McDonald: Spurs at front of line for Maggette

[Marcus Bryant]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA070408_SpursMaggette.en.1f4e7bd9.html

NBA: Spurs at front of line for Maggette

Web Posted: 07/04/2008 12:59 AM CDT

Jeff McDonald
[email protected]

Three days into the NBA’s free agency period, Corey Maggette is still talking to teams and weighing his options. It appears the free-agent swingman is heading into the holiday weekend a little bit closer to becoming a Spur than he was before the week began.

A source close to the negotiations said Thursday that, though no deal is imminent, talks between the Spurs and Maggette are serious and the interest is mutual.

The Spurs are believed to have offered Maggette a multi-year deal, starting with their $5.8 million mid-level exception. Maggette became an unrestricted free agent this week when he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Meanwhile, published reports out of Orlando suggest the team perceived to be the Spurs’ stiffest competition for Maggette might be near dropping out of the race altogether.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic are formalizing a contract offer for free-agent point guard Chris Duhon, perhaps by the end of the week. In that event, Orlando would be all but forced to abandon courtship of Maggette.

The Spurs’ most significant challenger for Maggette’s services might now be the new NBA champions.

The Boston Celtics have made an offer to Maggette as well, one he told the Boston Globe on Thursday he is seriously considering. The most the Celtics could offer Maggette is the mid-level exception, same as the Spurs.

Looming over all of this is the question of what happens with Elton Brand.

Brand, like Maggette, opted out of his Clippers contract this week, ostensibly to re-sign at a bargain and allow Los Angeles to nab Baron Davis. But now Brand is pondering an offer worth an estimated $90 million over five years from Golden State.

If he rejects the Warriors’ offer, Golden State could use its ample cap space to make a run at Maggette. Maggette might wait until Brand makes his decision before making up his own mind.

Under NBA rules, teams cannot sign free agents until Wednesday, but they can elicit oral commitments before then.

The Spurs’ ongoing pursuit of Maggette could affect what happens with a pair of their own unrestricted free agents — Brent Barry and Michael Finley, who split time at the same position Maggette might soon occupy.

Since opting out of his contract on Monday night, Barry has talked to Houston, Phoenix and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the Spurs.

The Spurs have also expressed interest in bringing back Finley, but his agent, Henry Thomas, says talks have not gone much further than that.

Though Finley’s preference is to remain in San Antonio, where he has spent the past three seasons, Thomas said he expects to field inquiries from other teams.

“We’ll be talking to other teams,” Thomas said. “I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if we didn’t.”

As Maggette mulls his options, the Spurs continue to look at other free-agent possibilities.

They have inquired about Washington forward Roger Mason, Detroit guard Jarvis Hayes and Denver forward Eduardo Najera, none of whom are likely to command the full mid-level exception.

Denver guard J.R. Smith and Toronto guard Carlos Delfino remain possibilities as well. Both are restricted free agents, affording their current teams the right to match any offer they receive.

[Marcus Bryant]

I thought Delfino was a UFA?

[Marcus Bryant]

According to nba.com (http://www.nba.com/transactions/movement2008_index.html) and espn.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008freeagents) he's not.

ok, Toronto did extend him the QO (http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/calderondelfino_061908.html).

[angelbelow]

thats good news, after much thought, i really dont see maggette going to another team for the MLE, no other teams really make sense.

[angelbelow]

According to nba.com (http://www.nba.com/transactions/movement2008_index.html) and espn.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008freeagents) he's not.

ok, Toronto did extend him the QO (http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/calderondelfino_061908.html).

thats makes him a lot harder to get then, im sure for the LLE the raptors would love to match..

[Russ]

Three days into the NBA’s free agency period, Corey Maggette is still talking to teams and weighing his options. It appears the free-agent swingman is heading into the holiday weekend a little bit closer to becoming a Spur than he was before the week began.

As original Spurs' broadcaster Terry Stembridge would always say during a tense game - "Do we dare hope?" :flag:

[Marcus Bryant]

The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/07/02/celtics_extend_offer_to_maggette/) reported that an offer had been made. But...


A team source insisted no offer was made to the former Clippers swingman, though Danny Ainge reportedly has talked to a number of players, including Maggette, as he attempts to build a pool of candidates in the event his top priority - signing James Posey - falls through.

source (http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/2008_07_03_C_s_deny_Maggette_offer:_Wait_while_Pos ey_market_expands/srvc=home&position=recent)

[Marcus Bryant]

The Celtics do offer Maggette a shot at a ring, but not the minutes nor the starting spot. Though it does look they would have the cap flexibility in 2010 to be able to give Maggette a long term guaranteed deal, assuming Ray Allen retires or takes a smaller money deal. And they don't add anyone else between now and then. And Rondo doesn't cost much to retain. And they don't end up paying much to retain some other key parts of their supporting cast (ie Powe).

I'm assuming they make a run at Maggette only if Posey moves elsewhere.

[T Park]

Shoot me...

Cause its working out wayyyy too much.

[Russ]

[Denver guard J.R. Smith and Toronto guard Carlos Delfino remain possibilities as well. Both are restricted free agents, affording their current teams the right to match any offer they receive.[/B]

Whether Delfino is restricted or not makes a lot of difference in the way that reports of the Spurs' "offer" to him are interpreted.

Generally, an offer to a restricted free agent is only talked about after it is accepted -- thus narrowing the teams down to two and tying up the money for the waiting period.

The accounts of an "offer" to Delfino by the Spurs seemed much more iffy -- more like an offer to an unrestricted FA that had not yet been accepted.

[Marcus Bryant]

They have inquired about Washington forward Roger Mason, Detroit guard Jarvis Hayes and Denver forward Eduardo Najera, none of whom are likely to command the full mid-level exception.

Sounds like the Spurs are considering splitting their MLE if they miss out on Maggette. Of course, it's McDonald so it's probably just him speculating. I could see Najera getting most of the MLE, if not all, from someone.

[dastrey]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/image.php?u=5&dateline=1215022879

[T Park]

Fucking Celtics.

Go sign posey mfers.

[timvp]

Sounds about as positive as possible regarding Maggette. I really don't see how anyone could say Maggette could fit on the Celtics. How are Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Maggette going to split the swingman minutes? Coming off the bench is something I doubt Maggette wants if he's going to take only the MLE.

Spurs can offer Maggette a starting spot, as many shots during the regular season as he wants, plenty of minutes and the possibility to rip up his contract in two years and pay him more. The Celtics can't offer him any of that.

I still think it will come down to the team's with salary cap space. Maggette could love the Spurs this minute but if next minute Golden State comes calling with a deal that is significantly better, I don't see him turning it down. If Brand goes to the Warriors, Maggette would almost for sure either re-sign with the Clippers or get signed-and-traded somewhere. The Sixers, with their whole at shooting guard, could very well come calling if they fail at getting Josh Smith. Even the Grizzlies might come out of hibernation and want to take on Maggette if they thing they can woo him for a bargain price.

The Spurs are looking about as good as possible regarding Maggette but I still think it's a longshot. The Spurs will need the other teams with salary cap space to find money to spend elsewhere and then at that point, it'll come down to personal preference. Maggette could very well prefer the Spurs over any other team if everything is equal ... I don't have reason to doubt that.

[Blackjack]

A source close to the negotiations said Thursday that, though no deal is imminent, talks between the Spurs and Maggette are serious and the interest is mutual.

:tu

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic are formalizing a contract offer for free-agent point guard Chris Duhon, perhaps by the end of the week. In that event, Orlando would be all but forced to abandon courtship of Maggette.

Duhon sure would look good in a Magic uniform. :lol

The Boston Celtics have made an offer to Maggette as well, one he told the Boston Globe on Thursday he is seriously considering. The most the Celtics could offer Maggette is the mid-level exception, same as the Spurs.

Maybe I'm ignorant, but I just can't see him sacrificing both minutes and cash for Boston.

It's looking to me that if it comes down to playing for the MLE, Maggette will be in the black and silver next year.

I'm not convinced he'd be able to turn down the kind of jack G.S/Philly could potentially offer him, but I'm starting to feel a little more optimistic.

[T Park]

God, COME ON. JUST GO FOR IT COREY!!!!

[Marcus Bryant]

Spurs need Brand to re-up with the Clippers and Philly to land Smith. I think Brand ends up back with the Clippers. It looks like he and Davis opted out so they could end up on the same team. The Warriors have thrown a monkey wrench in the works with their large offer to Brand, but my guess is that in the end, the Clippers will up their offer to Brand. This is more key than what happens with the Sixers, since a Maggette free to re-sign or be sign and traded by the Clippers creates about 20 suitors for him. Should Brand stay with the Clippers then you will have 3, at most.

I don't see the Warriors making an offer to Maggette. Maybe they do just to get some talent out of free agency, but they are already kinda stocked with talent at the swingman positions. Perhaps they make a run at Smith if they lose out on Brand. That would make a lot of sense. Also, Maggette would be more of a piece if they were a playoff contender, but I think that's no longer the case with Davis leaving.

It will be interesting to see what the Sixers do if they lose out on Smith. What would really suck is if they made a run at, oh, say both Maggette and Thomas with their cap room. The Spurs could blow that up by offering Thomas more using his Bird Rights. Then, of course, the Sixers may end up being content to land Maggette and soldier on. Maybe they make a run at Biendrins if they really want a big out of free agency.

Would the Sixers prefer to go after UFA Maggette or RFA JR Smith? They're going after a RFA now, though he's obviously preferable to both Maggette and Smith.

As for the Grizz, perhaps they are being opportunistic and waiting to see how the top 3 free agents shake out before stepping in to the free agent pool. I'm not sure. I haven't really seen anything about them actively contacting greater than MLE worthy free agents. Given their situation and the draft night trade they made they seem to be all about paring down payroll and going with a young crew. If they were to get active, I would think that JR Smith would make more sense for them.

[T Park]

Can't just once, the FA gods look down and smile on the Spurs.

[Marcus Bryant]

Things look about as good as the Spurs could hope for at this point. They had no chance with Maggette free to pull off a S&T with anyone in the league. Now he's got 3 possibilities, one of which seems unlikely (Memphis), another which doesn't really need him (Golden State), and the last (Sixers) which could use him but who is doggedly pursuing a power forward RFA with all of their cap room.

[timvp]

The Spurs have also expressed interest in bringing back Finley:shootme

Hopefully the Spurs are just being nice to Finley at this point in case everything else doesn't work out. If the Spurs sign Maggette, I fail to see the point of Finley. Even if Maggette isn't signed, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Finley makes sense.

Unless Finley agrees to a Steve Smith in '03 type role, him being on the team next year would likely lead to disaster.

[T Park]

Things look about as good as the Spurs could hope for at this point. They had no chance with Maggette free to pull off a S&T with anyone in the league. Now he's got 3 possibilities, one of which seems unlikely (Memphis), another which doesn't really need him (Golden State), and the last (Sixers) which could use him but who is doggedly pursuing a power forward RFA with all of their cap room.

I notice you didn't put Boston there.

[Marcus Bryant]

Neither Brand nor his agent David Falk could be reached for comment Thursday. Brand is not expected to reach a decision until after the holiday and the Clippers and Falk did not discuss the offer Thursday, according to the sources.

source (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers4-2008jul04,0,3694098.story)

Great. This thing may drag on through the weekend.

[John_C]

I like Finley but I think it's just way past his time now. Even if we don't get Magette, I'd rather hope to keep Barry than the Fin.

[Blackjack]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA070408_SpursMaggette.en.1f4e7bd9.html

NBA: Spurs at front of line for Maggette

Web Posted: 07/04/2008 12:59 AM CDT

Jeff McDonald
[email protected]

Three days into the NBA’s free agency period, Corey Maggette is still talking to teams and weighing his options. It appears the free-agent swingman is heading into the holiday weekend a little bit closer to becoming a Spur than he was before the week began.


A source close to the negotiations said Thursday that, though no deal is imminent, talks between the Spurs and Maggette are serious and the interest is mutual.

The Spurs are believed to have offered Maggette a multi-year deal, starting with their $5.8 million mid-level exception. Maggette became an unrestricted free agent this week when he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Meanwhile, published reports out of Orlando suggest the team perceived to be the Spurs’ stiffest competition for Maggette might be near dropping out of the race altogether.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic are formalizing a contract offer for free-agent point guard Chris Duhon, perhaps by the end of the week. In that event, Orlando would be all but forced to abandon courtship of Maggette.

The Spurs’ most significant challenger for Maggette’s services might now be the new NBA champions.

The Boston Celtics have made an offer to Maggette as well, one he told the Boston Globe on Thursday he is seriously considering. The most the Celtics could offer Maggette is the mid-level exception, same as the Spurs.

Looming over all of this is the question of what happens with Elton Brand.

Brand, like Maggette, opted out of his Clippers contract this week, ostensibly to re-sign at a bargain and allow Los Angeles to nab Baron Davis. But now Brand is pondering an offer worth an estimated $90 million over five years from Golden State.

If he rejects the Warriors’ offer, Golden State could use its ample cap space to make a run at Maggette. Maggette might wait until Brand makes his decision before making up his own mind.

