The Bum's Sports Page For Sunday July 5th Best Bets-Trends-News !

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MLB

Sunday, July 5


The hottest team in baseball will surprise you

The Milwaukee Brewers have won seven straight games and are the hottest team in baseball. Yes, you read that correctly.

The streak has been fueled by the Brewers bats coming to life, plating 7.43 runs per game during that span.

The run has pulled the Brewers out of the cellar of the MLB standing to sit at 35-48 for the season and will try to make it eight in a row when they close out their series with the Cincinnati Reds.

The Brewers and starter Taylor Jungmann (2-1, 2.79 ERA) are currently +115 road dogs against Mike Leake (5-4, 4.38 ERA) and the Reds.


Rays not liking the underdog role

The Tampa Bay Rays are slumping, losing seven straight games, six of those games they have been listed as the underdog.

If the Rays want to end their slump Sunday it will have to be once again from the underdog role.

The Rays and starter Erasmo Ramirez (6-3, 4.01 ERA) are currently +118 road dogs, going up against Ivan Nova (1-1, 1.50 ERA) and the New York Yankees.

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MLB

Sunday, July 5


This pitcher is rolling as a favorite

The Pittsburgh Pirates are red-hot when starter Gerrit Cole takes the mound as a favorite listed between -110 and -150, going an impressive 18-3 when that is the case.

That is the situation the Pirates will be in Sunday when they host the Cleveland Indians in the finale of their three-game series.

Cole (11-3, 2.20 ERA) and the Pirates are currently on the board at -133, while the Indians, who will counter with Danny Salazar (7-3, 3.80 ERA) are listed at +123.

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Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores

1:10 PM EDT

901 MILWAUKEE BREWERS (R) Jungmann, T 8.5u20 8.5u20 / 8 8u15 +1.5(-215)
902 CINCINNATI REDS (R) Leake, M -108 -112 / -123 / -115 -117 -1.5(+197)

TV: FS-Ohio, FS-Wisconsin, DTV: 661, 669 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM CENTER 2-7. GAME TEMP 80, RH 52% HEAT INDEX 81

8:05 PM EDT

903 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (R) Vogelsong, R 7.5u20 7.5u20 +1.5(-147)
904 WASHINGTON NATIONALS (R) Zimmermann, J -160 -160 -1.5(+136)

Time-change to 08:05pm EDT | TV: ESPN, DTV: 206 | PARTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS LATE. WIND OUT TO LEFT 3-8. GAME TEMP 77, RH 71% HEAT INDEX 80

1:35 PM EDT

905 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (L) Hamels, C 6.5 6.5 +1.5(-215)
906 ATLANTA BRAVES (R) Miller, S -125 -125 -1.5(+197)

TV: FS-South, DTV: 646 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 60% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. WIND OUT TO LEFT 7-12. GAME TEMP 80, RH 62% HEAT INDEX 83

2:15 PM EDT

907 SAN DIEGO PADRES (R) Kennedy, I 7u15 7u15 +1.5(-145)
908 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (R) Lynn, L -170 -170 -171 -1.5(+134)

STL-LF-Matt Holliday-OUT | TV: FS-Midwest, FS-San Diego, DTV: 671, 694 | FAIR, WIND RIGHT TO LEFT 5-10. GAME TEMP 85, RH 47% HEAT INDEX 87

2:20 PM EDT

909 MIAMI MARLINS (R) Latos, M
910 CHICAGO CUBS (R) Hendricks, K -140 -144 / -145 / -146 -145

MIA-RF-Giancarlo Stanton-OUT | TV: CSN-Chicago, FS-Florida, DTV: 654, 665 | FAIR, WIND RIGHT TO LEFT 5-10. GAME TEMP 79, RH 50% HEAT INDEX 80
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW
4:10 PM EDT

911 NEW YORK METS (L) Matz, S 7o15 7o15 7 +1.5(-157)
912 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (R) Bolsinger, M -150 -150 / -160 / -161 -162 -1.5(+145)

TV: PIX11, SportsNet LA | SUNNY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 5-10. GAME TEMP 76, RH 53% HEAT INDEX 78

4:10 PM EDT

913 COLORADO ROCKIES (L) De La Rosa, J 8.5o20 8.5o20 / 8.5o15 / 8.5o24 8.5o20 +1.5(-175)
914 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (R) De La Rosa, R -130 -130 / -141 -135 -1.5(+161)

