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4th July, 2008 - 8:08 am
by Andrew Perna
Happy Fourth of July!
I hope you enjoy a bevy of cookouts, fireworks, and good company this weekend. Oh yeah, and that battle between the Yankees and Red Sox in the Bronx (Go New York).
Elton Brand is reportedly leaning towards staying with the Clippers, but L.A. is nervous that he could bolt to Golden State for more money. Brand appears to be good buddies with Baron Davis, so staying put seems to make the most sense. If he stays, I see both L.A teams in the playoffs next April.
The Bulls met with Luol Deng on Wednesday to discuss their future together. I think Chicago needs to retain Deng more than Ben Gordon, especially with Derrick Rose in town. If they sign Luol, let Gordon walk, and trade Hinrich for some help in the post, the Bulls will have turned themselves into a playoff squad once again.
The Celtics are denying a rumor that they have extended an offer to Corey Maggette. They appear interested in keeping James Posey in town above all else, which seems to make sense after watching him help dismantle the Lakers last month.
James Jones could be the best option for the Pistons. They have the mid-level and veteran exceptions to hand out this summer, and in addition to Jones they could covet Mickael Pietrus and C.J. Miles. I think I’d honestly take Jones, who would give Detroit a nice threat from deep.
Josh Smith was very impressed with the Sixers after spending time with the team on Wednesday. I’m a huge fan of Josh, both as a player and a person. Philadelphia would really embrace a guy like Smith, but I think the Hawks need him more.
The Warriors have begun talking with free agent guard Monta Ellis about a new deal to keep him in town. I’m not sure Golden State should pay Monta as much as he wants, (reportedly) $10 million, but with Baron Davis leaving for the Clippers they might have no one else to pay.
Chris Kaman has recently become a German citizen and plans to play for his new country in the Olympic Games. Assuming, that is, that Germany actually qualifies for the games in Beijing.
The Sixers are hoping to make a run at free agent forward Elton Brand, but they’ll have to choose whether they’d like to pursue Brand or Josh Smith this month. They can’t pay both of them the money they want and deserve.
Frank Isola and Marc Berman are still battling in the N.Y. papers regarding Stephon Marbury’s future with the Knicks. Isola insists that Marbury’s days in New York are numbered while Berman claims that the point guard could return next season. I have no personal preference, but I think Isola might have this one pegged.
Pedro Martinez claims that he won’t quit on the Mets this season despite his extreme struggles on the mound. His ERA is absolutely disgusting at 7.39 after seven starts this year. Pedro has a lot of fight in him, and I don’t think these struggles are going to derail him even as he enters his twilight years on the mound.
Nomar Garciaparra and Andruw Jones have been activated by the Dodgers after recent stays on the disabled list. If L.A. is going to make a run towards the postseason, they will have to start very soon; otherwise, Joe Torre will be sitting out the playoffs for the first time since neon pants were cool.
Alex Rodriguez has reportedly split from his wife. Surprisingly enough, the rumored breakup has nothing to do with A-Rod as his wife has apparently been shacking up with Lenny Kravitz. As much as I love and follow my favorite teams, I could really care less about A-Rod’s personal life. However, I have to wonder…how does Kravitz get so much tail?
Brett Favre claims that all reports of him coming out of retirement are strictly rumors. I discussed this on Thursday, but I’m still on the fence on the issue. I hope for the sake of Aaron Rodgers and Brett’s legacy that he’s not considering retirement, but at the same time I know Favre can still sling the ball around like none other.
Defensive end Jevon Kearse claims that the Eagles are going to miss him this coming season. Philadelphia fans were extremely excited when ‘The Freak’ came to town, but his stay in the City of Brotherly Love wasn’t overly successful. The familiar confines of Tennessee could help reenergize his career, though.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have remained busy, signing free agent center Wyatt Smith to a one-year contract on Thursday. I don’t know how much the Lightning are paying their executives, but based solely on activity they should be getting quite a bit.
The Penguins have signed goalie Marc-Andre Fleury to a seven-year contract. The future looks awfully bright in Pittsburgh with the likes of Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Fleury inked to long-term deals.
Questions, Comments, Fireworks? Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com |
