Warriors Trade Rumors

"The Warriors completed their mission of retaining their top two young players by reaching an agreement with Andris Biedrins on a six-year, $63 million deal Sunday. The Warriors had signed Monta Ellis, 22, on Thursday to a six-year, $67 million deal, and now they have come to terms with Biedrins, 22, avoiding a negotiations competition with some European clubs that showed interest in the 6-foot-11 center. Biedrins flew to the Bay Area on Sunday night, according to his agent Bill Duffy, and plans to sign the contract today. "This shows the Warriors following through on their commitment to Monta and Andris," Duffy said. "Andris is absolutely thrilled." The contract includes an option for ..."

"The Golden State Warriors have moved quickly to prevent Latvian center Andris Biedrins from seriously entertaining interest from deep-pocketed teams in Europe by reaching terms on a lucrative new contract with the restricted free agent. NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that Biedrins was en route to Oakland on Sunday night after agreeing to a new six-year contract with the Warriors worth nearly $63 million. The contract, sources said, will likely be signed Monday and include a player option for Biedrins to return to the free-agent market in the summer of 2013 after completing five seasons. Biedrins is among a growing crop of NBA veterans -- not all European, as evidence by Josh ..."

"Maybe it's Kelenna Azubuike. Maybe it's Maurice Evans. Maybe it's a mystery player. Warriors vice president Chris Mullin said Wednesday that the signing of a wing player essentially would end the team's whirlwind offseason and complete the roster. In a 25-minute talk, Mullin said a decision on Azubuike is a "Friday thing," admitted pursuing Evans and treaded around the idea that the summer workings could be done. A decision on whether to match the Clippers' multiyear offer to Azubuike doesn't have to - and probably won't - happen until Friday. Evans is a 6-foot-5 wing, noted as a defender and a three-point shooter who averaged 9.3 points in 68 games for Orlando in 2007-08. "We're having ..."

"On the heels of adding point guard Marcus Williams, the Warriors have reportedly added free agent forward Maurice Evans, who played for both the Lakers and Magic last season. Golden State has signed Evans to a three-year, $6.4 million deal, according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise. By adding Evans, it more than likely means the Warriors will not match the three-year, $9 million contract restricted free agent Kelenna Azubuike signed with the Los Angeles Clippers last week. Golden State have until Friday to match Azubuike's deal, but Evans represents a cheaper _ and perhaps better _ alternative."

"The Warriors reportedly have found another point guard to help out projected starter Monta Ellis. The New York Post is reporting that Golden State has acquired Marcus Williams from the New Jersey Nets for a future first-round pick. According to the Post, the pick the Warriors will send to the Nets is lottery protected for 2011, 2012 and 2013. If the Nets don't receive a pick by 2013, New Jersy would get second-round picks in both 2013 and 2015, the article says."

"As expected with Monday’s acquisition of Kevin Dooling to back up Devon Harris at the point, the Nets quickly shipped out Marcus Williams today. New Jersey agreed to deal him to Golden State for a future first-round pick, according to league sources. The former UConn standout, who averaged 5.9 points and 2.6 assists in 53 games for the Nets last season, joins a team that lost free-agent point guard Baron Davis to the Clippers earlier this month and is still attempting to keep likely replacement Monta Ellis from also departing."

"The Warriors may be considering an offer sheet to 76ers restricted free agent Lou Williams, according to an ESPN.com report. The ESPN story quoted one “plugged-in” source as believing the Warriors “are planning to make a "big run' at (Williams).” Published reports show Golden State is roughly $4.5 million under the salary cap after the Lakers declined to match the Warriors' offer sheet to Ronny Turiaf, meaning it could offer Williams as much as $26 million over five years (counting annual raises of $350,000)."

