Duhon Headed to NYC
2004 All-American Chris Duhon has agreed to a two-year deal with the New York Knicks that will make him the team’s likely starting point guard and pay him close to $6 million per year. Duhon is excited to play for new Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni and should thrive in his uptempo system. Before coming to terms with the Knicks, Duhon reportedly was offered a three-year deal with the Orlando Magic.
Brand New Team?
Elton Brand exercised his option to opt out of the final year of his contract with the L.A. Clippers and several teams are in hot pursuit of the two-time NBA All-Star. The Golden State Warriors have offered Elton a five-year deal rumored to be worth $90 million and Philadelphia is reported to be interested as well. ESPN.com reports that Brand is interested in remaining with the Clips perhaps at a slight pay cut in order to allow him to finish his career in L.A. on contending teams. Standout point guard Baron Davis recently signed with the club.
Maggette on the Move
Like Clippers teammate Elton Brand, Corey Maggette exercised his option to opt out of the final year of his deal in L.A., making the former Duke teammates “the cream of this year’s free agent crop.” Maggette, who averaged 22.1 points per game last year (11th in the NBA), has numerous suitors including San Antonio, Boston, Philadelphia, Orlando, Utah and Miami. Celtics coach Doc Rivers recently gave Maggette a call hoping to lure the high-scoring swingman to Boston.
Busy Summer for Boozer
After enjoying another All-Star season with the Utah Jazz, Carlos Boozer is preparing to join Coach K in China as a member of the U.S. Olympic team. Boozer is excited about reuniting with his college coach and competing on the world stage for the gold medal.
Deng Weighs Options
Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng is a restricted free agent this summer, meaning Chicago can match any offer Luol receives or offer a new contract. If Luol does not accept a Bulls’ proposal, he can sign a one-year qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Bulls met with Deng on July 2nd and hope to resign their starting small forward.
Who’s Your Daddy?
Zeke Edward Battier, the first child of Shane and his wife Heidi, was born on June 2nd. Shane shares some photos of his new son on his blog.
DeMarcus Back at the Bay
The Golden State Warriors added 2008 All-American DeMarcus Nelson to their summer league squad. The Warriors are DeMarcus’ hometown team and their high-scoring offense could be a great fit. The Warriors will play five games in Las Vegas from July 11-19 and then four in Salt Lake City from July 21-25.
Other Player News
*Josh McRoberts was traded from Portland to the Indiana Pacers as part of a draft-day deal. McRoberts is an Indiana native.
*Following the best season of his NBA career, Mike Dunleavy got married in late June to Sarah Crotty. The couple attended Duke together.
*J.J. Redick has been taking advantage of our new practice facility this summer, training here since early June. The two-time National Player of the Year discusses his summer on his website.
Quote Board
“I am just excited, I am ready to get to work for the Knicks. It’s a big stage, playing in New York. It’s something every player in the NBA wants.”
Chris Duhon, on joining the Knicks