TV: FS-Arizona, ROOT-Rocky Mountain, DTV: 683, 686 | PARTLY CLOUDY, 30% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 8-13. GAME TEMP 96, RH 34% HEAT INDEX 100 (CHASE FIELD ROOF CLOSES IN WET WEATHER)

1:05 PM EDT

915 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Ramirez, E 8u20 8u20 8u15 +1.5(-175)
916 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Nova, I -130 -130 / -131 -129 -1.5(+161)

TV: MLB, SunSports, YES, DTV: 213, 631, 653 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND OUT TO LEFT 3-8. GAME TEMP 75, RH 68% HEAT INDEX 78

1:05 PM EDT

917 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Estrada, M -106 -106 / -109 / -113 -115 -1.5(+145)
918 DETROIT TIGERS (R) Verlander, J 9u20 9u20 / 9u25 / 9u24 9u25 +1.5(-157)

DET-1B-Miguel Cabrera-OUT | TV: FS-Detroit, MLB, DTV: 213, 663 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM CENTER 3-8. GAME TEMP 78, RH 53% HEAT INDEX 80

1:35 PM EDT

919 HOUSTON ASTROS (R) Mccullers, L 8.5u15 8.5u15 +1.5(-205)
920 BOSTON RED SOX (L) Rodriguez, E -108 -108 / -114 / -121 -120 -1.5(+188)

TV: NESN, ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 628, 674 | MOSTLY SUNNY, WIND OUT TO RIGHT 4-9. GAME TEMP 80, RH 46% HEAT INDEX 81

2:10 PM EDT

921 MINNESOTA TWINS (R) Santana, E 8u20 8u20 / 8u14 8 +1.5(-161)
922 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (L) Duffy, D -135 -135 -140 -1.5(+148)

TV: FS-Kansas City, FS-North, DTV: 668, 672 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO LEFT 5-10. GAME TEMP 88, RH 58% HEAT INDEX 95

2:10 PM EDT

923 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Gonzalez, M 8.5 +102 / -104 / -114 -115 +1.5(-213)
924 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (L) Rodon, C -110 8.5 8.5u15 -1.5(+195)

TV: MASN2, WGN, DTV: 307, 641 | FAIR, WIND RIGHT TO LEFT 5-10. GAME TEMP 83, RH 45% HEAT INDEX 84

4:05 PM EDT

925 SEATTLE MARINERS (L) Montgomery, M
926 OAKLAND ATHLETICS (R) Bassitt, C

TV: CSN-California, ROOT-Northwest, DTV: 687, 698 | FAIR, WIND OUT TO RIGHT CENTER 10-15, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 72, RH 61% HEAT INDEX 74

7:05 PM EDT

927 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (L) Wilson, C 8.5o15 -105 -1.5(+147)
928 TEXAS RANGERS (R) Lewis, C -115 8.5o25 +1.5(-160)

TV: FS-Southwest, DTV: 676 | FAIR, WIND IN FROM RIGHT 9-14, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 87, RH 60% HEAT INDEX 94

1:35 PM EDT

929 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Salazar, D 7u20 7.5o15 / 6.5u15 / 6.5u12 6.5 +1.5(-190)
930 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (R) Cole, G -130 -130 -131 -1.5(+174)

TV: ROOT-Pittsburgh, SportsTime Ohio, DTV: 659, 662 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT CENTER 2-7. GAME TEMP 79, RH 50% HEAT INDEX 80

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Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

3:05 PM EDT

601 SEATTLE STORM 146.5 146.5 / 147 / 146 146.5 +289
602 ATLANTA DREAM -8.5 -7.5 -28 / -8 -05 / -7 -15 -7.5 -330

TV: SportsSouth, DTV: 646

5:05 PM EDT

603 PHOENIX MERCURY -3 -3 / -3.5 -15 / -3 -05 -3 -150
604 LOS ANGELES SPARKS 149 150.5 / 151 / 151.5 152 +136

PHO-G-Diana Taurasi-OUT | LA-F-Candace Parker-OUT

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Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

3:35 PM EDT

307 TORONTO ARGONAUTS 50.5 50.5 51
308 SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS -3 -3 -15 / -3.5 / -3.5 -15 -3.5

TOR-QB-Ricky Ray-OUT | SSK-QB-Darian Durant-OUT | TV: ESPN3.com

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Women's WCup Betting Update

June 22, 2015

The group stage of the 2015 Women’s World Cup has concluded with the field of 24 being narrowed down to 16 teams.

