All NBA Talk

U.S. Men's Team Win Gold Medal

Sherron Shabazz — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:08:10 GMT

After eight long years, the United States returned to its place atop the basketball world, winning the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics with a 118-107 victory over Spain. Spain fought hard but Kobe Bryant was just too much for them in the end, scoring 13 points in the 4th quarter. Spain walked away with the silver medal while Argentina won the bronze medal defeating Lithuania 87-75.

Celtics Sign Darius Miles

Sherron Shabazz — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:49:17 GMT

The Boston Celtics announced that they have signed free agent forward Darius Miles. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Miles, a known head case has magically won over Celtics management. "Darius has been in twice for workouts with us and has impressed us with his progress, health, and attitude;" said Danny Ainge, Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations/General Manager. "Darius will have the next couple of months to prove to myself and Coach Rivers that he can help us win." Miles, a 6'9", 235lbs forward out of East St. Louis High School has posted career averages of 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.15 blocks in 412 career games.

Devin Brown has rejoined the New Orleans Hornets after playing last season in Cleveland. Brown (6-5, 210) is a six-year NBA veteran, holding career averages of 7.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 352 games while a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz. “I am thrilled to be back on the Hornets,” Brown said. “The team is filled with great talent and playing with a point guard like Chris Paul is a joy. I am excited to be in New Orleans, I have a lot of family in the city, so it has always been a second home to me.” "I'll be all over the place," Brown said Friday. "I can play one through four, basically. And if I was a couple of inches taller, I'd play at the five, too. Wherever coach (Byron Scott) needs me to play, I'll play."

Also returning to their old team is big man Theo Ratliff, who returns to Philadelphia after ending last season in Detroit. “We are very fortunate to sign a player of Theo’s caliber,” 6er GM Ed Stefanski said. “He is a consummate professional, both on the court and off, who will provide us with additional depth in the front court while also serving as a mentor to some of our younger players.” The Sixers now have three players who rank among the NBA’s top-11 active all-time leaders in blocks per game (Elton Brand, Samuel Dalembert and Ratliff).

Straight outta Slovenia, point guard Goran Dragic is expected to sign with the Phoenix Suns in September. Dragic was quoted as saying "This is like my dream come true, I'm the happiest man on Earth now." Going the opposite way across the Atlantic former Suns guard Gordan Giricek has signed a 2 year deal to play with Turkey's premier club, Fenerbahce. Rarely used Miami Heat center Earl Barron has signed with Italy's Fortitudo Bologna.

Several players around the league are staying put as the Denver Nuggets have re-signed guard J.R. Smith to a multi-year contract. Smith, 22, has averaged 12.6 ppg in 137 regular season games for the Nuggets over the past two seasons – primarily as a reserve (just 24 starts). He has shot .396 (306-772) from three-point range as a Nugget, which ranks as the best percentage in team history (minimum 100 made treys). Other players re-signing include Dorell Wright in Miami, Paul Davis of the L.A. Clippers, Demetris Nichols in Chicago, and Devean George has signed a 2 year, $4 million dollar contract to stay in Dallas.

76ers Re-Sign Iguodala

Sherron Shabazz — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:38:27 GMT

The Philadelphia 76ers and Andre Iguodala have agreed to a six-year, $80 million contract. Bringing Iguodala back into the fold gives the 76ers a dangerous starting 5 of Iguodala, Andre Miller, Thaddeus Young, Elton Brand, and Samuel Dalembert. The 6ers have lost big man Jason Smith to a knee injury and look to replace him with free agent and former 6er Theo Ratliff. The 6ers have built a very nice squad and look poised to make a lot of noise in the upcoming season.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Mo Williams was the center piece of a 3 team trade that sent Mo to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs sent guard Damon Jones to the Milwaukee Bucks and forward Joe Smith to the Oklahoma City franchise. The Oklahoma City team also gained forward Desmond Mason while sending Luke Ridnour and Adrian Griffin to Milwaukee.

