J.R. Smith Will Remain in New York
Finally, a thing (or two) for fans of the New York Knicks to smile about.
The Knicks have agreed to terms with both J.R. Smith and Pablo Prigioni.
Smith is set to return to Gotham City on a four-year deal that is expected to be worth right around $25 million, while Prigioni has agreed to a three-year deal worth a reported $5 million. The Knicks used a portion of their taxpayer exception to re-sign Prigioni, and now have about $1.75 million of it remaining. They still hope to retain Chris Copeland, but he is receiving tons of interest on the open market.
Even still, on July 4, as scores of Americans settle down in front of their grills and watch some fireworks, Jim Dolan’s annual BBQ extravaganza will probably be a bit more festive than usual.
The Knicks headline our July 4 update. Since SheridanHoops broke the news that Smith was opting out of his deal, there was genuine concern over at 2 Penn Plaza that he would bolt town for a richer offer, especially considering the money that has been thrown around to the likes of J.J. Redick ($28 million), Kyle Korver ($24 million) and Tyreke Evans ($44 million).
Now, with Smith and Prigioni in tow, the Knicks can continue their pursuit of Elton Brand and another backup point guard, as well as Chris Copeland, and yes, Kenyon Martin.
Our No. 3 free agent, Al Jefferson, has agreed to terms with the Charlotte Bobcats for less than max money, which is shocking. It is also a surprising move considering the Dallas Mavericks have registered interest in Jefferson. But he is now off of the market. Another young big, Earl Clark, has agreed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-year deal worth $9 million.
Meanwhile, in Sacramento, Tyreke Evans has let it be known that he wants a change of scenery and the Kings probably will grant that wish, but not without getting something in return. The Kings are set to sign-and-trade Evans to the New Orleans Pelicans for Greivis Vasquez, with Robin Lopez going to Portland in a three-way deal. Evans will be paid $44 million over four years, and the Kings get something in return for a player that had worn out his welcome in Sacramento. The final hurdle — Sacramento’s pursuit of Jose Calderon, was cleared when Calderon said no to the Kings.
Evans heading to New Orleans is a bit of a surprise, considering the presence of Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers, so the Pelicans probably are not done quite yet. Keep an eye on them, as flipping one of those two for a wing cut from the mold of Andre Iguodala may make some sense.
There has been quite a bit of movement with regard to wing free agents, but aside from Al Jefferson and Dwight Howard, what about the other big guys? Nikola Pekovic, J.J. Hickson and even Chris Kaman—all will likely have to wait until the Dwecision is made, and from what we hear, an announcement may be forthcoming as early as tomorrow.
SheridanHoops was told, long ago, that the Dwight sweepstakes was a two-horse race between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. Fans in Dallas are left wondering what Mark Cuban will do to improve his team, and the answer there is “be patient.” In a conversation with SheridanHoops back around February’s All-Star break, Cuban vowed to be patient in free agency, mainly because of the concerns over restrictions placed on high-spending teams.
In other words, while Hakeem Olajuwon pegs Howard’s odds of signing with the Rockets at 85 percent, Cuban will remain patient and go after players who are on the younger side of their careers, whom he believes he can build around, and who will come at a good bargain.
Jefferson seemed to be destined to head to Dallas, but now that he has signed with Charlotte, the masses will continue to watch Mark Cuban and try to figure out what he has up his sleeves.
The wings are flying off the shelf, but the bigs are in small demand. Get caught up below.
Here are your updated rankings.
1. Dwight Howard (Center, LA Lakers)
Still just 27, we are willing to overlook the disappointing 2012-13 campaign since D12 was playing hobbled for most of it. Fair questions persist as to whether he can lead a team to the promised land, but we know that any team would be willing to roll the dice to find out. If you called any GM and offered Howard in exchange for his starting center, all (except Orlando) would say yes. That’s why he’s still numero uno. JULY 3 UPDATE — Howard met with the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday and has decided to take his talents away from Los Angeles to ponder his decision. The Rockets are said to be the favorite to land him at this point, but the Lakers meeting went “very well.” A decision is expected shortly after the July 4 holiday, perhaps as early as Friday. JULY 4 UPDATE — Howard is expected to announce a decision as soon as Friday. The Lakers removed a Howard banner and Hakeem Olajuwon and Daryl Morey both believe that “H-Town” will become “Howard” town.
2. Chris Paul (Point Guard, LA Clippers)
After leading the Clippers to their best season in franchise history and first division title, Paul has gotten over the fact that Donald Sterling outed him as the reason for Vinny Del Negro’s departure. Sterling needed to bring in Doc Rivers to make peace with CP3, and acquiring the coach from Boston was a move that assured Paul is staying. JULY 2 UPDATE — Paul has agreed to re-sign with the Clippers on a five-year, $107 million max. deal.
3. Al Jefferson (Center, Utah Jazz)
One thing we know: A big man who has proven that he can score with his back to the basket is a very valuable commodity. Jefferson is arguably a better all-around offensive weapon than Howard. He is still relatively young at 28 and has been a consistent force in the paint for the Jazz. The bum knee that limited him to 50 games in 2008-09 is now a distant memory. A max player, for sure. JULY 2 UPDATE — Jazz offering 80 percent discount on his jersey (and Paul Millsap’s). Will meet with Bobcats Wednesday. JULY 4 UPDATE — He surprised the entire NBA by agreeing to terms with the Charlotte Bobcats on a three-year deal worth $41 million. The final year has an opt-out.