For the most part, the contenders in Canada have advanced to the Round of 16 but there was one outlier that advanced to the knockout stage in Colombia.

According to Sportsbook.ag, the Colombian women were listed as a 200/1 betting choice prior to the tournament and are still considered a long shot at 125/1.

Germany was a 4/1 betting choice before the event and is now a 7/4 (Bet $100 to win $175) favorite to win the tournament. The United States women are still receiving attention and are a 2/1 betting choice.

If these teams win their next two games, they will meet in the semifinals on Tuesday June 30 from Montreal.

The championship is set for Sunday July 5 from Vancouver.

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WWC - United States vs. Japan

July 4, 2015

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to a close Sunday evening as the United States and Japan meet in the final, which is a rematch of the 2011 World Cup championship.

In that game, Japan defeated the USA 3-1 in a penalty-kick shootout after the score was tied 2-2 after regulation and extra time.

The United States did get revenge a year later as it defeated Japan in the Gold Medal game of the 2012 Olympics from London by a score of 2-1.

USA went 2-1-0 in the group stage while scoring four goals and allowing one. Hope Solo hasn’t allowed a goal in the knockout stage while the offense has scored five goals in three games.

Japan posted a 3-0 record in the group round and also scored four and allowed just one in the three matches. The Japanese women have scored five goals in the knockout stage and only allowed two thus far.

BC Place in Vancouver will host the game on Sunday July 5 with the first kick expected to take place at 7:00 p.m. ET with FOX providing national coverage.

The Americans entered the World Cup as 9/4 betting favorites (Bet $100 to win $225) at Sportsbook.ag while Japan had 8/1 pre-tournament odds.

Heading into Sunday’s final, the oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag have made the United States a very healthy favorite to win in regulation.

Listed below are odds and props for the game per Sportsbook.ag.

Women's World Cup 2015 Game Lines

Game Odds (Regular Time)
USA -150
Japan +450
Draw +280

Over 2.5 (+150)
Under 2.5 (-200)

1st Half Odds
USA +130
Japan +475
Draw -105

Over 1.5 (+260)
Under 1.5 (-385)

2nd Half Lines
USA +100
Japan +425
Draw +130

Over 1.5 (+165)
Under 1.5 (-225)

Propositions - per Sportsbook.ag

To Lift The Trophy
USA -357
Japan +240

Draw No Bet (Regular Time)
USA -450
JAPAN +300

Goal Line (Regular Time)
USA -0.5 (-155)
JAPAN -+0.5 (+120)

Alternative Lines (Regular Time)
USA +0.5 (+750)
Japan -0.5 (+450)

Over 1.5 (-210)
Under 1.5 (+155)

USA -1.5 (+210)
Japan +1.5 (-290)

Over 3.5 (+380)
Under 3.5 (-625)

Total USA Goals
Over 1.5 (+110)
Under 1.5 (-150)

Total Japan Goals
Over 0.5 (-115)
Under 0.5 (-115)

Both Teams to Score (Regular Time)
Yes +140
No -180

USA to keep a clean sheet (Shutout) (Regular Time)
Yes -125
No -115

Japan to keep a clean sheet (Shutout) (Regular Time)
Yes +325
No -475

Method of Victory
Japan in Extra time +1700
Japan in Regular Time +450
Japan on Penalties +1150
USA in Extra time +600
USA in Regular Time -155
USA on Penalties +950

Total Goals (Regular Time)
1 goal +225
2 goals +225
3 goals +325
4 goals +650
5 goals +1600
6 or goals +3500
No goals +600

1st Team to Score (Regular Time)
Japan +217
No Goal +600
USA -195

Half Time/Full Time (Regular Time)
Japan / Japan +750
Japan / Tie +1700
Japan / USA +4500
Tie / Japan +850
Tie / Tie +315
Tie / USA +270
USA / Japan +5000
USA / Tie +1700
USA / USA +135

Correct Score (Regular Time)

Any Other Score +10000
Japan win 1-0 +850
Japan win 2-0 +2700
Japan win 2-1 +1700
Japan win 3-0 +12000
Japan win 3-1 +8000
Japan win 3-2 +10000
Japan win 4-0 +20000
Japan win 4-1 +20000
Japan win 4-2 +20000
Japan win 4-3 +20000
Japan win 5-0 +20000
Japan win 5-1 +20000
Japan win 5-2 +20000
Japan win 5-3 +20000
Japan win 5-4 +20000

