Restricted free agent Dorell Wright has not yet signed the Heat's $2.4 million qualifying offer, in the hopes of landing a longer contract.
The recent signing of Yakhouba Diawara complicates Wright's role with the team, but his agent is confident that something will get done soon. "[We're] expecting an offer from the Heat by early next week," said Bob Myers. ``Miami has made it clear that they want to keep Dorell." Wright has the versatility to be a nice asset in fantasy leagues, but he's unlikely to play enough minutes to matter. Aug. 7 - 7:42 pm et
Source: Miami Herald

The Heat signed free agent swingman Yakhouba Diawara on Thursday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but they are believed to have used the remaining $900,000 of their mid-level exception to guarantee the first year.
Diawara is primarily known for his defensive abilities, and should be a fine backup for Shawn Marion. His signing leaves Bobby Jones and Kasib Powell in a precarious position, and either player (or both) could be left off the regular season roster. Aug. 7 - 7:37 pm et
Source: Miami Herald

Rasual Butler may avoid prosecution for felony weapons charges stemming from an incident on June 23rd, provided he donates $500 to a charity, does 50 hours of community service, complete a weapons education course and renews his firearms license, which had lapsed.
Butler was found in an SUV with an automatic weapon that was cocked and had a bullet in the chamber. When the police asked whether he had any weapons, Butler replied, "No, but my gun is in the car." Butler's arraignment was postponed for 60 days to allow him to complete the four requirements. Aug. 7 - 5:40 pm et
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Bucks are reportedly considering signing free agent center Francisco Elson to a two-year deal.
Elson would be asked to support Andrew Bogut, and would likely be ahead of (vastly overpaid and offensively inept) current backup Dan Gadzuric. The 32 year old Elson has also received offers from the Hawks and FC Barcelona, according to HoopsHype.com. No matter where Elson lands, he's not going to be a fantasy factor next season. Aug. 7 - 12:32 pm et
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

When the NBA schedule was released on Wednesday, links for Oklahoma City led to a website detailing the "2007-2008 Oklahoma City Thunder Schedule." The link has since been removed.
Ignoring the fact that the years are incorrect, this seems like another indicator that the team's nickname will indeed be the Thunder. Nothing is official, but the prospect of listening to AC/DC's "Thunder Struck" 17 times during every home game is already giving people migraines. Aug. 7 - 10:19 am et
Source: The Lost Ogle

Vince Carter said in a recent interview that he is satisfied with the Nets flurry of trades and acquisitions, and feels this is his chance "to step up and be a leader on and off the court."
Injuries and lackadaisical play have tarnished Carter's reputation, but when healthy the 32 year old is still a force to be reckoned with. He has recovered from arthroscopic ankle surgery performed last April, and said he is "fine" and "ready to go". Asked about the Nets anticipated bid for LeBron James, Carter replied, "To get to 2010 we have to play the two years in between that...and to worry about that I think is ridiculous." Aug. 7 - 9:58 am et
Source: New York Daily News

The Pistons have officially signed second-round draft pick Walter Sharpe to a two-year contract worth slightly more than $880,000.
Sharpe agreed to the deal in July, so this was pretty much a formality. He has serious potential but (as with most rookies) is unlikely to get much playing time this season. Aug. 7 - 9:31 am et
Source: ML Live

As expected, the Clippers acquired Steve Novak from the Rockets on Wednesday. In exchange, the Rockets get the option to switch second-round draft picks with the Clippers in 2011.
The trade gives L.A. a solid perimeter shooter while clearing salary cap space for Houston. Don't expect Novak to appear on any fantasy league rosters next season. Aug. 6 - 7:57 pm et
Source: NBA.com

The Bobcats signed free agent guard Shannon Brown to a one-year contract on Wednesday
Brown played 21 games for Cleveland and Chicago last season, and served two stints in the D-League. He gives the Bobcats greater depth and defensive versatility, but won't have any fantasy value. Aug. 6 - 5:21 pm et
Source: AP

Greg Oden participated in full-contact drills against teammate Channing Frye on Monday, his first action against an NBA player since his knee surgery last September.
Oden has had boxing matches and bike rides to improve his conditioning, and could be cleared to play five-on-five before the end of the month. He is pain-free and will at least be ready for the beginning of the Blazers training camp. Aug. 6 - 4:03 pm et
Source: The Oregonian

The NBA announced the 2008-2009 schedule on Tuesday. Opening night will include the Celtics vs. Cavaliers and Trailblazers vs. Lakers, featuring the (technically) rookie debut of Greg Oden.
Other highlights are Scott Skiles leading the Bucks vs. the Bulls to open the season, and a record 13 nationally-televised games for the Hornets. Some 'reunions' include Shawn Marion facing Phoenix on November 28th and Jason Kidd facing the Nets in New Jersey on December 19th. Christmas day features five matchups, followed by the Bulls vs. Heat (Derrick Rose vs.Michael Beasley: Round One) on December 26th. We're salivating already. Aug. 6 - 1:17 pm et
Source: ESPN.com

Dirk Nowitzki has been selected to carry Germany's flag during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics on Friday.
"[Nowitzki] embodies the Olympic idea like hardly anyone else," said German Olympic official Michael Vesper. Germany's basketball team failed to qualify for the two previous Olympics, but earned silver at the 2005 European Championship and bronze at the 2002 World Championship. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is an outspoken critic of NBA players participating in the Olympics, but is respecting Dirk's dedication to his home country. Aug. 6 - 11:28 am et
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Bulls have "discovered some [trade] interest in guard Larry Hughes", according to Daily-Herald reporter Mike McGraw.
"Since the Bulls need to thin out their backcourt, some possibilities could include Portland's Joe Przybilla, New York's Jared Jeffries, Dallas' Erick Dampier or Denver's Kenyon Martin," McGraw writes. This is mostly speculation, but it's not far-fetched that Chicago would unload Hughes' remaining two years at $26 million in exchange for an expiring contract. The Bulls also reportedly have contacted Sacramento about acquiring center Brad Miller, but so far nothing has come of it. Aug. 6 - 9:53 am et
Source: Chicago Daily-Herald

Pacers co-owner Herb Simon confirmed on Tuesday that Jamaal Tinsley has "outlived his welcome" in Indiana. He ruled out any scenario for next season other than a trade.
"Teams will give us a hard time because they know it's better for him and for us to have him play somewhere else," Simon said. Tinsley could still be an effective point guard, and with the Pacers asking price likely bottoming out, we will be surprised if he's not traded prior to opening day. Aug. 6 - 9:26 am et
Source: Indianapolis Star

The Rockets are expected to send forward Steve Novak to the Clippers for future draft considerations on Wednesday.
The move is being made so the Rockets can trim some salary and it's very doubtful that Novak will see the light of day in L.A. Aug. 5 - 11:25 pm et
Source: Houston Chronicle