Scola for Nocioni Picking Up Steam?

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

so pretty much the spurs could use the MLE on Scola and package that with barry for Nocioni.


COME ON RC. FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE DO IT MAN!!!



LOL @ you thinking the SPurs can land a key free agent



not the Spurs way

[whottt]

Nocioni isn't perfect : he isn't very long or athletic, he isn't a great defender and he has his PF trouble. BUT, Spurs will never find the perfect long 3 and Nocioni has a lot of qualities. Nocioni would be a great addition to SA..

Nocioni plays a lot bigger than he actually is. His size won't be a problem....as a SF, or as a Small Ball PF.

[jdaveah]

LOL @ you thinking the SPurs can land a key free agent



not the Spurs way



what was finley then?

[td4mvp3]

what was finley then?
or barry?

[Bruno]

Nocioni plays a lot bigger than he actually is. His size won't be a problem....as a SF, or as a Small Ball PF.

Yep. Nocioni isn't very athletic but he is a strong player. He mainly played PF this year with Chicago and with a lot of success. I just said that he isn't the prototypal long SF who is 6'9"/6'10".

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

what was finley then?



30+ on his last legs



Barrry, again 30+ past his primr




BOTH VETS, desperate for rings

[picnroll]

Nocioni matches up well with certain types of players that have given the Spurs problems like Bonzi and Melo. Gives the Spurs a lot of flexibility.

[T Park]

nocioni though is athletic enough to hang with lebron and Carmello

adding nocioni would also help in guarding Dirk.....

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

I'm trying not to get my hopes up on this, but he really would be a great fit. Plus people already think he's a dirty player so he'd fit right in.

[T Park]

Im the same way.

Its like when in 04 the spurs were thought of going after Stephen Jackson and I was jacked for it, and he ends up going to Indiana of all friggen places.

[whottt]

I wouldn't go so far as to say Noccioni can stop Bron or Melo much in any way...

What he can do is put up a buttload of points and rebounds on them himself.

And I don't think he's going to have much of an adjustment to the Spurs system and playing D...he had to play hard on D in Chicago as well.


The thing is...Nocioni isn't used to playing with a truly dominant big...for much of his Bulls' career...he's the been the dominant big(which says alot about the state of Chicago's bigs). He was one of the focuses of the defense in Chicago...he won't be that here. It'll be interesting to see how he plays alongside a guy that draws as much attention as Duncan.


Not to mention that playing alongside Manu and Oberto, two players who are familiar with his game and smart enough to play to his strengths, is going to help him as well(and perhaps them too).

[TDMVPDPOY]

nacioni is just a better version of najera with a shooting hand.....

i still prefer the mexican though.....



tacos anyone?

[T Park]

I wouldn't go so far as to say Noccioni can stop Bron or Melo much in any way...

He can guard them wayyyy better than Finley.

He has the muscle and just enough athleticism to hang with Lebron and the fellow like them.

[whottt]

He can guard them wayyyy better than Finley.

He has the muscle and just enough athleticism to hang with Lebron and the fellow like them.



I don't think he can defend them much TPark...if he was as good as you think he is...Chicago wouldn't be willing to lose him.

He's a good offensive player and plays hard on D, better on D than he gets credit for...but he's not any kind of a LeBron or Melo stopper. In no way....

[whottt]

nacioni is just a better version of najera with a shooting hand.....

i still prefer the mexican though.....



tacos anyone?



http://www.spursreport.com/forums/


They'll love you there...I promise. Here you are going to win up on all ignore sooner or later. Hopefully sooner.

[yavozerb]

The reason why the bulls might lose noci only because of financial reasons. Wallace and hinrich already make 10+ mil. and Gordan and Deng are due for contract extensions this year. So if the bulls could afford him they would gladly re-sign him

[whottt]

Nah...the main reason they are willing to let him go is that they have tremendous depth at the SF position and actually had some chemistry issues over the lack of PT. Tyrus, Deng, Kryhapa...If Nocioni was more talented than Deng and Thomas(in this case on D)...the Bulls wouldn't be willing to let him go.

