Clippers Trade Rumors

Sterling suit seems to fit NBA just fine
"Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling agreed to pay $2.73 million this week to settle a federal case alleging he discriminated in the rental of apartments he owns with his wife in Southern California. The settlement is "the largest monetary payment ever obtained" by the U.S. Justice Department, according to a news release from the organization. It stems from allegations Sterling's company targeted and discriminated against blacks, Hispanics and families with children in renting apartments in greater Los Angeles. The settlement must still be approved by a federal judge but should also resolve two additional tenant-filed suits alleging racial discrimination. "The magnitude of this ..."
Blake Griffin has stress fracture in kneecap
"Clippers' rookie power forward Blake Griffin, the No. 1 overall draft choice in June, has a stress fracture of the left patella, or kneecap, and could miss as much as six weeks of the season. The news, released late Monday, came on the eve of the team's NBA opener, and the blow was a significant one, meaning the Clippers will be starting the season minus the fresh new face of the franchise and might be without him in the lineup for the first 20 games of the season. Tests revealed the fracture and a second opinion later in the day backed up the results and conclusion of the first doctor. A Clippers spokesperson said it is a non-displaced fracture. But the team will take a conservative ..."
Camby injures ankle in practice
"Question of the day: If there is a collision involving Craig Smith and another player, who usually ends up walking away untouched? Smith. And if the Clippers didn't know the answer to that question before Smith arrived back home in Los Angeles, well, it hasn't taken them long to find out. "He's a bull," said Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy. In fact, Smith's nickname is "the Rhino," but you get the general idea. Apparently "the Rhino" was a creation from Smith's days with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He came to the Clippers in the Quentin Richardson trade, along with Mark Madsen (since waived) and point guard Sebastian Telfair in July. Here, Rhino's wreckage has taken out two teammates. First, ..."
Clippers' Camby sits out with hyperextended knee
"There was an injury to their No. 1 draft pick before training camp started, and, once the official practices started, there was one to the oldest player on the roster and another to the backup point guard. Bring it on. The games, that is. The Clippers are familiar with this sort of thing, of course. They can only try to keep it under control, hoping the injury damage is confined to the preseason. They will play their first game in nearly six months -- their regular-season finale was back on April 15 -- Sunday night at Golden State against the Warriors, at 6 p.m. There was summer league in Las Vegas, in July, but that mainly featured an anonymous cast and the Clippers' kids, No. 1 draft ..."
Heat looks at two low-end centers, including Wade dunk "victim"
"The Miami Heat's will-work-for-food portion of its personnel process included tryouts recently by two players vying for a spot in the team's power rotation. Former Arkansas center Steven Hill, who appeared in one game last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and center Paul Davis, who spent the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, are the latest to receive auditions. Despite the presence of Jermaine O'Neal, Jamaal Magloire, Joel Anthony, Udonis Haslem and Michael Beasley on the roster, Heat President Pat Riley said he is looking to add at least one more power player before the Sept. 28 start of training camp at AmericanAirlines Arena. Even with O'Neal spending recent weeks ..."
Williams' return from hiatus progressing
"Jason Williams' comeback from a one-year retirement will move a step closer to reality Friday after the Los Angeles Clippers formally waived their exclusive rights to negotiate with him, according to NBA front-office sources. Following the standard seven-day offseason wait to clear waivers, Williams will then become a free agent, joining Jamaal Tinsley -- who was bought out Wednesday by the Indiana Pacers -- as a late but proven addition to the summer market for point guards. The Clippers, sources said, had a Thursday deadline from the league office to exercise their exclusive rights to re-sign Williams after the 33-year signed a one-year deal with them last August, only to decide in ..."
Source: Clips to acquire three Wolves
"The Los Angeles Clippers agreed to trade Quentin Richardson to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Sebastian Telfair, Mark Madsen and Craig Smith, a league source told ESPN.com's Chad Ford on Monday. The trade is expected to be announced later Monday after the teams complete a trade call with the league. The trade will give the Clippers a solid backup point guard behind Baron Davis and give them some depth at the power forward position."
