Hedo Turkoglu has backed out of his commitment with the Trail Blazers and could sign with the Raptors, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Contrary to an earlier report, Turkoglu has rejected the Blazers' offer and ended talks with the team.

ESPN reported that the free-agent forward and Portland had reached an agreement on a contract worth roughly $50 million over five years.

It was later reported that no deal was in place and the two sides had broken off negotiations. [READ]

Allen Iverson is interested in playing for the Grizzlies, according to a league source.

Iverson, a free agent for the first time in his career, had minor discussions with the Heat after free agency opened on Wednesday.

Memphis had no comment on Iverson's interest in playing for the team.

The Grizzlies are believed to be weighing the pros and cons of signing Iverson, who would likely be asked to come off the bench.

Iverson wrote about his free-agent status on his Twitter page Thursday.

"I'm a Free Agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team," he wrote. "My only preference will be to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night! Someone that knows how to best utilize my skills to make our team the very best that we can be." [READ]

Pistons president Joe Dumars is scheduled to meet with Avery Johnson later this weekend, according to sources.

After discussing Detroit's coaching vacancy by phone, Dumars and Johnson have planned to meet Sunday at Johnson's home in Houston.

Former Pistons coach Doug Collins pulled out of consideration for the job earlier this week. [READ]

Jason Kidd intends to return to the Mavericks for a three-year, $24 million deal, according to HoopsWorld.

HoopsWorld cited an "informed source."

Kidd said that he would take the holiday weekend to mull over offers from both New York and Dallas.

Barring an unforeseen development, Kidd is expected to tell the Mavericks on Monday that he will accept the offer. [READ]

The Nuggets are interested in veteran forward Grant Hill, according to an NBA source.

There are a number of teams interested in Hill, who the Denver Post writes would be a steal for any club at around $3 million annually.
[READ]

A number of sources said last week that the Hornets are again shopping center Tyson Chandler.

New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower could work on making a trade before he offers a contract to any free agent.

In addition, the Hornets could look to move one of their veteran guards, such as Morris Peterson, Antonio Daniels or Devin Brown.

The Hornets are also interested in bringing guard Jannero Pargo, who played overseas this past season, back. [READ]

The Magic have contacted free-agent forward Rasheed Wallace's agent.

Orlando general manager Otis Smith was in contact with agent Bill Strickland on Friday, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Wallace doesn't have a plan to visit Orlando, but Smith said that "it was possible" at some point. The general manager believes that Wallace would be a nice "fit" alongside Dwight Howard, but said "it just depends on what Rasheed wants to do." [READ]

The Raptors have offered free-agent forward Shawn Marion a four-year deal worth more than $32 million, according to the Globe and Mail.

The deal could be worth as much as $34 million, according to the report, and is longer and more lucrative than the three-year, $21 million offer Toronto was reported to have made to Marion. [READ]

Lakers coach Phil Jackson will return to the bench next season, according to an NBA coaching source.

The source said that Jackson's return is "99.9 percent" assured, and another claimed that the Lakers will publicly confirm the decision early next week.

In a recent interview with 710 ESPN Los Angeles, Jackson said his 2009-10 status would be made official by "early July," citing health issues as the only true concern. [READ]

As many as 12 teams are interested in the services of point guard Ramon Sessions, according to agent Jimmy "Chubby" Wells.

Wells told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that no offers had been made to the restricted free agent.

"We've not talked numbers yet with anybody," Wells said. "The unrestricted guys will go first, and then it will get to the restricted (free agents). Once we get to that point, it will happen fast."

Due to his restricted status, the Bucks remain in play to retain Sessions.

"I really think they do (want to retain Sessions)," Wells said. "John [Hammond] has always been a straight shooter, and I think they definitely have an interest." [READ]

Agent Andy Miller says that free-agent forward Antonio McDyess is in no hurry to decide on his NBA future.

"Antonio is in no hurry to make a decision," said Miller. "Of course he wants to see how the coaching search turns out in Detroit. But Antonio, he knows what's there in Detroit. At this point, he's just going to take his time and look at all his options and see what's best for him and his family."

The Pistons are expected to have $3-4 million to spend on McDyess when salary cap figures are released next week.

Boston, Cleveland, Houston and San Antonio are also believed to interested in the veteran forward. [READ]

The Knicks have signed guard Morris Almond to play on their Summer League team.

According to a team source, New York plans to sign Almond for next season assuming he performs well this summer.

"We're looking for shooting," Knicks president Donnie Walsh told The Post. "We acquired some of it in the draft (Jordan Hill, Toney Douglas), but he's someone you have to look at." [READ]

The Mavericks are believed to be shopping center Erick Dampier, who has just one year remaining on his contract.

Dallas is close to signing restricted free-agent Marcin Gortat, which would allow them to trade Dampier without creating a hole in the paint. [READ]

Matt Harpring isn't sure whether he'll be able to return to the court next season.

"Sometimes," Harpring said Thursday. "I have thoughts of playing. And then I have thoughts of not playing."

