Duncan2177
06-24-2012, 03:29 PM
Free-agent team needs: West
We provide a free-agency blueprint for every Western Conference team
Updated: March 24, 2012, 3:05 PM ET
By Tom Haberstroh | ESPN Insider
At the trade deadline, a few teams from the Western Conference waved their white flags on the 2011-12 season and made moves to "build" for the future. The Trail Blazers picked up a first-round pick and cleared cap space while the Warriors traded their top scorer Monta Ellis and plus-minus juggernaut Ekpe Udoh essentially for an All-Star center who cannot play due to injury (Andrew Bogut).
The focus, for many teams, is not on the here and now but on the horizon. For this reason, we're taking a look at the free-agency fits and needs of each team. On Thursday, we took a close look at the Eastern Conference, and in this edition, we set our eyes on the West.
THE BUYERS
Phoenix Suns -- $26 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Steve Nash ($11.7M), Grant Hill ($6.5M), Shannon Brown ($3.5M)
Biggest needs: PG, SG, SF, PF
If and when Steve Nash leaves Phoenix, at least the blow will be softened by loads of cap space. The Suns are set to sport a trim payroll outside the deadweight Josh Childress contract in the offseason, and they'll be looking for big help at every position except perhaps the center slot, where Marcin Gortat is arguably a top-five player at his position.
Entering a free-agency market stacked with centers and Deron Williams reportedly looking elsewhere, the Suns couldn't have picked a worse time to pick someone to receive the torch after Nash. Of all the unrestricted free agents out there, Kris Humphries makes the most sense -- even if that's not what Suns fans want to hear.
Portland Trail Blazers -- $23 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Mehmet Okur ($10.9M), Raymond Felton ($7.6M), Hasheem Thabeet ($5.1M)
Biggest needs: PG, SG, C
Nicolas Batum (restricted free agent) figures to re-up with the Blazers, and they'll have plenty of cash to throw at him. The big question is whether Portland will chase other free agents this summer or wait until it finds out what talent it has with its two likely lottery picks.
This is setting up to be a fascinating offseason for Portland, an organization that has to fill both the mouths of a passionate fan base and the holes of a porous roster. Going after Roy Hibbert and Brook Lopez might be an option, but they likely won't be freed from their current teams. Of all the free agents on the market, the one to keep an eye on is Nash.
New Orleans Hornets -- $20 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Chris Kaman ($14M), Carl Landry ($8.5M), Marco Belinelli ($3.4M)
Biggest needs: Anything and everything
Here's the elephant in the room: New Orleans' biggest chip in the Chris Paul trade might play only two games in a Hornets uniform. That's the dark scenario the Hornets face this summer, and there's no denying that the situation in the Big Easy looks bleak.
For teams like New Orleans, signing a big name in free agency just isn't a realistic option. Better to build through the draft and hope to land another Paul and David West tandem. Eyeing buy-low candidates such as Aaron Brooks and O.J. Mayo wouldn't be a bad route for a team on the rise.
Dallas Mavericks -- $3.4 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Jason Terry ($11.2M), Jason Kidd ($9.6M), potentially Shawn Marion ($8M)
Biggest needs: PG, SG, SF, C
The $3 million figure cited above is a bit misleading since Dallas will probably have a much wider budget come July. The Mavericks could use their amnesty clause on Marion's contract or trade him for lighter assets. They could do the same with Brendan Haywood and Lamar Odom.
The end game for Dallas? Land Deron Williams or Dwight Howard. Hauling in Williams will be an easier task since he will become a free agent, but landing Howard would require a trade or a revisit in 2013. Everything outside of dealing Dirk Nowitzki has to be on the table for Mark Cuban and the Mavericks organization. If Williams isn't a Maverick next season, that would be a surprise.
Houston Rockets -- $13 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Marcus Camby ($11.2M), Courtney Lee ($2.2M)
Biggest needs: C, SF
The Rockets have been itching for a superstar ever since Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming were hit with injuries, but they probably won't find him in free agency this summer. They'll have the cash to attract a big-name free agent, but don't expect them to spend like mad on an uninspiring crop of unrestricted free agents.
