March 2016 Basketball Wiretap

Knicks Gaining Some Traction Getting Informal Meeting With Kevin Durant

Jun 30, 2016 11:40 PM

The New York Knicks continue to try to get at least an informal meeting with Kevin Durant.

There has been some traction lately of the Knicks being able to get an audience with Durant.

Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose and even Joakim Noah have reached out to Durant in attempts to recruit him to the Knicks.

Durant is uncertain if he would like to live in New York and he's also dubious about their chances of contending for a title immediately.

Adrian Wojnarowski/The Vertical

Tags: Kevin Durant, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Kevin Durant's Meeting With Thunder 'Further Solidified His Belief' He'll Re-Sign

Jun 30, 2016 11:53 PM

Kevin Durant met with the Oklahoma City Thunder for several hours on Thursday ahead of the start of free agency.

"The meeting further solidified his belief" that Durant will re-sign with the Thunder, according to Wojnarowski.

Durant is going into the meetings with rival teams with an open mind.

"Golden State has the best chance amongst the five (rival) teams," said Wojnarowski.

Durant is also intrigued by the Los Angeles Clippers. Durant loves the city of Los Angeles and is good friends with Chris Paul, while the presence of Steve Ballmer is also considered an ancillary benefit.

Durant is expected to make his decision by the end of July 4th.

Adrian Wojnarowski/The Vertical

Tags: Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Dwight Howard Seeking Starting Salary Of $24M On Open Market

Jun 30, 2016 11:08 PM

Dwight Howard is seeking a contract starting at $24 million per season.

Howard is expected to conduct his meetings in his hometown of Atlanta with the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics securing the first meetings.

The Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets are also interested in Howard.

Howard declined his $23.2 million player option for 16-17 with the Houston Rockets to become a free agent.

Calvin Watkins/ESPN

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Warriors Could Pivot To Pau Gasol If Unable To Sign Durant

Jun 30, 2016 11:42 PM

If the Golden State Warriors are unable to sign Kevin Durant, they could pivot towards Pau Gasol.

Gasol took less money to sign with the Chicago Bulls in 2014 and isn't as interested in taking a significant discount this time in free agency.

But Gasol could be motivated by the market and the chance to play for a contender.

The Warriors may consider moving on from Andrew Bogut this summer.

The Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are also interested in Gasol.

Ramona Shelburne/ESPN

Tags: Pau Gasol, Golden State Warriors, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Pistons, Wizards, Bulls, Lakers, Mavs Interested In Maurice Harkless

Jun 30, 2016 8:26 PM

Moe Harkless is receiving interest from the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.

Harkless is a restricted free agent, which gives the Portland Trail Blazers the right to match.

The Blazers acquired Harkless from the Orlando Magic last offseason and he has value as a combo forward.

Alex Kennedy/Basketball Insiders

Tags: Maurice Harkless, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Celtics Agree To Move Back Guarantee Dates Of Amir Johnson, Jerebko To July 7th

Jun 30, 2016 7:55 PM

The Boston Celtics have agreed to amend the guarantee dates for both Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko to July 7th from July 3rd.

The decision to move the guarantee dates back allows the Celtics to pursue free agents with the possibility of additional cap space.

The Celtics are interested in a number of potential free agents, including both Kevin Durant and Al Horford.

Jeff Goodman/ESPN

Tags: Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko, Boston Celtics, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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76ers Interested In Jordan Clarkson

Jun 30, 2016 7:48 PM

The Philadelphia 76ers have interested in Jordan Clarkson in free agency.

Clarkson is a restricted free agent, which gives the Los Angeles Lakers the ability to match.

Because Clarkson is under the Arenas provision, the 76ers can sign him to a deal that is heavily backloaded.

The Lakers would presumably be fine matching that type of deal because it would help them maximize their cap space for 2017.

Sam Amick/USA Today

Tags: Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia Sixers, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Carlos Boozer Hoping For NBA Return At 34

Jun 30, 2016 7:08 PM

Carlos Boozer would like to return to the NBA after sitting out all of the 15-16 season.