Their need is a post scoring big, they've got SF, so they are willing to part ways with Nocioni to fill that need...and still end up keeping their most talented SFs.

If the Spurs do this trade...they(Bulls) are probably going to be taking salary back...so the Bulls won't be saving much payroll.

[whottt]

I'd be thrilled if the Bulls were willing to trade Tyrus Thomas or Deng for Scola...there's a resason they aren't willing to do that.

[yavozerb]

Long term the contracts going along with scola (either barry,beno, or butler) would be significantly cheaper due to probably only scola having more than 1-2 yrs left on contract

[AFBlue]

Barry + Scola + Udrih + 2008 1st Rd Pick

for

Nocioni + Duhon

[whottt]

Long term the contracts going along with scola (either barry,beno, or butler) would be significantly cheaper due to probably only scola having more than 1-2 yrs left on contract


I'm still going to say that the main reason they are willing to S&T Nocioni for a scoring big is because they like Deng and Thomas better, don't have enough minutes to go around for their SFs, and need a scoring big. I don't think the length of contract has anything to do with it...


If Nocioni only signed a 2 year deal...I think the Bulls would still be willing to trade him for Scola.

It doesn't take Isiah Thomas to see the Bulls have some nice SF types in Thomas, Deng and(as a bench player) Crapa....and no post scoring big.

[whottt]

Duhon sucks...

[Bruno]

A little question :
What contract do you think Nocioni will get this summer ?

$35M/5 years seems fair to me.

[whottt]

I like 5 years for 30 mil better...I definitely don't think the Spurs will go much beyond that.


He's probably not going to get as much as he could as a normal FA because he doesn't have much leverage. The teams that want him the most don't have more than the MLE to offer without S&T.

[T Park]

Give him whatever the damn agent wants.

Do whatever the fuck it takes.

Get Nocioni in silver and black.

[gus]

As an Argie I have a negative opinion for Nocioni to the Spurs.

Nocioni's game, no matter that he is succesful, didn't translate well to the NBA.

He is too slow to play SF which is his natural position and where he excelled in Europe.

He is too short to play PF, anyway and because he is a beast he could play.-

I think that Scola would be a better fit, because is a pure PF.

[batman2883]

scola is the better choice i dont know why people are interested more in noc......Scola is gonna rule the nba with supreme domination

[T Park]

scola is the better choice i dont know why people are interested more in noc......

beee cause the Spurs need a scoring and rebounding big small forward who also can defend some of the bigger forwards in the league?

[batman2883]

beee cause the Spurs need a scoring and rebounding big small forward who also can defend some of the bigger forwards in the league?
Noc is proven in the east....but we also need a dominating pf that can pick up the slack where duncan leaves off when he sits to rest....

[AFBlue]

Duhon sucks...

Better than Vaughn

[AFBlue]

Noc is proven in the east....but we also need a dominating pf that can pick up the slack where duncan leaves off when he sits to rest....

Enter Jackie Butler....

[T Park]

but we also need a dominating pf that can pick up the slack where duncan leaves off when he sits to rest....

dominating? Not exactly.

Someone that can score in the post? Sure.


Enter jackie butler. On top of that, Jackie is a better rebounder, knows the defensive system well, and hes proven in the NBA.

While Scola is NOT a good rebounder, and not proven in the NBA.

SF >>>>>>> PF right now

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Noc is proven in the east....but we also need a dominating pf that can pick up the slack where duncan leaves off when he sits to rest....
Scola is proven in Europe. How is that any more convincing than having cut your teeth in the east?

[yavozerb]

Its all about team needs at this point and to try and get as many championships during Duncan Era as possible..

[whottt]

Better than Vaughn


I don't actually think he is...he's more talented, but he's underachieves and doesn't bring much to the Bulls Team...Vaughn OTOH brings a lot of intangibles to the team that Duhon will never have. When you are talking about what role players are going to bring to the team, chemistry and lockerroom contributions are important.

