Rashard Lewis has agreed to sign a five-year contract with the Magic in the $75 millon to $85 million range, which forced the team to withdraw their qualifying offer to Darko Milicic, making him an unrestricted free agent. On paper, a Lewis/Dwight Howard marriage seems like a good one for Orlando. Lewis is mainly a face up scorer with a deadly outside jumper, so he should find some open looks when teams try to double Howard down low. Meanwhile, Milicic still may re-sign with the team, but he wants a contract approaching $10 million a year, but there may not be that kind of demand for him at this point.
Other news:
Chauncey Billups and the Pistons are reportedly close to an agreement that would keep the point guard in Detroit. The contract could reach five years and $60 M, but it’s not a done deal yet. He’s the top point guard in free agency, but is getting on in years so the team may regret this signing by the end of the contract.
Vince Carter agrees to re-sign with the Nets for four years. The team continues to move sideways, but should have a little more success next season if they can keep their top four players healthy.
Word out of Charlotte is that they want to re-sign Gerald Wallace, but no agreement has been reached. He brings a lot to the table and I’m surprised he’s not getting more attention around the league.
Memphis is making a push for restricted free agent Andres Nocioni, which will put the Bulls in a tough spot if they intend to match.
Milwaukee is talking to both Mo Williams and Charlie Bell. Williams has drawn some interest from teams over the salary cap (and are only able to offer around $5.5 million per season), so the Bucks should be able to win his services in the $6-$7 million range, which is good news considering that there are teams under the cap who should be more interested.