Boozer has been working out in Miami throughout the past year in hopes of landing a bench role and to serve as a mentor to younger players at the age of 34.

“The previous season with the Lakers was a tough year,” Boozer told the Vertical. “Kobe [Bryant] got hurt, Steve Nash went down and we had a young group still learning to win. I ended up taking the next year off, spent time with my kids and family and right now my body feels great. I feel terrific.

“I have been working out hard all year, and I miss the game. I want to play again.”

Adrian Wojnarowski/The Vertical

Tags: Carlos Boozer, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Greg Smith Waived By Wolves

Jun 30, 2016 6:20 PM

The Minnesota Timberwolves have waived forward/center Greg Smith.

Smith was originally signed to 10-day contracts on March 2 and March 12 before being signed through the end of the season on March 22.

He averaged 2.4 points and 2.3 rebounds over 18 games last season with the Timberwolves. In his career, Smith has appeared in 149 games with three teams (Houston, Dallas, Minnesota) and holds career averages of 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

RealGM Staff Report

Tags: Greg Smith, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor, NBA Waiver

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'No Chance' Of Chandler Parsons Re-Signing With Mavericks

Jun 30, 2016 8:57 PM

Chandler Parsons is a free agent and a source says there's "no chance" of him re-signing with the Dallas Mavericks.

Parsons is seeking a max contract and the Mavericks have ruled out the possibility.

Parsons played two injury-plagued seasons after signing with the Mavericks as a restricted free agent in 2014.

During his tenure with the Mavericks, Parsons played a key role as a free agent recruiter. 

Parsons is receiving interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies.

Tim MacMahon/ESPN

Tags: Chandler Parsons, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Warriors To Pitch Kevin Durant On Possibilities Of Super Death Lineup

Marcus Thompson/San Jose Mercury News

Hassan Whiteside To Meet With Heat, Mavs, Blazers In New York

Alex Kennedy/Basketball Insiders

Nets Waive Jarrett Jack

RealGM Staff Report

Longtime Friend: Kevin Durant's Decision '90 Percent Made'

Marc J. Spears/The Undefeated

Nicolas Batum To Meet With Mavericks

Tim MacMahon/ESPN

DeMar DeRozan To Meet With Raptors In Los Angeles On July 1st

Chris Haynes/Cleveland Plain Dealer

Clippers Want Blake, Paul, DeAndre In On Durant Meeting To Pitch Big 4

Ramona Shelburne, Arash Markazi/ESPN

Cavs, Rockets, Heat, Warriors, Spurs Interested In Timofey Mozgov

Dave McMenamin/ESPN

Raptors Extend Qualifying Offer To Nando De Colo

RealGM Staff Report

Spurs Won't Waive Boris Diaw

Jabari Young/San Antonio Express-News

Heat To Pitch Free Agents On Progress Made By Chris Bosh Returning To Court

Michael Wallace/ESPN

Rockets Tender Qualifying Offer To Motiejunas, Not Terrence Jones

Jonathan Feigen/Houston Chronicle

Al Horford Wants To See Hawks Improve Roster Before Committing

David Aldridge/Bleacher Report

Lakers, Grizzlies, Blazers, Magic Interested In Signing Chandler Parsons

Marc Stein/ESPN

Thunder Will Pursue Al Horford

Brian Windhorst/ESPN

Knicks Interested In Courtney Lee

Marc Stein, Ian Begley/ESPN

Rockets, Knicks, Grizzlies Interested In Eric Gordon

Chris Broussard/ESPN

Mavs, Nets, Lakers, Pelicans, Rockets Interested In Mike Conley

Chris Broussard/ESPN

Knicks Considered Favorites To Sign Joakim Noah

Marc Stein/ESPN

Over-36 Rule Currently Prevents LeBron James From Signing $200M Deal In 2017

Jeff Zillgitt/USA Today