The big deal that GM Daryl Morey makes probably won't come on the free agency market but in a swap not unlike the Trade-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named that involved a family member of Marc Gasol. Unless they land Williams, bringing in a guy like Spencer Hawes might be the biggest signing of the offseason.
THE WILD CARDS
Los Angeles Clippers -- $1 million over the cap
Coming off the books: Randy Foye ($4M), Nick Young ($3.5M), Kenyon Martin ($2.5M), Chauncey Billups ($2M)
Biggest need: SG
Barring a blockbuster trade, it has to be assumed that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are the future in Clipperland, but can the franchise surround them with the right pieces (and coach) to form a legitimate title contender?
The fate of this squad at season's end will determine much of its offseason program, but the shooting guard position is the obvious gorge that needs to be filled. Ray Allen would fit like a glove, but L.A. will need him to accept a mid-level exception.
Memphis Grizzlies -- $4 million over the cap
Coming off the books: O.J. Mayo ($5.6M), Marreese Speights ($2.7M)
Biggest need: SG
The Grizzlies don't have much work cut out for them. With Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol locked up, the only glaring need is some 3-point shooting on the wing. Like the Clippers, they could go after Allen, but a more logical step might be a cost-efficient target such as Carlos Delfino or Jodie Meeks.
This looks like a playoff team for years to come no matter who they pursue this summer, so it's unlikely that a difference-making free agent will be on the horizon. They're solid top to bottom.
Oklahoma City Thunder -- $6 million over cap
Coming off the books: Nazr Mohammed ($3.8M)
Biggest need: PF
The Thunder don't "need" anything, really. If we're nitpicking, they should look to bolster their scoring presence underneath the rim, but guess what? So should every other team. They won't find a Chris Bosh or Griffin on the free-agency market, and they wouldn't be able to afford such a player anyway.
If Landry is willing to take a big pay cut to finally play for a contender, he would be an intriguing exception buy for the Thunder, but that's unlikely. The Thunder should be more focused on inking James Harden and Serge Ibaka for the long term rather than someone outside the organization.
Denver Nuggets -- $6 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Andre Miller ($7.8M), Ronny Turiaf ($4.4M), JaVale McGee ($2.5M)
Biggest need: C
In just a few hours at the deadline, the Nuggets transformed themselves into players in the 2012 free-agency market. Still, they won't be big ones. The Wilson Chandler signing eats into their budget for a heavyweight, which makes it's unlikely that they'll be chasing a big name outside their own JaVale McGee.
Arron Afflalo's inspiring play as of late should quiet any concerns at the shooting guard position, so this team likely won't need to make a big move to maintain their playoff status. Allen, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett all would be good fits in Denver, but Colorado isn't exactly the warmest destination for a near retiree.
Sacramento Kings -- $14 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Jason Thompson ($3M)
Biggest needs: SF, PF, C
Can the Kings go anywhere with Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins running the show? After two seasons in the basement, it's time they made a move other than absorbing minor albatrosses such as John Salmons and Travis Outlaw.
Will that move come in free agency? Doubtful. Sacramento isn't the destination it once was for free agents, and it is probably a better move to sit and wait for another stud in the draft rather than burning their cap space. But how much longer can Kings fans wait?
San Antonio Spurs -- $9 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Tim Duncan ($21.2M)
Biggest needs: SF, PF, C
They'll probably use up most of their cap space on Tim Duncan, which should limit them to a few options on the periphery. This is a team that could use some frontcourt help in a big way. It's not that DeJuan Blair, Tiago Splitter and Matt Bonner aren't solid options; they're just not star-level players to transition with into the new era.
The Spurs probably won't make any big moves in the free-agency market, but they have the Midas touch when it comes to finding diamonds in the rough. The clearance aisle is likely where they're headed but a short deal with Elton Brand, Garnett or Antawn Jamison can't be ruled out.
Utah Jazz -- $4 million under the cap
Coming off the books: C.J. Miles ($3.7M), Josh Howard ($2.2M)
Biggest needs: PG, SG, SF
Is this the offseason where they figure out what to do with Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap? It better be. The duo will both be on expiring deals, which may make it more palatable for a potential suitor. Let's get one thing straight: This team isn't going to catapult into contender status through free agency, so it's best to invest elsewhere.