Under NBA rules, teams cannot sign free agents until Wednesday, but they can elicit oral commitments before then.

The Spurs’ ongoing pursuit of Maggette could affect what happens with a pair of their own unrestricted free agents — Brent Barry and Michael Finley, who split time at the same position Maggette might soon occupy.

Since opting out of his contract on Monday night, Barry has talked to Houston, Phoenix and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the Spurs.

The Spurs have also expressed interest in bringing back Finley, but his agent, Henry Thomas, says talks have not gone much further than that.

Though Finley’s preference is to remain in San Antonio, where he has spent the past three seasons, Thomas said he expects to field inquiries from other teams.

“We’ll be talking to other teams,” Thomas said. “I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if we didn’t.”

As Maggette mulls his options, the Spurs continue to look at other free-agent possibilities.

They have inquired about Washington forward Roger Mason, Detroit guard Jarvis Hayes and Denver forward Eduardo Najera, none of whom are likely to command the full mid-level exception.

Denver guard J.R. Smith and Toronto guard Carlos Delfino remain possibilities as well. Both are restricted free agents, affording their current teams the right to match any offer they receive.


Things look about as good as the Spurs could hope for at this point. They had no chance with Maggette free to pull off a S&T with anyone in the league. Now he's got 3 possibilities, one of which seems unlikely (Memphis), another which doesn't really need him (Golden State), and the last (Sixers) which could use him but who is doggedly pursuing a power forward RFA with all of their cap room.

His comments about having enough money and wanting to play for a winner, also bodes well for the Spurs.(assuming he was honest)

G.S, Memphis, Philly, aren't contenders but they do have alot of jack.

I guess he'll prove to be Spurs material if he's able to turn down the cash, for a shot at a ring.

[Marcus Bryant]

I notice you didn't put Boston there.

Don't have cap room greater than the MLE.

[T Park]

Don't have cap room greater than the MLE.

But they would technically be " a possibility" though.

[John_C]

If CM is amenable to an MLE, could Boston offer a better contract in terms of the following years after earning MLE, than the Spurs?

[Marcus Bryant]

Meanwhile, the Warriors have a contingency plan to land another Clipper if Brand declines their offer, the sources said. Golden State is expected to join a number of teams to lure free-agent forward Corey Maggette, who opted out of the final year of his Clippers contract on Monday.

The Philadelphia 76ers, according to the sources, may also bid for Maggette, who led the Clippers in scoring last season, averaging 22.1 points. The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz are also in the running.

source (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers4-2008jul04,0,3694098.story)

Not good news. Hopefully those "sources" are just providing idle speculation.

[Marcus Bryant]

If CM is amenable to an MLE, could Boston offer a better contract in terms of the following years after earning MLE year than the Spurs?

No.

[John_C]

No.

Well I guess, if he wants to play for a winner, then he could choose the winner that could offer him a much better reward for the coming years.

But hell, GSW may just really mess this all up. I don't think Brand will go there. If Clippers up their offer, and it comes to maybe just 20M difference from GSW's offer, then Brand may opt to stay since the Clippers will be a contender, while GSW may still be rebuilding.

[T Park]

source (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers4-2008jul04,0,3694098.story)

Not good news. Hopefully those "sources" are just providing idle speculation.


Yes Chris Mullen.

You have 5 swingmen.

Naturally, you HAVE to get another.

Genius.

:pctoss

[bigdog]

But they would technically be " a possibility" though.

While I think they do have interest in him, I don't see him ending up there, especially with Pierce and Allen starting. It seems like Maggette will be taking the paycut and signing somewhere for the MLE. I highly doubt he'd want to do that AND come off the bench. In my mind, there's no way he does that.

[Marcus Bryant]

If the Warriors do go after Maggette, hopefully they revert back to their cost conscious ways when it comes to giving perimeter players contracts. They did make a large offer to Arenas, but that could be seen as an attempt to land a star free agent to replace the one they were losing. Maybe what they offer wouldn't be much of an improvement over the MLE contract the Spurs are offering, especially when considering the possibility of a much larger guaranteed contract for Maggette in 2010 from the Spurs.

[T Park]

If Maggette is serious about the contender issue, then he would spurn that offer from the Warriors you would think.

Doubt it.

[bigdog]

source (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers4-2008jul04,0,3694098.story)

Not good news. Hopefully those "sources" are just providing idle speculation.

Mullin is an idiot. What sounds better, sign their own guys for cheap, or spend all the money on one dude? Hopefully it's common sense for a guy that has a team loaded with swingmen.

Warriors do not need Maggette.

[Blackjack]

But they would technically be " a contender" though.

Spurs could tech. offer more money, (no state-tax) a starting job, more minutes, and a chance to be seen as the player that put a team over the top.

The only team that makes sense for Maggette to play for at the MLE is S.A.

Then again, It almost makes too much sense.

[T Park]

Spurs could tech. offer more money, (no state-tax) a starting job, more minutes, and a chance to be seen as the player that put a team over the top.

The only team that makes sense for Maggette to play for at the MLE is S.A.

Then again, It almost makes too much sense.

Yeah the no state tax could be ok although he would still pay the state tax since he lives in San Diego, but thats another thread for another day.

[bigdog]

Everything bias aside, I really do think the Spurs and Maggette are the only "perfect" fit. The need for a scorer/slasher, need to get younger, possibly have the cap space in 2010 to offer a very nice contract, and the chance to play for a championship AND start.

I think that's just too perfect. The other teams shouldn't even come close to that.

[Bruno]

Maggette market value is at least $50M/5 years.
If Warriors or Sixers come with a $50M or $60M contract, I don't see Maggette signing for $32M with Spurs.

I don't find Maggette makes a lot of sense for both Warriors and Sixers but he is by far the only unrestricted free agent available. If one of these two teams decide to settle with Maggette, Spurs are basically fucked and can go to their plan B.

[timvp]

Meanwhile, the Warriors have a contingency plan to land another Clipper if Brand declines their offer, the sources said. Golden State is expected to join a number of teams to lure free-agent forward Corey Maggette, who opted out of the final year of his Clippers contract on Monday.

The Philadelphia 76ers, according to the sources, may also bid for Maggette, who led the Clippers in scoring last season, averaging 22.1 points. The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz are also in the running.

source (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers4-2008jul04,0,3694098.story)

Not good news. Hopefully those "sources" are just providing idle speculation.

Damn, that sucks. That's about the worst possible thing that could happen. If both the Warriors and 76ers turn their attention to Maggette, they'd bid each other way higher than the MLE.

The Spurs are going to have to need a lot of luck in the next week. The Sixers are going to have to land Josh Smith. And then the Warriors are going to have to find something better than Maggette ... which would likely involve a trade.

Maggette landing in San Antonio is going to take the perfect storm. So far, it's been perfect but there are at least two huge obstacles in the way before anything comes close to being official -- Golden State and Philadelphia.

[John_C]

Everything bias aside, I really do think the Spurs and Maggette are the only "perfect" fit. The need for a scorer/slasher, need to get younger, possibly have the cap space in 2010 to offer a very nice contract, and the chance to play for a championship AND start.

I think that's just too perfect. The other teams shouldn't even come close to that.

And also, the Spurs are the only one after him as really for necessity, while others are just after him for a seemingly fall back plan.

[Marcus Bryant]

Another wrinkle. Likely the Spurs are offering Maggette a 3 year MLE deal with a player option after the 2nd season so he could opt out and receive a larger deal from the Spurs or from another team during the Great LeBron James Sweepstakes of 2010 when half of the league will have the cap flexibility to offer a max contract to a free agent. A 3 year deal starting at the assumed MLE of $5.8 mil for 2008-09 would be $18.8 mil total over those 3 years, guaranteed. The Spurs could offer an option or an ETO on a longer term deal, like, say, a max MLE offer of $33.6 mil where Maggette would have the ability to opt out after the 4th year of the contract (2012). That would, though, mean that Maggette would have to play on a MLE contract through the rest of the prime of his career and then hope that someone would throw a large amount of $ at him when he's 32.

If the Warriors wanted to sign him just to have a tradeable asset for later, they could definitely offer him something sensible, like say a 5 yr/$45 mil contract. That would start at $7.75 mil for 2008-09. And the Sixers could always come in with a larger offer if they miss out on Josh Smith.

[timvp]

If I'm the Sixers, I'd be all over Maggette:

PG Andre Miller
SG Corey Maggette
SF Andre Iguodala
PF Thaddeus Young
C Samuel Dalembert

That's a damn good team. Not a true power forward in that bunch but with an athletic center and three other athletic players, they can get away without one.

Josh Smith > Corey Maggette ... but if I'm the Sixers, I probably go the safe route and ensure that Willie Green never sees the starting lineup again by getting a real shooting guard.

[T Park]

Damn, that sucks. That's about the worst possible thing that could happen. If both the Warriors and 76ers turn their attention to Maggette, they'd bid each other way higher than the MLE.

The Spurs are going to have to need a lot of luck in the next week. The Sixers are going to have to land Josh Smith. And then the Warriors are going to have to find something better than Maggette ... which would likely involve a trade.

Maggette landing in San Antonio is going to take the perfect storm. So far, it's been perfect but there are at least two huge obstacles in the way before anything comes close to being official -- Golden State and Philadelphia.

Yeah the shit teams are gonna fuck it up.

Fucking shit....

[T Park]

If I'm the Sixers, I'd be all over Maggette:

PG Andre Miller
SG Corey Maggette
SF Andre Iguodala
PF Thaddeus Young
C Samuel Dalembert

That's a damn good team. Not a true power forward in that bunch but with an athletic center and three other athletic players, they can get away without one.

Josh Smith > Corey Maggette ... but if I'm the Sixers, I probably go the safe route and ensure that Willie Green never sees the starting lineup again by getting a real shooting guard.

I'm sure thats their line of thinking right after the Hawks match Smith..


Pray that Maggette wants a ring and actually follows up on what he says.

[spursreport]

Sixers dont need Maggette and they arent trying to win now. Make a huge offer to JR Smith or someone else. You fuckers also need a power foward and also have Thaddeaus Young waiting in the wings. Plus Iggs is also one of your own restricted free agents you need to worry about. Sixers are in need of a bigman than a wing. Same goes for the Warriors. Both of those teams are fucking stupid to land a guy who isnt going to make them that much better and arent they both building for the future.

[Blackjack]

If I'm the Sixers, I'd be all over Maggette:

PG Andre Miller
SG Corey Maggette
SF Andre Iguodala
PF Thaddeus Young
C Samuel Dalembert

That's a damn good team. Not a true power forward in that bunch but with an athletic center and three other athletic players, they can get away without one.

Josh Smith > Corey Maggette ... but if I'm the Sixers, I probably go the safe route and ensure that Willie Green never sees the starting lineup again by getting a real shooting guard.

It looks good, but they desperately need some 3-point shooting. It was pretty painful to watch them in the half-court against Detroit in the playoffs.

[timvp]

It looks good, but they desperately need some 3-point shooting. It was pretty painful to watch them in the half-court against Detroit in the playoffs.In that case, Maggette is a much better three-point shooter than Josh Smith.

[Marcus Bryant]

Maggette market value is at least $50M/5 years.
If Warriors or Sixers come with a $50M or $60M contract, I don't see Maggette signing for $32M with Spurs.

I don't find Maggette makes a lot of sense for both Warriors and Sixers but he is by far the only unrestricted free agent available. If one of these two teams decide to settle with Maggette, Spurs are basically fucked and can go to their plan B.

The only way the Spurs could compete (and it's a long shot) is basically the 'wink and nod' approach of 'sign with us now for a short term deal and you can opt out in 2010 when the market will be better for free agents and, oh, btw, we will probably have a lot of cap room then.' Of course, he'd be leaving a lot of guaranteed money on the table (assuming GS and/or Philly come at him with a $45 mil+ offer). But, it could pay off much better for him than taking a $50 mil offer today. The MLE for the next two years would be $12.1 mil. If Maggette opted out then and re-signed with the Spurs to a 5 year deal starting at $11 mil, that would be worth $66.5 mil. So basically he'd end up with $78.6 mil over the next 7 years instead of, say, $50 mil over the next 5 plus probably a reduced salary in years 6 and 7.

Again, a very long shot. If I had to guess, I think in his mind he thinks he's taken a big risk in opting out. In fact, the worst case scenario has happened to him as the Clippers were able to land a big free agent who necessitates the Clippers renouncing his rights. I think he will be scared straight and will look to wrap up a big long-term guaranteed contract this summer. His luck may rebound as GS and Philly could get into a bidding war for him and result in him getting $60 mil+.

[T Park]

How many times have we as Spurs fans watched other teams go after FAs and laugh and say "well they need this this and this to happen" and fuck if it doesnt.

Stuff like that NEVER falls the Spurs way.

[Blackjack]

In that case, Maggette is a much better three-point shooter than Josh Smith.

Yeah, and that's pretty disturbing. :lol

[Bruno]

In that case, Maggette is a much better three-point shooter than Josh Smith.

Difference is that Smith is a PF.