The Bucks remained active in the off season as they've signed former Sonics and Spurs big man Francisco Elson. The Spurs and veteran guard Michael Finley have agreed on a new contract. The Atlanta Hawks continue to get stronger as they signed combo guard Flip Murray. The Los Angeles Lakers have signed former Clipper Josh Powell, and the Suns have signed Louis Amundson.

Europe continues to raid NBA talent as former Hornet Jannero Pargo signed a 1 year deal worth $4 million dollars with Moscow Dynamo. The guaranteed money in Russia trumped serious bids made by the Spurs and Hawks. He joins former Nets forward Bostjan Nachbar who also left the NBA for greener pastures. In another trip across the Atlantic guard Dan Dickau has signed a two-year deal to play with Avellino of the Italian League.

Hawks Retain Josh Smith

Sherron Shabazz — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:52:20 GMT

The Memphis Grizzlies signed Hawks forward Josh Smith to a 5 year $58 million dollar offer sheet that was quickly matched by the Atlanta Hawks. After losing Josh Childress in free agency it was important for the Hawks to lock up their most dynamic player. The Hawks helped out their roster by adding former Bulls guard Thomas Gardner and Ohio State's Othello Hunter.

The Philadelphia 76ers re-signed their back up point guard Louis Williams for 5 years $25 million dollars. Negotiations with Andre Iguodala remain ongoing. The Los Angeles Clippers signed former Heat guard Jason Williams to a one year contract. L.A. also shored up their front line by signing journeyman Brian Skinner. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed Memphis guard Tarence Kinsey as negotiations with Delonte West continue.

The Hornets have reportedly reached an agreement with reserve forward Ryan Bowen to bring him back for the 2008-09 season. The Orlando Magic re-signed free agent center Adonal Foyle. He averaged 1.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game this past season. The Detroit Pistons have added guard Will Bynum who played last season for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli League, in addition to re-signing forward Walter Herrmann. The Charlotte Bobcats signed Chicago native and former Bulls guard Shannon Brown. The Oklahoma City NBA franchise acquired guard Kyle Weaver in a trade with the Charlotte Bobcats In exchange for New Jersey’s 2009 2nd round pick.

The Lakers helped out their backcourt by adding D-League star Dwayne Mitchell and Chinese Olympian Sun Yue. The Denver Nuggets signed Grizzlies guard/forward Dahntay Jones. The Los Angeles Clippers acquired forward Steve Novak from the Houston Rockets. In return, Houston will have the option to exchange second round picks with the Clippers in 2011. The 2006 NBA Champion Miami Heat added forwards Bobby Jones and Yakhouba Diawara.

Several mid-level talents continue to chase the Euro as Earl Boykins signed a one-year contract with Italy's Virtus Bologna. The deal is worth more than $3.5 million for the 2008-09 season, which would make the 5-foot-5 guard Italy's highest-paid player. Orlando's Carlos Arroyo has accepted an offer from Israel's Maccabi Tel-Aviv. The point guard from Puerto Rico will receive an estimated $2.5 million net next season -- roughly the equivalent of a $5 million NBA salary after taxes over 3 seasons.

Bulls Extend Luol Deng

Sherron Shabazz — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:38:55 GMT

The Chicago Bulls and Luol Deng have agreed on a 6 year deal worth $71 million dollars. Incentives could push the contract to $80 million dollars. The dollar amount of this contract comes as a surprise considering the down year Deng and the Bulls had in 07-08. After recent front-loaded contracts signed by Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni, this contract is back-loaded so the first-year salary is the lowest and helps the Bulls remain out of luxury-tax territory.

That also means about $8 million is left for the Bulls, who are still negotiating with Ben Gordon, to avoid flirting with projected luxury-tax figures for next summer. Reinsdorf has told agents he won't pay the prohibitive luxury tax for a non-championship team. Gordon is seeking a deal that is at least equal to Deng's. That's now impossible unless the Bulls enter luxury-tax territory. If a long-term extension with Gordon isn't reached, a sign-and-trade scenario could develop or Gordon would play on his one-year tender of $6.4 million.