After the team's playoff loss to the Lakers, Harpring said that he'd return next season, but doubt has crept into his mind.

"I told them after the season, 'It could be over,' " said Harpring. "They said, 'Well, let's see how the summer goes.' "

Harpring, 33, has had a number of surgeries over his 11-year career.

"I need to get motion back into [the] ankle, and if it doesn't happen then not playing is a definite possibility," he said. "I can't function the way. It's not working. I thought this summer would be good for rehab and getting that motion back ... but there's a lot of junk in there.

"The reason why I wouldn't be playing is medical. I'd love to play. And I told them that at the end of the year. But I said I have to get this ankle back to be able to play," Harpring added. "I mean, I went through last year with a lot of pain — and it just doesn't seem right, the function or the mobility. I'm sure you could see it on the court." [READ]

The Mavericks are expected to sign free-agent Quinton Ross to a contract next week.

The Dallas Morning News reported that the terms of the deal are not yet known.
[READ]

The Hornets are looking for help in the frontcourt, and have inquired about Mikki Moore.

The Times-Picayune originally reported the interest.

Moore finished last season with the Celtics after catching on as a free agent. [READ]

As of Thursday night, restricted free-agent forward Paul Millsap had yet to receive any contract offers.

The Thunder are believed to be Millsap's top suitor, but the Jazz reportedly plan to match any offer he receives as long as it's not excessive.

Millsap's camp is seeking a deal worth more than $10 million. [READ]

Ronnie Price, an unrestricted free agent this summer, is hoping to re-sign with the Jazz.

"I made that clear. Of course, I want to be here," Price said. "I'm not a guy who likes to jump around the NBA much. ... For sure, I'm in this organization's corner.

"I'll never say anything bad about this organization," he added. "I've had a great two years here, and I'd like to have more years here."

Utah drafted Eric Maynor last week, which could make Price expendable. His name has been linked to the 76ers, who could need help at point guard if Andre Miller bolts. [READ]

Mike Bibby appears to be intent on remaining in Atlanta.

The 76ers, uncertain of whether or not they'll be able to retain Andre Miller, reached out to Bibby this week.

According to a source, Philadelphia came away believing that Bibby is focused on remaining with the Hawks. [READ]

Stephon Marbury told the Boston Globe early Friday that he believes his time with the Celtics is over.

Marbury told the paper that the Celtics offered him a one-year contract worth the veteran's minimum of $1.3 million.

"Thank you Boston for allowing the world to see me play again after all that went on in N.Y.," said Marbury. "The fans treated me with open arms and that's all anyone can ask for."

He revealed that three other teams are interested in his services. [READ]

Steve Nash remains confident that he'll sign a contract extension with the Suns at some point this summer.

However, Nash added that he'd love to play for the Knicks if an agreement isn't reached with the Suns.

"I would preface it by saying that I love Phoenix and that's what I'm focusing on right now," Nash told the Globe and Mail. "But I live in New York City, and I love it there, and [Knicks head coach] Mike D'Antoni was one of my favorite coaches. If it didn't work out in Phoenix, obviously that would be a place I'd consider."

The Knicks have been linked to Jason Kidd on the free agent market, and are known to be looking for an experienced point guard. [READ]

The Celtics sent a rather large contingent to Detroit on Thursday to meet with free-agent forward Rasheed Wallace.

The Boston Globe reported that Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck, team president Danny Ainge, coach Doc Rivers and All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were all present on the recruiting trip.

The Celtics are reportedly offering Wallace a contract using the mid-level exception, and the Boston Herald has reported that Wallace told teams he isn't going to make a decision quickly. [READ]

Yao Ming will have to wait at least one week before he knows whether or not he'll have surgery on his broken left foot.

Reports from Houston's team doctor claim that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out all of next season, and potentially end his career.

"It hasn't been decided yet," agent Eric Zhang told The Associated Press. "He is still in the process of group consultations of doctors holding different opinions and different plans. The result of the consultations is due within a week."

Yao suffered the hairline fracture of the tarsal navicular bone on May 8 in a playoff game against the Lakers. [READ]

The Blazers are believed to be dangling a 5-year, $50 million deal to lure Hedo Turkoglu to the Pacific Northwest. Turkoglu was given the red carpet treatment by the Blazers on Thursday.

"They are pretty interested, and I'm happy about it, because as a player, that's what you want, interest from teams, especially good teams," Turkoglu said. "They have been a good team the last couple of years. So to get an invitation from them makes you feel special."

The Raptors are the other team competing for Turkoglu and could offer him more money, but are a team on the rebound. Turkoglu's wife is said to have an affinity for the city of Toronto. [READ]

Ron Artest met with Lakers executives throughout the day on Thursday and agreed to terms of about $18 million over three years.

Other reports have indicated that Artest would receive a five-year deal from the Lakers worth $33 million.

Trevor Ariza agreed to a five-year deal with the Rockets for about $33 million, roughly the same that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him.

"I had to do what was best for me and family," Ariza said. "I am happy with my decision. I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask for."