"Warriors free agent forward Matt Barnes is switching to a Pacific Division rival. He said he is signing a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. Barnes agreed to a one-year deal for the minimum (which for him, as a sixth-year NBA player, is $926,678). He is flying to Phoenix today to take a physical examination. "I owe a lot to the Warriors organization," Barnes said via text message Sunday night. "They gave my career a chance. The fans were great. Could be the best fans in sports. But I just don't understand what went wrong.""

"The Suns put a shot of adrenaline into their team and what had been a sleepy free-agency period by signing ex-Golden State small forward Matt Barnes to a one-year contract. The sixth-year NBA veteran signed for the league’s veteran minimum contract ($1.2 million, about $400,000 of which is paid by league funds) and will immediately step into the rotation as either a starter or bench player on the wing. He will be in Phoenix to take his physical on Monday morning and is expected to finalize his deal afterward."

"Free-agent forward Matt Barnes is scheduled to arrive in Phoenix Monday, expecting to sign a one-year veteran's minimum deal with the Suns after completing a physical. Barnes, 28, spent the past two seasons in a mostly reserve role with the Golden State Warriors. He collected a career-best 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in the 2006-07 season. Last season, he averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game."

"The Warriors, wanting to spare Monta Ellis from inheriting all of Baron Davis' minutes at point guard, are seriously considering signing Philadelphia guard Louis Williams to an offer sheet, ESPN is reporting. It's not yet clear whether Golden State would have enough leftover salary-cap space to extend an offer to Williams sufficiently prohibitive for the 76ers to match. The Warriors are expected to re-sign restricted free agents Ellis and center Andris Biedrins. Williams, 21, averaged 11.5 points and 3.2 assists last season."

"It remains to be seen if the Nuggets, who also want to re-sign restricted free agent J.R. Smith, will spend enough to keep free-agent forward Eduardo Najera. Najera, whose preference is to re-sign, said early Wednesday evening he hasn't received any offers. Word is New Jersey has made Najera a primary target. General manager Kiki Vandeweghe had that job in Denver from 2001- 06. "Kiki brought me to Denver (in March 2005), and I know he does things the right way," Najera said. "He's trying to get a team to compete in the East. . . . I'm ready for any kind of offer. I'm excited if they're considering signing me." Najera named Dallas, Golden State, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, New Orleans ..."

"General Manager Mitch Kupchak has heard the rumors that Lakers forward Ronny Turiaf received an offer sheet from the Golden State Warriors. He hasn't seen proof, though. Kupchak said Wednesday that he has not received by fax or registered mail notification that Turiaf, a restricted free agent, has signed with another team. "A lot of times where there's smoke, there's fire and I don't know if that's the case here," Kupchak said Wednesday "I'm aware of the rumors, but my understanding of the process is that we have to be notified with a document, and there's been no document or notification — written or verbally." Turiaf reportedly agreed to a four-year, $17 million offer from ..."

"The Warriors are still in the market for a big man and a point guard. Even with Maggette, the still don't have the inside presence they need or a player who can consistently create for others as did point guard Baron Davis during his three-plus years in Oakland. According to sources inside the NBA circle, the Warriors have offered the Los Angeles Lakers' restricted free agent forward Ronny Turiaf a contract (believed to be paying about $4 million a year) and have shown interest in free-agent combo guard Keyon Dooling."

"The Orlando Magic have identified their starting shooting guard for next season and might be parting with J.J. Redick or Keith Bogans to acquire a point guard. The Magic expect to sign free agent Mickael Pietrus to a four-year contract worth about $25 million, the Sentinel has learned. Magic General Manager Otis Smith said on Tuesday that the signing of Pietrus will exhaust most of the team's midlevel exception. The exception can pay a player an average of about $6 million per season. Teams can begin signing free agents today. The Magic expect to hold a news conference introducing Pietrus on Thursday."

"One position the team could try to beef up is small forward, where two-time all-star Caron Butler has carried heavy minutes and battled several injuries that limited him to 58 games last season. Possible free agents who could meet Washington's financial needs and also help out at small forward include Matt Barnes, who has been a key player for the Golden State Warriors the last two seasons, and James Jones, who played last season for the Portland Trail Blazers."

