NBA Offseason Thread 2010

[People's Champ]

Some teams have already made some...well puzzling moves. Drew Gooden signs with the Bucks for 5 years for 32 million. The Timberwolves will sign Milicic for 20 million. And word is Rudy Gay will get a deal for 85 million. I'm not quite sure these guys are worth the money they are getting paid or going to be getting paid. And by most accounts, the first big free agent name that is close to signing is Joe Johnson. That is with his team the Hawks. They have reportedly offered him the max- 6 years 119 million. And from reports, he never really wanted to leave Atlanta. If that's true, that could change free agency for some teams who can't land a James, Wade or Bosh.

 

[People's Champ]

In other news it looks like the Hawks are offering Joe Johnson a max deal and he will most likely accept. I didn't expect the ATL to give Johnson max money after his playoff performance especially with Jamal Crawford there to take the starting job and the recently drafted Jordan Crawford there to take over as the scorer off the bench. In the end I still think it's a good move because it keeps that good, young team intact and gives them another shot to prove they can compete with the big boys in the East.

I didn't think Johnson would get max from Atlanta either. But I think in the end, JJ was just too much of an important piece to not try and keep him. They had to do whatever it took to keep him, and by offering him the max, they seem to have succeeded. Now, as you said, they can keep this group intact. I always felt that a good team who can continue to play together is always the best option. The Hawks are a great young team that can only get better with another year together. This is a plus for them.

 

[Big Sexy]

Some teams have already made some...well puzzling moves. Drew Gooden signs with the Bucks for 5 years for 32 million. The Timberwolves will sign Milicic for 20 million. And word is Rudy Gay will get a deal for 85 million. I'm not quite sure these guys are worth the money they are getting paid or going to be getting paid.

Gooden has played with 8 teams in 8 years but has averaged 12 points and 8 boards for his career. As a starter he puts up even better numbers. The Bucks needed another big man and getting Gooden for just over 6 mill a year isn't bad.

Darko is only getting 5 mill a year so he's basically making the veterans minimum. He played well for Minnesota last year getting close to 7 points and 5 boards in just 21 minutes per game. When he was given minutes he produced and it seems like the T Wolves want to start him next year so he will get the minutes.

Rudy Gay is going to make 16 million a year but Memphis really improved last year and losing Gay would have sent the team backwards. Sometimes you have to overpay to keep a team intact. New Jersey and the Clippers were teams that really wanted Gay. He's only 23 years old and he averaged close to 20 points 6 boards and 2 assists per game so I don't mind the deal.

 

[People's Champ]

Gooden has played with 8 teams in 8 years but has averaged 12 points and 8 boards for his career. As a starter he puts up even better numbers. The Bucks needed another big man and getting Gooden for just over 6 mill a year isn't bad.

Darko is only getting 5 mill a year so he's basically making the veterans minimum. He played well for Minnesota last year getting close to 7 points and 5 boards in just 21 minutes per game. When he was given minutes he produced and it seems like the T Wolves want to start him next year so he will get the minutes.

Rudy Gay is going to make 16 million a year but Memphis really improved last year and losing Gay would have sent the team backwards. Sometimes you have to overpay to keep a team intact. New Jersey and the Clippers were teams that really wanted Gay. He's only 23 years old and he averaged close to 20 points 6 boards and 2 assists per game so I don't mind the deal.

I see your point and by most accounts you are right. I think Gay is definately overpaid but it could be worse without him so I guess no real argument there. I just don't see Gooden or Milicic as starters anymore. 5 million isn't bad, and he did seem productive at times. Admittedly, I haven't looked to see exactly who else is out there that may have been available for the Bucks and Wolves who would fit their price and what they were looking for. So maybe my puzzlement will change if/when I see that they couldn't really do much better under the circumstances.

 

[Big Sexy]

It seemed like Shaw was a lock yesterday but I think that Byron Scott is the better hire because he is a proven winner. He went to two NBA finals in New Jersey and in New Orleans he made the Hornets relevant again. If LeBron leaves he won't have much to work with he is a good enough coach to still make that team credible.

