Kevin Durant has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Thunder, according to his official Twitter page. The terms of the deal are unclear, but the Thunder`s star can`t sign the deal until Thursday when the NBA`s moratorium is lifted.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: There was no celebrity pitch. There was no rock star tour. There was no discussion of filming a documentary. And there were no demands for a superstar teammate.

Once again, the Oklahoma City Thunder and their superstar Kevin Durant hit exactly the right note, quietly agreeing to terms Wednesday on what will surely be a maximum extension.

While Durant broke the news on twitter, he was, as usual, gracious, honest, and appreciative.

Kevin Durant: Exstension for 5 more years wit the #thunder.... God Is Great, me and my family came a long way...I love yall man forreal, this a blessing!

How novel?

An NBA superstar actually acknowledging he’s blessed, and not treating the negotiating process like an opportunity to manipulate fans.

To be fair, the three-man was not an unrestricted free agent, so he had significantly less leverage than the big names in this year’s free agent class.

Still, at 21, Durant may be the youngest of the NBA’s elite; however, the maturity with which he handled the process is something the current crop of greats - like Chris Bosh – can learn from.

If the small market Thunder can keep his supporting cast together, they should be rewarded with playoff success.

Let’s hope so. Right now, Durant is hard not to cheer for.

--O.Sandor

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

Wade and Bosh are expected to announce their decision on Wednesday, according to the source, and continue to lobby James, along with Heat president Pat Riley, to join them in Miami, despite the financial complexities involved for the Heat to make room for all three.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: I know it. You know it. Most importantly, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade know it, too.

LeBron James probably isn’t leaving his home of Cleveland, Ohio to join the NBA’s newest dynamic duo, Bosh and Wade, in Miami.

Simply put, James is The King. While he’s a rule-by-consensus, constitutional monarchy type of king, he still has to be the undisputed first option.

He’s the lead dog. He’s the Alpha Male. And he’s the Michael Jackson of whatever group he`s in -minus the white glove, interviews with Martin Banshear, and threats of dropping a child over the balcony.

It’s always been this way. Always will be, too. So James probably won`t ink a deal with the Heat, where he would have to share the rock with another ball dominating guard in Wade.

Bosh and Wade knew this, but still, reportedly, signed in Miami. Now they must win with a limited supporting cast, which isn`t easy in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Instead of gambling on James, they should have, perhaps, hedged their bets and signed with the Chicago Bulls.

After all, young Derrick Rose is one of the NBA’s best point guards, while Joakim Noah is a nasty, blue-collar post. And Taj Gibson had a promising rookie campaign.

Best of all, the parts –unlike a Miami team with or without James – would fit together. So why didn`t Bosh and Wade give greater consideration to The Windy City?

And it may be a decision they regret.

-- Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Everything is set for Chris Bosh to join LeBron James in Cleveland. Everything, that is, except Bosh's approval.

The Toronto Raptors have told the Cleveland Cavaliers they will do a sign-and-trade with them for Bosh, according to several league sources.

The exact details of the potential trade have not been solidified, but Toronto likely would get Anderson Varejao and or J.J. Hickson, Delonte West, and perhaps Anthony Parker. A draft pick could be involved as well.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’d get LeBron James. He’d get a maximum contract - six-years, $127 million. And he’d also get the city of Cleveland, which is the problem.

Chris Bosh wants to partner with James and score the most lucrative contract available in free agency; however, he was hoping to achieve both with the either Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, or Miami Heat -and not the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bosh would apparently prefer a larger market than Cleveland to maximize marketing opportunities. And this is why he hasn`t green-lighted the agreed upon sign-and-trade between the Raptors and Cavaliers.

However, Bosh`s concerns are puzzling because CB4 and The King would form a dynamic duo, capable of attracting both national and international attention.

Meanwhile, Toronto should be sure Anderson Varejao is part of any deal. Forget his affinity for flopping, the Brazilian ‘big’ would instantly improve the Raptors` defense and allow Andrea Bargnani to play his natural position, the four-spot.

This deal is still a go. All that’s left is Bosh’s approval. Of course, there`s also the little matter of James officially re-signing with Cleveland.

- O.Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Adrian Wojnarowski: ``Source briefed on meeting with Bulls Friday tells Y! that Dwyane Wade`s interest in Chicago is for real``.

