NBA Rumors: Latest on Carlos Boozer, Trades and Free-Agent News
Every big fish on the free-agent market has been pulled into the proverbial boat. All that remains are players who won't likely command much more than the veteran's minimum or restricted free agents with complicated situations.
That doesn't mean that signings from here to the beginning of the NBA season can't make an impact. It just means the moves aren't likely to cause a stir. The same could be said for potential trades—unless, of course, the Minnesota Timberwolves decide to part ways with Kevin Love.
Perhaps the most high-profile player movement to look forward to involves now-former Chicago Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer. Boozer was finally amnestied by Chicago after months of speculation. He can now sign with the highest-bidding team with the requisite salary-cap space.
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If no team puts in a bid, Boozer will become an unrestricted free agent. Here's the latest on Boozer, a potential trade involving the Milwaukee Bucks and a piece of free-agent news on a future Hall of Famer.
Boozer's Suitors
Per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Boozer already has two potential landing spots.
The Charlotte Hornets just inked swingman Lance Stephenson to a three-year deal, as reported by ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard, but Boozer could be a solid fit at power forward alongside Al Jefferson. At this point in Boozer's career, he's mostly a pick-and-pop guy who lives 15-17 feet away from the basket.
That's an ideal skill set for a power forward playing with Jefferson.
Boozer could also give the Atlanta Hawks some beef up front with the returning Al Horford entrenched at center. The Hawks did draft Adreian Payne in the first round of the NBA draft, but Boozer could be a solid mentor for him while starting at power forward in the meantime.
Is Ersan Ilyasova on the Trading Block?
Just a day after the Racine Journal Times' Gery Woelfel reported that the Bucks were shopping Ilyasova "hard" comes news that the 27-year-old stretch 4 may not be available after all.
ESPN's Marc Stein reports that some within the organization want to keep him around.
There's no doubting Ilyasova's talent and potential. Few 6'10" players have the range and scoring ability that he possesses. In a disappointing season that saw Ilyasova average 11.2 points and make just 28 percent of his threes, the former second-round pick's stock dropped immensely.
Perhaps the new regime, led by new head coach Jason Kidd, can change that, or maybe a complete change of scenery could help. Stay tuned to find out which route the Bucks take with Ilyasova.
Ray Ray to Retire?
Ray Allen will be 39 years old in less than a week, but there's no doubt he could still play another year or two in the NBA if he wants to. That's the question: Does he want to continue his Hall of Fame career?
Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears says Allen is undecided.
There are teams who would love to have him, and that includes the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he would be reunited with LeBron James and, according to ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman, the recently signed Mike Miller.
Aside from Cleveland, it would behoove the Bulls to find out if Allen would be willing to reunite with head coach Tom Thibodeau to chase another championship ring with a third franchise.
The Bulls wouldn't be able to offer anything but the veteran's minimum, which for Allen would be $1,448,490, per Larry Coon, because he has more than 10 years in the NBA.
For what Allen could bring a team in regard to experience and long-range shooting (37 percent in 2013-14), it would be a bargain.
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