Vince Carter Expects To Become Free Agent, Tyson Chandler Meeting With Warriors

Tyson Chandler To Meet With Warriors, According To Report

Tyson Chandler finds himself in the San Francisco Bay Area on Monday, the first day NBA teams are allowed to speak directly with free agent players. Chandler attended Sunday night's San Francisco 49ers game and, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, will meet with the Golden State Warriors this week.

Stein reports that Chandler, an unrestricted free agent who helped the Mavericks to the NBA championship last year, will also meet with the New Jersey Nets and Houston Rockets before the free agency period officially starts on Friday.

The Warriors would need to drop salary before fitting Chandler under the salary cap, assuming the center wants something close to market value (eight figures annually). Luckily, with the amnesty clause, Golden State can do just that. Dropping Latvian center Andris Biedrins via the amnesty clause and renouncing the rights to all of the team's free agents other than Reggie Williams would get the Warriors' salary down to $42 million, where they could easily fit Chandler and a few other small pieces.

Vince Carter To Be Waived By Phoenix Suns, According To Report

Vince Carter is not currently listed among the top NBA free agents, but the Phoenix Suns swingman will likely end up on that list before training camps open on Friday. The 34-year-old veteran has probably seen better days, but it's likely he could still contribute in the right situation.

The right situation might not be in Phoenix, however, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard and Marc Stein -- at least not under his current contract.

Vince Carter isn't a free agent yet, but sources close to the situation say the eight-time All-Star will be thrust onto the open market shortly after the end of the lockout.

Based on an amendment in his contract obtained by ESPN.com, Carter must be waived by the Phoenix Suns within 72 hours of the official start of free agency or his $18 million salary for the 2011-12 season becomes fully guaranteed.

If Hill is waived prior within the first three days of the season, the Suns will only owe him $4 million, a 14-million dollar discount that the Suns might be able to use to re-sign Grant Hill and other potential free agents. ESPN reports that the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs are all interested in signing Carter once he becomes a free agent.

Lakers Don't Expect Shannon Brown To Return

The Los Angeles Lakers expect reserve guard Shannon Brown to get a better offer as an NBA free agent than what the Lakers will offer, general manager Mitch Kupchak told the Orange County Register's Kevin Ding at a media session on Friday.

Brown is an unrestricted free agent coming off of a tough season. He played just 19 minutes per game behind Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Steve Blake, and for the second straight season had shooting rates well below average (48.2 percent effective field goal percentage, 51.8 percent True Shooting). He is essentially an inefficient scoring guard who can dunk rather well and has a striking resemblance to singer Chris Brown, to whom he is not related.

In the 2011 NBA Draft, the Lakers picked up guards Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock. Fisher, Blake and Bryant remain under contract, as well. The Lakers will have use of the mini mid-level exception (worth a max of three years, $9.3 million), sign-and-trade deals and the veteran's minimum at their disposal, as well.

Chris Paul Rumors Receive Pushback In New Orleans

The day that Yahoo! reported Chris Paul's camp had told the New Orleans Hornets that the All-Star guard would not be signing a contract extension and would like to be traded to the New York Knicks, Paul was actually in the Crescent City to take advantage of Hornets' facilities being open to NBA players for the first time since June. He told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that the reports were just rumors.

"It is just rumors; you can't control it," Paul said. "It's always going to happen, and it's part of the game. I'm just happy to be back with my team."

The Times-Picayune had previously reported that Paul's camp had made no such request to the Hornets' front office.

Paul led the Hornets to the playoffs last season where New Orleans put a spook into the No. 2 seed L.A. Lakers, stretching the then two-time defending champions to six games. Paul averaged 22 points, 11.5 assists and almost 7 rebounds per game during that series. He's made three All-NBA teams and has two top-five MVP voting finishes.

Chris Paul Wants Trade To New York Knicks, According To Report

Chris Paul wants to be traded to the Knicks, according to a Yahoo! Sports report on Thursday. This week, he informed the New Orleans Hornets that he won't sign an extension now or next summer. Now it's up to New Orleans to trade him.

