Post rumors about free agent signings and verbal agreements here.

Next name change for GD = Mr. Organised?

My OCD really shines this time of year.

yeah, well at least you got something

I don't have ocd, vd or any of that hip new shit.

Just poor old regular me

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:QsF2jKLsafz-XM:http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/rulebook/signals/referee-falsestart.gif

False start?

False start?


You broke early.

If we can sticky like 6 more threads in the NBA forum, WTF might explode.

If you can think of a scenario that we don't have covered, then go for it.

Perfect. I'll be done in 10 minutes.

If you can come up with 20 more sticky thread ideas, then the whole first page can be stuck.

He's not a PG.

Blazers going after Andre Miller. (CBS Sportsline)

^I wouldn't be surprised if it turns into a S&T for a big (Pryzbilla?)

Orlando Sentinel


Smith said the Magic haven't given up on trying to keep Turkoglu, but they will have to go deep into the punitive luxury tax to re-sign him or promising center Marcin Gortat — and other players. They have only eight players on their roster, and need to at least add five more this summer.

The Magic aren't expected to be able to match offers for Gortat, a restricted free agent who made $770,000 last season as Dwight Howard's backup. Smith indicated they would be out of the running if offers "were north of 5 [$5 million per season.]"

The Houston Rockets could be a player for Gortat. Their all-star center, Yao Ming, is expected to miss this coming season because of a nagging foot injury.

Far over the salary cap, the Magic said they were willing to venture into the tax after making a surprising run to the NBA Finals this past season. Team President Bob Vander Weide said the club could be taxed between $5 million to $7 million and perhaps top out at $10 million. But re-signing Turkoglu alone would eat up most of that, and still leaving four players to sign.

"We will be in the tax," Smith said Monday.

The league tax threshold is expected to be about $69 million. The Magic's payroll is already around $68 million after acquiring Carter — who'll make $16.3 million this season and $17.3 million in 2010-11 — for shooting guard Courtney Lee, power forward Tony Battie and point guard Rafer Alston last Thursday.

Turkoglu, 30, was seeking at least $10 million per season and balked at the Magic's offer, choosing to opt out of his deal with a year left on it at $7.3 million. The Magic seized on an opportunity to acquire Carter, an eight-time all-star shooting guard, weakening Turkoglu's leverage.

Only a handful of teams can meet Turkoglu's assumed asking price, with the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder having enough salary-cap room to be major players. The Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors have been seen as suitors for Turkoglu even though they have less cap space available than those clubs.

After looking at his options, Carlos Boozer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1703) decided not to go anywhere.



The power forward picked up the option on his contract and will remain with the Utah Jazz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=uth) next season. He will earn $12.7 million and will join the star-studded free agent class of 2010.

Kobe opts to stay a year for 23 mil. Does this alter LA's plans? They are sitting at 76+ mil without Brown, Ariza or Odom in the mix. We all knew they wouldn't keep both, but do they want to pay Ariza 7 mil twice (taxes)?

I don't think they are happy at PG either really. Fisher doesn't have much in the tank. Brown will cash in on his good play somewhere else I think. Nobody is taking Walton or Morrison off their hands.

^I wouldn't be surprised if it turns into a S&T for a big (Pryzbilla?)

Joel's not going anywhere. I'd say if its a s&t, it'll be for Outlaw and Blake.

The Celtics are letting Leon Powe walk. (if he can)

Rockets Make Their Pitch to Marcin Gortat

Jun 30, 2009

The Houston Rockets aren't allowing any room for confusion regarding their feelings for free agent center Marcin Gortat. They want the Polish center on their team and they're making sure he knows it.

Rockets' General Manager Daryl Morey rang the door bell at Gortat's Orlando-area home at 12:01 AM July 1 - otherwise known as the beginning of the free agent frenzy - as part of a personal gesture to express Houston's desire to bring the big man into the fold. The Rockets have had Gortat on their radar screen since the midway point of the '08-09 season, when they - like many around the league - noticed the 25-year old post player regularly flashing his potential in the paint.

What's more, Morey is asking fans to aid in the recruitment process by sending Gortat a note at rocketsfanslovegortat@gmail.com to show how much they want him in a Rockets' uniform next season.

Playing behind Orlando's All-Star Center Dwight Howard, Gortat's playing time was limited; hence his rather pedestrian averages of 3.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and .8 blocked shots per game this season. However, Gortat's per minute numbers were consistently solid and when he was afforded the opportunity to receive more playing time, such as his starting assignment in Orlando's December 15 game against Golden State, he routinely delivered the goods.

That pattern played itself out in the playoffs as well. Gortat was rock-solid in relief of Howard in the postseason and during his one starting assignment - Orlando's series-clinching win against Philadelphia - the man known as the Polish Hammer came through once more, stuffing the stat sheet with 11 points and 15 rebounds.

Gortat figures to attract plenty of interest around the league this summer - as talented, young bigs always do. And since Gortat is a restricted free agent, Orlando will have seven days to match whichever offer sheet he chooses to sign.

There are so many good Van Gundy pictures to choose from.

The one I have looks like a prison photo.

Gortat ought to sign with someone in their same division that Houston will see 5x a year. That email would get a lot of use!

JVG looks like a fucking child molestor in your pic.

Can we even trade Kwame? Don't those two year contracts come with no-trade clauses. Isn't that why Devean George had one when he nixed getting traded for Kidd?

I think you are thinking of 1 year deals.

It was a one year deal with a player option.

Gortat for $5.5 mil? (More than MLE)

Charlie V for $6 mil? (More than MLE)

Gordon for $8 mil?

That's $19.5 mil spent... and I didn't trade a soul

It was a one year deal with a player option.

I think once Kwame exercised his option, it became a 2 year deal.

I haven't heard anything about them being unable to trade him without his approval.

Yeah, I think Fool is making shit up.

And the award for douchey reporting of the day goes to... The LA Times!


San Antonio and Phoenix are interested in trying to sign Odom. Both teams are trying to clear salary-cap space to see if they can get a deal done with Odom, who is looking for at least a four-year deal worth an average of $10 million a year.

Somebody want to try and explain how either of those teams gets anywhere near $10m under the cap?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers-kobe-bryant1-2009jul01,0,5024600.story

The Lakers are going after Artest.

I assume that would mean that either Ariza, Odom, or both would be leaving.

It's really confusing that Ariza's agent's name is David Lee.

Kobe and Artest guarding the perimeter. That's pretty fucking solid.

They're gonna send $19 mil worth of players to us?

We get Amare from Phoenix for a second round pick?

Stupid fucking reporters.

But brace yourself - it's only beginning

I'd be happy with that. Hell, I'll give them TWO second round picks for him.

And the award for douchey reporting of the day goes to... The LA Times!



Somebody want to try and explain how either of those teams gets anywhere near $10m under the cap?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers-kobe-bryant1-2009jul01,0,5024600.story

Would they be able to do a S&T with a third team?