In other news it looks like the Hawks are offering Joe Johnson a max deal and he will most likely accept. I didn't expect the ATL to give Johnson max money after his playoff performance especially with Jamal Crawford there to take the starting job and the recently drafted Jordan Crawford there to take over as the scorer off the bench. In the end I still think it's a good move because it keeps that good, young team intact and gives them another shot to prove they can compete with the big boys in the East.

 

[Big Sexy]

I see your point and by most accounts you are right. I think Gay is definately overpaid but it could be worse without him so I guess no real argument there. I just don't see Gooden or Milicic as starters anymore. 5 million isn't bad, and he did seem productive at times. Admittedly, I haven't looked to see exactly who else is out there that may have been available for the Bucks and Wolves who would fit their price and what they were looking for. So maybe my puzzlement will change if/when I see that they couldn't really do much better under the circumstances.

At power forward outside of the big names there isn't much. You've got guys like Jermaine O'Neal, Amir Johnson, Udonis Haslem, Channing Frye and that's about it. In Minnesota's case they also wanted to stay with young bigs so veteran centers like Brad Miller and Brendan Haywood were out of the picture.

On a side note I have a scenario in my head that could keep LeBron in Cleveland guaranteed but it would be nearly impossible to pull off. Byron Scott is a step in the right direction because LeBron respects him and one of LeBron's best friends, Chris Paul, is also close with Scott. Which brings me to the scenario. CP3 is reportedly on the block and if the Cavs can somehow convince the Hornets to trade him to Cleveland then I believe that would be more then enough to get LeBron to stay.

Cleveland doesn't have too much to offer but using ESPN's trade machine the best offer they could put together is Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Anthony Parker for Chris Paul and James Posey. Obviously Cleveland would also have to add a few future first round picks to make the deal look better, but the Hornets would get two contracts in West and Parker that expire after this next season and also a good player in Mo Williams who only has two years left on his deal. They also get rid of Chris Paul's contract; he was scheduled to make 13.5 million each of the next two years. And they also get rid of James Posey's contract; he was scheduled to make 6 million each of the next two years. That would save the Hornets close to 15 million dollars over the next two years.

It's obviously a long shot but if Cleveland wants to keep LeBron it is something they should at least explore.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

So it seems as if Phil Jackson will return for what appears to be his last season. Jackson said, "It'll be the last stand for me, and I hope a grand one." This will of course make things harder on the rest of NBA, but it's great news for the Lakers, because there's a strong chance they will make it back to the Finals, and win it all again.

As far as Lebron James goes, it's still a mystery as to where he will end up. I know some people will probably not agree with me on this, but I think believe Lebron going to the Bulls would be a bad idea. The expectations for him to succeed in that city will be ridiculous. If he stays in Cleveland or goes to New York, and is able to win a championship, then he will be viewed as a true king.

Also, I wanted to get some thoughts on Shaq. Where will he go? The big man is getting older and more injury prone as the years go by, and he can't be looked at as the dominant force he once was anymore, but at the same time, Shaq wants to win championships. Maybe a contender will pick him up or is it time for the Diesel to retire?

 

[Big Sexy]

Also, I wanted to get some thoughts on Shaq. Where will he go? The big man is getting older and more injury prone as the years go by, and he can't be looked at as the dominant force he once was anymore, but at the same time, Shaq wants to win championships. Maybe a contender will pick him up or is it time for the Diesel to retire?

I truly believe Shaq should retire because I don't see him really being able to make much of a positive impact on any team at this point in his career. If he does continue to play then I see him going to Dallas. They wanted him a few years ago and were unable to get him, they also need help at center with Brendan Haywood being a free agent. The Mavs seem like the most logical fit.

 

[People's Champ]

At power forward outside of the big names there isn't much. You've got guys like Jermaine O'Neal, Amir Johnson, Udonis Haslem, Channing Frye and that's about it. In Minnesota's case they also wanted to stay with young bigs so veteran centers like Brad Miller and Brendan Haywood were out of the picture.