Tie 0-0 +600
Tie 1-1 +550
Tie 2-2 +2300
Tie 3-3 +20000
Tie 4-4 +20000
Tie 5-5 +20000

USA win 1-0 +325
USA win 2-0 +500
USA win 2-1 +750
USA win 3-0 +1050
USA win 3-1 +1600
USA win 3-2 +4500
USA win 4-0 +2900
USA win 4-1 +4000
USA win 4-2 +12000
USA win 4-3 +20000
USA win 5-0 +9500
USA win 5-1 +14000
USA win 5-2 +20000
USA win 5-3 +20000
USA win 5-4 +20000

First Goal Scorer
Abby Wambach (USA) +500
Alex Morgan (USA) +500
Ali Krieger (USA) +2800
Amy Rodriguez (USA) +650
Asano Nagasato (JPN) +2800
Asuna Tanaka (JPN) +2800
Aya Miyama (JPN) +1200
Aya Sameshima (JPN) +4000
Azusa Iwashimizu (JPN) +2800
Becky Sauerbrunn (USA) +2800
Carli Lloyd (USA) +750
Christen Press (USA) +650
Christie Rampone (USA) +4000
Heather OReilly (USA) +1100
Homare Sawa (JPN) +1000
Julie Johnston (USA) +2500
Kana Kitahara (JPN) +2800
Kelley OHara (USA) +1400
Kozue Ando (JPN) +2000
Lori Chalupny (USA) +1600
Mana Iwabuchi (JPN) +1200
Megan Rapinoe (USA) +1000
Meghan Klingenberg (USA) +2500
Megumi Kamionobe (JPN) +5000
Mizuho Sakaguchi (JPN) +1200
Morgan Brian (USA) +1600
Nahomi Kawasumi (JPN) +1000
No Goalscorer +700
Rumi Utsugi (JPN) +4000
Saki Kumagai (JPN) +8000
Saori Ariyoshi (JPN) +4000
Shannon Boxx (USA) +1600
Shinobu Ohno (JPN) +1000
Sydney Leroux (USA) +600
Tobin Heath (USA) +1400
Whitney Engen (USA) +2500
Yuika Sugasawa (JPN) +1000
Yukari Kinga (JPN) +6600
Yuki Ogimi (JPN) +750
Yuri Kawamura (JPN) +3300

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Pack TE Quarless charged with firing gun

July 4, 2015

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) Green Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless has been arrested for allegedly firing two shots into the air during an argument outside a Miami Beach parking garage.

A witness told Miami Beach police that Quarless and three others pulled up to a car full of women early Saturday. An arrest affidavit says the football player and another man approached the car. The conversation eventually escalated and the witness told authorities he heard the women yelling for Quarless and his friend to leave them alone.

That's when authorities say Quarless pulled out a handgun and fired two shots in the air.

He was charged with discharging a firearm in public.

A call and emails to the Packers were not immediately returned Saturday.

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Chargers' Gates given 4-game suspension

July 2, 2015

SAN DIEGO (AP) San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was suspended without pay Thursday for the first four games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The NFL said in a statement that Gates can participate in training camp and preseason games. He will be able to return to the team's active roster after the Chargers' Oct. 4 game against the Cleveland Browns.

Gates issued a statement through the team apologizing to the Chargers, his teammates and fans.

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Jets' Richardson suspended four games

July 2, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) New York Jets defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Richardson will be eligible to return to the Jets' active roster on Monday, Oct. 5 after the team's Oct. 4 game against the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins.

''I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans,'' Richardson said in a statement.

''However, words aren't enough. This is something that can only be addressed by how I handle myself from this point on. I don't want this to take away from what the team is trying to accomplish. While I won't be there at the start of the regular season, I will do whatever I can to support my teammates until I'm able to return to the field.''

Richardson is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games. The Jets do have depth on their defensive line, with defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, nose tackle Damon Harrison and first-round pick Leonard Williams.

Entering his third NFL season, Richardson the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013, who has been mostly a starter since that year, was expected to be a major part of new coach Todd Bowles' defense.

''This is disappointing for Sheldon and the team,'' Bowles said in a statement. ''We're going to support Sheldon and welcome him back upon his return. We will keep moving forward with our preparations for the upcoming season.''

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Packers' Jones banned for opener

July 2, 2015

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Packers defensive end Datone Jones has been suspended for the first game this season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The league said in a statement Thursday that Jones will be out for the Sept. 13 game at Chicago and eligible to return for the home opener in Week 2 against Seattle.

