NJ Sports Talk

The NBA Free Agency period started at midnight last night.  Only a few teams have enough salary cap room to sign big time free agents, with most teams only having their mid-level exception to use.  The teams with major cap space include the 76ers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Wizards and Kings.  Elton Brand and Baron Davis shocked their respective teams by opting out of their deals on Monday.  Other big time include Gilbert Arenas and Josh Smith, although Smith is a restricted free agent.

Signings: Former Tar Heel Antawn Jamison resigned with the Wizards for 50 million over 4 years.  Point Guard Beno Udrich has resigned with the Sacramento Kings for the entire midlevel exception for the next 5 years.  (about 6 million per)  Baron Davis has also just signed with the LA Clippers for 65 million for 5 years.  Spanish PG Jose Calderon has resigned with the Toronto Raptors.  The Blazers have signed another Spaniard Rudy Fernandez.

Rumors: It is believed that Elton Brand will now resign with the Clippers to play alongside Baron Davis.  Chris Paul’s agent has said that his client will sign an extension of 4-5 years with the Hornets soon.  The Celtics have offered their midlevel exception to either Corey Maggette or James Posey.  According to reports, Agent Zero Gilbert Arenas has two max offers from the Wizards and Warriors.  The Knicks are rumored to be interested in Chris Duhon, potentially offering him 2 years at 6 million per.  The 76ers are reportedly interested in Josh Smith, but as a restricted free agent the Hawks would have 7 days to match any offer.  The Rockets are looking at Brent Barry as a bench option.

Dan