FreshHoops.com
The latest and freshest news from the world of the NBA.
-
The New York Knicks are only looking to offer a one-year deal to a center, according to the New York Post. That means that they will be out of the race this summer for players such as Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan and Samuel Dalembert.
So, who are the Knicks looking to sign as their starting center? It seems they may be looking in the direction of Kwame Brown.
*Stephen A. Smith voice* KWAME BROWN?!
Well yes, the ex-Laker and Pau Gasol trade piece may soon be starting for another legendary NBA team. The reasoning for this is so that the Knicks are in a great position cap-wise in the summer of 2012 when there is a potential free agent pool of players like Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Dwight Howard.
The report states that the only other real centers who could probably be had for a one-year deal are “Tony Battie, ex-Knick veteran Kurt Thomas, who filled in solidly in spots with the Bulls, Joel Pryzbilla, Aaron Gray and ancient Theo Ratliff.”
With some of those players being either too poorly conditioned to start, too old or retiring, maybe Kwame Brown is the best option - which can’t be a great thought for Knicks fans. It could all pay off in 2012 though if New York manages to land a big name in free agency to play alongside Amaré Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.
-
The Phoenix Suns made a qualifying offer to Aaron Brooks. However, it seems that the Sacramento Kings are also interested in his services and may be making a pitch to him to convince him to join the team, according to New York Daily News.
The Kings are in need a of a point guard now that Beno Udrih has been traded and they see Brooks as a player capable of being able to fill that void.
Don’t be surprised if other teams come out and make offers to Brooks too. It would make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers to make him an offer as they are currently in need of a quicker, younger point guard to replace Derek Fisher in the starting line-up who can also shoot the three. Brooks ticks all the boxes there and could probably be had for all or part of the MLE (as long as the MLE still exists after the new CBA) - the lure of being a starter for the Lakers would also have to be interesting for Brooks.
He had a fairly quiet season last year after being traded from the Houston Rockets to the Phoenix Suns. He spent most of the year on the bench too. The year before however he had career numbers of 19.6 ppg and 5.6 apg as a starter.
-
Shannon Brown has officially opted-out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to become a free agent, Lakers.com confirms.
This was expected after Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak told reporters on the night of the draft that he thought Brown would opt-out. The move by Brown is most likely so he can get more money in a new contract. It is thought that a return to the Lakers in unlikely.
Brown will be able to explore free agency once the lockout is over. It is currently unclear how long the lockout will last.
-
According to ESPN, free agent Baron Davis hopes to know by Monday which NBA team he’ll be signing with. According to sources, his top three destinations are the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. The Knicks are thought to be pusuing Davis aggressively, which may influence his decision when deciding to where to go.
Even though Davis is currently out of action with a back injury, he’d like to sign with a team so he can prepare for the season mentally by learning his new team’s playbook and players whilst healing up. All three potential suitors could possibly give Davis a starting position judging by their current rosters.
Los Angeles native Davis became a free agent earlier this week after no teams bid on him after he was amnestied by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The latest and freshest news from the world of the NBA.
