NBA Offseason Thread 2010

LeBron coming to Miami is most likely going to happen, as otherwise Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh would most likely have signed today, but they are waiting for LeBron to officially commit to playing down in "Miami-wade" county, and then they will all sign for the exact same contract probably around 14 million so that gives Miami some cap room to get some players.

According to Marc Stein's twitter, Beasley is rumored to be traded to Charlotte, and the Heat have informed him the odds of him playing for Miami are pretty slim, and that 5 million will go to Mike Miller to be their 6th man. Chalmers can run the point, as he is good shooter and good passer which is what they need, and then they will sign a quality big man for about 5-6 million from the big 3 taking less money.
 
Whether its for charity or not, whether its to purposefully tear the hearts out of Cleveland, he has to know that's exactly what's going to happen if he announces on national television that he's leaving. Cleveland fans have been dreading this day all year long and LeBron has done nothing to help these loyal fans by dragging this out and doing this on primetime tv. Maybe he feels that by doing this for charity it will calm down the reaction. Don't think so.

Imagine this picture if your a Cavs fan. You start the year knowing that this may be James' last. LeBron doesn't squash questions about free agency right away. Throughout the year you see the best team LeBron and Cleveland have had so far under King James. And then LeBron puts on a terrible performance in the biggest game of his life. (See Game 5) and after the their season ends, instead of talking about the group of guys,his teamates, who he wants to talk to and consol do something-instead he goes right into free agency talk. Now we are here, 8 days after free agency started, and everyone is talking about James going to Miami. Like its pretty much a done deal. And now he's going to annouce it nationally in primetime? You tell me that LeBron isn't partly at fault here.

And I'm looking at this from the Cavs fans' perspective. I could give a rats ass about how the organization feels. But from a fans perspective, who have been there since the begining, this is a dagger to the heart. Should the announcement be that he's going to another team. LeBron didn't have to do it this way. The media may have craved for it, but it didn't have to be done. LeBron could have said no. But his ego is much to big to let this pass by. While I think he's leaving, I hope he does decide to stay.

Ok with that out of the way, the Nets are out of the running with LeBron.so they needed to make some moves. I like the signing of Outlaw. I agree with B.S that he's getting a little to much money, but isn't everyone? Anyways, I like his game and with a need at the SF position, they made a good signing.

I understand that the Celtics needed a replacement for Wallace, I just don't know if O'Neal was the right move. With his injury history, the Celtics will be lucky if he can stay healthy throughout the season. He's only getting midlevel so its not that big a deal, but I just don't know. If he does stay healthy, they that could be key signing for them, as I'm sure O'Neal has something left in the tank.

I have no idea if you're actually a Cavs fan, but just in case you aren't I've been a life long fan and I'll give you my perspective.

At the beginning of the season, it sounded like he was heading to Knicks or the Nets. I had a feeling that without a title he would leave. As the season started to go on and he refused to talk about it or sign an extension, I got more worried. When the Cavs got Jamison I thought that this would be the move to either put us over the top or keep Lebron. When we got into the playoffs and got to the Celtics, it looked like Lebron had quit and was ready to leave for a different team.

Now that the season ended, I started hearing he might stay and that it was coming down to a mega team in Miami, New York, Chicago, or Cleveland. I got a little more confident and the fact that he's from Akron surely helped my confidence. After I heard of the press conference on national TV, I was convinced he would stay unless he's a heartless bastard and wants to rip the heart out of his home town and probably the entire state. With the reports he'll be going to the Heat, I could see Lebron being the most hated man in Ohio or at least Cleveland were these Heat reports to be true.

On to the news of the day, The Nets signing Outlaw is such a last ditch move, and not a good one at that, that it makes them seem defeated and admitting that they are. Outlaw isn't worth that kind of money and isn't even that good a player. The Nets have failed and failed terribly this off season. I don't seem them being any better unless the talent that is on the team rallies together instead of sucking terribly again.
 
Brendan Haywood resigned in Dallas for 6 years and 55 million dollars. That is too much money for him but they do need a starting center and Haywood played well for them last year.

Overpaid for his performance over the last few months of the season, but he's certaily not Erik Dampier. Not a terrible signing. A little expensive though, that's for sure.

Jermaine O'Neal signed with the C's for 2 years and 12 million so that takes care of their mid level exception. O'Neal should do a fine job replacing Rasheed Wallace.

Terrible. Jermain O'Neal hasn't been effective for 2 years. I know they need frontcourt depth and experience, but surely they could've used their midlevel in a better way than this.

With these two signings, it looks like Shaq to the Hawks, which is a great fit, really. They need some veteran leadership from someone who has won before.