Rajon Rondo Trade Rumors Discussed By Danny Ainge At Celtics Press Conference

Rajon Rondo trade rumors have been a hot topic the last couple of days as the Boston Celtics point guard has been rumored to be involved in trades to both the New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder in the past couple of days. The Boston Celtics did what they could to squash those talks for the time being, however, when they met with the media on Thursday morning.

Team president Danny Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers held a press conference in Waltham, Mass. -- the site of the Celtics training camp -- and the inevitable happened when a reporter asked the looming rumors.

"I'll talk to Rondo. Rondo will be fine," team president Danny Ainge said. "Rondo knows that we love him. He's excited to come back and play basketball. He gets a lot of attention. He's a great player. There's a lot of people that call me and ask me about Rondo. How these rumors get out is unfortunate but we didn't leak those rumors out and we'll deal with it. He'll be fine."

Ainge eventually said he wasn't trying to trade Rondo, but Rivers discussed how those sort of rumors might be brought up.

"There's a reason when whatever this thing leaked out, it was all over the news," Doc Rivers said. "It's because the players they were talking about are both really good. Rondo has established that with his play. He is a great basketball player and he does so many things for our team. He should be flattered, in a way, that this is news."

As short as it's planned to be, the NBA offseason should still be plenty interesting.

Nets, Others Hoping To Land Nene, According To Report

Nene has never been regarded as a superstar around the NBA, but a great season last year has him being talked about as one of the top NBA free agents of this lockout-shortened offseason. The Brazilian big man has plenty of suitors, too, if he doesn't return to the Denver Nuggets.

The New Jersey Nets are one of the teams interested -- because they're interested in everyone worth their salt -- but the key will be to see who meets with Nene first when the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 9. That decision, apparently, won't be made anytime soon.

"That will go down to the wire," a source close to Nene said.

The Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers were among the teams that reached out to Nene's representatives Wednesday, the first day teams were allowed to contact agents to discuss potential deals.

Yahoo! Sports reports that it could take upwards of $13 million per season to sign Nene, but for a team that wants to win this year, he's one of the best options on the board.

Lakers Would Reportedly Make Andrew Bynum Available In Blockbuster

The Los Angeles Lakers have coveted Andrew Bynum ever since they took a chance on choosing the young phenom in the 2005 NBA Draft with the 10th overall pick. The front office has apparently loosened its grip on the center, however, as they look to improve on their roster as the current NBA trade rumors heat up.

Front office executive Jim Buss said that Bynum was "untouchable in trade talks" earlier this year, but that apparently is no longer the case.

It's no surprise to anyone that the Lakers will be one of the primary suitors in a possible trade for Howard, and a person with knowledge of the team's strategy told CBSSports.com that executive Jim Buss finally has dropped his opposition to trading center Andrew Bynum "for the right deal."

That's code for "a deal for Dwight Howard," and it's clear from those familiar with Howard's thinking that he'd like to join the Lakers. Bynum may or may not be on the Magic's list of suitable replacements for Howard in a potential deal that also would have to include young players on rookie contracts and draft picks.

It's obvious that very few players would be able to pry Bynum away from the Lakers, but it makes sense that Howard would be one of those players.

Tyson Chandler, Nets Reportedly Have Mutual Interest

Tyson Chandler was a key to the Dallas Mavericks championship season last year, but the center has indicated that he doesn't think they will elect to retain his services for this season. If Chandler finds himself on the open market, he immediately becomes one of the NBA's top free agents -- and therefore, the New Jersey Nets are interested.

The Nets have been involved in numerous NBA trade rumors as they look to build a powerhouse around Deron Williams, but if they are unable to lure Dwight Howard via trade this season, it sounds like Chandler is definitely on their radar.

"There's mutual interest," one source close to the situation with Chandler said last night while another described the two-way interest as "strong."

Chandler has had injury issues in the past, but ended last season with the league's best true shooting percentage while cutting down on his turnovers and continuing to be a solid force on defense and the boards. Depending on the price tag, he should definitely be able to help out the Nets next to Brook Lopez.

