Delonte West Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Kyler On Gasol, Redick, Varejao, Lakers, Fredette

November 28th, 2012 at 10:25am CST by Luke Adams

Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld took to Twitter today to field a variety of trade-related questions from his followers. Some of Kyler's tweets were particularly notable, so let's round up the highlights below (all links go to Twitter)….

The Lakers have kicked the tires on Pau Gasol trades in the past and are aware that any move they make would be a downgrade. Kyler notes that if the team falls out of contention, a Lamar Odom-esque salary dump is a possibility, but it's hard to imagine that happening this season.
Even though J.J. Redick is on an expiring contract, a deal isn't necessarily likely since Redick fits the culture the Magic are trying to establish. Asked specifically about a potential swap with the Timberwolves involving Redick and Derrick Williams, Kyler says the Magic would want to include at least one bad contract in that type of move.
The Cavaliers continue to say Anderson Varejao isn't available, but Kyler thinks the team will have to cash him in at some point.
The Hawks still intend to re-sign Josh Smith next summer and build around him.
Having traded most of their first-round picks in other deals, the Lakers no longer have the draft picks to facilitate a contract dump, so the team will find it difficult to move a point guard like Steve Blake or Chris Duhon.
The Lakers have talked about the possibility of adding Mickael Pietrus, Delonte West, or Raja Bell, but nothing is close.
Kyler also reiterates a point he's made before, saying Jimmer Fredette is unhappy with the Kings.

Cavs Notes: West, Waiters, Draft Picks

November 18th, 2012 at 1:38pm CST by Sean Highkin

The Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled out of the gate to a 2-7 record, in spite of outstanding play from 2012 Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving and a resurgence from Anderson Varejao. Here are a few tidbits on the Cavs on Sunday afternoon:

The Cavs aren't pleased with the production they're getting out of their bench, but they won't reach out to Delonte West to improve their second unit, and no free agent signing is on the horizon, according to Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Plain Dealer.
Schmitt Boyer cautions readers that consistency cannot be expected right away from rookie Dion Waiters, and it will take time for the fourth pick in the 2012 draft to get comfortable in the NBA.
As part of the same mailbag, Schmitt Boyer also breaks down the protection on draft picks owed to the Cavs from the Kings, Heat, and Lakers.

Odds & Ends: Curry, Gibson, Warriors, Thabeet

October 30th, 2012 at 10:59pm CST by Chuck Myron

Stephen Curry didn't want extension talks to go down to the wire, but it appears that's the case, as Curry's comments to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle lead Simmons to conclude that agent Jeff Austin and Warriors GM Bob Myers continue to try to work out a deal (Sulia link). Since Curry left a preseason game after tweaking his ankle ten days ago, we've heard multiple reports suggesting a deal was unlikely. Nothing's final until tomorrow's 11:00pm Central time deadline, and with about 24 hours to go, there's news on another extension-eligible player among notes from the first night of the 2012/13 regular season.

There's "growing speculation" the Bulls will let the deadline pass without signing Taj Gibson to an extension, reports Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Andrew Bogut believes "a lot is riding on this year" for the Warriors, and Marcus Thompson II of the Bay Area News Group says much of that is riding on Bogut's shoulders. Fellow Bay Area News Group scribe Monte Poole goes the other way, suggesting Curry is the focal point of the team.
Thunder coach Scott Brooks has confidence in Hasheem Thabeet, and his performance in the preseason was one reason the team included Cole Aldrich in the trade, as John Rohde of The Oklahoman chronicles.
The Bobcats are counting on offseason trade acquisition Ben Gordon to be their go-to scorer at the end of games, writes Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer.
With a year still to go before his five-year max extension kicks in, the Clippers want to make sure Blake Griffin stays healthy for the long haul by incorporating more mid-range shooting into his arsenal, as Elliott Teaford of the Los Angeles Daily News examines.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reportedly had to be talked into waiving Delonte West, and Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com notes the affection he has for the troubled guard (Twitter link).
The James Harden trade has the Rockets thinking playoffs, as Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle documents.

Mavericks Waive Delonte West

October 29th, 2012 at 3:49pm CST by Luke Adams

3:49pm: Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports tweets that there will be interest in West from NBA clubs, but that the ex-Mav figures to wait on teams to develop needs early in the season in order to find the best fit.

3:17pm: The Mavericks have officially waived Delonte West, according to a press release from the team. The move reduces the team to 15 players in advance of today's roster deadline.

West was re-signed by the Mavs this summer on a one-year, minimum-salary contract, but fell out of favor with the club over the last few weeks. He was recently suspended a second time this month for conduct detrimental to the team. Even though the 29-year-old's contract was guaranteed, the club decided to carry Eddy Curry as its 15th man rather than West.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter), the Mavs were unable to negotiate a buyout with West, meaning the veteran guard will still be paid in full and Dallas will take a small cap hit for his minimum salary. The only way the Mavs could get off the hook for his salary is if one of the league's 29 other teams decided to claim him on waivers this week.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune speculates (via Twitter) that the Bulls, who had interest before, could kick the tires again if West clears waivers. Chicago will be eligible to sign a minimum-salary player later in November.

Mavs Likely To Waive Delonte West, Keep Curry

October 29th, 2012 at 9:36am CST by Chuck Myron

MONDAY, 9:36am: According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein (via Twitter), the Mavs have shopped Dominique Jones in hopes of trading him and buying more time to make a decision on West. However, there have been no takers so far. Dallas has until 4:00pm CT today to set its regular-season roster.

SUNDAY, 11:08am: Mavericks executives appear to have convinced owner Mark Cuban not to try to keep suspended guard Delonte West on the team's roster, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News reports, adding that West is likely to be waived before Monday's 4:00pm Central time deadline to finalize opening-night rosters. Cuban has hinted that the troubled West could remain with the team, but Eddy Curry looks to be in line to take his roster spot, according to Sefko.