Lakers sign Odom, trade him to Suns for a pick or something, trade us Amare for a Pick and Max. Suns send out 16 mil, get back 13-14 mil.

Can you do a three way S&T?

Portland is hot after Hedo. That would be a good signing.

PG Blake/Bayless?
SG Roy/Fernadez
SF Hedo/Batum
PF Aldridge/Oden
C Pryz/Oden

but it would mean Webster and Outlaw are the odd men out.

They could potentially keep one of them, although I doubt they would. Webster had some high hopes out of college, what happened to him? I'm assuming he never lived up to them at all. Worth a look?

Unfortunately, we don't have the playing time he'd want.

I find this rather ironic coming from a guy who doesn't play defense:


Stephon Marbury (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=509) believes star players should be cautious about signing with the Knicks because of Mike D'Antoni's offensive scheme and the way the organization treats people. "I wouldn't want to play in that system," Marbury told The Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/07012009/sports/knicks/marbury__stars_shouldnt_sign_with_knicks_176914.ht m). "That system can't win championships. You can't win championships if you don't talk about defense. In Boston, the coaches even play defense."

Morris Almond didn't get the memo.

They could potentially keep one of them, although I doubt they would. Webster had some high hopes out of college, what happened to him? I'm assuming he never lived up to them at all. Worth a look?

Webster never went to college. He joined the Blazers straight out of HS. He was killing shit last year before he got hurt. If he gets traded, he's gonna fucking blow up and make Portland pay.

Bill Ingram (http://twitter.com/TheRocketGuy): Rockets are interested in Oberto as well as Gortat

Glan is madder twittering.

Brian Windhorst (http://twitter.com/PDcavsinsider): The Cavs (and LeBron directly) have been in contact with Ron Artest

That would suck. Artest is a badass.

Cuban offered JKidd 3 years and $27m.

Now he's overpaying for old PGs?

something tells me he'll go to the knicks on a 1 year deal. don't know why i think that, but it sounds like something he'd do, hoping he could re-sign there after they sign lebron. then again, i think they'd have to renounce him as a FA next year to have the cap room anyway.

i don't know. it's late. i'm losing it.

All the Knicks can offer is the MLE.

Will he turn down $27m guaranteed for $5m?

I don't think so.

well it's a bit more than $5mil. but yes- point taken. it would be a hell of a risk and not really a sensible one.

actually the mavs are probably the only team that would offer him more than a 1 year deal, so that $27mil will almost be impossible to turn down. i don't know, nothing would surprise me though. kidd has made a ton of money in his life. but being as a 3 year deal is almost guaranteed to be his last contract, he might want one more shot at a nice payday in dallas.

probably returns to the mavs but the idea of playing in MSG for the knicks will be tempting. even for the 2009 knicks. lol

I wouldn't be surprised if the new MLE is right around $5m.

The Raps still want Hedo, but they'd have to renounce Marion, Parker and Delfino, and apparently they are getting close to having a deal with Delfino to return.

There are reports that contract talks between Ariza and the Lakers have not gone well. Apparently the Lakers are only offering their MLE and he is insulted. Looks like he may take the MLE from someone else (Cleveland?) just out of spite and to get the hell out.

The Clippers, the Raptors, the Rockets and Blazers are all interested in Ariza as well (in addition to the Cavs).

Artest to the Knicks?

This is some weird shit.

From HoopsHype:

http://twitter.com/96TruwarierQB -- Artest agent says that's not Ron's Twitter account. Artest's brother, Daniel, tells us it's the real one

Would James want to play with Artest next year? Aren't they both predominantly SFs? I know they CAN play other positions if needed, but that's where Artest has been his whole career and Lebron has been a SF since probably his 2nd season. Wasn't he a PG/SG as a rookie?

Both can basically play SG/SF/PF. I doubt position is an issue. I'm sure Lebron would love to have a player that does all the dirty work.

Seriously, next to Lebron Artest wins DPOY again.

You'd probably play Artest at SF, Lebron at SG, you'd want a PG that just plays solid D and runs an offense (doesn't have to be a great scorer). Add a couple good rebounders down low and that's a solid team.

Problem is a lot of teams will have space, so who knows how inflated contracts will become.

Artest can easily play PF, especially in today's NBA.

Lebron could too, for that matter.

Artest biggest defensive asset is his size while having very good lateral movement. At PF you waste both of those.

Of course, but would you rather have him and play him or Lebron at a position other than SF, or not have him?

I wouldn't play either guy at PF or PG. They are 2s or 3s.

I disagree. Lebron is just as capable as a PF as he is at SG. Same for Artest. IMO.

Dudes are huge, especially by today's standards.

You are wrong.

Lebron would be much more successful playing next to a SG than a PF. For that reason, you go Williams West James Artest Shaq

Looking above, thats one scary lineup.

You are wrong and have learned nothing.
Fixed

http://twitter.com/alleniverson

Interesting.

He's been saying that since he left Philly.

Eric Pincus (http://twitter.com/EricPincus): per commerical appeal - iverson reaches out to memphis?!?

Bill Ingram (http://twitter.com/TheRocketGuy): Trevor Ariza meeting with the Houston Rockets

Gortat update

2:11 PM Thu, Jul 02, 2009
Eddie Sefko/Reporter

We're now hearing that the Mavericks have indeed made an offer to Marcin Gortat and the only hangup will be if the Magic decides to match the offer.

Barring that, the next center of the Mavericks appears headed this way.

This would represent the first domino in the Mavericks' summer makeover and probably would be a good move in helping sway Jason Kidd's return.

--Eddie Sefko

Do you have a fucking list or something?

Do you have a fucking list or something?

http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/showpost.php?p=332655&postcount=28

awesomesauce indeed.

Boston offers Sheed 2 y MLE
Artest full MLE to LA?
Ariza full MLE Houston?

Artest for the MLE would be a fucking steal, and LA gets even better...also i hate Sheed with the Cs, should go to San Antonio

yup- artest confirmed he'll sign with the lakers:

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/15861966

If it costs them both Ariza and Odom, it's a downgrade.

He can replace what Ariza gave them defensively, but he's not nearly as skilled as Odom on offense.

Artest gets only 18 mil for 3 years, this guy is insane, he could have gotten easily the full MLE from another contender!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303679

i bet they keep Odom...

not as skilled but he can definitely score. just in different ways.

i think the more important thing is that he brings a physical intensity that they sorely need. (as much as a championship team can need)

i think it's a great tradeoff for them since they're trying to win it all again NOW.

seems like Ariza is now available for just the MLE, we could have gotten Ariza for less than what we payed Villa, if Joe still had some capspace, in my opinion Ariza>Villa because Ariza can play defense

ariza can't play any PF though. and we have a ton of SFs, so.....

Artest > Villaneuva

Isn't Artest's deal the full MLE, just for 3 years not 5?

Just 3 years and $18 million, so I heard.

Turk to the Blazers.

Iverson apparently has approached Memphis and told them he'd be interested in signing there.

He's also been talking to Miami.