The third-year player will be allowed to participate in training camp and all four preseason games.

Jones, who turns 25 this month, was a first-round pick (26th overall) out of UCLA in 2013. He had his first three starts last season and has five sacks in 29 games.

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Cowboys LB McClain suspended 4 games

July 2, 2015

IRVING, Texas (AP) Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain has been suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, putting two key Dallas defenders on the sideline to start the season with pass rusher Greg Hardy's 10-game ban.

The league said in a statement Thursday that McClain would be suspended without pay and eligible to return for Dallas' Week 5 game against New England. He can participate in training camp and all four preseason games.

The suspension is likely to cost McClain more than his base salary because of bonuses tied to playing time in the one-year, $3 million contract he signed this offseason.

''I apologize to my family, the Cowboys organization, my teammates and Cowboys fans for my mistake,'' McClain said in a statement issued through the players association. ''I will not break the rules of my profession in the future, and I regret my error.''

Hardy has appealed his suspension for the defensive end's role in a domestic violence case. Hardy also is eligible for training camp and preseason games.

McClain sat out the 2013 season and twice walked away from football before reviving his career with a solid season for the Cowboys last year.

But it's been a rocky offseason for the former top 10 pick by Oakland who had three disappointing seasons with the Raiders. He was released in 2013 and picked up by Baltimore, which traded him to the Cowboys for a late-round draft pick just before training camp last summer. He never played for the Ravens.

McClain had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and stayed in his home state of Alabama for the initial rehabilitation work. He missed most offseason workouts before rejoining the Cowboys for mandatory minicamp last month.

McClain, who turns 26 this month, was in and out of the lineup last season because of the knee injuries along with hamstring and concussion issues. But he still finished with 108 tackles, second on the team behind safety Barry Church.

With the Cowboys set to start McClain at middle linebacker, that job likely goes to second-year player Anthony Hitchens. Dallas appears likely to leave Sean Lee at weakside linebacker in his return from a knee injury that sidelined him all last season and led to the trade for McClain.

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Texans release DL Ivory after arrest

July 2, 2015

HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Texans have released defensive lineman Brandon Ivory a day after he was charged in a residential burglary in Tuscaloosa.

The team announced his departure on Thursday. The 23-year-old Ivory, a former Alabama standout, signed a free-agent contract with the Texans in May.

Police said Wednesday that Ivory was arrested with a second man after two people said two men busted down a door and took two Apple iPads and cash. One of the suspects was allegedly armed with an assault rifle and the other had a knife.

Ivory and the other man, who police identified as Nicholas Gerald Gibson III, were both charged with two counts of burglary.

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Star F Aldridge to sign with Spurs

July 4, 2015

LaMarcus Aldridge is heading back home to Texas and the San Antonio Spurs are heading back to the top of the list of favorites in the Western Conference.

One of the most coveted free agents on the market picked the Spurs over several suitors, including the Lakers, Heat, Rockets, Knicks, Mavericks, Suns and Trail Blazers, the team for which he played the first nine seasons of his career.

''I'm happy to say I'm going home to Texas and will be a Spur!!'' the Dallas native tweeted. ''I'm excited to join the team and be close to my family and friends.''

Aldridge averaged a career-high 23.4 points and also grabbed 10.2 rebounds per game while playing with an injured thumb last season for the Blazers.

But after nine years in Portland, he hit the free agent market with many assuming he was headed elsewhere, and the Spurs pounced. Aldridge took two meetings with the Lakers and the Spurs, who brought Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, coach Gregg Popovich and GM R.C. Buford to the first one on Wednesday.

Every team Aldridge met with was offering the four-year maximum contract worth an estimated $80 million.

Ultimately he picked the team that has won five championships since 1999.

The Spurs offered him a chance to play in his home state, a chance to join the most successful franchise of the modern era and a chance to take the torch from Duncan, who will return for a 19th season.

After winning the championship in 2015, the Spurs were eliminated in seven games by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs this year. With their famed trio of Duncan, point guard Tony Parker and shooting guard Manu Ginobili aging, Buford and Popovich have deftly set up the long-term health of the franchise with several moves this summer.

They started by signing Leonard, the reigning defensive player of the year and the NBA Finals MVP in 2014, to a five-year max contract and also locked up shooting guard Danny Green on a four-year, $45 million deal.

Then they traded big man Tiago Splitter to the Atlanta Hawks to help clear some of the necessary salary cap room to land Aldridge, and it all paid off on Saturday.

Yahoo Sports first reported the agreement.