(Yahoo Sports, Twitter)

HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Of course, his `interest is for real`.

Dwyane Wade grew up in Chicago. The Windy City has a certain hometown appeal for the athletic two-guard.

The Bulls` supporting cast also gives them an edge on every other suitor. After all, Derrick Rose is a superstar point guard, capable of creating for others and getting his own shot, while Joakim Noah is a physical, blue-collar post.

Keep in mind Chicago can offer Wade and another superstar a maximum contract, so the 2006 NBA Finals MVP will have help in the form of Chris Bosh or maybe even LeBron James.

When conisdering all the angles, it`s easy to see why Wade`s `interest is for real`.

-- Oly Sandor. 

Got thoughts? Well, get at us in the comment box  below!

The Houston Rockets would like to snag one of the top free-agent power forwards, such as Chris Bosh or Amar'e Stoudemire, but it would have to do a sign-and-trade deal in order to get under the salary cap.

Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears has learned from his league sources that the Rockets are offering Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, and free agent Luis Scola to other teams in hopes of getting such a deal done.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It may be the only way the Toronto Raptors salvage a bad situation.

After seven years with the Raptors, Chris Bosh is leaving the organization. He's tapped the mat twice and is out. CB4 and The Big Smoke are no more.

Just one question remains: will Bosh ink a new contract with Toronto as part of a sign-and-trade or will he - and he alone - pick his new home?

The answer is significant for both player and team.

If Bosh and Toronto can arrange a sign-and-trade, he could add an extra year and $30 million onto his contract, while the Raptors could get back compensation.

However, if Bosh selects and signs with his next team, he would have to take a shorter term for less money, while the Raptors would get no compensation.

And Houston has the best legitimate sign-and-trade offer. Consider that this trio of Rockets would instantly transform the Raptors into a more defensive and balanced squad.

Ariza and Battier are first-class stoppers. And Scola is a gritty and skilled international star who would love a multi-cultural city like Toronto -without falling prey to the nightlife like last summer's big ticket signing. 

Of course, the choice is Bosh's. But Toronto must convince him to do a sign-and-trade. After all, getting Ariza, Battier and Scola would be far better than getting nothing.

-- O.Sandor

Got thoughts? Get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Darko Milicic has agreed to a four-year, $20M deal with Minnesota.

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Sources close to Je Johnson have told Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski the believe the All-Star guard will soon accept a six-year, $119 million deal the Hawks offered Thursday morning. Hawks GM GM Rick Sund delivered the offer to Johnson in Los Angeles shortly after midnight Thursday.

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ESPN's NBA contributor Dan LeBatard reports that the Raptors are poised to complete a sign-and-trade deal with Miami that would see Bosh go to the Heat for power forward Michael Beasley, point guard Mario Chalmers and forward Joel Anthony.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Right now, this is a report. Nothing more.

And LeBatard broke this via twitter, so draw your own conclusions; however, the ESPN scribe is typically on point with the happenings of the Miami Heat. 

Still, TSN and The Globe and Mail - which are both based out of Toronto - also have a strong relationship with key people in the Raptors' front office. They've both disputed LeBatard's report. So, again, draw your own conclusions.

Some will hope this report is baseless for the Canadian dinos. They'll argue Bosh is a frontline superstar, and the club has to get more than Anthony, Beasley, and Chalmers.

Perhaps.

Of course, CB4 is an unrestricted free agent. On July 1st, he can walk and the Raptors would get nothing back. Some compensation is better than no compensation.

Still, the next few days will be interesting. Chris Bosh, the Miami Heat, and the Toronto Raptors will be in the middle of the action.

Fact or Fiction? What are your thoughts on this report that Bosh has been traded to the Heat? Come back to HoopsVibe News for more this developing story!

The Nuggets are pressing Carmelo Anthony for a long-term commitment, because if he declines a three-year, $65 million contract extension now on the table, the team must consider trading its leading scorer.

Trade Melo? Would the Nuggets really part ways with a 26-year-old forward in the prime of his NBA career? Denver might not have any choice.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Denver Nuggets are fearful of the Chris Bosh syndrome occurring with Carmelo Anthony.

For instance, 'Melo could pull a 'CB4' and leave 'The Mile High City' as an unrestricted free agent next summer to join a star-studded contending team.

