May 2013 Basketball Wiretap

Chris Copeland Open To Rejecting More Lucrative Offers For Knicks Return

Jun 29, 2013 6:41 PM

Just last year, Chris Copeland rejected substantial proposals from clubs to fulfill his desire to play in the NBA. After a breakout season with the New York Knicks, Copeland knows he’ll once again have to pass up larger offers for his hope: a return to the Knicks.

European powerhouse FC Barcelona has elevated its pursuit of Copeland and wants to start negotiations on a lucrative contract for the 6-foot-8 forward, league sources told RealGM. Copeland will listen to all potential suitors, but still, he’s made clear his willingness to return to the Knicks even if they aren’t able to match his most pricey offer.

“Returning is very much an option,” Copeland's agent, John Spencer, told RealGM. “He turned down several options to play, turned down enormous money to get an NBA opportunity last year. He wants to play and wants to contribute. The Knicks are a good organization, with Mike Woodson and the list goes on.

“There’s a chance another team will potentially pick him up, obviously, but the Knicks gave Chris the opportunity to play and he’s loyal because of that.”

Copeland, 29, had scoring outbursts throughout the Knicks’ season, dropping seven 20-point performances including pouring in 55 points over the final two games of the regular season. When given increased minutes in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Copeland averaged 6.2 points on 55 percent three-point shooting.

Several NBA teams are expected to chase Copeland in free agency, but he told reporters at season’s end he only envisions himself as a Knick. To remain with the Knicks, Copeland, a restricted free agent, would have to accept the mini mid-level exception as the most the franchise can offer.

Shams Charania/RealGM

Tags: Chris Copeland, New York Knicks, Barca, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor, International, International Signing Rumor, International Teams, International Misc Rumor

Discuss
Darko Milicic Won't Seek Another NBA Contract

Jun 24, 2013 8:20 PM

Darko Milicic believes his NBA career is completely over.

Milicic began the 12-13 season with the Boston Celtics and asked for his release so he can return to Europe to attend to his ill mother.

Milicic finished the season with KK Red Star Belgrade.

"No more chances," said Milicic to mvp.rs. "This is a done deal. Bygone. Hence I wear a lot of bad experiences. Guilt is mutual, it was bad moves with their with my hand. However, is not worth more to talk about. They think they should to play a supporting role and wait for his chance. Understand why they have such an attitude. My NBA career speaks to me for such a player, and I know I'm not."

Eric Freeman/Yahoo! Sports

Tags: Darko Milicic, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor, International, International Misc Rumor

Discuss
Dario Saric Leaning Toward Withdrawing From Draft

Jun 6, 2013 7:30 PM

Dario Saric is leaning toward withdrawing from the 2013 NBA Draft, according to sources.

Saric has until June 17 to make a final decision.

Saric has received interest from the New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.

Saric is likely to be a lottery pick.

Chad Ford/ESPN

Tags: Dario Saric, KK Cibona, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, International, NBA Draft General, International Teams, International Misc Rumor

Discuss