Latest chatter: Sessions over A.I.?
"Here is the latest assemblage of chatter culled from conversations with a variety of knowledgeable sources -- front-office executives, coaches, players and agents -- camped at the NBA's annual summer league here in Vegas. The distinct vibe in the stands at UNLV's Cox Pavilion is that the Clippers -- apart from owner Donald Sterling -- would greatly prefer to add more of a set-up man to a backcourt rotation that already features Baron Davis and emerging star Eric Gordon as opposed to signing Allen Iverson to a one-year deal up to the full $5.9 million midlevel exception. The top choice in that scenario? Extending an offer sheet to restricted free agent Ramon Sessions. Yet as we covered here ..."
Sources: Clippers want direct meeting with Iverson
"Before they commit to Allen Iverson for one year, the Los Angeles Clippers want to look him in the eye and ask him about coming off the bench. Iverson's answer, if the meeting happens, will go a long way toward determining whether "The Answer" will land in Los Angeles for a one-year contract for the midlevel exception of $5.8 million. Sources told ESPN.com Tuesday that Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, was traveling to Las Vegas to arrange a meeting with the Clippers as the next step in the process of finding a new home for Iverson, the former MVP and four-time scoring champion who is an unrestricted free agent. The Memphis Grizzlies remained the most viable fallback option for Iverson, with the ..."
Allen Iverson in 'very serious' talks with Clippers
"The Los Angeles Times reports that shooting guard Allen Iverson, who spent most of last season with the Detroit Pistons is in "very serious" talks to join the L.A. Clippers as a free agent. The Times cited an unnamed source close to Iverson. Here's a portion of the story: Iverson is looking at the $5.8-million mid-level exception for next season, and one of his other potential suitors, the Miami Heat, is reportedly unwilling to offer more than $2 million for one season."
Clippers make way for Griffin
"Not to worry, Blake Griffin will have plenty of room to operate. The Clippers agreed to a deal Wednesday that will send power forward Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Quentin Richardson, according to two NBA sources with knowledge of the deal. Though the Clippers were reluctant to trade Randolph - a solid 20-point, 10-rebound- a-game player whom they had targeted in a trade last season - the move was made to clear playing time for Griffin, the No. 1 overall pick in last week's draft. Due to league rules, the deal can not be completed until next week. Randolph was the team's leading scorer and second-leading rebounder last season. He averaged 20.9 points, 9.4 ..."
Warriors loaded at wing, but still looking?
"Anthony Morrow, the league's most accurate three-point shooter last year, was concentrating on a series of agility drills with strength and conditioning coach John Murray on Thursday. The Warriors' wing, though, had to wonder what was happening on the other court at the team's Oakland facility. Two days after Louisville wing Terrence Williams said the Warriors are interested in selecting him in the June 25 draft, they worked out another wing, USC freshman DeMar DeRozan on Thursday. The Warriors will also evaluate Louisville wing Earl Clark and Wake Forest's James Johnson as part of a six-player workout Saturday. Arizona power forward Jordan Hill will work out individually next Friday. It ..."
Trade in works? Thunder has shot at Blake Griffin
"Hours after last Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery, the official Web site for the lottery-winning Los Angeles Clippers had already plastered a photo of Blake Griffin on its home page in hopes of generating season ticket sales. But by Friday morning, the team's site had adjacent shots of Griffin and Ricky Rubio, implying this year's top selection is a debate rather than the no-brainer decision that led general manager and coach Mike Dunleavy to pronounce, "Clearly we're taking Blake Griffin."It was a not-so subtle switcheroo that suggested Griffin might not find his way on the Clippers' roster after all come opening night, and the Thunder still has a shot at nabbing the homegrown star ..."
