Thoughts, notes and quotes from around the NBA …
* Still not positive of the exact parameters of a potential trade between the Cavaliers, Nets and Magic – but I’d give Kris Humphries a four-year guaranteed deal if it meant also receiving a first-round draft pick. Especially if all you’re giving up is Luke Walton, who the Cavs don’t want anyway.
* If Humphries played anything like he did last season, he immediately would become the Cavs’ best big man. At the same time, guys tend to have their best seasons when their contracts are expiring.
* Several reports say the Cavs aren’t close to agreeing to a deal, and one opposing general manager said if that’s true, “they’re idiots.” He said the Cavs won’t receive a better offer this summer, and Humphries is still young enough (27) that he’s worth any perceived risks. “It’s not like he’s Rashard Lewis or something,” the GM said. “They have the cap space. They want draft picks and they’ll be getting one. At what price do you make sure you stay bad?”
* Another opposing GM blasted the Cavs, saying that “the only sure thing they’ve gotten by compiling all those assets is Kyrie Irving.” He later added, “At some point you have to put a team on the floor that’s easy to root for. They’re being unreasonable. That’s fine if you’re getting better. They’re not.”
* Dan Fegan represents both Humphries and Dwight Howard, the two centerpieces to the rumored deal. Fegan also represents Cavs big man Anderson Varejao. He’s considered great for clients, but a major headache for GMs.
* Fegan told SI.com that the notion of Humphries agreeing to a three-year deal, with just one year guaranteed, is “ridiculous.” Of course, Humphries is coming off a one-year deal with the Nets (reportedly for $8 million) – but this is his first year with Fegan.
* One team executive told FOX Sports Ohio that adding Howard to the Nets wouldn’t necessarily make them a “super team along the lines of a Miami or the Lakers.” The Nets’ roster already includes All-Star guards Deron Williams and the recently added Joe Johnson. “They’d be good, but hardly unbeatable,” the exec said. “The Knicks have Carmelo (Anthony), Amar’e (Stoudemire) and Tyson Chandler, and they haven’t done squat. I’d still take the Celtics in a seven-game series (over the Nets).”
* In case you haven’t heard, the latest buzz has Howard, Jason Richardson, Chris Duhon and Earl Clark going from the Magic to the Nets. The Magic would receive Walton from the Cavs, as well as Brook Lopez, Shelden Williams, Damion James and Armon Johnson and two first-round draft picks from the Nets. Another first-rounder would be sent to the Nets from the Clippers, who would receive second-year guard MarShon Brooks. Finally, the Cavs would receive Humphries, Sundiata Gaines, the pick and cash from the Nets, and Quentin Richardson from the Magic.
* Perhaps acting as mouthpieces for the teams they cover, some reporters have denied that the deal between the Nets, Magic and Cavs is close. And it’s true that several dynamics could change – as there are just too many guys involved for this to be completed smoothly. But the discussions are real, and multiple well-informed sources are saying the discussions are serious. If it happens, it’s highly doubtful it takes place before Wednesday.
* There’s also the possibility talk could break down and things will be revisited in August, a source said, or even closer to the start of training camp in late September.
A few more NBA free agency notes …
* Free agent forward Anthony Randolph met with the Hawks over the weekend, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Randolph is entering his fifth season and averaged 7.4 points and a paltry 3.6 rebounds per game last season with the Timberwolves.
* Lewis was also scheduled to meet with Hawks GM Danny Ferry. Lewis already met with the Heat, but did not reach a deal.
* Brazilian center Rafael Hettsheimeir is the latest overseas player making his way to the NBA. According to reports, the Mavs have already extended an offer. The Spurs, Rockets and Hawks are also said to be displaying interest.
* The Cavs are considered the frontrunner for free agent guard Derek Fisher. A lot of folks figured Fisher, 37 years old and nearing the end of his career, would want to sign with a contender. But the offers from contenders aren’t out there.
* Sam Amick of SI.com wrote, “For Fisher, the Cavs could present a good mix of a significant role and money (though possible terms not yet known) while playing a mentor role to Kyrie Irving.”
* The Lakers are believed to be among the eight teams pursuing free agent guard Courtney Lee (Rockets). If they do land Lee, it would likely have to be in a sign-and-trade because of their salary-cap situation. The Celtics, Grizzlies and Nuggets are also supposedly interested.
Follow Sam Amico on Twitter @SamAmicoFSO
