RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Clippers Won't Renew Vinny Del Negro's Contract

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:16 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have fired Vinny Del Negro, according to a source.

Del Negro has been with the Clippers since the 10-11 season.

The Clippers are believed to be interested in Lionel Hollins and Mike Malone.

Donald Sterling was known as a supporter of Del Negro, but a decision had been made to do everything possible to increase their chances of re-signing Chris Paul.

Sources say Paul wanted a coaching change for the Clippers.

Sources: Rockets Intrigue Dwight Howard

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:22:37 EDT

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.

Clippers Expected To Pursue David West

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:23:16 EDT

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.

Dwight Expressed Frustrations With D'Antoni To Kupchak

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:14:58 EDT

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.

Raptors Willing To Offer Masai Ujiri $2M Per Season

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:26:35 EDT

Masai Ujiri has been identified as the Toronto Raptors' top target to replace Bryan Colangelo as general manager.

The Raptors could offer Ujiri a salary in excess of $2 million to leave the Denver Nuggets.

Ujiri is reportedly earning approximately $500,000 in the final season of his contract with the Nuggets. The Nuggets, however, are confident that they will be able to retain Ujiri.

Colangelo's Tenure As Raptors' GM Over, Will Represent Club At Lottery

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:34:58 EDT

The Toronto Raptors will announce on Tuesday that Bryan Colangelo's tenure as chief decision-maker of basketball operations is over, but sources say he will remain with the franchise in a corporate role.

Colangelo has always been viewed as loyal to the organization and it appears as though new MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke and ownership will honor that.

Colangelo will coincidentally represent the Raptors at the lottery on Tuesday.

MLSE has hired a search firm to narrow a list of candidates, though Ed Stefanski will likely guide the front office until a new GM is hired.

Shumpert To Play On Knicks' Summer League Team

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:57:25 EDT

Iman Shumpert will play in the Vegas Summer League this offseason for the first time.

Shumpert missed last season due to rehab for his torn ACL, while the lockout cancelled the Summer League during his rookie season.

“They want to see me be more decisive offensively, which I already knew, but that would be big for me to work on this summer…and come in for training camp ready to do that,” Shumpert said.

Stan Van Gundy Confirms He Won't Coach Next Season

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:46:07 EDT

Stan Van Gundy appeared on The David Baumann Radio Show on Tuesday morning in Orlando and confirmed he will not coach next season.

“As you get down the road more and the longer you are out, the harder it is to get back in and that was certainly a difficult part of the decision process for me because it’s certainly something that I miss and don’t want to close the door on for the rest of my life, but, it is not right now anyway, in the best interest of my family, so it won’t be next year,” said Van Gundy.

Van Gundy has not interviewed with any teams, though he has been contacted.

The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks are two teams known to have interest in Van Gundy.

“I sort of laugh a little bit on jobs I supposedly interviewed for. I don’t know who those sources are. I certainly have had inquiries from people, but no job offers and I have not interviewed anywhere.”

Van Gundy was also asked about an ESPN report indicating Dwight Howard's frustration with Mike D'Antoni.

“When Dwight has a private meeting with Mitch Kupchak, I don’t know who the source would be… other than Mitch Kupchak," said Van Gundy. "My guess is Mitch is not the source and Dwight is not the source.

“I know through my own history and even some things written about what I was supposedly doing this Spring, that quite honestly, I think a lot of times these writers just sit down, make up a story, claim there’s a source and put it out there. I hate to say that, but there’s no other explanation.”

Police Received Tony Parker Death Threat During Game 1

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:51:54 EDT

A death threat was made against Tony Parker with five minutes left in the San Antonio Spurs' win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday in Game 1.

The Bexar County Sheriff is investigating a 911 call played on Sunday in which threatened Parker.

Security was immediately increased but it was determined there was no immediate threat.

Parker was escorted to his home by deputies.

Warriors Willing To Pay Tax Next Season, No Longer Searching For Blockbuster Move

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:28:18 EDT

The Golden State Warriors have never paid the luxury tax, but their strong showing in the 2013 NBA Playoffs further confirms the new ownership's willingness to consider it.

"When you start from a place of winning, you may venture into the tax if it does help you win and it’s worth it," said Bob Myers. "But you have to be smart about it, you have to be prudent about it.