Ariza had a more lucrative offer from another team, according to his agent.

"I am very excited to finally be going to L.A.," Artest said in a statement. "For years now, the Lakers have expressed interest in having me play for them, but we could never get the stars to align.I'm finally a Laker and I can't wait to get on the court with Kobe, Pau [Gasol] and the rest of the team, and play for Phil [Jackson].

"The Lakers really made me feel wanted. . . . I look forward to helping the Lakers defend their championship, and it will be great to finally not get booed in the Staples Center.

"I had a great talk today with Phil. I'm a huge fan of his and I can't wait to show him what I can do. I also spoke with Magic Johnson last night. In addition, my agent has been in constant contact with Mitch Kupchak. I made my decision after I had lunch today with Dr. Buss and I realized what a great organization I'm joining." [READ]

Donnie Walsh e-mailed the Associated Press and seemed to imply that the Knicks will have more salary cap flexibility in the summer of 2010 than currently projected.

"I have a little leeway which will leave me in good position for next year," Walsh wrote. "I know what it is but do not talk much about it."

It is not clear whether Walsh is referring to an unannounced player move that would reduce the Knicks' salary cap burden. Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries have the two largest contracts that remain on the team's books for the 2010-2011 season.

The Knicks will reportedly offer a three-year contract to Jason Kidd. [READ]

Trevor Ariza has made a verbal commitment to sign with the Houston Rockets , according to sources close to the process.

With at least five teams pursuing Ariza, the Lakers appeared unwilling to pay him more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception. [READ]

Taco Bell has struck a sponsorship agreement with the NBA, replacing a spot previously occupied by McDonald's.

Financial terms of the multi-year sponsorship were not announced. The deal will include exposure for Taco Bell on ABC, ESPN and TNT which broadcast NBA games nationally. [READ]

Tonight at 9:00PM EST/6:00 PST on RealGM Radio, hosts Andrew Perna and Jeff Duncan will discuss the latest in the world of sports.

Jeff and Andrew will discuss free agency in the NBA, the division races in baseball, and the pending suspensions in the NFL.

Click here to listen to past shows as well as tonight's broadcast -- RealGM Radio

You can also discuss the show on RealGM's forums -- RealGM Forums [READ]

Now that the Dallas Mavericks have reached a verbal agreement with former Orlando Magic center Marcin Gortat, it’s clear that free agent Brandon Bass will have to find another suitor.

“If anything this will help move things along and could pave the way for a sign-and-trade,” said Tony Dutt, Bass’ agent upon learning of the Gortat deal.

Orlando can still match the Mavericks’ offer since Gortat is a restricted free agent but it’s uncommon to pay a reserve player the full mid-level exception.

When asked about the possibility of Bass playing in Orlando alongside his top client Rashard Lewis, essentially swapping places with Gortat, Dutt replied, “Orlando is a great organization. I’ll leave my comment at that.”

Last season, Bass averaged 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game off the bench for Dallas. [READ]

Gar Forman previously called Ben Gordon the top priority of the Chicago Bulls offseason, but that didn't mesh with reality at least according to the club's best scorer since he was drafted in 2004.

"I mean they didn't pursue me at all. They didn't even make an offer so it was pretty much a one-man race," Gordon told ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago.

Forman declined comment on Thursday. He said when he was promoted to GM in May that the Bulls wanted to keep Gordon, but that would have probably meant paying the luxury tax and sacrificing cap space they could have next summer. [READ]

Ron Artest has told Ken Berger of CBSSports.com that he will sign with the L.A. Lakers .

"I'm definitely going to L.A. -- to sign, yeah," Artest said in a phone interview. "Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I'm in L.A. right now."

Artest said he met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss Thursday and previously had spoken with Lakers coach Phil Jackson. He was en route to his financial manager's office, where he planned to huddle on the phone with his agent, David Bauman, to finalize details.

The parameters of the deal still need to be agreed upon, however.

"I don't really care about the money," Artest said. "I'll play there for nothing. ... L.A. was very interested in me, and they got me."

The Los Angeles Daily News confirms Berger's report via Artest's agent. [READ]

Allen Iverson and Ron Artest have been contacted by Pat Riley in the opening days of free-agency negotiations, league sources said Thursday.

Riley entered the start of the free agency negotiating period Wednesday saying he would be reluctant to spend the $5.5 million mid-level exception because the Heat already was past the league's anticipated dollar-for-dollar luxury tax on excessive payrolls. [READ]

Marcin Gortat was scheduled to fly to Dallas on Thursday after giving the Mavericks a verbal commitment to sign an offer sheet with them next week, according to NBA front-office sources.

The Mavs will offer the full mid-level exception, which could translate to a five-year deal starting at roughly $5.6 million, in hopes of convincing the Orlando Magic not to match the offer. [READ]

According to Twitter posts from Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets met with Trevor Ariza in Las Vegas on Thursday and are expected to offer a multi-year deal at the mid-level exception.

The deal would not preclude Houston from also keeping Ron Artest, according to sources. [READ]