The NBA’s amnesty era is underway.
Taking advantage of the league’s new get-out-of-a-contract card, the Orlando Magic waived Gilbert Arenas and the $62 million he was owed over the next three seasons as one of the first moves after the lockout formally ended, and the New York Knicks were preparing to use the clause on Chauncey Billups — a precursor to adding Tyson Chandler as a free agent from the champion Dallas Mavericks.
There was Dwight Howard trade talk, widespread reaction over the NBA’s decision to reject a proposed trade of Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers, and dozens of moves in short order as teams worked briskly to start filling their rosters for a rapidly approaching season.
And finally, rookies could become, well, rookies. Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 pick this year, signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as did No. 4 pick Tristan Thompson. A number of teams worked out with very small groups, barely enough to play even 3-on-3 in some cases.
“It’s good to be back on the court, to hear the balls bouncing and see your teammates,” Heat forward LeBron James said. “It’s a great day to be back.”
The biggest news was likely yet to come, and New York was in the epicenter of speculation.
Chandler was on his way to New York, though was not yet a member of the Knicks. The team apparently is planning to use the amnesty clause to waive Billups and possibly make other moves before having the ability to free up space for Chandler and what could be a $58 million deal over four years.
“I’m glad he’s with us and not against us,” Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire said about Chandler.
Howard showed up for the start of Magic camp amid reports that he was seeking a trade to New Jersey. Orlando was close to making one trade, working on finalizing a deal to acquire Glen Davis from the Boston Celtics for Brandon Bass.
“Baby was terrific for us. He was,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said about Davis. “It will be different. We had an emotional conversation. I wish him well.”
The Magic made a slew of other moves, including the signings of guard Larry Hughes and former Boston draft pick Gabe Pruitt.
Arenas still gets his money, of course — amnesty only means teams can rid themselves of salary for cap and luxury tax calculation purposes.
A day after the Paul trade fell apart, the all-star guard showed up for work in New Orleans. In Los Angeles, Pau Gasol — another part of the deal, he was to be sent to Houston — was at Lakers camp. Lamar Odom, who was presumed to be bound for New Orleans, showed up more than 90 minutes late for that first practice of the post-Phil Jackson-era, then left after meeting with general manager Mitch Kupchak.
On Friday, though, it seems Paul could be soon on the move again.
“We’re talking about everything. Everything is on the table,” Hornets general manager Dell Demps said.
In other developments:
• The Suns and forward Grant Hill agreed on a $6.5 million, one-year deal, waived guard Vince Carter and added guards Shannon Brown and Sebastian Telfair.
• The Heat practiced with only six available players while contracts with guard Mario Chalmers, swingman James Jones, forward Juwan Howard and center Eddy Curry were getting finalized.
• The Sacramento Kings agreed to a $21.3 million, four-year deal with free-agent center Chuck Hayes and completed the signing of former BYU star Jimmer Fredette.
