Walker Draws Heat's Interest

Antoine Walker, one of the NBA's top remaining uncommitted free agents, has emerged on the Heat's radar.

According to sources familiar with the Heat's approach, the team plans to discuss a role with the 6-foot-9 forward, perhaps today.

Walker split time last season between Atlanta and Boston, helping to fuel a late-season playoff push by the Celtics. However, with Boston committed to a youth movement, the 28-year-old is not expected to be invited back by the Celtics.

Already over the salary-cap, the Heat would be limited to a bid of its $5.1 million mid-level exception or have to work out a sign-and-trade agreement with the Celtics. Walker earned $14.6 million in the final year of a six-year, $77 million contract.

With Walker a quality ball-handler and streaky 3-point shooter, the Heat could field an oversized lineup of Shaquille O'Neal at center, Udonis Haslem a power forward, Walker at small forward, Eddie Jones back at his natural shooting guard and Dwyane Wade back a point guard, where he played in 2003-04 as a rookie before switching to shooting guard last season.

Via South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami Heat, Boston Celtics

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Orien Greene Signs 3-Year, $1.8 Million Contract With Celtics

Sources have exclusively confirmed today to DraftExpress.com’s Jonathan Givony that Louisiana Lafayette point guard Orien Greene has been inked to a 3 year, $1.8 million contract by the Boston Celtics. Greene, a 6-5, 210 pound pure PG was the #53 pick in this year’s draft. He was called one of the biggest sleepers in the draft by DraftExpress back in April, but was not invited by the NBA to either Portsmouth or the Chicago Pre-Draft camp after averaging only 11 points a game last season.

The first year of his contract will be fully guaranteed according to the source, while the 2nd year is partially guaranteed and the 3rd year is a team option. The Celtics had to dip into their Mid-Level Exception to lock him up for the three year deal, as Greene will earn more than the NBA minimum.

His agent, Jason Levien was contacted by DraftExpress and had this to say: “Orien Greene is very excited to sign with the Boston Celtics, after being the only mid-major conference player in the NCAA to be drafted. It’s pretty amazing if you consider that he did not play in even one Summer League game after undergoing surgery shortly after the draft, which should tell you all you need to know about the confidence the Celtics have in his ability as a player. We’re expecting Orien to compete for minutes this year already in Boston.”

Via DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony

Boston Celtics

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Baron, Pierce Take Over Midsummer Night's Magic

Warriors point guard Baron Davis has taken over what he calls a "huge" responsibility.

He wasn't talking about his role as the leader of the Warriors. He wasn't referring to carrying his team into the 2006 NBA playoffs. He's talking about taking over Magic Johnson's charity game.

At the conclusion of Magic's Celebrity & Pro All-Star Charity Basketball game, the marquee event part of "A Midsummer Night's Magic," Johnson bequeathed the entire event to the control of Davis and Boston Celtics guard Paul Pierce, a fellow Los Angeles-native.

"It's a great way to give back to the community, also bring some entertainment to the city that I grew up in," Davis said. "I have a lot of friends in L.A. and it means a lot to me to give back. Magic has given 20 years of greatness with this event. In the past 10 years, Magic has been a hands-on mentor for me, both on and off the court. For him to hand something down after 20 years, it's an honor to be considered, let alone be given that responsibility."

The Magic Johnson Foundation has yet to officially announce the move.

Via Contra Costa Times

Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers

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