Salt Lake City won't ever be a No. 1 destination, but that doesn't mean the Jazz can't find help on the fringe. Delfino or Sam Young make sense here.
CAPPED OUT
Golden State Warriors -- $1.2 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Brandon Rush ($2.9M)
Biggest needs: SG, SF
All eyes are on the draft. If the Warriors can escape without giving their protected pick to Utah, that would be an offseason success. They whiffed big time in free agency last offseason, and by bringing in Bogut and Richard Jefferson, they ensured they wouldn't be at the plate this offseason.
Wings such as J.R. Smith, Nick Young and Lou Williams would be helpful, but they're probably out of their reach. Lower-tiered shooters such as Meeks, Sam Young and Delfino are more likely.
Minnesota Timberwolves -- $1 million over the cap
Coming off the books: Michael Beasley ($6.3M), Brad Miller ($4.8M)
Biggest needs: SG, SF
Without Ricky Rubio, the Timberwolves look destined for a finish in NBA purgatory -- not quite good enough for the playoffs but not bad enough for a top lottery pick. Their first-rounder was going to the Clippers anyway, so that shouldn't be news to Minnesota fans. The Timberwolves do have a top-14 protected pick from Utah, but it may or may not be available depending on how the Jazz finish.
The Timberwolves probably won't substantially improve the roster via free agency thanks to their climate and cap space. Bringing back Anthony Tolliver and/or Anthony Randolph might be their biggest free-agency signings. Josh Howard might not be a bad investment for a team on the cusp.
Los Angeles Lakers -- $26 million over the cap, $13 million over tax
Coming off the books: Jordan Hill ($2.9M), Matt Barnes ($1.9M)
Biggest needs: SF, PF
The Lakers won't be big players in free agency, now or anytime soon. They still owe about $150 million over the next two seasons, so any fish they land this offseason will either have to come via trade or off the scrap heap.
The good news for Lakers fans is that they found a solid point guard in Ramon Sessions. The bad news is that they still have massive holes at small forward and behind their big men. A landscape-changing move might be in order, but not in free agency.
----- ESPN Insider
We provide a free-agency blueprint for every Western Conference team
Updated: March 24, 2012, 3:05 PM ET
By Tom Haberstroh | ESPN Insider
At the trade deadline, a few teams from the Western Conference waved their white flags on the 2011-12 season and made moves to "build" for the future. The Trail Blazers picked up a first-round pick and cleared cap space while the Warriors traded their top scorer Monta Ellis and plus-minus juggernaut Ekpe Udoh essentially for an All-Star center who cannot play due to injury (Andrew Bogut).
The focus, for many teams, is not on the here and now but on the horizon. For this reason, we're taking a look at the free-agency fits and needs of each team. On Thursday, we took a close look at the Eastern Conference, and in this edition, we set our eyes on the West.
THE BUYERS
Phoenix Suns -- $26 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Steve Nash ($11.7M), Grant Hill ($6.5M), Shannon Brown ($3.5M)
Biggest needs: PG, SG, SF, PF
If and when Steve Nash leaves Phoenix, at least the blow will be softened by loads of cap space. The Suns are set to sport a trim payroll outside the deadweight Josh Childress contract in the offseason, and they'll be looking for big help at every position except perhaps the center slot, where Marcin Gortat is arguably a top-five player at his position.
Entering a free-agency market stacked with centers and Deron Williams reportedly looking elsewhere, the Suns couldn't have picked a worse time to pick someone to receive the torch after Nash. Of all the unrestricted free agents out there, Kris Humphries makes the most sense -- even if that's not what Suns fans want to hear.
Portland Trail Blazers -- $23 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Mehmet Okur ($10.9M), Raymond Felton ($7.6M), Hasheem Thabeet ($5.1M)
Biggest needs: PG, SG, C
Nicolas Batum (restricted free agent) figures to re-up with the Blazers, and they'll have plenty of cash to throw at him. The big question is whether Portland will chase other free agents this summer or wait until it finds out what talent it has with its two likely lottery picks.
