Most of the basketball universe was focused on Akron, Ohio, where LeBron James was allegedly still deliberating where he will ply his trade the next few years.
In Milwaukee, meanwhile, Bucks general manager John Hammond was busy shoring up his roster.
The reigning NBA Executive of the Year spent his Thursday morning introducing two players -- one familiar, one new -- that he thinks will help his team take the next step towards being a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Though all sides agreed to deals several days ago, John Salmons and Drew Gooden were officially signed to contracts Thursday.
Resigning Salmons was a top priority for Hammond, who acquired the shooting guard from Chicago last season at the trading deadline. Salmons' arrival keyed a 22-8 run to end the season and helped the Bucks, playing without Andrew Bogut, stretch their first round playoff series against Atlanta to seven games.
Salmons opted out of his contract -- which would have paid him $5.8 million in 2010-11 -- after averaging 19.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists with Milwaukee. In the playoffs, he averaged 17 points and four assists.
He signed a $40 million deal with Milwaukee in large part because of the stability and chemistry afforded by the Bucks.
"The main thing that brought me back was how together the team actually was. It was just all about basketball and trying to win games," Salmons said. "I've been in some chaotic locker rooms, and it will take a toll on you after a while. You just don't want to be in that environment."
The Bucks are Salmons' fourth team since entering the league in 2002. He played four seasons with Philadelphia and signed as a free agent with Sacramento before the 2006-07 season. Salmons was traded to Chicago in a deadline deal in 2008 and was sent to Milwaukee a year later.
Gooden, meanwhile, has played for eight teams since being drafted fourth overall by Memphis in 2002. He signed for $32 million over five years in Milwaukee because he "wanted a home" but also because he saw an opportunity foe success.
"I'm at the point of my career right now, I want to win. I don't want to go in a losing situation," Gooden said. "I wouldn't even be here today if I didn't think this was going to be a positive thing for the future."
In signing Gooden, the Bucks added a proven power forward who can take some pressure of Bogut in the low post. He averaged 10.9 points and 7.7 rebounds last season with Dallas and the Los Angeles Clippers.
With James headed to Miami, the Central Division is suddenly up-for-grabs, and the Bucks have to be considered a favorite heading into next season.
Milwaukee finished second last season, 15 games behind Cleveland, with a 46-36 record. After roaring to life during the stretch run, as well as the roster additions, the Bucks -- picked to finish near the bottom of the East last season -- won't have the luxury of sneaking up on anybody this year.
Chicago, led by point guard Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, will be adjusting to a new coach and system after finishing 41-41 last year while Indiana and Detroit won 32 and 27 games, respectively.
"The script is going to flip and we're going to be expected to do something, as opposed to being picked last or second-to-last in the East," head coach Scott Skiles said. "And that's good. That's what we want."
Sanders signs: First round draft pick Larry Sanders agreed to a rookie contract on Thursday.
The 15th overall pick, Sanders averaged 10.3 points and 7.7 rebounds in three seasons with Virginia Commonwealth. He was among Colonial Athletic Association leaders last season with 14.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.
The 6-11, 235-pound forward will play with the Bucks Las Vegas Summer League team, which begins play Monday against Dallas.
Jordan to New York: Second-round draft choice Jerome Jordan was traded Thursday to the Knicks for cash considerations. The 7-foot-1 center from the University of Tulsa was selected 44th overall, one of the Bucks' three second-round draft picks.
Bucks introduce Salmons, Gooden
(courtesy of Bucks.com)
