NBA Free Agency: Updates From Around the Market

May 15, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) shakes hands with Goodman League commissioner Miles Rawls (L) after the Wizards game against the Indiana Pacers in game six of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Pacers won 93-80, and won the series 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The market is wide open and NBA free agency is alive.  What are some interesting rumors and updates from the action?

Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson help Chicago go after Carmelo Anthony

Everyone knew the Chicago Bulls were going to do everything possible to entice free agent All-Star Carmelo Anthony to join their team in hopes of winning a championship.  The Bulls didn’t skimp on the showmanship, but they also got a couple of assists from unlikely sources.  Both Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson were on hand for the Melo tour, offering their endorsements for him to come in.  The bigger surprise was Rose, who had stated not long ago that it wasn’t his responsibility to lure free agents to Chicago.  Apparently somebody convinced him otherwise.  It will be interesting to see how that affects Melo’s decision.

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade considering pay cuts to stay in Miami

The Miami Heat are hard at work trying to keep their championship core together.  Recent rumors out of team headquarters is that Big Three members Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade would both consider taking cuts in pay in order to stay.  The reasoning behind that would be two-fold.  It would allow the Heat to sign LeBron James to the max deal he wants and it would also help them bring in point guard Kyle Lowry from Toronto whom they’ve had eyes for since NBA free agency started.

Marcin Gortat ends brief stay on market by returning to Washington

Widely considered one of the best centers available, it was a brief and largely anti-climactic venture for Marcin Gortat.  After putting up an excellent year and helping the Washington Wizards win their first playoff series in eons, Gortat elected to stay on a five-year deal worth $60 million.  It didn’t come as a huge surprise to many but one person excited about it is star point guard John Wall who now hopes the team can hang on to Trevor Ariza.

Chandler Parsons in perfect position to cash in

If there is one player in NBA free agency who holds premium position in has to be power forward Chandler Parsons.  He is in no hurry to sign any deals since most teams are waiting to see the outcome regarding LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.  The reason this is great news for Parsons?  For all those teams that end up striking out on the two superstars, they will immediately bring all the money they were prepared to give them his way.  The 25-year old is entering his prime and has quietly become one of the best all-around forwards in league.  If he plays the board right, he should cash in big time.