This is the current trend in the NBA. The creme de la creme of players are in constant communication, scheming on building Dream Teams and trying for multiple championships.

So the Nuggets don't want to lose Anthony and getting nothing back. Their franchise face must quickly decide if he's in or out? Is he committed to Denver or looking to test the free agent waters? 

If he won't decide, the club, it seems, will decide for him.

Got thoughts?

The New Jersey Nets traded Yi Jianlian to the Washington Wizards for Quinton Ross on Tuesday.

The Nets sent the Wizards $3 million to complete the deal and also received the Wizards' trade exception, according to league sources.

Yi is scheduled to make $4 million next season. Ross is set to make $1.1 million. The Nets should now have roughly $30 million in cap space to spend after the move, according to sources.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: One team's junk is another team's treasure.

Cap space is king for the New Jersey Nets, as the club needs financial flexibility to sign free agents this summer. And trading Yi Jianlian saves the Nets $3 million and puts them on equal footing with the Chicago Bulls.

Instead of conserving cap space to take a run at a big ticket free agent, the Washington Wizards are taking a different approach. The Wizards are acquiring assets on the cheap from teams who need to cut payroll to compete in the Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and/or Dwyane Wade sweepstakes.

For instance, the Wizards scored Kirk Hinrich on draft day. The cost: assuming the combo guard's $9 million per season salary.

Hinrich can back-up both guard spots and mentor first overall pick John Wall, while Yi will fill in for - and hopefully replace - injured four-man Andray Blatche.

Expect a few more of these deals before the July 1st free agent market opens.

Got thoughts?       

David Kahn says he plans to call two agents at 11 o'clock Wednesday, when the NBA's free-agency negotiation period begins. I hear from a good league source that one of those two guys is Memphis forward Rudy Gay.I texted David Kahn for a confirmation or denial Monday evening and he did not respond.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This makes sense.

The lowly Minnesota Timberwolves should target Rudy Gay, the athletic swing with the Memphis Grizzlies. While young and talented, Gay has been overlooked because this year`s free agent class features superstars Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, Amar`e Stoudemire, and Dwyane Wade.

But Gay has the explosiveness to become an All-Star. And the Wolves are desperate for a small forward to complement their bevy of point guards and power forwards.

Best of all, Gay is ripe for the picking because Minnesota - which has just $25 million in committed salary for 2011 - can afford to float a big ticket offer, while small market Memphis may lack the resources to match.

So perhaps the Wolves make a splash in this summer`s free agent market.

Got thoughts?

"The Raptors would like to get something in a sign-and-trade for Bosh, but they likely won’t deal him in the East. The Lakers are expected to offer Andrew Bynum, a legitimate low post center, and Lamar Odom, and take back Jarrett Jack, whom the Raptors would like to move."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: All they can do is make the best of a bad situation.

After all, franchise face Chris Bosh seems destined to leave the Toronto Raptors as a free agent when the market opens July 1st. Executive Bryan Colangelo admitted as much at a recent press conference.

There's no easy way to lose a 26 year old superstar. However, there's an easier way.

For instance, if Chris Bosh joins fellow free agents LeBron James and/or Dwyane Wade in Miami or Chicago, he'll likely leave a year and $30 million on the table. And the Raptors will get nothing in return.

If Bosh inks a deal with the Raptors as part of a sign-and-trade, he can get the longest term and most money available. And the club can get something back, which is better than nothing.

Enter the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-time defending champs are offering Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom for Bosh and Jarrett Jack.

Such a deal would achieve two things. First, Bynum is a legit five-man. His length, size, and ability to plug the middle would transform the Raptors into a more defensive side. And skilled post Andrea Bargnani could slide to the four-spot, his natural position.

Second, Bosh would be out west. He wouldn't be in the same conference. He wouldn't drop into Air Canada Centre several times a year with his new superstar teammates. He wouldn't win championships with the the Bulls or Heat. And all of this would allow the Raptors to save face.

Of course, the ball is in Bosh's court. As an unrestricted free agent, he holds most of the cards.

All Colangelo can do is offer a sign-and-trade. Joining Kobe Bryant and the NBA's best team may be enough for Bosh to re-consider his plans to partner with James and Wade, especially if he gets the maximum term and money.

This is the Raptors' only card, so Colangelo better do everything to play it.

