News from August 15.

The deadline for teams to use the amnesty clause has passed.  The amnesty
clause allowed teams to release one player (or former player) and the 
rest of that player's contract (or money owed) would not count towards
the luxury tax [a dollar-for-dollar fine for each dollar the team is over
the luxury tax threshold].  The team does still have to pay the rest of
the contract and that amount does still count against the team's salary
cap - the _only_ benefit for using the amnesty clause is the luxury tax
relief.  A player released using the amnesty clause can not re-sign with
his former team for the duration of his old contract.

Dallas released Michael Finley, using the amnesty clause on him.  [grumble]

Houston released Clarence Weatherspoon, using the amnesty clause on him.

Milwaukee released Calvin Booth, using the amnesty clause on him.

Minnesota released Fred Hoiberg, using the amnesty clause on him.

New Jersey released Ron Mercer, using the amnesty clause on him.

New York released Jerome Williams, using the amnesty clause on him.

Boston used the amnesty clause on previously released Vin Baker.

Chicago used the amnesty clause on previously released Eddie Robinson.

Detroit used the amnesty clause on previously released Derrick Coleman.

Indiana used the amnesty clause on retired Reggie Miller.

Memphis used the amnesty clause on previously released Troy Bell.

Miami used the amnesty clause on previously released Wesley Person.

Phoenix used the amnesty clause on previously released Howard Eisley.

Toronto used the amnesty clause on previously released Alonzo Mourning.


Dallas re-signed Darrell Armstrong to a 1 year, minimum.

Chicago matched Toronto's 3 year, $9 million offer sheet to restricted
free agent Chris Duhon.  Thus, Duhon remains with Chicago.

Milwaukee signed Matt Walsh to a 2 year contract with the first year
partially guaranteed.