The Mavs suspended West indefinitely Thursday, his second such punishment of the preseason for unspecified conduct detrimental to the team, and Sefko reports Dallas is wary of the influence West might have on its young players. The Mavs moved swiftly to claim Curry off waivers from the Spurs and sign Melvin Ely and Chris Douglas-Roberts, ostensibly to audition for a roster spot that would come open if West were to be let go. All three are on non-guaranteed contracts, but Curry seemed to distinguish himself with 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in Friday's preseason game against the Bobcats.

West is due a guaranteed $1.2MM this season, but the Mavs are only on the hook for $854,389 of it, since he's on a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum. His is one of 15 fully guaranteed deals on the team.

Cuban: Delonte West Could Return To Team

October 26th, 2012 at 7:16pm CST by Michael Pina

In a conversation with assembled media this evening, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said suspended guard Delonte West could still return to the team, reports Dallas Morning News reporter Brad Townsend. “It’s pretty much down to me making a decision,” Cuban said.

West's current situation was covered in detail earlier today.

Latest On Delonte West

October 26th, 2012 at 10:07am CST by Luke Adams

Delonte West is on the outs in Dallas, as we heard last night that the veteran guard could be waived in order to make room for Eddy Curry on the regular season roster. A trade or buyout may also be possibilities for West, who is currently suspended without pay. Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com has a few updates on West's suspension and the team's options going forward:

The Mavs are currently in the process of negotiating the terms of West's departure with agent Dan Fegan. A trade doesn't appear likely, since West, as a recent free agent signee, can't be dealt until December 15th.
MacMahon hears from a source that both of West's suspensions this months were the result of "frequent behavioral missteps" by the 29-year-old.
West, for his part, seems to feel as if he's being unfairly scapegoated: "There was an argument between two teammates in the locker room [Wednesday] night that didn't involve me. Somehow I'm being blamed for it. I had nothing to do with it. I don't know what's going on."
Mavs management was concerned about West's influence on the team's young players, says MacMahon. According to MacMahon, there was a "strong feeling" that West was upset and frustrated about his contract (one year at the minimum salary) and his playing time.
While Dallas could continue the suspension without pay, the team would like to open up a roster spot for either Curry, Melvin Ely, or Chris Douglas-Roberts.

Mavericks Claim Eddy Curry, May Waive West

October 25th, 2012 at 9:08pm CST by Ryan Raroque

9:08pm: Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas reports that West will not return to the team.

5:01pm: Art Garcia of FOX Sports Southwest tweets that the Mavericks have claimed Curry off of waivers.

4:47pm: Eddie Sefko of SportsDay DFW writes that Delonte West is expected to be waived or traded in order to make room for Curry's signing. West signed a one-year agreement in July worth $1.22MM but is currently under suspension.

4:21pm: According to the Dallas Morning News (via Twitter), the Mavericks are close to signing Eddy Curry. In five pre-season games with the Spurs, the 7'0 center averaged 8.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and shot 68% from the field in 15.4 MPG before being waived on Tuesday.

Dallas currently has 15 players on its roster, and would thus have to free up a roster spot in order to bring the ten-year veteran on board.

Mavericks Notes: West, Ely, Douglas-Roberts

October 25th, 2012 at 6:03pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Eddie Sefko of SportsDay DFW relayed an announcement made by Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson on the deal reached with Eddy Curry: “We are excited to bring (him) to Dallas…He has worked extremely hard this of-season and can provide our front line with much needed depth.” While Nelson made no mention of Delonte West, Sefko maintains that the 6'3 guard is set to be waived. Here are a few more topics surrounding Dallas tonight:

Sefko notes that West's suspension is without pay, and three resolutions to his situation could either involve a trade, a buyout agreement, or West agreeing leave without any of the salary owed to him this year. It is also mentioned that he will not be eligible to be traded until December 15th.
The team also expects to bring in center Melvin Ely and guard/forward Chris Douglas-Roberts for tryouts.
Chris Kaman has been dealing with a strained right calf muscle and remains doubtful for the season opener.

Western Notes: Blazers, West, Sacre, Iguodala

October 25th, 2012 at 11:47am CST by Luke Adams

According to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com, Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey is hoping Nicolas Batum can increase his scoring this season like Eric Gordon did in his third year, when his PPG jumped from 16.9 to 22.3. If Batum can take that sort of step forward, Olshey says he has reason to be optimistic about the Blazers' future.

"I'm not putting a number on Nic, but if Nic can make a jump, if Wes [Matthews] can make a jump, if L.A. [LaMarcus Aldridge] can just be L.A., and Damian [Lillard] can be who we think he has the ability to be, we're not that far away," Olshey said. "And having a lottery pick potentially, and three second [round picks], and having $13MM in room potentially, is a pretty good position to be in eight months from now."

Here are a few more updates from around the Western Conference:

The Mavericks have indefinitely suspended Delonte West again for conduct detrimental to the team, the club announced today in a press release. As Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com tweets, it seems likely this suspension will last longer than West's last one did.
Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News thinks Mavericks rookie Bernard James, the third pick of the second round this June, could use some D-League seasoning.
Robert Sacre is moving closer to locking up a spot on the Lakers roster, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com.
Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post believes Andre Iguodala, who can invoke an early termination option for 2013/14, will instead sign a long-term deal with the Nuggets.
Even after waiving Eddy Curry and Derrick Brown, the Spurs won't necessarily keep Josh Powell on their regular season roster, but Powell tells Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News that he thinks he's shown the team enough to warrant consideration.