Aldridge's departure from Portland hastens a new era for the Blazers. They signed Damian Lillard to a five-year contract worth more than $120 million earlier this week, and the dynamic point guard will replace Aldridge as the new face of the franchise.

Blazers GM Neil Olshey also made several moves in preparation for Aldridge's departure. He sent Nicolas Batum to Charlotte for guard Gerald Henderson and second-year power forward Noah Vonleh, added big man Mason Plumlee in a draft-day trade with Brooklyn and signed versatile power forward Ed Davis to a three-year, $20 million deal.

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Suns fall short in pursuit of Aldridge

July 4, 2015

PHOENIX (AP) The Phoenix Suns vaulted from long shot to finalist in the bid to land coveted free agent LaMarcus Aldridge.

But finishing as runner-up to the team the Suns' fans love to hate, the San Antonio Spurs, left a hollow ring to the team's concerted efforts to climb from mediocrity to relevance in the tough Western Conference.

A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed that the Suns and Spurs were the finalists for the services of the All-Star forward. The person said the presence of Aldridge's family in Texas ''pushed it over the top for San Antonio.''

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details of free-agent negotiations can't be made public until next Thursday.

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Durant: 'Haven't thought' of free agency

July 4, 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Kevin Durant says next summer can wait.

Next season is his only priority at this point.

The Oklahoma City star - limited to 27 games last season because of injuries - was at the NBA summer league games in Orlando on Saturday, and said he would be ready for next season and he hasn't thought about the summer of 2016 when he likely will be the biggest domino in a free-agent class that already seems certain to earn incredibly large deals as the league's salary cap skyrockets.

''I haven't thought about it,'' Durant said before the Thunder summer team played its opening game. ''I hear it all the time but I'm really just focusing on rehab. I can't get there unless I take care of today, so that's how I try to look at it even though I hear it from every side, thinking past to next summer. I'm not even trying to focus on that. I'm excited about our team, new coaches and just trying to get back right.''

He watched OKC's game with new Thunder coach Billy Donovan, who isn't leading the summer squad but is obviously overseeing the club. At one point, Donovan spoke for more than a minute during play, pointing at various things while Durant kept nodding and absorbing what his new coach was saying.

It can hardly be considered a surprise that Donovan is trying to fast-track building a relationship with Durant.

''Coach D's been working me out this past week, so it's pretty cool to see your head coach on the floor with you, putting in work with you,'' Durant said. ''It's like he's been on this journey with me since he got in. That's making us closer.''

The 2014-15 season was likely one that Durant can't wait to forget.

He had surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot in October, was back on the floor in December and lasted only nine games before having to sit again with a sprained ankle - an injury that came in a game against Golden State when he had 30 points in less than 19 minutes. The Thunder had won seven straight games at that point before losing Durant that night in what became a loss to the Warriors.

Durant missed more time in late January and early February, uncharacteristically lashed out at reporters in a media session on All-Star weekend - ''I let a lot of stuff bother me, I read a lot of stuff that I shouldn't have, lesson learned for me,'' he said Saturday in a very friendly eight-minute interview with reporters - and then got shut down for the rest of the season in mid-February.

With him, the Thunder were 18-9. Without him, they were 27-28, wound up missing the playoffs and coach Scott Brooks then got fired.

''The toughest year I've ever been through in my life as far as basketball is concerned,'' Durant said. ''Just to get back on the floor, all that other stuff really doesn't matter to me. Everything, all that stuff, distractions, all that type of stuff, they don't matter because I get to do something I love again, hopefully. I can't wait to get back out there and be fully cleared to play.''

He is already a four-time NBA scoring champion and doesn't even turn 27 until September. He might not even be in his prime yet. Teams will do whatever they can next summer to get him, much in the same way LeBron James was pursued in 2010 when he wound up signing with the Miami Heat.

For now, Durant said, everyone else can focus on that. He is just trying to play.

''To be honest, my main thing is getting rid of distractions,'' Durant said. ''No matter what, just focusing on what I have to do. I can't wait to play the game I love again.''

That being said, well over $1 billion in newly issued contracts will start getting signed Thursday when the NBA's offseason moratorium on player movement ends.

Durant is fully aware of who is getting what, and what is happening in the market. This time next year, he could be the most coveted prize.

''It's a fun time to be in the NBA,'' Durant said. ''You're seeing all these moves being made, guys getting an opportunity to take care of their families by getting these big contracts. Man, it's beautiful to see.''

