For a change of pace, let's start with the vacant GM spot and some interesting candidates the Nets have been speaking with. Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski says the Nets have spoken to Hornets GM Jeff Bower about their opening. With the Hornets ownership situation in flux, Bower could look to bolt NOLA. Al Iannazzone is reporting that the Nets also spoke to Pistons GM Joe Dumars, in addition to Bower.

With Bower one of the candidates, Dave D'Alessandro brings up some potential controversy with him and new coach Avery Johnson. Johnson felt a bit slandered when there were reports out of NOLA that Johnson was "power hungry" and "money hungry" in his interview with Bower - reports that Johnson believes the organization spread. Considering the bass-ackwards nature of what's going with the Nets right now - usually the GM is in place before the head coach is, this could get interesting, and messy, quickly.

As for the LeBron James saga, all reports are pointing to a decision on Thursday, when a salary cap is set for the season and players can officially sign with new teams. Ianazzone, quoting league sources puts the Nets in the "final three" with the Cavs and Bulls. The Knicks, in all of their infinite wisdom, apparently scheduled a second meeting this past weekend with LeBron's folks, though it doesn't appear that James, or anyone significant from the Knicks side attended. I guess they just wanted to give commenters over at TheKnicksBlog something to get excited about... which if you're in the mood for some crazy talk, is a recommended place to cruise these days. Meanwhile, the Nets are still in contact with David Lee, according to Fred Kerber.

Mark Ginocchio

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With the courtship of LeBron officially over, the Nets are doing the same thing they've done the past few days: wait for an answer. With reports from Dave D'Alessandro that Mikhail Prokhorov's Gulfstream V jet has left New Jersey, the story remains - the Nets are waiting out LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Sources close to Mikhail Prokhorov say that LeBron is 50-50 on coming to the Nets. Only after those three give their answers will they turn to a Plan B, which is a bit more complicated. According to Fred Kerber, the team is not looking to spend money just to spend money, and given some of the contracts that have been handed out already in free agency, that could be hard. They may still try and make a run to acquire a SF via trade, but not at the expense of Derrick Favors, Kerber writes. They could make a run at David Lee or Carlos Boozer to play PF, or they might seek a shorter-term stopgap like Udonis Haslem or Luis Scola. It's possible that if the "big three" spurn them, the Nets could sit on their cap space another summer and wait out Carmelo Anthony. Despite rumors that he's ready to sign with the Knicks, the Nets, and other teams, apparently have meetings set-up with Amare Stoudemire for later this week, according to Sam Amick and NBA Fanhouse.

Meanwhile, those still figuring out if the Nets are in on "Plan A," Chris Broussard, in an ESPN video doesn't dismiss it. He weighs out the three possible options for Chris Bosh and where he will follow LeBron and/or Wade.

Mark Ginocchio

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Remember how funny it was when the Knicks powerpoint presentation to LeBron James was leaked to the press on Friday? Well, while digging around for possible leads on Cleveland's pitch to LeBron today, I stumbled upon this. I mean, how could King James say no to this?:

Mark Ginocchio

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As we enter day three of free agency, the news with the Nets seems to be that they're keeping their focus on the "Big Three" of free agency, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. According to a report this morning from Al Iannazzone, no other free agent meetings have been scheduled this weekend, and with reports yesterday that Amare Stoudemire was New York-bound and Paul Pierce was returning to Boston, more names are coming off the board for the Nets.

One player the Nets do seem certain to keep, if you believe a report from Dave D'Alessandro, is Derrick Favors. Rumors that the Nets are looking to package him and Devin Harris to Indiana for Danny Granger seem to be false: “Not the way this kid has played the first three days,” said one giddy practice witness, nodding toward Favors. “He competes like hell, and he’s even shooting it well right now. He’s got a chance to be really, really good.”

LeBron meets with Chicago and Cleveland today, considered the co-favorites to land him. He has no deadline to make a decision, but multiple reports the past few days indicate he's not going to linger too much on a decision, especially with the other big names being impacted by where he ultimately goes.

Mark Ginocchio

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LeBron James

Age: 25

Height: 6-8

Position: SF

Key 2009-10 Stats: 29.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 8.6 apg, 50.3% fg%, 31.1 PER

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Devin Kharpertian

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BALLER!!!

For the past few days, I've been using that word to the point where I'm severely annoying everyone. Well, more than usual. In fact, I'm fairly certain my NAS colleagues, or as I like to call them - John, Paul, and George (I don't mind being the ugly one that still tours, didn't lose his money to a pegleg, and doesn't look like Angela Lansbury) - have read many emails that contained the word, "baller" when it comes to that unavoidable image across from Madison Square Garden along Eighth Avenue.

It's an image that's panties in a bunch inducing (not the sexy type).... gets one all hot and bothered... puts a burr under one's saddle... and has someone ask, "Would you like some cheese with that whine?" All of this happens if you just got your face rocked by...