On a side note I have a scenario in my head that could keep LeBron in Cleveland guaranteed but it would be nearly impossible to pull off. Byron Scott is a step in the right direction because LeBron respects him and one of LeBron's best friends, Chris Paul, is also close with Scott. Which brings me to the scenario. CP3 is reportedly on the block and if the Cavs can somehow convince the Hornets to trade him to Cleveland then I believe that would be more then enough to get LeBron to stay.

Cleveland doesn't have too much to offer but using ESPN's trade machine the best offer they could put together is Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Anthony Parker for Chris Paul and James Posey. Obviously Cleveland would also have to add a few future first round picks to make the deal look better, but the Hornets would get two contracts in West and Parker that expire after this next season and also a good player in Mo Williams who only has two years left on his deal. They also get rid of Chris Paul's contract; he was scheduled to make 13.5 million each of the next two years. And they also get rid of James Posey's contract; he was scheduled to make 6 million each of the next two years. That would save the Hornets close to 15 million dollars over the next two years.

It's obviously a long shot but if Cleveland wants to keep LeBron it is something they should at least explore.

That is a long shot but really would be smart for the Cavs to look into. Paul is on the block and is good friends of LB and Scott. Rumors were flying that to get Lebron you should try to get Paul. I could see that happening if the Cavs were smart. The Hornets need to get rid of Paul's contract and the deal you just provided would be a good move for both parties involved, of course losing CP3 would hurt.

One thing though is that we haven't heard Lebron talk about bringing in any free agents. Its not a big deal, but something that has me pause, if but for a second. Of all the things Lebron has talked about that has to do with free agency, he never mentioned trying to get the Cavs to bring in any free agent players. And right now it doesn't seem like they are trying to do that. Granted they may not have the ability to do that, but to your point Big Sexy, they need to look into doing something to keep Lebron. Scott is a good coach, but Lebron needs players. And after looking at all the different scenarios in which he can win by leaving, Cleveland doesn't look too good. So they need to add something else to the table to keep Lebron, and your trade idea would be a huge move that would keep Lebron a Cav.

 

[Big Sexy]

One thing though is that we haven't heard Lebron talk about bringing in any free agents. Its not a big deal, but something that has me pause, if but for a second. Of all the things Lebron has talked about that has to do with free agency, he never mentioned trying to get the Cavs to bring in any free agent players. And right now it doesn't seem like they are trying to do that. Granted they may not have the ability to do that, but to your point Big Sexy, they need to look into doing something to keep Lebron. Scott is a good coach, but Lebron needs players. And after looking at all the different scenarios in which he can win by leaving, Cleveland doesn't look too good. So they need to add something else to the table to keep Lebron, and your trade idea would be a huge move that would keep Lebron a Cav.

The Cavs don't have any money to spend outside of the veterans minimum so that is why signing any big free agents hasn't been discussed. However names like John Salmons, Mike Miller, and Ray Allen have come up as affordable guys the Cavs may go after. I do agree they need to get some trade buzz going to at least show they are continuing to try and get the right players around LeBron. Just showing effort would go a long way in helping them in their quest to keep LBJ.

 

[People's Champ]

So it seems as if Phil Jackson will return for what appears to be his last season. Jackson said, "It'll be the last stand for me, and I hope a grand one." This will of course make things harder on the rest of NBA, but it's great news for the Lakers, because there's a strong chance they will make it back to the Finals, and win it all again.

As far as Lebron James goes, it's still a mystery as to where he will end up. I know some people will probably not agree with me on this, but I think believe Lebron going to the Bulls would be a bad idea. The expectations for him to succeed in that city will be ridiculous. If he stays in Cleveland or goes to New York, and is able to win a championship, then he will be viewed as a true king.