Tyson Chandler Ready To Leave Dallas Mavericks As Free Agent

For those NBA teams that miss out on signing center Nene, there might be a nice prize still waiting for teams to make a run at. Center Tyson Chandler expects that he will move on from the Dallas Mavericks and be with a new team once training camp begins, reports ESPN's Chris Broussard and Marc Stein. As Chandler remarked:

"I really think I'm going to be on a new team come training camp," Chandler told ESPN.com in a telephone interview Wednesday night. "I'm really taking a hard look at all of my options, trying to see what best suits me."

It had widely been expected that Chandler would re-sign with the Mavericks, but it appears that the Mavericks have other priorities than signing the big man to a long-term deal.

After being acquired in a 2010 trade, Chandler played just one season with the Mavericks. In 74 games, he averaged 10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 74 games. He finished third in the 2010-2011 NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting, behind Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett.

For more on the Mavericks, visit Mavs Moneyball. For more on the upcoming season, check out SB Nation NBA.

Carl Landry Draws Interest From Pacers And More, According To Reports

Carl Landry, an unrestricted free agent whose career has fallen off since being traded by the Houston Rockets in 2010, is drawing interest from the Indiana Pacers among other teams, according to reports. 

SI.com's Sam Amick reports that Landry's camp has heard from the Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics and incumbent New Orleans Hornets since the NBA opened up communication lines between teams and player agents.

In addition, Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star reports that Pacers execs spoke to Landry's agent on Wednesday.

The Pacers have loads of cap space. Tyler Hansbrough would be the presumptive starter at power forward without a free agent or trade acquisition; Josh McRoberts, the other option, is a free agent. Landry has come off of the bench plenty during his NBA career, most successful in the early part of the 2009-10 season in Houston before the Rockets traded him for Kevin Martin. The Sacramento Kings traded him a year later for Marcus Thornton.

Nate Robinson, Thunder Working On Buy-Out, According To Report

The Oklahoma City Thunder are working on a contract buy-out with guard Nate Robinson that would make the reserve a free agent, reports J. Michael Falgoust of USA Today. 

Falgoust reports that the team was working on an agreement to release Robinson before the NBA lockout hit in July. Robinson has just one season and $4.5 million remaining on his deal. Robinson played in just four games for Scott Brooks' Thunder after being included in the midseason Kendrick Perkins-Jeff Green trade in February.

If Robinson is bought out in the traditional way, most of that $4.5 million contract would remain on the Thunder's salary cap sheet. Assuming NBA rules on buy-outs do not change in the new collective bargaining agreement, and assuming that Oklahoma City does not use the amnesty or stretch provisions on Robinson's small deal, the Thunder would see 50 percent of any new NBA contract a waived Robinson signs for this season removed from that $4.5 million cap hit. (So if a buy-out is reached and Robinson signs a one-year, $2 million deal with another team, his cap hit on the Thunder would be for $3.5 million.)

The central aim of a buy-out is to decrease the actual salary paid out; the Thunder would be assumed to be asking Robinson to forfeit some of his owed salary to be released so that he can sign with a team that will let him play.

David West Reportedly Draws Interest From Warriors, Wizards In Addition To Pacers

David West, the New Orleans Hornets' unrestricted free agent power forward, has received interest from teams expected to be suitors as well as a couple of surprises, according to SI.com's Sam Amick.

The Indiana Pacers, long considered to be a top suitor for West, reached out to the former All-Star, as did the Hornets, reports Amick. But the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards also expressed interest as the NBA allowed teams to begin communication with agents and players ahead of the scheduled December 9 start of free agency.

West missed the end of the 2010-11 season and playoff after tearing his ACL late in the season. He's been primarily a skill player instead of an athletic power, but how his knee responds will be a big factor in how productive he is heading through his 30s.

Other top power forwards available include Carl Landry, Kris Humphries and Andrei Kirilenko. 

Dwight Howard Trade Possibility Left Open By Magic GM Otis Smith

Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith will not rule out trading Dwight Howard if the All-NBA center won't commit to a contract extension, reports Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.