... the most BALLER move ever!... MORE →

Dennis Velasco

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Matt Moore basically owns the internet right now.  He writes basically everywhere, and his new gig is a blogger for CBSSports.  Over there, Moore breaks down the Knicks' presentation to  LeBron James.  Moore touches on why the Knicks left out the Nets during their presentation;

Interbrand examined four teams for the study, based on estimated market impact: the Knicks, the Bulls, the Heat, and the Cavs. Notice who's missing there? The Nets. There is no mention of the Nets throughout the entire presentation, despite the very frontal attack the Nets have laid on the Knicks as the key to the New York market.

This is real interesting stuff and I seriously recommend you guys check it out.

Sebastian Pruiti

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Carlos Boozer

Age: 28

Height: 6-9

Position: PF

Key 2009-10 Stats: 19.5 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 56.2% fg%, 21.3 PER

What to Like About Carlos Boozer: Firstly, Boozer is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro. He was the second-best player (the best on some nights) on a team that won 53 games and finished first in a Western Conference division this year. He’s a solid, versatile scorer who can hurt you from everywhere inside the three-point line. He shot 49.2% on shots under ten feet, 43.6% on 10-15 footers, and 44% on shots from 16-23 – all well above league averages. Absolutely tenacious rebounder – inhaled nearly 30 percent of defensive rebounds this past year, which put him 4^th in the league. He is 6^th all-time in defensive rebounding percentage and 12^th all-time in total rebounding percentage. The Nets, who were the 3^rd-worst defensive rebounding team in the league, could certainly use someone with his skillset. Outside of basketball, Boozer has said that he is fond of New Jersey and believed he was going to the Nets last year.

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Devin Kharpertian

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We probably aren't going have a recap post after every day of free agency, but after the first one I thought it would be nice to have a little spot where you can talk about the news of the day.  So here is what happened today:

• Timberwolves Sign Darko to a 4 year $20 million deal
• Rudy Gay Agreed To An $80 million deal to resign with the Grizzlies
• Joe Johnson is likely to sign a 6 year $119 Million Extension

The Rudy Gay and Joe Johnson signings are important to New Jersey because both guys seemed to be a part of plan B for the Nets.  I am alright with the signings, because it prevents the Nets for overpaying for both guys (I thought that Gay would be a good signing if you could get him at a non-max level).  Some more Nets news:

• Nets' Meeting With LeBron called "tremendous"

As for the Nets meeting with Chris Bosh...good reviews from the man himself (or at least his twitter):

New Jersey meeting was very good as well. These guys really know how to sell a franchise

Discuss.

Sebastian Pruiti

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For your FA/LeBron-mania chatter.

FYI, some funny things in the world of twitter:

Brian Windhorst, PDCavsInsider:

Nets have bigger banners, bigger ads in papers in NYC and now they have a bigger jet. Knicks came in a G4, Prokhorov showed up in G5.26 minutes ago via webRetweeted by 49 people

Tom Ziller, teamziller:

And yes, I take back every snarky thing I ever said about Brett Yormark. He and his staff have owned the Knicks this week.

P.S. Anyone see the NYPost home page today? Talk about chutzpah!

Mark Ginocchio

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Dwyane Wade

Age: 28

Height: 6'4"

Position: SG

Key 2009-10 Stats: 26.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.8 SPG

What To Like About Dwyane Wade: What isn't there to like about Wade?  He can snap the net on the regular with either jumpers in the arch, money balls from behind it, body-contorting lay-ups, or jams that make the crowd fill with "daaaaaaamn"s.  He can also board and distribute the ball, facilitating the offense.  Wade is also one of the league's top thieves, playing the passing lanes well, and a game-changer on both ends of the floor.  We've seen the man put a whole team on his shoulders that included Shaquille O'Neal and won the title for Miami in 2006.  Wade is easily in the top five in the conversation as to who is the best player in the NBA.... MORE →

Dennis Velasco

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David Lee

Age: 27

Height: 6'9"

Position: Power Forward/Center

Key 2009-10 Stats: 20.2 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 54.5 FG%, 81.2 FT%

What To Like About David Lee: Lee is like Rick Ross - everyday he's hustlin', everyday he's hustlin'... Lee has an obvious motor and desire to rebound, which is obvious when looking at his rebounding numbers throughout his career.  However, he recently transcended the label of "hustle" guy by averaging 16 PPG in 2008-09 and 20.2 PPG this past season.  Yes, Lee was playing in a Mike D'Antoni offense, but you don't score 20 a night by accident.  Plus, he legitimately added a jumper into his offensive repertoire.  Lee is a career 55.7% shooter from the field and can take advantage at the charity stripe (77.4%).  He should complement Brook Lopez well, working in the high post, moving without the ball, and getting in position for the offensive rebound.  Lee will not be demanding the ball on offense, but will convert at an excellent rate when the opportunity arises and keep defenses on their toes.  He's the consummate team player and will be a great locker room guy. ... MORE →

Dennis Velasco

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