Rumor Round Up

We figured it was time to get back to our roots here at R & R, so we’re going to be doing weekly updates on all the major rumors circulating in the world of sports. We figured this was the perfect time to get back into rumor-mongering, since the NBA free agent period is here and the baseball trading deadline is just 20 days away. Today we’ll give you all the latest NBA rumblings and will bring you the baseball stuff tomorrow.

Darko done in Orlando?
Everyone’s favorite No. 2 pick, Darko Milicic, looks to be on his way out of Orlando. Rashard Lewis signed with the Magic today as part of a sign-and-trade with Seattle, which means Orlando would have to renounce Milicic’s rights to fit a max contract for Lewis under the salary cap. Lewis will get six-years and $127.2 million. Orlando GM Otis Smith said regarding Milicic, “He’s moved on and we’ve moved on too.”

This whole thing has been kind of strange, since the Magic really seemed like they believed in Darko’s ability. He does have skills, but his seemingly utter lack of passion for the game and non-existent killer instinct will make finding another home – at the contract level he is seeking – nearly impossible. He seems like a decent kid but he switches between looking great and looking lost on the court so often that it’s hard to see him rising to greatness. Someone will probably take a risk on him, because he is a decently athletic 7-footer, and those will always find a home.

*UPDATE: ESPN’s Chad Ford is reporting that Milicic has signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for significantly more than the mid-level exception.

Stevenson, Wizards far apart on contract
DeShawn Stevenson, famous mainly for his crazy shoot-around with Gilbert Arenas, may not be back with the Wizards next season. The unrestricted free agent shooting guard is looking for a four-year $18 million dollar deal, while the Wizards are offering four-years $15 million.

While he played in all 82 games last season, giving a ton of cash to a shooting guard who scored 11.2 ppg while shooting just 40 percent from beyond the arc, when you already have Arenas, might not be the best idea. Stevenson will find a home because he’s only 26, and has a swagger and flow to his game that NBA GM’s love. I think he’ll get this contract sorted out and stay in Washington though.

Lakers still looking for a point guard
Not satisfied with a Jordan Farmar-Javaris Crittenton combo at point guard, the Los Angeles Lakers are frantically searching for a veteran presence at the point. Former Laker Derek Fisher looks to be their top target, but at 33-years-old he’d probably only garner a three-year, $18 million contract offer from LA. As of last weekend, Fisher now employs the same agent as Kobe Bryant and from all reports, seems to have a great relationship with unhappy superstar. That may lead the Lakers to make a strong push for him and I think the deal will get done at around the mid-level salary cap exception ($5.356 million next year). Laker fans always loved Fisher’s heart and it would be a great PR move by the front office if they brought him back. Not to mention the fact that Fisher would be a vast improvement over Smush Parker’s worthless ass.

If a deal with Fisher doesn’t work out, another option for the Lakers could be Steve Blake. The former Maryland star is seeking a five-year, $31.4 million contract, the maximum available under the mid-level exception rules. This is probably a long-shot as Blake is simply asking for too much.

Nets making a lot of noise
Lawrence Frank, already the Nets’ career leader in NBA victories, has agreed to a two-year contract extension. He’ll likely sign the deal next week, and it will keep him on New Jersey’s bench through the 2009-2010 season.

New Jersey is also looking around for post help, as many feel they will lose free agent forward Mikki Moore very soon. GM Rod Thorn told his agent, Mark Bartelstein, that they team is moving on after he rejected Thorn’s first offer (three years, $10 million). Chicago, Memphis and Golden State are interested in Moore.

The Nets have already made calls to several free agent big men, with Jamaal Magloire looking like the top target.

Grizzlies looking for frontcourt help
Memphis is one of only three teams with any significant room under the salary cap (Milwaukee and Charlotte are the others) or enough to exceed the mid-level exception. They are looking hard at help in the frontcourt, including Mikki Moore and Darko Milicic. GM Chris Wallace also recently met with the agents for the Cavs’ Anderson Varejao as well. Several front office members plan to attend the upcoming workouts of Michael Sweetney and Chris Mihm as well.

*The Grizzlies have now signed Milicic according to Chad Ford.

Mo Williams to the Heat?
Free agent point guard, Mo Williams looks as if he’s down to the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks in his search for a home. The most sought-after point guard on the market, Williams is reportedly seeking around $10 million per season. The Heat are over the salary cap, and the most they could offer would be between $30 million – $32 million over five seasons. The Bucks’ offer to re-sign him is believed to be in the range of $40 million over five seasons.

Williams is coming off a great season, in 68 games the 24-year-old averaged 17.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, and shit 86 percent from the free throw line. The guy can play and both Miami and Milwaukee would be great fits for him. The Bucks really need him though, as their backcourt needs a stable ballhandler, especially if they do end up signing draft pick Yi Jianlian. With Michael Redd and an deep array of talent in the frontcourt (Bogut, Yi, Villanueva, etc.) a solid point like Williams would be able to keep everyone happy by distributing the ball. I think he’ll take the money and stay with the Bucks.