The South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Ira Winderman) reports: Michael Beasley’s Miami Heat debut was cut short when the No. 2 pick in last week’s NBA Draft was sidelined by an elbow to the chest just over a half hour into the team’s first practice at summer camp. Beasley was not available for comment after today’s session at AmericanAirlines Arena. Coach Erik Spoelstra believed the elbow came from free-agent Anthony Washington, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound center out of Portland State.
Day: July 2, 2008
Warriors chase Elton Brand
The San Francisco Chronicle (Janny Hu) reports on her blog: Flush with cap space after Davis’ sudden exit, the Warriors have offered free agent Elton Brand a five-year deal worth between $85 and $90 million, according to league source. Brand, like Davis, opted out of the final year of his contract just before Monday’s deadline, giving up a guaranteed $16.4 million for next season. At the time, Brand’s agent, David Falk, told reporters that the move was designed to create some cap flexibility for the Clippers to add another top-line player.
InsideHoops.com editor says: I think both Baron and Elton want to be in Los Angeles, to play together but also to further their careers in the movie industry, which can obviously be done easier as long as they are based near Hollywood. On the other hand, if Brand can make an extra $20 million playing for the Warriors, that money goes a long way.
Lakers chasing Marcelus Kemp
The Los Angeles Daily News (Elliot Teaford) reports: The Lakers are pursuing Marcelus Kemp, a shooting guard from the University of Nevada. Kemp’s agent, John Grieg, told a Reno newspaper he expected a deal to be struck soon.
InsideHoops.com says: Why do the Lakers always go after such low-profile free agents? They need James Posey, not Marcelus Kemp.