Smith talked to the media after the NBA announced that team executives could begin talking to players and agents in anticipation of the start of free agency on December 9. Howard can't become a free agent until July 2012, but rumors have swirled after the center made comments about his uncertainty on whether he'll commit to Orlando. The Magic, no doubt, have a maximum-value extension available whenever he wants to sign it.

Smith didn't exactly say he plans to put Howard on the market, and said that he wants to take to the star about the issue instead of reading the media tea leaves. But he was candid in saying that all options would remain open.

"I think you have to look at everything," Smith told the Orlando Sentinel when he was asked if he'd consider trading Howard. "I don't think you can take anything out of consideration."

For more on the Magic, visit Orlando Pinstriped Post.

Caron Butler Rumors Center On Bulls, Heat And Four Other Teams

Caron Butler, who missed the second half of the Dallas Mavericks' championship season after a New Year's injury, has drawn early free agent interest from six teams including the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, reports CBS Sports' Ken Berger.

In addition to the Bulls and Heat, the New Jersey Nets, L.A. Clippers, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks have expressed interest, Berger says. Butler, a scoring small forward whose defense has traditionally been respected but far from elite, will turn 32 before the playoffs. He made $10.5 million last season.

The Mavericks have a high payroll and a bigger priority in Tyson Chandler, though no one would be surprised to see Dallas make a push to retain Butler; Mark Cuban has never been shy about having a massive payroll, and the more punitive luxury tax rates negotiated into the new collective bargaining agreement don't go into effect until 2013.

Butler was named to the 2007 and 2008 East All-Stars as a member of the Washington Wizards.

Top NBA Free Agents Of 2011: A Delectable Class Of Players Awaits

What awesome NBA free agents are available before the 2011-12 season begins? What awful NBA free agents are also available? Our comprehensive ranking of the top 79 players available will tell you all you need to know (provided you do not need to know everything).

Rajon Rondo Trade Rumors: Celtics Guard A Hot Commodity

Rajon Rondo trade rumors seem to be the big thing as NBA free agency kicks off in earnest this week, at least if Tuesday night's barrage of reports are any indication. The Boston Celtics point guard is the topic of quite a few interesting proposals, apparently, and will likely be involved in quite a few more in the weeks ahead.

Rondo could be deal to the New Orleans Hornets in a trade that would net Boston fellow point guard Chris Paul, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard. It's unclear whether the Hornets would be interested in dealing their star player straight up for Rondo, but there have apparently been discussions regarding the trade.

The Celtics also attempted to send Rondo and Jeff Green to the Oklahoma City Thunder following last season, Broussard also reported late Tuesday, for Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Perkins. The Thunder ultimately turned that deal down, however, a move that SB Nation's Welcome To Loud City agrees was the right one.

The Indiana Pacers are another team interested in Rondo, too, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Pacers and Celtics have discussed the preliminary framework of a deal, but two sources said Indiana would need a third team to provide Boston with the talent it wants to do a deal. The Celtics are likely trying to gather the necessary pieces to make a bid for Ainge's ultimate target: New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, sources said.

With so much smoke surrounding Rondo, a trade would seem to be imminent. Considering there wasn't a lot of alternatives to talk about during the months-long lockout, however, all of these talks could have simply been a way to get through the doldrums of the work stoppage.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: New Jersey Nets Preparing Offer For Orlando Magic Center

We may have our first significant Dwight Howard trade rumor of the NBA season. The New Jersey Nets are "preparing" to offer center Brook Lopez and multiple first-round picks to the Orlando Magic for Howard before he becomes a free agent next summer, according to a report by ESPN's Marc Stein and Chad Ford.

The Nets' "dream scenario," according to Stein and Ford, is to acquire Howard in a trade to pair with Deron Williams before he becomes a free agent next season. Howard is still with the Magic, but with several bad contracts and a declining roster, most believe he is looking for a new team after this season. The Magic may look to trade Howard and get something back for him before he potentially leaves in free agency.

ESPN also reports that the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are Howard's preferred destinations, which makes a trade risky for the Nets. Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Howard can not receive more than a one-year extension on his current contract. That means he too could bolt the Nets after being acquired.

For more NBA trade rumors and NBA free agency updates, visit this StoryStream.

