RealGM Wiretap

Warriors Re-Sign Monta To Multi-Year Deal

The Golden State Warriors have re-signed guard Monta Ellis to a multi-year contract, announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Monta under contract for the next several years,” said Mullin. “He has been one of the top young players in the NBA for the last two years and enjoyed a tremendous season last year. The growth that he has demonstrated at such a young age is incredible, and we look forward to him playing a big part in our future success.”

Ellis, 22, averaged a career-high 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.53 steals in 37.9 minutes in 81 games last season. He ranked 14th in the NBA in field goal percentage (.531, 3rd among all guards), 15th in steals, and 25th in scoring. He became only the ninth guard in NBA history to shoot 60% from the floor for an entire month in February (.602). The 6’3” Ellis scored a career-high 39 points on January 24 vs. New Jersey and scored 30-plus points on 12 occasions overall.

Originally selected (out of high school) in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft by Golden State (#40 overall), Ellis was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player following the 2006-07 campaign, when his scoring average increased by nearly 10 points per game from the previous season (6.8 to 16.5). The Jackson, Mississippi native has averaged 15.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists overall in 207 NBA games during his three-year career. Additionally, his field goal percentage has increased by nearly 6% in each of his three campaigns (.415, .475, 531).

Via Press Release


Sasha Vujacic May Leave Lakers To Play In Europe

Sasha Vujacic may leave the Lakers for Europe in the next few days if he doesn't receive an offer that he feels is fair, the L.A. Times is reporting.

Since Josh Childress turned his back on the Atlanta Hawks to accept an offer in Greece, it seems that more and more players are exploring the European option, where they can get more money. The Rockets' Carl Landry recently threatened the Europe route, as well.

Vujacic is seeking a multi-year deal from the Lakers averaging about $5 million a year.

As a restricted free agent, the Lakers have the right to match any offer sheet that Vujacic signs with another team. Teams were hesitant to make Vujacic an offer because they anticipate the Lakers would match it, the source said.

The Lakers, according to GM Mitch Kupchak, do want Vujacic back in a Laker uniform next season.

"We are very aware of the global market as it has changed over the years. It was our desire to bring Sasha and Ronny back. It continues to be our desire to bring Sasha back," Kupchak said Thursday after hearing of Vujacic's ultimatum. "However, with the ever-changing marketplace that Europe has become, a player, in order to cover his bases, can negotiate with his NBA team and, at the same time, have a plan that allows him to have the possibility of going overseas."

Via L.A. Times


Nuggets Get Dahntay Jones

The Denver Nuggets came to terms with guard Dahntay Jones on a one year contract, the Denver Post is reporting.

Jones played well on Denver's summer league team, well enough to earn himself a guaranteed contract for the league minimum, around $1 million.

"I think George (Karl) is going to put a real emphasis on defense, defensive pressure, and Dahntay is a great on-the-ball defender," agent Mark Bartelstein said. "I think he will help them immensely that way. He's a great fit."

Via Denver Post



Knicks Sign Roberson

The New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that free agent guard Anthony Roberson has been signed to a contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Roberson, 6-2, 195-pounds, has career averages of 4.1 points and 8.8 minutes in 36 career games with Memphis and Golden State. The 25-year-old Saginaw, MI-native averaged 2.2 points in 5.5 minutes per game with Memphis in 2005-06 before tallying 5.6 points in 11.4 minutes per game with Golden State the following season. Roberson spent last season playing overseas in Turkey and Israel.

Via Press Release


Warriors Match Clippers Offer To Azubuike

The Golden State Warriors have matched the contract offer submitted to restricted free agent guard Kelenna Azubuike by the Los Angeles Clippers, it was announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin. The Warriors had seven (7) days from receipt of the contract – Friday, July 18 - to match the offer from Los Angeles. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced. “We are pleased to have Kelenna back in the fold,” said Mullin. “He’s a young and talented player who has continued to improve during his two seasons with our team. His versatility, athleticism and ability to shoot the 3-pointer certainly fit our style of play. Additionally, we think he will continue to improve and expand his game.” The Golden State Warriors have matched the contract offer submitted to restricted free agent guard Kelenna Azubuike by the Los Angeles Clippers,

Via Press Release


Golden State Signs Richard Hendrix

The Golden State Warriors have signed forward Richard Hendrix, whom the club selected with the 49th overall selection in last month’s NBA Draft, to a contract, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. Hendrix, 21, was an early entry candidate for the NBA Draft after playing three seasons at Alabama. As a junior, he earned First Team All-SEC honors after averaging 17.8 points (fifth in SEC), 10.1 rebounds (first in SEC) and 1.94 blocks (fifth in SEC) in 32 contests. He posted 32 career double-doubles and currently ranks 11th on Alabama’s all-time list for career rebounds (849) and 18th in career points (1,327).

Via Press Release


Warriors Still Moving Slowly On Monta And Biedrins Talks

The free agency process for Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins has been a lengthy one already, and contracts are unlikely to be completed anytime soon.

"I think of things literally, so (Ellis' contract) is not close until it's inked," said Chris Mullin to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle. "Discussions are ongoing. Biedrins is probably similar. I imagine we'll sign them both to long-term deals."

Via San Francisco Chronicle


Hornets Want To Keep Bowen, But Not Bonzi?

The Hornets are unlikely to re-sign free agent swingman Bonzi Wells, but Ryan Bowen might be extended an offer.

The club lost Chris Andersen to free agency and are working on a deal with Jannero Pargo.

Via Times-Picayune


Magic Still Want Crittenton?

There is still trade buzz surrounding Orlando's attempt to acquire Javaris Crittenton.

Crittenton is being relatively quiet about the talk surrounding him.

"It's up in the air right now," Crittenton told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal this week while playing in the Las Vegas summer league. "You never know if I'm going to be traded. It's the NBA. You can't be relaxed. I just want to be somewhere I can play."

Via Orlando Sentinel


Pargo Wants Three-Year Deal

Jannero Pargo, whom the Hornets hope to re-sign, wants a three-year deal and has received interest from several teams.

He has opted out of his contract with the Hornets the past two years only to re-sign with them.

Via Times-Picayune


Sixers Reach Agreement With Ivey

The Sixers have reached an agreement with former Milwaukee guard Royal Ivey, the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting.

Ivey will not officially sign a minimum-salary contract until Monday, which is believed to be for 2 years and include a significant guarantee.

"He's a very tough kid who is better offensively than people think," said Keith Glass, Ivey's agent. "His defense and aggressiveness tend to overshadow his offense, but he's gotten better offensively each year."

Via Philadelphia Daily News