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Basketball Wiretap
Basketball news gathered from around the net.

Mavericks Interested In Jarrett Jack, Bayless

The Dallas Mavericks are expected to pursue Jarrett Jack and Jerryd Bayless, according to a source.

The Mavericks will first pursue Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, but both are considered relative longshots.

Both Jack and Bayless have been key reserves during the playoffs for the Warriors and Grizzlies, respectively.

Via Dwaine Price/Star-Telegram

Landry Wants To Return To Warriors, Hasn't Decided Whether To Opt Out

Carl Landry wants to return to the Golden State Warriors, but doesn't know how he’s going to proceed regarding his player option worth $4 million for next season.

"The Warriors are home whether I opt in or out," Landry said. "Hopefully, I can spend the rest of my career here because this is a very special place. Everything here is what you want: the city, the fans, the front office, the coach, the teammates. You can’t ask for anything more."

Landry called it the hardest decision of his career.

"I mean, this is the best team I’ve ever played for on this level, especially as far as chemistry," Landry said. "And the scary thing is we’ve been together one year."

Via Marcus Thompson/Contra Costa Times

James Jones Plans To Pick Up Player Option With Heat

James Jones plans to pick up his player option to return to the Miami Heat.

“Unless something crazy happens, I’ll be back,’’ Jones said Wednesday.

Jones, 32, is reportedly making $1.76 million this season.

Via Chris Tomasson/FOXSportsFlorida

Source: Howard Also Considering Warriors

Dwight Howard is considering signing with the Golden State Warriors as well as the previously reported Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks, a source close to the player said Thursday.

According to the source, Howard's main concern involves "what team he feels has the best chance to win championships, has the best team and system around him."

Howard can't officially sign with a team until July 10, when a moratorium on NBA business is lifted.

Via Mark Medina/Los Angeles Daily News

Howard Deciding Between Lakers, Rockets

Dwight Howard is currently torn between re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and joining the Houston Rockets in unrestricted free agency, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Howard's displeasure with Mike D'Antoni became known on Tuesday in a report from ESPN. During his exit interview with Mitch Kupchak, Howard reportedly said that he was frustrated with how D'Antoni used him and that he wasn't treated like a team leader the way he did with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash.

Near the end of the regular season, all signs had pointed toward Howard re-signing with the Lakers.

Via Sam Amick/USA Today

Clippers Expected To Pursue David West

The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing David West this offseason.

The Clippers will have to entice West with the $5.15 million midlevel exception available to teams that are non-taxpayers.

West played with Chris Paul as members of the New Orleans Hornets.

The Indiana Pacers will be able to pay West more money to re-sign.

Via Marc Stein/ESPN

Carmelo Hopes Knicks Re-Sign J.R. Smith

Carmelo Anthony would like the New York Knicks to re-sign J.R. Smith this offseason.

“Without a doubt,” Anthony said Monday when asked about Smith. “J.R. is a special player. To me, and to everybody on this team, he’s made a huge step forward as a basketball player. We look forward to that, for him to come out and be focused, the way he was focused this season, win the Sixth Man of the Year, help us to win another division title, helping us to win 50-plus games. He was a big help to this team and I definitely would love him back here.”

The Knicks could be trumped by a rival team with more cap space since they can only offer the early Bird exception beginning at $4.9 million per season.

Via Peter Botte, Mitch Abramson/New York Daily News

Sources: Rockets Intrigue Dwight Howard

The Houston Rockets have emerged as an attractive free agent possibility for Dwight Howard, according to sources.

Howard became familiar with the area after spending part of two summers ago working with Hakeem Olajuwon.

Howard is also intrigued by the possibility of playing with James Harden.

Howard will engage in the free agency process and is expected to hear pitches from the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and the Rockets.

Via Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Dwight Expressed Frustrations With D'Antoni To Kupchak

Dwight Howard expressed to Mitch Kupchak during his exit interview that he was frustrated by how Mike D'Antoni used him during his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to sources.

Howard also felt marginalized by D'Antoni, feeling he looked to Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions.