Maggette doesn't make a lot of sense for Sixers. He is quite old, his best position if SF like Iguodala and he isn't really a shooter.
He only makes some sense if they can't get a quality PF or a quality shooter via trade or free agency.

[SD126]

The Spurs’ most significant challenger for Maggette’s services might now be the new NBA champions.

The Boston Celtics have made an offer to Maggette as well, one he told the Boston Globe on Thursday he is seriously considering. The most the Celtics could offer Maggette is the mid-level exception, same as the Spurs.




Didn't Boston deny offering Maggette a contract and their priority was to re-sign Posey instead?

[Marcus Bryant]

One wonders if the Spurs will allow this thing to drag out. The earliest Smith could sign an offer sheet from Philly would be the 9th and then the Hawks would have 7 days to decide whether or not to match. They'll take all 7. So that's the 16th. If you're Maggette, do you wait? Yes, I know you are nodding your head.

The hope from the Spurs' perspective is that the Sixers put together some nasty looking offer sheet for the Hawks. They very well could, especially if the 2008-09 cap comes in high.

That still leaves the Warriors. Maybe they're interested in Maggette if they can get him to agree to a low amount (say $35 to 40 mil). Again, they really seem determined to avoid bad contracts for non-star talent these days.

Oh well, I need a drink.

[T Park]

One wonders if the Spurs will allow this thing to drag out. The earliest Smith could sign an offer sheet from Philly would be the 9th and then the Hawks would have 7 days to decide whether or not to match. They'll take all 7. So that's the 16th. If you're Maggette, do you wait? Yes, I know you are nodding your head.

The hope from the Spurs' perspective is that the Sixers put together some nasty looking offer sheet for the Hawks. They very well could, especially if the 2008-09 cap comes in high.

That still leaves the Warriors. Maybe they're interested in Maggette if they can get him to agree to a low amount (say $35 to 40 mil). Again, they really seem determined to avoid bad contracts for non-star talent these days.

Oh well, I need a drink.

I'm gonna be a puss and just go to bed I think.

Sigh :depressed

[Blackjack]

Difference is that Smith is a PF.

Maggette doesn't make a lot of sense for Sixers. He is quite old, his best position if SF like Iguodala and he isn't really a shooter.
He only makes some sense if they can't get a quality PF or a quality shooter via trade or free agency.

Well, Smith can play at the 4. I wouldn't call him a 4 but I agree with everything else.

If J.Smith falls through it might be a blessing in disguise because J.R. Smith might be a better fit.

He might be a R.F.A., but they could give him an offer Denver would be unwilling to match.

[timvp]

Difference is that Smith is a PF.Naw, he's a SF. The Hawks played him at PF this year because their GM drafted about 12 SFs so they had to make room by moving Smith to PF. On a serious contender, Smith has to play SF. He's too weak to play PF defensively and offensively he's always out on the perimeter when he's not dunking the ball. He has no post up game and doesn't play good post defense.

Thaddeus Young is probably more of a PF than Smith.


Maggette doesn't make a lot of sense for Sixers. He is quite old, his best position if SF like Iguodala and he isn't really a shooter.I don't consider 28 old and with Miller at 32 running the show, they aren't that much of a young team. Maggette is about the same age as Dalembert.

Hopefully the Sixers look elsewhere but I can't agree that he isn't a need. When you are starting Willie Green the entire season, bringing in another swingman should be considered a vital need.

[Marcus Bryant]

Well, Smith can play at the 4. I wouldn't call him a 4 but I agree with everything else.

If J.Smith falls through it might be a blessing in disguise because J.R. Smith might be a better fit.

He might be a R.F.A., but they could give him an offer Denver would be unwilling to match.

Agreed. Then all the Spurs would need is for Golden State to opt to go after J.Smith (assuming he doesn't sign an offer sheet with Philly), which is quite plausible.

JR Smith makes a lot of sense for the Sixers. Six years younger. They could give him a fair contract for his talent, but one big enough to scare off the Nuggets.

Of course, that's assuming they'd be willing to go through the restricted FA game for him. Maggette's UFA status might be too tempting for them.

[angelbelow]

Difference is that Smith is a PF.

Maggette doesn't make a lot of sense for Sixers. He is quite old, his best position if SF like Iguodala and he isn't really a shooter.
He only makes some sense if they can't get a quality PF or a quality shooter via trade or free agency.

agreed.

[Marcus Bryant]

One would have to believe that the Warriors will call Josh Smith in for a visit the moment Brand turns them down. Maybe something crazy happens like the Sixers then making a play for Childress. Or at least JR Smith.

[Marcus Bryant]

The Warriors are far enough under the cap that they could, for instance, just trade a second-round pick to New Jersey for Vince Carter (not that I've heard this, mind you … I'm just saying). A number of other trades are available, too -- it would just depend on which other team's unwanted contract they wished to take on and how cheaply they could get it.

source (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=FreeAgency-080703)

I think it'd take a little more than a 2nd round pick, but if the Warriors want a name to help promote the team, well, there's always him. Still, I think they'd just hit rebuilding at that point (assuming they don't get a shot at Josh Smith).

[Blackjack]

One would have to believe that the Warriors will call Josh Smith in for a visit the moment Brand turns them down. Maybe something crazy happens like the Sixers then making a play for Childress. Or at least JR Smith.

If you really look at team needs and not who the teams are going after, J.R. to Philly and Josh to G.S. makes a whole lot more sense.

J.R.'s shooting for the Sixers and Josh's versatility with a small-ball line-up seem ideal for both teams.

[Marcus Bryant]

If you really look at team needs and not who the teams are going after, J.R. to Philly and Josh to G.S. makes a whole lot more sense.

J.R.'s shooting for the Sixers and Josh's versatility with a small-ball line-up seem ideal for both teams.

Right. The Sixers could put together a big enough offer to dissuade the Nuggets from matching (would they want to pay $18 to 20 mil for JR Smith next season?)

Josh Smith to GS would be a good fit. I could see them coming up with a large offer for him.

Maybe if Maggette sees this happen that will be enough for him to decide to take the MLE. With the Spurs, I hope.

[timvp]

One would have to believe that the Warriors will call Josh Smith in for a visit the moment Brand turns them down. Maybe something crazy happens like the Sixers then making a play for Childress. Or at least JR Smith.Yeah, that may be the best case scenario. The Warriors spend near max dollars on Josh Smith and the Sixers spend their money on someone like JR Smith.

Luol Deng or Ben Gordon could also come into play. Maybe Okafor. The Sixers making a huge offer for Okafor to play him at power forward come make sense. Deng should be a player the Warriors should look at. I'd say Deng is probably a better player than Maggette.

It might come down to how much the Warriors and the Sixers are willing to go after RFAs. Maggette is no doubt the best UFA on the market but Iguodala, Okafor, Deng, Josh Smith, Biedrins and Ellis are all as good or better. Even Gordon and Childress are right there in the mix.

[Marcus Bryant]

It might come down to how much the Warriors and the Sixers are willing to go after RFAs.

That's how it looks right now. Of course, Brand could end up in Oakland and the Spurs will have to split the MLE among whatever UFAs are left. And bring back one of Finley or Barry.

[Marcus Bryant]

I wonder what the Spurs' Plan B might be. There's been speculation that they're interested in JR Smith, but there really hasn't been much else. Ditto for Pietrus. I think you go after Pietrus and try to lock him up quick if you miss out on Maggette.

It's interesting that they have interest in Najera. He'd probably take up most of the MLE, if not all. One wonders if they aren't considering a trade of some sort then to nab a swingman. Bonner would be the obvious man out then....but who's he going to bring in return?

[timvp]

That's how it looks right now. Of course, Brand could end up in Oakland and the Spurs will have to split the MLE among whatever UFAs are left. And bring back one of Finley or Barry.If McDonald is to believed, it appears as JR Smith is Plan B. If that fails, splitting the MLE between some combination of Mason, Delfino, Pietrus and Najera looks like Plan C.

If Maggette isn't coming, hopefully we hear soon. The worst scenario is the Spurs wait out Maggette and then he signs elsewhere. At that point, the Spurs could be left standing with their MLE in their hands and no one to spend it on.

[Blackjack]

Right. The Sixers could put together a big enough offer to dissuade the Nuggets from matching (would they want to pay $18 to 20 mil for JR Smith next season?)

Josh Smith to GS would be a good fit.

Maybe if Maggette sees this happen that will be enough for him to decide to take the MLE. With the Spurs, I hope.

And from what I've heard Atlanta wants to keep Josh, but aren't willing to over-pay. They knew with Philly they'd have some stiff competition, but they were pretty sure they'd be capable of matching.

G.S. having this kind of cap-room, might have just put J.Smith out of reach for the Atlanta owners financially.

[timvp]

I think you go after Pietrus and try to lock him up quick if you miss out on Maggette.That really does look like the next smart step. Messing with JR Smith would be risky business ... especially if they already are spending extra time on Maggette.

Landing Pietrus and Delfino or Mason really wouldn't be a bad summer, all thing considered. Not nearly as good as Maggette, but no one thought Maggette was possible going into the offseason.

[T Park]

That really does look like the next smart step. Messing with JR Smith would be risky business ... especially if they already are spending extra time on Maggette.

Landing Pietrus and Delfino or Mason really wouldn't be a bad summer, all thing considered. Not nearly as good as Maggette, but no one thought Maggette was possible going into the offseason.

Yeah when the offseason started that was considered successfull and still should be.

While Maggette would make it fantastic, its not a make or break of season based on his decision.

[SenorSpur]

I wonder what the Spurs' Plan B might be. There's been speculation that they're interested in JR Smith, but there really hasn't been much else. Ditto for Pietrus. I think you go after Pietrus and try to lock him up quick if you miss out on Maggette.

It's interesting that they have interest in Najera. He'd probably take up most of the MLE, if not all. One wonders if they aren't considering a trade of some sort then to nab a swingman. Bonner would be the obvious man out then....but who's he going to bring in return?

It's interesting that the Spurs have rumored interest in others (Smith, Mason, Hayes). However, no mention of Pietrus at all as a possible Plan B. I trust the Spurs have been or will be in communication with him, if or when this Maggette acquisition falls thru.

[SenorSpur]

:shootme

Hopefully the Spurs are just being nice to Finley at this point in case everything else doesn't work out. If the Spurs sign Maggette, I fail to see the point of Finley. Even if Maggette isn't signed, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Finley makes sense.

Unless Finley agrees to a Steve Smith in '03 type role, him being on the team next year would likely lead to disaster.

I trust the Spurs are simply granting Finley a professional courtesy. Regardless what the Maggette outcome, I, too, fail to see any scenario where Finley's return makes any sense - any sense at all.

[Tully365]

At this point it's all speculation, hopes, homerism, and stardust. No one knows what Maggette is thinking and all we can do is sit back and see how it all pans out.

[roycrikside]

Damn, that sucks. That's about the worst possible thing that could happen. If both the Warriors and 76ers turn their attention to Maggette, they'd bid each other way higher than the MLE.

The Spurs are going to have to need a lot of luck in the next week. The Sixers are going to have to land Josh Smith. And then the Warriors are going to have to find something better than Maggette ... which would likely involve a trade.

Maggette landing in San Antonio is going to take the perfect storm. So far, it's been perfect but there are at least two huge obstacles in the way before anything comes close to being official -- Golden State and Philadelphia.

I think Maggette would be a fool not to sign with the Spurs for one year for the MLE. It'd be the perfect scenario for him. Think of all the stereotypes and misconceptions (in his mind) that he could disprove if he had a successful campaign for the Spurs.

A) He's not all about the money
B) He's not all about scoring and playing selfishly
C) He's not a loser
D) He can get along with a demanding coach
E) He can play defense
F) He can play a starter or a reserve without complaint
G) He can be a good teammate
H) He can be an integral part of a championship team

One year with the Spurs and Maggette can make himself the most coveted free agent of next off-season. He can either use his Bird rights to sign a huge deal with the Spurs or he can use his leverage as a guy who "helped push us over the top" to sign with another team. We can rehabilitate his image and make him look like a posterboy for all that is good about the NBA, if he lets us.

[angelbelow]

At this point it's all speculation, hopes, homerism, and stardust. No one knows what Maggette is thinking and all we can do is sit back and see how it all pans out.

and stay positive.

[Twisted_Dawg]

As original Spurs' broadcaster Terry Stembridge would always say during a tense game - "Do we dare hope?" :flag:

I thought he always said, "There WILL be another game."

[Brutalis]

This is great news however I do not think we should expect any decision until after the holiday weekend.

My personal opinion is that it is between us and Boston. However to our advantage Corey has to know his role is in big question with the Celtics and it could end up being a huge risk he is just not willing to take in the end.

[Bruno]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/03/SPV611JS76.DTL


Maggette now is person of interest

Janny Hu, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, July 4, 2008

(07-03) 19:49 PDT -- With Gilbert Arenas off the market and Clippers free agent Elton Brand no closer to Oakland, the Warriors headed into the holiday weekend sorting through contingency plans.

Golden State has reached out to forward Corey Maggette, another Clippers free agent, according to two league sources. The Warriors are one of the few teams who can offer Maggette more than the mid-level exception, which is expected to be around $5.6 million when the new cap figures are released.