I'd have to think a bit about even trading Beno for Duhon straight up.

[El_Mago]

Sign-and-trade deal could be forthcoming

By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter

July 2, 2007

Nobody can accuse Bulls general manager John Paxson of not being direct.

Agents and players say his philosophy in negotiations is to attempt to be fair, honest and above board.

Perhaps that's why Andres Nocioni is telling contacts in Argentina he wouldn't be surprised to be traded this summer.

Nocioni, 27, told those same contacts that Paxson informed him in his season-exit interview that the Bulls' No. 1 off-season goal is to acquire a scoring power forward.

That might even further limit minutes for the manic Nocioni, who happens to play both at power forward and the same small-forward position as a burgeoning All-Star in Luol Deng.

The Bulls respect and appreciate Nocioni's grit, determination and skill.

They would also gladly welcome the restricted free agent back—at the right price.

But if Nocioni, resting in his homeland after a serious bout with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, commands an offer sheet in the $6 million to $8 million range, expect the Bulls to explore sign-and-trade options.

The Spurs and Lakers are two teams that long have admired Nocioni's style of play.

Neither team has salary-cap room, meaning they only could offer the midlevel salary-cap exception, to be set July 11 at approximately $5.5 million.

The Bulls would match that salary.

But the Bulls might attempt to offer Nocioni, whose first choice is to return to the Bulls, as sign-and-trade bait in a larger deal as they monitor the Kevin Garnett sweepstakes in Minnesota and perhaps revisit talks with the Grizzlies regarding Pau Gasol.

Sunday marked the first day of the free-agent recruiting period. Players can agree to terms but are prohibited from signing contracts until July 11.

The Bulls, as expected, contacted representatives for available big men such as Chris Mihm, Melvin Ely, Joe Smith, Corliss Williamson, Marc Jackson and P.J. Brown.

Chicago-based agent Mark Bartelstein said on Sunday that Brown is out of the country until the middle of this week and hasn't decided if he will retire after a solid 14-year NBA career.

That also means Brown hasn't decided on whether he'd be amenable to a sign-and-trade scenario should the Bulls be able to interest a team to take his expiring contract as part of a larger deal.

Only the first year of Brown's signed-and-traded contract would have to be guaranteed, perhaps making it attractive to teams looking to trim payroll.

The Mavericks are one team that could express interest in Brown, who, as an unrestricted free agent, can sign with any team without involving the Bulls.

Bartelstein also represents Mikki Moore, who might interest the Bulls but is expected to re-sign with the Nets.

Mihm might be the most intriguing possibility for the Bulls, who are armed with the midlevel salary-cap exception as well as the biannual veteran's exception worth approximately $1.8 million.

Mihm averaged 10.2 points on 50.1 percent shooting and 6.2 rebounds in 59 games for the 2005-06 Lakers before missing all of last season following two ankle surgeries.

A person familiar with Mihm's status said the 7-footer isn't in game shape but is 100 percent physically and eager to play after his initial ankle injury and first surgery weren't diagnosed properly.

It's unknown if the Bulls contacted David Falk, the agent for Keith Van Horn, who, like Mihm, sat out last season after averaging 8.9 points for the Mavericks in 59 games in 2005-06.

Link

[AFBlue]

I don't actually think he is...he's more talented, but he's underachieves and doesn't bring much to the Bulls Team...Vaughn OTOH brings a lot of intangibles to the team that Duhon will never have. When you are talking about what role players are going to bring to the team, chemistry and lockerroom contributions are at a premium.

I'd have to think a bit about even trading Beno for Duhon straight up.

First of all....while Duhon's stats aren't that great, they eclipse Beno's stats.

Second, I understand the concerns about chemistry....but Duhon does play with alot of energy on the court and is a very sound defensive player.

