Latest buzz: RJ, Shaq, T-Mac, more Marc Stein

[nbaman99]

LAS VEGAS -- Some dribbles of gossip from the front-office grapevine as we transition from summer league to Team USA training camp in the desert:

• This is the week, by all accounts, that San Antonio and Richard Jefferson will complete the restructured deal that we’ve all assumed had to be forthcoming since Jefferson stunningly opted out of a $15 million salary for next season on the eve of free agency. The specifics in terms of years and dollars remain unknown, but I’ve been assured that Jefferson will officially be back with the Spurs quite soon.

• With or without an official deal for Jefferson, Shaquille O’Neal remains by far the biggest available name on the open market … with Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson next in line on reputation. The Mavericks have abandoned the idea of a Shaq signing completely -- “He is out,” according to one team source -- since they have four centers currently on the roster until they can move the very available Alexis Ajinca. Atlanta, then, stands as the only team with a confirmed “live” interest in O’Neal. But Shaq, at last report, still wants assurances of a healthy slice of playing time as well as a salary that starts above the $5.8 million mid-level exception, which can be achieved through a sign-and-trade with Cleveland. No team out there, including Atlanta, is known to be willing to pay Shaq more than $2 million for next season.

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/18437/latest-buzz-rj-shaq-t-mac-more

[4>0rings]

Shaqs going to be unemployed next season. :lmao

[Dex]

No team out there, including Atlanta, is known to be willing to pay Shaq more than $2 million for next season.

http://www.shafted.de/public/Ha%20ha%202.jpg

[5in10]

So whats the deal with tmac and iverson than?

[nbaman99]

http://www.shafted.de/public/Ha%20ha%202.jpg

If we can get him for 2 million, we should do it.

[Dex]

If we can get him for 2 million, we should do it.

Only if the trade includes a time machine.

[ducks]

dice is more effective then oneal

[20beastie45]

Shaq Solo

[Soul_Patch]

Is Shaq really that clueless about his actual value and abilities?

Or is this just more Shaq hype? Has he really said, im not taking a vet minimum?

[Sausage]

If we can sign Shaq to the 1 year minimum, I'm all for it.

[arodz]

So whats the deal with tmac and iverson than?


Well, they're both old, busted and completely suck....Next.

[FromWayDowntown]

Is Shaq really that clueless about his actual value and abilities?

Or is this just more Shaq hype? Has he really said, im not taking a vet minimum?

I think to an extent, Shaq sees himself as bringing value beyond his basketball worth. He's said previously that he intends to make this his last contract and that he intends to make the 2nd year of the deal a farewell tour that he insists will give his team 41 guaranteed sold-out games.

Personally, I'm not sure that Shaq has that kind of clout or public interest anymore and, therefore, I don't know that fans in Atlanta or San Antonio or any other city are going to gobble up home game tickets just because Shaq is on his way out. But from his perspective, Shaq (I think) sees his value being greater than the vet minimum because he has an ability to help his team sell tickets and make money. He believes that he can make an owner money, so he thinks he should be paid something commensurate with that value.

[nbaman99]

Only if the trade includes a time machine.

I understand the guy is old, but for limited minutes he will be a force inside. And still can pull down some rebounds. Think about it, Duncan, splitter, Antonio, DB with shaq will be a huge lineup.

[ducks]

the problem is dice and shaq both would be useless tell after allstar break when they will be motivated

[angelbelow]

Would still like to have Shaq, but I see no chance now.

Says that he wants money and playing time. Doesnt sound like he will be willing to smoothly transition into our team.

[cd98]

How pissed will Shaq be if he has to sign for two million or less to play an NBA season? I wouldn't be surprised if he walked away insulted if that is all teams will pay him.

But if he does play, I bet he eventually becomes a cancer in that club's lockerroom as he complains about playing time, being the man, and not getting paid what he's worth.

Does any team want to put up with that?

[Spursmania]

I understand the guy is old, but for limited minutes he will be a force inside. And still can pull down some rebounds. Think about it, Duncan, splitter, Antonio, DB with shaq will be a huge lineup.

Yes, but Shaq said he wants guaranteed playing time. I can't see Pop guaranteeing him anything. Also, if Shaq really wants that much money, SA will not pay him what he wants nor should they.

However, if he wants to play for a contender and take a salary cut, and be willing to play when Pop sees fit then hell yeah!:smokin

With that said, it's not going to happen. Too many compromises need to be made by Shaq who we all know is an egocentric maniac.