"The Orlando Magic have reached a verbal agreement with shooting guard Mickael Pietrus and expect to sign him to a multi-year contract Wednesday, general manager Otis Smith confirmed to FLORIDA TODAY. Pietrus, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound shooting guard, is expected to earn almost all of the Mid-Level Exception, starting at 5.2 million next season. Pietrus, a native of Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, France, played all five of his NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors. The signing of Pietrus ends the Magic’s chase of free-agent shooting guard Corey Maggette and could end their chances of retaining combo guard Keyon Dooling."

"The Orlando Magic are moving closer to signing shooting guard Mickael Pietrus as a free agent while waiting on Corey Maggette to make a decision. Acknowledging that it's a gamble, the Magic might be willing to wait on Maggette's decision, but they apparently have Pietrus in hand... Pietrus, 6-6, 198 pounds, is described as strong defender and accurate 3-point shooter. He averaged 8.6 points in five seasons with the Golden State Warriors. While it's likely now that Pietrus will fill the Magic's vacant shooting guard spot, Keyon Dooling concedes he doesn't know where he fits in his former team's plans."

"With free agent signings set to begin at midnight Tuesday, the Heat is out of the hunt for Golden State swingman Mickael Pietrus, and Miami forward Dorell Wright has a new agent. Pietrus, a Heat target the past year, is close to reaching a deal with another team, according to his agent, Bill McCandless. The Heat's failure to land Pietrus, an unrestricted free agent, could be indicative of what's to come as the front office tries to add depth in a cost-effective manner. Miami has little salary cap space and president Pat Riley has said the team wants players who would accept short-term deals and not force the Heat to exceed the salary cap threshold, which will be announced when free ..."

"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."

"The 76ers, like the rest of the NBA, are playing the waiting game. In more ways than one. Tonight, the league will release its updated salary cap figures. That will determine exactly how much the Sixers have to spend when teams can begin officially signing free agents tomorrow. Then, all eyes will turn to Elton Brand. Which team he chooses to sign with - most reports suggest the Clippers as the favorite over Golden State - could decide how the rest of the market will swing. Until then, agents and team officials are keeping quiet. If the Warriors can't lure Brand away, they would join the Sixers in the pursuit of the remaining top available players. Golden State has plenty of money ..."

"The Jazz's ability to land longtime Los Angeles Clippers swingman Corey Maggette is looking more and more long shot by the day. As many predicted earlier this week, the Golden State Warriors, with newfound money after point guard Baron Davis opted out of his contract and committed to the Los Angeles Clippers, now are in the mix for Maggette. Multiple reports today suggested as much."

"With Gilbert Arenas off the market and Clippers free agent Elton Brand no closer to Oakland, the Warriors headed into the holiday weekend sorting through contingency plans. Golden State has reached out to forward Corey Maggette, another Clippers free agent, according to two league sources. The Warriors are one of the few teams who can offer Maggette more than the mid-level exception, which is expected to be around $5.6 million when the new cap figures are released."

"Meanwhile, the Warriors have a contingency plan to land another Clipper if Brand declines their offer, the sources said. Golden State is expected to join a number of teams to lure free-agent forward Corey Maggette, who opted out of the final year of his Clippers contract on Monday. The Philadelphia 76ers, according to the sources, may also bid for Maggette, who led the Clippers in scoring last season, averaging 22.1 points. The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz are also in the running."

"Suddenly and swiftly, the question in Clipperland on Wednesday became: What will Elton Brand do? In a whirlwind that amounted to ?who has the salary cap space now?? the Golden State Warriors reached deep down the coastline and even deeper into their pocketbooks, offering free-agent forward Brand a five-year, $90-million contract, according to multiple NBA sources who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about player movements. The offer came after the Clippers expected to reach an agreement with Brand, 29, as soon as Wednesday for a five-year deal worth about $70 million, the most the team could offer under salary cap considerations and still sign ..."

