Archive for August, 2009
Ricky Rubio To Remain In Spain
Ricky Rubio
It’s been a long, drawn out process, but it appears the Ricky Rubio situation is finally coming to an end. According to DKV Joventut’s official Twitter page, the team has announced that Ricky Rubio will remain for the final two years on his current contract.
“After endless comings and goings, Ricky Rubio is finally where he is. After many speculations about its future, the player decided to put an end to the issue of their transfer and will be announced at DKV Joventut, where he still has two more years (on his) contract.”
Rubio had the choice to not play any sort of professional basketball this year, and re-enter the 2010 NBA Draft which would have resulted in the Minnesota Timberwolves losing their Draft rights to Rubio. However, Rubio, unable to come to terms on a buy-out, decided it would be best to remain with DKV Joventut.
It’s expected Rubio will attempt a buy-out again at the end of the DKV Joventut’s season.
Source: DKV Joventut Twitter
Timberwolves Reportedly Close To Picking Coach Read more of my work at NBAtipoff.com. David Aldridge reported on NBA TV that the Minnesota Timberwolves have got their coaching search down to two candidates. Those two are current LA Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis and ESPN/ABC broadcaster and former player Mark Jackson. New Timberwolves GM David Kahn has been going through the search process for quite a while. When the decision is made, expect to hear it here. I personally like Rambis more. He's got assistant coaching experience with a championship team. Jackson could probably do a solid job, but lacks the experience the Wolves may want. (0)(105)
Source: Hawks and Joe Johnson Working On Extension 
A source close to the Atlanta Hawks tells NBA News and Rumors that the team and star shooting guard Joe Johnson are working on an extension.
Johnson averaged 21 points, six assists and four rebounds a game last season, and helped the Hawks make into the playoffs as a four seed, only to be eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in round two. (0)(100)
Source: Brandon Roy Agrees to An Extension With Portland 
The Portland Trail Blazers and Brandon Roy have agreed to an extension, a source close to the negotiations told our partner site But The Game Is On.
The source indicates that the deal is for four years and and a maximum $82 million, with a player option for the fifth year.
Roy has emerged into the rock of the franchise in Portland and this deal ensures that the Trail Blazers will have a leader for the years to come.
Roy averaged 22.6 points per game last season along with 5.1 assists per game, 4.7 rebounds per game and 1.17 blocks per game. Brandon shot 48% from the field and 38% from deep.
The Trail Blazers finished fourth in the West last season thanks to Roy. (0)(98)
Sixers Close To Signing Brezec The Philidelphia 76ers have agreed in principle on a deal with Primoz Brezec. The deal is reportedly for one year and the veterans minimum. They're also considering Adonal Foyle and Chris Mihm. The strongest chance of being a Sixer, Brezec is 29 years old and coming off of a year of play in Italy. In the past, he played with the Bobcats, Pacers, Pistons and Raptors. I feel like the addition won't matter a ton. They will need to fill the minutes that Reggie Evans played last year (after he was moved to Toronto) and that will likely be the spot of second year forward Marreese Speights. With Elton Brand's health in questions, Brezec is probably just a big security policy. Source: Philly Burbs Check out some of my other work at NBAtipoff.com! (0)(87)
Ricky Rubio Searching For Endorsements [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="537" caption="Ricky Rubio Looking For Endorsements"]
[/caption]
Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press reports that Ricky Rubio is searching for product endorsement opportunities to help fund his $6.6 million buyout with DKV Joventut. While this is encouraging news for Minnesota Timberwolve fans, it is by no stretch is it a guarantee that Rubio will play in the NBA this season. It's possible Rubio is simply attempting to clear the buyout so he can play for hometown Barcelona this year and return to the NBA next season. Do keep in mind, if Rubio does not play any type of professional basketball this year, the Minnesota Timberwolves will lose their rights to Rubio, allowing him to re-enter the 2010 NBA Draft.
Source: St. Paul Press
(0)(83)NBA Schedule For 2009-10 Released The NBA released the schedule for the upcoming 2009-10 season today. Of all the games, the action includes Kobe vs. LeBron and Shaq on Christmas and a bit of a surprise with the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers both getting games on Christmas day. Opening night has four games and TNT will have two of those games. The schedule is out, training camp is around the corner! Who's ready for this?? Comment on what you're looking forward to the most! (0)(82)
Raymond Felton, Bobcats Far Apart on New Deal 
I'm Alex. A new writer here at NBA News and Rumors! If you would like to check out more of my work, go to NBAtipoff.com and stay tuned here!
Restricted free agent Raymond Felton and the Charlotte Bobcats are reportedly far apart on a new deal. According to Chris Mannix's Twitter page, they both want a long term commitment, but are far apart on the money aspect. According to Hoopshype, there's a qualifying offer worth about $5.5 million on the table.
What could happen, is Felton takes that one year qualifying offer, plays out that year and retests the water as an unrestricted free agent. That would allow him to sign with any team, without the possibility of the Bobcats matching an offer sheet. Another reason it might make sense for Felton is the amount of money available next summer. More teams are expected to have cap room and with big stars like Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade available, many teams will look to guys like Felton as back-up plans if they are unable to land a top tier superstar.
If I was Felton, I'd take the qualifying offer. We'll just have to wait and see if the Bobcats are willing to give him more money. They will have to, in order to retain him for the long term.
Source: RealGM (0)(71)
Update: Timberwolves Sign Ryan Hollins To Offer Sheet 
Update: An NBA source indicates to NBA News and Rumors that the Dallas Mavericks will not be matching the Timberwolves offer to Ryan Hollins and that Hollins will be a member of the Minnesota squad for next season.
Late last evening, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed restricted free agent Ryan Hollins, currently of the Dallas Mavericks, to an offer sheet. The Mavericks have 7 full days to match the offer.
While the Mavericks are thin at center, with the addition of Drew Gooden, many do not expect them to match the offer.
Update: The offer is 3 years, 7 million
Source: TwinCities (0)(58)
NBA To Release Schedule This Tuesday Per Yahoo! 
The NBA will release the schedule for the upcoming season will be released Tuesday, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The NBA’s 2009-10 regular-season schedule is slated to be sent to all 30 teams on Aug. 3, according to a league memo. The schedule will be released to the public at 1 p.m. ET on Aug. 4.One match-up that is expected to be announced will feature the NBA Finals MVP and the NBA Regular Season MVP. (1)(55)