Turkoglu broke the hearts of ORL

Turkoglu broke the hearts of ORL

They made their own bed with the Carter trade.

My Blazers.

Brian Windhorst (http://twitter.com/PDcavsinsider): Toronto Globe&Mail reports S.Marion close to four year deal with Raptors.

Eric Pincus (http://twitter.com/EricPincus): if the Raptors indeed keep Marion - they will have never gone under the cap this summer - this maintaining their Mid-Level Exception

Hoopsworld reports that Gortat has agreed to a 5 year MLE offer sheet with the Mavs.

Just read that Lamar Odom helped recruit Artest to the Lakers, so it looks like he'll be back too.

Apparently, RonRon, Odom, and Kobe are good friends.

Pau's gonna see exactly 2.4 touches per game next year. LOL.

Yeah, I saw on Ronnie's twitter that he was shooting pool at Lamar's house the other night.

I was invited, but couldn't get a flight.

Yeah, I saw on Ronnie's twitter that he was shooting pool at Lamar's house the other night.

I was invited, but couldn't get a fight.

Fixed.

This made me lol a little


via NY Daily News Knicks Knation

Let's assume Jason Kidd decides to re-sign in Dallas. (One of his former teammates laughed when I asked him if the Knicks had a chance of getting him.) What is the Knicks next move?

How about Allen Iverson? If you can get him for one year he would generate some buzz and upgrade the Knicks backcourt. Yes, we all know that Iverson has lost a little. Okay, he's lost a lot. But just because Detroit made a bad trade after making a bad coaching hire, doesn't mean Iverson is totally to blame for their season.

It's also worth noting that Iverson and LeBron James share the same agent.

Stephon Marbury doesn't foresee returning to Boston Celtics
Stephon Marbury says he doesn't foresee a return to Boston after the team offered a veteran's-minimum deal that would've paid $1.3 million, according to The Boston Globe.

I like Ariza even more now, he spurned the Cavs.


Brian Windhorst (http://twitter.com/PDcavsinsider): Post mortem: Cavs didn't have chance for Artest at MLE, wanted more to pass on LA. Ariza was offered MLE for five years but turned it down

I just think it's funny that the Cleveland Cavaliers brass (Ferry, Gilbert) think they are amongst the elite franchises in the NBA...

Ego check: You have to win a title first.

Apparently Jannero Pargo's agent (same dude that reps David Lee) is talking to the Bulls about signing Pargo.

The Yahoo report stated it was to replace some of the scoring they lost when Gordon signed with us.

I'm guessing there is no sign and trade for Iverson, assuming they do sign Pargo

And as for Ariza why the hell would he wanna live in Cleveland?

He earned his ring and now can take the money and live wherever he wants

Portland's going hard after David Lee now. But do they really need him or are they just acquiring assets?

Here's a thought... if they get Lee, can we get Aldridge in a Tayshaun package?

I think Portand are building towards something that could be great but are missing that vital veteran that can be the steady hand.

Tayshaun could do that.

But I'm guessing the Blazers are looking at an Oden, Aldridge, Lee PF/C rotation and drooling.

That Tay for Prizz/Outlaw idea could work - or Joe could try and push for Webster if he believed Webster was "better" than Outlaw.

Celtics meeting with Grant Hill today, just in case Sheed decides to go elsewhere.

Don't we want Sheed or Dice to go to Boston so we can sign Big Baby?

Too many rumours and it's only the 5th (or 4th for you people living in the past)

The 5th is almost halfway over already here for most of us, btw

Brandon Bass reportedly has a 5 yr/$25m+ offer from some mystery team.

The Spurs are going to sign Marcus Haislip.

lol

Oh, that's swell.

In 5 minutes it's gonna be the 6th for me.

You're still living in the past, man.

I'll take Gordon every single day over Hedo at that price. 26 year old v 30 year old.

GD - I'm interested to know why Ariza's deal is 5 years $33 mil. Has the amount been set for his deal already? Is he not getting the full MLE?

That is what I saw reported for Ariza by several sources, but you are right, the amount hasn't been set yet so I got lazy and relied on a fucking intern at a newspaper.

Bibby expected to re-sign with the Hawks for 3 years.

That backcourt has TOOOOOOOOOO much offense. Crawford, JJ, Bibby, and Teague. Perhaps JJ CAN BE TRADED FOR TAYSHAUN?!

yeah, because that way we can add to our offense-deprived backcourt of Stuckey, Rip, Gordon and Bynam!

Then after we could move Stuckey and Joe Johnson for lebron

Who could Dan Gilbert trade LeBron for that wouldn't devalue his franchise by $50-100 million?

I'm guessing Marvin Williams is stuck in Atlanta for at least another season...

I haven't even seen one rumour related to him yet.

Gary Tanguay (http://twitter.com/Gary_Tanguay): As I said it looks Big Baby will be a Spur. He feels he will lose minutes with Rasheed now a Celtic and Grant Hill on the way.

So Hill is signing for the LLE?

So much for Celtic Pride.

Signing 2 former Pistons in the same off-season would have caused a riot back in the day. Now? No one is passionate enough to make a sign.

Why don't the Pistons sign Hill? I don't think the Pistons have enough SGs or SFs.

I'm guessing Marvin Williams is stuck in Atlanta for at least another season...

I haven't even seen one rumour related to him yet.

Well if Bibby really did resign(I haven't seen anything on that yet), then maybe not? How is ATL's cap situation? Would Marvin want to stay? All 4 guards they have are shoot first, Bibby being the least selfish.

Zaza, Flip Murray, and Marvin are all free agents. I think they keep zaza for smoething cheap. Maybe he does something similar to what Ben Gordon did and hopes to sign in the 2010 offseason.

sekousmith01 (https://twitter.com/sekousmith01) Sources: Pachulia on the verge of a deal with Hawks.

another decent bigman off the table, great

I think the Hawks got a really good deal on Bibby.

Like him or not, 3 yrs/$18m is a steal for a PG of that caliber, IMO.

Dallas Mavericks sign Quinton Ross

July 8, 2009 ·

The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have signed Quinton Ross. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ross (6-6, 193) joins the Mavericks after spending the 2008-09 season with Memphis. He averaged 3.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 17.1 minutes in 68 games (seven starts) with the Grizzlies. The five-year NBA veteran, who began his career as a rookie free agent with the L.A. Clippers, owns career averages of 4.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 20.4 minutes in 370 games (158 starts).

“Quinton has been part of the Dallas basketball fabric for many years,” President of Basketball Operations Donnie Nelson said. “He played his high school ball under Royce Johnson at Kimball before attending Southern Methodist University. We are happy and proud to bring him home. His athleticism, defensive versatility and experience will add depth to our backcourt.”

A native of Dallas, Ross averaged 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 119 games at SMU. He finished his four-year career as the school’s fourth all-time scoring leader (1,763 points).

I didn't know he wasn't still a Clipper.