Got thoughts?       

"I’d obviously like to play for a winning team and win something. I got two boys and a wife and our home base is Miami so anywhere up and down this east coast would be a great fit for me."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: There are two reasons Raja Bell - an unrestricted free agent - has interest in suiting up for the Miami Heat.

First, as Bell mentioned South Beach is home. He grew up in Florida. He went to college in Florida. And his family lives in Florida. So there's a sentimental attachment to the area.

Second, Bell is aware of a rumor making the viral rounds: Chris Bosh and LeBron James will join Dwyane Wade and sign with the Miami Heat instead of the Chicago Bulls.

James reportedly has concerns about the Bulls: owner Jerry Reinsdorf is always reluctant to spend on winning; Derrick Rose may struggle off the ball next to The King; there's no three-point gunner to spread the floor and keep opposing defenses honest; and Tom Thibodeau is a rookie coach.

(Of course, this could be conjecture and speculation. Chicago still has much to offer free agents.)

So Bell knows Miami could well become a contender -and surely wants in.

The Heat - after the dust settles with James and Bosh - should add Bell. His defense, intensity, and three-point stroke is perfect for a contending team. And he’d likely give oil-slick GM Pat Riley a hometown discount.

Right now, Miami is looking to make major moves, which could land them a useful veteran in Bell. 

Got thoughts?

Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni are seeking to arrange a meeting with Atlanta free agent Joe Johnson in Los Angeles Wednesday at midnight -- or 9 p.m. California time -- before flying to Ohio for the LeBron James' pow-wow. Even crazier, the Knicks are trying to fit in Amare' Stoudemire that evening, too, in either LA or Phoenix.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Not for a New York second.

Joe Johnson and Amar’e Stoudemire won’t satisfy hungry Knick fans who are thirsting for free agents Chris Bosh and LeBron James to turn Madison Square Garden into a contender starting in October of 2010.

Consider Knick-nation’s plight: former prodigal son Stephon Marbury imploded before their very eyes; GM and coach Isiah Thomas shamed the organization with his dysfunctional ways and irresponsible spending; and for too long owner James Dolan did nothing, content to count his profits.

Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni were hired to turn things around, but - instead of immediately competing for the playoffs – they purged the roster of big ticket salaries, so they could sign James and other free agents this summer.

That decision was made years ago. And the Knicks have intentionally tanked it ever since.

Management got fans to buy-in by selling hope, specifically the hope that they’d ink James – one of the game’s greatest stars – to a multi-year contract.

Cap space alone won’t secure James’ services. The King wants to win, and rumour has it he likes the Chicago Bulls’ supporting cast of point guard Derrick Rose and big Joakim Noah better than the Knicks’ depleted roster.

Bosh, who also wants to win now, has allegedly decided to follow the two-time MVP and serve as his co-star in The Windy City.

Walsh isn’t stupid. He sees how the free agent dominoes are aligning. He gets that the club will likely have to settle for Johnson and Stoudemire.

This won’t cut it in New York, where some of the NBA’s most educated fans reside. After all, Johnson and Stoudemire are good, but Bosh and James are great.

Unless Walsh and D’Antoni deliver great this July, fans will wonder why they suffered through the pain, torture, and punishment.

Got thoughts?

To listen to World Wide Wes, LeBron will never look back on Cleveland. “He’s up out of there,” is the way he tells it to people, but LeBron’s Akron crew has to tsk-tsk such public talk because they all live in Northeast Ohio, and maybe always will. "We're going to Chicago," WIlliam Wesley tells people," "and Chris Bosh is coming, too." 

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: 'World Wide Wes', one of the NBA's great power brokers, believes the Chicago Bulls are poised for a big off-season. And he's right.

After dealing Kirk Hinrich and their 17th pick in Thursday's draft and getting nothing but cap space back, the Bulls have the financial flexibility to tender two max' contracts.

So The Windy City could sign LeBron James and bring in Chris Bosh, too. 

Other clubs - the Miami Heat and New York Knicks - can also offer a pair of max contracts, but the Bulls distinguish themselves by already having a star point guard in Derrick Rose and an established four-man with Joakim Noah.

Such a supporting cast may be enough for James to turn his back on the Cleveland Cavaliers -even though they can offer the most money, longest term, and he grew up in nearby Akron, Ohio.  