NBA Free Agents, Teams Can Talk Beginning Wednesday

In a surprise move, the NBA announced on Tuesday that while free agency won't begin until December 9, teams can begin talks with agents about free agent players beginning on Wednesday. The league that no deals can be offered or accepted -- even verbally -- until December 9, but that communication can begin.

It's unorthodox by NBA standards. In a normal NBA offseason, teams cannot have conversations with agents of free agent players from other teams until the stroke of midnight on July 1, the traditional start of free agency. By the time that the sun rises on July 1, there are usually a couple of verbal deals wrapped up.

How strictly the NBA will monitor its "no verbal offer or deal" rule remains to be seen. In practice, it might really just end up as a gag order on team execs and agents who reach quiet deals that will surely leak out, as all deals do.

The NBA also announced that team facilities will be opened on Thursday for voluntary camps.

How NBA Lockout Deal Affects Nene's Inevitable Max Contract

Nene Chase Reportedly Includes Six Teams, None Of Which Are The Nuggets

Nene wants to leave the Denver Nuggets and has six suitors in serious play, reports Ken Berger of CBS Sports. Those six teams -- the Golden State Warriors, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat -- are at varying levels of ability to actually sign him outright, however, which may require the Nuggets to be involved.

Berger reports that the Warriors are interested in improving the team's frontcourt, and would use the amnesty clause on disappointing and expensive Latvian center Andris Biedrins to fit Nene on the cap sheet. The Nets could find room by waiving Travis Outlaw, and the Pacers have as much cap space as anyone in the NBA.

If you wondering how the Heat can manage to add Nene via sign-and-trade or by signing him outright without the Brazilian taking a massive paycut, you are not alone. Houston and Dallas have young prospects, at least.

For more on the Nuggets, visit Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.

Paul Millsap A Hot Trade Target, With Pacers Interested

Paul Millsap could one of the hotter names on the trade rumor mill once NBA free agency begins December 9 and league business returns to normal. The Utah Jazz traded for power forward Derrick Favors at the 2011 trade deadline in the Deron Williams blockbuster, have Al Jefferson under contract and picked big man Enes Kanter No. 3 overall in the June draft. Millsap has strong value as a productive power forward on a fair contract.

The Indianapolis Star's Mike Wells reports that the Indiana Pacers talked to the Jazz about Millsap before the NBA Draft and could do so again. The Pacers have been expected to be one of the teams going after free agent David West if the New Orleans Hornets don't make a strong move to retain the two-time All-Star.

Millsap is more than four years younger, though, and nearly as productive. Indiana has intriguing prospects up and down the roster, and the Jazz will have incentive to slash payroll with such a young core, so it seems like a natural fit if Indiana's West pursuit falls through.

For more on the Pacers, visit Indy Cornrows. For more on the Jazz, visit SLC Dunk.

NBA Free Agent List: 129 Players Available, Though Some May Be Tied Up Overseas

NBA free agency is scheduled to begin on December 9. While the class certainly lack in stars when compared to the famous 2010 and 2012 derbies, there's value to be had. See the full list of free agents who played in the NBA last season below, broken down by status.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Offer sheets signed by these players can be matched by the incumbent team. An asterisk denotes that a player remains under contract overseas and may not be interested in or able to return to the NBA this season.

Aaron Brooks*, PHO
Arron Afflalo, DEN
Daequan Cook, OKC
Dante Cunningham, CHA
DeAndre Jordan, LAC
Derrick Brown, NYK
Gary Forbes, DEN
Greg Oden, POR
Hamady Ndiaye, WAS
Hamed Haddadi, MEM
Jeff Green, BOS
Jonas Jerebko, DET
Larry Owens, WAS
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, MIL
Marc Gasol, MEM
Marco Belinelli, NOH
Marcus Thornton, SAC
Mario Chalmers, MIA
Nick Young, WAS
Othyus Jeffers, WAS
Patrick Mills*, POR
Reggie Williams, GSW
Rodney Stuckey, DET
Sonny Weems*, TOR
Spencer Hawes, PHI
Thaddeus Young, PHI
Wilson Chandler*,DEN

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

These free agents are free to sign with whatever team has the salary cap space or exception to do so. An asterisk denotes that a player remains under contract overseas and may not be interested in or able to return to the NBA this season.

