2009 NBA Off-Season Thread (Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Heat, Orlando Magic)

[JL]

McDyess signs with Spurs

Coveted free agent Antonio McDyess(notes) has decided to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, two sources told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday afternoon.
McDyess, 34, will sign a three-year deal that guarantees him $15 million.
McDyess’ decision had come down to the Spurs, Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers.

McDyess, a 6-10 forward, averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Pistons last season.
The Spurs have a successful summer and thrust themselves back into championship contention. General manager R.C. Buford has retooled the team with Richard Jefferson, McDyess and a potential second-round steal in Pittsburgh forward DeJuan Blair.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by CaliDude1

Rasheed Wallace is a great pick up for the Celtics. If KG is healthy (and that's a big IF) I think Boston's starting five will be the best in the Eastern Conference. Having Perkins come of the bench is a big plus for them. I was very impressed with the Celtics this last playoff run. Of course, they are probably going to lose Big Baby. Not that he is a great player, but he does fit in well with what they do. It would be good if they could keep him, but I don't think they have enough money.

Also, they would be absolute fools to part with Rondo. They really need his energy and youth out there. It all comes down to Rivers managing the minutes of his older players. But if the Celts are all healthy come playoff time you can mark down a June rematch with the Lakers. And I would LOVE to see that!

I agree about their starting 5, tough to find a better line-up in the NBA than Sheed', KG, Pierce, Allen & Rondo. However, losing Big Baby and evidently Leon Powe due to his knee problems, their bench (at least proven players) is basically Perkins & House. Very little depth, and as you said it's a big IF for them to stay completely healthy given their ages.

Once again, appears that it will be a 3-horse race in the east w/them, Orlando & the Cavaliers; could see all 3 teams win 60+ leaving the rest of the conference in the dust.

[JackTheRipper]

Stoudemire on future with Suns: 'Nothing's solid'

PHOENIX (AP) -- Amare Stoudemire is puzzled by the Phoenix Suns' plans, and isn't sure he'd want to stay with the team unless they are figured out.

Stoudemire said Wednesday he is ready for next season, five months after eye surgery. But he doesn't know if he'll be with the Suns, who have been fielding trade offers for their All-Star power forward.

"Nothing's solid," said Stoudemire, who had surgery to repair a torn retina in February. "That's what's crazy about the situation is that there's no solid decision right now. I don't think nobody knows. From a player standpoint, nobody knows what's going on, so it's difficult for us right now to focus on our approach to the upcoming season because we don't know who's going to be here."

NBA.com: Stoudemire on future with Suns: 'Nothing's solid'


AP source: Hawks reach deal with Pachulia

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Hawks are making moves to keep together a roster that has made two straight playoff appearances.

The Hawks have reached an agreement to re-sign center Zaza Pachulia to a four-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person requested anonymity because the deal has not been announced.

The agreement with Pachulia, who has been a starter or top backup for four seasons with the Hawks, comes one day after the team agreed to a three-year deal to re-sign starting point guard Mike Bibby.

NBA.com: AP source: Hawks reach deal with Pachulia

[Puddy4LyF]

Looks like Cleveland is picking up Anthony Parker. I think that's a real nice signing. Creates his own shot, can hit a 3, and play defense. 10ppg, 6 rpg type player that won't mind coming off the bench.

Breaking Free Agent News: Anthony Parker a Cav | WaitingForNextYear

[JackTheRipper]

Breaking News: Shawn Marion agrees to sign and trade deal to the Dallas Mavericks..

Breaking News: Shawn Marion - NBA Videos and Highlights (Video)

[nickeldude]

Definitely a recruiting ploy, even Ariza knew since he didn't want to go to the Cavs.

[JackTheRipper]

Jannero Pargo to Sign With the Bulls
Jannero Pargo is no Ben Gordon. But my guess is he thinks he is. So that might be good for the Bulls.

The Bulls and Pargo, who played for the Bulls for part of the 2003-04 season and the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, agreed to a one year contract that will pay Pargo $1.99 million, the biannual exception for teams above the salary cap.

Pargo will probably sign in the next few days, sources said. The Bulls are expected to announce Thursday the signing of rookies James Johnson and Taj Gibson. Both are expected to get the maximum allowed under rookie contracts with Johnson starting at somewhat about $1.5 million and Gibson a bit more than $1 million. Johnson and Gibson thus will be ready for the team’s mini camp beginning Thursday night and then rookie league games in Las Vegas beginning July 14.

Chicago Bulls Blog: Jannero Pargo to Sign With the Bulls


Report: Cavs, Varejao agree to 6-year contract

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers and Anderson Varejao reportedly have agreed on a six-year contract that could be worth as much as $50 million.

Agent Dan Fegan told The Plain Dealer late Wednesday that the club and Varejao have agreed on a new contract. The team would not confirm the report Thursday morning.

General manager Danny Ferry had earlier stated his intent to re-sign the 6-foot-11 Brazilian.

NBA.com: Report: Cavs, Varejao agree to 6-year contract

[JL]

Grant resigns with the Suns when he could win a title with the Celts. The $ wasn't that much different, plus he's a veteran, so he made $$$ years ago already. Go figure.

Also, Brandon Bass signs with Orlando.

Stackhouse waived by Grizzlies. I'm sure the Celts will come calling him.

Anyone think Odom will re-sign with Lakers. I think he will now since no contender left has $$ to sign him. He sure won't go to a losing team like Oklahoma City.

[Canes2006Champs]

I hate to see Bass go, but I think we can replace him with Mullens. Cool with letting Stackhouse go, sometimes I forgot he played for us.

[JackTheRipper]

it looks like D-Wade will be in Miami for a few more years...

No surprise as Wade receives extension offer from Heat

MIAMI (AP) -- When Dwyane Wade checked his cell phone shortly after midnight Sunday, he got perhaps the most predictable text message of his life.

After all, it hardly classifies as stunning news that the Miami Heat want to keep him.

Wade said Heat president Pat Riley texted those sentiments very early Sunday, in what amounts to a largely ceremonial move. The Heat had to wait until 12:01 a.m. on July 12 before they could formally offer an extension to the reigning NBA scoring champion, and Wade said Riley didn't wait too long before pressing the send button expressing interest.

NBA.com: No surprise as Wade receives extension offer from Heat