Even if James gets sentimental and re-signs with the Cavaliers, the Bulls could turn to superstar Joe Johnson, which isn't a bad plan-B.

Bottom line: Chicago is the team to watch this summer. 

Got thoughts?

Jalen Rose: ``It is almost CERTAIN that LEBRON JAMES WILL NOT be returning to the CAVS!”

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Rose, an analyst for ESPN, also tweets that the Bulls, Clippers, and Heat are the top three destinations for James.

Of course, all these organizations have issues: the Bulls - a contender because of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah - have unstable management with GM John Paxson going all 'Fight Club' on former coach Vinny Del Negro; the Clippers have talented players, but an awful owner in Donald Sterling; and the Heat may prefer a big like Chris Bosh as a sidekick to Dwyane Wade.

The Cavaliers aren't out of the sweepstakes, as they have a financial and personal advantage over the competition.

For instance, they can offer James $30 million more than any team. They can also offer an extra year on his max' contract.

And don't forget that James, who can afford to live anywhere in the world during the summer, makes his off-season home in nearby Akron, Ohio, where he grew up.

Clearly, James is comfortable in Cleveland. And clearly, he`s connected to Ohio. This loyalty will be a huge factor in his decision.

Rose may be right: James could still bolt on the Cavaliers. But it`s far from a certainty.

Got thoughts?

"I don't want to be mentioned as an addition to a team," Bosh said prior to the season. "I want to be mentioned as the guy that people want to center their team around."

The Cavs happen to have a very attractive package to entice the Raptors with. They could package up Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, and J.J. Hickson for Jose Calderon and Chris Bosh, which would be a hard deal for anyone else in the league to top.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Cleveland would be pulling highway robbery if this rumor became reality.

Acquiring Chris Bosh would provide the Cavaliers with two options. First, with Bosh in the fold they'd be well positioned to re-sign LeBron James, their top priority this summer. Second, if King James did leave they could rebuild and regroup around CB4. 

For Cleveland, it's a no-lose situation. However, it makes little sense for Toronto -other than getting rid of Calderon's considerable contract.

Whatever happens this summer, whether Bosh stays or leaves, the Raptors must find an identity and stick with it.

When Bryan Colangelo first took over in the front office he acquired a skilled Euro from what seemed like every semi-autonomous region on the other side of the Atlantic  Ocean. The goal: become an offensive machine, the Phoenix Suns of the Eastern Conference.

This vision failed. And Colangelo had little choice but to try and make Toronto a more defensive-orientated club. Unfortunately, he had several players on the books - like Andrea Bargnani and Calderon - who were unable to fit the new gets-stops approach.

While Antawn Jamison and Mo Williams are talented, they wouldn't help the Raptors develop an identity. Neither is strong in their own end. And neither can carry a team.

Worst of all, both have long-term deals for big ticket money. Jamison is on the books for two years, $28 million, while Williams has two years plus a player's option for 2012-13 at $27 million. And this cost would neutralize any upside Hickson has.

Don't expect this proposed deal to materialize. Cleveland will likely have to do better if they want to acquire Bosh from Toronto via a sign-and-trade.

Got thoughts on this rumor?    

Meanwhile, the Raptors are not just sitting around. Rather, Colangelo is shopping Hedo Turkoglu, Jose Calderon, and Jarrett Jack with an eye toward making trades before July 1. The same source told me that a Turkoglu trade was already in the works and could happen by the draft.

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We knew a few veteran players with big contracts and opt-out clauses would be entering free agency this July in order to avoid relying on the power of the union in its collective bargaining negotiations over the next year. Despite that, a few opt-out declarations have come as surprises.

Count Bobcats center Tyson Chandler among them. Chandler, a 27-year-old scheduled to make $12.6 million next season, is strongly considering opting out of his deal, reports ESPN's Chad Ford.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Only a tier-one, creme de la creme player should opt-out, leave eight-figures on the table, and become a free agent.

Translation: unless you're Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, or LeBron James, stay put. Average players - sorry, but that's you Chandler - should enjoy the obscene contract they signed when times were good in the NBA because the free agent landscape has changed.

For the most part, free agency now favors the buyer. Teams dictate money. Teams dictate term. And average players no longer command obscene, Enron-inflated contracts. 

