Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry has been on the prowl for a veteran guard. Sources say
the Cavaliers are close to signing veteran David Wesley. Wesley, who will be 36 on Nov. 14, could be signed with part of the Cavaliers' mid-level exception or possibly the bi-annual exception ($1.8 million).
The Cavs are still maintaining interest in free-agent point guard Marcus Banks. Banks' options have been limited, as three teams that were in contact with him -- the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Hawks -- have gone in different directions by picking up point guards or using cap space. But it doesn't seem as if anything is imminent in Cleveland. ``We're not talking much about it right now; the Cavs have some other priorities to deal with,'' Banks' agent, Michael Higgins, said Thursday. ``Marcus is interested in the Cavs; he likes Mike (Brown).''
Pavlovic is going into the final year of his rookie contract, and the Cavs currently have no intention of extending his deal. He also faces stiff competition on the roster for playing time, which makes it pretty important how he shows up for training camp in October.
Washington Wizards restricted free agent
Jared Jeffries is strongly considering signing the team's one-year qualifying offer of $2.8 million, which would allow the forward to pursue unrestricted free agency after next season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. This comes as negotiations between Jeffries' agent, Andy Miller, and Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld have cooled over the last week
According to a league source,
the Wizards continue to express interest in -- but have not offered a contract to -- free agent shooting guard DeShawn Stevenson, who averaged 11 points in 82 games with the Orlando Magic last season. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic has cut off negotiations with Stevenson, who is seeking a four-year deal worth $4 million.
The Wizards are still in the process of deciding whether Pecherov will attend training camp in October. To bring Pecherov to camp, the Wizards must negotiate a buyout of his contract with BC Kyiv of the Ukrainian Superleague and sign him to an NBA contract. The Wizards can pay up to $500,000 of Pecherov's $800,000 buyout with BC Kyiv, which loaned Pecherov to a team in France last season. Under the NBA's rookie salary scale, Pecherov would be eligible to sign a two-year guaranteed contract worth $2.1 million
Rumors persist that the Timberwolves will trade Marko Jaric and Trenton Hassell to Denver for Kenyon Martin. Wolves VP Kevin McHale wouldn't comment on the possibility Thursday.
The Mavs have expressed interest in re-signing Adrian Griffin, but Griffin said he has also had discussions with "two or three other teams."
Among the guards in the free agent market, Minnesota's Marcus Banks is probably the most intriguing name left, although playing time would come into play as it did with Salmons.
The Suns also have shown interest in ex-Sun Tony Delk, Minnesota's Marko Jaric and Eddie House, who has yet to sign with another team. Wing players on the market who could interest the Suns include Jumaine Jones, Devean George and big men like Aaron Williams.
Spanish team FC Barcelona will try to sign piston Carlos Delfino.