Day one of NBA free agent negotiations and the Indiana Pacers' summer camp is in the books and there's plenty of stories flying around about both.
Joe Johnson for 6 years at $119 million?
Rudy Gay for 5 years at $80 plus million?
Didn't take long for the big money to start flying and we haven't even touched on LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, yet, let alone Channing Frye and Darko Milicic. My goodness, that seems like a big roll of the dice with a lot of caps space on the line for Atlanta and Memphis.
When these numbers starting crossing the ticker today my first thought was how sweet it was that the Pacers locked up Danny Granger before his All Star season. Fortunately, Jared Wade had the same thought and laid it all out perfectly comparing Granger's salary value to similar players around the league.
It should be interesting to see which players are left standing when the money runs out. I'm assuming it will run out. Might be some deals to be had late in the process. Maybe Herb Simon can take on Elin Woods as a part owner of the Pacers to help him cover some luxury tax spending.
Speaking of the Pacers, Jim O'Brien tipped off summer camp at the Fieldhouse today and there's lots of great local coverage, starting with some clips of the Summer Pacers' initial scrimmage. First, itty bitty impression of Paul George was that he looked like an overwhelmed rookie in his first practice. Doesn't mean it was a bad day for George, at least he got paid after inking his rookie contract with the Pacers.
After the jump, plenty of links from camp and free agency coverage.
- Highlights from Pacres' summer camp practice
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NBA Free Agency Rumors: SB Nation.com Story Stream
The SB Nation NBA free agency story stream is keeping tabs on all of the rumors and reported deals set to be signed next week. -
PACERS: "Elder statesman" McRoberts growing into bigger role
Bruno reports on camp where he found Josh McRoberts not planning on going to Orlando or participating in camp, but work is work so he's putting in the work. Also, Lance Stephenson getting a look at point guard. -
Stephenson: 'Ready' for what?
Mike Wells reports on Lance Stephenson joining the Pacers as a risk/reward proposition. -
Lance Stephenson could be a point guard candidate for the Pacers
Larry Hawley reports on rookie Lance Stephenson's first practice and his thoughts on playing point guard for the Pacers. - Jim O'Brien On Pacers Rookie Camp -- Indy Sports Nation
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Backup plan for Nets is another run at trade with Pacers
Chad Ford mentions the Nets may try to trade for Danny Granger. Ford floated this rumor on draft night and Larry Bird bristled at the idea later in the evening saying all of the Nets weren't worth Danny Granger. -
Under The Radar Options Open Up For Pacers
Andrew Perna looks at the point guard options beginning to emerge for the Pacers. - Source says Phoenix Suns, Channing Frye agree on 5-year, $30 million contract
- Wolves agree to a four-year, $20 milion deal with Darko Milicic." - Canis Hoopus