Chandler, an injury-prone center, won't get the money or a security he covets in free agency. His best option: not opting out and staying another year in Charlotte.

Should Chandler opt-out or stay with the Bobcats? 

So why stop there?

The latest buzz has Ray Allen looking to bolt the Celtics when he becomes free on July 1 to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Ray-Ray in The MIA makes sense.

The 2010 playoff showed The Big Three is no more for the Boston Celtics. Instead of relying specifically on Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce, the green-and-white is succeeding with a team-first approach.

Everyone has contributed. In fact, Allen, Garnett, and Pierce have - at one time or another - struggled during the club's second-season run.

Perhaps, Boston GM Danny Ainge lets his veteran sharpshooter leave via free agency and signs/trades for a younger two-guard. Remember, Ainge allegedly shopped Allen at the trade deadline, trying to swap his expiring contract for scorer Kevin Martin. 

Miami would be heaven for Allen. He'd get open looks galore with opposing defenses doubling Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh -if he signs with the Heat.  Wade, Bosh, and Allen would together vault Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference.

One thing is certain: The Big Three is on their last legs in Boston.   

Got thoughts on Ray Allen in Miami?

"I openly told the Kings that I wasn't going to stay. They told me they were OK with it and that they were going to try to trade me to a competitive team, probably on draft day ... I have to wait. Toronto is not a bad option, but I don't want to talk about rumors." -Andres Nocioni, Sacramento Kings.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Andres Nocioni for Hedo Turkoglu?

For days, this rumor has been making rounds in Sacramento and Toronto. Nocioni and Turkoglu both requested a trade, so the Kings and Raptors should consider swapping problems.

On the one hand, this would make sense. After all, the money is close. Both Nocioni and Turkoglu have long-term pacts, but the Raptors would need to take back another role player to match up contracts.

The Kings might have interest in Turkgolu -if he turns back the clock to 2009, while the Raptors could use the Argentine's aggression,

On the other hand, things are complicated for both teams. The Kings are young and may be weary of adding the Turkish swing's big ticket and attitude. Of course, the Raptors want to cut ties with Turkoglu, but are unsure of what assets to seek with Chris Bosh's pending free agency. For instance, if Bosh leaves, GM Bryant Colangelo may want pieces to rebuild with. If Bosh re-signs, Colangelo may prefer a veteran, perhaps, like Nocioni.

Nocioni is right: 'Toronto is not a bad option', but he'll have to wait and see if a trade materializes.

What do you think of Nocioni for Turkoglu? 

The New Jersey Nets and ESPN analyst Avery Johnson have reached a verbal agreement to hire Johnson as the Nets' new coach.

Johnson is expected to be introduced on Thursday, said a person who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity because the team has yet to announce the deal.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For a coach, credibility is everything.

Most NBA players earn more money than their coach. And player contracts are usually guaranteed for several years, while the typical coach's contract has a far shorter term.

So, players, especially stars, hold leverage over the man who, in theory, is their boss. With such a dysfunctional arrangement, players won't follow a coach they don't respect or believe in.

Fortunately, for the New Jersey Nets, Johnson has credibility to burn. He holds the all time best winning percentage for a sideline boss and led the Dallas Mavericks to the sixth game of the 2006 NBA Finals. 

The current ESPN analyst will have the attention of the Nets' young core mostly because of his run with the San Antonio Spurs. Johnson may have been a role player, but The Little General's enthusiasm and leadership was key to the Spurs winning two NBA Titles.

Of course, this will be attractive to the summer's free agent class. Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, and Dwyane Wade know of - and appreciate - Johnson's championship pedigree. So do second tier free agents like Carlos Boozer and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Expect the Nets to improve in 2010. And Johnson's credibility will be a big part of the turnaround.  

Is Johnson the right hire for New Jersey?

I think that could be more of an after-the-fact type of trade, once the Heat and Cavaliers are done with free agency. If LeBron leaves Cleveland and doesn’t come to Miami, then perhaps there could be something to Beasley-for-Mo. But I can’t see the Heat, or any space team, making a play for before playing the free-agent market.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: They'll go big. Then small.

The Miami Heat will first try to pair superstar Dwyane Wade with a co-star in the post. Options include free agents Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Bosh, for many reasons, would work best. He's bigger than Boozer and unlike Stoudemire plays defense. Also, CB4 has a relationship with Wade through their agent, Henry Thomas, and TEAM USA.