"Admit it, you thought the shaken owner would crumble.You thought Donald Sterling would look around the smoking remains of his once-lavish Clippers team -- two best players leaving, coach steaming, star guard limping -- and he would quit. No more money. No more effort. No more Mr. Rich Guy.Admit it, you thought that this summer, the Clippers were going back to Square One.Instead, on the most glorious July Tuesday in franchise history, they have leaped to Seed Seven.Baron Davis? Are you kidding me?One of the toughest point guards in a point-guard league, bought for $65 million by a team desperately in need of a point guard?One of the coolest Los Angeles kids, with connections from ..."

"In a move that shakes the landscape of an already deep Western Conference, the Clippers reached agreement on a contract with All-Star point guard Baron Davis on Tuesday, according to Davis' agent.The deal is expected to be signed for five years and $65 million once the NBA's moratorium period ends next week."

"Baron Davis is coming home. Davis has agreed in principle to a deal with the Clippers, a source within the organization confirmed. Davis surprisingly opted out of his contract with Golden State on Monday, even though he had one year remaining on his contract worth $17.8 million. Davis was in San Francisco on Tuesday for the premier of "Made in America," a documentary he produced on gang life in Los Angeles. Speaking to reporters, he didn't exactly confirm the report that he agreed to a deal with the Clippers, but made it known he'll be back in Los Angeles."

"The Washington Wizards yesterday offered unrestricted free agent guard Gilbert Arenas a six-year contract that would pay him between $125 million and $127 million, the maximum amount allowed under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, multiple sources said. Arenas, who flew to Asia yesterday for a promotional tour with Adidas and will not return to the United States for two weeks, said he is strongly considering whether to accept the offer....The free agency period opened early yesterday with Arenas receiving an offer from the Golden State Warriors -- his former team -- for a five-year deal that would pay him just less than $100 million. But it did not appear yesterday that Arenas ..."

"The Nets have a list of about 20 names, mainly wings, and near the top is Roger Mason, a 6-foot-5 guard who averaged 8.0 points with Washington last season, when he made a minimum $770,610. Figure he'll command in the $2.5 million range. Also of interest to the Nets are Warrior forwards Mickael Pietrus and Matt Barnes, Orlando's Maurice Evans, Indy's Kareem Rush, Knick Fred Jones Fred Jones and Clipper Quinton Ross."

"Baron Davis' agent, Todd Ramasar, told The Times that they have a verbal agreement to sign with the Clippers. Davis is expected to sign a contract in the five-year, $50-million range. "From a basketball standpoint it's always been about winning for Baron," Ramasar said. "This presented a good opportunity to do that to pair him with Chris Kaman and Elton Brand is expected back." The Clippers can't announce any deals until July 9 when next year's salary cap is determined."

"What promised to be a tumultuous offseason for the Warriors was kicked into overdrive Monday when point guard Baron Davis left $17.8 million on the table and opted out of the final year of his contract, becoming an unrestricted free agent and throwing Golden State's immediate plans into confusion. Davis has maintained for months that he wants to remain a Warrior and was telling members of the organization last week that he would not opt out, but with mere hours to spare the man most responsible for breaking Golden State's 12-season playoff drought reversed course dramatically. "I'm surprised, because 17 million is a lot of money for a year of basketball, but that's his ..."

"It's time for Baron Davis and the Warriors to call each other's bluff. Golden State's franchise point guard shocked his coaches and teammates by exercising his early-termination clause Monday night, forgoing the final year and $17.8 million left on his contract. As of 12:01 a.m. this morning, Davis was an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with whomever he wants. It's a surprising turn of events that ranks as both a power move and a huge risk for Davis, who is essentially forcing the Warriors back to the negotiating table after failing to secure a long-term extension."

