Good morning, we have reached peak Jason Kidd
That and a bevy of free agency links in Monday’s NBA newsletter.
Good morning. Let’s basketball.
R U KIDDING ME? Jason Kidd has himself a little mess. He staged a failed coup in Brooklyn, and is trying to get acquired by the Bucks, one of whose new owners -- Marc Lasry -- is an old friend and financial adviser. The Nets are furious and ready to can him, with Lionel Hollins as the top candidate to replace him. But first, Brooklyn is trying to pry a draft pick away from Milwaukee.
Oh, and yes, Milwaukee does already have a head coach, Larry Drew. How awful this is for him. My quick analysis on Sunday: there is no reason for the Bucks to do this.
WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT: Free agency begins at midnight, and I haven’t even shaved yet. Let’s run through some of the latest items. Reminder: here’s our list of the top 75 potential free agents.
LeBron’s co-stars also opted out of their contracts in Miami, and the trio has discussed how they may handle their salary situation as the Heat have opened up $55 million in cap space.
The Suns are ... going to pitch LeBron and Melo? Well well. It appears that Gordon Hayward may be the backup plan.
The Hawks traded Lou Williams and Bebe Noguiera (!) to the Raptors for John Salmons’ unguaranteed contract. The deal frees up an extra $4 million of cap space for Atlanta. Woj reports the Hawks plan to chase Luol Deng, our No. 17 free agent.
The Bulls have the first crack at Melo on Tuesday. The Rockets and Mavericks will have shots on Wednesday, and the Lakers will follow. Derrick Rose will not be helping recruit Melo to the Windy City. Because he’s the anti-star.
The Rockets declined Chandler Parsons’ option to make him a restricted free agent this summer instead of making him an unrestricted free agent next summer. Lots of teams hope to poach him, and there’s a spark of interest in a Kevin Love trade centered on Parsons.
The Clippers are focused on Darren Collison. Good for them.
Despite rumors the Thunder would be bringing German prospect Tibor Pleiss over this summer, OKC is waiting one more year.
Free agency! Stick with us this week and next, after which, Gods willing, the offseason should calm for a bit. Until the FIBA World Cup in Spain in two months. Ah, NBA.
Happy Monday. See you next time.
