Rumors and Free Agent Updates - Clippers' All Davis Team Edition

Former Celtic, Theo Ratliff has found a new home with a divisional rival. Word is that he had offers from 4 different teams and settled on a 1 year, veteran's minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Ratliff played 4 years in Philly from 1997-2001 and will return to a team that scored one of the top free agents this season in Elton Brand. Ratliff's year in Boston consisted of playing 2 games for the Celtics in an injury plagued season, but his expiring contract was instrumental in bringing KG to Boston. He played in 10 games for Minnesota before being released and then finished the season with 16 games for Detroit.

The Suns got their man in that Goran Dragic has agreed to a buyout with his Spanish club, which will cost him approximately 3/4 of his rookie salary, and will sign with the Suns to fill their back up point guard role. It may not be until September that the deal is signed because he must first finish all the details of the buyout before signing. Reports are, that even though he was a second round pick, the Suns will use part of their MLE and sign him to a contract similar to the one they gave their first round pick, Robin Lopez. He will received a 4 year contract with 3 of those years guaranteed. The moves to acquire Dragic cost the Suns about $3.7 million this season with a draft-night trade payment, a buyout contribution, his rookie salary and a luxury-tax hit. And, chances are, Rajon Rondo, the draft pick they gave to the Celtics, will still be better.

The Clippers re-signed unrestricted free-agent center Paul Davis, giving them three players named Davis on their roster. They lured Baron Davis away from the Warriors and signed former Celtic Ricky Davis as a free agent. Maybe they should go to first names on their jerseys instead of last. The only other Davis listed in the NBA.com players list is the Celtics' own Big Baby Davis. The Clipps seem enamored with players named Davis and I wonder what the chances are of the Clippers making a play for Big Baby. Paul Davis averaged 2.5. points and 2.1 rebounds in 22 games with the Clippers last year before a season-ending injury to his right knee Dec. 21.

Things are still pretty ugly between Seattle and Oklahoma City. The newest challenge comes from the Sonics' fans who want free tickets for the next two seasons of basketball at the Ford Center. The Sonics had made a promise to their season ticket holders to promise to provide tickets for the same guaranteed price at Key Arena through the 2009-10 season. The season ticket holders have been offered tickets at the same price in OKC, but they have presented a case that travel from Seattle to Oklahoma City would cost more than the tickets so they want the tickets free. They also want additional monetary damages paid because their costs to attend the games cannot be adequately covered by the provision of free season tickets. Good luck...

Former Celtic Antoine Walker is in the news again. Chicago Police are investigating whether the shootings of two men near the Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonald’s on Monday morning were the result of a fight that spilled out of the club Excalibur, where Antoine Walker had his birthday party. Last year, he was robbed at gunpoint and now he has a birthday party and someone is killed afterwards. We all remember the legal troubles that Tony Allen had stemming from a shooting after a party that he had celebrating Will Bynum's signing by the Celtics. Must be something about Chicago. After a not so stellar stint with the Timberwolves, Walker was traded to the Grizzlies and will try to get his career back on track. He has gone down hill rather quickly since his championship year with the Heat. I guess he shouldn't have taunted Pierce about staying with the Celtics.

Along with the trade of Kevin Garnett to Boston and a new crop of young players that the Timberwolves hope will usher in a new era of success for the team, they have changed the look of the uniforms for this upcoming season. They officially unveiled the new unis yesterday. Here is a look at the official duds, which are somewhat different from the ones that were circulating previously.

And here is a look at the back of the Uniforms. The Minnesota on the shorts is a nice touch. Big Al looks good. Even with the championship and the excitement KG brought to the Celtics, I sure miss Big Al.

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