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| Miami forward Dwyane Wade told reporters that he is aware that his name is heavily mentioned in trade rumors involving his Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. |
Our View: The typical scenario has the Bulls laying the 1st-overall pick in the draft for Wade the the 2nd-overall pick. It doesn't make much sense on paper, but reports out of Miami have team sources claiming the discussion has taken place and the deal could go down. Wade states he has no worries and will be happy regardless of his employer.
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| Detroit president Joe Dumars shocked more than a few reporters today in announcing he intends to "shake up" the team's primary players this off-season, according to the Detroit Free Press. |
Our View: Dumars went on to suggest all of his players in open for trade discussions, and Rasheed Wallace could be the most coveted player in that group. His expiring contract is attractive and he offers tremendous gifts on the floor. Reporters also speculate guard Chauncey Billups could be headed out of Detroit. His lack of defensive effort and his growing age (not to mention the rise of Rodney Stuckey) are negatives in this system.
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| Yesterday Washington guard Gilbert Arenas announced he planned to wait until the June 30th deadline stated in his contract to opt out of his current deal with the Wizards, but today, he has a different story, according to the Washington Post. |
Our View: Arenas told reporters that he has discovered that contract stipulates that he must opt out of that deal no later than June 20th, thus becoming an unrestricted free agent able to sign with the highest bidder. Arenas represents himself in negotiations and does not use the services of an agent, and he reports that he has enlisted the services of a lawyer to help him with the decision to opt out early and insure all necessary paperwork is filed properly with the league and team offices. Arenas is set to earn $12.8 million next season but would rather sign a long-term agreement with a team. NBA free agency opens on July 1st.
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| Despite rumors of hiring Doug Collins, the Chicago Bulls have invited Chuck Person back to the United Center for a second interview for the head coaching job, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Person is a former player and currently serves as an assistant for the Sacramento Kings. A person familiar with the search, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the search is ongoing, said Person was flying to Chicago on Tuesday. The interview would happen either later Tuesday night or Wednesday.
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| Tony Allen is battling an Achilles' tendon injury, but was able to participate in a full practice on Tuesday, and was even dunking and jumping, according to ESPN.com. He did not make it through the team walkthrough on Monday, but Allen said massages have helped his leg feel better.
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Our View: This is favorable news for the Celtics, as Allen has had some success guarding MVP Kobe Bryant. He held Bryant to 22 points on 6-for-25 shooting back on December 30, in a game that Boston won 110-91.
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| Manu Ginobili blames himself for the Spurs' failure to knock off the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, according to the AP. The Spurs lost the series against the Lakers 4-1 and the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year commented, "I felt less confident in the two opening games of the series than in the fifth, I was not ready for those two after the terribly tough game against the New Orleans Hornets in the conference semifinals." He battled a nagging ankle injury as well as fatigue and he added, "My physical condition was an important reason. I feel I am responsible for the elimination because of how I felt and because I was unable to give it my all."
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Our View: Ginobili gave it his best effort, and he shouldn't fault himself for being hurt.
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| The Pistons have fired coach Flip Saunders, according to the Detroit Free Press. President of basketball operations Joe Dumars said, "Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular-seasons. However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make a change. I thank Flip for his hard work and dedication, but it is time for a new voice to lead our team."
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Our View: Saunders coached the team for three seasons, leading them to a record of 176-70 in the regular season. His playoff record was 30-21. The Pistons have lost in the Eastern Conference Finals in each of his three campaigns. His replacement is yet to be named.
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