4. David West (Power Forward, Indiana Pacers)
A run to the conference finals could not have come at a better time for West, who had made it known (as had the Pacers) that his preference is to remain in Indianapolis, where he is perfectly cast as a third scorer and is depended on mostly for his sweet mid-range touch and tenacity in the paint. Paul George hits the market next summer, and returning president Larry Bird says West is No. 1 priority but Pacers will not pay luxury tax under any circumstances. JULY 3 UPDATE — David West has agreed to re-sign with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year, $36 million deal.
5. Josh Smith (Power Forward, Atlanta Hawks)
J-Smoove made headlines this past season when he made it known he would be seeking a four-year max deal worth upwards of $15 million per year. It is difficult to justify paying that kind of money to a player who has not made a single All-Star team in nine years. Still, Smith is one of the most effective defensive players in the league and an explosive finisher in the paint. But which GM will risk his reputation on Smith? That’s a big question. JULY 1 UPDATE — Met with Pistons president Joe Dumars, who is unwilling to make a max offer. Then met with Rockets, who would try to add him in a sign-and-trade with Atlanta if Howard picks Houston. JULY 4 UPDATE — Smith has not been offered the max deal he was looking for, but the Houston Rockets would like to pair him with Howard if D12 signs on. Smith would like for that to happen, yet another waiting on D12.
6. Nikola Pekovic [R] (Center, Minnesota Timberwolves)
Guaranteed to be this year’s recipient of a fat, risky poison pill contract. Although significantly older than Omer Asik, Big Pek has a higher upside and more polished offensive game. When it comes to big men, general managers roll the dice quite often. We will see it with Andrew Bynum and we will see it with Pekovic. But the thinking here is that Pekovic will get more money — unless he gets hurt bowling. JULY 2 UPDATE — Quiet on this front, although the Cavs are reportedly interested. Have cap flexibility to offer backloaded contract. He is waiting on Dwight to make his Dwecision. JULY 4 UPDATE — The Timberwolves, according to the Pioneer Press, want to bring Pekovic back. There will be a bidding war over Pek, though. We guarantee it.
7. Andre Iguodala (Small Forward, Denver Nuggets)
Interesting question: Who is worth more to you? Iggy? Or Monta Ellis? If you answer Ellis, it probably means you overvalue a volume scorer who cannot elevate his teammates. If you answer Iggy, though, it means that you properly recognize and appreciate his ability to affect every single facet of any game he plays, even if he is not shooting or scoring particularly well. A great defender — and GMs value that nowadays more than they used to. JULY 2 UPDATE — Has met with Nuggets, Kings Pistons. Hawks, Pelicans, Warriors among teams that will speak with him next. JULY 3 UPDATE — Kings offered a four-year, $52 million deal, but pulled it after not being given an immediate “Yes.” He is still in high demand.
8. Monta Ellis (Shooting Guard, Milwaukee Bucks)
The secret is out: Ellis is a volume scorer who is probably best served as a sixth man who’s only responsibility is to light it up off the bench. Only problem? He turned down a two-year, $24 million extension from the Bucks that we think was more than fair. If Ellis is looking for more on the open market, it shows that he has a false sense of his value. A very talented player, he should draw interest from a team that has cap space and a dearth of options as to whom to spend it on. JULY 1 UPDATE — Knicks are interested, but can only offer $3.2 million. Nobody takes a $9 million haircut. JULY 3 UPDATE — The Bucks have reportedly made an offer to Kyle Korver and were rumored to be in the mix for J.R. Smith and, now, O.J. Mayo. What that means for Ellis is that he is all but certain to end up elsewhere. JULY 4 UPDATE — With J.R. Smith, Tony Allen, Tyreke Evans and Kyle Korver all off the market, Ellis and O.J. Mayo are the top shooting guards out there. We peg Ellis’ fair market value at four years, $36-$40 million.
9. Tyreke Evans [R] (Point Guard/Small Forward, Sacramento Kings)
One of this generation’s enigmas, Evans is still searching for the touch that enabled him to become one of the few rookies in history to average 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Still just 23, NBA GMs will think a new coach and system can re-tap that potential, and potential gets you paid. The Kings will have a new coach and a new system, so they should have a “should we match?” question on their hands come July 10. JULY 2 UPDATE — Pelicans have made a four year offer for between $40-$48 million. See how Reggie Miller reacted. JULY 3 UPDATE — Though it does not hold much weight, Evans has reportedly let it be known that he wants a change of scenery and hopes to end up with the Pelicans. JULY 4 UPDATE — Evans will get his wish and be dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans. He will sign a four-year deal worth $44 million once the moratorium is over on July 10.
10. Jeff Teague [R] (Point Guard, Atlanta Hawks)
Perhaps the most intriguing young point guard on the market, his value has been established at about $8-$9 million thanks to the extensions doled out to Jrue Holiday and Ty Lawson. He probably stays in Atlanta, though in-demand restricted free agents sometimes get overpaid. (Ask Landry Fields.) Much depends on what GM Danny Ferry pulls off with all his cap space. For a team with only five players under contract (not counting draftees), he is somewhat expendable given that Lou Williams is one of those five. JULY 1 UPDATE — Where does Teague rank among point guards? Read this. JULY 3 UPDATE — Bucks coach Larry Drew likes him and would like Milwaukee to pursue.
I’d verntue that this article has saved me more time than any other.