Jones Turns Down More Money To Sign With Phoenix

European power Maccabi Tel Aviv would have paid Jumaine Jones significantly more money to join them, as did several other NBA teams, but instead he will sign with the Phoenix Suns for the league minimum, which means $998,967 as a seven-year pro.

With the way Phoenix plays, there are certain players who are natural fits," Merle Scott, his agent said. "He's a shooter. He's a rebounder. He's looking to play for a contender, which was a priority for him. It's a great opportunity. He knows he's coming in to play a supporting role."

Scott expects a role for Jones similar to the one Tim Thomas, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, played at the end of last season.

"With the rotation and style of ball, the track record shows that guys are going to produce and get better," Scott said. "I know how happy Leandro is. I hope Jumaine feels as good about the family atmosphere.

"He's coming in to prove himself. The way they play, that's not too much to ask."

Via Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats

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Johnson To Sign With Maccabi?

Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly in talks with DerMarr Johnson and Doron Perkins after signing Rodney Buford earlier this week.

Perkins was impressive for the Lakers during summer league.

"Perkins was great in the summer league, but I wouldn't say he was the focus of our efforts right now, " said Maccabi coach Neven Spahija, who added that former Cleveland Cavalier Dajuan Wagner and former Indiana Pacer Travis Best were also not among the team's first choice targets.

Maccabi is also interested in signing Jumaine Jones.

Via Haaretz

Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Bobcats

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Baxter's Playing Future In Italy In Jeopardy

Lonny Baxter's plans for a playing career in Italy could be over after the forward was sentenced to two months in jail for firearms offences.

"We haven't reached a decision on Baxter but to tell the truth we weren't expecting there to be such a serious sentence," Montepaschi Siena general manager Ferdinando Minucci told The Associated Press on Thursday. "We will be speaking with him to reach a solution."

Baxter — who signed for the Italian team from the Charlotte Bobcats for this season — was sentenced to two months in jail Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges of carrying a gun and firing it into the air a few blocks from the White House.

The former Toronto Raptors forward was originally scheduled to join Siena for training camp on Monday ahead of the start of the Italian league season on Oct. 8. His prison sentence will delay his arrival.

Via Globe and Mail

Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets

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