[Bruno]

^Adios Corey :depressed

[Marcus Bryant]

^Adios Corey :depressed

Probably. Maybe they won't be able to put together a deal.

[Ice009]

Fuck them. Give us Stephen Jackson back.

[picnroll]

Well that puts some combination of Pietrus (ugh) Azuibuke and of course Barnes up for grabs probably and it would mean Corey will not be seeing the playoffs again, but money trumps playoffs.

[Marcus Bryant]

http://www.mercurynews.com/warriorsheadlines/ci_9785684

Warriors reportedly set to take a run at Maggette
By Marcus Thompson II
Bay Area News Group
Article Launched: 07/04/2008 01:37:44 AM PDT

Whether or not the Warriors can pry Elton Brand away from the Los Angeles Clippers, they might not be done attempting to extract talent from Hollywood's second team. A source close to free-agent small forward Corey Maggette said Thursday that the Warriors have expressed interest in Maggette and are looking to start negotiations.

The Warriors don't publicly comment on negotiations.

Like Brand, Maggette exercised the early termination option on his contract before the June 30 deadline, forgoing the $7 million he was due. The buzz among NBA insiders is that Brand - by all accounts a class act - will honor his word and remain with the Clippers.

Maggette's departure is all but official with the Clippers agreeing to terms on a six-year contract with former Warriors point guard Baron Davis and expected to sign Brand, who forfeited the $16.4 million left on his contract.

San Antonio, Boston and Cleveland are among teams reportedly interested in Maggette. But Golden State and Philadelphia - both still waiting on an official decision from Brand - have significant room under the salary cap and can offer Maggette more money than other teams, which are limited to the mid-level exception ($5.36 million last season). According to the source, the Warriors last season tried to trade for Maggette, a nine-year NBA veteran who reportedly is seeking $10 million per year.

Maggette, 28, is Plan C in the post-Baron era of the Warriors, who have reportedly offered huge deals to Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas and Brand. Arenas told the Washington Post and Washington Times that he will re-sign with the Wizards.

A chiseled 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, Maggette fits the Warriors' style of play because he flourishes in the open court, he rebounds well and is adept at getting to the basket and drawing fouls. Being a swingman, he can play alongside Monta Ellis, expected to be next year's starting point guard, and swingman Stephen Jackson.

The Warriors have begun talks with Ellis, their prize restricted free agent. Talks with center Andris Biedrins, their other key restricted free agent, are expected to begin next week.

[TJastal]

Well, at least its not the hornets :toast

I could see him picking GS for the MLE anyway (if that is all he could get), to be part of that run and gun high tempo offense. He seems to be the type that would prefer that style of play, especially playing for the clippers his whole career. I don't think he'd be happy in SA at all, and I don't think he cares so much about winning (I think being a clipper that long does that to a person, hehe).

If he does pick GS, maybe that totally frees up Michael Pietrus, who I feel would be a better fit for the spurs anyway. With Maggette's big mouth needing alot of minutes and shots I think it would upset the balance, making too many mouths to feed and leading to unhappy players all around. And has been mentioned before Maggette is prone to injury and will most likely want a huge contract in a few years. For a guy just entering his 30's who's game is predicated on athleticism. Not good if you ask me.

Besides, I think the the amount of new talent coming in (George Hill, Gist, Delfino, Mahinmi, etc) is pretty damn good already and is going to give us the energy we need to end the scoring droughts, which I think were mainly fatigue related not because ppl lacked the necessary skills to make shots.

[Marcus Bryant]

Well that puts some combination of Pietrus (ugh) Azuibuke and of course Barnes up for grabs probably and it would mean Corey will not be seeing the playoffs again, but money trumps playoffs.

They still have Biendrins and Ellis to re-sign. Maybe the Warriors are seeing if he'd come on the cheap (something like 5 yrs/$38 to 40 mil).

[Marcus Bryant]

The only way he gets $10 mil per anytime soon is if the Warriors or Sixers give him it. Will they? If they won't, maybe he does opt for the MLE with a contender, with the idea of hitting free agency in 2010. The Spurs can offer him a starting spot and all the minutes he could handle. What better way to set one's self up to hit free agency, in a summer in which a great many more teams will have large amounts of cap space, and with a team which will have the cap room to give him that $10 mil a year contract or help facilitate a trade to another team that will?

Those are the two main things going for the Spurs right now. If he comes to SA, he's still a starting shooting guard in this league. If he goes to a team like Boston with limited cap flexibility in 2010 and limited minutes, then he's basically setting himself up to be a backup for a long time with less of a shot at that big payday.

[Spurs Brazil]

Damn that's sucks

We better go to plan B

[Southwest Texas Fan]

Is Childress another option for the Spurs? I haven't read anywhere that the Spurs are looking at the possibly of trying to land him other than last season when they made a run at him. Maybe if Maggette doesn't pan out plan b could be Childress.

[TheProfessor]

Is Childress another option for the Spurs? I haven't read anywhere that the Spurs are looking at the possibly of trying to land him other than last season when they made a run at him. Maybe if Maggette doesn't pan out plan b could be Childress.
If the Spurs want to waste their time waiting for the Hawks to match, sure, he's an option.

[xtremesteven33]

Perfect Scenario:

-Posey resigns with Celtics
-Josh Smith signs max deal with Warriors
-JR Smith signs with 76ers

[loveforthegame]

I think we can forget about Finley or Barry returning. The Spurs are all over the place with interest in replacements for them. Unless they strike out on every one of their targets both will be shooting 3's for another team next season.

[tmtcsc]

The only way he gets $10 mil per anytime soon is if the Warriors or Sixers give him it. Will they? If they won't, maybe he does opt for the MLE with a contender, with the idea of hitting free agency in 2010. The Spurs can offer him a starting spot and all the minutes he could handle. What better way to set one's self up to hit free agency, in a summer in which a great many more teams will have large amounts of cap space, and with a team which will have the cap room to give him that $10 mil a year contract or help facilitate a trade to another team that will?

Those are the two main things going for the Spurs right now. If he comes to SA, he's still a starting shooting guard in this league. If he goes to a team like Boston with limited cap flexibility in 2010 and limited minutes, then he's basically setting himself up to be a backup for a long time with less of a shot at that big payday.

I'd put us slightly ahead of Boston but behind the Warriors and Sixers and possibly the Hornets. That Yahoo article was way premature. We were the frontrunners because we approached him first..that's it.

[HarlemHeat37]

Maggette isn't the end of the world for our team..

signing a combination of Pietrus-Delfino or anything like that puts us on the elite level in the West either way(not as good as LA until proven otherwise, but better than everybody else)..Maggette just makes us THE BEST team IMO..

if the Warriors want to mess up their plans by signing Maggette, good for them..I'll be happy watching them fall into mediocrity..

[Marcus Bryant]

I'd put us slightly ahead of Boston but behind the Warriors and Sixers and possibly the Hornets. That Yahoo article was way premature. We were the frontrunners because we approached him first..that's it.

How are the Spurs behind the Hornets? They can offer him a much larger payday in two years. If he goes to the Hornets that MLE contract will be his last large contract of his NBA career.

[remingtonbo2001]

I still think Maggette ends up with the Spurs.

It's just a feeling.

Let's review quickly.

He'll have the opportunity to start.

He'll recieve the MLE, with the possibility of recieving a payday (either way) come 2010.


Most importantly, he'll be playing with Tim Duncan.

Tim Duncan.

[Big P]

Is Childress another option for the Spurs? I haven't read anywhere that the Spurs are looking at the possibly of trying to land him other than last season when they made a run at him. Maybe if Maggette doesn't pan out plan b could be Childress.

Philly is bringing in Childress next week.

[SenorSpur]

Maggette isn't the end of the world for our team..

signing a combination of Pietrus-Delfino or anything like that puts us on the elite level in the West either way(not as good as LA until proven otherwise, but better than everybody else)..Maggette just makes us THE BEST team IMO..

if the Warriors want to mess up their plans by signing Maggette, good for them..I'll be happy watching them fall into mediocrity..

Agree. Though I would feel better if I knew or had reason to believe the Spurs have Pietrus on their radar. Maybe they do and they're keeping in quiet in their normal CIA sort of manner.

[HarlemHeat37]

I've talked to a number of Warrior fans today, and almost none of them want Maggette..it just doesn't make sense..they've already loaded up on potential projects like Ellis, Wright, Randolph and Biedrins(although Ellis and Biedrins are kind of proven), so it makes no sense to give Maggette that much money..he doesn't fit their team..

I'd be surprised if GSpot signs him..

IMO, it's between us and Boston..

[Big P]

I've talked to a number of Warrior fans today, and almost none of them want Maggette..it just doesn't make sense..they've already loaded up on potential projects like Ellis, Wright, Randolph and Biedrins(although Ellis and Biedrins are kind of proven), so it makes no sense to give Maggette that much money..he doesn't fit their team..

I'd be surprised if GSpot signs him..

IMO, it's between us and Boston..

Problem is, Ellis & Biedrins are RFA & there is no guarantee that GS can/will sign them...I am hopeful that instead of targeting Maggette as their second option, I think that they will try their shot at a couple of restricted FA's like Josh Smith & Igudola..money talks, but if GS makes Maggette their last option, he may not be that interested in them.

[T Park]

Yeah, you knew Golden State would fuck things up.
Him being interested in Boston and also considering an offer from Cleveland on top of everything is gonna make it just about impossible for the Spurs to bring Maggette to SA.

Damn :pctoss

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Yeah, you knew Golden State would fuck things up.
Him being interested in Boston and also considering an offer from Cleveland on top of everything is gonna make it just about impossible for the Spurs to bring Maggette to SA.

Damn :pctoss

Cleveland?

[HarlemHeat37]

why would it fuck things up? it's not like we're a great team or anything..it's not like we've been the best team in this era or anything..it's not like Maggette doesn't know that..

[tmtcsc]

How are the Spurs behind the Hornets? They can offer him a much larger payday in two years. If he goes to the Hornets that MLE contract will be his last large contract of his NBA career.

The Spurs are behind the Hornets because of Chris Paul. That dude will propel Maggette's numbers big time. He'd have a great chance of reaching the finals and would still be able to opt out for Free Agency in 2010.

If he comes to the Spurs he will have a great chance to succeed on a winning team but he would be third or 4th fiddle in the scoring department. Duncan, Parker, Ginobili...Maggette.

That's how he would see it. His agent is probably making sure that he puts the stats of recent FA's in front of his face..Brent Barry, Michael Finley, Nick Van Excel, etc. In your first year with the Spurs, your legs will burn from playing D and you will be uttering "it takes time to understand the offense and the defense".

In New Orleans it would be "Just be ready Dog".

[Kindergarten Cop]

The Spurs are behind the Hornets because of Chris Paul. That dude will propel Maggette's numbers big time. He'd have a great chance of reaching the finals and would still be able to opt out for Free Agency in 2010.

If he comes to the Spurs he will have a great chance to succeed on a winning team but he would be third or 4th fiddle in the scoring department. Duncan, Parker, Ginobili...Maggette.

That's how he would see it. His agent is probably making sure that he puts the stats of recent FA's in front of his face..Brent Barry, Michael Finley, Nick Van Excel, etc. In your first year with the Spurs, your legs will burn from playing D and you will be uttering "it takes time to understand the offense and the defense".

In New Orleans it would be "Just be ready Dog".

Not to target you, but several have used the "4th option in S.A." argument and I just don't see it. How is it any different from New Orleans? Paul, West, Peja are the top three there - who's to say he wouldn't be the 4th option there? On top of that, I'm not buying that he would necessarily be the 4th option here. All of our stars have proven to be unselfish and I have no doubt that they would give up the rock without hesitation when Maggette's game was on.

[ChumpDumper]

His agent is going to compare him to Nick Van Exel?

:lmao

[benefactor]

Rivers talks to Maggette. (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/07/04/rivers_gives_maggette_call/?page=1)


The Celtics have made offers to their own forward, James Posey, and Maggette, but it's doubtful they can accommodate both. While there is no news regarding Posey, Maggette said he could be coming to Boston in the near future to visit with the Celtics. Free agents can't sign until Wednesday.

"I don't want to hold the Celtics up or [general manager] Danny Ainge," said Maggette in a telephone interview. "I talked to Doc . . . I'm not going to hold them up. I know they are still looking at James Posey. But I'm still weighing my options."

IMHO...I really think that they want to bring Posey back...and that basically kills any chance that they bring Maggette in. If I were Boston there is no way in hell I let Posey get away, especially with the impact he had during the post season. That being said...if Maggette does sign with the Celts we had better be the first in line to chunk our MLE at Posey.

This really comes down to Maggette and whether or not he wants to play for a winner. After all those years on the Clippers I honestly think that the Sixers have no shot no matter how much cash they throw at him. He as already hinted that he would take less to win so why would he even consider it? GS is interesting. He could probably see the playoffs with them but again, there is no chance of ring. The only way that he goes that direction is the combination of more money and the chance to play in a very wide open, run and gun offense.

Overall, I agree with those who say we have about as good a shot as anyone else. I predict that Posey resigns and its between us and GS.

