By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. This week has been dubbed "A Week of Freedom". From the release of the Queen Bee and Dallas Austin to the celebration of Independence Day. July 4th. Fireworks. BBQ. A day to be FREE, and celebrating FREE-dom as Americans know it. In the NBA, players have their own version of "Independence Day" July 1st the day players are declared FREE-agents, from being locked into contracts for 4 to 6 seasons to being given the option to explore new opportunities both financially and for the pursuit of the ultimate fireworks show, a championship parade. From your favorite team to the team you hate most; many have sought freedom in releasing players and obtaining new talent for the "betterment" of the team. Below is Thoughtful Thursday's Free For All! NBA During the first five days of the NBA free-agency period many players have reached verbal agreements with their new employers, but please keep in mind that contracts will not be official until July 12. o Chicago: From one side of Lake Michigan to the other, Chicago made the biggest splash signing Center Ben Wallace to a 4yr. Deal ($60 million). With that acquisition the Bulls have a solidified big man that can control the boards and alter shots. But he would be joined by veteran PF/C P.J. Brown via trade that sent Tyson Chandler to New Orleans for the veteran big man along with 6'6 guard J.R. Smith. The Baby Bulls have quickly matured into Eastern Conference contenders. Some reports say that J.R. Smith may be dealt again so stay tuned. o Detroit: To the many Pistons mourning the loss of Wallace to central division rival Chicago; one may rest easier knowing that Detroit has lured Center Nazr Mohammed (5yr.$30 million) from the San Antonio Spurs. Although he's no Ben Wallace he can still clog things up in the middle for the rest of the Fab Four. This move was big blocking the Cleveland Cavaliers, another central rival, from courting the veteran center. o Atlanta: The Hawks are finally "point-ing" in the right direction acquiring PG Speedy Claxton (4yr. $25 million), from the Hornets. Claxton gained valuable playoff experience during the Spurs 2003 Championship run. This move by the Hawks allows Joe Johnson to move into his normal position of shooting guard. o Los Angeles (x2): The Clippers locked down its main free-agent obligation by resigning Sam Cassell (2yr. $13 million), the Hawks offered the same amount but the Clippers matched. On the other hand, the Clippers lose sharpshooter Vladimir Radmanovic to Staples Center mates L.A. Lakers. Although this isn't a blockbuster move for the Lakers, Radmanovic shooting abilities extends the defense and creates opportunities for Kobe and Odom. As a result of Vlad bolting to the Lakers, the Clippers have signed F Tim Thomas (4yr. $24 million), a big forward that can spread the floor for Elton Brand. Who's supreme in L.A. now? o New Orleans/Oklahoma: The Hornets have been buzzing thus far acquiring Peja Stojakovic (5yr. $60 million) to team Peja long-distance shooting with Rookie of the year Chris Paul. The Hornets also signed veteran PG Bobby Jackson to a multi-year deal to back-up Paul and add depth at the guard position. With the acquisition of Tyson Chandler, the Hornets are ready to run wild in the West! o Dallas: The Mavericks wasted no time in resigning PG Jason Terry (6yr. $50 million) to direct their dynamic offense for years to come. They may have to make a serious run immediately because Dirk becomes a free agent at the end of next season. o Denver: Despite missing the entire '05-'06 season (27 games in '04-'-05) due to knee injuries, the Nuggets have reached an agreement with center Nene (6yr. $60 million). But stay tuned because this could lead to the departure of Kenyon Martin. o Utah: The Jazz have taken guard by resigning Matt Harping (deal), and acquiring Derek Fisher via trade from the Warriors for Devin Brown, Keith McCleod, and Andre Owens. o Class of '03: Yes, the dynamic class of 2003 is up for extensions, which equals "Cha-Ching". Nuggets swingman Carmelo Anthony and Heat's guard Dwyane Wade have both reached 5year extensions worth about $80 million. As for the '03 peer in LeBron James, who was offered the same deal, he has yet to agree to his extension. But 'Cavs fans shouldn't lose any sleep LeBron and his agent have been vacating, and tending to personal commitments. The two sides should reach an agreement before James leaves for the USA Basketball Camp (July 19) in Las Vegas. o Who's Left? It's obvious that the free agent period has been very active to say the least, but if your team is looking for that missing piece there are a few quality players available. 1. Al Harrington, 25, 6'9 Small Forward brings experience and scoring range from 15-20 feet. He has developed into a quality defender but his motivation is often questioned. Some reports have him resurfacing back in Indiana. 2. Bonzi Wells, 29, 6'5 Shooting Guard/ Forward that brings toughness and big play. Although he's listed at 6'5 he plays like he's 6'8, Wells could be the final piece to a contenders puzzle, but don't be surprised if the Maloof brothers resign him to join Ron Artest for a full-season. 3. Jared Jeffries, 24, 6'11 Guard/ Forward, Jeffries came on for the Wizards down the stretch displaying his length and athleticism in defending LeBron James during the playoffs. Although he's no James stopper, a player with his size and athleticism could be a nice pick up for many teams. 4. Eddie House, 28, 6'1 Combo Guard, House has reportedly opted out of his contract to test the market. He brought instant offense off the bench serving as a backup for Steve Nash. His up-tempo play is what many teams need at the guard position; look for the Bucks (who traded T.J. Ford to Toronto for Charlie Villaneuva) and Grizzles, to name a few, to make an offer to House. SPORTS VENTZ o NBA: Chicago Bulls mascot, Benny the Bull, was charged with misdemeanor battery and driving within a parkway during the Taste of Chicago at the outdoor festival. Apparently he was jacked up about Wallace joining the team as the 26-year-old is accused of throwing a punch at an off-duty sheriff's deputy, knocking off his glasses and breaking his watch. I don't know about you but this seems like a bunch of BULL-S***! But don't worry the Benny the Bull suit was returned to the United Center after his arrest. o MLB: It's widely known that the New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox are viewed as second fiddle in their hometown's to the Yankees and Cubs. Their play has proven that the two clubs are supreme in their large cities having produced six all-star selections each. Say what you want but the Sox are defending champs and the Mets are leading the NL East. All-Star Game July 11th in Pittsburgh. o NHL: As if the city of Detroit has not suffered enough with the loss of Ben Wallace, Detroit Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman, who led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup titles and spent his entire 23-year NHL career in Detroit, retired from playing Monday, but said he plans to stay in the organization while devoting more time to his family. o GOOD CALL: Miller Lite has recently launched a series of ads promoting Man Laws, part of the "Men of the Square Table" campaign. Manlaws.com has received roughly 50, 000 submissions with hopes of one lucky winner appearing in a Man Law commercial. Here are some of the sites highlights: "A man shall never ask for help opening his Miller Lite. Good Call." "Cooler protocol-Miller Lite placed in first, then add ice. Good Call." "Unless you're a pro athlete, flip-up sunglasses are inadvisable this summer. Good Call." And my personal entry: " A guy who does not have a dish, shall obtain one just for football season, then when the regular season is over he shall return the dish immediately. Good Call."