While I am happy that a deal has been reached with Luol Deng, I am disappointed that Ben Gordon will be short changed in the process. Ben Gordon has led the Chicago Bulls in scoring for 4 straight seasons. Gordon is the best shooter and scorer that this team has. To consider trading him could destroy the offensive chemistry of the Bulls.

Locking up Deng for 6 more seasons is a step in the right direction. Once the Gordon situation is resolved John Paxson should look to trim down the backcourt and attain some low post help. With Derrick Rose as the centerpiece, the Bulls have a very bright future.

Artest Traded To Rockets

Sherron Shabazz — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:24:02 GMT

Crazy Ron Ron has found a new home. The Sacramento Kings have traded Ron Artest to the Houston Rockets for former King Bobby Simmons, rookie Donte Greene, and a 2009 first round pick. The Rockets also are expected to acquire rookies Patrick Ewing Jr. and Sean Singletary in the deal to make the money match, but both have partially guaranteed contracts and are likely to be released. The Rockets will also send the Kings cash in excess of $1 million.

This is a great move by the Rockets. Artest is the missing piece to a team that has struggled to get out of the first round. Artest and Luis Scola provide the toughness that Yao Ming lacks. Having Shane Battier and Ron Artest on the same team may be redundant. Look for Houston to field offers for Battier before the trade deadline.

Tracy McGrady has no more excuses. He is an elite scorer, he has arguably the best center in the NBA on his team, and now he has crazy Ron Artest.

Bobcats Keep Okafor

Sherron Shabazz — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:20:25 GMT

The Charlotte Bobcats have agreed in principle on a six-year contract worth at least $72 million with restricted free agent Emeka Ofakor. Okafor averaged 13.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks last season in 33.2 minutes per game last season.

The New York Knickerbockers announced that a 2010 second-round draft choice, guard Taurean Green and guard/forward Bobby Jones have been acquired from Denver for forward Renaldo Balkman and cash considerations. Green and Jones were immediately waived.

In other eastern conference player movement, the Atlanta Hawks signed guard/forward Maurice Evans and forward/center Randolph Morris to contracts. The Philadelphia 76ers signed guards Kareem Rush and Royal Ivey further bettering their team. The Detroit Pistons signed the 2001 #1 pick Kwame Brown to a two year $8 million dollar contract.

Nets center Nenad Krstic has officially signed a two year contract with Triumph Moscow worth $9 million per year. Krstic joins Josh Childress, Bostjan Nachbar, Juan Carlos Navarro, Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino, and Primoz Brezec as NBA players who opted to play for more money overseas this year.

In the west the Warriors re-signed center Andris Biedrins to a six-year contract worth a guaranteed $54 million and potentially topping $62 million with incentives. The L.A. Clippers signed Heat guard Ricky Davis for two years, $4.7 million with an opt out clause for Davis after his first year.

Donaghy Gets 15 Months In Prison

Sherron Shabazz — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:51:43 GMT

NBA referee Tim Donaghy was sentenced to 15 months in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty last year to taking thousands of dollars in payoffs from a professional gambler for inside betting tips. Donaghy's lawyer asked the judge for probation. He had faced up to 33 months in prison, but the judge gave him credit for his cooperation. Donaghy told the court, "I brought shame on myself and my family."

Donaghy pleaded guilty last August to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce for taking payoffs from a professional gambler for inside tips on games. ast week, two of Donaghy's former high school classmates were sentenced to more than a year in prison for their roles in the scheme. James Battista, a professional gambler and admitted drug addict, got 15 months in prison for making bets based on inside tips. Thomas Martino, the scheme's middleman, was sentenced to a year and one day for paying the referee thousands of dollars for the tips. The three men attended school together in Springfield, Pa. The league had demanded nearly $1.4 million in restitution. But the judge last week set the restitution at $217,266, to be paid jointly by the three defendants.

Donaghy also was sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release, on the condition that he receive mental health treatment for his gambling addiction. Donaghy's defense attorney asked that Donaghy be sent to a federal prison camp in Florida, near his family.