Jannero Pargo has agreed to a one-year deal worth approx $2 million with the Chicago Bulls, a league source told Y! Sports.

PARGOMANIA

I've heard that if the Lakers give Odom $7-8m they're looking at about $20m in luxury taxes. They paid ~$6m this year.

Is Portland going to try and get him for their $9m?

This turned out to be a very weak FA class. There wasn't a single "star" player out there. When non-Detroit reporters are all clamoring over Hedo Turkoglu and calling Ben Gordon the best FA this offseason, that's not a good year. If he were a FA next offseason, Gordon would have probably gotten $10 million less and Turkoglu would have been option D for the teams that went after him as their #1 target.

that would be mostly due to a smaller salary cap as much as a bigger market.

That was written without the knowledge that next years cap will be going down. I was assuming it would stay about the same. Even if it went up a million, I'd still stand by that statement.

Memphis has offered AI a 1 year deal

He wasn't a free agent, but...

STEIN_LINE_HQ (http://twitter.com/STEIN_LINE_HQ) ESPN.com sources say Utah and Mehmet Okur have a two-year extension set for $21 mil. http://bit.ly/KIoRz (http://bit.ly/KIoRz) #fb (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23fb)

Y! Sources: Channing Frye to sign with Suns: http://bit.ly/gbW32

Y sources: Grant Hill to stay with Suns, Nash extension close:: http://bit.ly/gbW32

Bass to Orlando

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/07/10/magic.bass/

The Orlando Magic are trying to keep up in the arms race in the competitive Eastern Conference, agreeing to terms on Friday with free agent forward Brandon Bass on a four-year deal believed to be worth $18 million.

That cements Gortat to the Mavs, too, I would imagine.

that cements the Pistons going into the season with one half-decent real bigman in Kwame Brown, Bass could have played some center, Max and Villa cant, plus RIP+ Gordon, smallball here we come! lets hire Don Nelson as next coach next offseason!

that cements the Pistons going into the season with one half-decent real bigman in Kwame Brown, Bass could have played some center, Max and Villa cant, plus RIP+ Gordon, smallball here we come! lets hire Don Nelson as next coach next offseason!

Although bass would have been nice considering he has the potential to be really solid over the next few years it certainly isn't the end of the world. Who cares if Kwame is currently the "best" option at center next season? The point isn't to compete in 2009/10. Now, if Kwame is still the best option in 2011 or 12 then that's trouble.

And you can't complain about going small ball with Rip and Gordon when you're also saying that bass could have played some at center. Bass playing center in the NBA is a team that plays small ball.

ESPN

Chicago Bulls prefer Jerryd Bayless of the Portland Trail Blazers in in 3-way trade talks including Utah Jazz - http://tinyurl.com/nsjlqs

Busiest first week in free agency I can remember in a while. Even the Hawks got in on the action. But no news on Marvin or Flip.

The Portland Trail Blazers have offered Utah Jazz free agent Paul Millsap a four-year contract worth between $32 million and $36 million, according to league sources.

The offer includes a hefty signing bonus that will make it difficult for Utah to match. The Jazz will be presented with the offer Saturday and have seven days to match because Millsap is a restricted free agent.


i'd be surprised if the Jazz match, i am sure...WE could have had Millsap for 8-9 per year...now he'd be a expensive backup for LMA

The Millsap contract must be consrtucted in such a way that the Jazz would have to pay heavy taxes next season if they match.

And yes, we could have done the same.

But we didn't.

If Joe didn't have a deal for a big man locked in and is just waiting for the "right" time to announce it this whole thing could blow up in his face.

A team with Kwame, Maxiell and Villa at C and PF is gonna get smashed. Even if Summers and Jonas can play some minutes at PF, and Max plays some at C (omg!) we're gonna get creamed on the boards and are gonna be dominated inside.

Come on Joe - surely he had a big man trade locked up before July 8th?

Jarrett Jack for 4/20 is pretty cheap as well as Channing Frye...

A front-loaded deal like that for Millsapp would have cost Joe a shot at another quality free agent.

Not to mention, if utah deals boozer, they are sure to match....

This might come as a bit of a surprise, but Millsapp is not a better player than Ben Gordon. He's arguably better all-around than V, but he's eating up more cap space too.

A front-loaded deal like that for Millsapp would have cost Joe a shot at another quality free agent.

Not to mention, if utah deals boozer, they are sure to match....

This might come as a bit of a surprise, but Millsapp is not a better player than Ben Gordon. He's arguably better all-around than V, but he's eating up more cap space too.

TRANSLATION

Joe D played it perfectly, as always!

No, I'm saying that playing it the other way would demonstrate a lack of common sense, and an incredible lack of foresight, something you seem to be very familiar with.

Even Portland, with all their cap space, is spending on Millsapp for the sake of spending it.

-First they wanted to throw it at Turkoglu.
-Second they wanted to work a sign-and-trade trade for Kirk Hinrich.
-Third they wanted to work a sign and-trade for Tayshaun Prince.
- Millsapp is Portland's plan D. HE WAS NOT THEIR FIRST, SECOND OR THIRD CHOICE.

Portland is looking to save some face by taking a gamble that Utah won't be able to unload Boozer. They are spending the money on Boozer because there's nobody left to spend it on, and at this point it doesn't matter anymore if their money is locked up for 7 days, because there isn't anybody left.

I'm not sure it's just for the sake of spending it. They could easily justify NOT spending it on anything big, if they extend Roy and Aldridge.

AFAICT, Portland's looking for a good SF. They couldn't buy what they were looking for, and I suspect the only palatable options Pritchard could trade for would want Przybilla in return.

when was portland going to trade for prince? didn't hear that one.

In the aforementioned 3-way deal where they would get prince, Utah would get cap space and scraps, and boozer would come to detroit. Dumars turned it down.

I still like the idea of a Prince for Przybilla/Fernandez swap.

If you recall, Joe tried to sign Przybilla back when he ended up settling for Nazr.

Kstat or Anyone - can you post a link of the rumour regarding Tayshaun to Portland, Boozer to Detroit and nothing to Utah?

I saw no such rumour and am amazed that Tay was offered for something as useless as Boozer.

A front-loaded deal like that for Millsapp would have cost Joe a shot at another quality free agent.

Not to mention, if utah deals boozer, they are sure to match....

This might come as a bit of a surprise, but Millsapp is not a better player than Ben Gordon. He's arguably better all-around than V, but he's eating up more cap space too.

How does a front loaded deal eat up more cap than a 5 year $55 mil deal?

Wouldn't Millsap's salary actually decrease over time, to compensate for the massive first year salary?

And if Millsap got a $10 mil starting salary how does that stop us from getting Villaneuva for the same $6.5-7 mil starting salary he signed for?

It takes us out of the running for Gordon, but looking at our current roster I think we have plenty of perimeter players.

Kstat or Anyone - can you post a link of the rumour regarding Tayshaun to Portland, Boozer to Detroit and nothing to Utah?

