NBA Free Agency Update: David West To Join Golden State Warriors

Zaza Pachulia & David West Altercation | Spurs vs Mavericks | February 5, 2016 | NBA 2015-16 Season

Its been a busy week for the Golden State Warriors, who keep on adding talent to a team that won 73 games a season ago.

A day after signing Kevin Durant, the Warriors brought in power forward David West according to ESPN. West, who will turn 36 before the season starts, will be under contract for one season and will make the leagues veteran minimum salary of $543,471.

The veteran was drafted 18th overall in 2003 by the New Orleans Hornets and spent the next eight seasons with the franchise before turning in four solid years with the Indiana Pacers. Last season, West took a pay cut to sign with the San Antonio Spurs in hopes of winning a title and will do the same with Golden State in 2016.

Wests best stretch came with New Orleans in 2007 and 2008, when he averaged over 20 points per game in both seasons and was named to back-to-back All-Star teams. While West has slowed down considerably with age, he was still a solid bench player in San Antonio last year, averaging seven points and four rebounds in 18 minutes per contest according to Basketball-Reference.

[Photo by Jason Miller/Getty ImagesOverall, West has averaged 14.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting just shy of 50 percent of the field for his career, good for a lifetime PER of 18.6.

Durant is clearly the best addition of the NBA free agency period so far and makes the Warriors look like a juggernaut on paper, but Golden State has also done a great job of adding some depth to fill out the bench. The Warriors added Zaza Pachulia, a completely serviceable big man, for just $2.9 million on Monday.

Adding depth is going to be a critical part of Golden States offseason plan, as the team lost role players like Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, and Andrew Bogut from the record-breaking 73-win squad. Durant, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson will carry the load as the most formidable team the NBA has seen on paper in quite some time, the bench will also play an important role in helping the Warriors reach their ultimate goal of a title.

Signing West could prove to be particularly important, as the Warriors could be a little strapped for frontcourt depth next season. In addition to Ezeli and Bogut leaving, Golden State may not be able to re-sign big men Marreese Speights and Anderson Varejao.

West figures to split minutes with second-year player Kevon Looney as the backup power forward behind Green. Even in his mid-30s, West played a role in San Antonios 67-win season last year and should provide some instant offense off the bench with his strong mid-range jumper.

Small moves like adding West can make a meaningful difference for a team looking to break a wins record or make a deep postseason run. Bringing in Durant gives the Warriors an incredible starting lineup, but sometimes, it can take more than that to win an NBA championship as LeBron James and the Miami Heat found out in 2010.

[Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]Fans and even other players around the league have voiced their displeasure at Durants decision to join Golden State, accusing him of being a ring chaser, and West is certainly guilty of the same crime. West opted out of his contract in Indiana last offseason and took an $11 million pay cut to head to San Antonio and could have got more on the open market this year than the veteran minimum.

The Warriors may not be done adding veteran pieces who want a title for cheap, as the team still has more depth to fill out. As it stands now, Golden State is the clear title favorite heading into next year, with moves like adding West making a small yet meaningful difference.

[Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]

Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/3277437/nba-free-agency-update-david-west-to-join-golden-state-warriors/

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Top 10 Russell Westbrook Trade Destinations Should Thunder Decide To Move Star

Should OKC Thunder Trade Russell Westbrook? - SportsNation

Kevin Durant hasnt even officially signed with the Golden State Warriors yet, but the Oklahoma City Thunder already are speeding toward a future of mediocrity without their former league MVP.

Their other star, point guard Russell Westbrook, is one of the five best players in the NBA, but hes also going to be a free agent after this upcoming season. Westbrook reportedly wont consider signing an extension with OKC before testing free agencynext summer, and in the overall shock of Durant actually abandoning the only franchise hes ever known, the Thunder reportedly will consider trading the five-time All-Star so they arent left with nothing should he leave in free agency a highly plausible scenario.

Of course, there are obstacles: What is Westbrook actually worth in terms of a return given his expiring contract? And is the potential risk of him leaving a new team after just one year worth giving up anything valuable for?

We took a look at 10 potential landing spots for Durant that would give Sam Presti the most value in return. For every team the risk vs. reward argument can be made, so for the purposes of these examples, were assuming either Westbrook stays or the team is comfortable taking that risk.

In no specific order:

Boston CelticsBoston has assets galore, though as many have pointed out Tuesday, if those assets werent enough to acquire Jimmy Butler, why would they be enough for Westbrook, a much better player? In short, theres two reasons: Boston reportedly turned down a few deals in which those assets actually would have been enough, and in OKCs case, beggars cant really be choosers. Despite a loaded 2017 draft class, Boston would be wise to move both their 2017 Brooklyn Nets pick swap and 2018 draft selection at bare minimum to acquire a player of Westbrooks talent for the long haul.