Travis Outlaw signed with the Nets for 5 years and 35 million dollars. He's getting a little overpaid but he is a young, talented guy and the Nets needed a small forward.

Overpaid, for sure. Not sure he can be a starter, and 7 million a year is a steep price. He's only 25 though, so he still can develop.
 
Terrible. Jermain O'Neal hasn't been effective for 2 years. I know they need frontcourt depth and experience, but surely they could've used their midlevel in a better way than this.

Jermaine O'Neal started 70 games last season and his numbers were actually pretty good. He gave the Heat 13.5 points, 7 boards, and 1.5 blocks per game. In Boston, once Perkins comes back, he won't be asked to start so that should help him a little. All he really has to do is replace what Rasheed gave them last year which wasn't much.
 
DAAMN! Breaking News within the Breaking News.. Golden State gets David Lee.. not too familiar with whats going on in Golden State right now so while i'll research.. anybody think this is a good move for either team? As in.. Knicks lose Lee, State gains him.
 
I don't like te move the Warriors made. Lee is a good player but to have to give up Randolph was a mistake. When teams talked to the Warriors about trades it all involved Randolph. There's a reason why. He's a good young kid who has tremendous potential. The Warriors are fools to make this move. They should have waited when they finally had a healthy team to see what exactly they had and then decided what moves needed to be made.
 
The Heat have just traded Michael Beasley to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 2nd round draft pick in 2011.

This just freed up 5 million dollars for the Heat to sign most lilely Mike Miller who they offered 5 year, 25 million earlier in the day today. The Heat will most likey get Miller, then go after a point guard like Jason Williams or Raymond Felton, and try to get a shot blocker/rebounding big man. The Heat are heading to that ring, and it looks good in South Beach.
 
I think it is an absolute tragedy for the NBA now that those 3 have formed a trio. Where's the suspense, the drama, the predictions. I mean, c'mon, the NBA champions are pretty much pre-determined throughout every season as long as these 3 stay healthy, right? No NBA team can match the level and combination of production, consistency, and playmaking skills this trio can accomplish in a year. Why play the game of basketball? Why bother to show up and work hard other than to pick up a pay check? Why bother to even try since your team is outmatched athletically through the core of those 3 alone, right? Hell, since we're having fun, why shouldn't Riley just fucking drop all of his players and have the mighty trio of Lebron, Wade, and Bosh face the league all by themselves?

Anyway, I'm just giving light on the criticism/praise that is about to befall the NBA in the next year or so. The amount of bandwagoners will rise in unbelievable levels, especially on the internet. Miami still has a lot of fucking work to do. They still need something called a bench? Maybe something like a rebounder-paint defender? Even though Bosh is very popular, he only plays average defense and he isn't an amazing rebounder even with his very large wingspan. Miami also needs a PG, although I can see LeBron James play at that position from time to time. Should be fun for what's in store the next year or so. Normally I'd lay out predictions but I'm still in shock all 3 are on the same team, so I guess it's too early for that.
 
The Heat have just traded Michael Beasley to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 2nd round draft pick in 2011.

This just freed up 5 million dollars for the Heat to sign most lilely Mike Miller who they offered 5 year, 25 million earlier in the day today. The Heat will most likey get Miller, then go after a point guard like Jason Williams or Raymond Felton, and try to get a shot blocker/rebounding big man. The Heat are heading to that ring, and it looks good in South Beach.

They me be able to get Mike Miller but there is no way they could also afford Raymond Felton. Felton would want more then the mid level exception and they don't have that to give away. They can get one solid free agent like Mike Miller but after that they can really only afford veteran minimum players like Juwan Howard. They need to break up the mid level exception and sign 2 or 3 players with it. Unless they have Wade play the point then that is the position they will most struggle with.
 
Ok so I may have overreacted to the Lee trade. I'm not a Warriors fan, but am one of Randolph. And here in the Bay, a lot of people were excited with the prospect of another year of experience and a chance to see this team healthy. Lee will be a good addition, but I would have rather seen what this team and Randolph could have done, how good they could have been.
 
lol @ cleveland's owner dishing it to LeBron as soon as he says no to them. What a joke. Yeah yeah, Bron ripped your heart out, blah blah blah. HE GAVE YOU ATLEAST 3 YEARS NOTICE THAT HE'D LEAVE IF YOU DIDN'T BUILD A CONTENDER AROUND HIM! He's talking about Bron's lack of effort.. hell where is the team's effort if Bron is having an off night? It's not just about the "King" here.. management needs to look at themselves in the mirror also and ask "What the fuck did we do wrong to lose one of, if not the, best player in the league?" C'mon guys, you know he didn't want to leave Cleveland but it's painfully obvious they didn't say anything during the past few months that would entice Bron to stay.
 