I saw no such rumour and am amazed that Tay was offered for something as useless as Boozer.
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/07/12/it8217s_time_to_cut_minutes/?page=3

I saw no such rumour and am amazed that Tay was offered for something as useless as Boozer.

Tay wasn't "offered.' Utah offered Boozer and Dumars said no. he did not OFFER Tayshaun to Portland.

I love how a young 20 & 10 guy is now considered "useless" by some Pistons fans.

Defensively, he's less than useless.

His rebounding would be nice, but this team needs a defensive big first. Boozer is a luxury.

Defensively, he's less than useless.

His rebounding would be nice, but this team needs a defensive big first. Boozer is a luxury.
Maybe Charlie should have been the luxury?

Charlie has a much better chance to become a defensive presence than Boozer. He also doesn't have the lingering character and toughness concerns. He also doesn't have a 1-year contract.

We needed a starting PF, so that's not a luxury. Using valuable assets on another one would be.

Not to mention, after all that V is also a lot cheaper.

He's not useless by any means. I don't think he's what we need right now, being an undersized (height-wise) PF which keeps him from blocking shots when we need a C that can defend the rim IMO. He'd be an upgrade over what we have at C for sure, though, and if we got him on a 1 year rental I wouldn't be upset. The main problem I'd have is that we'd be giving away a talent like Rip or Tayshaun for a one year rental, unless we somehow got a team with space involved and only moved some of our complimentary pieces.

I just didn't want Boozer to a big contract. He has injury problems. He's played under 50 games twice in the last 4 seasons. If we were getting him for almost nothing, it'd be huge.

He's far from useless defensively. I agree that I think we need a shot-blocker and weakside defender type, but Boozer can definitely hold his own in the post. He's got the size and strength to keep his guy off the block. He just isn't going to block the shot. Plus, his rebounding is fantastic. He can use his strength to force a bad shot and gather the board.

We've been clamoring for a dominant low post scorer for years now, and he was there for the taking, with very low risk.

You can always add defensive role players around him.

He's far from useless defensively. I agree that I think we need a shot-blocker and weakside defender type, but Boozer can definitely hold his own in the post. He's got the size and strength to keep his guy off the block. He just isn't going to block the shot. Plus, his rebounding is fantastic. He can use his strength to force a bad shot and gather the board.

Ok, yeah....apparently you haven't watched Boozer play much, except when its against the Pistons....

He's one of the worst starting defensive bigs in the NBA. That's not an exaggeration. Utah gets lit up in the playoffs every year because he can't guard anybody with skill.





I just didn't want Boozer to a big contract. He has injury problems. He's played under 50 games twice in the last 4 seasons. If we were getting him for almost nothing, it'd be huge.
This is the only thing I agree with.

Unfortunately, Tayshaun Prince is not "almost nothing."

If we can trade Kwame for him or something, then sure I'm all in.

We've been clamoring for a dominant low post scorer for years now, and he was there for the taking, with very low risk.


...the low risk being, dealing away our last elite defensive player for a 1-year rental?


You can always add defensive role players around him.

Funny, because we're having trouble finding good defensive players WITHOUT him...

LOL @ "elite"

Come on, man.

If Boozer doesn't pan out, you can easily try again next year with $10m+ in cap room and possibly a lottery pick.

I love Rip, but just like Billups, the second he got that contract extension, he's a liability from a payroll standpoint.

Is Tayshaun worth nearly $22m over the next two years?

This team needs to be blown up. We need to try to get a superstar at almost all costs.

If you find someone willing to give you someone that might be that guy for a fair price, you have to consider it seriously.

Tayshaun as an expiring contract would seem to be a pretty valuable thing in the future.

1. Nowhere has it been written that we were offered boozer for rip.

2. Yes, Tayshaun is worth that much if the right pieces get put around him. I will say this: He's worth more than a rent-a-Boozer.

3. The team has been blown up. There are TWO guys remaining from our last finals trip, and I'd expect one to get dealt before the season starts.

4. Boozer is not a superstar, and I'm only interested in dealing tayshaun for a future piece, which Boozer is not. There's a great chance he'd bolt next summer for miami, and no guarentee you'd be able to repalce him with the lowered cap.

Tayshaun as an expiring contract would seem to be a pretty valuable thing in the future.


Then maybe he is worth $22m over the next two years.

But Joe better do a better job with that King's crown in two years than he did this time.

I don't see how he could have done better. He got the two best young players on the market that were there to be had.

The sense of entitlement is staggering. It's like talking to Laker fans.

Rebounding is part of defense, and he does this very well. He can hold his position in the post but he can't do anything to contest the shot. He has to get on his man before he gets position, otherwise he's screwed. He's not the worst in the league or useless, but he's definitely not considered good or solid. You'd want a good weakside defender next to him, which is what we already need at this point. That's why I say he's a bad fit. He's better than what we have though.

Rebounding is a small part of defense, especially when your man shoots %80 on you and there's nothing to rebound.

Again, try watching a jazz game that doesnt involve the Pistons. Every team they play goes straight at boozer every play until he gets help.

I don't see how he could have done better. He got the two best young players on the market that were there to be had.

The sense of entitlement is staggering. It's like talking to Laker fans.
I definitely can see how he could have done better. I think we all can see it. If he moves Rip for a solid defensive C, then I'll say he may have done the best he could. Otherwise, he could have done better.

Rebounding is a small part of defense, especially when your man shoots %80 on you and there's nothing to rebound.

AGain, try watching a jazz game that doesnt involve the Pistons.
I didn't say it was a big part, just that it was a part. I didn't say he was a good defender, just that he wasn't useless.

I'm talking free agency wise.

No post scoring.

None.

no post defense either.

None.

But lets deal Tayshaun for him, that way we won't have any defense in the post OR on the perimeter....

FA-wise, if he overpays for Gordon and keeps Rip, he could have done better. He used up all of our FA money and left a glaring hole at center. That hole does relate to free agency.

still not sure he overpaid for Gordon. We'll never know because chicago couldn't match the offer without crushing themselves under the LT, and didn't make one.

He was the best offensive player on the market. We were a terrible, terrible offensive team last year.

Again, if rip or someone isnt dealt for a center, then fine. But right now Joe set himself up to make more moves to help the team.

no post defense either.

None.

But lets deal Tayshaun for him, that way we won't have any defense in the post OR on the perimeter....

Kwame is a post defender. Max can even get after it a bit.

and he still would be our best post defender if we had boozer. That's sad.

We have one established defensive presence on this team. If we're going to deal him, it had better be for another.

I'm talking free agency wise.

The cap room could have been used to make trades. It's not restricted to free agency.

But you know this.

Yeah, but what trades?

What cap deals were out there that were made that we missed out on?

Richard Jefferson? Shaq? Vince Carter? Come on.

So if you or I don't know about them, they're not possible?

I'm simply going under innocent until proven guilty.

All the cost cutting deals made so far have been ones that Joe wouldnt have had any business making.

This would be a good place for Hermy's reaction to the offseason so far.