As far as other free agents go...I'd like to see us split our MLE between Pietrus and one of the bigs on the market like Najera. No one has mentioned it but why aren't we trying to make a run at Carl Landry? He is restricted but the Rockets have only offered him a little over 700k. We could easily match with half of our MLE and steal him away.

Oh...and NO J.R. Smith.

[ChumpDumper]

No one has mentioned it but why aren't we trying to make a run at Carl Landry? He is restricted but the Rockets have only offered him a little over 700k. We could easily match with half of our MLE and steal him away.Rockets will match any reasonable offer for Landry.

[tmtcsc]

Not to target you, but several have used the "4th option in S.A." argument and I just don't see it. How is it any different from New Orleans? Paul, West, Peja are the top three there - who's to say he wouldn't be the 4th option there? On top of that, I'm not buying that he would necessarily be the 4th option here. All of our stars have proven to be unselfish and I have no doubt that they would give up the rock without hesitation when Maggette's game was on.


Its not because of selfishness from our guys. It's because of our offense and the way we run it. It seems to be very difficult for people to become acclimated to our Inside-Out offense. When FA's come here they don't want to mess things up and they usually defer to the other guys on the team: Eh-hem...Brent Barry, Michael Finley. That, or its an excuse because they have no legs from trying to play defense.

If you are constantly wondering where you are supposed to be on the floor, or what you are trying to run, it causes people to pass up shots or jack up bad shots and get yanked.

[benefactor]

Rockets will match any reasonable offer for Landry.
That will probably depend on whether or not they sign Barry away from us. I think they are pretty capped out and can't go over their MLE. If they do sign Barry I think it would be worth a shot.

[tmtcsc]

His agent is going to compare him to Nick Van Exel?

:lmao

Yep. Go to San Antonio and say adios to whatever jumper you had. It took Brent Barry 3 years to finally get it. THE SPURS WANT YOU TO SHOOT !! You will likely be open if we move the ball. What did Steven Jackson average here ? Is that a better comparison for you ?
No matter what, dude's numbers will go down.....but he'd get his ring. Which, is what we all know, is the reason these guys play the game. :rolleyes

[ChumpDumper]

Maggette = NVE!

[benefactor]

Maggette = NVE!
Please don't speak such things...just letting something like that come off a keyboard is incredibly unsettling.

[ChumpDumper]

Really, if all Maggette is interested in are his persaonl stats, he should never have picked up the phone.

"You can't sign there. You're Nick Van Exel!"

[tmtcsc]

Maggette = NVE!


ChumpDumper = Reads what he wants to and tries to goat people into goofy, long arguments.

[ChumpDumper]

It's "goad" and you were the one who compared him to Nick Van Exel.

If any of those players had Maggette's driving ability, you might have had a point. As it is, Maggette is not an old three point shooter.

[tmtcsc]

Nick Van Exel was brought in to be a scoring threat...just like Maggette would. Bring us some buckets ! That's the only comparison and ChumpDumper knows it. He just likes fucking with people.

[ChumpDumper]

That is not the comparison. All the players you mentioned were jump shooters only except Jack, who was nothing when he joined the Spurs. Maggette would give the Spurs another player who actually attacks the basket.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Nick Van Exel was brought in to be a scoring threat...just like Maggette would. Bring us some buckets ! That's the only comparison and ChumpDumper knows it. He just likes fucking with people.


But I look at Maggette as more of a Derek Anderson/Stephen Jackson type acquisition with better skills (at the time of them joining/possibly joining). Maggette is a slasher that gets to the FT line. I can't remember us pursuing a FA with the knack for doing what Maggette does at such a high level.

[tmtcsc]

The only players that have successfully driven to the basket on this team are Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Derek Anderson (to some degree). Apparently, when Tim is on the floor, people have a tendency to sit at the 3 pt line and wait for their chance. That's what makes Manu a stud.He'll tuck and drive no matter who's in the lane. Well, he did before his ankle problems anyways.

[ChumpDumper]

The only players that have successfully driven to the basket on this team are Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Derek Anderson Exactly.

That's why the Spurs are looking for another player with that ability.

You've figured it out! :clap

[Kindergarten Cop]

The only players that have successfully driven to the basket on this team are Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Derek Anderson (to some degree). Apparently, when Tim is on the floor, people have a tendency to sit at the 3 pt line and wait for their chance. That's what makes Manu a stud.He'll tuck and drive no matter who's in the lane. Well, he did before his ankle problems anyways.

Now that Tim has developed his 3pt shot, teams can't hide out down in the lane just because he is on the floor. ;)

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Problem is, Ellis & Biedrins are RFA & there is no guarantee that GS can/will sign them...I am hopeful that instead of targeting Maggette as their second option, I think that they will try their shot at a couple of restricted FA's like Josh Smith & Igudola..money talks, but if GS makes Maggette their last option, he may not be that interested in them.

Golden State is on record as wanting to re-sign Biedrins and Ellis, and will. They are both on the books for cheap right now, which is why they haven't re-signed yet. Once GS gives those two their new contracts they'd be capped out and only have the MLE to offer.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

The Spurs are behind the Hornets because of Chris Paul. That dude will propel Maggette's numbers big time. He'd have a great chance of reaching the finals and would still be able to opt out for Free Agency in 2010.

If he comes to the Spurs he will have a great chance to succeed on a winning team but he would be third or 4th fiddle in the scoring department. Duncan, Parker, Ginobili...Maggette.

That's how he would see it. His agent is probably making sure that he puts the stats of recent FA's in front of his face..Brent Barry, Michael Finley, Nick Van Excel, etc. In your first year with the Spurs, your legs will burn from playing D and you will be uttering "it takes time to understand the offense and the defense".

In New Orleans it would be "Just be ready Dog".

Yes, clearly Maggette would be much higher than the fourth option on a Hornets team with Paul, West, and Peja on it :rolleyes

[ChumpDumper]

Well, Biendris counts against the cap about as much as he'll be signed for, maybe a little less. Ellis' cap hold is definitely under the amount he will eventually fetch.

[tmtcsc]

But I look at Maggette as more of a Derek Anderson/Stephen Jackson type acquisition with better skills (at the time of them joining/possibly joining). Maggette is a slasher that gets to the FT line. I can't remember us pursuing a FA with the knack for doing what Maggette does at such a high level.

Well, that's the hope. That he would come in here and take the ball to the basket strong. I see JR Smith as a better option to take the ball to the rim. He's much quicker. We'd just have to make sure he doesn't jack up 3's from half court. Jackson fell into that trap and it worked out for us against Dallas and New Jersey in '03. Other than that, he didn't drive to the basket much.

Steven Jackson average about 7 more points a season after he left the Spurs.

[tmtcsc]

Golden State is on record as wanting to re-sign Biedrins and Ellis, and will. They are both on the books for cheap right now, which is why they haven't re-signed yet. Once GS gives those two their new contracts they'd be capped out and only have the MLE to offer.

So what happens if Brand signs with them ? Won't whatever $$ they give a FA just take Davis' slot ? I didn't think it effected Biedrins or Ellis.

[tmtcsc]

Yes, clearly Maggette would be much higher than the fourth option on a Hornets team with Paul, West, and Peja on it :rolleyes


Yes, clearly Peja is firmly entrenched as the 3rd option. What, with the way he creates his own shot and puts down alley oops and all. :rolleyes

[Kindergarten Cop]

Yes, clearly Peja is firmly entrenched as the 3rd option. What, with the way he creates his own shot and puts down alley oops and all. :rolleyes

Now that you bring up alley oops, how do you know that Maggette wouldn't be the 5th option in New Orleans behind Paul, West, Peja, and Chandler?

[tmtcsc]

Now that you bring up alley oops, how do you know that Maggette wouldn't be the 5th option in New Orleans behind Paul, West, Peja, and Chandler?

Because Chandler gets the standard 2 alley oops per game and the garbage points. He has no post game at all. He is not even the 4th option now.

[Big P]

So what happens if Brand signs with them ? Won't whatever $$ they give a FA just take Davis' slot ? I didn't think it effected Biedrins or Ellis.

Then all we have to worry about is Philly as far as Maggette is concerned.

[tmtcsc]

Then all we have to worry about is Philly as far as Maggette is concerned.

Aggiehoops Fan mentioned that GS would have trouble signing their own restricted FA's AND an unrestricted FA like Maggette. If Brand went to Golden State (which I highly doubt) then Philly and New Orleans would be the 2 teams to worry about.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Because Chandler gets the standard 2 alley oops per game and the garbage points. He has no post game at all. He is not even the 4th option now.

Why wasn't he the 4th option? Only Paul, West, and Peja averaged more PPG than Chandler did during the season.

[tmtcsc]

Why wasn't he the 4th option? Only Paul, West, and Peja averaged more PPG than Chandler did during the season.

Pargo averaged more.

[T Park]

Aggiehoops Fan mentioned that GS would have trouble signing their own restricted FA's AND an unrestricted FA like Maggette. If Brand went to Golden State (which I highly doubt) then Philly and New Orleans would be the 2 teams to worry about.

Philly is busy offering contracts to Josh Smith.

New Orleans?

Eh we shall see.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

So what happens if Brand signs with them ? Won't whatever $$ they give a FA just take Davis' slot ? I didn't think it effected Biedrins or Ellis.

It doesn't effect what they can give Biedrins or Ellis.

Right now they have 33 million in committed salaries. Ellis is on the books for 150% of his 2007-2008 salary (770K), so roughly 1.1 million. Biedrins is on for 150% of his (2.6 mil), roughly 4 million.

Both are expected to be $10 million dollar guys. Right now with the 150% salary hold, Golden State has $37 million on the books, well under the estimated $58 million salary cap.

If they re-signed both at their expected pay, that puts them up to about $53 million and now they can't offer the max to a guy like Brand, or more than the MLE to anyone else like Maggette, Smith, Childress, etc.

If Brand were to sign with them, they can still pay Ellis and Biedrins their market worth. It'd definitely put them over the salary cap but still come in under the luxury tax.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Aggiehoops Fan mentioned that GS would have trouble signing their own restricted FA's AND an unrestricted FA like Maggette. If Brand went to Golden State (which I highly doubt) then Philly and New Orleans would be the 2 teams to worry about.

That's not what I said at all. I said if they re-signed Ellis and Biedrins first then that would take them out of the running for anything more than an MLE offer (see breakdown above).

If they wait, they can nab a guy like Brand and then worry about their own FAs.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Pargo averaged more.

Only in the Playoffs. During the regular season Paul averaged 21.1, West 20.6, Peja 16.4, and Chandler was 4th with 11.8 (Pargo was 6th with 8.1).

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Yes, clearly Peja is firmly entrenched as the 3rd option. What, with the way he creates his own shot and puts down alley oops and all. :rolleyes

Peja was their third leading scorer yet you think he was the fourth option on that team? Um, okay...

[SenorSpur]

Philly is busy offering contracts to Josh Smith.

New Orleans?

Eh we shall see.

Actually, Josh Smith would fit very well with G.S style of play. He's long, athletic, can run. He just can't shoot very well.

[T Park]

Actually, Josh Smith would fit very well with G.S style of play. He's long, athletic, can run. He just can't shoot very well.


He may fit in there well, but Atlanta is gonna match it.

[ChumpDumper]

It doesn't effect what they can give Biedrins or Ellis.

Right now they have 33 million in committed salaries. Ellis is on the books for 150% of his 2007-2008 salary (770K), so roughly 1.1 million. Biedrins is on for 150% of his (2.6 mil), roughly 4 million.If I have all my facts straight, I believe Biendris actually counts against the cap 300% of his 07-08 salary ($7.8 million) and Ellis counts 200% of his ($1.54 million).

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#30

[SenorSpur]

He may fit in there well, but Atlanta is gonna match it.

They'd better. If they do, perhaps they wont be as willing to match an offer for the other Josh - Childress. It's amazing how these dominoes are invaribly linked. I"m already getting tired head from all this. :lol

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

If I have all my facts straight, I believe Biendris actually counts against the cap 300% of his 07-08 salary ($7.8 million) and Ellis counts 200% of his ($1.54 million).

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#30

Hmm, you may have a point. I thought both were getting paid at or above the average salary, but hadn't bothered to check.

The point remains the same though - re-sign both and they don't have more than the MLE to play around with in FA, but until both are re-signed they have the ability to throw out a max offer.

[tmtcsc]

Peja was their third leading scorer yet you think he was the fourth option on that team? Um, okay...

You sarcastically inferred " and Maggette wouldn't be the 4 th option on a team WITH Paul, West and Peja ?".

If Maggette joined the Hornets do you still think Peja's your third option ?

[Big P]

Aggiehoops Fan mentioned that GS would have trouble signing their own restricted FA's AND an unrestricted FA like Maggette. If Brand went to Golden State (which I highly doubt) then Philly and New Orleans would be the 2 teams to worry about.

In your post you said "what if he (Brand) signs with them"..in that case, their cap room would be used up & all we would have to worry about would be Philly who could offer him more than the MLE.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

You sarcastically inferred " and Maggette wouldn't be the 4 th option on a team WITH Paul, West and Peja ?".

