SHAUN LIVINGSTON
               NEWS

Free Agency Day Two Update...

Pistons and Chauncey Billups Working on a Deal, Albeit Slowly

The Detroit Pistons are the only team Chauncey Billups' representatives are speaking to regarding the former NBA Finals MVP's free agency. However, negotiations are moving along slowly, with the team offering Billups about $10-million a year which is less than what Billups had expected after opting out of his contract last month. Billups wants to be compensated as one of the best point guards in the league but the Pistons want to avoid paying the luxury tax and may benefit from the market for Billups shrinking after teams that needed a point guard addressed those needs in last week's draft, such as Memphis and Atlanta.

Far From Over the Hill

Grant Hill's services are desired by up to five teams around the league. The Toronto Raptors had been prepared to offer Hill their full Mid-Level Exception before opting to go with Jason Kapono instead. Phoenix remains Hill's desired destination and there certainly is mutual interest. The Suns may have made moving in on Hill easier on themselves by trading James Jones to the Blazers for a trade exception, opening up some money the team could use on Hill as well as the opportunity for significant playing time for the veteran swingman. Hill is interested in starting, but has no intentions of making that a demand in negotiations.

Los Angeles Clippers Set on the Franchise?

Expected to be bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, Steve Francis has become the Los Angeles Clippers' primary target of the offseason. Hoping to bolster their point guard corps, Francis could provide the depth cause by injuries to both Shaun Livingston and Sam Cassell. Francis' status is up in the air: with rumors swirling that the now journeyman point guard could be bought out, Portland GM Kevin Pritchard told J.A. Adande and Dan Le Batard on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption that the Blazers could use Francis' leadership in the locker room because the team is so young.

Everyone Loves Gerald

Several teams are after Gerald Wallace, the Charlotte Bobcats' leading scorer last season. Eight teams have already contacted Wallace, including the Pistons, Mavericks, Magic, Bucks, HEAT, Trail Blazers, and Warriors. Bobcats management has been adamant about the team re-signing Wallace, who has been the face of the franchise in Charlotte for the past three seasons. Early indications are that Wallace would like to stay in Charlotte, but with so many teams after him, the price of keeping him could be more than $10-million for the Bobcats which could be more than they are willing to pay.

Nocioni on the Move?

Andres Nocioni is prepared to be moved by the Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal. The Bulls have been looking for a scoring power forward this offseason and because Nocioni plays the same position as budding star Luol Deng, the Bulls may not be interested in retaining his services for more $6-million a year. There's no doubt that the Bulls would like to keep Nocioni at the right price because of the many intangibles he brings to the court, but teams are expected to offer him as much as $8-million. The Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers particularly like Nocioni's game. With that being the case, the Bulls are expected to use Nocioni in a sign-and-trade deal, perhaps starting conversations with Memphis about Pau Gasol again.

See more at www.hoopsworld.com