Aaron Gray, NOH
Acie Law, GSW
Al Thornton, GSW
Alexis Ajinca, TOR
Andrei Kirilenko*, UTA
Anthony Carter, NYK
Anthony Parker, CLE
Antonio Daniels, PHI
Ben Uzoh, NJN
Brandan Wright, NJN
Brian Cardinal, DAL
Brian Scalabrine, CHI
Carl Landry, NOH
Carlos Arroyo, BOS
Caron Butler, DAL
Chris Quinn, SAS
Chris Wilcox, DET
Chuck Hayes, HOU
Craig Smith, LAC
D.J. Mbenga, NOH
DaJuan Summers, DET
Damien Wilkins, ATL
Dan Gadzuric, NJN
Darius Songaila*, PHI
Darnell Jackson*, SAC
David West, NOH
Delonte West, BOS
DeShawn Stevenson, DAL
Dominic McGuire, CHA
Earl Boykins, MIL
Earl Clark, ORL
Earl Watson, UTA
Erick Dampier, MIA
Etan Thomas, ATL
Francisco Elson, UTA
Garrett Temple, CHA
Glen Davis, BOS
Grant Hill, PHO
Hilton Armstrong, ATL
J.R. Smith*, DEN
Jamaal Magloire, MIA
Jamal Crawford, ATL
Jamario Moon, LAC
James Jones, MIA
Jared Jeffries, HOU
Jason Collins, ATL
Jason Kapono, PHI
Jason Richardson, ORL
Jason Smith, NOH
Jeff Foster, IND
Joe Smith, LAL
Joel Przybilla, CHA
Joey Dorsey, TOR
J.J. Barea, DAL
Josh Howard, WAS
Josh McRoberts, IND
Josh Powell, ATL
Julian Wright, TOR
Juwan Howard, MIA
Kenyon Martin*, DEN
Kris Humphries, NJN
Kurt Thomas, CHI
Kwame Brown, CHA
Kyrylo Fesenko, UTA
Leon Powe, MEM
Malik Allen, ORL
Marcus Banks, NOH
Mario West, NJN
Marquis Daniels, SAC
Maurice Evans, WAS
Melvin Ely, DEN
Michael Redd, MIL
Mike Bibby, MIA
Mike Dunleavy, IND
Mustafa Shakur, WAS
Nene, DEN
Peja Stojakovic, DAL
Pooh Jeter*, SAC
Rasual Butler, CHI
Reggie Evans, TOR
Roger Mason, NYK
Ronnie Price, UTA
Samuel Dalembert, SAC
Sasha Pavlovic, BOS
Sebastian Telfair, MIN
Shane Battier, MEM
Shannon Brown, LAL
Shawne Williams, NYK
Shelden Williams, NYK
Solomon Jones, IND
Steve Novak, SAS
T.J. Ford, IND
Tayshaun Prince, DET
Theo Ratliff, LAL
Tony Battie, PHI
Tracy McGrady, DET
Troy Murphy, BOS
Tyson Chandler, DAL
Vladimir Radmanovic, GSW
Von Wafer, BOS
Willie Green, NOH
Yi Jianlian*, WAS

For full NBA free agency coverage, follow our StoryStream.

Andrei Kirilenko To Weigh Free Agency, Remaining In Moscow

Andrei Kirilenko, an unrestricted free agent who has spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz, signed with CSKA Moscow in his native Russia during the NBA lockout, and has been one of the best players in the 2011-12 Euroleague season so far. Now that the NBA lockout has ended, the question of whether Kirilenko will leave Moscow -- he does have an opt-out clause -- or stay put has risen.

Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune reports that, per Kirilenko's agent Marc Fleisher, the forward will weigh his options before making a decision either way.

Agent Marc Fleisher on Kirilenko's future: "He and I have decided to evaluate the NBA interest versus what he has over there and then a decision will be made."