If Maggette joined the Hornets do you still think Peja's your third option ?

Yep.

[tmtcsc]

Yep.

I disagree with you on that one. Peja would be regulated to 4th option. Damn, they would be tough.

You know, alot of people on SpursTalk assume that Maggette is being offered a starting spot. I wouldn't be so quick to assume that Pop sold Maggette with "Come start for us and help us win a Championship".

Manu Ginobili deserves the starting spot over Maggette all day long. Until of course, Maggette becomes unsure of himself and passive when he does get minutes. I said last year that we would only go as far as Manu takes us. Manu is our stud 2 guard and is 10 times the player Maggette is. I would have Maggette come off the bench...just like Boston would.

From what I could tell, we were short about 12 to 14 pts in production. All we have to do is find that from somewhere...we don't need a superstar. We can get easily get those points from lesser FA's than a Maggette. That being said, if Maggette wants to come here, I'll take him in a heartbeat.

[ChumpDumper]

Manu Ginobili deserves the starting spot over Maggette all day long.He may deserve it, but ultimately he can't play starter's minutes.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Manu Ginobili deserves the starting spot over Maggette all day long. Until of course, Maggette becomes unsure of himself and passive when he does get minutes. I said last year that we would only go as far as Manu takes us. Manu is our stud 2 guard and is 10 times the player Maggette is. I would have Maggette come off the bench...just like Boston would.

Ginobili deserved the starting spot over Finley, but that didn't matter to Pop or to Ginobili for that matter. Ginobili provided the spark off the bench and is willing to do whatever it takes to win. Why would his outlook change if we added Maggette? Maggette is a definite upgrade over Finley, so I'm fairly certain that everyone knows (including Corey, Pop, and Manu) that Maggette would start if he signed with the Spurs.

[tmtcsc]

He may deserve it, but ultimately he can't play starter's minutes.


Huh ? He got hurt, that's what limited his game. To me, he's like an AI...tough as hell, not afraid of contact and just keeps getting on up.

[ChumpDumper]

Huh ? He got hurt, that's what limited his game.Exactly.

[tmtcsc]

Ginobili deserved the starting spot over Finley, but that didn't matter to Pop or to Ginobili for that matter. Ginobili provided the spark off the bench and is willing to do whatever it takes to win. Why would his outlook change if we added Maggette? Maggette is a definite upgrade over Finley, so I'm fairly certain that everyone knows (including Corey, Pop, and Manu) that Maggette would start if he signed with the Spurs.

Every year, Manu is part of the starting line-up to begin the season. Then, he is regulated to the bench because our bench falls short (Finley, Hedo, Barry) offensively. If Maggette is the player he is supposed to be, then he will get his points either starting or coming off the bench.

Fuck that. If we tell Manu he isn't starting it better be because CM can't hack it playing off the bench. I know Manu would do whatever he had to do to win but that doesn't mean it doesn't bother him a little. Starting Maggette for the sake of just getting him to sign here is weak.

[tmtcsc]

Exactly.


He jammed his ankle. What does that have to do with his minutes ? Tim Duncan has had ankle injuries and knee problems. Should we send him to the bench and start Mahinmi in his place too ?

[T Park]

You sarcastically inferred " and Maggette wouldn't be the 4 th option on a team WITH Paul, West and Peja ?".

If Maggette joined the Hornets do you still think Peja's your third option ?


Scott loves Peja

[tmtcsc]

Scott loves Peja

Bowen loves Peja. Sticks to him like glue.

[ChumpDumper]

He jammed his ankle. What does that have to do with his minutes ?More PT = more injuries. Manu has proven over the years not to be able to handle extended playing time. Duncan can handle it.

[tmtcsc]

More PT = more injuries. Manu has proven over the years not to be able to handle extended playing time. Duncan can handle it.

Manu isn't worn down, he got hurt. You think he feels too worn out to play in the Olympics ?
More times than not, Manu has more energy on the floor than anyone else. It would be great to lessen EVERYONE's minutes if possible. He can play starters minutes just fine. He played starters minutes coming off the bench and this past year was the first time he got hurt.

[ChumpDumper]

Manu isn't worn down, he got hurt. You think he feels too worn out to play in the Olympics ?
More times than not, Manu has more energy on the floor than anyone else.Great, he'll play in the Olympics with an inflamed ankle and hobble through next season for the Spurs -- again.

As good as he is, dude is injury prone and the more he plays, the more he gets injured.

[2centsworth]

Great, he'll play in the Olympics with an inflamed ankle and hobble through next season for the Spurs -- again.

As good as he is, dude is injury prone and the more he plays, the more he gets injured.

:tu

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs are behind the Hornets because of Chris Paul. That dude will propel Maggette's numbers big time. He'd have a great chance of reaching the finals and would still be able to opt out for Free Agency in 2010.

And the Hornets would have no cap flexibility to re-sign him or to give him a much larger contract via a sign and trade with another club. So he'd have to sign outright with another club and take lower annual raises.




If he comes to the Spurs he will have a great chance to succeed on a winning team but he would be third or 4th fiddle in the scoring department. Duncan, Parker, Ginobili...Maggette.


He'd face the same situation in NO.




That's how he would see it. His agent is probably making sure that he puts the stats of recent FA's in front of his face..Brent Barry, Michael Finley, Nick Van Excel, etc. In your first year with the Spurs, your legs will burn from playing D and you will be uttering "it takes time to understand the offense and the defense".

In New Orleans it would be "Just be ready Dog".

Just be ready "Dog" to not get more than the MLE for the rest of your career.

[timvp]

Manu isn't worn down, he got hurt. You think he feels too worn out to play in the Olympics ?
More times than not, Manu has more energy on the floor than anyone else. That was the case until around early March when all those 40+ minute games came back to zap Manu of all his energy and athleticism. Manu is a very good player but his minutes must be monitored. He not only gets worn out but he becomes more injury prone with extended minutes.

His performance was already on a downward trajectory before the ankle injury. Keeping his minutes south of 30 and not making him carry the scoring burden is vital if you want Manu to have any gas left in the playoffs.

[SPURSGOAT]

Dang there are just too many teams involved now... getting Maggette still seems like a pipedream...but I still have my fingers crossed...

[exstatic]

Dang there are just too many teams involved now... getting Maggette still seems like a pipedream...but I still have my fingers crossed...

Uncross them, put on some shorts and a t-shirt, and go out and enjoy your 4th of July weekend. You're going to go insane if you try to analyze ever rumor in the next two weeks, which will probably be how long it will take for this to sort itself out.

The teams with the cap room seem to be enamored of the restricted FAs, and few other players will sign anywhere until that big cap money is gone. Once it gets down to MLE teams, we'll be close to the front of the line. Signings can begin July 9th, and teams have 7 days to match, which they normally take all of, match or not, just to fuck with the offering team. If Philly gets stiffed on Josh Smith, they may go after Josh Childress, and that's another 7 day waiting period.

Here's a kind of a guide:

Never listen to player quotes. They love every team and every city. They want to play for a winner. Until some crap team like Philly throws an offer starting at $10M, that is. Then they love Philly.

Never listen to rumors of what team is interested in what player(s). Pretty early on, writers figure out which teams have cap room, and which appear willing to spend the MLE. Those teams become the destination of any FA you've ever heard of.

[Tully365]

The debate about who would start & Minutes & injuries is very interesting. I'll throw in my 2 cents: Maggette has a greater history of injuries than Ginobili, so the argument about limiting minutes to consequently limit injury potential works as much for Maggette (though he is slightly younger) as it does for Manu. Some of Manu's excess minutes early last season were due to Duncan's & Parker's injuries coupled with a lack of back-up point guard depth. Hopefully those problems are solved now.
One last theory: if Ginobili, considering his productivity, had played just a tiny bit more, the result might've been 2 extra wins, which would've meant home-court advantage against the Lakers...

[Tully365]

Uncross them, put on some shorts and a t-shirt, and go out and enjoy your 4th of July weekend. You're going to go insane if you try to analyze ever rumor in the next two weeks, which will probably be how long it will take for this to sort itself out.

The teams with the cap room seem to be enamored of the restricted FAs, and few other players will sign anywhere until that big cap money is gone. Once it gets down to MLE teams, we'll be close to the front of the line. Signings can begin July 9th, and teams have 7 days to match, which they normally take all of, match or not, just to fuck with the offering team. If Philly gets stiffed on Josh Smith, they may go after Josh Childress, and that's another 7 day waiting period.

Here's a kind of a guide:

Never listen to player quotes. They love every team and every city. They want to play for a winner. Until some crap team like Philly throws an offer starting at $10M, that is. Then they love Philly.

Never listen to rumors of what team is interested in what player(s). Pretty early on, writers figure out which teams have cap room, and which appear willing to spend the MLE. Those teams become the destination of any FA you've ever heard of.

That is very good advice. I think I will avoid the insanity and stop thinking about this for a while. Happy 4th to everyone!

[SPURSGOAT]

Uncross them, put on some shorts and a t-shirt, and go out and enjoy your 4th of July weekend. You're going to go insane if you try to analyze ever rumor in the next two weeks, which will probably be how long it will take for this to sort itself out.

The teams with the cap room seem to be enamored of the restricted FAs, and few other players will sign anywhere until that big cap money is gone. Once it gets down to MLE teams, we'll be close to the front of the line. Signings can begin July 9th, and teams have 7 days to match, which they normally take all of, match or not, just to fuck with the offering team. If Philly gets stiffed on Josh Smith, they may go after Josh Childress, and that's another 7 day waiting period.

Here's a kind of a guide:

Never listen to player quotes. They love every team and every city. They want to play for a winner. Until some crap team like Philly throws an offer starting at $10M, that is. Then they love Philly.

Never listen to rumors of what team is interested in what player(s). Pretty early on, writers figure out which teams have cap room, and which appear willing to spend the MLE. Those teams become the destination of any FA you've ever heard of.


:tu yea I think I will stop reading this forum for a bit and get outside and enjoy the sunshine... I spend too much time on this forum as it is... ST is like an addiction. LOL! Get too caught up in alll this hype and junk... bbl...:king

[T Park]

So what if you get your hopes up.

Its sports, that stuff is always there.

[Budkin]

Duhon was just signed by the Knicks which means the Magic will be going hard after Magette again.

[Bruno]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8311782/Money-not-always-players%27-sole-motivation

Money not always players' sole motivation

Updated: July 4, 2008, 2:59 PM EST
by Mike Kahn

[...]

As for Maggette, the story going around on Thursday had him also leaning toward taking the mid-level exception of approximately $5.8 million per season in a multi-year pact from the San Antonio Spurs. The 6-6, 225-pound swingman is firmly established as one of the more explosive athletic players in the West who has worked hard to become a good long-range shooter. But it sounds like he'll accept the multi-year, mid-level pact for the second consecutive contract just for the opportunity to win with the Spurs. Put him on the floor with Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan, and nobody will doubt the Spurs have got a shot at winning their fourth title in seven years.

Then again, the Warriors have all that money now available with Davis' departure, so Maggette would get big money with a team that plays at break-neck speed — a nice combination, if not as formidable as the Spurs.

[...]

[benefactor]

Duhon to sign with the Knicks. (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3473845)

Dammit...as if we don't have enough hands in the pot already.

[Ocotillo]

Any chance after some of this has shaken out that a team with cap room such as Philly or Memphis might take Bonner for future considerations creating a roster spot for us? Doesn't Philly need some three point shooting?

[tmtcsc]

I'm not sure Maggette is ready to sacrifice minutes to the likes of Hedo Turkolu or Rashard Lewis.

[spurman20]

Duhon was just signed by the Knicks which means the Magic will be going hard after Magette again.

Not likely, the magic need a point guard or a back up ptg and a 4 or 5. They will likely look to keep dooling from leaving....and may look at some second tier guys to add depth...they have no bench right now.

[tmtcsc]

Great, he'll play in the Olympics with an inflamed ankle and hobble through next season for the Spurs -- again.

As good as he is, dude is injury prone and the more he plays, the more he gets injured.


Injury prone ? What did I miss ? He hurt his ankle and hip flexor muscle. He played through a finger injury that could have happened to anyone. What other injuries has he had that have limited his play ?

He only missed a few games this season. His minutes are fine. Yeah, he played extended minutes for a stretch of 5 games or so, but he also sat out about that many games before the playoffs started.

[tmtcsc]

Not likely, the magic need a point guard or a back up ptg and a 4 or 5. They will likely look to keep dooling from leaving....and may look at some second tier guys to add depth...they have no bench right now.


They'll make a move for Kurt Hinrich probably. He would be a nice addition to back up Nelson. Heck, go get Tinsley for that matter. Getting Maggette would be over-kill for them. They need a big PF.

[Bruno]

I just realgm Sixers board where a reliable insider post infos.

Sixers will make an offer sheet to Josh Smith on July 9th. It will be for their whole cap space. It should be around $70M/5years.
If they don't get him, they will try to sign Childress or Maggette.

So if Maggette want to receive a bigger than the MLE offer from Philly, he will have to wait until July 16th to maybe receive one.

[Leetonidas]

What I don't understand is I've been on a few other boards and I'm not hearing much about Maggette and the Spurs.

