Pistons free agent center Greg Monroe said Sunday he will meet with five teams this week, including the Knicks, and said he wants to play for a club ready to win. He also seemed to be campaigning to stay in his hometown.
Monroe, who is from Louisiana, said at his basketball clinic in New Orleans hes looking for a two-year deal with an opt-out after one season to take advantage of the coming rise of the salary cap.
According to the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate, Monroe will speak with the Knicks, Celtics, Bucks, and Blazers with the Pistons out of the picture. Free agency begins Wednesday.
Im looking to be with a team thats ready to win, Monroe told the newspaper. Hopefully it will be a team where Im the missing piece.-NYPOST
Meanwhile, USA Today reports that the Mavericks, Lakers, and Knicks will join the Clippers in holding meetings with Jordan, while the Bucks unfortunately for the were unable to pique the big man's interest.
The 26-year-old free agent center who spent his first seven seasons with the Clippers is clearly giving serious thought to changing jerseys, as three people with knowledge of his situation said he is expected to meet with at least four teams the Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks in the first few days of free agency. The meetings are expected to take place in the Los Angeles office where Jordan's representatives, Dan Fegan and Happy Walters of Relativity Sports, are based. The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the process.
NJ.com
Jeremy Lin, who was the most celebrated athlete in New York in 2011 when he became a surprise starter with the Knicks and ignited "Linsanity," could be returning to New York during free agency.
The point guard, who, while playing for the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, hasn't achieved the success he had in New York, could be a Knicks target as they look for inexpensive, short-term players to form a bridge to the future during a total rebuilding of the organization.
When he returned to the Garden with the Lakers in April, Lin played 24 minutes and scored just four points in a 92-80 loss.
"Every time I come back, I always have great memories," Lin said then. "I remember those great times. I'm always thankful. Coming back to New York with these fans at the Garden, that was very special to me and I'll always cherish that."
Caron Butler
After his release from the Milwaukee Bucks before July 1, Caron Butler has emerged as a candidate for the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs, a league source told RealGM.
The Lakers and New York Knicks also expect to make an inquiry on Butler, a 13-year NBA veteran who has averaged 14.3 points and 5.1 rebounds for his career.
David Aldridge & #10004;@daldridgetnt
An under the radar free agent will be Dallas' Al-Faroqu Aminu. Sked to visit NYK, BOS, POR, TOR & NOP, w/Mavs still in mix.
Can Cleveland still offer that Brendan Haywood expiring? Because I think Tyreke Evans is exactly the type of player they want coming off the bench to spell Kyrie.
Technically yes, but I think I read a projection that paying someone that $10 million would likely push Cleveland's tax bill from low $20s to $50-55 million. Add in the salary itself and you're talking about paying $40-45 million cash for Evans or whoever else they might trade for. I dont see anyone they could get for Haywood's option contract as being worth that money to an owner.
Either way I think if they really wanted Monroe I don't think it would be hard for him. What else is Cleveland going to get with that Haywood expiring? They are loaded with bigs and they learned how useless it is to have 3 point shooters if you only have 1 guy who can create shots on the floor. Evans is very flawed but he can still get buckets and make plays despite his lack of 3 point shooting. What other options does Cleveland have with the expiring? I'm sure NO would get rid of him if they got an offer and he only has 2 years left and its not like Cleveland can add major free agents over the next 3 years anyways.
10:09am - 29 Jun 15
10:09am - 29 Jun 15
Vince returns!!!!
So if you didnt have a source on sportscenter how do you have a source half hour later?
Sources say teams could not find workable trade framework, but Nets came away encouraged they'll ultimately find trade taker for J-Johnson
lol. I like how Memphis plays ball and JJ in a vacuum could help them out...but not at that cost
I always want guys who are a decent bet to outplay their salary. The superstars are the best of that group, since they're not getting a "fair" salary due to the max contract rule. Im kind of blech on guys like Monroe, Matthews, and Green if you're giving them deals that they probably cant outperform. So get some of the guys in the next tiers, so long as they are projectable.
Having Calderon on the roster is almost like having Pau on the roster as a recruiter...
Once Marc resigns with Memphis or signs somewhere else they are not going to stretch or trade Calderon..
Carmelo Anthony said he is excited about Porzingis and is meeting with him today and plans to get a little workout in as well with him... Link - ( New Window )
Agree that MG is not the brightest bulb but Melo never refuted what SAS said-he never called him out on it! Now Melo is doing damage control because FAs are not going to want to come to a house divided!
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Mike Greenburg is a moron is living on SAS's word...
