Mike James to the Wolves!!!

[floydian]

Just announced 4 year deal with the T'wolves:

Ex-Raptor James agrees to deal with Wolves

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

The Minnesota Timberwolves' willingness to make a four-year commitment to Mike James has landed them the best point guard still available on the free-agent market.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that James on Tuesday agreed to sign a four-year contract with the Wolves worth an estimated $25 million.
James also confirmed the agreement to radio station ESPN790 in Houston on Tuesday.

Wednesday is the first day free agents can officially sign contracts.

James had narrowed his choice to Minnesota, Dallas and Houston -- where he maintains an offseason home -- and indicated over the weekend that the Mavericks had a slight edge, largely because of his relationship with Mavs coach Avery Johnson and their recent trip to the NBA Finals.

But the Mavericks and Rockets, according to sources, wouldn't commit to more than a three-year offer to the 31-year-old.

Minnesota's four-year pitch and the chance to team with Kevin Garnett won it for the Wolves, who have injected their backcourt with plenty of scoring potential by signing James and acquiring rookie Randy Foye on draft night.

Signing James alleviates Minnesota's need to start Foye as a rookie. James would likely team with Ricky Davis as the Wolves' starters in the backcourt, with defensive stopper Trenton Hassell at small forward and Foye coming off the bench.

If Foye can make an immediate impact and James can approach his production from last season's breakout performance in Toronto -- 20.3 points and 5.8 assists per game, as well as 44.2 percent shooting from 3-point range -- Garnett figures to be pleased.

The Wolves have resisted all trade interest in Garnett, vowing to take one more stab at building around their 30-year-old franchise player by finding scorers to play off him.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here.

 

[SacTownKid]

Makes more sense than Dallas for sure!

 

[floydian]

This move probably means T'Wolves will NOT trade KG this year especially with the progression of Foye. It looks like the wolves might have a good team this year.

 

[Bricklayer]

What a pile of midrange poop with long deals the Wolves are accumulating at PG.

I like James, but you add in 4 years at $25 to Jaric's 5 at $35 or whatever, Hudons 4 at $24 and man...what a washout. Looks like our PF position.

 

[Kings113]

Then you got Hassell and Madsen's 4-year contracts.

Nice signing for Minny, gets them a good guard next to KG. Ricky Davis/Hassell/Foye, get a big or two. Could well make the playoffs.

 

[BMiller52]

I really don't think the wolves will trade KG now. It was iffy before, but I don't see why they would sign a 31 year old scoring PG to a kinda big contract if they didn't plan on keeping KG. Foye has looked like a very good player in summerleague too. They probably think they can do some damage with James/Foye/Davis/Garnett/somebody. I don't think they'll get too far with that but it looks like instead of getting Garnett a championship somewhere else they want him to just get them to the playoffs again. Too bad for KG.

 

[Kings113]

This is obviously the end of Marcus Banks in Minny... so now he goes to the Spurs or somewhere else. Though, the Spurs first have to get a center...

Spurs were said to be chasing him this summer back in June, as they want a quicker, more athletic back-up PG to replace NVE. Nuggs have also said to be interested.

Hope he finds a good spot somewhere.

 

[Rome]

LOL listening to Mike James on the radio makes me laugh. The guy thinks too much of him self but I don't blame him with the kind of numbers he puts.

 

[Sac.Kings]

The chances of KG being traded have diminished if he was going to be traded in the first place if they do sign Mike James.

 

[walker60]

We should try to make a small pitch to get Banks now. The Wolves won't sign him with James on board. He'd be a good get if we could sign him cheaply.

 

[Kings113]

I wouldn't mind at all if we signed the guy for part of the MLE. I like him a lot.

Douby would obviously have a lesser role, but still get to play some during the year.

 

[twocents]

poor kg; mike james is probably one of the most overrated "pg"s. he put up good numbers while playing for one sucky team, and as far as i can remember, him scoring a bunch never translated into a victory for the raptors. first ricky davis, then this. i am not sure minnesota really knows where it is heading.

 

[Kings113]

poor kg; mike james is probably one of the most overrated "pg"s. he put up good numbers while playing for one sucky team, and as far as i can remember, him scoring a bunch never translated into a victory for the raptors. first ricky davis, then this. i am not sure minnesota really knows where it is heading.

Mike James is a good defender, it's just in Toronto they didn't play much defense, played uptempo, and James had to spend more energy on offense because of his role. He's doing conditioning to improve his shape and energy for the season this summer. To enhance his game more and prepare, for that spot.

Whereas with the Heat/Pistons/Rockets, he was a top defender there. Why? Defense was stressed on all those teams, and had defensive-minded coaches. Along with the make-up of those teams where he had a more limited role. Perfect example being in Detroit for LB, he and Hunter were spark guards off the bench who put pressure on the ball and hit some shots. Key to Detroit's championship run and that great bench from 03-04.

Mike James established himself with the Pistons (above), Rockets (deadline trade, much needed bench spark, mavs series), and then of course the Raptors (all-around guard). Steady and well up to this summer. He is a shoot-first PG, but the guy did, indeed, average 5.8 assists.

Go ask on Heat/Pistons/Rockets boards about James, and they'll say similar.