With the New Jersey Nets continuing moves throughout the draft, dealing Richard Jefferson away on draft day for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons, there is always the potential of them moving Vince Carter as well. First, they have to decide on restricted free agent Nenad Krstic, so promising two years ago, but slow to recover from offseason knee surgery over the past season. Krstic is only 24, so it will be interesting to see what kind of action he stirs up on the market. So far, the Nets have extended a qualifying offer, but nothing more.
Across the Hudson, with Donnie Walsh now in charge of the Knicks and Mike D'Antoni the coach, there is more to do than just trying to sign Duhon or Udrih, for that matter. One way or another they'll have to deal with mercurial Stephon Marbury, either as their starting point guard or another huge contract to eat. But if someone does show interest, it will require parting with forward David Lee, a double-double guy with a reasonable contract and really the only player on the roster who continuously sparks inquiries from around the league.
As Steve Kerr continues to reconstruct the Phoenix Suns with Terry Porter as his coach, the watch continues on the future of Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw in the Valley of the Sun. Both were horrible disappointments late in the season, particularly in the playoffs, and without D'Antoni's open floor offense, there are serious doubts they will fit into the long-term plans.
And while we're on the topic of former Suns, Shawn Marion did not opt out of the final year of his contract in Miami, and will be watched very closely by president Pat Riley to see how well he fits with Dwyane Wade and top draft choice Michael Beasley. Will they sign him to a long-term extension, or use Marion's fat expiring contract to seek youth and talent for the roster?
That leaves one more team going through transition with some interesting moves ahead, and that would be the Dallas Mavericks. With new coach Rick Carlisle, there has been plenty of talk about re-signing free agent center DeSagana Diop, who was one of the key pieces sent to New Jersey in the notorious Jason Kidd trade. Is he worth the full exception?
And what about former All-Star forward Josh Howard? He faded precipitously last season, not to mention his poor judgment announcing to the world through various media outlets that he smokes pot, as do plenty of his NBA brethren. It would seem logical to assume Howard is part of the Mavericks instability, unless Carlisle would rather have him through the first half of the season under his system before making any decisions.
To be sure, it's early and there will be far more rumors than deals as always. That's part of what makes it equal parts fun and frustrating. July is here, and just as quickly as the 2007-08 season ended, 2008-09 has already begun.
