A look at what happened on July 1, the first day of the NBA’s long-awaited 2010 free agent period:
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THE BIG 3
LEBRON JAMES: Cleveland’s two-time MVP spent about five hours meeting with the New Jersey Nets and the New York Knicks. Meetings are set with the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. “Told our story and we’ll see what happens,” outgoing Nets president Rod Thorn said.
DWYANE WADE: Miami’s star went to the United Center for about a two-hour meeting with the Chicago Bulls, the franchise he grew up watching in his hometown, before sitting down with Nets officials later in the day.
CHRIS BOSH: With even the Raptors expecting he’s played his last game in a Toronto uniform, Bosh flew from Dallas to Chicago and sat down with Heat president Pat Riley and other team officials in the mid-afternoon. Bosh, a noted Twitter user, said he was impressed with the “passion” Riley has for winning.
NEWS OF THE DAY
nson also met with New York and Miami after free agency opened Thursday.
RUDY GETS RICH: Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies went to Minnesota and got a contract … with the Grizzlies. Gay had a series of visits planned to clubs over the next several days, but agreed to terms on a five-year deal that will pay him more than $80 million to stay in Memphis. “Thanks to everyone for the love! Good luck to the rest of the boys in free agency! Let’s make history!” Gay posted on Twitter.
DARKO CASHES IN: Gay’s gain was, well, Darko Milicic’s gain. Instead of spending the day wooing Gay, the Minnesota Timberwolves turned their attention to Milicic, giving him a four-year deal worth at least $16 million.
GOOD-EN NEWS: Drew Gooden wasn’t a free agent for long, agreeing Thursday morning on a five-year, $32 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.
TWEETS
“Rockets fans, please send a message to Luis (LScola4) and Kyle (Lowry, Klow7) letting them know much we want them back!” – Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.
LeBron today. Great guys, good conversations, and all have great management teams.” – Allan Houston, part of the New York Knicks’ recruiting contingent.
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