All the cost cutting deals made so far have been ones that Joe wouldnt have had any business making.

If there were more teams with cap room and the willingness to take on salary/years in play, I would almost guarantee you that we'd see at least one or two more blockbusters before the season starts. We still might.

We had the fucking catbird seat, and it's looking like he blew it to me.

I realize that we needed 3pt shooting and consistent offense, but we have 3 scoring guards already and now a guy on the bench that will almost be making more than all of them combined.

The roster is badly out of balance (from a talent perspective) and he better fix it or the lottery is inevitable.

IMO.

but we have 3 scoring guards already and now a guy on the bench that will almost be making more than all of them combined.

Ahem.....

Stuckey is a PG!

That is all.

The Magic just matched on Gortat!

:hollinger:


By matching the offer, Magic also can't trade Gortat for the next year without his approval, and can't trade him to Dallas at all.

wow. did not see that coming. he might not be happy about it, but magic fans should be. they added bass and kept gortat this offseason. their frontcourt is in a lot better shape now.

Ahh, now is a great time for us to get Gortat if we are interested and I assume he would be as well since we have no one else to start. Actually Brandon Bass is probably pissed since there go some of his frontcourt minutes.

A Tayshaun and a future lotto protected first and Gortat and Pietrus with VC back at SG?

Now this sounds like good GMming to me:

What if Orlando's GM planned to match all along, but used the time/faking that they weren't going to resign to make sure he got Bass first? If so, that was a brilliant play since it would have been harder to lure Bass IMO if everyone knew they were going to match Gortat.

Ahh, now is a great time for us to get Gortat if we are interested and I assume he would be as well since we have no one else to start. Actually Brandon Bass is probably pissed since there go some of his frontcourt minutes.
Wouldn't Rashard play SF?

atleast bass won't have to play the 5 now

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP)—Anthony Parker’s(notes) fondest basketball memories came overseas, where he won three Euroleague championships and twice was named league MVP.

After signing Monday with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Parker believes he has a legitimate shot at winning his first NBA title.

“For me it’s always about who really saw me fitting in with what they’re trying to do,” Parker said. “Cleveland has been that team from the beginning. They showed the most interest and pursued me the hardest. It just so happens they’re also a team that’s contending, which is even better. It was a fit all the way through.”

Parker, 34, signed a two-year deal worth about $6 million. He averaged 10.7 points and 3.4 assists in 80 games for the Toronto Raptors last season. At 6-foot-6, he provides the type of length the Cavaliers have been searching for in a perimeter defender.

according to yahoo

also


The Los Angeles Clippers are in "very serious" contract talks with free-agent guard Allen Iverson(notes), the Los Angeles Times reported on Monday.

Iverson is seeking the team's $5.8 million mid-level salary-cap exception, the newspaper reported.

The Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats reportedly have also shown interest in Iverson.

Iverson, 34, averaged 17.5 points while splitting last season between the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons. He bristled at accepting a reserve role with the Pistons, and was not with the team during its first-round playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.


which is a worse fit, the clippers or heat?

heat. because shot selection might actually matter from time to time.

The Bulls re-signed Lindsey.

Anyone heard anything about his FBI investigation?

Could you imagine an AI/Wade backcourt? That seems like a disaster.

Why would Washington make an offer to Oberto? They already have Haywood, McGee, and Blatche. Maybe they think the latter two are not ready to play? Maybe a move on the horizon?

Blatche is very inconsistent and is probably better at the 4 backing up Jamison IMO, so they could use a bit more depth.

Plus, Haywood is never a sure bet to stay healthy for 82 games and McGee is still raw.

Blatche started about 30 games for them at C last year, didn't he? McGee is definitely still raw and having a vet backup is never a bad thing. Would this open up the possibility of a Haywood trade?

Haywood's been pretty reliable injury-wise until last year when he had wrist surgery. He played 62 his rookie year and 68 in '04-'05. Otherwise he's averaged 79 games per season.

wow. did not see that coming. he might not be happy about it, but magic fans should be. they added bass and kept gortat this offseason. their frontcourt is in a lot better shape now.

Agreed.

It also has us competing with the Mavs for a center now, somthing that is not all that appealing.

They have their full MLE to work with again.

Childress is going back to Olympiakos, whom is also interested in Ramon Sessions.

Washington is also in tax level, so they must really feel they need Oberto to pay him double his salary.

The Bulls just bought out Tim Thomas.

Maybe Joe can sign Tim Thomas to play PF?

We can start Villa, Thomas, Prince, Rip and Stuckey.

With Gordon off the bench we'll be dyNOmite!

That's a sick line-up...

or maybe it would make me sick(er)

Maybe Tim Thomas's next team is where he puts it all together.

another 3pt shooting big...come on board!!

Why the green? It'll be sweet.

Villa in the post, to Prince on the elbow, switches to Rip at the top.

Rip creates off the dribble and drives the lane before dishing to a cutting Thomas who turns and fires a pass to Stuckey behind the 3 point line and it's 1, 2, 3 Bombs Away for Hot Rod!

That's the Play of the Day Baybay

FREE AGENCY: Stackhouse won't play for Pistons

Jerry Stackhouse | Grizzlies (http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem)
Jerry Stackhouse (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=802) would like to return to Detroit, but the Pistons have no interest in signing him. "Hey, I would have loved going back to Detroit," Stackhouse told The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/article/20090715/SPORTS0102/907150371/1127/sports0102/No-return-trip-for-Jerry-Stackhouse) on Tuesday. "But I don't think they were interested. They are moving in a different direction. They wanted younger. You know I had a list of teams who were interested in me and I was hoping Detroit would be one of them, but they are more in position to want to bring in the young guys and let them play rather than contending."


He's right they wouldn't consider him. Then again, the plan seems to be loading up on guards lately...

Wait, if we have Prince (40%), Rip (37%), Villa (35%) and Thomas (41%) all touching the ball in that possession, why is Stuckey (29%) shooting the 3? He's the only one in that group that WOULDN'T take the open 3, haha.

Villa in the post?

Rip off the dribble?

Thomas cutting?

This is fantastic stuff. I'm glad you gave me a laugh before logging off. The only part of that post that could have been serious was Tay at the elbow.

Stackhouse did play C in high school and PF in college.

He's right they wouldn't consider him. Then again, the plan seems to be loading up on guards lately...
He could backup PG. He's always had such a great handle.

Wait, if we have Prince (40%), Rip (37%), Villa (35%) and Thomas (41%) all touching the ball in that possession, why is Stuckey (29%) shooting the 3? He's the only one in that group that WOULDN'T take the open 3, haha.

Villa in the post?

Rip off the dribble?

Thomas cutting?

This is fantastic stuff. I'm glad you gave me a laugh before logging off. The only part of that post that could have been serious was Tay at the elbow.

I really need to remember the green text

I really need to remember the green text
I knew it was sarcasm. I was actually saying it was a good joke.