He's flat-out, a better offensive player than Vaughn, and offers similar energy and defense. To me, it's a slam dunk.

I'd take Duhon over Vaughn and Beno.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

I don't actually think he is...he's more talented, but he's underachieves and doesn't bring much to the Bulls Team...Vaughn OTOH brings a lot of intangibles to the team that Duhon will never have. When you are talking about what role players are going to bring to the team, chemistry and lockerroom contributions are important.

I'd have to think a bit about even trading Beno for Duhon straight up.


:tu I can't say that I know a whole hell of a lot about Duhon, but "underachiever" is the word that gets thrown around the most. Sometimes players benefit greatly from a change in scenery, but if this guy isn't getting it done for Scott Skiles I don't see him improving under a coach who is even more demanding like Pop.

If Duhon coming along is the price of admission I could live with it, but he'd probably end up in Pop's doghouse pretty quick. Hell, he wouldn't even get new stuff, either. He'd be put in their with Beno's old collar and dishes.

[AFBlue]

I think most might know Duhon because he was suspened for a game (against the Spurs, might I add) for oversleeping and missing a practice. But he took the suspension like a man and went on.

I think there were also some stories about his frustration over being benched during his slump when Ben Gordon got inserted into the lineup. But, frustration when benched is to be expected.

IMO, this kid gets a bad rap. I think he would be a good fit with this Spurs unit.

[K-State Spur]

Sign-and-trade deal could be forthcoming

By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter

July 2, 2007...
But the Bulls might attempt to offer Nocioni, whose first choice is to return to the Bulls, as sign-and-trade bait in a larger deal as they monitor the Kevin Garnett sweepstakes in Minnesota and perhaps revisit talks with the Grizzlies regarding Pau Gasol.


I'm not sure that Mr. Johnson is aware that Nocioni has to agree to play for Minnesota for that to work. Maybe he would be for a load of cash, but that is a) far, far from a sure thing and b) the bigger the contract that he gets, the less payroll flexibility Minnesota gains from trading Garnett, thus lessening their willingness to do the deal.

[timvp]

I think most might know Duhon because he was suspened for a game (against the Spurs, might I add) for oversleeping and missing a practice. But he took the suspension like a man and went on.

I think there were also some stories about his frustration over being benched during his slump when Ben Gordon got inserted into the lineup. But, frustration when benched is to be expected.

IMO, this kid gets a bad rap. I think he would be a good fit with this Spurs unit.

There are reports that Duhon is an alcoholic and the Bulls want him to seek help. He's spent more time over the last two years in the tabloids in Chicago due to his bar hopping ways than on the court.

I used to like Duhon until he went Beno.

[timvp]

As far as Nocioni, he does have some downsides. He's more of a tweener than a small forward or a power forward. His jumper can go missing for games at a time.

But for what the Spurs need, he as perfect a fit as you could possibly get without giving up Tony or Manu in a trade. The only reason he is available is because the Bulls are loaded at his position.

[timvp]

A little question :
What contract do you think Nocioni will get this summer ?

$35M/5 years seems fair to me.

Well, it's gotta be more than the MLE. What does a max MLE offer look like?

If the contract starts at $6M with 10% raises, that works out to a $36M contract over five seasons. Starting at $7M, it ends up at $42M over five seasons.

Sounds high, but that's the going price for Nocioni.

[Kori Ellis]

I think the MLE is reportedly coming in at just over $5.7M to start. I'm not sure though.

[yavozerb]

Both names have been discussed at this site and I apologize if its already been posted somewhere.

Five potential bargains

1. Andres Nocioni: "A sleeper as the best free agent available. Obviously, he's not a better player than Chauncey Billups, but [in the long term] he's a young, ascending player who has not even touched his prime yet [he'll turn 28 in November]. He was [improving by] leaps and bounds two seasons ago not just during the regular season, but also in the playoffs. He was routinely putting in 20 points a night and bringing an energy and toughness that every team in the league craves. He's a guy who helps you win. He kind of stalled last year [with his foot injury], but two years from now, I can see Nocioni being a better signing than Lewis."