"To that end, the Clippers took the first steps in filling their gaping hole at point guard. Coach Mike Dunleavy met late Monday with free-agent Beno Udrih, of the Sacramento Kings, in New York to discuss a multiyear deal. They also contacted the Raptors' Jose Calderon, who is a restricted free agent, meaning Toronto can match any offer made to him. Baron Davis, who opted out of his contract with the Golden State Warriors, is also of interest."

"Atlanta's Josh Smith, a restricted free agent, may be the Sixers' No. 1 candidate. The Hawks have vowed to match any offer made to Smith, but an $11 million price tag might be too much for them to overcome. Other big men believed to be under consideration are Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers and Andris Biedrins of the Golden State Warriors. Yesterday, Brand opted out of the last year of a contract with the Clippers that would have paid him $16.4 million this year."

"Wearing a red Team USA polo shirt at an Olympic function at The Plaza yesterday, Mike D'Antoni put on his Knicks hat in declaring the team's biggest need is backcourt help, with free agency dawning today. D'Antoni, a U.S. Olympic assistant coach this summer, also supported David Lee, saying he would "love" to coach him next season but admitted Lee is the subject of trade talks. Unrestricted free agent Beno Udrih of Sacramento, Golden State restricted free agent Monta Ellis and Raymond Felton are their top point guard targets, but that may be shooting too high, considering the Knicks' new cap restrictions. Trade options include the Bulls' Kirk Hinrich and Memphis' Mike Conley and Kyle ..."

"Meanwhile, the Mavericks were set to spend the early hours of free agency, which opened at 11:01 p.m. Monday, seeking help at center, shooting guard and small forward. Names to listen for: Golden State's Matt Barnes, New Jersey's DeSagana Diop, New Orleans' Bonzi Wells, Boston's James Posey and Orlando's Maurice Evans. Barnes' agent, Aaron Goodwin, said Monday night that he was eager to initiate contact with the Mavericks. "I think Matt is a good fit for them, but he's a good fit for a lot of teams," Goodwin said. "They are definitely on our list.""

"Other than rehabbing Stephon Marbury, there isn't a legitimate point guard on the roster. And Marbury is in the final year of his contract. "I think we can use help (at point guard)," Walsh said. "But we probably could go in the way we are but we'll probably look for help." Golden State's Monta Ellis is a wonderful point-guard-of-the-future candidate but that has to be a sign-and-trade scenario because Warriors general manager Chris Mullin would match a two-year deal. Walsh and Mullin are close, making a transaction doable. Other young free-agent point guards available for mid-level money are Chris Duhon, Brooklyn's Sebastian Telfair, Keyon Dooling and Tyronn Lue. Memphis has a ..."

"With Don Nelson in his lab coat, tinkering with rosters, steam rising from his forehead and his ability to influence vice president Chris Mullin, no scenario involving the Warriors is incredible. Like, say, the one in which the Dubs send Baron Davis and Al Harrington to Detroit for Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace. The positions are the same, the salaries close enough. Wallace is envisioned as a Warrior by someone within the organization, according to our Geoff Lepper, who covers the team for this publication. With Davis coming back for the final year of his contract but feeling a bit disrespected over the tone of negotiations for an extension, the scenario has him being moved, ..."

"As for the big trade Dumars has said he wants to complete, the team doesn't expect it to come to fruition today. There was nothing imminent as of Wednesday evening, and, apparently, no truth to a report that the Pistons were talking to the Golden State Warriors about a trade involving Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Baron Davis and Al Harrington. The two sides haven't even talked, according to a Pistons source."

"As the hours tick down to a draft that will start the ball rolling on the Warriors' potentially franchise-changing offseason, they can be sure of one thing: Star point guard Baron Davis will remain under contract for 2008-09. But that doesn't guarantee he'll be wearing a Golden State uniform when the season begins. A team source said that Davis has told teammates he will not exercise the opt-out provision in his contract before its June 30 expiration date, meaning that he will play out the final year of the deal at a salary of $17.8 million...It's possible that Davis, who wants to stay in the Bay Area but was disappointed with the lowball offers from the Warriors, will ask to be dealt. ..."

