Ab-Titchaz
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- Jan 30, 2008
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The NBA's most celebrated free-agent market is open. And one of the top stars already could be close to accepting a deal
Free-agent buzz: Johnson gets max offer
The Atlanta Hawks offered Joe Johnson a six-year, $119 million contract Thursday morning, and sources close to the All-Star guard expect him to accept the max deal soon.
The Hawks moved quickly at midnight ET to try to secure their franchise star and offered the contract that Johnsons agent Arn Tellem sought from the organization. Sources say ownership OKd the max offer and general manager Rick Sund delivered it in Los Angeles.
After receiving the Hawks offer, Johnson met with a contingent from the New York Knicks that included coach Mike DAntoni, Johnsons former coach with the Phoenix Suns. Knicks GM Donnie Walsh didnt attend.
The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks were pushing for meetings with Johnson on Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles where they could discuss possible sign-and-trade scenarios. The Chicago Bulls also have interest in Johnson.
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Pacers show interest in Farmar
The Indiana Pacers are targeting former Lakers point guard Jordan Farmar for a one-year contract. The Portland Trail Blazers and Knicks have shown interest, too.
Adrian Wojnarowski, 3:15 a.m. ET, July 1
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Mavs to meet Nowitzki on Thursday
Dallas Mavericks president Donnie Nelson will offer Dirk Nowitzki a new contract on Thursday during a meeting at Nowitzkis home in Dallas.
Im going to show up on his doorstep, get on one knee and hope he says, I do, Nelson said. He gets in [from Germany] tomorrow afternoon and once he settles in well talk. Were hopeful and optimistic he will re-sign.
The Mavericks expect to re-sign Nowitzki, who opted out of his contract this week.
Theyre going through all the hoops, but Id be shocked if he went anywhere else, a source close to the situation told Yahoo! Sports. Hes going to get [a new contract] done before they change the rules and structure of the collective bargaining agreement.
Id say the chances of him leaving are slim to none. Dirk is a loyal guy. He and Mark Cuban are as close as they come. It would be shocking if he talked to other teams.
Meanwhile, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle plans to meet with free agent center Brendan Haywood on Thursday in Charlotte, N.C. Nelson called Haywoods agent Andy Miller once the free agency period began, but has yet to extend an offer.
Haywood also received calls from Miami, Cleveland, Toronto, New York and Detroit. The Heat and Cavs are expected to meet with Haywood on Thursday.
We are starting the process to re-signing Haywood, Nelson said.
Marc J. Spears, 2:45 a.m. ET, July 1
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Stoudemire meets with Heat
Miami Heat president Pat Riley and team officials are planning to meet Amare Stoudemire shortly after midnight ET Thursday in Los Angeles, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Stoudemire is competing with Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer to join Dwyane Wade with the Heat.
After opting out of his contract on Wednesday, Stoudemire is set to meet with several teams, sources said. The Suns have offered him a five-year maximum contract with injury protections in the fifth year. Nevertheless, Stoudemire has been slow to commit to Suns owner Robert Sarver, whose financial commitment to compete with the Western Conference elite has been unclear.
Several teams without salary-cap space, including Cleveland, Orlando and Houston are interested in making presentations to Stoudemire. They hope to acquire him through sign-and-trades.
Ishu zaidi nenda HAPA.