N.B.A. Thursday

The free agent season has officially began, I'll get to all the transactions from the first actual day of signing. I'll recap last night's scores in all the summer leagues, and go through the latest rumor all on NBA Thursday.


Free Agent Frenzy
Thank heaven for Pistons fans, as they officially resigned Chauncy Billups to a 5 year deal that could be worth as much as 60 million dollars. This keeps the heart of Detroit in the motor city for a while. The sign and trade is now a done deal that will bring Rashard Lewis to Orlando. Seattle will recieve a 2nd round pick and a 9 million dollar trade exception. Phoenix signed Grant Hill to a 2 year deal and then traded James Jones to Portland for the rights to Rudy Fernandez. The Suns also resigned Sean Marks, and Portland bought out the contract of Steve Francis, who was acquired from New York in the Zach Randolph trade. Toronto signed former Miami sharpshooter Jason Kapono to a contract. New Jersey resigned Vince Carter to a 4 year contract worth 60 million. More on official signings on a saturday special.

Summer League Scores
Vegas League
Randy Foye scored 22 and Craig Smith added 21 as Minnesota beat the Spurs 78-69. Aaron Afflalo and Jason Maxiell each scored 21 as Detroit defeated Washington 84-70 despite 20 from Nick Young. Philadelphia edged Phoenix 104-101. Alando Tucker had 29 in the win loss for the Suns, while Louis Williams scored 23 in the win. Milwaukee defeated Seattle 92-85 as Noel Felix scored 27 for the Bucks. Kevin Durant did not play to be at the ESPY's. Good call.....
Boston embarrassed Team China 80-52 as as Leon Powe had 23 and 12 for the Celts. The Lakers pushed past Portland 81-73 as Javaris Crittenton scored 26 for LA.
Orlando Pro League
Charlotte defeated Orlando 95-77. Gabe Muoneke scored 31 for the Bobcats in the win, and JJ Redick had 24 in the loss. Indiana was all over New Jersey 90-65, as Andre Owens led the way with 23 points. Chicago beat the Heat 77-66, as Aaron Gray had 15 for the Bulls.

Rumors
- Houston, Dallas, Miami, and both LA teams are both interested in picking up Steve Francis. (Houston Chronicle)
- Dallas is interested in Chris Webber. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
- Where Morris Peterson goes may depend on how much he's offered rather then team situation. (Deseret Morning News)
- New Orleans is interested in Peterson, in addition to Utah. The Hornets are also looking at Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, James Posey, and Sasha Pavlovic. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
- Sources say that Derek Fisher will sign a 3 year deal to rejoin the Lakers. (Riverside Press Enterprise)
- Mo Williams have primary offers from Miami and Milwaukee, but could go to either New York or Indiana in sign and trades. (Miami Herald)
- Miami will turn to Steve Blake if they don't get Williams. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
- The Heat and Nuggets will be the main suitors for Blake. (Denver Post)
- The Bucks could also look at former players Desmond Mason and Jamal Magloire. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
- Brevin Knight, Chucky Atkins and Jason Hart are 3 backup PG options for the Knicks. (NY Daily News)
- Detroit has offered a contract to Amir Johnson (3/10) and the Spurs have shown interest. (Detroit News)

Lots of baseball tomorrow, ciao!