DET/HOU/UTA

[Zekyl]

Joe may be wise to move him. I like RIP, but he'll probably opt next year. Otherwise he hits the market with Lebron, Wade, Bosh and the rest of that class.

That part could be key. Would you want to go for your big money against those guys?

[Glenn]

That part could be key. Would you want to go for your big money against those guys?

If there are 10-12 teams with big cap room, they can't all sign those 3 guys.

[Zekyl]

There's more than those 3 guys in that free agent class. Isn't it supposed to be the big one with a bunch of big names? Not just 3. And are there really going to be THAT many teams with a ton of cap room?

[WTFchris]

If there are 10-12 teams with big cap room, they can't all sign those 3 guys.

10-12 teams with space (projected) now does not mean they'll still have it. Not when Boozer, Marion, Sheed and a host of other players will be out there next year. Would you wait for Lebron and pass up siging Boozer if you are a team with space next year? Not unless you were very near the top of Lebron's list.

[Glenn]

Actually, I missed Chris'/Zekyl's point, they appear to be saying that it is MORE likely that Rip opts out next summer ('09) because if he doesn't, he'll be on the market at the same time as the LeBron, Wade, etc class of '10.

That is indeed an excellent point.

[WTFchris]

yes, that was my point. Thanks for the pat on the back.

[Fool]

When was "maybe he'll opt out" ever the issue? What all-star doesn't opt out early of their soon to be ending contract to get another long term contract secured as soon as possible?

Ron Artest, that's who.

[Glenn]

And Shawn Marion to name another.

But I see what you are doing here.