It took a few days longer than anticipated, but we are finally seeing the massive NBA rumor machine starting to crank up. The early focus has been on the stars, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, and the star teams, the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. But now, finally, the real business of free agency is getting going with teams able to actually make deals starting Friday and training camps starting this weekend.
Phoenix Suns' hero Grant Hill is getting plenty of attention and perhaps more than any other 39-year-old free agent in recent history. He's certainly proved his value to the NBA over the last few years with the Suns where's not only remained healthy (missing just three games in the last three years) but he also proved he can be a lockdown defender at an age where most players have moved on to other endeavors.
Hill also has an extremely valuable skill that doesn't show up on fantasy sports balance sheets: Veteran leadership. Teams like the New York Knicks or Chicago Bulls could certainly stand an upgrade in that area.
Hill, according to the NY Post, is reportedly on the "verge" of signing with the Knicks but as is often the case with reports from the New York Post, there's also contradictory information from other reliable reporters.
SI's Sam Amick reports that Hill has not made a decision and is not close to an agreement with any team but his short list includes Phoenix, Chicago, New York and San Antonio. Grant's a smart guy and will likely sit back and watch how things unfold before making the best decision for his situation.
The Arizona Republic's Paul Coro also reports that there's "continued optimism" that Hill will stay in Phoenix. Coro also reports the Suns are close to landing backup point guard Sebastian Telfair.
Phoenix Suns close to contract with guard Sebastian Telfair
"We are moving closer," Telfair's agent, Andy Miller, said Wednesday night. "I anticipate us being able to put something together on Friday. We're having advanced dialogue."
Telfair, cousin of former Suns' guard Stephon Marbury, would add needed depth behind an aging Steve Nash who missed seven games last season. Telfair has bounced around the league since being drafted out of high school by Portland in 2004. He's not a flashy addition but fills a need on the roster at a position that doesn't have a lot of free agent options which year.
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