After years in Toronto, Bosh is hungry. He'd gladly defer to Wade -if it meant competing for a championship.

Once the Heat has their inside-outside combo settled, they'll look to upgrade supporting pieces. And the Cleveland Cavaliers have made it known Mo Williams is available.

Williams might be a fit. His smooth stroke would punish opposing defenses when they doubled-up on Wade and/or Bosh. Best of all, the combo point guard will have a giant chip on his shoulder after being effectively blamed for the Cavaliers' playoff failures.

One thing is certain: Miami has plans for the off-season. And it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

What should the Heat do this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.   

-- If the Cavs decide to trade Mo Williams, one possible destination could be Toronto in exchange for Jose Calderon. Williams is a more dynamic scorer and Calderon is more of a distributor. Both are great free-throw shooters, but neither player is a good defender.

Their contracts are similar in amount and length. The Raptors would like to move Calderon and swingman Hedo Turkoglu.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It would be an exchange of problems. Nothing more.

Calderon with his porous defense, fragile frame, and expensive contract has fallen out of favor in Toronto, while Williams' statue-like 'D', score-first mentality, and big ticket  is expendable in Cleveland.

But Williams wouldn't be much of an upgrade for the Raptors; same with Calderon joining the Cavaliers.

The only thing that works are the contracts: Williams and Calderon make similar money and the term matches, too.

Both teams are probably putting the feelers out and testing the trade market before Chris Bosh and LeBron James hit free agency on July 1st.

Expect all kinds of changes in Toronto and Cleveland this summer. Only it won't be Calderon for Williams. 

Got thoughts on Calderon for Williams?

There are all kinds of people in that conversation. LeBron James has said he is the ringleader. Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson ... it's a who's who of this year's free agent class. In terms of having a lot at stake, those players are at the top of the list with the owners, staffs and fans of the various teams.

But there is another interested party no one has mentioned: Nike, and its affiliated Jordan brand.

That is a giant corporation with a lot of branding tied up in basketball, and specifically the footwear of the best basketball players in the world, including James, Bosh, Wade and Johnson as well as Amare Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki and dozens more who could change teams this year. Where they all end up will not just determine the fortunes of various NBA teams, but also the abilities of those players to inspire fans to buy shoes.

Link to article by Henry Abbott on ESPN Truehoop

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: While furthering The Swoosh may not be priority one, it will be a major priority.

Players like Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade view themselves as brands and value their lucrative relationships with Nike.

These players have people whose job is to figure out the impact playing for a certain team will have on sponsors. For instance, fact or fiction, much has been speculated about Nike wanting James in the world’s largest media market, New York City.

Clearly, The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010 is about the business of basketball, and not so much the game of basketball. 

Got thoughts on Nike’s role in the free agent summit?

Last week, Wade told the Chicago Tribune that he planned to talk with fellow free agents LeBron James and Joe Johnson before making a decision on where he would sign this summer. A source told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that Bosh also would be part of those talks, and Amar'e Stoudemire, who is likely to opt out of the final year of his current contract with the Phoenix Suns, told AOL Fanhouse that he planned to be part of those talks, too.

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HoopsVibe's Quick Call:  Rumor has it journeyman Brian Cardinal wants in. Darko Milicic also plans on attending. And Adam Morrison, the dude permanently attached to the Los Angeles Lakers' bench, may also show - if the purple-and-gold don't offer the restricted free agent a one year deal for the minimum before free agency hits.

Seriously.

Jokes aside, this summit, or whatever it's called, is getting bizarre. Sure, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudemire, Dwyane Wade, and Mother Teresa can meet and discuss their future or anything else they like. 

However, James and Wade are wasting their incredible leverage. As the game's best players, they should pick where they want to play, who they want to play with, who they want to play for, and then make the team they selected meet their demands.

Nothing else should be considered. After all, this is pro sports, not friends running together on the playground.

James and Wade have supposedly waited years for this summer. Instead of wasting time and energy consulting others, they should figure out exactly what they want and get it. 

What do you think of the free agent summit? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts.

Dwyane Wade has a big decision to make on where he'll sign this offseason. And before he makes his choice, he said he'll talk it over with fellow big-ticket free agents LeBron James and Joe Johnson.