Warriors Sign Monta Ellis To Extension

Sherron Shabazz — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:56:05 GMT

The Golden State Warriors signed their 22-year-old restricted free agent Monta Ellis to a six-year, $67 million contract. Ellis is receiving one of the largest raises in NBA history. As the 40th player selected in the 2005 draft, Ellis was paid just $770,610 last season. He will earn $11 million in 2008-2009. The Warriors also matched the offer sheet given to Kelenna Azubuike by the Los Angeles Clippers.

The other L.A. team re-signed their backup guard Sasha Vujacic to a three-year, $15 million contract to remain in L.A. Staying in California the Kings signed Cal State guard Bobby Brown. Hornets forward Chris Anderson is returning to the Denver Nuggets where his NBA career began. The Minnesota Timberwolves reached terms on a new contract with restricted free agent Ryan Gomes and the Charlotte Bobcats re-signed restricted free agent center Ryan Hollins.

Jerryd Bayless: Las Vegas Summer League MVP

Sherron Shabazz — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:20:41 GMT

Bayless was named the T-Mobile NBA Summer League Top Rookie after averaging 29.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in four games in Las Vegas.

Jazz Sign Deron Williams To Extension

Sherron Shabazz — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:31:43 GMT

Utah Jazz General Manager, Kevin O’Connor, announced that the team has signed a multi-year contract extension with point guard Deron Williams. The deal is worth $70 million dollars over four seasons.

“Deron is the cornerstone of what we have been building over the past three years and he is a significant part of our foundation for the future,” said O’Connor.

Williams has led the Jazz to two consecutive Northwest Division titles. In 29 postseason contests, the guard has averaged 20.3 points, 9.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds. The third overall selection in the 2005 NBA Draft, Williams has career averages of 15.3 points, 8.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds while appearing in a total of 242 of a possible 246 career games.

In addition the Jazz traded guard Jason Hart to the Clippers for veteran point guard Brevin Knight. Los Angeles signed Warriors forward Kelenna Azubuike to an offer sheet that Golden State is not expected to match. Azubuike is expected to replace the departed Matt Barnes who signed a one year deal with the Phoenix Suns.

The Warriors continue to be active in this off season signing Laker forward Rony Turiaf to a 4 year $17 million dollar contract and signing Nets point guard Marcus Williams in exchange for a conditional 1st round draft pick. The Nets filled the gap left by Williams by adding Magic guard Keyon Dooling.

The world champion Boston Celtics resigned guards Eddie House and Tony Allen, but lost their best bench player James Posey in free agency to the New Orleans Hornets. 2007 champions the San Antonio Spurs signed D-League forward Anthony Tolliver, in addition to resigning veteran forward Kurt Thomas. In a head scratcher, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed guard Sebastian Telfair to a 3 year contract.

Several NBA players unable to sign deals in the U.S. are going overseas. Josh Childress of the Atlanta Hawks signed a 3 year $20 million dollar deal with Olympiakos of Greece. Raptors center Primoz Brezec signed a multi-year deal with Lottomatica Roma of Italy. His teammate Carlos Delfino signed a 3 year $30 million dollar contract to play for Khimki BC of the Russian league. Nets forward Bostjan Nachbar is also headed to Russia to play with Dynamo Moscow for a reported $14.3 million over 3 years. Luol Deng, Ricky Davis, Nenad Krstic, Sasha Vujajic, and Carl Landry have also received offers from European teams.

Bucks Add Allen & Lue

Sherron Shabazz — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:11:26 GMT

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Tyronn Lue and forward Malik Allen. Both players played for the Dallas Mavericks last season and provide experience to a revamped Bucks Team.

“Having a chance to play for a successful team was important to me and this team is headed in the right direction,” said Lue. “I like the pieces they’re adding to the roster and Coach Skiles has won every place he’s been. I feel I have a good chance to be a leader and contribute to this team’s success.”