The New Jersey Nets have been a popular suggestion as Kirilenko's potential NBA landing spot, thanks to the team's gaping hole at small forward, the possibility the team loses its power forward Kris Humphries in free agency and Kirilenko's relationships with Deron Williams and Mikhail Prokhorov.

NBA Free Agency: Samuel Dalembert Favors Heat, Also Interested In Knicks, Rockets

Samuel Dalembert is one of the many solid big men available in NBA free agency when the period begins on December 9. The 7-foot Haitian-born center is among the league's best rebounders and shotblockers, and while his offense is as stunted as it's always been, the value of defense at his position is huge.

The Sacramento Kings traded for Dalembert a year ago, and the center meshed well with young big man DeMarcus Cousins, who slotted at power forward but could be a center long-term. With the Kings rebuilding and Dalembert hitting age 30, returning may not be in the cards. That's opened up free agent speculation over the past year.

And all along, the Miami Heat have made sense. Dalembert confirms that he's interested in the match in an interview with FOXSports' Chris Tomasson.

"I'm keeping all my options open, but Miami could be a good fit for me," Dalembert said.

Why is that?

"If you look at the playoffs with Dallas, you saw what Tyson Chandler did," Dalembert said, referring to the 7-foot-1 center who helped the Mavs beat the Heat in six games for the title last June. "He was basically a key ingredient for them to win a championship. And Miami didn't have somebody like that. Somebody able to stop (foes from) getting second shots and somebody able to rebound and finish. I could fill that role and be an asset for that team."

Dalembert goes on to cite the New York Knicks and Yao Ming-less Houston Rockets as potential fits, as well. Dalembert seems like a prime candidate for the $5 million mid-level exception included in the lockout deal, though the Kings could also be open to using him in a sign-and-trade.

NBA Rumors: Warriors Again In Market For Big Man

The Golden State Warriors have been looking for help in the frontcourt since Nate Thurmond retired -- that's only a small exaggeration -- so it's no surprise that as NBA free agency approaches the Warriors are reported to be in the market for one of this class' top centers and power forwards.

From Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle:

[The Warriors] want to make a push to acquire a big man, such as Tyson Chandler, Samuel Dalembert, Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan or Nene.

That type of splash would be tough, because the team will go into the year about $6 million under the salary cap if they don't dump some expensive players.

Simmons also reports that the team doesn't want to waive center Andris Biedrins ($9 million cap figure); unless Golden State sends David Lee ($11.6 million) or Biedrins off, the team isn't getting Chandler, Gasol or Nene. Those are eight-figure players.

The Warriors signed Lee, a one-time All-Star with the New York Knicks, to a six-year, $80 million deal in 2010. He had a disappointing first season in Oakland.

Capped-Out Lakers Could Look To Potential Amnesty Players Like Rashard Lewis And Baron Davis, Says Report

The L.A. Lakers have no cap space and limited ability to add players making anything more than the minimum salary when free agency finally begins on December 9. But according to the Los Angeles Times' Mike Bresnahan, players who find themselves with a paycheck but no team thanks to the amnesty clause could be sought by the Western power.

Among those names: Rashard Lewis and Baron Davis.

The Lakers are curious to see if veteran point guard Baron Davis gets cut by Cleveland. He has two years and $28.7 million left on his contract, though he can be signed for substantially less than that. The Lakers also want a shooter and are monitoring whether forward Rashard Lewis (two years, $43.8 million remaining) gets waived by Washington.

SBNation.com's Mike Prada has written a strong argument that the Wizards won't have the proper incentive to waive Lewis thanks to an increasing payroll floor. Davis is a different story; with Kyrie Irving arriving in Cleveland and Ramon Sessions under contract, there seems to be little room for the veteran.

The Lakers also have to make a decision on whether to use Bird rights to keep Shannon Brown on the roster, assuming the combo guard doesn't leap quickly to another team.

For more on the Lakers, visit Silver Screen And Roll and SB Nation L.A.

Nets Could Chase Nene, Tyson Chandler To Pair With Brook Lopez, Says Report

The New Jersey Nets aim to add a top-tier center like Nene or Tyson Chandler via free agency, according to a report.