Tuesday Notes: Clips and Knicks interested in Sessions, Jennings vs. Jennings, Allen headed to Denver?
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Woelfel: Clippers, Knicks in hot pursuit of Sessions
Gery Woelfel again chimes in with news on the Ramon Sessions front, now reporting that the Clips have joined the Knicks and a mystery team (possibly OKC) as parties willing to throw MLE deals at Sessions. The Clippers already have Baron Davis locked in at the starting point position, so the Knicks would appear to be a far more preferable destination. L.A. also traded for Bassy Telfair today, so while he's certainly not as good as Sessions it might indicate their own doubts about being able to get Ramon in a Clipper uniform.It is believed James "Chubby’’ Wells, Sessions’ agent, is looking for a five-year deal that would be worth approximately $34.5 million. Both the Knicks and Clippers apparently are amenable to that request.
It'll be interesting to see how this plays out since pretty much all the information in the press is coming from Sessions' agent (he's also the basis of a JS story today). Naturally he'll be asking for a max MLE deal since that's the most he can get, and it's reasonable to think at least one time is willing to give him a deal starting at the MLE. The better question might be whether it's going to be a five year deal like Wells wants or something shorter.
Posting and Toasting: Knicks meet with Miller
Over at Knicks blog Posting and Toasting, it appears the current priority is with Andre Miller, who visited NYC today but has yet to agree to a deal.
Miller's not that old, commands respect from his teammates (and not just "Hey, weren't you in NBA Hangtime!?" respect), and has played in all 82 games his last two years. He'd also serve as an able mentor for Toney Douglas, whose already shown signs that he might one day be a serious point guard with some tutelage. A Duhon-for-Miller swap might make some sense, too. Duhon's got an expiring contract, and he'd likely be the odd man out if sandwiched between the more proficient Miller and the upstart Douglas. Keep an eye out for an actual offer, and don't be surprised if Ramon Sessions is next in line.It's quite possible the Knicks prefer Sessions, but as an unrestricted free agent Miller is simply less of a hassle to sign. I'm hoping the simplicity factor wins out, but that might be wishful thinking.
Nova Fantasy Sports: Allen to Nuggets for Weems?
Nova Fantasy Sports is reporting that the Bucks are on the verge of trading Malik Allen and his $1.3 million expiring contract to Denver for second-year guard Sonny Weems, who would be owed just $175k if waived immediately.
I hadn't heard of this site before but a) there's no reason a sane person would fabricate a Malik Allen trade rumor and b) some reputable posters at RealGM are corroborating that this could very well go down. If it does it would be a no-brainer for the Bucks, as Allen doesn't provide anything of value at this point and the Bucks would be able to save a little over $1.1 million by converting Allen's contract into a smaller, partially guaranteed deal.
I'd probably do this deal regardless of the Sessions situation, but it's worth noting that this move alone would clear enough room to re-sign Sessions for the MLE without going over the 09/10 tax. That begs the question of whether the Bucks really are preparing themselves financially so they can match an MLE deal for Sessions, or whether they're simply trying to scare other teams off by showing they've got the cash to do a deal. In an ideal world other teams wouldn't even bother trying to go after Sessions because they figured the Bucks would match anything, but it doesn't look like that's the case.
Gardner: Skiles liking what he sees in Jennings
Charles Gardner provides a great read today on the budding Skiles/Jennings relationship.
"I thought he proved what we thought we knew, that he's a pure point guard," Skiles said. "He had this rap against him, that he's more of a scorer and not a point guard."His first thought is to facilitate the offense. In my opinion, he was the best guard out there (in summer league). He shot over 40% from three and just really did a nice job."
TrueHoop: Jennings talks about...talking
Kevin Arnovitz has some interesting video from Vegas on Jennings and his work with communications guru Steve Shenbaum, who has been working with Jennings for the past year on his speaking skills.