[DBMethos]

I'd take Shaq so long as we only used him in games where we play the Lakers. He'd have to be OK with sitting against the 28 other teams. :nope

[CubanMustGo]

Maybe Shaq will take his travelling road show to Panathinaikos, since according to KBP they have expressed interest in signing every NBA player who breathes, even those under contract.

[Nathan89]

Shaq should go to the Thunder.

[jason1301]

Two former All-Stars whom the Heat are far more likely to consider: Jerry Stackhouse and Michael Finley.

:lol

[MullinFan]

I can see Shaq waiting until the all-star break to sign with someone...like above poster said he doesnt seem interested til half the season is over anyways..

[G-Dawgg]

Shaq would be good as like a Kendrick Perkins-type interior defender.. we could use him to body-up against the likes of Dwight Howard, Brendan Haywood, Greg Oden, Yao Ming....

He'd still be really useful against teams with big centers. Don't fool yourself into thinking he's useless, just because he can't compete with the uptempo running teams doesn't mean he couldn't still own the half-court teams...

I'd take him if he were coming in for cheap.

[boutons_deux]

Shaq's been draggin his wealthy, disinterested ass for years on high salary, for $2M he'll be less that useless.

[Cane]

Shaq's worth it if you're in the East and if you don't have size in your frontcourt. He can still single cover and frustrate the hell out of Dwight Howard.

I could maybe see the Spurs pursuing Shaq for an Antonio McDyess type of deal if he was available last summer.... However at this point the more potential minutes for guys like Blair and Tiago (his contract will probably be a bargain compared to Shaq's as well) the better imo.

[Indazone]

Amazing how T-Mac is already washed up at his fairly young age.

[Muser]

Shaq would only hinder Tiago's transition into the NBA.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

I wouldn't be opposed to adding a bruiser to the front court but there's bigger fish to fry at the SF spot and do the Spurs really need one more big whose minutes need monitoring?

[4>0rings]

but can he spread the floor and miss wide open 3 ponters?

[G-Dawgg]

but can he spread the floor and miss wide open 3 ponters?

That's what we re-signed Matt Bonner to do.....

I guess we could alway make De-Juan blair guard the Yao-Mings and the Dwight Howards in the NBA.... lol

[yavozerb]

how about mcdyess for brandon bass?
also when are why going to sign our first round draft pick james anderson?
What about Rasual Bulter for spurs?

I was thinking more Mcdyess for posey...Just a thought

[coyotes_geek]

how about mcdyess for brandon bass?

Why would Orlando do this?


also when are why going to sign our first round draft pick james anderson?

Sometime before training camp. There's no rush.


What about Rasual Bulter for spurs?

Hopefully the Spurs are going after him, but he might not be affordable.

[20beastie45]

Shaq would only hinder Tiago's transition into the NBA.
+1

He needs to learn NBA game ASAP

[wut]

ok I know this is going to sound funny, but he would be worth the $2 million just for leadership/spirit/fun in the locker room.

There are times when we lack that Mario Elie type of player who has the balls to get into people's faces and stir up some spirit...I think Shaq could provide that kind of leadership that at times is lacking.

Plus, just imagine Shaq and Pop together answering questions from the Press....that alone would be worth it. :lol


I dont see how it would hurt Splitter's progression having a 2nd legendary player next to him giving him advice. Shaq would get the Robert Horry treatment...(as in barely plays during the season, but let him go all out in the playoffs).

Also, imagine how Blair would progress with Shaq's help...we all know Blair's abilities are very similar to Shaq (albeit a shorter version).

[20beastie45]

ok I know this is going to sound funny, but he would be worth the $2 million just for leadership/spirit/fun in the locker room.

There are times when we lack that Mario Elie type of player who has the balls to get into people's faces and stir up some spirit...I think Shaq could provide that kind of leadership that at times is lacking.

Plus, just imagine Shaq and Pop together answering questions from the Press....that alone would be worth it. :lol


I dont see how it would hurt Splitter's progression having a 2nd legendary player next to him giving him advice. Shaq would get the Robert Horry treatment...(as in barely plays during the season, but let him go all out in the playoffs).

Also, imagine how Blair would progress with Shaq's help...we all know Blair's abilities are very similar to Shaq (albeit a shorter version).