"The Warriors can count on having Baron Davis under contract when free agency begins next week. Todd Ramasar, Davis' agent, said Tuesday that he doesn't expect his client to opt out of his contract before Monday's deadline. "It doesn't seem likely," Ramasar said. "The market could change anytime, but it's unlikely." The decision makes financial sense for Davis, who is due $17.8 million next season, an amount he would not be able to recoup as a free agent. But combined with stalled talks for a contract extension, it also casts his long-term future with the Warriors in doubt."

"The calendar and the weather may suggest otherwise, but the NBA climate has the feel of February. Much like the frenzy and wild speculation that serve as a prelude to the league's trade deadline, caution must be observed and logic exercised. With so many teams looking to improve and so many names being bandied about, it wouldn't surprise any one if one or two roster-altering moves are completed, perhaps more. Until the NBA final runs its course, no deal will be announced in an environment where there's no shortage of possibilities, some that appear to have merit."

"There is little doubt that the Knicks will shop for a point guard this summer, but at least one has come shopping for them. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Warriors' Baron Davis has made inquiries into the interest of certain teams around the league, including the Knicks... According to the source, his representation, after a preliminary discussion with the Warriors, has put out feelers to gauge the interest of teams in need of an upgrade at point guard."

"After weeks of informal conversations, Davis' agent, Todd Ramasar, met with Warriors officials Thursday to discuss a potential contract extension for his client. But the talks failed to provide any satisfaction for Davis, a two-time All-Star who just turned 29. In fact, the sides are so far apart that Ramasar brought up the specter of Davis using his opt-out clause to void the final year on his current deal and become an unrestricted free agent as of July 1."

"Yes, Johnson will be in high demand, sought by the Knicks and Bulls and perhaps even the Warriors, should he decide to take a year off and succeed Nelson (just as he did in Dallas three years ago). Then again, he was finished with the Mavericks. He had a 23-24 playoff record, losing the last nine on the road. You can't imagine how that feels until you've experienced the seething Mark Cuban, sitting courtside just a few feet behind you. In that sense, getting fired is a huge break for Johnson, who was treated well (financially) by Cuban but doesn't need any more of that malarkey."

"Mullin made clear Wednesday that he would like to keep the central pieces of his team together, guaranteeing the return of Ellis and center Andris Biedrins, both up for restricted free agency, and expressing an expectation that Davis -- a potential unrestricted free agent -- would be back as well. That means to build on this season's six-win jump, Mullin will have to improve the supporting cast. Unless Davis does opt out of his $17.8 million salary, the Warriors don't have the room to go after a top-of-the-line free agent, and will have to use their mid-level exception if they choose to go that route. The team also has a $10 million trade exception that expires on June 28, and will ..."

"At the top of the list is who will be back next season, and Mullin finally began peeling away some of those uncertainties. He expects coach Don Nelson and Baron Davis to be back. He promised to bring Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins back. And just like last year, he said that finding (or developing) a rebounder and a low-post scorer remain high priorities as the Warriors try to move up in the West. Of all the pending personnel decisions that Mullin touched on, the most definitive news surrounded Ellis and Biedrins, the Warriors' precocious 22-year-olds whom Mullin said would both be back next season."

"The Nelson predicament is complicated by the timing. Most potential replacements might be snapped up by other clubs by July, unless the Warriors have privately committed to the successor Nelson chose, assistant Keith Smart. But it's far from the only situation. Starting shooting guard Monta Ellis is a restricted free agent and in line for big money. Starting center Andris Biedrins is a restricted free agent and in line for good money. Mullin said both will be back, either by direct re-signing or by matching an offer sheet. Meanwhile, starting point guard Baron Davis, the emotional leader and best player, can opt out of the final season of his deal and become an unrestricted free ..."