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Comments
Dumping a lukewarm body like Allen on an unsuspecting team like the Nuggets would be amazing. Even though Weems did nothing at all last year, the move would be great just because it would remove that temptation for Skiles to go with a trusted (why, who knows?) veteran instead of developing Ilyasova and Amir. Does Weems have any potential if he gets some minutes in the D-League, or will this be purely about the numbers?
There have been some whispers about another move by Hammond once the dust settles on the Sessions situation. This doesn’t sound like the big one. Could this be further preparations for a Redd Removal (I liked that one, Sheedwagon, I hope you don’t mind)?
Ray Allen —> Michael Redd —> Jody Meeks?
by MadTown Hoops on Jul 21, 2009 12:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sonny Weems ...
A lot of Denver fans have been excited for Weems to get an opportunity this season with the Nuggets. If and when this trade becomes official that’ll probably end Denver’s hopes.
I’m curious as to if the Bucks will waive Weems in order to free up more cap space or not since he’s only guaranteed $175k. And if they do waive him I wonder if he’d come back to Denver?
The kid has major athleticism. Sort of in the Desmond Mason mold. His shooting touch is slighly off, but he loves to shoot. He’s pretty quick and is a former college dunk champion at Arkansas.
His defensive effort is also suspect, but since Denver lost Dahntay Jones it looked like Weems saw his opportunity to carve out a role for himself so he has been working with Stacey Augmon (Denver assistant) on his defensive prowess.
What’s up with Malik Allen? I’m hoping Denver can package his expiring deal in another move. Can he do anything well? Defend? Shoot? Anything?
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Jul 21, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh and Weems led the Colorado 14'ers to the D-League title last year and averaged 20 points and 4.5 rebounds.
He only played in 12 games with Denver and shot 32% (8-25) averaging 1.6 points.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Jul 21, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks, Nate
Allen is in the league because he’s a very good mid-range jump-shooter…doesn’t rebound, doesn’t have a post game. He knew Skiles’ system from their days in Chicago and started three games in December. Skiles claimed he organized the defense well, and his on/off numbers and opponent stats do support that, but he’s essentially an end-of-the-bench type who coaches appreciate for not being mistake-prone.
If they were to re-sign Sessions then cutting Weems would be an obvious means of clearing some room under the tax, but I’m becoming increasingly doubtful that Sessions returns. Even if they let Sessions walk they might cut Weems just to free up a roster spot and avoid paying a guy who wouldn’t play much.
by Frank Madden on Jul 21, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Frank. Just posted your thoughts on Pickaxe and Roll.
A lot of us Nuggets fans are confused by this trade. Basically hoping it means we can eventually package Allen and our other expiring (Steven Hunter) for somebody else.
Plus, not a lot of folks are familiar w/ Allen’s game (or lack thereof)
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Jul 22, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
S&T allows for 10.5% salary increases...
…but are the Clippers hot enough for Sessions to take on Gadzuric’s contract?
Camby + Collins —> Sessions + Gadzuric
This would address the uncertainty over the Bucks PF position.
Jenning, Ridnour, Collins
Redd, Bell, Meeks
Ilyasova, Mbah A Moute
Camby, Alexander, Johnson, Allen
Bogut, Thomas, Elson
by wayno on Jul 21, 2009 5:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Camby is not a power forward, he’s old, he’s injury prone and his good blocking and rebounding numbers belie a player who is no longer an adequate defensive presence. There’s a reason he was traded by the Nuggets for the right to switch second round picks. I don’t see how this helps the Bucks at all, we already have a decent veteran big in Kurt Thomas.
by MadTown Hoops on Jul 21, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"there's no reason a sane person would fabricate a Malik Allen trade rumor "
ha!
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jul 21, 2009 9:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
its a done deal
according to the Denver Post
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/51344777.html
And its not just for Sonny Weems. Walter Sharpe is also included in the deal.
by Big Dog Hoya on Jul 21, 2009 4:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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