This is setting up to be a fascinating offseason for Portland, an organization that has to fill both the mouths of a passionate fan base and the holes of a porous roster. Going after Roy Hibbert and Brook Lopez might be an option, but they likely won't be freed from their current teams. Of all the free agents on the market, the one to keep an eye on is Nash.
New Orleans Hornets -- $20 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Chris Kaman ($14M), Carl Landry ($8.5M), Marco Belinelli ($3.4M)
Biggest needs: Anything and everything
Here's the elephant in the room: New Orleans' biggest chip in the Chris Paul trade might play only two games in a Hornets uniform. That's the dark scenario the Hornets face this summer, and there's no denying that the situation in the Big Easy looks bleak.
For teams like New Orleans, signing a big name in free agency just isn't a realistic option. Better to build through the draft and hope to land another Paul and David West tandem. Eyeing buy-low candidates such as Aaron Brooks and O.J. Mayo wouldn't be a bad route for a team on the rise.
Dallas Mavericks -- $3.4 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Jason Terry ($11.2M), Jason Kidd ($9.6M), potentially Shawn Marion ($8M)
Biggest needs: PG, SG, SF, C
The $3 million figure cited above is a bit misleading since Dallas will probably have a much wider budget come July. The Mavericks could use their amnesty clause on Marion's contract or trade him for lighter assets. They could do the same with Brendan Haywood and Lamar Odom.
The end game for Dallas? Land Deron Williams or Dwight Howard. Hauling in Williams will be an easier task since he will become a free agent, but landing Howard would require a trade or a revisit in 2013. Everything outside of dealing Dirk Nowitzki has to be on the table for Mark Cuban and the Mavericks organization. If Williams isn't a Maverick next season, that would be a surprise.
Houston Rockets -- $13 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Marcus Camby ($11.2M), Courtney Lee ($2.2M)
Biggest needs: C, SF
The Rockets have been itching for a superstar ever since Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming were hit with injuries, but they probably won't find him in free agency this summer. They'll have the cash to attract a big-name free agent, but don't expect them to spend like mad on an uninspiring crop of unrestricted free agents.
The big deal that GM Daryl Morey makes probably won't come on the free agency market but in a swap not unlike the Trade-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named that involved a family member of Marc Gasol. Unless they land Williams, bringing in a guy like Spencer Hawes might be the biggest signing of the offseason.
THE WILD CARDS
Los Angeles Clippers -- $1 million over the cap
Coming off the books: Randy Foye ($4M), Nick Young ($3.5M), Kenyon Martin ($2.5M), Chauncey Billups ($2M)
Biggest need: SG
Barring a blockbuster trade, it has to be assumed that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are the future in Clipperland, but can the franchise surround them with the right pieces (and coach) to form a legitimate title contender?
The fate of this squad at season's end will determine much of its offseason program, but the shooting guard position is the obvious gorge that needs to be filled. Ray Allen would fit like a glove, but L.A. will need him to accept a mid-level exception.
Memphis Grizzlies -- $4 million over the cap
Coming off the books: O.J. Mayo ($5.6M), Marreese Speights ($2.7M)
Biggest need: SG
The Grizzlies don't have much work cut out for them. With Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol locked up, the only glaring need is some 3-point shooting on the wing. Like the Clippers, they could go after Allen, but a more logical step might be a cost-efficient target such as Carlos Delfino or Jodie Meeks.
This looks like a playoff team for years to come no matter who they pursue this summer, so it's unlikely that a difference-making free agent will be on the horizon. They're solid top to bottom.
Oklahoma City Thunder -- $6 million over cap
Coming off the books: Nazr Mohammed ($3.8M)
Biggest need: PF
The Thunder don't "need" anything, really. If we're nitpicking, they should look to bolster their scoring presence underneath the rim, but guess what? So should every other team. They won't find a Chris Bosh or Griffin on the free-agency market, and they wouldn't be able to afford such a player anyway.
If Landry is willing to take a big pay cut to finally play for a contender, he would be an intriguing exception buy for the Thunder, but that's unlikely. The Thunder should be more focused on inking James Harden and Serge Ibaka for the long term rather than someone outside the organization.
