Bradley Beal No-Brainer for Wizards?

The Wizards made the first big trade of the offseason, sending Rashard Lewis and the 46th pick to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza. With the deal, the Wizards essentially upgraded their front court — Okafor will likely be their starting 5, Nene their starting 4 and Ariza their starting 3.

With John Wall running the point, that leaves them with one big hole at the 2. I think this makes Bradley Beal a no-brainer for the Wizards, who are lacking a lights-out perimeter shooter. He’s a perfect fit for this new roster.

via Chad Ford of ESPN

Did Mike Miller Play His Last NBA Game?

(Mike) Miller might do it to himself — to his NBA career, anyway — and he might do it soon. He says he will meet with doctors, “see what parts work and don’t,” and then talk it over with his wife, his coach, his owner, and with team president Pat Riley. Miller has three years left on the five-year, $25 million contract he signed in 2010, but he doesn’t want to steal anyone’s money. He wants to be fair to everyone, starting with his family but also including his teammates. He doesn’t want to be a burden on them, take up a roster spot next season if he can’t contribute.

This would be a hell of a way to go out, Miller knows. I told him as much, said I wasn’t trying to chase him out of the NBA but, man, what a way to go. He smiled wearily again, nodded, said it was a very real option.

“If it is [the end], I couldn’t paint a better picture to go out on top like this as a champion,” he said.

via Gregg Doyel of CBS Sports

Steve Nash: I’d ‘Definitely Consider’ Knicks

All-Star point guard Steve Nash, an unrestricted free agent, said Wednesday that he would weigh an offer from the New York Knicks, should they choose to make one.

“The Knicks are a great franchise and I live in New York City (each summer), so I’d definitely consider them if they were interested,” the Phoenix Suns’ mainstay said at a promotional appearance in Manhattan.

Nash, who’s 38, said he doesn’t feel old and wants to play three more years. He won’t make a decision about his destination until after free agency begins July 1.

“I want to wait and see what’s actually on the table,” he said. “I’m open and excited. I’m looking at every possibility right now. It sounds like there are a number of teams that are interested.”

via Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York

Ainge: Garnett is Weighing His Options

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge spoke with free-agent center Kevin Garnett last week, but Ainge said no decision on Garnett’s future is imminent. That leaves Boston’s offseason plan in a state of uncertainty with the new league year approaching July 1.

Despite a strong finish to his 17th season in the league, the 36-year-old Garnett is pondering retirement and needs time to make a decision about his basketball future.

“Kevin and I had a good conversation last week and the conversation was mostly on how he needs time before he makes that decision,” Ainge said during an in-studio appearance Wednesday afternoon on Boston sports radio WEEI-93.7 FM. “I think we’ll talk within the next week, but I’m not so sure that’s a decision day for him. He may want to wait and see what sort of team we have. I’m not sure.

“I know that he wants to come back. I know he likes Boston, and I know he loves playing for (coach) Doc (Rivers). He loves everything about the team and the city and so forth. I think that his decision will be, ‘Do I really want to play? Or do I not want to play.’ ”

via Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston

Bulls Looking to Move into Lottery?

Still, that hasn’t quite been enough – something the Bulls learned after getting bounced by the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.

That’s one big reason general manager Gar Forman is keeping his options open heading into the draft and free agency.

And the options are there.

In fact, the Bulls own an option on the contract of backup point guard C.J. Watson. Also, the deals belonging to shooting guards Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer (believed to be $5 million apiece) expire at the end of next year. That makes them valuable trade commodities.

On top of that, the Bulls own the No. 29 pick in the draft. Their goal, some will tell you, is to move up, perhaps even into the lottery.

In order for that to happen the Bulls will have to offer a player (or players), and probably include their first-rounder. They’re said to have their eyes on guards such as Connecticut’s Jeremy Lamb, Syracuse’s Dion Waiters or Duke’s Austin Rivers.

via Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio

Got 1

Was really suprised of Finals played out. Not so much that Miami won just that they won in five games and won four straight. After watching the Finals I kinda feel like San Antonio had a better chance. I think the Spurs are more disciplined. I guess experience really pays off. Going into the finals I felt certain the Thunder would win. The Thunder did not look like a championship team at all. Miami sure did. They were not the big 3, they were like the big 8. Everyone pitched in. The supporting cast was superb. Players don't win championships. Teams do. I think the series with Boston pushed them to the top of their game and they were primed and ready for the Finals. I think it obvious Lebron is the best in the league. He is unguardable. But he is still nowhere near Jordan. Lets put that to rest.
Congrats Miami!!

Mickael Pietrus Hopes to Return to Boston

Like (Brandon) Bass, (Mickael) Pietrus expressed a desire to return to the Celtics.

“Mike enjoyed his year there and I think he gave Boston a significant lift in the playoffs,’’ (Bill) McCandless said. “Obviously, the Celtics have to consider who, what, and where for their team. Does (Kevin) Garnett come back? Does Ray (Allen) come back?

“The reality is, Mike really enjoyed the season and he loves Boston, he really does.’’

via Gary Washburn and Frank Dell’Apa of The Boston Globe