And just a thought, how can the Warriors make a strong push for Maggette when Ellis will command a lot of money from them and they still need to resign Biedrins?

[objective]

And just a thought, how can the Warriors make a strong push for Maggette when Ellis will command a lot of money from them and they still need to resign Biedrins?

They can renounce Baron Davis and have many millions in cap room (maybe 20+?). The reason is that Biedrins and I presume Ellis have Qualifying Offers extended which only count for so much against the cap. The Warriors can spend any free cap money first, then sign Biedrins and Ellis to extensions over the cap.

[picnroll]

I just realgm Sixers board where a reliable insider post infos.

Sixers will make an offer sheet to Josh Smith on July 9th. It will be for their whole cap space. It should be around $70M/5years.
If they don't get him, they will try to sign Childress or Maggette.

So if Maggette want to receive a bigger than the MLE offer from Philly, he will have to wait until July 16th to maybe receive one.

... and while he's waiting he won't even know if he or Childress will be the next guy waiting on a seven day period.

[benefactor]

Everything I have been reading today seems to indicate that its gonna come down to us or Boston...with GS at a distant third. Man its gonna be a long weekend.

[marcflynn2009]

I just realgm Sixers board where a reliable insider post infos.

Sixers will make an offer sheet to Josh Smith on July 9th. It will be for their whole cap space. It should be around $70M/5years.
If they don't get him, they will try to sign Childress or Maggette.

So if Maggette want to receive a bigger than the MLE offer from Philly, he will have to wait until July 16th to maybe receive one.

yeaaa but maggette aleady said hes tired of losing... he wants a winning team... its down to spurs and celtics.... unless brand signs with clips... then he'll probably stay

[spurman20]

Everything I have been reading today seems to indicate that its gonna come down to us or Boston...with GS at a distant third. Man its gonna be a long weekend.

Boston not even a chance.....he will never sign. He want to start and he will not start in boston...if he goes to the warriors, he will never see the playoffs agian.....GS really undervalued B Davis value to that team....next year even with Corey they will not win 35 games. Monta Ellis is goning to be a disaster at point guard......it will be between us, Orl and N Orleans.........slight chance Philly gets involved but I doubt it

[ChumpDumper]

Injury prone ? What did I miss ?Manu's entire career, apparently.

[benefactor]

Boston not even a chance.....he will never sign. He want to start and he will not start in boston...if he goes to the warriors, he will never see the playoffs agian.....GS really undervalued B Davis value to that team....next year even with Corey they will not win 35 games. Monta Ellis is goning to be a disaster at point guard......it will be between us, Orl and N Orleans.........slight chance Philly gets involved but I doubt it
Thats what I'm thinking regarding playing time in Boston...but from what Spears reported he was awfully buddy buddy with Rivers and there is a family connection there too...so don't count them out. I have heard/seen nothing about NO being interested or him being interested in them...and I think the Magic may have run him off after they made a push for Duhon.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Manu's entire career, apparently.

:lol

[exstatic]

Thats what I'm thinking regarding playing time in Boston...but from what Spears reported he was awfully buddy buddy with Rivers and there is a family connection there too...so don't count them out. I have heard/seen nothing about NO being interested or him being interested in them...and I think the Magic may have run him off after they made a push for Duhon.

Uh, there's one reason Corey was traded from Orlando to the Clips, and that reason's name is Rivers.

[tmtcsc]

Manu's entire career, apparently.


Manu's not injury prone. If anyone's injury prone its Maggette. He's missed 112 games in the last 6 years. Manu has missed 58. I don't see anyone talking about limiting his minutes.

What have Manu's major injuries been ?

[rj215]

Basically it comes down to Maggette deciding if he wants to play for a 45 win team in Orlando that loses in the first or 2nd round, the Sixers who are years away from being a contender, the Celts where he'll get buried on the bench, the Warriors who'll suck without Davis orrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

the 4 time champs, who are always a fluke shot or nagging injury away from winning it all. seems easy to me.

[TheMadHatter]

Basically it comes down to Maggette deciding if he wants to play for a 45 win team in Orlando that loses in the first or 2nd round, the Sixers who are years away from being a contender, the Celts where he'll get buried on the bench, the Warriors who'll suck without Davis orrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

the 4 time champs, who are always a fluke shot or nagging injury away from winning it all. seems easy to me.

If Maggette moves to ORL they will win a hell of a lot more games than 45.

IMHO they will be the second best team in the EC behind BOS. Their entire core will be under 30, and in a few short years they could definitely find themselves at the top of the heap when the Celtics decline.

One could argue his chances of making it to the Finals are greater in the East where there is only one real competitor. In the West there are no guarantees, with teams like HOU/LAL/NOH/UTA/POR all getting better.

[benefactor]

Uh, there's one reason Corey was traded from Orlando to the Clips, and that reason's name is Rivers.
Hmm...didn't know that. It seems by his comments that all of that must be water under the bridge though....

"We shot the breeze," said Maggette. "He asked about my family. My mom went to the same high school [as Rivers]. My family has known his family for a long time. I'm very comfortable with him."
Article (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/07/04/rivers_gives_maggette_call/?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed7)

[ChumpDumper]

Manu's not injury prone. If anyone's injury prone its Maggette. He's missed 112 games in the last 6 years. Manu has missed 58. I don't see anyone talking about limiting his minutes.

What have Manu's major injuries been ?Ankle injuries, mostly. And they linger for months and months. He may not miss as many games, but his game is severely affected just like this season.

He just can't play the way he plays for much over 30 mpg.

Period.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/364880.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193B3EA2C03450C9486A92A3BBEDD7EA676 284831B75F48EF45

I hope this doesn't turn out to be Lamond Murray part 2

[smrattler]

Old news maybe, but looks like we'll hear soon about Magz and the Celtics. Celtics look like they are in a hurry to decide between him and Posey and Maggette is willing to give them some answer sooner than later.

My view is if they want an answer now, it's gotta be no. Why? The Spurs offer is still there and he can fall back on that if the bigger money falls through (GSW, Philly).


A day after talking with Celtics coach Doc Rivers, a longtime family friend, Clippers free agent forward Corey Maggette said he is seriously considering an offer to join the NBA champions.

The Celtics have made offers to their own forward, James Posey, and Maggette, but it's doubtful they can accommodate both. While there is no news regarding Posey, Maggette said he could be coming to Boston in the near future to visit with the Celtics. Free agents can't sign until Wednesday.

"I don't want to hold the Celtics up or [general manager] Danny Ainge," said Maggette in a telephone interview. "I talked to Doc . . . I'm not going to hold them up. I know they are still looking at James Posey. But I'm still weighing my options."

Full article:

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/07/04/rivers_gives_maggette_call/

[wijayas]

Magette will play where he will get the most money. Pure and simple. Forget about luring him with the promise of getting his first championship.

[SPURSGOAT]

As for his many suitors, Maggette said he was in no hurry to make a choice and that he has talked with Boston Coach Doc Rivers and current Celtic and former teammate Sam Cassell.

"Boston is really good," he said. "You've got a lot of great players there That's a great opportunity. San Antonio is something that's very interesting. So we'll see what happens. I'm not keeping anybody off the list. You never know."

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers4-2008jul04,0,3694098.story

Sounds like this could drag out for a while... and he called the Spurs offer just "intersting"; while sounding more excited about the Celtics...

[Russ]

Uh, there's one reason Corey was traded from Orlando to the Clips, and that reason's name is Rivers.

Actually, that reason's name is cap space creation. (As Casey Stengel would say, you can look it up).

[Ronaldo McDonald]

As for his many suitors, Maggette said he was in no hurry to make a choice and that he has talked with Boston Coach Doc Rivers and current Celtic and former teammate Sam Cassell.

"Boston is really good," he said. "You've got a lot of great players there That's a great opportunity. San Antonio is something that's very interesting. So we'll see what happens. I'm not keeping anybody off the list. You never know."

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers4-2008jul04,0,3694098.story

Sounds like this could drag out for a while... and he called the Spurs offer just "intersting"; while sounding more excited about the Celtics...

You must have missed the "very".

[Ronaldo McDonald]

I think the fact that Maggette has an established relationship with Doc is what will determine things...sucks.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

Then again, he'd definitely be coming off the bench over there. Man, there's just no clear cut favorite. He even said, "You never know".

MAKE UP YOUR FUCKING MIND ASSHOLE.

[spurman20]

He will never sign with boston, he and doc didnt get along great in orlando for 1 and the Cs already have PAUL AND RAY and just drafted SG in the first round and traded for another. I cant see him comming of the bench and the Cs have had thier last title for a while....the next 3 or 4 will be from west coast teams.....San Ant, Portland, Houst and dare I say the L word

[Blackjack]

Then again, he'd definitely be coming off the bench over there. Man, there's just no clear cut favorite. He even said, "You never know".

MAKE UP YOUR FUCKING MIND ASSHOLE.

The guys exploring his options and enjoying every minute of it. It's not often that a player is an UFA, so you can't blame the guy.

I'm sure he's showing respect to Rivers and the Celtics by saying all the right things because of his relationship with Doc. I'm not reading anything more into it.

Look. If the guy is going to play for the MLE it will be with the Spurs or Magic. Like I said before, playing with Boston would make him sacrifice minutes and cash. Maybe he'd sacrifice one or the other, but not both.

[timaios]

He will never sign with boston, he and doc didnt get along great in orlando for 1 and the Cs already have PAUL AND RAY and just drafted SG in the first round and traded for another. I cant see him comming of the bench and the Cs have had thier last title for a while....the next 3 or 4 will be from west coast teams.....San Ant, Portland, Houst and dare I say the L word

I dare : Lesbians.

[Bruno]

As for his many suitors, Maggette said he was in no hurry to make a choice a choice

I don't see any major inconvenient for Spurs to wait until July 9th. If Maggette hasn't made a choice at this date, it will be really problematic for Spurs. They really need an upgrade at SG/SF and the MLE is the best way to get it. Spurs plan B won't stay available for ever.

[JPB]

I don't see any major inconvenient for Spurs to wait until July 9th. If Maggette hasn't made a choice at this date, it will be really problematic for Spurs. They really need an upgrade at SG/SF and the MLE is the best way to get it. Spurs plan B won't stay available for ever.

Magette and his agent know that.

When talking to him, spurs have certainly let them aware of the fact that they have to give an answer by around this date.

[ynh]

the Cs have had thier last title for a while....the next 3 or 4 will be from west coast teams.....San Ant, Portland, Houst and dare I say the L word


I'm not a Celtics fan but that last statement is pretty laughable.. expecially beings you put Portland and Houston in the mix.

I would put money down that the Celts get one more ring out of that group.

Infact.. considering the east.. I would go to the Celts before the Spurs too because you have a much greater chance making it to the finals.

Oh and Whomever said it up there the magic are already better then a 45 win team.

And lastly.. from someone that actually goes to IUPUI.. you guys really overrate Hill.

[GrandeDavid]

He will never sign with boston, he and doc didnt get along great in orlando for 1 and the Cs already have PAUL AND RAY and just drafted SG in the first round and traded for another. I cant see him comming of the bench and the Cs have had thier last title for a while....the next 3 or 4 will be from west coast teams.....San Ant, Portland, Houst and dare I say the L word

I don't see how anyone can say that the Celtics are not at least equally favored as any other team to win next year's championship. They won well over sixty games, they pummeled the Lakers in the Finals and they swept the Spurs in the regular season. They are returning the same team, pretty much. What more do they have to prove!?

[rj215]

I don't see how anyone can say that the Celtics are not at least equally favored as any other team to win next year's championship. They won well over sixty games, they pummeled the Lakers in the Finals and they swept the Spurs in the regular season. They are returning the same team, pretty much. What more do they have to prove!?

They have to prove they're not a one year fluke like the Heat, Pistons or Mavs. All of those teams were impressive in stretches and when they got to the Finals or won the whole thing everyone swore that they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now where are they? Rebuilding, breaking up a team and already imploded in that order.

There's only 1 team that is consistantly good over the past 10 years....our Spurs. And as Spurs fans, in a Spurs forum, let's not forget that. Holla.

[Kindergarten Cop]

They have to prove they're not a one year fluke like the Heat, Pistons or Mavs. All of those teams were impressive in stretches and when they got to the Finals or won the whole thing everyone swore that they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now where are they? Rebuilding, breaking up a team and already imploded in that order.

There's only 1 team that is consistantly good over the past 10 years....our Spurs. And as Spurs fans, in a Spurs forum, let's not forget that. Holla.

You do know that the Pistons have been to the Easter Conference Finals 6 straight years, right - making it to the Finals twice and winning it once. I would hardly call that a "one year fluke".

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that the guys in black are statistically the best sports team in any of the major sports over the last 11 years :flag: but I don't think it's fair to lump the Pistons in with the Heat or Mavs.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Fark, if we can get Corey Maggette, the NBA should be very scared. He's exactly what we need.

FINGERS CROSSED.

