Kwame to Pistons, Ricky Buckets to Clippers, Krstic considering Russia, and Okafor/Smith still no solid offer
July 28th, 2008 – Dr. Browntorious
After a fairly eventful day around here discussing the potential then ultimate close of the Renaldo Balkman to Denver trade, there were quite a few other interesting notes on the NBA free agent scene. Here is a brief summary of some transactions or lack thereof for the remaining free agents:
Kwame Brown to sign with Detroit Pistons
It was announced today that former #1 overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft (first ever #1 that came straight out of high school) has agreed in principle to sign a 2 year deal with the Detroit Pistons in the neighborhood of $8 million. Kwame Brown is widely considered as one of the biggest draft pick busts in the history of the NBA, but that just means he was way overhyped and overestimated, it doesn’t mean he’s not a serviceable NBA big man. The Detroit Pistons require depth in their veteran front court with Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess and Brown should be just the man for the job. Heck at only $4 million a year it is worth the risk. All indications are he is currently healthy after a couple of seasons dealing with injuries on and off.
Ricky Davis signs with the LA Clippers
Although the LA Clippers are still reeling from the defection of Elton Brand to the Philadelphia 76ers, they have made quite a few key moves in the off-season that should give them a much improved roster from last season when Brand was out of the lineup. The most recent move was today’s agreement in principle on a contract with free agent Ricky Davis from the Miami Heat. Davis played inconsistently for the Heat last year, but no one can deny his ability to score in bunches and the athleticism he possesses to guard the opposing backcourts. In his early years in the league Davis was thought to have a poor work ethic and immature attitude, but that has since changed as he has become a fairly steady veteran according to teammates. The Clippers now have a pretty solid lineup with Baron Davis, Cuttino Mobley, Al Thornton, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Tim Thomas, Eric Gordon and now Ricky Davis.
Nenad Krstic Considering Russia
As previously reported in our Daily Dimes, New Jersey Nets Center Nenad Krstic has received multiple offers from European teams the most serious he is considering being an offer from Triumph Moscow. Krstic battled back from a knee injury in 2006 to get back on the floor last season; however his performance was clearly lacking from his pre-injury form. He seemed much slower and lacked the speed and explosiveness necessary to defend and rebound effectively. It was reported that Krstic is leaning towards the Triumph offer of which the figures were not disclosed at this point. Krstic said he would be making his decision in the next day or so.
No solid offer for Okafor and Smith’s
There are very few really game changing free agents left on the market after some solid activity over the past few weeks, however three big names remain. Emeka Okafor of the Charlotte Bobcats, Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks, and J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets. Emeka Okafor and Josh Smith have made it clear to their current franchises that they want out at this point, however insiders believe that the Nuggets will extend an offer to J.R. Smith or use him in a sign and trade option. It earlier that there were a couple sign and trade offers being considered for Josh Smith; however one involved the Pistons who have stated they now consider the price to be too steep. The summer is blowing by fast, so it will be interesting to see how the Emeka Okafor situation plays out. This guy is a quality player, who could be a big factor on a veteran team with title hopes. I’m surprised there hasn’t been more interest to this point, however cap space issues with many teams is preventing them from extending Okafor a legitimate offer he would consider at this point. Okafor turned down a $12 million per year offer from the Bobcats originally, who are now said to only be willing to offer him $10 million per.
