The Miami Heat remain "non-committal" in discussions with free agents Michael Beasley and Greg Oden, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The team already has 12 players under contract for next season and can no longer offer more than the veteran's minimum after a busy offseason.
NBA news roundup: Heat in holding pattern with free agents, Bulls promised to keep Mirotic
Miami can’t decide what to do with Michael Beasley and Greg Oden, the Bulls’ promise to Nikola Mirotic and more from around the NBA on Friday.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Beasley’s agent told Jackson on Thursday that the two sides spoke recently but “nothing has resulted in a deal.” He also said that several other teams have shown interest in the former No. 2 pick, partially because of “his attitude when asked to play a reduced role.”
Things are less clear for Oden, who still plans to play, but hasn’t received any indication of interest from Miami. His agent, Mike Conley Sr., said the Heat haven’t reached out to Oden’s camp yet, but a couple of other teams have inquired.
Miami mostly has its roster in place after losing LeBron James to Cleveland earlier this summer, so it's unclear how Oden and/or Beasley would ultimately fit with the new group. Either way, expect these two to eventually find new homes, whether they're in South Beach or elsewhere.
Bulls promised to keep Mirotic
The Chicago Bulls clearly want Kevin Love, but if the reports are any indication, offering up Nikola Mirotic won't be easy. Not only is the European big man ineligible to be traded until Aug. 17 after signing earlier this month, but according to the Chicago Tribune, he's been told by team management that he won't be dealt:
Mirotic bought out his contract with Real Madrid of the Spanish League only after the Bulls committed to keeping him in Chicago, according to a source familiar with negotiation.
The Bulls signed Mirotic to a three-year, $17 million contract a few weeks ago, ending speculation as to when the 2011 first-round pick would finally make the NBA jump. However, he's consistently been named in trade rumors this summer, and could be part of a package being offered to Minnesota along with Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott.
Trading Mirotic would be a risky move for Chicago, not only because of his untapped potential, but also how it might affect future relations with prospects overseas. Still, the opportunity to pair Love with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah is tough to pass up, so expect this situation to continue evolving in the next few weeks.
Francisco Garcia considering options
Veteran swingman Francisco Garcia will likely pick his next team in the upcoming few weeks, and according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets remain among the possibilities. Houston has been looking to re-sign Garcia after he opted out of his old contract in late June.
NBA Deals
Set to make the veteran's minimum in 2014-15, Garcia decided he wanted to pursue a larger salary by hitting the open market. A number of teams have reportedly shown interest, including the Utah Jazz, but the 32-year-old is limiting his options to teams prepared to contend next season.
That could include the Rockets, who are again expected to be among the better teams in the Western Conference next season. Garcia played a steady role off the bench behind Chandler Parsons for Houston last season, and if he re-signs, could fill a similar role backing up new starter Trevor Ariza.
In 2013-14, Garcia averaged 5.7 points and 2.2 rebounds over 55 games. He continued to be a steady long distance threat, hitting 36 percent of his three-pointers, but weirdly hit just 10-of-19 free throw attempts despite being an 80-percent career shooter.
Dwight Buycks signs in Spain
Turning down some possible opportunities in the NBA, point guard Dwight Buycks has signed a one-year contract with Valencia Basket in Spain, the Euroleague announced Friday. A star for the Toronto Raptors in Las Vegas the past two summers, the 25-year-old couldn't parlay that effort into a guaranteed contract offer.
According to David Pick, the Raptors and Lakers were prepared to offer Buycks non-guaranteed contracts with training camp invitations, while the Clippers were also willing to bring him in. However, after spending last year bouncing between the Raptors and the D-League, Buycks didn't want to repeat the same scenario again in 2014-15.
Numerous European clubs were in the bidding for Buycks, including powerhouses like Olympiacos, Milan and Maccabi Tel Aviv, but he ultimately went with the Spanish club because they offered the most money. With the one-year deal, Buycks will likely try to crack into the NBA again next summer.
Kings extend deadline on Quincy Acy decision
The Sacramento Kings and forward Quincy Acy have agreed to push back the deadline for guaranteeing Acy’s 2014-15 salary until Aug. 15, reports Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee. The deadline had previously been set for Saturday, and Jones says the Kings “were considering declining the option” without the extension.
Acy played well for Sacramento during Las Vegas Summer League this year, averaging 11.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as the team reeled off six straight wins to take the championship. A steady performer throughout the event, he shot 54 percent from the field and showed some progress as a contributor on the offensive end.
Acy’s contract calls for a $915,243 salary next season, which would put the Kings within a couple million dollars of the luxury tax. Understandably, the team is considering its options and extending the deadline gives them a few extra weeks to sort things out.
See More:
