested in signing DeAndre Jordan to an offer sheet: Denver, Houston, Golden State, and New Orleans. The Clippers have extended an offer already, but it will undoubtedly be topped. I expect them to match the highest bidder and retain this young stud.
Nene, DEN, UFA: According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, Denver has “privately expressed confidence” in their ability to re-sign overpay Nene for the next five years.
Greg Oden, POR, RFA: Oden will accept a one-year offer from the Trail Blazers that will keep him in Portland for the season and make him an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2012. The offer is worth $8.9 million whether he’s able to be on the floor or not. I really hope he’s able to play, but I obviously have my doubts. Thus far he’s been a major injury waiting to happen.
Chris Paul, NOH: Traded to Lakers, trade nixed by the league. Details.
Jeff Pendergraph, POR, UFA: The Pacers expect to add some depth to their frontcourt by signing Pendergraph to a two-year deal.
Tayshaun Prince, DET, UFA: Tayshaun Prince will be signing a four-year deal to remain with the Pistons. He’ll be earning approximately $7 million a year.
Jamaal Tinsley, D-League: It took just a few games in the D-League for Jamaal Tinsley to convince the Utah Jazz that he’s still NBA material. He’s expected to be in Salt Lake City tomorrow and sign a deal soon.
Delonte West, BOS, UFA: The Delontenator is considering the Lakers, Mavericks, and Suns. All of those teams could use a PG on the cheap, so it’s probably up to him. A return to Boston also remains a possibility.
Last updated: 10:45 PM ET, 12/8.