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Allen. “I’m familiar with Coach Skiles and his system. I respect how he approaches the game and how he wants his players to approach the game. I also like how this roster is shaping up and I feel that everyone is in a winning mode right now and ready to make this team successful.”

Look for the Bucks to make roster changes due to a big crowd at the point guard position. Lue joins Mo Williams, Ramon Sessions and Charlie Bell as the fourth point guard on the Milwaukee Bucks squad.

Marcus Camby Traded To Clippers

Sherron Shabazz — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:25:04 GMT

The Los Angeles Clippers today acquired forward Marcus Camby from the Denver Nuggets. In return, Denver will have the option to exchange second round picks with the Clippers in 2010.

What the hell is Denver thinking? The only player on their team that plays defense is now gone for a 2nd round pick. I'm guessing the Nuggets have no desire to ever get out of the 1st round. This makes them worse in a conference that continues to get better. Maybe Denver has a big trade up their sleeve.

As for the Clippers, Camby gives them a defensive presence down low and a solid rebounder to help out Chris Kaman. L.A. is currently courting Josh Smith and Luol Deng. If they are able to land one of those small forwards they will be a force to be reckoned with in the west.

Player Movement

Sherron Shabazz — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:30:04 GMT

When NBA free agents were able to sign contracts this week several players changed addresses. The most notable was Clipper forward Elton Brand. Brand opted out of his contract with the Clippers and turned down a larger offer from Golden State to go to Philadelphia. Brand signed a 5 year deal worth $82 million dollars.

In order to make room for Brand the 6ers traded guard Rodney Carney, center Calvin Booth, a future 1st round pick and cash to Minnesota in exchange for future 2nd round picks.

In addition to losing Elton Brand, the Clippers also lost small forward Corey Maggette to the Warriors. Maggette signed a 5 year $50 million dollar contract with Golden State.

The Clippers rebounded by signing Golden State point guard Baron Davis to a 5 year $65 million dollar deal. In addition to losing Davis the Warriors lost forward Mickael Pietrus to the Magic.

In the lone star state guard Brent Barry moved from San Antonio to Houston. The Spurs replaced Barry with Wizards guard Roger Mason Jr. Nets center DeSagana Diop returned to Dallas for a 5 year contract worth $31 million dollars.

In the east the NY Knicks signed former Bulls point guard Chris Duhon to a 2 year deal. The world champion Boston Celtics added former Warriors center Patrick O'Bryant. The Magic signed guard Anthony Johnson to a two year $4.2 million dollar contract. Miami signed Portland sharp shooter James Jones, and the New Jersey Nets bolstered their front line signing Pistons small forward Jarvis Hayes and Nuggets power forward Eduardo Najera.

Several players stayed put on July 1st 2008. Antawn Jamison signed a 4 year contract extension with Washington worth $50 million dollars. His teammate Gilbert Arenas signed a 6 year $111 million dollar contract to stay with the Wizards. Point guard Jose Calderon resigned with the Raptors, while Beno Udrih resigned for 5 years in Sacramento. The New Orleans Hornets extended all star point guard Chris Paul for 4 more years to the sum of $68 million dollars.

More movement is expected in the coming weeks as several free agents are currently negotiating with teams. James Posey, Josh Smith, Luol Deng, Emeka Okafor, Andre Iguodala, Kurt Thomas, and Ben Gordon are among the top free agents still available.

NBA Salary Cap For 2008-09 Season Set At $58.680 Million

Sherron Shabazz — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:28:27 GMT

The National Basketball Association today announced that the Salary Cap for the 2008-09 season will be $58.680 million. The new Cap goes into effect immediately as the league's "moratorium period" has ended and teams can begin signing free agents and making trades.

The tax level for the 2008-09 season has been set at $71.150 million. Any team whose team salary exceeds that figure will pay a $1 tax for each $1 by which it exceeds $71.150 million.

The mid-level exception is $5.585 million for the 2008-09 season and the minimum team salary, which is set at 75% of the Salary Cap, is $44.010 million.

