NBA Free Agency: July 2
Dec 5, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Andre Iguodala (9) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith (5) in the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Once again we’ll keep track of all the day’s rumors in this post. You can take a look at yesterday’s rumors here.
Hansbrough To Become An Unrestricted Free Agent
The Indiana Pacers originally issued a qualifying offer to big man Tyler Hansbrough, making him a restricted free agent.
However, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Pacers have rescinded that offer and Hansrbough will become an unrestricted free agent.
Hansbrough averaged 7.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season.
Knicks interested in Elton Brand
Various reports indicate that the New York Knicks are preparing to make an offer to former Dallas Mavericks free agent Elton Brand. Shortly after, NY Times reporter Howard Beck reports that “there’s mutual interest between the Knicks and Elton Brand, but Brand is fielding offers from several top teams.”
Marc Stein reports that Brand is still has strong interest in returning to Dallas, and Dallas still has strong interest in him.
Doc Rivers meets with Mayo
Yesterday it was reported that the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks were talking about a O.J. Mayo-Eric Bledsoe swap, today Doc Rivers is meeting with Mayo.
Although, reports indicate that Rivers isn’t sure about giving up Bledsoe.
The Clippers have also inquired about acquiring J.J. Redick, but that seems much far-fetched.
Rockets After Josh Smith
The Houston Rockets met with former Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith Monday.
However, Smith left without a contract offer.
Citing a source, Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski says, “The Houston Rockets told Atlanta Hawks free-agent forward Josh Smith during their meeting Monday in Los Angeles that they will make him a contract offer if they don’t sign Los Angeles Lakers free-agent center Dwight Howard.”
Smith, who averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per
Apr 25, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Andersen (11) defends Milwaukee Bucks guard J.J. Redick (5) during the second quarter of game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
game last season, has already met with the Detroit Pistons.
Timberwolves Have Offers To Chase Budinger, J.J. Redick
In their quest to find a wing, the Timberwolves have turned their attention to two players, forward Chase Budinger, who played with the Wolves last year and guard J.J. Redick, who spent last season with the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks.
Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who first reported the news, says “Redick is priority, but Wolves want to sign one of them.”
Budinger averaged 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game and shot 32.1% from beyond the arc last year.
Redick, who has also been connected to the Los Angeles Clippers, averaged 14.1 points, 3.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. He shot 36.6% from three.
Each players offered deal is four years long.
Blazers, Pachulia Have Mutal Interest
The Portland Trail Blazers continue to chase centers. This time, it’s former Hawks big man Zaza Pachulia.
Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports there is mutual interest between the two sides, but the talks are “mostly preliminary.”
The two sides will meet face-to-face later in free agency.
Pachulia averaged 5.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the Hawks last season.
Follow Andrew on twitter here.