Also, I wanted to get some thoughts on Shaq. Where will he go? The big man is getting older and more injury prone as the years go by, and he can't be looked at as the dominant force he once was anymore, but at the same time, Shaq wants to win championships. Maybe a contender will pick him up or is it time for the Diesel to retire?

I'm happy to hear Phil is returning. I was hoping that would be the case, as I think he is the glue that will keep this team in place. They have a much better chance of repeating with Jackson at the helm.

With regards to Lebron going to Chicago, the problem I see is with Derrick Rose. They both are playmakers and need the ball in their hands. Obviously LB would get that chance first, which I think actually hurts Rose. I am curious as to how that would work out if Lebron chose to go there.

As far as Shaq goes, I agree with Big Sexy in that its time for him to retire. As far as the injuries are concerned, those have always been tactics by Shaq to rest during the season so he's fresh for the playoffs. Every year he plays the begining, gets "injuried", makes it back in time to play a few warm up games right beofre the playoffs. Happens every year. But he is no longer the same player that takes control of the middle like he has done in years past. He's not a game changer anymore. Its hard to see someone paying Shaq what he wants knowing they are getting an older less dominate player.

 

[People's Champ]

For some reason I can't quote you Big, but I checked out the Cavs cap situation and your right they have no room to sign anyone substantial. As I figured. You and I can agree that while this Cavs team may not have been the greatest team, they were a hell of a lot better than any team Lebron has had in his 7 years. They should have been in the Finals. I don't think Lebron saw it the same way tho. So the Cavs need to put their name out their for some kind of move to appease Lebron. Returning to the same team probably isn't going to look as good as playing with Bosh and Rose, or Bosh and Wade.

 

[Big Sexy]

One final note on the CP3 to Cleveland scenario, it looks as if one prerequisite for the Hornets trading Paul is that Emeka Okafor and his big contract go as well. Again using ESPN's trade machine I came up with a deal and this is even better then the first.

New Orleans gives up Paul and Okafor and the Cavs give up Mo Williams and the expiring contracts of Delonte West, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, and JJ Hickson. Okafor has 4 years left on his deal with close to 11 million being paid to him each year. This deal would save the Hornets a shit ton of money as they get back 4 expiring contracts and one with just 2 years left. This would give them a lot of cap room in a couple summers.

 

[People's Champ]

An interesting sotry on ESPN. First, it seems as though any talk with between Amare and The Suns are over and its being reported that he is a "long shot" to return to the Suns. But that's not the interesting part.

Its said that Amare met with Pat Riley and Riley was said to have tried to get him to sign onto the idea of playing with Wade and James. He told Amare how winning, championship teams have a nucleus of 3, the fact that he is going to coach (it didn't say he said that but I'm sure its a given), and that no state tax will make up for the difference they lose by signing deals for 15 mill each. I find Riley's tactic to be an extremely smart one. I'm going to look up to see how much of a difference no state tax actually would be. But credit Riley for trying to make a pitch and it seems Miami is going to try real hard to make that 3 Headed Monster a reality. Either way tho looks like Stoudemire is gone.

 

[The Crock]

I just realized something, free agency is the LeBron sweepstakes. If you look outside of LeBron and the other major stars there are some decent guys out there. Look at Shawn Livingston, he played in Greece for a year and now he wants to return to the NBA, he is still young, played well in Greece, and he will be signed cheap because he really wants back in. He would be a great energy guy to come off the bench and I would love to have him on my bench. Does anybody else have any good examples of a guy who would be good for teams that is very underrated?

 

[Digging4Plunder]

Livingston would be a solid pick up for any team. As for Lebron/Wade/Amare.. ehh, I don't like Amare as much as you probably should.. something about him just isn't right. It might be consistency.. yeah, that. If I was Lebron I'd say "Amare is cool, but that Bosh is the man." Bosh seems more hungry to win and has an unselfishness about him.

I thought I heard somewhere today or yesterday that the Cavs could get a free agent while maintaining Jamison, Mo Williams, and Shaq. Chris Bousshard (sp?) had the Cavs only losing Delonte, Parker, and a few others, no big names.. and that was with them picking up either Bosh/Amare AND Ray Allen.. anybody see that? it may still be on ESPN.