For the 2007-08 season, the Salary Cap was set at $55.630 million, the tax level was $67.865 million and the mid-level exception was $5.356 million.

Rose & Beasley Meet In Summer League

Sherron Shabazz — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:26:53 GMT

The top 2 draft picks in the 2008 draft met in Orlando, FL to one-sided results. Michael Beasley dominated the entire Bulls team scoring 28 points on 9 of 21 shooting. The 1st overall pick Derrick Rose seemed to struggle as he scored 10 points and had more turnovers than assists.

Bulls fans are panicking all across the state of Illinois. Did Paxson pick the wrong guy again? Not so fast! It's only summer league. Derrick Rose will play much better when the real season starts.

As a Bulls fan I'm more concerned about the play of the veterans on the summer league roster. Demetris Nichols and Tyrus Thomas played well but Joakim Noah, JamesOn Curry, and Cedric Simmons were nothing to write home about. The final score was Miami 94-Chicago 70, which is pretty sad considering the experience of the Chicago roster. Maybe a few summer league games is exactly what these guys need.

Orlando Pro Summer League Games Online

Sherron Shabazz — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:49:44 GMT

Six teams to take part in five-day event at RDV Sportsplex, July 7-11

Orlando, FL -- The Orlando Magic will host the 2008 Orlando Pro Summer League at the RDV Sportsplex, July 7-11. The 15-game event will feature the Magic, Chicago, Indiana, Miami, New Jersey and Seattle. Three of the top four picks from the upcoming 2008 NBA Draft are expected to participate (#1 Chicago, #2 Miami, #4 Seattle).

Due to space limitations, the event is not open to the public. All games will be open only to the media and professional team/league personnel. Games will begin at 3 p.m. ET from July 7-10, and at 11 a.m. ET on July 11.

A live video webcast of every game will be available on orlandomagic.com. Box scores, game recaps and cumulative statistics from the event will also be made available by visiting orlandomagic.com.

A complete game schedule for the 2008 Orlando Pro Summer League is listed below.

2008 SUMMER LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Monday, July 7, 2008
1st Game 3:00 Indiana vs. Seattle
2nd Game * Chicago vs. Miami
3rd Game ** Orlando vs. New Jersey

Tuesday, July 8, 2008
1st Game 3:00 Miami vs. New Jersey
2nd Game * Seattle vs. Orlando
3rd Game ** Indiana vs. Chicago

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
1st Game 3:00 Chicago vs. Orlando
2nd Game * New Jersey vs. Seattle
3rd Game ** Miami vs. Indiana

Thursday, July 10, 2008
1st Game 3:00 Chicago vs. New Jersey
2nd Game * Indiana vs. Orlando
3rd Game ** Miami vs. Seattle

Friday, July 11, 2008
1st Game 11:00AM New Jersey vs. Indiana
2nd Game * Seattle vs. Chicago
3rd Game ** Orlando vs. Miami

Bulls Add Experience To Coaching Staff

Sherron Shabazz — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:44:05 GMT

The Chicago Bulls announced today that Del Harris, Bernie Bickerstaff and Bob Ociepka have been hired as assistant coaches on Vinny Del Negro’s coaching staff. Harris, 71, comes to the Bulls after spending the last eight years with the Dallas Mavericks. Bickerstaff, 64, spent last season as the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Charlotte Bobcats. Ociepka (Oh-seep-ka), 59, brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to the Bulls. With 19 years of service as an NBA assistant coach, he has spent the past two seasons on the bench with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Seattle SuperSonics Moving To Oklahoma City

Sherron Shabazz — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:07:09 GMT

The Sonics will move to Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season as part of a settlement announced Wednesday with the city of Seattle. The settlement calls for Sonics owner Clay Bennett and his Professional Basketball Club LLC to pay as much as $75 million to the city in exchange for the immediate termination of the lease. The team's name and colors will be staying in Seattle.

In April, the NBA Board of Governors approved Bennett's application to move the team to Oklahoma City, pending the outcome of the trial between the team and the city. The settlement came six days after the trial concluded.

