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A number of talented players are still available on the open market and just hoping to catch on with competitive teams in the coming weeks.
Let’s take a look at some of these potential contributors and where they could end up in Wednesday’s rumor roundup.
Antoine Wright Attempting Comeback
Although he has not played a minute of NBA basketball since November of 2011, there are rumblings that swingman Antoine Wright is attempting a comeback.
According to Shams Charania of RealGM, the 29-year-old forward has been hoping to make it back in the league but will sign with Gilboa Galil in Israel if something doesn’t happen soon.
Wright averaged 5.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist during his six-year career in the Association.
He was drafted No. 15 overall in the 2005 draft by the New Jersey Nets, spending time with them, the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings before being cut loose and embarking on an international journey.
The former Texas A&M star definitely had the raw skill at one point to deserve his roster spot in the NBA, so it’s a shame his career has panned out this way.
Hopefully he will step it up in Israel and earn at least one more chance to make it back into the big leagues when he returns stateside.
Ivan Johnson Close to Going Overseas
Speaking of overseas careers, Ivan Johnson may resume his soon if he doesn’t find a fair offer.
As per Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com, the former Atlanta Hawks star has given NBA teams a two-week ultimatum to offer him a fair deal before he takes his talents to another continent.
The New York Knicks have been closely linked with Johnson, as the high-energy, tough big man would be an interesting fit on the bench. Unfortunately, the Knicks have just one guaranteed roster spot available and may be looking for a true center.
Johnson holds career averages of 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game after two seasons in the ATL and proved to be one of the toughest—although sometimes combustible—talents in the game.
He’s definitely going to receive a fair offer from somewhere. It just remains to be seen if that will be in the NBA or not.
Rockets Reach Deal with Ronnie Brewer
The Houston Rockets have reached a two-year, partially guaranteed deal with free-agent guard Ronnie Brewer, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26.
The 6’7”, 225-pound swingman has been looking for a new home after a tumultuous 2012-13 campaign in which he was traded from the New York Knicks to Oklahoma City Thunder and fell well short of his career numbers.
Although the former Arkansas star has averages of 8.2 points and 3.0 rebounds, he mustered just 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 46 games with the Knickerbockers and a paltry 0.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14 appearances with the Thunder.
Those are far from his solid stats as a starter and key reserve with the Utah Jazz, proving that Brewer may have lost a step recently.
Regardless, the Rockets are willing to take Brewer on as a reclamation project that could contribute at a level far above what his salary would indicate.
Never underestimate general manager Daryl Morey, who has turned this team into a legit contender after being mired in mediocrity for years.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
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