Carmelo Anthony said he is excited about Porzingis and is meeting with him today and plans to get a little workout in as well with him... Link - ( New Window )
Agree that MG is not the brightest bulb but Melo never refuted what SAS said-he never called him out on it! Now Melo is doing damage control because FAs are not going to want to come to a house divided!
So him saying he never said anything and basically stop listening to the media is not refuting it? him saying he is going to meet with Porzingis today is not refuting it?
Carl we always discuss all nba news, not sure why it bothers you so much. Most of this news can effect the knicks one way or another.
Melo's got a big contract and isn't going anywhere soon. His job now should be talking guys into coming to play with him.
If I'm Phil, I try selling Gasol (or Aldridge) on how poor the East is. Instead of having to go through SA and GS and Hou and OKC and on and on, all you really have to go through in the East is Cleveland. Add a 3rd piece to Gasol/Melo and you're a top 3-4 seed in the East.
You mean OKC? I'm pretty sure he is restricted though is he not?
Detroit was always a potential suitor but hard to see that happening now-- their were rumors mid season before the Jackson deal.
I hope the nets just compete for the usual 5-8 seed this year and let him expire--- so if they trade him it should be mid season to a contender looking for rental.
As for hyper cheap depth, it rarely works. And my idea is more to sign some depth guys and shoot for home runs. Maybe Aminu and Biyambo propel us to the playoffs, or bring back an awesome return from a contender at the deadline.
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In comment 12347430 nygiants16 said:
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Mike Greenburg is a moron is living on SAS's word...
Carmelo Anthony said he is excited about Porzingis and is meeting with him today and plans to get a little workout in as well with him... Link - ( New Window )
Agree that MG is not the brightest bulb but Melo never refuted what SAS said-he never called him out on it! Now Melo is doing damage control because FAs are not going to want to come to a house divided!
So him saying he never said anything and basically stop listening to the media is not refuting it? him saying he is going to meet with Porzingis today is not refuting it?
No,it's not! He's been using SAS as his mouthpiece forever because this way the words did not come directly from his mouth. Thus, it's easy for him to refute what was "allegedly" said because he denies he said it. We've played this game before. Why do you think he's working out w/KP today! Positive media 2 days before FA. He knows he shot himself in the foot & now is sending out the message all is right in Knicks Land!
Yeah people like to ignore this...i wouldnt be surprised if the only people that are really in his circle, are Lala, his son and then his NBA friends, i would be surprised if he has entourage at this stage like he used to...
Assuming LA goes to the Spurs, I think the top 3 of the west is going to be GSW, OKC, and SAS in some order.
As for hyper cheap depth, it rarely works. And my idea is more to sign some depth guys and shoot for home runs. Maybe Aminu and Biyambo propel us to the playoffs, or bring back an awesome return from a contender at the deadline.
Biyambo sucks.
So him saying he never said anything and basically stop listening to the media is not refuting it? him saying he is going to meet with Porzingis today is not refuting it?
No,it's not! He's been using SAS as his mouthpiece forever because this way the words did not come directly from his mouth. Thus, it's easy for him to refute what was "allegedly" said because he denies he said it. We've played this game before. Why do you think he's working out w/KP today! Positive media 2 days before FA. He knows he shot himself in the foot & now is sending out the message all is right in Knicks Land!
and people like you are the reason SAS and Isola have jobs...your gullible and believe anything you hear in the media and immediately kill the player...
Sorry i do not trust SAS and Isola's "sources"
When Melo himself says he is excited about the pick and is excited to meet him today, i will take his word for it rather than SAS's sources...
You get off with a warning this time Italian. Work? C'mon man.
Name the one story he has been right about when it comes to Melo..
and if he is Melo's mouthpiece he sure portrays Melo as a selfish money hungry player..why would Melo want that? usually a mouthpiece talks good about that player, that is the whole point of a mouth piece..
Name the one story he has been right about when it comes to Melo..
Last year I am pretty sure he said Melo has no chance of staying in NY.
So its likely both people are right... 1) melo was frustrated for a gut reaction... 2) Melo is happy with the pick and moving forward with the kid.
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how come he has never ever broken anything when it comes to Melo?
Name the one story he has been right about when it comes to Melo..
Last year I am pretty sure he said Melo has no chance of staying in NY.
Yeah then he said well Melo really lvoes his money so he will stay in New York for the money if he stays...
If I am Melo why would i want that guy being my mouthpiece?
So its likely both people are right... 1) melo was frustrated for a gut reaction... 2) Melo is happy with the pick and moving forward with the kid.
I have no disagreement with this but both SAS and Isola said Melo was so mad that he felt betrayed by the Knicks and SAS said he was contemplating asking for a trade...
So if that is the case both guys overexaggerated for clicks and to get a story out...so either way they made up a story to get clicks
Biyambo sucks.