There's been a few signings recently that I will go over.

The Clippers signed Ryan Gomes and Randy Foye. Obviously not big names but they are solid signings. Foye is a former top ten pick that has shown flashes but nothing has ever really materialized with him. However, the Clippers got him for cheap, 2 years and 8 million, plus he is just going to be a backup to B Diddy and Eric Gordon so there is no pressure on him.

Gomes is a very solid player who averaged 11 points, 4.5 boards, and 1.5 assists per game last season for the T'Wolves. He can play both the 3 and 4 spots and the Clippers are in desperate need of a three so he fits in well. The Clippers were also able to get him for cheap at just 12 million over 3 years.

Tyrus Thomas just recently resigned with the Bobcats. He got a 5 year 40 million dollar deal. It may seem like a lot but Thomas is only 23 years old and still has a ton of potential as a former 4th overall pick. He was immature in Chicago but seemed to behave in Charlotte under the watch of Larry Brown. He played 25 games for the Bobcats and in just under 22 mpg he averaged 10 points, 6 boards, 1.5 blocks, 1 steal, and 1 assist per game. He will have a chance to start next year and his numbers should really improve in his first full year under Brown in Charlotte.
 
I like Thomas. He may have been immature but I put that on youth more than anything else. He has a strong coach in Brown that I think do nothing but help Tyrus keep on track. He performed well in those few games he played for Charlotte and him be giving a starting job will show how well he can play under Brown. I have no problem with them resigning Thomas for 40 million. I think he will prove he's worth the money.
 
Just want to give my thoughts on the LeBron James move...

I thought it was completely the wrong decision for all accounts. From a personal standpoint, I felt like he should have stayed in Cleveland, and from a professional/winning standpoint, I thought the best place for him was Chicago.

In my opinion, Chicago would have been the PERFECT fit right now for LeBron James. With Derek Rose, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, Lou Dang, etc... that would have been one hell of a core. Whereas with Miami, three guys plus 9 scrubs just are not going to be able to get it done. People keep bringing up Boston... well, even Boston needed James Posey, PJ Brown, and Rajan Rondo the year they won the championship in 2008. Can Miami get any guys like that? Well, Mike Miller and Shaq are available, and if those guys are willing to play for cheap... then I'll change my opinion on this, but I just don't see that happening.

So, yeah... hate the LeBron move. Really wished he would have stayed in Cleveland personally, but I can still respect someone getting paid less to win; however, even in that aspect, I feel he made the wrong decision as I explained above.
 
JMT, it won't necessarily be "9 scrubs".. probly more like 3-5 decent to good players, rest scrubs, and the Bigger 3 (yeah, bigger than the Big 3, so what? wanna fight about it? *had to quote it*)

They can sign guys on the mid-level exception and get a decent enough team around the core of James, Wade, and Bosh to contend this year.. don't think they'll start counting rings until next year though.
 
I still think either LeBron or Wade should have went to Chicago, can't say I'm not going to love watching this Miami team, but I think Chicago would have been a better fit. Who knew Micheal Jordan was actually bad for the Bulls? Really, if Jordan hadn't have been so sucsessful there I don't think guys would have been scared to go there for the comparisons.

As for this Miami team it will be fun to watch but I'm banking on the Knicks next year after they get Melo, Parker, and who knows, maybe Iverson too. That team wouldn't be shit on defense but with D'Antonio coaching they might just out shoot everyone.

Something I just thought of, what about Gilbert Arenas? The Wizards drafted John Wall this year and Agent Zero has had alot of trouble with legal issues and what not, so If he's not already gone(I don't know if he is or not) will he be let go and where the hell could he go? He would fit in NYC if they'd have him and his 25 points per game could always help someone.
 
The Bulls signed Kyle Korver to a 3 year 15 million dollar deal. This is a great signing for them because they were in desperate need of a shooter. They now have a true shooting guard and a guy who will be able to step in right away and start. This is just one of those signings that makes perfect sense in terms of a guy fitting in with a team. They also got him for the right price.

As far as Arenas goes, I thought there was a chance he could end up in NYC but with the recent rumors about guys like Tony Parker maybe signing there next season it doesn't seem like they would take Arenas. The Knicks still will have a large amount off cap room next offseason and if they traded for Arenas then all that room would be gone. I can't think of any team right now that would want Gilbert Arenas because of his contract. If he does get traded it will probably be closer to the season or maybe even during the season at the trade deadline.
 
On the whole Lebron to Chicago idea, I heard they gave him absolutely the worst pitch of all time. It boiled down to "hey Lebron, come to Chicago to fill Jordan's shoes!". Why the FUCK would he want to do that? He's about the Lebron brand and wants to be bigger than Jordan, not seen as his successor. If he went to Chicago, that's exactly what he would be.