Sources: Thomas, Clippers talk
"Isiah Thomas is actively seeking work again, and he spoke several weeks ago with Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling in a meeting arranged by current coach/general manager Mike Dunleavy, ESPN.com learned Wednesday. Several NBA sources confirmed the February meeting between the former president and general manager of the New York Knicks, adding that there were follow-up discussions between Thomas and other high-ranking club officials -- but also stressing that no job has been offered. Sterling is said to be considering adding another executive to the Los Angeles front office to alleviate some of Dunleavy's responsibilities in his dual role as coach and general manager. Former Lakers ..."
Guard Hart could be Denver bound
"The Nuggets expect to sign guard Jason Hart early next week, an NBA source said. He was waived Friday by the Los Angeles Clippers. Denver coach George Karl has said he wanted another point guard for insurance and Hart, 30, is a seven-year NBA veteran who has averaged 2.3 points per game this season. Hart has been linked to the Nuggets before. The Nuggets had interest in the guard during the free-agent signing period two summers ago. Behind starter Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets have Anthony Carter at point guard. Carter has been serviceable and plays tough defense, but his turnovers and recent injuries have been cause for concern. The Nuggets have been searching for either a point guard or ..."
Bull Drew Gooden on verge of return from injuries
"The Bulls could be welcoming a big man with starting playoff experience Wednesday in Milwaukee. His name will be Drew Gooden, rather than Amare Stoudemire or Chris Bosh. Gooden practiced Tuesday after missing the previous 11 games with abdominal and groin pain, and coach Vinny Del Negro said he would make a game-time decision in the critical matchup with a Bucks team that currently holds a playoff berth the Bulls covet. With Thursday's 2 p.m. trade deadline approaching, signs continue to point to the Suns keeping Stoudemire. And there never was much merit to talk of a three-way trade involving Bosh and the Bulls. "I find it amusing," Del Negro said of rumors, which included false reports ..."
Marcus Camby might be the name on top of the Cleveland Cavaliers wish list
"The countdown is on for Thursday's 3 p.m. trading deadline. With the Cavaliers in position to challenge for the NBA Championship and a collection of assets, they will be involved in a lot of rumors. In his first three seasons at general manager, Danny Ferry made two deadline-day deals including last season's 10-player trade and two years ago had a three-team deal fall through at the last minute. Over the next three days, the Plain Dealer will be tracking the behind-the-scenes happenings and be evaluating rumors as they break. It's Tuesday and this is when stuff starts to happen. After having talks over the weekend at the All-Star Games, GMs come back and meet with their staffs and talk ..."
Cavs’ bid for Stoudemire falls flat
"Believing that Amare Stoudemire could make the difference with winning an NBA title and ultimately keeping LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a bid to the Phoenix Suns for the All-Star power forward, two league sources familiar with the offer said Friday. Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry offered the expiring contract of Wally Szcerbiak, rookie J.J. Hickson and a first-round pick for Stoudemire earlier in the week, sources said. Anderson Varejao was mentioned in a possible scenario too, sources said. Nevertheless, the proposal has generated little enthusiasm out of Suns GM Steve Kerr. When asked about the Cavaliers’ interest in Stoudemire on Friday, Ferry texted to Yahoo! ..."
Odom's gesture offends Clippers
"The Clippers were so upset by Lamar Odom's dunk and crotch-grab during the Lakers' victory Wednesday, they contacted the league office to protest. No disciplinary action has been handed out, and none is expected, but that didn't stop Odom from sounding hurt when asked about it Saturday. "No, somebody's wrong" he said when informed the Clippers had complained about his actions. "I have no hard feelings toward the Clippers. Oh, man. That's too bad. I wouldn't do anything like that. Nah." The Clippers drafted Odom out of Rhode Island in 1999, and he had four productive seasons for them before signing with the Miami Heat as a free agent in the summer of 2003. He came to the Lakers in the ..."
