Finally, after months of back-and-forth talks between the two sides, the Jazz finally reached agreement with Raja Bell on a buyout. The 36-year-old is now free to go wherever he wants, but he won't be able to join a team for their postseason run as he didn't sign his name on the deal prior to the March 1st deadline. Some might wonder if the big hold up was Utah being stingy, but that's reportedly not the case. The team simply stood their ground and refused to give Bell what essentially would have been a reward for his difficult behavior.
In a time when the NBA is unquestionably a player's league, its extremely refreshing to see a team put their foot down and make sure that they avoid setting a bad precedent going forward. In the Association, players always seem to get their way, whether that means getting a front office gutted, having a coach canned, or getting dealt to the team of their choice. Bell wanted to bolt for a contender rather than play out his deal in Utah. He'll eventually get to do that, but it won't be on his terms.
Got a fantastic basketball blog piece that you want featured on Hoops Rumors? Send your submissions to HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here's this week's look around the web..
- Bleed Green reminds you why you should love these Celtics.
- Red94 looks at James Harden and the pocket pass.
- The Brooklyn Game goes three-on-three to talk Kris Humphries and more.
- Bucksketball is waiting to see how Brandon Jennings' passing holds up.
- Always Miller Time says that LeBron James is about as good as it's going to get.
- Pounding The Rock evaluates the contenders at the three-quarters mark.
- Hardwood Houdini breaks down the Celtics' playoff run.
- The Basketball Post isn't sure about which direction the 76ers are headed in.
- Beale Street Bears sizes up the best in the West.
- Hoops Addict respects the play of DeMar DeRozan this year.
- Utah Sports Net feels for the Jazz's wing players.
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