Los Angeles LakersIts no secret Westbrook likely wants to go to L.A. at some point in his career. The 26-year-old grew up in a Los Angeles suburb and attended UCLAwith Kevin Love. The big question here is why the Lakers would want to trade assets for Westbrook if hes going to sign there next summer. But heres the thing: while their young core should get better, they still have picked second, second and seventh in the last three NBA drafts. Their 2017 first-rounder is only top-two protected this season. Any higher finish or unfortunate bounce of the ping pong b***s sends that pick to the Philadelphia 76ers. Moving DAngelo Russell and that pick (plus an extra for OKCs insurance purposes) isnt a bad proposal to ponder.

Washington WizardsBradley Beal is locked up at shooting guard, but John Wall isnt a bad consolation prize for moving Westbrook. Throw in Otto Porter Jr. and a few picks and youve got a decent return.

Minnesota TimberwolvesThe Wolves didnt even want to give up Zach LaVine for Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, let alone Andrew Wiggins. But, again, Westbrook is a much different player. Butler is an All-Star; Westbrook is an elite generational talent. Some combo of LaVine, Wiggins and No. 5 overall pick Kris Dunn could be an enticing offer and one the Thunder have to consider.

Miami HeatJustise Winslow is the only enticing player on Miamis roster, but unloading Chris Boshs contract and attaching a few draft picks with Winslow for Westbrook and Kyle Singlers contract isnt a bad start to a rebuild. And, who knows, maybe Westbrook would even consider staying in South Beach.

Brooklyn NetsIts New York, and once those Boston picks are out of the way they can start dealing first rounders again. (Were only kind of kidding.) A pick swap in 2019 and sending your own outright selection in 2020 seems silly when you realize theyd only make their own first-round pick once (2015) over a seven-season span, but its a price you have to pay if you can get Westbrook. The Nets dont offer much in the way of prospects or even immediate return, but they can absorb the contract into their seemingly endless cap space and send OKC a trade exception. Plus, its New York (ish) so Westbrook might actually want to stay. Its a long shot, but if everyone else says no, its (kind of) better than nothing.

Chicago BullsIts a big market, Westbrook immediately gets to team up with another All-Star in Butler, and Chicago can offer young assets like Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic, Bobby Portis and Tony Snell.

Indiana PacersIndiana might as well be basketball mecca, though basketball might literally be the only thing that appeals to Westbrook in the midwest. Still, a chance to play with Paul George could be appealing. A package of Jeff Teague, Myles Turner and draft picks isnt a bad kick start for OKC.

Utah JazzIt doesnt feel like Westbrook would ever stay there, but maybe a swap with Gordon Hayward, whose contract also is expiring, could be appealing. The Thunder probably would have a better chance to re-sign the former Butler University star than Westbrook, but Utah also has a roster chock-full of young, appealing players like Rudy Gobert, Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors.

Los Angeles ClippersSo this one would have to be a real basketball trade, but even if one of L.A.s three All-Stars get moved in order to acquire Westbrook, there still are two more to team him with. Chris Paul likely would be the one to go considering the two play the same position, so consider this mega-blockbuster: Westbrook to L.A., Paul to the Cleveland Cavaliers (and buddy LeBron James) and Kyrie Irving to the Thunder. Its essentially a winning scenario for everyone involved, gets Westbrook where he wants to go, and provides the Thunder with a true star to build around in the post-Durant/Westbrook era. Its so crazy it just might work.

Thumbnail photo via Mark D. Smith/USA TODAY Sports Images

Have a question or comment for Pat? Follow him on Twitter at @PatBradley_.

Source: http://nesn.com/2016/07/top-10-russell-westbrook-trade-destinations-should-thunder-decide-to-move-star/

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NBA Free Agency: The Cavs have contacted David West

David West Full Highlights 2014 ECSF G6 at Wizards - 29 Pts

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

West has not decided if h**l play next season.

With Timofey Mozgov now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for big men to help fill out their roster. One target theyve contacted: veteran forward David West.

West, who played for the Indiana Pacers before taking a massive pay cut to play for the San Antonio Spurs last summer, has yet to decide if h**l play next season per Chris Haynes of cleveland.com. Per Haynes, a number of teams are interested in West and there is no timetable for his decision.

Considering that the Spurs just added Pau Gasol, the Cavs might be an attractive option for West. In Cleveland, he could come off the bench and chase a title with the favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. That said, Tim Duncan may retire and the Spurs may also have to let Boris Diaw go in order to sign Gasol. They might need to bring West back.

If he can be signed, West would be a solid veteran addition to the Cavs. Hes not a rim protector, but hes still a solid post player and rebounder at age 35. Cleveland could do a lot worse considering their limited assets.

West averaged 7.1 points and four rebounds per game last season in San Antonio.

Source: http://www.fearthesword.com/2016/7/5/12096344/nba-free-agency-the-cavs-have-contacted-david-west

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PHOTOS: 2016 Nathan"s Hot Dog Eating Contest

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When should the American flag be lowered?

The American Flag Under Attack
GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) -

The American flag holds a special meaning to Americans,and all those who fly it, high and proud outside their homes.