Chris Kaman is probably out through All-Star break
"Funny thing about these trade rumors involving the Clippers' Chris Kaman. Rarely has an injured player been mentioned quite so often. The "reports" about Kaman have ranged from the Clippers thinking about moving him to various teams thinking about acquiring his services. There should just be a standing headline on the home page of hoopshype.com: "Kaman still a Clipper . . . for now." Never mind that the Clippers have maintained they aren't of mind to move him. And even if they were, it turns out there won't be much time for other teams to evaluate his health before the NBA's trading deadline Feb. 19. That was the news coming out of the Clippers' training facility on an otherwise slow ..."
Adams sent packing
"The Raptors made a cost-cutting move yesterday, trading seldom-used guard Hassan Adams to the Los Angeles Clippers for "cash considerations" and a future second-round pick. That should clear up any issue of the team going over the NBA's luxury tax, which Toronto exceeded by signing forward Jake Voskuhl before Christmas. It's not believed the departure of Adams sets the stage for something bigger for general manager Bryan Colangelo, at least for now, though the Raptors certainly have room to add bodies. They were down to nine last night with the loss of Adams and injuries. They have 13 men overall, including the inactive Nathan Jawai. Adams, signed by the team in July, was in 12 games ..."
Blazers' Pritchard denies trade rumors
"*Pritchard said he would not address today's trade rumors linking the Blazers in trade talks with New York and the Clippers. However, I have been told by multiple people, multiple times that this talk has zero legs to it. Zero. This summer a deal with David Lee was offered to the Blazers, but ultimately the Blazers rejected the deal, which involved Jarrett Jack and the Blazers' first round pick. *Channing Frye, who has practically disappeared from the Blazers' playing rotation, said on Monday night that he hasn't asked Pritchard for a trade from the Blazers. "The only thing me and KP talk about is what's best for the Blazers,'' Frye wrote in an email. "I'm just trying to do the best I can ..."
Clippers, Blazers set to talk trade with Knicks?
"With the holiday season over, trade talks are expected to pick up this week, and teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers could be major movers. The Knicks could get involved in talks with both teams in an attempt to land a desperately needed shot-blocking presence such as Marcus Camby. The Clippers, who have struggled all season, have a logjam in the frontcourt, especially after acquiring Zach Randolph from the Knicks on Nov. 21. It is believed they might consider moving Camby, who has an expiring contract, for the right piece to fit into their thin backcourt. The Blazers, who can offer coveted backup guard Sergio Rodriguez, have a strong interest in Knicks ..."
Knicks consider trade to bring back Marcus Camby
"The Portland Trail Blazers' dogged pursuit of David Lee could result in Marcus Camby returning to New York. Knicks president Donnie Walsh denied that he is working on a three-way deal with the Blazers and Clippers, but several team sources confirmed that Walsh and the Knicks' coaching staff have discussed the possibility of adding Camby, who was traded from Denver to the Clippers last July. Portland has been trying for months to acquire Lee, who will become a restricted free agent this summer. Mike D'Antoni would prefer to have the athletic 7-foot Camby as his center as opposed to the 6-9 Lee, who has improved offensively but has struggled on the defensive end. There was a report of the ..."
Baron Davis denies he wants out
"So, are the Clippers going to leave Baron Davis in Northern California and pick up Corey Maggette and Jamal Crawford at Golden State on the way home from Sacramento? Uh, not quite. Warriors swingman Stephen Jackson spent some quality time with Davis, his buddy and former teammate, over the weekend in Los Angeles, bonding and talking about old times. Jackson said that Davis wants to return to the Warriors. "That's all we talked about. . . . He wants to come back. And if he wants to come back, I want him back," Jackson told the Contra Costa Times. Davis denied that he is ready to bail off the listing 8-21 Clippers ship. "No, I don't want out," he told The Times on Monday at practice. "I ..."
Miles returns for a workout
"The Great Clipper Experiment of 2008-09 continued this week with a new development involving an old player. Former Clippers forward Darius Miles worked out for the team on a scheduled off day Tuesday, one day after the Clippers dropped to 4-17, faltering in the fourth quarter against Orlando. "We have an extra roster spot," Clippers Coach and General Manager Mike Dunleavy said Wednesday. "He is starting to work out for teams. And so, we're just looking into the situation." Based on what they have seen and what they need, the woefully lacking-in-depth Clippers would jump at signing the 6-foot-9 free agent Miles, who was close to making the Celtics in training camp. The thought is that ..."
