"
Even if the Magic can keep Stevenson, they are expected to sign another guard. They have courted Kareem Rush, who played for the Charlotte Bobcats last season. The Bobcats waived him in April, citing attitude problems. But Smith said he was comfortable with Rush after meeting with him and his agent in Los Angeles recently."
Orlando Sentinel
"Their contract talks with DeShawn Stevenson at a stalemate, the Orlando Magic have set their sights on other free-agent shooting guards.
The Magic have held serious discussions with 3-point sharpshooter Kareem Rush, and Orlando could be close to agreeing to a deal with the four-year NBA veteran, general manager Otis Smith said."
Florida Today
"
Smith met Sunday with Stevenson and agent Rob Pelinka in Los Angeles, and Smith said he increased his original offer. But there has been little progress the past week."
Florida Today
"I like DeShawn a lot, but within reason," Smith said. "I'm not going to overspend for a guy who in my mind his salary slot was perfect for him. I do understand he and his agent's thought process, but if we're going to make a deal, it has to be reasonable for both sides. I'm about being fair. If we can't be fair, you're going to have to find what you're looking for somewhere else."
Florida Today
"
Smith (Orlando Magic) has talked to the agents for Cleveland's Flip Murray, New Orleans/Oklahoma City's Rasual Butler and Rush in the past week. Orlando was next-to-last in the NBA in 3-pointers made last season, hence the focus on finding outside shooters."
Florida Today
"
Smith admitted he had a brief discussion with agent Arn Tellem last week about Ben Wallace's rumored desire to return to Orlando. Wallace, a rising star during his one season in Orlando in 1999-2000, ultimately agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal with the Chicago Bulls."
Florida Today
"Mike James, the Rockets' primary free agent target, has postponed his decision about where he would play next season until Monday, James' agent Bill Duffy said.
(Mike) James is choosing between offers from the Rockets, Mavericks and Timberwolves, all above the salary cap and limited to offering the mid-level exception unless they can reach agreement with the Toronto Raptors on a sign-and-trade deal. James chose to wait until Monday when he is scheduled to meet with Mavericks coach Avery Johnson."
Houston Chronicle
"Duffy said
James initially considered the Rockets the front-runner but now is torn between the interest all three teams have shown."
Houston Chronicle
"Duffy said
there is "ongoing dialogue" about a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Raptors. That would allow teams to pay more than the mid-level exception, expected to begin at about $5 million, but there are do not seem to be many players with appropriate contracts that would interest the Raptors."
Houston Chronicle
"
The Wolves met with free-agent point guard Mike James on Thursday night, but it is believed they did not make a formal contract offer."
St. Paul Pioneer Press
"While (Reggie) Evans is waiting patiently on what the Nuggets might do, Minnesota is taking a long look at him. Indications are Nuggets free-agent guard DerMarr Johnson has a decent chance of returning." Rocky Mountain News
.