"But we’ve shown last year–I can tell you, it was a decision we made with Carl Landry, with his signing, and re-acquiring Brandon Rush. Do we want to go into the tax? And the dialogue our front office had with our ownership was, 'Are you comfortable going into the tax? And we cannot promise that we’ll be able to get out of the tax.'

"And ownership answered in the affirmative. “Go, if you think Cal Landry and Brandon Rush are going to be important to this team, go get ‘em.”

"I imagine it’ll be the same directive this summer."

The Warriors also have appeared to move beyond the desire to make a major franchise altering move. Golden State pursued a trade for Chris Paul in December of 2011.

"I think a sense desperation has passed," said Myers.

"I think that–whereas when you’re trying to do anything to get over the hump you do sometimes chase things that may be difficult to acquire. Whereas now, doesn’t mean we’re satisfied, it doesn’t mean we think our work is through, but we can be prudent and patient with opportunities as they come along."

Two Men Assaulted After Taking Photo Of Damian Lillard

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:27:53 EDT

Damian Lillard is being accused of standing by while his entourage beat up two brothers in Portland's Old Town district on Saturday morning.

Jermaine Ulinwa said that he took a photo of Lillard with his cell phone after he spotted him walking toward a parking lot.

“So I took a picture. And so Damian Lillard was upset that I took his picture, so when he turned around he's like, "Did you just take my picture?" said Ulinwa.

“And his entourage just turned around too and they're like, ‘Did you just take a picture of Damian Lillard?’ ... and I said 'Yeah, I did.' And so I saw that he was clearly upset, they were upset and I was like, 'Can I apologize to him? I'll go up right now and apologize to him,'” the brother said.

Philip Ulinwa says he was punched and kicked repeatedly, enough to break his nose and require stitches in his lip.

"I'm getting hit from behind, I'm trying to fight the guy in front, trying to defend myself and there's guys trying to hold me down," said Ulinwa. 

Lillard was recently named the 2012-13 NBA Rookie of the Year.

“Damian Lillard basically instigated it, because he actually looked like he was going to go up to my brother and start fighting him. And since he did that, the rest of the guys started getting riled up too and like they thought it was okay to just start fighting out of nowhere,” said Phil Ulinwa.

Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.

“What we do know for certain at this point is Damian Lillard is not a suspect in this incident at all," said Portland Police spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson. "Police did talk to him there. He remained at the scene. What we don’t know is if these people were actually associated with him or people standing in a group or hangers on. We're not really sure yet." 

NBA Has Lowest Rated Conference Final Opener Since 2007 In Spurs/Grizzlies

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:35:15 EDT

The San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 on Sunday drew a 3.9 overnight rating on ABC Sunday afternoon.

That is down 41 percent from the Miami Heat/Boston Celtics Game 1 on ESPN last season and down 26 percent from the Oklahoma City Thunder/Dallas Mavericks Game 1 on ESPN in 2011.

The game ranks as the lowest rated conference final opener since 2007 when the Cleveland Cavaliers/Detroit Pistons drew a 3.5 on TNT.

San Antonio is the 36th larget market, while Memphis ranks 49th.

The NBA hopes to soon negotiate new television contracts with their national partners. While the league is generally seen to be on the rise, the new collective bargaining agreement favors parity and incoming commissioner, Adam Silver, has made it an expected touchstone of his regime to continue that trend.

Carmelo Hopes Knicks Re-Sign J.R. Smith

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:54:46 EDT

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.

Clippers Have No Interest In Pursuing Dwight Howard

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:39:54 EDT

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.

Petrie Preparing For Kings' Draft, Hasn't Heard From Ranadive's Group

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:01:05 EDT

The Sacramento Kings have been sold to Vivek Ranadive, which makes the status of Geoff Petrie as basketball president an unknown.

Petrie is preparing for the 2013 NBA Draft as though he will still be the Kings' decision-maker. Petrie is signed through the end of June.

"I haven't had the opportunity to talk to anybody yet (from Ranadive's group)," said Petrie. "But my understanding is the sale probably won't officially close for a couple more weeks. How that plays into communication, I really don't know at this point."

The Kings need a point guard and also must plan a strategy for Tyreke Evans' restricted free agency.

"You're closing in on some planning, just structural, ownership-driven involvement that will have to happen in a much more compressed time frame here," Petrie said.