Clippers' Kaman out for a while
"Looks like the Clippers will have to wait a little longer to see how their new frontline of Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby and Zach Randolph will be able to play together. Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said Monday that Kaman will be out longer than the team had first expected, possibly a few more weeks in addition to the two weeks he's already missed with a strained left arch. "It seems like it's going to be a little slower," Dunleavy said. "Basically what it is, is you have a partially torn tendon in your foot. It shows up on the MRI, you see the healing process and when it's all healed he'll be ready to go." Dunleavy had initially hoped Kaman might be ready for Monday's game against Orlando. ..."
Rockets notes: Mobley mulls retirement; Dorsey injured
"With his former Rockets and Magic teammate Cuttino Mobley mulling retirement, Rockets guard Steve Francis spoke with Mobley on Friday only to find his friend “terrible” while facing an agonizing decision. Mobley, who was in Los Angeles on Friday, has been seeing specialists to determine if he can safely continue his career despite a heart ailment that has raised concerns of Knicks doctors during his physical following the trade from the Clippers to New York. “It’s looking like he might (retire),” Francis said. “It’s close. That’s the same ailment he has played with his whole career, even here. It’s terrible. He didn’t sound too good today. “It’s tough. I know how much he loves playing ..."
Camby's value may show itself at trade deadline
"When Marcus Camby was traded to the Nuggets in 2002, he suffered through one losing season before the franchise enjoyed a resurgence. Now in his first season with the Los Angeles Clippers, the suffering might be equally brief - but for a different reason. With the Clippers off to a 2-12 start, Camby could become a valuable asset when the NBA trade deadline rolls around in February. His name surfaced last week when the Clippers made a four-player deal with the New York Knicks, who sent Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins to the West Coast for Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley. Camby remained a Clipper, but 13 years in the NBA have taught him a change of address is only a phone call, text message or ..."
Clippers complete trade with Knicks
"The Clippers' proposed trade with the New York Knicks has gone through, a source close to the team said Tuesday afternoon. The Clippers traded Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas to the New York Knicks for Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins. The deal had hit a snag Monday night, when New York raised questions about the condition of Mobley's heart. The knicks had Mobley undergo additional testing Tuesday and signed off on the deal shortly thereafter."
Clippers Explore Roster Changes
"The Clippers would like to move forward with a full complement of players. They'd also like to explore tinkering with their roster, which would feature an abundance of starting-caliber big men in Randolph, Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby. One source said the Clippers are talking to the Charlotte Bobcats about a package that would send Kaman to Charlotte for Jason Richardson. However, another Clippers source said, "Kaman's not out there.""
Three-way deal?
"The Knicks, Warriors and Clippers are talking about a three-way deal that would involve Jamal Crawford, Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins being sent in a cap-space clearing move that would bring in Tim Thomas, Cuttino Mobley and Al Harrington. The contracts on all three incoming players expire in 2010."
Randolph's Value Increasing
"Randolph’s start has enhanced his trade value, with one of the teams that pursued him last summer, the Clippers, interested again. A league source says the Clips are down on center Chris Kaman, but his contract (three more years after this one) doesn’t fit the Knicks’ desire for deals that expire after next season, so another team would be necessary to make something happen."
Clippers downplay Kaman trade talk
"The Clippers did have a brief talk with the Charlotte Bobcats involving Chris Kaman, coach and general manager Mike Dunleavy confirmed today, but the discussion died rather quickly. A report in the New York Post this morning created a bit of a stir around Clippers camp this morning, but Dunleavy essential brushed it off with humor. ``Everybody who understands the NBA understands it's a dance,'' Dunleavy said. ``This one started out by somebody saying I like your guy. ... (and being informed) Oh, you don't want to dance with me? ``They got the rejection and then they threw it out, `Hey I almost had a dance with somebody.' '' Would the Clippers ever entertain trading Kaman? Sure, but it ..."
