| Around the League: July 30th |
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| Written by Joe Willett | |
| Tuesday, 29 July 2008 | |
 It has been assumed that Artest would be on the move since the start of the off-season, he was one of the 10 players likely to be in a new uniform on NBA.com. Artest, however, moved in a way that wasn't expected. Instead of opting out of the contract he was in with the Kings, he decided to stay. Then the Kings said that they didn't care if he didn't want to opt out, they were getting rid of him anyway. The Kings got a nice package for Artest which includes guard Bobby Jackson as well as a 2009 first-round pick and a player to be named later. The Rockets add a strong defender who adds another star player with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. 76ers Sign Kareem Rush Rush has been a bench player for most of his five career seasons in the NBA and has averaged just under seven points a game. He has a clean shot and can hit plenty from beyond the arc which will add depth and shooting to a 76ers team trying to become one of the top teams in the shallow Eastern Conference. Chicago Bulls Close in on a Deal with Luol Deng According to ESPN.com, front-office sources are saying that Deng has verbally agreed to a six-year, $71 million deal to keep the young forward with the Bulls. Deng has said that he wouldn't negotiate with the Bulls past this Friday when he leaves for Britain to play for their national team in the Olympics. The move helps keep the Bulls in contention for next season. The Bulls have been quite on any trades that may happen, which is surprising considering that they were widely expected to make some sort of big move, but now that Deng is tied up, they possibly may be able to put more energy towards trying to get a trade done. Deng was a big name in the Lakers trade talks at the beginning of last season with Kobe Bryant. The Lakers wanted him and Bryant wanted to play with him, but now, he will likely be staying with the Bulls. Bobcats Re-Sign Emeka Okafor The Bobcats have reportedly agreed to a six-year $72 million contract with forward Emeka Okafor to keep him with the club. Okafor has been a big name thrown around as a player that might follow Elton Brands example and re nigh on a promise he made to sign with his club, but now the deal seems to be complete. Okafor was the top pick for the Bobcats in their inaugural year just five seasons ago, and he has played well despite a tendency to get into foul trouble. The Bobcats also went after DeSagana Diop early in free agency which made people skeptical about their intention to retain the forward out of UConn.         Comments
(2)
Response to Chris
written by Joe W , August 03, 2008
Chris, I don't think that Gordon should get the deal that Deng got. He should get paid definitely, but maybe something like 6 years $60 million, knock of $20 million from the total because he is a back-up no matter what he says.
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The Rockets trade is a good one, Kings are into a real rebuilding stage.