NBA Free Agency Takeaways On Latest News

By Erik Lambert
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Jun 12, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh warms up prior to game four of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The machine rolls forward.  NBA free agency is approaching a zenith.  What’s the latest on the news and rumors?

Bulls pursuit of Nikola Mirotic shows their stance on Carmelo Anthony

At first it came as a surprise to experts when rumors sprouted that European star Nikola Mirotic was planning to leave Real Madrid to head for the NBA.  In fact even the team that held his draft rights, the Chicago Bulls, were said to have been shocked.  Now though the fact have begun to clarify.  The Bulls fully plan to buy Mirotic out of his contract with Real Madrid, freeing him up to join the team for the 2014-2015 season.  While it’s good news to hear, it also reveals much regarding the Bulls’ free agency situation.  Their pursuit of All-Star Carmelo Anthony was top priority, but more and more whispers are abound that he is on his way back to New York.  This move to get Mirotic might be the confirmation that Chicago feels the same way.

Chris Bosh rumors show Rockets aren’t counting on Chandler Parsons

The Houston Rockets can relate somewhat to that situation.  They too were chasing Anthony while also doing everything possible to retain restricted free Chandler Parsons to their roster.  Recent reports suggest that things are changing.  Houston apparently has eyes for Miami Big Three member Chris Bosh.  Pairing him with Dwight Howard and James Harden does seem like an intriguing idea, but it would also make things considerably more difficult for them to hang onto Parsons who figures to get some heft offers once Anthony and LeBron James go off the market.

Isaiah Thomas done with Kings after Darren Collison arrival

It’s perfectly understandable why the Sacramento Kings launched a pre-emptive strike in NBA free agency to steal guard Darren Collison.  It weakens a Western Conference foe in the Los Angeles Clippers but more importantly it gives them badly needed insurance for the possible loss of their own star free agent Isaiah Thomas.  They are still holding out hope to get Thomas back, but from his perspective seeing Collison arrive would send a pretty loud message that perhaps it’s best for him to seek a starting job elsewhere.

T-Wolves will be pressed to deal Kevin Love once big names sign

After the draft and the start of NBA free agency, all the trade talks regarding All-Star forward Kevin Love dissipated.  The spotlight shifted to the big available names like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James.  Things figure to stay that way for the next week or so but basketball fans can rest assured that the Minnesota Timberwolves are not done.  Nothing has changed regarding Love’s stance that he does not intend to sign a contract extension prior to his own free agent plans next year.  That means the trade pressure will only increase.  The question is will the T-wolves look to get a deal done soon or take a gamble by waiting until the trade deadline in February?

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