Bobcats inquire about Clippers' Kaman
"Chris Kaman and the Internet really don't go together. Once a week or so, he checks his Yahoo! e-mail account and that's about it. He's not much for television, either. "I'm into other stuff, shooting my bow and arrow around in my backyard, flying helicopters around," Kaman said. "I just do stupid stuff you wouldn't think I'd be doing, but I'm the one doing it." But even with the self-imposed wall filtering out the media, Kaman was well-apprised of the report in Tuesday's New York Post mentioning him as a "centerpiece" to a deal the Clippers discussed recently with the Charlotte Bobcats. "Yeah, my buddy told me about that," Kaman said after practice on Tuesday. "One of my boys that lives ..."
Could city's own NBA team soon follow?
"The Los Angeles Lakers made their annual pilgrimage to Anaheim Tuesday night to play a preseason game at Honda Center. For some local fans, it was an exciting chance to welcome their favorite team and send a reminder that Lakers fans come from Orange County, too. But for others, it was a reminder that Anaheim - home to world-champion professional baseball and hockey - has yet to land a National Basketball Association team. That could change soon, an Anaheim official said this week. "I'm pretty confident that, maybe not next year, but within the next five years, Anaheim will have its own NBA team," said Greg Smith, executive director of sports, entertainment and conventions for the city. ..."
Livingston watch
"A day after the Wolves conceded defeat in the Shaun Livingston sweepstakes, the team he was supposed to be signing with pulled out of the bidding. With a full roster and little room under the salary cap, Miami Heat President Pat Riley called signing the free-agent guard a "dead issue." At the moment, that also seems to be the Wolves' attitude toward Livingston. "We've moved on right now," Wittman said. "We're going to take a look at who we've got as far as I'm concerned.""
Miami Heat moving toward Shaun Livingston?
"Lacking a definitive answer at point guard, the Miami Heat could be moving toward an agreement with Shaun Livingston, the former Los Angeles Clippers first-round pick. Livingston had been weighing interest from the Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Heat. "At this point, he is leaning toward Miami, but he has not signed anything," agent Henry Thomas said Monday night. Sidelined since a devastating knee injury in the middle of the 2006-07 season, the 6-foot-7 playmaker was not retained as a free agent this summer by the Clippers, who drafted him directly out of high school with the No. 4 overall selection in 2004. While Livingston had recent workouts with the 'Wolves and ..."
Novak bound for Clippers
"The Rockets expect to trim their roster and their bloated collection of forwards today by dealing Steve Novak to the Los Angeles Clippers, an individual with knowledge of the deal said Tuesday. The Rockets will receive future draft considerations from Los Angeles. This will likely include the right to switch places with the Clippers in a second round. It is unclear which season that would be because both teams have future second- round commitments. The Rockets selected Novak, 25, in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft. A 6-10 forward, he averaged 2.7 points in 70 NBA games, making 44.1 percent of his shots and 42.7 percent of his 3-pointers. The highlight of his two seasons with the ..."
Clippers could be making an offer to Iguodala
"The Los Angeles Clippers, who lost unrestricted free agent forward Elton Brand to the 76ers last week, are trying to determine which remaining free agent might best fit their needs. And, according to a rumor circulating through the NBA, it could be the Sixers' Andre Iguodala. The rumor suggested that the Clippers, via coach Mike Dunleavy, already have had contact with Iguodala, who was in Las Vegas Saturday to watch the Sixers' summer league team play the Denver Nuggets. The contact, though, supposedly came in the days before that game."
Knicks nix Zach trade, ponder new camp site
"There will be change with the roster, that much is certain. How much and how soon remains to be seen. Walsh already proved he will work at his own pace when he turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Clippers for Zach Randolph, whom Walsh had been shopping for a while. The Clippers reportedly offered a second-round pick for Randolph, but Walsh believes he can get a better offer. Randolph, who has a hefty three years and $48 million left on his contract, is still a consistent double-double performer."
