A Commercial? already?

Ricky Rubio did not leave without making his mark.

Kidd + Mcgrady??

If the Knicks are going to offer Kidd three years, which is what the Mavericks are offering, the chances of him going to New York look much better, even if the offer is for less money. Kidd would love to play for Mike D'Antoni and his kids live in New York. Donnie Walsh acknowledged that he can offer more than a one-year contract to potential free agents like Kidd. Also out of the Knicks camp, Several persons with knowledge of the situation have said the Knicks would strongly consider McGrady, even as a one-year mercenary. The two could use each other: McGrady wants another mega-deal before free agency in 2010 and should be motivated to be in the best shape of his life for this coming season. That would be the smart thing to do to get the Knicks back on track, but don't bet on it.

Blazer or Raptor

Turkoglu is in town until Saturday to see if Portland the city, and the Blazers as an organization, are where he wants to be long term. The Blazers are believed to be dangling a 5-year, $50 million deal. He became a free agent last week by opting out of the final year of his contract with Orlando. With the ability to free up an additional $1.7 million by renouncing former first round picks Petteri Koponen and Joel Freeland, who are both playing overseas, the Blazers figure they can offer nearly $10 million in the first year of the contract. Standing in the way of the Blazers is Toronto, a less-successful team but one that can theoretically offer him more money. in order for Toronto to clear enough room to make such an offer, it would have to renounce the rights of five players: Shawn Marion, Anthony Parker, Carlos Delfino, Patrick O'Bryant and Quincy Douby [in other words majority of the team. Sources say Toronto is preparing an offer of five years and $60 million for Turkoglu. Lakers look out if the Blazers sign him. Maybe Hedo can finally beat Kobe.

Rasheed a C too?

An NBA source said that the Celtics offered Pistons free agent F/C Rasheed Wallace a contract using the mid-level exception today during a three-hour meeting in Detroit. The source said Wallace was in no rush to make a decision. Other teams projected to be interested in his services are Charlotte, San Antonio, Orlando, and Cleveland. Danny Ainge, the team’s executive director of basketball operations, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, coach Doc Rivers and co-owner Wyc Grousbeck were all on hand for the Celtics trying to persuade Wallace to sign. Why they are chasing Wallace, I could not tell you but looks like the rich keep getting richer.

Mavs looking Gortat

Sources told ESPN.com that the Mavericks are bringing Marcin Gortat to town after extending him an offer believed to be worth Dallas' full mid-level exception which could translate to a five-year deal starting at roughly $5.6 million. Gortat gave the Mavericks a verbal commitment to sign an offer sheet with them next week, according to NBA front-office sources. Since he is a restricted free-agent, Orlando will have seven days to match any offer sheet Gortat signs next Wednesday, which is the first day free agents are allowed to sign new contracts.

Gone

Minnesota Timberwolves international sensation, Ricky Rubio, will reportedly play out his contract with DKV Joventut. He is choosing to remain with the Euroleague team for the next two seasons. Rubio will withdraw his contract lawsuit against his club. He would have had to pay an expensive buyout if he were to negate his contract and play for Minnesota next season.

Who needs Ariza

Once bitter rivals, now teammates. Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Artest's agent, told The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets forward has verbally agreed to play for the NBA champions next season. ESPN.com reported that Artest had agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million. In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A." Could Kobe become MJ as he is now getting the Rodman of our time? Na haha.

Bye [maybe] LA

Ok, so the Cavs lost on getting Villanueva but they have a chance of getting another piece for their team.This time the name is Trevor Ariza. the Lakers are currently unwilling to pay him more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception. ESPN's NBA analyst Chris Broussard, is saying that Ariza is getting pushed hard by Cavs coach Mike Brown to make the move East to play with LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Other teams are the Raptors, Blazers, Clippers and Rockets are also in prusit of Ariza. Wonder if they can land that other player that they need.

What a Day

What a great day if you're a Piston fan. They came away with two big names for this year's free agent list. Pistons have reportedly agreed to deals with guard Ben Gordon and forward Charlie Villanueva [who I thought the Cavs would get]. The deal cannot be formalized until July 8, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday that Villanueva will sign a five-year contract worth $35 million and Gordon's contract is believed to be for five years and $55 million. Be on the lookout for these guys. Joe Dumars is doing a pretty good off season gaining two young players. Let's see what they do about Wallace and Iverson now.

Make Way

Well we knew somebody had to get traded to make room for Blake Griffin and today the Clippers decide it was going to be Zach Randolph. On Wednesday the Clippers agreed to a deal that would send starting power forward Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Quentin Richardson, according to an NBA source. Richardson who played for New York Knicks last season, but was shipped to Memphis in a draft-day trade for Darko Milicic, played with the Clippers before he went to the Suns.The Clippers also benefit financially from the deal, getting out from under the $33 million owed to Randolph over the next two seasons