Terrence Williams Arrested For Threatening Mother Of Child, Brandishing Gun

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:44:31 EDT

Terrence Williams was arrested on Sunday in Kent, Washington after making alleged threats to the mother of his child while also brandishing a gun, according to police.

At about 1:55 p.m., police were called to the home of the victim, who has a 10-year-old son with Williams, who was there for a scheduled visitation.

An argument broke out in the parking lot and Williams allegedly took out a gun.

Williams left before police arrived, but he was later taken into custody.

The Celtics signed Williams to a 10-day contract in February and was eventually signed for the remainder of the season and all of next season. Williams' contract becomes guaranteed if he isn't waived before Oct. 31.

Skiles May Be Frontrunner For Nets' Job

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:30:16 EDT

Scott Skiles is the frontrunner to become the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Skiles was fired in the middle of last season by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Skiles previously was head coach of the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls.

The Nets fired Avery Johnson in December and parted ways with interim head coach P.J. Carlesimo following their first round exit to the Bulls.

Colangelo To Remain With Raptors In 'Corporate' Role, Still Pursuing New GM

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:25:06 EDT

MLSE has been in negotiations with Bryan Colangelo for him to return to the Toronto Raptors in a "significant" capacity, according to sources.

But the Raptors also remain in full pursuit of Masai Ujiri to assume full control of basketball operations.

MLSE faces a Monday deadline to make a decision on their option on Colangelo's contract for next season.

Sources tell Doug Smith of the Toronto Star that Colangelo will remain with the Raptors in a "corporate", non-basketball role.

Carmelo To Have Shoulder Examined, Right Knee Won't Need Surgery

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:10:23 EDT

Carmelo Anthony will have his injured left shoulder re-examined in order to determine how to treat it moving forward.

The New York Knicks are hopeful that Anthony will not need surgery and that it will improve with rest.

Anthony originally injured his shoulder during an April 14th win over the Indiana Pacers. Anthony reported that his left arm "popped in and out" when Kevin Garnett yanked his arm in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics.

Anthony had fluid drained from his right knee two months ago but according to the team official Anthony's knee has improved and won't need arthroscopic surgery. 

Stoudemire Wants Woodson To Make Commitment To Frontcourt

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:40:16 EDT

Amar'e Stoudemire knows his contract will not allow him to leave the New York Knicks, and he plans to meet with Mike Woodson to explain how he, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler can coexist.

“We never gave it a chance,” Stoudemire said after Indiana’s 106-99 victory eliminated the Knicks from the postseason. “So I think just the opportunity of allowing them to understand exactly what my style of play is and what I bring to the table is something that I think I’m going to have to sit down with Coach Woody and express to him."

Stoudemire has two years remaining on his uninsured contract and is nearly impossible to trade. He played just six minutes on Saturday.

“It’s tough, it’s tough,” Stoudemire said. “It’s never easy to sit there and watch. But again, it’s Coach’s decision."

Chris Wallace Hoping To Stay As Grizzlies GM

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:33:47 EDT

Chris Wallace has years left on his contract as the Memphis Grizzlies' general manager, but he has no guarantees moving forward.

Still, Wallace wants to remain with the organization.

“I hope to be able to stay here,” Wallace said.

Wallace's vision has been validated this postseason, when the core of the team that he assembled has led the Grizzlies to the Western Conference finals.

“I never looked for vindication. That’s not something that motivates me,” Wallace said. “Winning takes care of all issues in this league. We felt we had to take chances.”

Carmelo Anthony Admits Knicks Failed To Accomplish Goal

Sun, 19 May 2013 02:27:44 EDT

The New York Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games of the Eastern Conference semifinals, and Carmelo Anthony acknowledged the team failed in accomplishing its goal.

“It’s tough. We all know what the goal was,” Anthony said after the Pacers captured Game 6. “Everybody wanted to go to the championship. That’s the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, our run has to stop here."

The Knicks had the second seed going against the third-seeded Pacers.

“I really don’t know (what happened)," Anthony said. “I have to sit back and think about it."

Antoine Walker Seeking Career As Scout

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:51:15 EDT

Antoine Walker was at the draft combine in Chicago and is looking to break into the NBA scouting field.

Walker played his first seven seasons with the Boston Celtics and appeared in three All-Star games, before winning a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.