"I think my flag"s been up for 20 years now," said Stanley Webber, and Army veteran.

Webber is also thecommander of Post 200 of the American Legion in Boiling Springs.He said when a flag is lowered at half staff, someone of several different backgrounds has died.

"Politicians, like the President and all, it will be put at half mast, veterans that have been killed and all and also certain high ranking officials," said Webber. But is the flag being lowered too frequently, and for instances it was not initially intended to be lowered for?

"I do have a little problem on certain occasions that we put the flag at half mast, for different things," said Webber. He said the President and state governors are allowed to lower flags, and that is under the United States flag code.

"It"s our duty to do what they ask us to do," said Webber.

According to the Associated Press, in 2015the American flag was at half-staff somewhere in the countryon 328 days of the year.Some flag buffs have noted the high honor has been expanded over time, including celebrities and police dogs.

"These dogs are just as honorable as anybody else when they go in line and protect their handlers, protect the public. They get shot they are just as much entitled in my heart as anybody else," said Webber.

Last year flags were lowered for victims of extremist attacks, fallen soldiers, politicians and celebrities like Yogi Berra. But for Webber,whatever reason the flag is lowered for, it always has a special meaning to him.

He lost his father who also fought for his country and has a plaque for him below his flag pole."What he thought about this flag is why he"s there under this flag," said Webber.

He said he hopes those who were born in America and who have come here from other places, understand it"s significance,"It gives us the opportunity to do things we couldn"t do under some other kind of democracy."

Copyright 2016FOX Carolina (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

Source: http://www.wistv.com/story/32370462/when-should-the-american-flag-be-lowered

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American flag etiquette symbolic to veterans

Fourth of July FAIL! - How Many Stars on the American Flag? - Zombie U.S. Citizens Don"t Know!
BRISTOL, Tenn. -

The 4th of July inspires many of us to display or fly the American flag.

Veterans tell us there"s a proper way to do it.

They say properly caring for and flying the flag is important to show pride, honor and respect.

"The first fold of our flag is the symbol of life," said Michael Harman, Commander of the 39th chapter of Disabled American Veterans.

Marine veteran David Mabe truly loves the American flag.

"The American flag is very near and dear to my heart. It represents our country and nation all the way back to our founding fathers. That"s our history, that"s where we came from," said Mabe.

That"s why they says it"s important to handle and fly a flag with care.

"If you"re looking at your home, the flag should be on the observers left. If you"re hanging a flag like flat against a wall, the union, which is the blue over here... If you"re looking at it the union will always be on the left," said Harman.

To properly fold the flag, you must fold it 13 times into a triangle.

"Every fold of the flag signifies something different. All the way til 13," said Harman, "The 6th fold"s significance is for where our hearts lie. It"s with our hearts that we pledge allegiance to the United States of America."

There"s a respectful way to dispose of worn out flags too.

"The proper way for disposal of a flag is anyway that"s dignified. The most common way to do it is by burning," said Harman.

Veterans say doing it the right way is a sign of utmost respect.

"We just love our country and we want the best for it. And when people will respect the flags, they respect each other," said Henry Chisenall, a retired Marine veteran.

The blue part of the flag represents a union of all the states as one.

Flags displayed at night should be illuminated.

If displaying the American flag with other flags, it should be raised the highest.

You can find the full list of how to display flags below.

http://home.riverview.net/vfw_post2053/displayflag.htm

Source: http://www.wcyb.com/news/american-flag-etiquette-symbolic-to-veterans/40355758

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Report: Mavs agree with Harrison Barnes on four-year, $94M deal

Harrison Barnes" Top 10 Dunks Of His Career

MORE NBA FREE AGENCY

Kevin Durant is going to the Golden State Warriors and that means restricted free agent Harrison Barnes won"t be restricted for much longer. The Warriors will need to renounce his free agent rights, which will make him an unrestricted free agent and free to sign anywhere with the cap space to grab him. This is finally some good news for the Dallas Mavericks, who have had a tough time this offseason getting the guys they"ve targeted.

Not this time.

Marc Stein of ESPN is reporting the Warriors will in fact renounce his rights and Dallas has agreed to a four-year deal worth $94 million for Barnes.

The Mavs missed out on Hassan Whiteside. They missed out on Chandler Parsons and Mike Conley. They didn"t miss out on Barnes. This could be the best play for him, too.

Adding Barnes to the mix will help the Mavs add a quality shooter and defender. He can also be someone interested in showing off more of an offensive game that he had a reputation for in high school and college. His opportunities to be that guy haven"t been emphasized in his time with the Warriors, and receiving this contract can possibly put pressure on him and the team justifying the contract with offensive production.

Either way, Barnes and Durant are looking at new opportunities for themselves.

Harrison Barnes is set for a huge payday. USATSI

Source: http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/mavs-reportedly-agree-with-harrison-barnes-on-four-year-94m-deal/

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