D'Antoni elected not to retain Chuck Person on his coaching staff, who is a confidant of Howard. Furthermore, Steve Clifford has become a head coaching candidate for several NBA vacancies. Clifford was with Howard for five seasons with the Orlando Magic.

One source described the potential departure of Clifford, coupled with the loss of Person as "removing the buffers," between Howard and D'Antoni, "which is a bad thing."

Howard has been careful not to make public comments after what happened last season with Stan Van Gundy, but the situation with D'Antoni doesn't appear to be irreparable.

"It's not a, 'It's me or Mike,' situation for Dwight," said a source.

Howard is a free agent and can sign a five-year, $118 million contract with the Lakers, or up to a four-year, $87.6 million deal with a rival team that has cap space.

Via Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Clippers Have No Interest In Pursuing Dwight Howard

The Los Angeles Clippers have no interest in pursuing Dwight Howard this offseason, according to sources.

The Clippers have been reported as a possible destination, albeit a longshot, to end up with Howard.

The Clippers do not have cap space to sign Howard while also re-signing Chris Paul, which would have forced them to complete several complicated deals in order to acquire him.

Via Ramona Shelburne/ESPN

Gani Lawal Intrigues NBA Teams After Breakout Season In Italy

Gani Lawal has already scheduled workouts – private and as part of mini-camps – with the Pacers, Raptors and Magic.

Knicks Could Lose Chris Copeland In Free Agency

Chris Copeland will be a restricted free agent this summer.

Bulls Will Buy Out Richard Hamilton

Richard Hamilton has said he hopes to play two more seasons in the NBA.

Nowitzki Prepared To Take Paycut In 2014, Would Love For Mavs To Sign Howard Or Paul

Dirk Nowitzki's current contract expires after the 13-14 season and is going to take a paycut if it can make the Mavericks better.

Sources: Rockets Will Decline Team Option On Francisco Garcia

Francisco Garcia will be an unrestricted free agent in July.

David West Open To Staying With Pacers

The Pacers want to keep David West and believe they can afford him in free agency this offseason.

Hawks Pursuing Stan Van Gundy

The Hawks are interested in Stan Van Gundy and hope that a reunion might appeal to Dwight Howard.

Agent: Prigioni Interested In Return To Knicks

Pablo Prigioni signed a one-year veteran's minimum deal last summer.

Sources: Nets Expect To Sign Bojan Bogdanovic

Bojan Bogdanovic was acquired by the Nets in the 2011 NBA draft.

Ujiri 'Optimistic' Iguodala Will Return To Nuggets

The Nuggets have been adamant about their desire to re-sign Andre Iguodala.

Prospective Kings' Owner Interested In Monta Ellis

The Kings could turn to Monta Ellis depending on how the Tyreke Evans situation is resolved.

Barnes Betting On Paul Re-Signing With Clippers

Matt Barnes has discussed this offseason's free agency with Chris Paul.

Source: 'Zero Chance' Chris Paul Bypasses Extra Guaranteed Year

One source said that there are "too many positives" for Chris Paul to re-sign with the Clippers.

Clippers 'Very Confident' Of Chances To Re-Sign Chris Paul

The Clippers are "very confident" that Chris Paul will re-sign with the franchise this offseason.

Hawks Want To Re-Sign Kyle Korver

The interest in staying together is mutual between the Hawks and Kyle Korver.

Nuggets Confident Of Chances To Re-Sign Iguodala

Andre Iguodala will be a free agent this offseason, making his situation the biggest priority for the Nuggets to resolve.

Paul Already Trying To Convince Barnes To Stay With Clippers

Chris Paul and Matt Barnes will be unrestricted free agents in July.

Harden Plans To Recruit Free Agents For Rockets

James Harden will recruit players to join him with the Rockets.

Josh Smith Wants To Explore Options In Free Agency

Josh Smith will become an unrestricted free agent in July.

Iguodala Expected To Opt Out Of $16M Deal For 13-14

Andre Iguodala may not receive as much money on an annual basis, but would welcome the security of a long-term deal.
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