When free agency opened up on July 1, our boy JB covered the craziness that way the first day of negotiating. We did learn a few things on that day, but even more has opened since. Just to clarify, players cannot start signing officially until later this week, so just about anything can happen! Check back to NBAtoday.net to ensure you are kept up to date on signings and more rumors as they happen.

What We Know:

Amare Stoudemire: On Sunday (July 4), Amare was in NYC to meet with Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni to clear the air of their troubles from D’Antoni’s time in Phoenix. One thing is known for sure, Amare is out of Arizona (see Hakim Warrick below). The Knicks are likely to offer Stoudemire a max contract; so hopefully he signs and no one else goes there to join him and they are as bad as always.

Paul Pierce: Anyone who thought Paul Pierce was going anywhere obviously didn’t know the plan. Pierce has re-signed with the Celtics for four years, $61 million. He’s spent all 12 of his seasons in Boston and this was his opportunity to cash in before the apparent lock out of 2011.

Dirk Nowitzki: Speaking of not wanting to leave – Dirk the Jirk pulled off the same trick. Nowitzki has re-signed with the Mavs to a 4-year/$80 million deal. He never wanted to leave, and now he’s hoping the team will pull off a lucky sign and trade deal.

John Salmons: Salmons is staying in Milwaukee following a verbal agreement to a five-year $39 million deal. We saw how much he helped that team as they approached the playoffs this past season. Also, with the addition of Corey Maggette, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Drew Gooden, this team is looking very deep.

Steve Blake: What could the Lakers use more than anything as they go for a three-peat? A younger point guard who can keep up with the youngsters out west. They now have that as they signed Steve Blake to a four year, $16 million deal. What does this mean for Derek Fisher? It’s not set in stone yet, but resigning him isn’t necessary.

Hakim Warrick: Let the four-year deals continue! And at the same time, goodbye Amare Stoudemire. After re-signing Channing Frye, they now have spent more money on bringing in Hakim Warrick to play power forward. This deal is worth 4 years, $18 million. Why wouldn’t they just work on bringing back Amare??

Amir Johnson: Amir is staying in Toronto. Well, they’re going to need him considering Chris Bosh is long gone. So maybe a 5-year $34 million contract isn’t really overpaying.

Rumors Aplenty:

LeBron James: All of the pitches are over, now LeBron gets to sit back and ponder. James has finished his meetings with all of his prospective teams, but he reportedly won’t have a decision by Monday (July 5). Of course not! He is too arrogant and self-centered to choose a team by then! I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t wait until the end of August to ‘choose’!

Toronto Raptors: Rumors are swirling that the Raptors are not going to sit back and wait for a team to offer them a trade for Chris Bosh. The lack of a sign and trade would prevent teams like Dallas and Houston from having any shot of acquiring Bosh.

Chris Bosh: Speaking of Bosh, he is loving free agency. He is being video taped for a documentary on his free agent path, so you know he is having as much fun as possible and in no rush to make a decision.

Dwyane Wade: D-Wade wants help in Miami. He is even willing to sound interested in Chicago and New York just to make Pat Riley and Co. work a little harder to get a sidekick. Don’t be fooled by the RUMORS.

Carmelo Anthony/Tony Parker: Could these two be bound for New York? If the Knicks get shutout by the superstars and end up with just Stoudemire, then these two could be recruited by Amare to play for the Knicks. Wait a second, can’t we focus on THIS year first?!

Chris Paul/Hornets: Yes, I listed Chris Paul and the Hornets separately here. It’s not that the Hornets want to get rid of Paul, but they are willing to listen if a package can include Omeka Okafor. That would be a large chunk of change off the books and a proper way to clean house.

Mike Miller: Mr. Miller is in a Los Angeles state of mind. The Lakers are denying reports of a five year/$30 million deal on the table for him, and I know they would want to get him. Even the Clippers are getting into it, as they completed a three hour meeting this weekend.

David Lee: Don’t forget about David Lee everyone. The man is looking for a new home too, and it seems the T’Wolves are very interested. That would mean Al Jefferson is long gone folks.

Brendan Haywood: The big center is looking forward to a meeting with the Heat this week, but I know D-Wade is looking for more than just him!

Rasheed Wallace: Sheed is reconsidering retirement from the Celtics with Paul Pierce and head coach Doc Rivers hanging around. He isn’t worth my time…so until next time…

-Shooter