The free-agent and trades continue to trickle in as teams fill their rosters out. While the big aggressive acquisitions are over and done with, the deals are far from finished. The two biggest names left on the market are still in limbo as the Milwaukee Bucks Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings homes are as of yet undetermined.
Complicating the future of Jennings and Ellis is the fact that the Bucks went out and acquired yet another point-guard in Luke Ridnour. As it stands right now the Bucks have Jeff Teague signed to a restricted free-agent offer, one that the Atlanta Hawks could match. The Bucks still have the rights to restricted free-agent Jennings as well, so while the starter’s job is unclear; Ridnour will be the serviceable backup.
Minnesota continued it’s busy offseason by acquiring yet another serviceable NBA veteran as they have signed Ronny Turiaf to a two year contract worth a reported $3.2 million. The Timberwolves continue to bolster their roster with big men. Turiaf is nothing more than a bit-NBA player who contributes about 10 minutes per game. Turiaf’s real value comes in his positive attitude and sideline enthusiasm as his energy is contagious.
The Timberwolves made more headlines as the once Wolf, Andrei Kirilenko has bolted the Twin Cities for Brooklyn. Kirilenko had opted out of the last year of his contract, a contract that would have seen him earn $10.2 million. Instead he agreed to a two year deal with the Nets for the taxpayer mid-level exception of $3.18 million with the second year coming at Kirilenko’s option. Clearly this isn’t about the money as Kirilenko wants a chance to win and he sees Brooklyn and all their recent roster upgrades as the place to do it.
An interesting signing did come out of Los Angeles as the Lakers announced they had reached a one year agreement with Nick Young on a league minimum contract. This could be a shrewd signing for the Lakers as Young just might be thrust into the starting rotation for the ailing Kobe Bryant come the start of the season. Young is a versatile player who can score off the dribble and in transition. His spot-up shooting is streaky at best; however, his athleticism and ability to run the floor in break situations should fit well into Mike D’Antoni’s system.
Finally, news out of Detroit has a former prodigal son returning home as Chauncey Billups and the Pistons have come to terms on a two year deal for around $5 million. Billups should serve as somewhat of a role model and educator for the young Brandon Knight and he can still provide decent minutes off the bench. This is likely the last stop for Billups as this deal will take him to his 18th NBA season and it seems only fitting that he end it where he experienced his best success; with the Pistons.
The amnesty period in the NBA is officially open now and to date we have heard of only two players whose teams will exercise the option on. Metta World Peace and Charlotte’s Tyrus Thomas will both become casualties of this provision, while others may follow there won’t be any big names available via this route.
Metta World Peace is said to have interest in the New York Knicks, although it remains to be seen if that interest is reciprocated. Thomas should get some interest on the open market, but teams will likely come calling with league minimum salaried contracts. Thomas won’t exactly be hurting for the money as the Bobcats are still going to be paying him $8 million NOT to play for their team.