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HoopsVibe's Call: It was reported to be the sitdown of all sitdowns. Like the five families of New York meeting in the 1960's to split up their various interests. Yet, nobody knew if The Dons of the 2010 free agent class were really going to meet before deciding where to sign.

Until now.      

Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, and Dwyane Wade will connect, chat, pick their destinations, and, ultimately, decide the landscape of the NBA for years to come. 

This foursome will discuss how to to partner-up and avoid undercutting each other on the open market. Look for Bosh and Wade to possibly sign as a package because they share the same agent, power-player Henry Thomas.

Of course, anything and everything can happen, so we'll just have to wait until July 1st. 

What do you think of Bosh, James, Johnson, and Wade's sitdown? Get at us in the comment box below.

Usually in professional sports, the coach is selling the free agent player on his team as a potential destination. The Los Angeles Clippers are prepared to take a different approach. As the only team without a coach that doesn't appear to be looking, reports say that the Clippers are prepared to offer big-name free agents something in addition to the maximum contract: pick your own coach. That's right, the plan in Los Angeles might be to use the coaching vacancy as an additional draw to free agents like Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and even Lebron James. They all know they will get the maximum salary, but where else can they pick their coach?

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HoopsVibe Call: It's why the Clippers are the Clippers. And it's why they'll remain a league laughingstock.

Despite having talented players, coaches, and executives, Los Angeles' other team can't get their act together. Allowing star free agents like Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and even Dwyane Wade to pick their next coach is another example of their lunacy.

Good organizations don't let the inmates - regardless of how talented Bosh, James, and Wade are - run the asylum. For instance, in San Antonio, Tim Duncan has always deferred to coach Gregg Popovich, which forces his teammates to listen to the veteran sideline boss.

Across town, Kobe Bryant, like it or not, follows Laker coach Phil Jackson -even though he oftens seems more like the duplicitous Machiavelli than the peaceful Zen-Master. And Michael Jordan also followed Jackson when they won six NBA Titles with the Chicago Bulls.

Having a player - regardless of how great he is - select their next coach makes that coach a subordinate. And this is a recipe for disaster. Of course, leave it to the Clippers, one of the worst organizations in pro sport, to make this blunder.

Should Bosh, James, or Wade get to pick the Clippers' next coach? Should any player get to pick his coach? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts.     

"Chris Bosh's agent has told the Toronto Raptors that he's narrowed his list of preferred teams to five, two sources told ESPN.com's Chad Ford at the NBA draft camp.

There are a handful of teams with the cap space to sign a major free agent. You know the names. New York, Chicago, New Jersey, etc. ... The Wizards have a ton of space under the cap, too, but are seldom mentioned as possible destinations for the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh.

Why is that?

"Because," says Grunfeld, "I don't talk to the media that much."

Does a top overall pick put the Wizards in the free agent conversation?

Grunfeld is coy. "We will see," he says. "The No. 1 pick is a good start. We'll see how free agency goes.

Link to Truehoop

HoopsVibe's Call: John Wall isn't enough.

While talented and athletic, the first overall pick in the NBA draft isn't nearly enough for the Washington Wizards to land an unrestricted free agent like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh.

After all, the Wizards are years from contending. And James, Wade, and Bosh want to win now. They'll have little time, patience, or interest in a rebuilding project -unless it's in Madison Square Garden or across the river in New Jersey.

With considerable cap space, Washington could consider a second tier free agent, specifically at the four or five spots (sorry, HoopsVibe News isn't fond of the talented, but troubled Andray Blatche).

If Carlos Boozer or Amar'e Stoudemire isn't a fit, they can always preserve their financial flexibility and patiently acquire both young and veteran pieces to support Wall.

This, however, would make too much sense for the Wizards, an organization with a track record for hasty and poor decisions.  

Does Washington have a shot at James, Bosh, or Wade? Why? Why not? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts?

Could it be any plainer? Bosh is a technologically savvy fellow whose gift for self-promotion and attention-grabbing on the web has been as deliberate and well-orchestrated as his rise in basketball. Short of offering to wax Bryant’s Bentley with a balled-up Raptors jersey, it looks like a dead giveaway.

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“I don’t think you can say it’s not like him,” Triano said. “There have been times throughout his career where he has been frustrated.” 

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