Denver Nuggets -- $6 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Andre Miller ($7.8M), Ronny Turiaf ($4.4M), JaVale McGee ($2.5M)
Biggest need: C
In just a few hours at the deadline, the Nuggets transformed themselves into players in the 2012 free-agency market. Still, they won't be big ones. The Wilson Chandler signing eats into their budget for a heavyweight, which makes it's unlikely that they'll be chasing a big name outside their own JaVale McGee.
Arron Afflalo's inspiring play as of late should quiet any concerns at the shooting guard position, so this team likely won't need to make a big move to maintain their playoff status. Allen, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett all would be good fits in Denver, but Colorado isn't exactly the warmest destination for a near retiree.
Sacramento Kings -- $14 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Jason Thompson ($3M)
Biggest needs: SF, PF, C
Can the Kings go anywhere with Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins running the show? After two seasons in the basement, it's time they made a move other than absorbing minor albatrosses such as John Salmons and Travis Outlaw.
Will that move come in free agency? Doubtful. Sacramento isn't the destination it once was for free agents, and it is probably a better move to sit and wait for another stud in the draft rather than burning their cap space. But how much longer can Kings fans wait?
San Antonio Spurs -- $9 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Tim Duncan ($21.2M)
Biggest needs: SF, PF, C
They'll probably use up most of their cap space on Tim Duncan, which should limit them to a few options on the periphery. This is a team that could use some frontcourt help in a big way. It's not that DeJuan Blair, Tiago Splitter and Matt Bonner aren't solid options; they're just not star-level players to transition with into the new era.
The Spurs probably won't make any big moves in the free-agency market, but they have the Midas touch when it comes to finding diamonds in the rough. The clearance aisle is likely where they're headed but a short deal with Elton Brand, Garnett or Antawn Jamison can't be ruled out.
Utah Jazz -- $4 million under the cap
Coming off the books: C.J. Miles ($3.7M), Josh Howard ($2.2M)
Biggest needs: PG, SG, SF
Is this the offseason where they figure out what to do with Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap? It better be. The duo will both be on expiring deals, which may make it more palatable for a potential suitor. Let's get one thing straight: This team isn't going to catapult into contender status through free agency, so it's best to invest elsewhere.
Salt Lake City won't ever be a No. 1 destination, but that doesn't mean the Jazz can't find help on the fringe. Delfino or Sam Young make sense here.
CAPPED OUT
Golden State Warriors -- $1.2 million under the cap
Coming off the books: Brandon Rush ($2.9M)
Biggest needs: SG, SF
All eyes are on the draft. If the Warriors can escape without giving their protected pick to Utah, that would be an offseason success. They whiffed big time in free agency last offseason, and by bringing in Bogut and Richard Jefferson, they ensured they wouldn't be at the plate this offseason.
Wings such as J.R. Smith, Nick Young and Lou Williams would be helpful, but they're probably out of their reach. Lower-tiered shooters such as Meeks, Sam Young and Delfino are more likely.
Minnesota Timberwolves -- $1 million over the cap
Coming off the books: Michael Beasley ($6.3M), Brad Miller ($4.8M)
Biggest needs: SG, SF
Without Ricky Rubio, the Timberwolves look destined for a finish in NBA purgatory -- not quite good enough for the playoffs but not bad enough for a top lottery pick. Their first-rounder was going to the Clippers anyway, so that shouldn't be news to Minnesota fans. The Timberwolves do have a top-14 protected pick from Utah, but it may or may not be available depending on how the Jazz finish.
The Timberwolves probably won't substantially improve the roster via free agency thanks to their climate and cap space. Bringing back Anthony Tolliver and/or Anthony Randolph might be their biggest free-agency signings. Josh Howard might not be a bad investment for a team on the cusp.
Los Angeles Lakers -- $26 million over the cap, $13 million over tax
Coming off the books: Jordan Hill ($2.9M), Matt Barnes ($1.9M)
Biggest needs: SF, PF
The Lakers won't be big players in free agency, now or anytime soon. They still owe about $150 million over the next two seasons, so any fish they land this offseason will either have to come via trade or off the scrap heap.
The good news for Lakers fans is that they found a solid point guard in Ramon Sessions. The bad news is that they still have massive holes at small forward and behind their big men. A landscape-changing move might be in order, but not in free agency.
----- ESPN Insider