Walker last played in the NBA during the 2007-08 season for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Danny Ainge has not contacted Walker yet regarding a potential position.

Spoelstra: Chris Bosh Is 'Our Most Important Player'

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:44:12 EDT

After a strong performance in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Chicago Bulls, Chris Bosh got his coach, Erik Spoelstra, to reiterate a point he has been making throughout the forward's run with the Miami Heat.

“He is our most important player for a reason,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’ve said that for three seasons. He allows everything to work on both ends of the court.”

Bosh averaged 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds against the Bulls and limited Joakim Noah's rebounding impact.

George Hill Starts Game 6

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:53:18 EDT

George Hill has been cleared to play and will start for the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 against the New York Knicks on Saturday night.

Pacers coach Frank Vogel said he doesn't expect Hill, who suffered a concussion on Tuesday night and missed Thursday's Game 5, to be limited.

The team released the following statement about 90 minutes prior to the tip:

Over the last two days under the care of the Indiana Pacers' medical staff, George Hill has participated in each step of the NBA's Return-to-Participation Exertion Protocol as part of the NBA's Concussion Policy.  

During the process, George remained symptom-free after each step including his workouts earlier today. After consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the NBA's Director of Concussion Management, the Pacers' team physicians have cleared George to play in tonight's game.

LeBron Seeks Free Throw Advice From Ray Allen

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:46:44 EDT

LeBron James sought the advice of Ray Allen on how to shoot free throws and the four-time MVP is beginning to reap the benefits.

James shot 80.8 percent from the stripe in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

"We’ve talked ad nauseam about his bad habits when he misses free throws, so he kind of has a better idea of it," Allen said. "He should watch real film of it. Not just game film, but on the court practicing. And then find that routine and stick to it and give himself a better chance."

James has taken to challenging Allen to free throw competitions during practice.

"You don’t want to look crazy making six out of 10 when he’s making 10 out of 10 every time," James said. "So, he puts pressure on me to make free throws, and I just try to translate what we do in practice into the game."

Sloan Could Rejoin Jazz As Consultant

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:43:58 EDT

Jerry Sloan could return to the Utah Jazz as a consultant, two years after he resigned as coach.

"If there’s something out there that’s right for both parties, we would welcome a relationship with Jerry," Jazz president Randy Rigby said. "The Utah Jazz have great love and respect for him."

Sloan wouldn’t want to be seen as getting in the way of Tyrone Corbin.

"When we talked about getting him seats to the games, he was very sensitive about where they were located," Rigby said. "He didn’t want to be too close to the floor. He did not want to portray to Tyrone that he was interfering. That speaks volumes about Jerry Sloan, that he’s sensitive to something like that."

NBA GM: No One Worthy Of No. 1 Pick

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:41:59 EDT

NBA general managers expressed pessimism about the 2013 draft in general and the No. 1 pick in particular.

"I'm not sure I want the No. 1 pick," said one NBA GM.

Another expressed similar pessimism at the thought of having to draft someone first this year.

"There's really no one worthy of the top pick," the talent evaluator said. "But someone has to go number one."

Thunder Aren't Considering Amnesty Clause On Perkins

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:39:05 EDT

The Oklahoma City Thunder are not considering using the amnesty clause on Kendrick Perkins.

"We just haven't considered using the provision. ... We think Perk has a lot of value to our team," Sam Presti said Saturday.

Perkins is set to make about $18 million over the next two seasons.

Gani Lawal Intrigues NBA Teams After Breakout Season In Italy

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:15:10 EDT

After a breakout season in Europe, Gani Lawal has intrigued NBA teams and could receive consideration for a contract, league sources told RealGM.

Lawal has already scheduled workouts – private and as part of mini-camps – with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, sources said. Four to five other teams have discussed bringing him in to work out, too.

Lawal, the 6-foot-9 athletic, scrappy forward, had his best professional season with Italy’s Virtus Roma, averaging 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Virtus Roma has gone 20-10 this season and ranks third in the league standings.

Since leaving the Phoenix Suns organization that drafted him in the second round in 2010, Lawal, 24, has lost weight and added strength. Lawal played one game with the Suns two seasons ago and was in the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp in 2011, but he was derailed by injuries and didn’t figure into a long-term plan. He was drafted after three years at Georgia Tech.

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Tue, 21 May 2013 16:17:02 EDT

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