Buyout Watch: Mike Bibby, Troy Murphy, Leon Powe all Possibilities, Rasual Butler to Chicago?

Posted by Brian Robb on Feb 28, 2011 1719214 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2011%2F02%2F28%2Fbuyout-watch-mike-bibby-troy-murphy-leon-powe-all-possibilities-rasual-butler-to-chicago%2FBuyout+Watch%3A+Mike+Bibby%2C+Troy+Murphy%2C+Leon+Powe+all+Possibilities%2C+Rasual+Butler+to+Chicago%3F2011-02-28+12%3A44%3A37Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D17192

Hayes got you caught up on the latest with Troy Murphy earlier this morning, so here’s a roundup of the latest rumors around the league and the chance they’ll join one of the open roster spots on the Boston Celtics.

Mike Bibby: The guy has a year left on his deal, but that hasn’t stopped him from seeking a buyout according to Michael Lee of the Washington Post:

“Bibby has shot just 1-for-9 in two games with the Wizards, but there is a chance — albeit slim — that he may not be around much longer. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Bibby’s agent, David Falk, plans to meet with Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld on Monday to discuss a possible buyout. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. The two sides have had preliminary discussions, according to two league sources, but no formal proposals have been made. Bibby makes $5.8 million this season and is on the books for $6.4 million next season. Bibby would have to sacrifice a lot of money and get waived by Tuesday in order to be eligible to join a playoff team this season. Portland, Miami and Boston are reportedly interested in signing Bibby if he can reach an agreement. Grunfeld has said he wouldn’t close the door on any situation as it relates to a buyout. According to a league source, the Wizards tried to move Bibby again, almost immediately after acquiring him from the Hawks, but were unable to get anything done before the trade deadline.”

Bibby is still a strong three-point shooter, so he could certainly of use in spot situations off the bench, but with Delonte West looking good at point, I’d say the chance of Bibby coming into town to be cheered on by the “Bandwagon fans” around here is slim at best. Still worth monitoring. 

Leon Powe: Suitors are lining up for the power forward according to Chris Tomasson of NBA FanHouse:

“Add New Orleans to the list of teams being considered by forward Leon Powe, if he clears waivers on Tuesday morning. Powe’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, confirmed in an interview with FanHouse on Sunday the Hornets have entered the mix to land Powe, waived Thursday by Cleveland. In addition to the Hornets, Goodwin said he’s also had preliminary conversations with Boston, New York and Memphis, teams previously identified as candidates. “New Orleans is a good young team that has a good chance to go to the playoffs,” Goodwin said of why the Hornets appeal to Powe. “He would have a chance to play there.”’

Goodwin explains the situation pretty well there. Unlike someone like Murphy, Powe’s sole motivator here just can’t be a shot at a ring, he has to find a place where he has a real chance at playing, something he hasn’t done much of this year, in order to earn a contract for next year. As nice as it would be to have him back in Boston, along with his post play and rebounding, it’s no sure thing in my eyes, especially if Murphy comes to town. Minutes would be a tough thing to come by at that point for Leon in a crowded frontcourt. My best guess is we get Murphy or Powe, but not both. Murphy is clearly priority number one however, thanks to his rebounding and range.

Rasual Butler: Ric Bucher of ESPN.com is reporting that the small forward is heading to Chicago, where as Marc Spears said they are just one of a few options for the outside shooter. Here’s Bucher’s report:

“The Los Angeles Clippers have bought out Rasual Butler, and he plans to sign with the Chicago Bulls, a league source told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher. Butler must clear waivers before he can sign with the Bulls. Butler had the best scoring season of his career in 2009-10, averaging 11.9 points and 2.9 rebounds. This season he’s averaged 5.0 points and 1.9 rebounds.”

We should know more on this situation as well later today, but with the trades Thursday, Boston’s use for Butler and possible playing time for the 30-year-old decreased substantially. He gets a better opportunity if he goes to Chicago.