 

[Big Sexy]

It looks like Pierce wanted to stay in Boston all along and he just wanted long term security. He gave up 21.5 million in the last year of his contract to sign a 4 year deal that will pay him around 15 million a year. Now the Celtics will turn their attention to Ray Allen so they can get their core group back.

 

[Big Sexy]

I thought I heard somewhere today or yesterday that the Cavs could get a free agent while maintaining Jamison, Mo Williams, and Shaq. Chris Bousshard (sp?) had the Cavs only losing Delonte, Parker, and a few others, no big names.. and that was with them picking up either Bosh/Amare AND Ray Allen.. anybody see that? it may still be on ESPN.

The Cavs don't have any money to sign a free agent but they could make a trade because they have a lot of expiring contracts. The deal I proposed a few posts ago about getting CP3 and Okafor for Mo Williams and the 4 expiring deals of Parker, West, Jamario Moon, and JJ Hickson is an example of something they could look into doing.

 

[People's Champ]

It looks like Pierce wanted to stay in Boston all along and he just wanted long term security. He gave up 21.5 million in the last year of his contract to sign a 4 year deal that will pay him around 15 million a year. Now the Celtics will turn their attention to Ray Allen so they can get their core group back.

I suppose Doc knew that Pierce was not looking for more money but rather security. The ESPN report said he never really had any other talks with any other teams. This helps the Celtics now without having to worry about what Pierce is going to do. It looks like they are going to be able to keep this group intact. I don't think Allen will sign with anyone. But we shalll see.

 

[gd]

So all the focus is on the LeBron situation and all, with him already meeting with 4 teams. I still see him staying in Clevland in the end though, when it's all said and done. There's still a lot of other stuff that's gone down thus far, most of it pretty stupid.

For instance, it looks like Joe Johnson is going back to the Hawks for 6 years 119 million, which is going to be an absolute disaster for the Hawks. There is no way you can go deep into the playoffs with Joe Johnson as your best player, just look at how they went out to the Magic last yera, losing every game by 20+. You can't give a guy like this a max contract, especially when he'll be on the downside of his career by the time he's halfway through the deal.

There were also some other questionable deals, such as the T'Wolves giving Darko $30 million, the Bucks giving Drew Gooden $32 million, Amir Johnson getting $34 million.

With a lot of these big names staying put, teams with cap room are going to be overpaying big time for these lower level guys.

 

[People's Champ]

It sounds like Stoudemire is going to the Knicks. They are talking about a 5 year $100 million deal. After talks ended with the Suns, the Knicks jumped at the opportunity for Amare. I think its a move that is to try and help bbring in Lebron or Wade. Its a smart move, and honestly a move I think we all knew the Knicks were going to make.

And interesting that the Bulls have Wade on the fence about staying in Miami or Going to Chicago. That would be a big move and could really hurt Miami in trying to bring in one of the big 3, as I don't think Miami is nearly as attractive without Wade. Fun stuff with all the "what if" scenarios around.

 

[gd]

I think the Knicks have to be happy to get any big name at this point as their fans would've rioted if they came away with nothing after all of they hype for this offseason. Not sure if you can win with Amare as your #1 guy, given that he doesn't play defense or rebound, but he certainly has the ability to do so. I don't see them getting Wade, LeBron, or Bosh, but possibly Johnson, meaning they'd have basically the 05 Suns without Steve Nash, something they'd certainly be happy about.

The Wade/Chicago thing is interesting as well, but it's really impossible to predict what's going to happy with most of these guys as the reports seem to change pretty much every day. There has been the constant thought that the big 3 still want to play together, likely either in Miami or Chicago, which I think would be one of the most intriguing sports stories in quite awhile. I'm definetly hoping for it to happen.

Also, the Lakers signed Steve Blake for 4 years and $16 million, really smart signing that'll fit well as a backup point guard with Farmar leaving.

