Nets, Alston agree to buyout of contract

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- The struggling New Jersey Nets reached a buyout agreement with Rafer Alston on Tuesday and waived the 33-year-old point guard.

Alston was in the final year of a contract that was to pay him $5.2 million this season. The two sides did not disclose the buyout payment.

Alston averaged 9.7 points and 3.9 assists in 27 games, including 13 starts.

Nets coach and general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said that Alston was a consummate professional in a season that opened with an NBA-record 18 straight losses.

"To me he was clearly in a situation that was tough for him," Vandeweghe said. "He's been a star, a starter for most of his career and played in the championship series last year, and has a lot more basketball in him. To be able to set up a situation where he potentially can get to a place where he wants to go and out of a situation that is not good for him is, I think, is clearly good for everybody."

Vandeweghe said that Alston never complained and only recently came to him to discuss a buyout.

Dan Fegan, Alston's agent, did not immediately return a telephone call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

The Nets acquired Alston, shooting guard Courtney Lee and power forward Tony Battie from Orlando in a draft-day trade that sent eight-time All-Star guard Vince Carter and forward Ryan Anderson to the Magic.

With Alston gone, Nets swing deal for Heat's Quinn

MIAMI (AP) -- The Miami Heat traded point guard Chris Quinn to the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday, a move that could be a precursor to Rafer Alston's return to South Florida.

Alston agreed to a buyout agreement with the Nets earlier Tuesday, and two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that the guard is hoping to sign with the Heat later this week. If Alston clears waivers Thursday at 6 p.m., he could sign with any team.

Quinn was sent in exchange for a second-round pick in 2012. Miami could get New Jersey's second-round draft pick this year, provided it's not between picks 31-50.

Thoughts? I like how Alston "never complained" despite his team struggling badly. It's true that he's still got a lot of basketball left in his tank and it's natural for him to want to play for a better team given his capability. If he sign with the Heat then they will have three PGs: Chalmers, Arroyo and Alston. I wonder who'll get the starting job and how the playing time will be share around if he really does sign with the Heat.

I can't blame anyone for wanting out of New Jersey this season, especially when you're fresh of a Finals appearance with the Magic last season. It certainly is refreshing to see the matter handled quietly and behind closed doors though, it shows a healthy amount of respect and professionalism from both sides to come to an agreement like that. I think he'd be a good pickup for the Heat.

How would he work with Heat? Does that mean a rotation of Chalmers-Arroyo-Alston or will he just fill out the roster and play seldom and sporadically?

Presumably he'd take minutes from Arroyo, whom I believe the Heat still have a few hours to release before his contract is guaranteed. Chalmers seems to have fallen out of favour.

Interesting situation, I'm not a massive fan of Rafer, I believe his a good player, but I don't think he is going to make this team all that better. Arroyo and Chalmers fit alright in that team, imho, they should be looking to add another big or not another average PG a very good one. Nonetheless, that would be one quick backcourt - rafer/wade!

if they sign alston then the logical thing to do is waive arroyo.. i think

There's no reason they couldn't keep a third point guard as an insurance policy, with Arroyo essentially replacing Chris Quinn in that role.

It's official.

MIAMI (AP) -- Rafer Alston got his wish, signing with the Miami Heat for the remainder of the season and getting the chance to play alongside Dwyane Wade again.

The 33-year-old point guard cleared waivers at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the Heat announced the signing about an hour later. Alston will be with the team when it opens a six-game road trip Friday in Phoenix.

Alston, who started all 23 playoff games with Orlando last season when the Magic reached the NBA finals, played with the Heat in 2003-04 -- Wade's rookie season. Alston's contract with the New Jersey Nets was bought out Tuesday, and he made it clear right away that Miami was atop his list of teams to join.

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/01/07/heat ... ef:nbahpt2

This is fucking awesome. PG actually has been the position the Heat needed to upgrade the most. Obviously, Chalmers has been terrible, getting demoted to bench, while Arroyo can't really be considered a good starting pg for any decent team either. I don't know how much Rafer bring to the Heat, but it's totally worth it to give him a shot. If he play well enough, he'll get the starting job for sure. This may slow/upset Chalmers who needs to develop his young game, but he should take it as a challenge to improve anyways.

Skip back in Miami is nice move for the Heat, the Heat can keep 3 gurads becauser Chalmers' performance has been a real roller-coaster this season so far.

Great. He started in his first comeback game for us, and made a difference. Chalmers and Arroyos will have to fight for minutes off the bench it seems.