After months of discussion, the Boris Diaw era in Charlotte has come to a close.
The Bobcats and Diaw agree in principle on contract buyout it was reported by Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, ending a run filled lately with stints on the inactive list and constant friction with head coach Paul Silas.
The buyout — which in the end saves Charlotte a portion of Diaw’s $9 million contract — makes the power forward a free agent who can sign with a playoff contender. Interestingly enough, the reports suggests Diaw could even join his French National teammate Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are already in talks with former Portland Trail Blazers point guard Patty Mills, who is expected to sign a two-year deal with the team ones some pending visa issues are resolved.
As for now, Diaw (and Mills too) are part of a growing list of playerswaiting to clear waivers or contemplating their basketball futures after reaching contract buyouts around the league:
Derek Fisher: For those who thought Fisher is ready to call it a career, think again. After reaching a buyout with the Houston Rockets on Sunday is, the former Los Angeles Lakers point guard is said to be drawing close to an agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Miami Heat are also showing interest in the vet.
After losing Eric Maynor, Oklahoma City could use Fisher to backup All-Star Russell Westbrook and provide a veteran presence in the backcourt, while the Heat apparently still aren’t sold with juggling rookie Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers at the point.
Still, reports indicate Fisher will sign with the Thunder once he clears waivers on Wednesday.
Rony Turiaf: Could Turaif be the big man the Boston Celtics have been searching for? Now with the Celtics losing Jermaine O’Neal for the year to wrist surgery, it appears that way.
The 6-foot-10 Turiaf (who is owed $4.36 million this season) has only played in just four games this season and was traded at the NBA trade deadline from the Washington Wizards to the Denver Nuggets along with JaVale McGee in exchange Nuggets’ center Nene.
Much like Fisher, word is the Miami Heat are also interested in adding Turiaf to the mix.
Andres Nocioni: Nocioni last appeared in a game for the Philadelphia 76ers against Boston on March 7 when he scored one point. On Tuesday he became a free man, or at least close to it after the Sixers waived the eight-year veteran.
In just 11 games this season, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds. His agent, George Bass, has said a handful of teams have inquired about Nocioni, with the Chicago Bulls (whom Nocioni once played for) believed to be one of those teams.
If the NBA offers aren’t to his liking, there is also the off chance that Nocioni returns to play in Europe with teams in Spain showing interest.
Ryan Hollins: On Tuesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers waived the 7-0 center who averaged 3.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 15.1 minutes in 24 games.
Before J.J. Hickson (waived by Sacramento) agreed in principle to join Golden State and Chris Johnson (waived by Portland) signed with New Orleans, both were linked to the Boston Celtics and now it’s Hollins’ turn.
Watch for the Celtics — if they opt to pass on Turiaf — to make a push for Hollins once he clears waivers.