In regards of Kyle Korver, do you think he's better than Hinrich who they traded away? I really think they should've kept him, I know why they did it but I still think keeping him was in their best interest.
 
In regards of Kyle Korver, do you think he's better than Hinrich who they traded away? I really think they should've kept him, I know why they did it but I still think keeping him was in their best interest.

I don't know if Korver is a better player overall but I believe he is a better fit in Chicago. The Bulls needed a shooting guard and a guy who can consistently hit shots from the outside. That is exactly what Korver is. Hinrich is an ok shooter but it isn't exactly his forte. Hinrich is also more of a point guard then he is a shooting guard. I know he played a lot at the 2 last year but it isn't his natural position and he struggled when guarding the bigger two guards in the league. Korver is the better fit in Chicago and they also got him for 5 million dollars cheaper.
 
I don't know if Korver is a better player overall but I believe he is a better fit in Chicago. The Bulls needed a shooting guard and a guy who can consistently hit shots from the outside. That is exactly what Korver is. Hinrich is an ok shooter but it isn't exactly his forte. Hinrich is also more of a point guard then he is a shooting guard. I know he played a lot at the 2 last year but it isn't his natural position and he struggled when guarding the bigger two guards in the league. Korver is the better fit in Chicago and they also got him for 5 million dollars cheaper.

I completely forgot they were overpaying Hinrich, yeah Korver is better. The fact that he's 6'7" is probably the biggest and most important improvement over Hinrich. Korver shot 50% from behind the 3 point line and 50% overall. Hinrich is only 6'3" and shot 37% from 3 land. Granted, Korver didn't play nearly as much as Hinrich, but his numbers show he should do better overall in Chicago.
 
The Knicks have made another move agreeing in principle to a contract with Raymond Felton. The exact terms aren't known but it is thought to be around 7 mill a year. This is a great signing for the Knicks. Felton is a good point guard and is perfect for Mike D'Antoni's offense. He reminds me of a poor mans Steve Nash. He's just as quick as Nash and can get to the basket. He is also a very good passer, not as good as Nash obviously but still good. The only difference is that unlike Nash, Felton doesn't have much of a jump shot. I expect Felton to have a career year and he already has averaged around 13.5 points and 6.5 assists for his career.

The Knicks roster is really starting to take shape. As of right now we could see a starting 5 of Felton, Kelenna Azubuike, Danilo Galinari, Anthony Randolph, and Amare. With a bench that would have Wilson Chandler as the 6th man, Ronny Turiaf, Bill Walker, and Toney Douglas. This team won't be competing for a title but they are definitely good enough to make the playoffs and give some teams a run for their money.
 
That's a great pick up for the Knicks, and you touched on why. I'd like to pose a question though, what will that do to the Bobcats? Is Augustin good enough to take over for Felton yet? I think he needs another year or 2 before he's ready to fully take over and start. He's good, but I don't think he's that good. Are there any Point Guards out there that are good enough for them to sign and take over?
 
That's a great pick up for the Knicks, and you touched on why. I'd like to pose a question though, what will that do to the Bobcats? Is Augustin good enough to take over for Felton yet? I think he needs another year or 2 before he's ready to fully take over and start. He's good, but I don't think he's that good. Are there any Point Guards out there that are good enough for them to sign and take over?

Luke Ridnour is out there and I think he is a capable PG in this league. There were reports that Amare wanted the Knicks to sign Ridnour, calling him Steve Nash Lite.

I think the Knicks are looking like a decent team. They can still make some moves before the season starts, but with the way the East is set up, they could probably fight for the playoffs.
 
That's a great pick up for the Knicks, and you touched on why. I'd like to pose a question though, what will that do to the Bobcats? Is Augustin good enough to take over for Felton yet? I think he needs another year or 2 before he's ready to fully take over and start. He's good, but I don't think he's that good. Are there any Point Guards out there that are good enough for them to sign and take over?

Before I reply it looks like Felton will get 25 mill over 3 years. That's a fair deal for both sides.

Augistin should be penciled in as the starter but we'll have to see how that goes. He had a very good rookie season but struggled last year in limited minutes under Larry Brown. Augistin had to change his game under Brown and although he struggled it was all for the best and in the long run will make him a better player.

As far as free agents go they definitely need someone to back him up and possibly start if he struggles. Some of the better guys available are Luke Ridnour, Jordan Farmar, and Kyle Lowry. If they want to go with more of a veteran mentor approach then there are guys like Earl Watson, Anthony Carter, and Kevin Ollie. Ollie has played under Larry Brown before and wouldn't be a bad mentor.
 

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