Does he? He's 22 -- two years younger than our new rookie PG -- and from the Congo, ie raw as shit, and he's been in a bad organization. Last year his PER was 15.2 and his WS/48 was .156. Those are decidedly un-sucky numbers. While he played only 19.4 mpg, there is a lot of evidence that stats scale up. Per 36 minutes, he would have been good for 8.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks. Crappy assist and FT% #s hurt especially if he's expected to do some triangle garbage.
His advanced stats PER & WS/48 have improved each year. Bismack is on the rise.
Also it was reported Knicks told Porzingis they were going to draft him at his workout with the Knicks, which Melo attended, so you dont think he knew what the Knicks were going to do beforehand?
Melo ha sbeen at the practice facility rehabbing, you dont think him and Phil talk or him and Mills talk?
I highly highly doubt he was surprised by the pick...
I bet it's as simple as him having a reaction to the pick like the fans in attendance did. That's normal. What's not fair is that that somehow gets reported as him having a temper tantrum. and possibly wanting out. That's the kind of BS that gets tiresome and yet is exceedingly common.
But like I said, I feel like it's his responsibility to use a firm hand on anyone who claims to speak for or with him.
-Celtics
-Knicks
-Bucks
-Lakers
-Blazers
No mention of NO. 4 of those 5 teams can offer him a max outright and the Bucks can if they just get rid of 1-2 small contracts.
Monroe to the Bucks could be a nice fit. A lot of young, defensive players already and the addition of him and the return of Parker should help with the offense.
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Biyambo sucks.
Does he? He's 22 -- two years younger than our new rookie PG -- and from the Congo, ie raw as shit, and he's been in a bad organization. Last year his PER was 15.2 and his WS/48 was .156. Those are decidedly un-sucky numbers. While he played only 19.4 mpg, there is a lot of evidence that stats scale up. Per 36 minutes, he would have been good for 8.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks. Crappy assist and FT% #s hurt especially if he's expected to do some triangle garbage.
His advanced stats PER & WS/48 have improved each year. Bismack is on the rise.
Look, there's a contract value where he makes sense. He can play defense and rebound and block shots. But he sucks with the basketball in his hands. Can't pass. Can't shoot. Can't dribble. He'll never be a good offensive player. He's only a role player. Which is fine, but I was really reacting to the notion that he might "propel" the knicks anywhere. He's too one dimensional to be anything but a part timer. He's not playing for a good team at crunch time, probably ever. He fucks up the spacing on the floor because you don't even need to pretend to guard him.
On the other hand, he doesn't fit the triangle really well, and would be a bad fit if we went after Monroe.
The key to winning free agency is getting the best deals not necessarily the best players. I'd be hesitant to give tons of money to older players that don't have a future a few years down the line with this team (e.g. Danny green and Wes Matthews). If Biyombo gets a deal like 4 years for $30M, that's a no brained in my opinion.
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In comment 12347495 nygiants16 said:
So him saying he never said anything and basically stop listening to the media is not refuting it? him saying he is going to meet with Porzingis today is not refuting it?
No,it's not! He's been using SAS as his mouthpiece forever because this way the words did not come directly from his mouth. Thus, it's easy for him to refute what was "allegedly" said because he denies he said it. We've played this game before. Why do you think he's working out w/KP today! Positive media 2 days before FA. He knows he shot himself in the foot & now is sending out the message all is right in Knicks Land!
and people like you are the reason SAS and Isola have jobs...your gullible and believe anything you hear in the media and immediately kill the player...
Sorry i do not trust SAS and Isola's "sources"
When Melo himself says he is excited about the pick and is excited to meet him today, i will take his word for it rather than SAS's sources...
Look, I'm not going to get into a spitting match w/you because at the end of the day, we're both Knicks fans who want the best, especially the next few weeks, for the team.
You can believe what you want, I'm certainly not going to change your mind nor you mine. Today will be a wonderful photo op as the present & future of the Knicks come together! Then let's hope that Melo does have Star-Power & can convince some of the better FAs to join him!
P.S. I agree w/you about Isola-his personal agenda against the Knicks is old & tiresome!
Portand looks like it's in a rebuild so I don't know how attractive that situation is. They have a bunch of young guys on rookie contracts like Leonard, Plumlee and now Vonleh, and they are saying that if Aldridge goes to the Spurs, they'd do a sign and trade with Portland to send splitter over there, so they wouldn't need to give him in that situation.
The Lakers seem like an awful fit. Randle/Monroe front court would be worse than the Bucks because Randle can't provide spacing or defense.
I'm not even worried about the Celtics. It's an unattractive situation they set up for themselves.