:sas:


NBA Free Agency Round-Up

What’s up everybody! It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, mainly because I’ve been busy setting a new career path, enjoying my personal life, ofcourse, and focusing on my Podcast, which I thoroughly enjoy doing. In fact, I plan on Videocasting in the very near future, so stay tuned.

Although I’ve got a bunch of stuff I’d like to write about – Michael Jackson, Barack Obama, General Motors, Allen Iverson – everyone’s been asking me about free agency. As a result, if for no other reason than to avoid having to tweet about this every hour of the day – I’m just going to go and focus on a chunk of the NBA so everyone will know what’s going. And…what impact I expect moves and non-moves to have.

Take a look:

Please spare me with all this talk about Allen Iverson and the LA Clippers. That’s a pure disaster waiting to happen, and even Iverson, himself, knows as much. Don’t get me wrong: I totally understand why the Clippers would want Iverson. Forget the fact that he’s not a mix for this young squad, and that Iverson paired with Baron Davis will almost ensure that rookie Blake Griffin never sees the ball, especially with Mike Dunleavy as their coach. Concentrate, instead, on the Clippers needing someone – anyone — with box-office appeal. Especially since the reigning NBA Champions happen to share the same building with them.

Still, that doesn’t explain Iverson’s interest. Perhaps $$$ explain it best. More specifically, the perceived leverage any interest from the Clippers would automatically have, possibly provoking the Miami Heat to get with the program and bring “The Answer” to South Beach – which is exactly where both he and D-Wade would love for him to end up.

As for Lamar Odom, I’ve got to admit that my first inclination upon hearing that he hadn’t reached an agreement with the Lakers was to say, “To Hell with Odom!” I mean, considering his lack of consistency, his apparent lackadaisical approach and his penchant for skittles and twizzlers (which he stupidly allowed to be featured on ABC/ESPN….in a contract year, no less), Odom wasn’t a bout to get any sympathy this way.
That is, of course, until I learned that he had already agreed on a per-year salary ($9 mil) with the Lakers, but debated the numbers of years being offered, ostensibly infuriating Lakers’ owner Dr. Jerry Buss, who yanked the offer off the table.
To me, that’s just a sleazy thing for Buss to do. It’s also the latest excuse for him to use before dismantling something that wasn’t broken, just as he did with Shaq years earlier.
Say what you want about Odom, but his talent is still difficult to match. His length makes the Lakers a very formidable frontline to contend with. Odom had already agreed to a $5-mil per year pay cut and, oh, they are the World Champions.
I could easily spend significant time scratching my head, wondering what Buss is doing, yet again. But I have a better question:

Since the Lakers already lost Ariza and may lose Odom, leaving them dependent on the sporadic Andrew Bynum, I’m wondering what Kobe has to say about all of this???

A few more teams to touch on:

Boston: With the acquisition of Rasheed Wallace, the Celtics have emerged as the team to beat, in my eyes. They still have Kendrick Perkins. KG will return healthy. They’re motivated, experienced and blessed with true leadership from multiple sources, coach Doc Rivers included. And in Wallace, they captured the two ingredients Rivers said they needed most: A veteran and a shooter.
Result: From my eyes, the only thing that can stop Boston is if Andrew Bynum suddenly becomes significant for the Lakers in the postseason. Aside from that, the Celtics can’t be stopped, much to the chagrin of newly acquired Cavs’ center, Shaquille O’Neal – who called me to ask “What the Hell is Wrong with you, Stephen A!”???

Cleveland: The Cavs acquired Shaq. Good for them. They’re better, which means this could be their year. But we said the same thing last season – when they still had size on their frontline – only to learn their miniature three-some (Mo Williams, Delonte West and Daniel Gibson) were no match for the sizeable shooters Orlando had in their arsenal. Shaq does not help that cause.
Result: Cleveland should’ve gotten their hands on Shawn Marion , too. They allowed Dallas to do so, instead. And that’s why I believe the conference finals is where it will end for them again. Before both Shaq AND LeBron leave for New York.
(Note: That’s Right! I said it, Damnit!)

Orlando: Picking up Vince Carter was huge. But picking up former Mavs’ forward, the tough and athletic Brandon Bass, may have been even bigger. Dwight Howard desperately needed some toughness alongside him on the Magic’ frontline and that’s exactly what he pulled off.
Still though, losing Courtney Lee and Hedo Turkoglu is something I question.
Result: Orlando is still good enough to beat Cleveland again, although that may not happen. They won’t beat Boston with this roster, though.

Others: Detroit’s better with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, but not significant in the championship picture. The same could be said for Atlanta, who improved by acquiring Jamal Crawford but inexplicably signed an aging and no-defense-playing Mike Bibby to $18 mil over 3 years. No one else in the East really matters to me. That includes Miami…unless they get Allen Iverson. If that happens, it’ll take one of the big three to knock off Miami.

San Antonio: They still have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. And after suffering without a healthy Manu Ginobili the last two years, they acquired Richard Jefferson for big-time insurance.
Result: They’re the second-best team in the West, easily, with a healthy Manu. But still are a frontline player short from knocking off LA. If the Spurs get that, things could get very interesting, but they don’t have it yet. Sorry.

Utah: They had better match that four-year, $32-mil offer sheet from Portland for Paul Millsap. If not, they’ve got to pray Carlos Boozer will stay healthy. This is a good solid team. Re-signing Mehmet Okur was good, too.
Result: It’s too bad that Kirilenko hasn’t panned out to be more that we expected. This is a tough team, but only at home. They’re close to nothing on the road. And all you’re left to do is feel sorry for Deron Williams, the second-best PG in the NBA, as far as I’m concerned.

New Orleans: The only reason I’m mentioning them is because of Chris Paul, the game’s best PG. That’s all. Tyson Chandler has to get healthy. David West and the rest of his crew needs to show a pulse
Result: Not much. Paul keeps them competitive, but they seem like one-year wonders right now.

Denver: The Nuggets are legit. They’re a piece – a Marcus Camby-type away – from being potential champions. Everything else is in place.
Result: They would be in the Finals if the Lakers weren’t around. But they are. Enough said.

Dallas: The Mavs are what they are. Solid. Well coached by Rick Carlisle. Blessed with deep-pocket ownership in Mark Cuban. And it all means nothing.
Result: That they acquired Shawn Marion is decent, but he’s not the difference maker. They need a legitimate big man. Marcin Gortat is solid, although certainly not THE answer, but anything – and I do mean ANYTHING…..outside of K-W-A-M-E Brown – is an upgrade from Erick Dampier.
Too bad the Magic agreed to match that offer sheet Dall as extended to Gortat. Now the Mavs are back to square one.

Portland will be trouble if Utah isn’t able to match their offer for Millsap. Houston’s done…but McGrady is still a story to watch, since he’ll play EVENTUALLY for a new contract before the season expires.
If someone else is worth mentioning, forgive me, but I can’t figure it out.

I’ll wrap to you folks later. Take care.

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
by Stephen A.

Man, this is horrible and SAS is my guy.