:lol:lmao

[Basketball Power]

Spurs could really use him going up against the Lakers

[Obstructed_View]

I'd take Shaq for vet minimum on the off chance that he decides to show up in shape.

[spursfan1000]

Since we already know Jefferson is coming back to the Spurs, im interested to see where Shaq and Tmac land. I'm guessing T-mac goes to the Clippers and Shaq to Atlanta.

[spursfan1000]

Spurs could really use him going up against the Lakers

That's your first post? :lol

[Seventyniner]

ok I know this is going to sound funny, but he would be worth the $2 million just for leadership/spirit/fun in the locker room.

That's really easy to say when it isn't your money.

[ChuckD]

Amazing how T-Mac is already washed up at his fairly young age.

It's not the age, it's the mileage. Players like Kobe, KG, and TMac that came in at 18 have as many miles as a four year older player who played college ball. Kobe's got the miles of a 70s era 36-37 YO.

[Indazone]

It's not the age, it's the mileage. Players like Kobe, KG, and TMac that came in at 18 have as many miles as a four year older player who played college ball. Kobe's got the miles of a 70s era 36-37 YO.

Lance Armstrong has the mileage but was still going strong. T-Mac might still have the chance of a Grant Hill like comeback. Probability is low though.

[Danny.Zhu]

LLE, get me Shaq.

[Thomas82]

Since we already know Jefferson is coming back to the Spurs, im interested to see where Shaq and Tmac land. I'm guessing T-mac goes to the Clippers and Shaq to Atlanta.

Atlanta already said Shaq was no longer in their plans. The best opportunity for Shaq to win would be with the Spurs.

[RiverwalkParade]

Shaq to SA would be a win for the vet min.

[Thomas82]

shaq to sa would be a win for the vet min.

+1

[dbreiden83080]

, is known to be willing to pay Shaq more than $2 million for next season.

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/18437/latest-buzz-rj-shaq-t-mac-more

Thanks to his ex wife he probably needs the money..

[FilSpursFan]

I prefer this

http://www.basketground.it/public/images/pagine/10467/Schortsanitis4006001162455433478.jpg
:p::p:

[lotr1trekkie]

Shaq is in denial. He has no value to a competitive team, except as a sub. If he actually needs almost 1 mill a month to live on he has a problem. Spurs don't need any prima donnas. Ditto McGrady.

[Zelophehad]

Since these guys are dying to stay in the limelight they should have all these old out of shape guys from multiple sports train together when they don't get signed and film a crappy reality TV show about it. Every one who thinks he can still play, like TO, Shaq, AI, T-Mac, Canseco, etc.

They could call it "The Comeback Kids" or "One Last Night" or something insanely awful like that.

[mudyez]

Since these guys are dying to stay in the limelight they should have all these old out of shape guys from multiple sports train together when they don't get signed and film a crappy reality TV show about it. Every one who thinks he can still play, like TO, Shaq, AI, T-Mac, Canseco, etc.

They could call it "The Comeback Kids" or "One Last Night" or something insanely awful like that.

Last time I heard something like that, a poster proposed that Lebron should do a big show, where he tells us, where he will go.

Just stupid!













I'm really looking forward to this show! :downspin:

[Zelophehad]

Last time I heard something like that, a poster proposed that Lebron should do a big show, where he tells us, where he will go.

Just stupid!













I'm really looking forward to this show! :downspin:

It has to be awful or no one will watch it, and it won't make multiple seasons:

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7gUxUVBoKugzj894dCSezAE8I3CCbS iuCDf8o_K2V0WQWPkU&t=1&usg=__hlAmknZv-pEG3wl1-z4Yyd5zrBo=

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTvjnya6oimpDz4i4t98FaV69ukTWtOy mUN2ro70ygGoc7F4Fg&t=1&usg=__14RdTpgU7CwGhzqriY2ll-Zg1fA=


Getting Clemens to try a comeback will be the capper.

[Bito Corleone]

http://media.theonion.com/images/articles/article/2895/Shaq-article_jpg_630x463_pad-black_upscale_q85.jpg

Please sign me.

[Horse]

I understand the guy is old, but for limited minutes he will be a force inside. And still can pull down some rebounds. Think about it, Duncan, splitter, Antonio, DB with shaq will be a huge lineup.
Fuck shaq once and forever he will always be a villain to any true Spurs fan from him trying to trash DROB's rep to just being a big fat jackass. I will take the season off if we ever sign that piece of shit:ihit