[Fernando TD21]

Maggette seriously considering joining Celtics

A day after talking with Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, a longtime family friend, Clippers free agent forward Corey Maggette said he is seriously considering an offer to join the NBA champions. Maggette said he is still in awe about being contacted by the Celtics and has been mulling over their contract offer as well as interest from several other teams. An NBA source said the Celtics offered Magette the full midlevel exception, expected to be worth $5.8 million.

The Celtics have made offers to their own forward, James Posey, and Maggette, but it's doubtful they can accommodate both. While there is no news regarding Posey, Maggette said he could be coming to Boston in the near future to visit with the Celtics. Free agents can't sign until Wednesday.

"I don't want to hold the Celtics up or [general manager] Danny Ainge," said Maggette in a telephone interview. "I talked to Doc . . . I'm not going to hold them up. I know they are still looking at James Posey. But I'm still weighing my options."

Source: Boston.com
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Maggette-seriously-considering-joining-Celtics;_ylt=Aojj4iqnSuxL6oVD6Vn6tYq8vLYF?urn=nba, 92093

:depressed

[Big P]

Maggette seriously considering joining Celtics

A day after talking with Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, a longtime family friend, Clippers free agent forward Corey Maggette said he is seriously considering an offer to join the NBA champions. Maggette said he is still in awe about being contacted by the Celtics and has been mulling over their contract offer as well as interest from several other teams. An NBA source said the Celtics offered Magette the full midlevel exception, expected to be worth $5.8 million.

The Celtics have made offers to their own forward, James Posey, and Maggette, but it's doubtful they can accommodate both. While there is no news regarding Posey, Maggette said he could be coming to Boston in the near future to visit with the Celtics. Free agents can't sign until Wednesday.

"I don't want to hold the Celtics up or [general manager] Danny Ainge," said Maggette in a telephone interview. "I talked to Doc . . . I'm not going to hold them up. I know they are still looking at James Posey. But I'm still weighing my options."

Source: Boston.com
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Maggette-seriously-considering-joining-Celtics;_ylt=Aojj4iqnSuxL6oVD6Vn6tYq8vLYF?urn=nba, 92093

:depressed

Old news...

[JPB]

Fresh news :


Jul 05, 2008 12:29 PM EST
The Magic are shifting their focus towards Corey Maggette and Keyon Dooling after news broke on Thursday that Chris Duhon has agreed to join the Knicks, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

Duhon reportedly took a shorter deal with the Knicks because there is a greater chance that he'll become the starting point guard.

"For Chris, it came down to the fact he had opportunity to start in New York, and to turn this thing around. It was a short-term deal and he wanted to take that chance to take his game to the next level as a starter," agent Kevin Bradbury said. "It's always tough when it's down to two teams. Chris felt he couldn't lose either way. Chris had a terrific visit in Orlando,"

The Magic still have their entire mid-level exception available, worth an average of about $6 million per year, which could be used to lure Dooling and Maggette.

[JPB]

Here's the entire article :

Magic shift focus as Chris Duhon heads to Knicks
Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer
July 5, 2008


With Chris Duhon now heading to the New York Knicks, the Orlando Magic will turn their focus to two free agents: shooting guard Corey Maggette and point guard Keyon Dooling.

Duhon has chosen the Knicks over the Magic, opting to take a shorter deal with a better shot at becoming a starter in New York.

Kevin Bradbury, Duhon's agent, told the Sentinel on Friday that Duhon will sign a two-year deal with the Knicks when free agents can begin signing contracts on Wednesday.

Bradbury said the Magic did not present an offer sheet, but the "parameters" of the Magic's offer "was more than fair." Duhon is believed to have agreed to a contract around $6.5 million with New York -- or roughly $3.25 million a year.

The Magic had deemed point-guard depth their biggest need and wanted the defensive-minded Duhon to back up starter Jameer Nelson.

The club still has their entire mid-level exception available, worth an average of about $6 million per year.

And apparently that is what is available around the NBA to Maggette, a top-flight scorer who could upgrade Orlando's shooting-guard spot.

Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy didn't rule out the team adding a player such as Maggette, and then filling out the roster with minimum-salary players.

As of late Friday, Maggette had yet to agree to sign with any team after opting out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, although the San Antonio Spurs were thought to be the frontrunner.

Maggette has expressed through friends that he would love to return to Orlando, where he began his career. The Magic acquired him during the 1999 draft but traded him after one season to the Clippers. He averaged 16.1 points in eight seasons in L.A.

The Magic were looking for a true point guard as they courted Duhon, and likely will have to try to re-sign Dooling, a combo guard.

Dooling said he "wasn't surprised" the Magic tried to sign Duhon, but added Duhon's leap to the Knicks could open talks with Orlando, though the Magic have yet to make him a formal offer.

Bradbury said Duhon called Magic General Manager Otis Smith to tell him he was signing with New York.

"For Chris, it came down to the fact he had opportunity to start in New York, and to turn this thing around. It was a short-term deal and he wanted to take that chance to take his game to the next level as a starter," Bradbury said by phone. "It's always tough when it's down to two teams. Chris felt he couldn't lose either way. Chris had a terrific visit in Orlando.

[angelbelow]

ey still not worried, the magics do need to resign dooling or go after another pg.

[JPB]

Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy didn't rule out the team adding a player such as Maggette, and then filling out the roster with minimum-salary players.

Don't exactly know SVG thoughts but it doesn't sound like CM is their top priority or their plan A, reading that.

[1Parker1]

Breaking News on ESPN News just now; FA Maggette seriously considering offer from Celtics. :pctoss

I have a bad feeling about this. If he goes to the Celtics next season they have a great chance of repeating.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

I knew it since the start that he wouldn't be going to SA. Mother Fucker.

[T Park]

Breaking News on ESPN News just now; FA Maggette seriously considering offer from Celtics. :pctoss

I have a bad feeling about this. If he goes to the Celtics next season they have a great chance of repeating.

So the Celtics are giving up on Posey.

I see.

[Buddy Holly]

I knew it since the start that he wouldn't be going to SA. Mother Fucker.

ESPN is reporting the same old tired news. Don't freak out.

[ducks]

posey had a big impact of boston ring

[Tully365]

If the Celts land Maggette, Posey probably becomes a target for the Spurs. Good storyline for a potential finals match-up where Celts give up defense for offense.... interesting. I've always liked Posey's game, though I do think he is a little dirty. Still, a free agent season of, say, Posey/Delfino wouldn't be bad at all...

[SenorSpur]

I still believe Posey is the primary FA option for the Celtics. And Maggette HAS to know that.

[Tully365]

I still believe Posey is the primary FA option for the Celtics. And Maggette HAS to know that.

Isn't it strange that there has been very little speculation concerning Posey as an interest of the Spurs? I suppose some of it has been the assumption that he'd resign with Boston, but he would fit into the Spur line-up as well as Bowen has the past 5 years...

[VaSpursFan]

i still think c. magg and his agent are blowing smoke about these other offers. the best situation for him is with the spurs where he will start on a championship contending team. he will get his minutes/productivity, possibly a championship or two, and position himself for a larger deal down the line.

[samikeyp]

Don't know if this has been posted or not but I found this on cnnsi.com

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/nba

[T Park]

Yeah I think thats a copy of the Express News article.

Thanks though Mikey :tu

[samikeyp]

:toast

[Brutalis]

I think Magz has made up his mind and is just sleeping on it till Wednesday.

[rj215]

You do know that the Pistons have been to the Easter Conference Finals 6 straight years, right - making it to the Finals twice and winning it once. I would hardly call that a "one year fluke".

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that the guys in black are statistically the best sports team in any of the major sports over the last 11 years :flag: but I don't think it's fair to lump the Pistons in with the Heat or Mavs.

Very good point and I agree. So other than the Spurs and Pistons no other squad has been a legit contender for the past 10 years. And we know the Pistons can't sign him so that leaves us.

The next few days will tell us alot about Maggette. Does he

a. sign with the Spurs since we have a legit shot at winning the title every year? Which would prove that Maggette is the kind of player the Spurs try recruiting.

or

b. does he take the extra millions to run with medicore teams like the Warriors or Sixers? This would show us that he'd rather barely make it to the playoffs every year with no shot at the title.

[brettn]

Very good point and I agree. So other than the Spurs and Pistons no other squad has been a legit contender for the past 10 years. And we know the Pistons can't sign him so that leaves us.

The next few days will tell us alot about Maggette. Does he

a. sign with the Spurs since we have a legit shot at winning the title every year? Which would prove that Maggette is the kind of player the Spurs try recruiting.

or

b. does he take the extra millions to run with medicore teams like the Warriors or Sixers? This would show us that he'd rather barely make it to the playoffs every year with no shot at the title.

c. sign with the nba champions and have an arguably better shot at winning a title there.

[rj215]

c. sign with the nba champions and have an arguably better shot at winning a title there.

In my humble opinion as a SPURS fan, option c wouldn't exist if Manu was healthy. And yes, I realize the Celts swept the Spurs in the regular season but so did the Cavs in '07 before we beat the dog$hit outta them in the finals.

[T Park]

c. sign with the nba champions and have an arguably better shot at winning a title there.

Whatever.

[benefactor]

Whatever.
Seconded...I question the loyalty of fans who make such statements.

[DazedAndConfused]

If either the Warriors or the Sixers give Maggette an $8-10 million dollar contract between 3-5 years he will take it. Money first, championship second. Don't believe a word he says. He's going to wait this thing out until he has all offers on the table.

[VaSpursFan]

c. sign with the nba champions and have an arguably better shot at winning a title there.

obviously you're a celts fan posing as a spurs fan...

[DazedAndConfused]

obviously you're a celts fan posing as a spurs fan...

The EC is weak. No team is really on BOS's level and they'd have an easy path to the Finals. His chances of winning a ring are greatest in BOS because of this.

[SenorSpur]

The EC is weak. No team is really on BOS's level and they'd have an easy path to the Finals. His chances of winning a ring are greatest in BOS because of this.

True dat!

[VaSpursFan]

The EC is weak. No team is really on BOS's level and they'd have an easy path to the Finals. His chances of winning a ring are greatest in BOS because of this.

so the WC is weak too? i don't think boston is that strong, they were taken to a seventh game twice. man, the high power hawks took them to 7 games and they're such a force.

[tmtcsc]

And lastly.. from someone that actually goes to IUPUI.. you guys really overrate Hill.

Oh, I see...you did some scouting while at IUPUI and you know exactly what the Spurs' expectations are of a BACKUP point guard. :rolleyes

C'mon man, you don't really think you know better than NBA scouts who get paid shitloads of $$ to do this do you ? That's a bit of a reach. While you were getting your popcorn and nachos during the game, a Spurs scout was noticing Hill displaying good footwork, solid defensive position, playing smart basketball and making good decisions with the basketball against solid competition.

Even the talking heads check with pro scouts for information before they come up with "their" brilliant mock draft picks. What a joke. Unless someone is a hands-down lock of a first round pick, most fans don't know jack shit about who would be a good pro prospect or not.

[rj215]

Seconded...I question the loyalty of fans who make such statements.

I gotta agree. This isn't the 'Objective NBA Fans Forum'....it's a forum for die hard SPURS fans....WTF is wrong with some of the people??? And I don't give a shit that the Celts are renting our title for a year..

[Sway]

I gotta agree. This isn't the 'Objective NBA Fans Forum'....it's a forum for die hard SPURS fans....WTF is wrong with some of the people??? And I don't give a shit that the Celts are renting our title for a year..

WTF is wrong with you Bro? ST is a forum for die hard Spurs fans, it is not a fucking Cult. People are entitled to have differing opinions. Its what makes this site what it is.

[rj215]

WTF is wrong with you Bro? ST is a forum for die hard Spurs fans, it is not a fucking Cult. People are entitled to have differing opinions. Its what makes this site what it is.

well Bro, when i hear people biggin' up the competition (Celtics, Lakers etc) on this forum and puttin down the spurs, i feel like i gotta say somethin'.

[Chucho]

I remember WAYY back in Feb. I was pimping Maggette to the Spurs as a great fit and solution to some problems, and at his price, it made great sense then and makes even better sense now and I was condemned and called rather rude names from some of the same people posting their hopes that the Spurs acquire him in this thread. What a bunch of simple sheep with little knowledge or original opinion. You guys know who you are. Bunch of douches.

[dastrey]

I remember WAYY back in Feb. I was pimping Maggette to the Spurs as a great fit and solution to some problems, and at his price, it made great sense then and makes even better sense now and I was condemned and called rather rude names from some of the same people posting their hopes that the Spurs acquire him in this thread. What a bunch of simple sheep with little knowledge or original opinion. You guys know who you are. Bunch of douches.

I guess you were the only person that knew Baron Davis would opt out of his contract and join Brand with the Clippers, making it possible to sign Maggette with the MLE. Congrats.

[ss1986v2]

I remember WAYY back in Feb. I was pimping Maggette to the Spurs as a great fit and solution to some problems, and at his price, it made great sense then and makes even better sense now and I was condemned and called rather rude names from some of the same people posting their hopes that the Spurs acquire him in this thread. What a bunch of simple sheep with little knowledge or original opinion. You guys know who you are. Bunch of douches.
didnt you want to trade expirings plus cash for maggette at the deadline? yeah, that gives you a lot of cred...