I like the K-W-A-M-E crack, though.

The Jazz matched the offer sheet on Millsap.

Jazz elect to keep Millsap

By Chris Broussard
ESPN.com
Archive

The Utah Jazz will match the four-year, $32 million offer the Portland Trail Blazers tendered their restricted free agent Paul Millsap, the team posted on its Web site and a league source confirmed to ESPN.com Thursday evening.

Under the terms of the contract, the Jazz, which stated all summer that it would match any offer Millsap received, will have to pay the 24-year-old forward $10.3 million this weekend. Portland had front-loaded the contract to discourage Utah from matching.

A formal announcement was scheduled for Friday, the last day Utah can match the Portland offer.

Utah's decision is likely the set in motion a string of moves by both teams. The Jazz, who's payroll will balloon to roughly $84 million, will continue trying to trade all-star forward Carlos Boozer. If the Jazz don't move Boozer before next season's February trade deadline, they will have to pay a luxury tax of nearly $15 million.

The team recently told Boozer, who will make $12.7 million this season, that he is not in its long-term plans, and Boozer responded by telling the Jazz to trade him. Chicago, Miami and New York are among the most interested teams.

Before the Blazers made their offer to Millsap, the club was in preliminary talks with Utah and Chicago about a three-team trade that would send Boozer to the Bulls, Chicago point guard Kirk Hinrich to Portland and Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas to the Jazz. Now that Portland recoups the roughly $8 million in salary cap space it used to make the offer to Millsap, those trade talks could be revisited.

The Blazers could also decide to go after Los Angeles Lakers' forward Lamar Odom. Negotiations between Odom and the Lakers have stalled, as Los Angeles recently took its three-year, $27 million offer off the table.

Portland has showed little interest in Odom to this point, a fact that baffles several executives around the league, but after coming up short in its attempts to add Hedo Turkoglu and now Millsap, perhaps the Blazers will set their sights on Odom. Not only would such a move strengthen Portland but it also would weaken the defending champion Lakers.

I can't imagine why Portland wouldn't chase Lamar Odom now. If they don't, then I assume Prince will be their next target.

I could see Portland looking at Odom and thinking "weed smoking Jailblazer".

Surprise, they matched on Millsap. Everyone knew that was coming. Now they'll just be trying extra-hard to move Boozer for cap relief.

Has Odom ever been busted for weed? I thought he was addicted to sugary snacks. He just had a $9m per year offer pulled off the table by LA. Maybe that motivates him to go to one of their rivals. I think the Blazers with Odom would give the Lakers a serious run for their money.

Does this reduce the asking price for Boozer now?

I'd still do RIP for Boozer and Brewer. Brewer would be a great backup wing.

Sure, we'd be a little undersized for a year, big deal. Kwame would just play against bigger centers.

It shaves 3.8 mil off their roster too, which gets them down to the tax level.

I think the asking price for Boozer is more about Utah saving money, which is why I think our best bet is the Portland/Utah three-way. If we could get Boozer and a young piece or two from Portland, I would be thrilled. We would still need a center, but if we can shed Max's salary, then we could participate in the 2010 max free agent sweepstakes without having given up too much in the process. I'm hoping Rudy F is still pissed off at Portland for trying to sign Hedo.

Yeah, but we're much better off sending RIP than Tay on our end.

Memphis has lots of space, and they could use RIP (if they feel Mayo is a PG long term). If all Utah wants is salary space they would be a good fit.

I think Memphis liked Conley's improvement over the year and want to see if Conley, Mayo can develop together. I'd prefer to send off Rip over Tay, but I would probably trade Tay straight up for Outlaw and one of Fernandez/Bayless, so if you throw Boozer in the mix I really think it's a no-brainer. That said, adding another guard like Bayless or Fernandez to the mix makes the backcourt even more crowded. We'd need to plan on moving Rip in another trade somehow.

Has Odom ever been busted for weed? I thought he was addicted to sugary snacks.
He was suspended for marijuana use back when he was with the Clips.

I'm sure he's done some growing up since then, but I could believe he comes across as a character issue if not managed well.

He's actually got a really good rep around the league right now, AFAIcT.

I've read in several places that he's "one of the good guys" in the league, kind of how they refer to Dice.

Lamar is in great shape. I wonder how got his calves looking so nice.

Maybe he has calf implants, RP.

Sounds like Odom is going to go back to Miami. Riley says that the Heat's offfer is equal to the Lakers when you factor in state income taxes (or lack thereof) and they are willing to give him the # of years that he wants.

So do they get Boozer now, too? And where does Beasley play?

Beasley is a 3/4 correct? So he and Odom share time at both spots? If they like Beasley more at 3, then they play Odom more at 4. I think if they got Boozer, Odom may be the 6th man, since he's embraced that role in the past and Beasley may not be mature enough to accept it.

Seems like they'd have a log jam at the 4 if they got Boozer. Beasley can play there, Odom will play there, Haslem, JO.

If they got Boozer, one of those guys, likely Haslem, would be outbound.

Haslem would be outbound in any boozer deal, yes.

Marc Stein
Could Heat make sense (Latest NBA Chatter) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=Chatter-090716) "If the Jazz can't complete a three-team deal involving one of the few teams possessing cap space when they ultimately move Boozer, they'll either be trying to work with a team that has a good-sized trade exception (Miami, New Jersey and Denver all qualify) or looking for a conventional trade that includes a contract like those possessed by Sasha Pavlovic or Greg Buckner. Only $1.5 million of Pavlovic's $5 million contract next season is guaranteed. Only $1 million of Buckner's $4.1 million deal is owed, with the stipulation that he be waived Nov. 30."

With Buckner's deal is, does that mean he absolutely has to be waived on the 30th for it to be non-guaranteed, or that he has to be waived before the 30th?

With Buckner's deal is, does that mean he absolutely has to be waived on the 30th for it to be non-guaranteed, or that he has to be waived before the 30th?

Before the 30th.

The Heat, who traded Odom to the Lakers five years ago in the trade that brought Shaquille O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=614) to South Florida, have made Odom a firm offer to return, according to The Associated Press. The offer is believed to be a five-year package worth around $35 million, the AP reported.

My boy Earl Watson just got bought out and is now a FA

That must be why we bought out Afflalo

I'd welcome Watson if we moved Bynum in a RIP for big man deal.

Of course you would, you'd be silly not to.

He's a really good #2 PG, especially defensively, but he can really run an offense, too

He'd actually be a good pickup for us if Rip got dealt for a center, too, with Stuckey getting more time at the 2

:chad:


Look for Earl Watson to land in Indy after he clears waivers re a source close to Watson

Hate this.

The Magic are close to signing CJ Watson to an offer sheet.

Marquis Daniels to the Celtics...

I heard Matt Barnes and the Magic are close on a deal...all the good team are still trying to make their team wayyy better

I'd be more than happy to see Watson here, but it's not happening even if we moved Bynum. The trade would probably eat up our cap space and we wouldn't have enough left to sign him.