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Magic, Harris agree to 4-year deal


July 4, 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) A person with knowledge of the details says Tobias Harris has agreed to sign a new contract to remain with the Orlando Magic.

The person says the deal for Harris - a restricted free agent - is for four years and $64 million. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because contract can't be officially signed until next week.

The 22-year-old forward completed his fourth NBA season and second full year in Orlando after coming over in a trade with Milwaukee in 2013. He averaged a career-high 17.1 points last season, while also shooting a career-best 36 percent from the 3-point line.

The move keeps intact a young Magic team that features eight players under age 25.

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Pelicans, Cunningham have 3-year deal

July 4, 2015

NEW ORLEANS (AP) People familiar with the negotiations say the New Orleans Pelicans and forward Dante Cunningham have agreed on a three-year contract extension worth about $9 million.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Saturday because the free-agent contract, which cannot officially be signed until July 9, has not been announced.

The Pelicans first signed the 6-foot-8 Cunningham as a free agent last December. He played in 66 regular season games, starting 27, and averaged 5.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 25 minutes.

The 28-year-old Cunningham was relied upon mostly for his defense. His contract includes a third-year player option. His return gives the Pelicans nearly all of their regulars back for next season except guard Norris Cole, who remains a restricted free agent.

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Kings, C Koufos agree on 4 years, $33M

July 5, 2015

A day after locking up a pair of guards, the Sacramento Kings invested in their front court.

Center Kosta Koufos agreed to a $33 million, four-year contract with the Kings on Saturday night, a person with knowledge of the deal said.

The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because contracts can't be completed until the NBA's moratorium on free agency ends Thursday, said the fourth year is a player option.

ESPN first reported the agreement.

Koufos played behind Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in Memphis the past two seasons. In Sacramento, the 7-footer is another big man for a front court that includes All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins and sixth overall draft pick Willie Cauley-Stein.

Koufos has career averages of 5.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in seven seasons. He also has played for Utah, Minnesota and Denver - where he spent parts of three years under current Kings coach George Karl.

The deal is a sizeable commitment considering Koufos most likely will back up Cousins. But it's the price the Kings felt they had to pay in a market where the most coveted free agents go to teams with recent success.

Sacramento has missed the playoffs nine straight seasons and is still trying to come together under Karl, who took over at the All-Star break after Tyrone Corbin and Michael Malone were fired a few months apart. There also have been repeated reports of tension between Karl and Cousins - and Karl and owner Vivek Ranadive.

New basketball operations leader Vlade Divac has been left repairing relationships and the roster, with the latter beginning to take shape the past two days.

The Kings reached agreements with point guard Rajon Rondo and shooting guard Marco Belinelli on Friday. Rondo's deal is for one year and about $10 million, and Belinelli's contract is for $19 million and three years.

Those agreements followed a head-scratching start to the week for Divac and the Kings. They opened free agency by trading last year's first-round pick, Nik Stauskas, along with Jason Thompson and Carl Landry to Philadelphia to clear more than $16 million in salary cap space next season.

The Kings reportedly received the rights to two international players and a second-round pick in the deal, but also gave up a first-round pick in 2018 that is top-10 protected plus the right to swap first-round draft choices in 2016 and 2017.

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Brewer, Beverley to re-sign with Rockets

July 3, 2015

The Rockets have reached deals with Corey Brewer and Patrick Beverley to keep them in Houston.

The agreements came on Friday, with Beverley's agent Kevin Bradbury saying his client got a four-year, $23.4 million deal. The final year of the contract is non-guaranteed.

A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that Brewer agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal. The person requested anonymity because the deal has not been officially announced. Both contracts cannot be signed until July 9.

Beverley gives the Rockets a tenacious defender at point guard who was sorely missed when he went down with a wrist injury.

Brewer provided a boost when he was acquired during the season in a trade from Minnesota.

Yahoo Sports first reported both agreements.

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Kings deals: Rondo 1 year, Belinelli 3

July 3, 2015

After missing targets at the start of free agency, the Sacramento Kings finally filled out their backcourt Friday.

Whether the team can find a way to blend its talent together remains a topic for debate.

The Kings reached agreements with point guard Rajon Rondo and shooting guard Marco Belinelli, securing the two positions the team coveted most this summer.

Rondo's deal is for one year and $10 million, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement said. Belinelli's contract is for $19 million and three years, a second person familiar with that deal said.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because contracts can't be completed until the moratorium on free agency ends Thursday.