Looking at the possible NBA Seattle might be able to lure
"As distasteful as it may seem for many local basketball fans, Seattle officials can learn a lot from Clay Bennett as they attempt to lure an NBA team. "If you're going to play this game and win, you must have commitments from three places: the private sector, the public sector and the NBA," said Marc Ganis, president of Sportscorp Ltd., a Chicago-based sports-industry consulting firm. "Oklahoma City had all three." Now that the dust has settled from the surprising July 2 settlement between the city of Seattle and Bennett, which allowed him to pay $45 million and immediately move the team, local officials face the cold realization that securing another franchise is no slam dunk. In ..."
What Will The Knicks Do?
"How soon the young duo can get major minutes depends on the status of incumbent starting forwards Zach Randolph and Quentin Richardson. The Knicks desperately want to trade Randolph's contract to get under the cap by 2010. SI.com reported the Clippers were interested in Randolph but president Donnie Walsh reportedly rejected a deal, likely because he couldn't get enough short-term contracts. Meanwhile, Richardson, coming off an out-of-shape, disgraceful shooting season, arrived in Vegas to work out with the summer-league team, claiming to be 228 pounds, 15 pounds lighter than when the season ended."
Okafor playing waiting game
"The negotiations have been courteous. Okafor went out of his way last season to say he appreciated what the Bobcats offered, and that his preference is to stay with the team that drafted him four years ago. Still, there's no sense reaching free agency unless you're open to changing teams. The flavor of the moment is the Clippers, whose loss of Elton Brand leaves them short a power forward but holding abundant salary-cap room."
Clippers could pursue Okafor
"Elton Brand's reported decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers rather than remain a Los Angeles Clipper could be bad news for the Charlotte Bobcats regarding Emeka Okafor. The Clippers now have a bundle under the salary cap and an obvious need for a power forward to complement center Chris Kaman in Brand's absence. NBA insiders expect the Clippers to consider signing one of two restricted free agents - Okafor or Atlanta Hawk Josh Smith - with the abundant cap room they now possess."
Source: 76ers send Carney, top pick to Wolves
"The 76ers are close to trading forward Rodney Carney and a future No. 1 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that clears salary cap space for Philadelphia to make a stronger push for free agents, a person in the NBA told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been completed and the NBA trade moratorium is not lifted until Wednesday. The 76ers will throw in reserve forward Calvin Booth, but are working out the particulars of what they will get back from Minnesota."
76ers are structuring offer for Elton Brand
"The Philadelphia 76ers are structuring a contract offer for free-agent forward Elton Brand that will extend into the five years and $80-million range, according to NBA sources who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak about player movements.The 76ers are just the latest team to join the bidding frenzy for Brand, joining the Clippers and Golden State Warriors, who have already made five-year offers for Brand, according to the sources."
Sixers show increased interest in Elton Brand
"As the NBA's salary cap officially goes up later today, so apparently does the 76ers' interest in Los Angeles Clippers unrestricted free agent Elton Brand. As suggested in the July 5 Daily News, the Sixers' plan appears to include waiting for a rise in the cap from $55.63 million to perhaps as much as $58 million or $59 million. Coupling that with the possibility of moving a contract or two, the Sixers could put themselves in position to 1) make one last push to acquire Brand, or 2) construct an offer sheet for Atlanta restricted free agent Josh Smith that the Hawks would have difficulty matching."
Magic seem unlikely to land Corey Maggette, GM says
"Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith said Monday that the club is seriously interested in signing free agent Corey Maggette but concedes they're a dark horse in the race. "Is it a long shot?" Smith said. "Uh, yeah." Smith said the Magic are in the running as long as Maggette can command only the midlevel exception, worth about $6 million per year. There are a few other teams with money under the salary cap to give Maggette more, but not many. Smith said he originally wanted to split the midlevel exception. Then Baron Davis opted out of his deal with the Golden State Warriors, which started a chain reaction of possible player movement."