The NBA is back in business, as training camps and free agency got underway on December 9. It all came together after the commissioner's office and the players association agreed upon a new CBA that officially closed the door on the lockout.
During the lockout players either signed contracts overseas, dabbed in other non-basketball endeavors, or played in exhibition contests. As the first day of training camp got underway several teams were a few players short of the minimum training camp count of 14 players. The free agency period was so short that team executives were finding it hard to sign the right players. Worse, several players were signed to overseas contracts during the lockout, particularly in China where foreign players were signed for one year, without an opt-out clause. So the executives in every team need to think fast in finding the right players.
The big news prior to the start of training camp is the proposed Chris Paul to Lakers trade that also involves the Rockets. However, the NBA, as owners of the Hornets, rejected the trade. Paul, a free agent at season's end, did show up in the Hornets' camp, but his status as a Hornet remains under speculation. Likewise Dwight Howard, also an FA in 2012, is being subjected to trade rumors after the Magic lost in the first round the previous year. The big news is that the Magic were unable to surround Howard with the right talent that would keep Orlando's title hopes high, and the possibility of Howard going to the Lakers, Clippers or the Nets is being discussed.
Other news on Day One of training camp include the possible retirement of oft-injured Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, David West possibly leaving the Hornets for the Celtics, the Mavericks losing Tyson Chandler and Caron Butler to the Knicks and Clippers, respectively, and Nene's status with the Nuggets. We'll keep you posted on the latest news regarding the NBA free agency and training camp.
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