 

[Big Sexy]

Steve Blake was definitely a great sign for LA. Farmar is most likely gone and Shannon Brown may be as well so they need somebody to back up D Fish. Blake is a solid three point shooter, a good hustle player, and he should fit in really well in the triangle offense. They also got him for very cheap.

Amare going to New York is almost a sure thing and it's a solid move. They'd still have money to get another big name player and Amare is going to be reunited with Mike D'Antoni. This move won't take them over the top by any means but it's a step in the right direction.

 

[Big Sexy]

There has been some recent signings the last couple days so I'll go over them.

Dirk agreed to a 4 year 80 million dollar deal to stay in Dallas. He actually gave up 16 mill that he could have gotten so the Mavs could have some room financially to add more players. It is a very unselfish move by Dirk and shows that he really wants to win.

Channing Frye is staying in Phoenix with a 5 year 30 million dollar deal. He played well in Phoenix last year and could become a starter with the departure of Amare Stoudemire.

Hakim Warrick also signed in Phoenix. He will get a 4 year 18 million dollar deal. This is a very good signing for Phoenix because Warrick is a high energy guy and will fit in perfectly with the Suns. He could compete with Frye for the starting spot at power forward.

John Salmons resigned with the Bucks for 5 years and 39 mill. This move is somewhat surprising because the Bucks just traded for Corey Maggette thinking Salmons was leaving. Now they have Maggette, Slamons, Delfino, and, if he is healthy, Michael Redd at the SG and SF positions. This could possibly lead to Redd being traded which was rumored earlier this summer. The Bucks didn't do anything spectacular but made some solid moves this summer getting Gooden and Maggette and resigning Salmons.

 

[gd]

Dirk agreed to a 4 year 80 million dollar deal to stay in Dallas. He actually gave up 16 mill that he could have gotten so the Mavs could have some room financially to add more players. It is a very unselfish move by Dirk and shows that he really wants to win.

Big for Dallas. You can build a championship team around Dirk, as we saw in 06, and with him taking a little less money they have the potential to sign another impact player. Possibly Bosh in a sign and trade. If not, someone a few levels below the max guys.

Channing Frye is staying in Phoenix with a 5 year 30 million dollar deal. He played well in Phoenix last year and could become a starter with the departure of Amare Stoudemire.

Seems like a lot, but he seems to fit the well. With Lopez at the 5 he doesn't have to worry about defending the best inside scorer for the other team and can just worry about launching 3s at the other end.

Hakim Warrick also signed in Phoenix. He will get a 4 year 18 million dollar deal. This is a very good signing for Phoenix because Warrick is a high energy guy and will fit in perfectly with the Suns. He could compete with Frye for the starting spot at power forward.

Despite the fact Hakim has never really done anything in his NBA career, this isn't terrible for the money. The Suns need big guys and he's a big guy. So there you go. Still needs to put on some muscle, same thing that was said when he entered the league.

John Salmons resigned with the Bucks for 5 years and 39 mill. This move is somewhat surprising because the Bucks just traded for Corey Maggette thinking Salmons was leaving. Now they have Maggette, Slamons, Delfino, and, if he is healthy, Michael Redd at the SG and SF positions. This could possibly lead to Redd being traded which was rumored earlier this summer. The Bucks didn't do anything spectacular but made some solid moves this summer getting Gooden and Maggette and resigning Salmons.

I really like Salmons. He proved last year that he could be a go to guy for a playoff team, even though he was only with the Bucks for half the season. It's pretty good value as well. They'll certainly trade Redd if they get the oppurtunity. Not much interest with his contract situation and the constant injury troubles, I'd think.

Also, according to Chad Ford, the most likely scenario for the top free agents at the moment appears to be LeBron to Clevland, Bosh and Wade to Miami, Boozer to Chicago, and Amare to New York. If this happens, I'd say every team would have to be somewhat happy with how things panned out, but certainly none of them would suddenly become a dominant force.