The trial between the team and city was centered on the lease agreement that called for the Sonics to play at KeyArena through the 2009-10 season. Sonics lead attorney Brad Keller contended that Bennett should simply be able to write a check to satisfy the final two years of the lease. Keller argued that the "specific performance" clause the city rested its case on should not apply in a garden-variety dispute between tenant and landlord.

Bennett and his ownership group previously offered to pay the city $26.5 million in February to buy out the final two years of the lease. They were rebuffed.

Nickels noted that Wednesday's settlement would cover lost rent, tax revenue and pay off the remaining debt on KeyArena.

"I believed all along enforcing our lease would allow us time to come to a better arrangement," Nickels said. "We now have that deal."

All NBA Talk Draft Grades

Sherron Shabazz — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:57:40 GMT

Grade:F
The Hawks did not have a pick in this years draft due to the Joe Johnson trade with the Phoenix Suns. I am still going to give them an F because they are a team that traded their whole bench for Mike Bibby and never replaced those players. They may also lose the 2 Josh's in free agency this summer. They should have done SOMETHING!
Grade:B
The Celtics were penalized in the draft for being too good. They picked guard J.R. Giddens with the 30th pick and center Semih Erden from Turkey with the 60th pick. They also picked up guard Bill Walker in a trade with Washington for cash. The C's did the best they could given draft position.
Grade:B-
The Cats chose DJ Augustin when they already have Raymond Felton running the point. In addition, they passed up Brook Lopez when they desperately needed a center. Michael Jordan secured the Nuggets 1st pick and chose foreign import Alexis Ajinca. Washington State guard Kyle Weaver was chosen in the 2nd round. The Cats did ok, but nothing earth shattering.

Grade:A
AH! My beloved Chicago Bulls came out smelling like a rose in the 2008 draft. With the first overall pick they chose Chicago product Derrick Rose. Rose will provide leadership and play making ability to a team with neither. In the second round the Bulls chose guard Sonny Weems who was quickly traded to the Denver Nuggets for a 2009 2nd round pick. That pick was promptly traded along with the New York Knicks’ 2009 regular second-round pick (acquired from New York on Oct. 4, 2005 in the Eddy Curry trade), and Chicago’s 2010 regular second-round draft pick to the Portland Trailblazers for their 36th pick, Turkish center Omer Asik. The Bulls expect Asik to come to the team in two years and help out in the paint.
Grade:B+
The Cavs chose forward J.J. Hickson with their pick and swung a deal to bring in Kansas teammates Darnell Jackson and Sasha Kaun. The Cavaliers have added youth to their front line that was desperately needed.

Grade:B-
Detroit traded their top pick for 2 second round picks in Walter Sharpe and Trent Plaisted. They later chose forward Deron Washington. The Pistons, like the Cavs did a good job of adding youth to an old front line.

Grade:A
In one day the Pacers picked up T.J. Ford, Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert, Josh McRoberts, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston, and Jarret Jack. I'd say they are rebuilding in the right way. The Pacers have a lot of talent on their team and should be fun to watch in the upcoming season.

Grade:A+
Miami probably got the best player in the draft in Michael Beasley. They also picked up Kansas point guard Mario Chalmers and a future second round pick from Cleveland. Miami gets an A+ because they have addressed the 2 most important needs on their roster. The future is bright for the Heat.

Grade:B
Milwaukee traded Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons for Richard Jefferson. Turning 2 serviceable small forwards into one very good small forward is brilliant. But the Bucks went into the draft and picked 2 more small forwards in Joe Alexander and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. Do they really need 3 small forwards when RJ is going to get the bulk of the minutes? Alexander is a talent and should be a good pick, but how many minutes will he see behind Mr. Jefferson?

Grade:A
The Nets have their eyes on LeBron James in the summer of 2010. They have added lots of youth and cheap labor on their team. Things are looking up for the Nets. New to the Nets are Yi Jianlian, Bobby Simmons, Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson, and Chris Douglas-Roberts. KiKi Vandeweghe has done a wonderful job in putting the Nets in a good position for the future.