Belinelli and the Kings reached an agreement in the morning while the team was meeting with Rondo in Sacramento. A few hours later, Rondo decided to join him in California's capital city.

Rondo, a four-time All-Star who is trying to recover from a brief but tumultuous tenure in Dallas, joins a franchise that has been one of the NBA's most chaotic recently.

The Kings fired two coaches last season, swiped decision-making power from general manager Pete D'Alessandro - who later left for a job in Denver's front office - and hired former franchise center Vlade Divac to oversee basketball operations.

New coach George Karl has yet to mesh with All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, with several reported rifts already. Team chemistry has been a major issue and so has player confidence in majority owner Vivek Ranadive's moves.

The Kings are hoping the 29-year-old Rondo can return to the player he was early in his career and revive the struggling franchise.

Rondo was benched several times last season by Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle after coming over in a December trade from Boston, where he helped the Celtics win the 2008 title and return to the NBA Finals in 2010.

Rondo sat out the final three games in Dallas' first-round loss to Houston with what the team called a back injury - though he had already been benched by Carlisle again in the Game 2 loss. He was a bad fit for an offense that regressed after being among the league's best at the time of the trade, and he also missed six games because of a broken bone near his left eye.

Rondo had his best years with the Celtics, who were led by Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce when they won the 2008 title under coach Doc Rivers. But he hasn't been the same since missing large parts of two seasons because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Rondo is averaging 10.8 points, 8.3 assists and 3.6 rebounds in nine seasons.

He was courted hard by Kings forward and friend Rudy Gay. Rondo opted for a one-year deal hoping to prove he can still play at an All-Star level before the salary cap is expected to rise dramatically next summer when the NBA's new television deal kicks in.

It's still somewhat murky what Rondo's addition means for point guard Darren Collison, who signed a three-year, $16 million deal with the Kings last summer. Collison played well until missing the final 33 games with a core muscle injury that required surgery.

The person with knowledge of Rondo's deal said to expect Collison and Rondo to share the backcourt most of the time.

Belinelli gives the Kings the shooting guard they've been searching for to stretch the floor for All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins. Wesley Matthews, who is coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon with Portland, turned down Sacramento's $64 million, four-year offer Thursday to accept a deal with Dallas.

Belinelli has played the past two seasons with San Antonio, helping the Spurs win the NBA championship in 2014. He is shooting 43 percent in his eight-year career, including 39.2 percent from 3-point range.

Belinelli averaged 9.2 points and 22.4 minutes in 62 games with the Spurs last season. He was drafted 18th overall by Golden State in 2007 and also has played for Toronto, New Orleans and Chicago.

The deals struck Friday are a big boost after a head-scratching week for Divac and the Kings. They started free agency by trading last year's first-round pick, Nik Stauskas, along with Jason Thompson and Carl Landry to Philadelphia to clear more than $16 million in salary cap space next season.

The Kings reportedly received the rights to two international players and a second-round pick in the deal but also gave up a first-round pick in 2018 that is top-10 protected plus the right to swap first-round draft choices in 2016 and 2017.

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Knicks agree to deal with C Robin Lopez

July 3, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) Robin Lopez is joining the Knicks, turning New York's NBA rivalry into a family affair.

Lopez agreed to sign with the Knicks on Friday, a person with knowledge of the details said, and will play just across town from twin brother and Brooklyn Nets center, Brook.

Robin Lopez will leave the Portland Trail Blazers to fill the open spot in the middle for the Knicks, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because contracts can't yet be signed. Yahoo Sports reported Lopez would receive a four-year deal worth $54 million.

Lopez wrote on Twitter that he was ''excited to part of the (hash) Knicks legacy,'' adding that it would be like the musical ''On the Town'' only with ''way more box outs & dunks.''

The Knicks have been seeking a center since trading Tyson Chandler last summer. They had also spoken to DeAndre Jordan and Greg Monroe before those players chose to go elsewhere.

Robin Lopez's decision comes just days after Brook Lopez agreed to stay with the Nets for a reported $60 million over three years.

Unlike his brother, Robin Lopez is limited offensively but is a solid defensive player. He has averaged 8.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in his career, which includes four years in Phoenix and a stop in New Orleans before two seasons with Portland.

He becomes the second player to leave the Blazers for the Knicks this summer. Arron Afflalo agreed to a $16 million, two-year deal on Thursday. The Knicks came into the summer with more than $25 million to spend and have enough left to keep looking for more help on the free-agent market.