Grade:B
Mike D'Antoni picked his former teammates son from Italy, Danilo Gallinari. I was not very surprised by this selection. I felt bad for the kid after his name was called. The Knicks fans were brutal toward him. He should be a good pick for New York. I mean, he has to be better than Jared Jeffries right?

Grade:B-
Orlando needed a big shooting guard and offensive minded power forward. The got one of the two in West Kentucky's Courtney Lee.
Grade:A
The 6ers got exactly what they needed in Marreese Speights. He is a big forward who can score in the post. Draft grade A!

Grade:B
The Raptors picked up Jermaine O'neal and Nathan Jawai. They needed size to put around Chris Bosh. The only question mark is the health of J.O.
Grade:C
The Wizards picked up center JaVale McGee who has a lot to learn. They would have been better off choosing a player with a little more college seasoning.

Grade: D
Dallas lost in the first round of the playoffs two years in a row and the best they could do on draft night was Shan Foster. Shan will probably replace old men like Jerry Stackhouse and Eddie Jones, but the Mavs need someone who can provide a bigger impact.
Grade:F
The Nuggets traded their first round pick to Charlotte for cash. They also picked up Sonny Weems from Chicago for a 2nd round pick. This is a team that has lost in the first round of playoffs for 5 straight years. They clearly need a massive shake up. All they got was Sonny Weems.

Grade:A
The Warriors needed size on the front line and they got it in Anthony Randolph and Richard Hendrix. What does this mean for Brandon Wright?

Grade:B
Houston picked up forwards Donte Greene, Joey Dorsey, and Maarty Leunen. They have helped their bench significantly but still lack youth at the back up center position.
Grade:A
The other team in L.A. added potential at key positions with guards Eric Gordon and Mike Taylor in the backcourt, and DeAndre Jordan in the middle.
Grade:C
L.A. doesn't need much and only had a late second round pick. How bad can Joe Crawford be?

Grade: B+
Getting O.J. Mayo will add some excitement and ticket sales to the Grizzlies. Unloading Brian Cardinal was probably just as important as having Mayo on the roster. Although Mike Miller will be missed, Darrell Arthur, Greg Buckner, Marko Jaric, and Antoine Walker are quality pieces to round out their roster.

Grade:B
Kevin McHale is at it again. He drafted and traded the 3rd best prospect in the draft in O.J. Mayo. In return he got Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, and Jason Collins. He added guys who know how to play, but Mayo is a special talent. A front court of Love and Jefferson may be redundant.

Grade:F
The New Orleans Hornets have needs at the 2 guard and back up center. They didn't address any of them. They traded their pick to Portland for $3,000,000 in cash.

Grade:B+
Phoenix picked up a center in Robin Lopez and a guard in Malik Hairston. They have yet to find a small forward to play some of Grant Hill's minutes. Overall the Suns did well. I can't wait to see the Shaq-Lopez comedy team next season.

Grade:A-
The Blazers fixed their 2 biggest needs at small forward and point guard after acquiring Jerryd Bayless and Nicolas Batum. Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard is the man. The Blazers will be scary for years to come.

Grade:C+
The Kings picked up Jason Thompson, Sean Singletary, and Patrick Ewing Jr. They got very athletic in this draft and picked a good player in Thompson to fill their 4 spot.
Grade:C-
San Antonio picked up a bunch of much needed wing players in George Hill, Gordan Dragic, and James Gist. After laying down for the Lakers this selection of players is underwhelming. The Spurs are likely to fix their faults in free agency.

Grade:A
The Sonics got young, talented, and big. Great draft by Seattle.. or is it Oklahoma? Russell Westbrook was picked 4th overall to run the show while Serge Ibaka, D.J. White, and DeVon Hardin will do the dirty work down low.
Grade:A
Utah needed size and got a whole lot of it! The Jazz picked 2 centers in Kosta Koufos and Ante Temic. Their last pick at 53 was used on Serbian forward Tadija Dragicevic.