2. Mickael Pietrus: "He's very inconsistent, but if he eventually became an above-average starter, that would not shock me. He is incredibly athletic. He has the ability to be a very good shooter, and if his mind-set is right, he can be a terrific defender. He could be the type of defender Bruce Bowen is, but with more offense to go with it. He's a streak shooter who could become better and end up being a hell of a player. If you sign him to a multiyear deal and at some point the light comes on, he's a pretty attractive option."

paul forrester cnn/si

[timvp]

It's a long fall from Nocioni to option number two.

[Darkwaters]

It's a long fall from Nocioni to option number two.

I really have pretty much zero interest in Pietrus. Not at the price I'm hearing he'll go for.

Nocioni is a dream come true though. Make it so.

[whottt]

On a side note...

Matt Barnes hired Fegan as his agent. Adios Matt.

[yavozerb]

Pietrus is pretty damn good at 25 years old!!Yes, I agree it is a long fall but Noci has much more experience than Pietrus, but at 3 years younger he has more upside than Noci and could come a couple of mil cheaper as well! Again, team needs may not dictate a player like Pietrus this year though.

[Darkwaters]

On a side note...

Matt Barnes hired Fegan as his agent. Adios Matt.

Some team with cap room will get a serious mancrush on him and seriously overpay. Typically my money is on Atlanta whenever it comes to NBA forwards...but they DID draft a PG this year, so who knows?

I don't think Matt Barnes was ever really a viable option though.

[T Park]

He might be when the NBA GMs tell him to take a hike at the price hes asking.

[whottt]

Some team with cap room will get a serious mancrush on him and seriously overpay. Typically my money is on Atlanta whenever it comes to NBA forwards...but they DID draft a PG this year, so who knows?

I don't think Matt Barnes was ever really a viable option though.


He's not even a longshot now....

[ArgSpursFan]

I think the MLE is reportedly coming in at just over $5.7M to start. I'm not sure though.

that´s sounds about what Andres is seeking to get p/year if I´m not misstaken.

[yavozerb]

that´s sounds about what Andres is seeking to get p/year if I´m not misstaken.
From what I keep hearing if Andres settles for the possible MLE ($5.7 mil) then the bulls will just re-sign him.

[ArgSpursFan]

From what I keep hearing if Andres settles for the possible MLE ($5.7 mil) then the bulls will just re-sign him.

but they still need a bigger PF first,before resigning Andres.
Maybe the Scola +fillers trade for him could work too.

[Bruno]

Well, it's gotta be more than the MLE. What does a max MLE offer look like?


A max MLE contract is $31.3M with a $5.4M MLE.
If Kori's number is right ($5.7M), it's $33.1M.

[Bruno]

From what I keep hearing if Andres settles for the possible MLE ($5.7 mil) then the bulls will just re-sign him.

If Bulls don't want to do a S&T and if Nocioni want to come to SA with a MLE contract, Spurs should try to make a full MLE offer.

There are too some CBA tricks to make the deal more difficult to match :

- You can put a trade kicker in Nocioni contract. Bulls will be less interested to match an offer if Nocioni is less tradable because of his trade kicker.

- With a signing bonus and by frontloaded the salary payment each year, you can have a contract where the team will have to give Nocioni $10M before october. Will Bulls match an offer if they have to give $10M to Nocioni this summer ?

These tricks likely won't be enough to get Nocioni but you had to try.

[timvp]

A max MLE contract is $31.3M with a $5.4M MLE.
If Kori's number is right ($5.7M), it's $33.1M.

Then yeah, I'm guessing Nocioni's value is at very minimum around $38M over five years. It wouldn't shock me if someone gave him $40-45M.

Is he worth $40M to the Spurs over five seasons? I'd say so, as long as there are no concerns about his foot.

[timvp]

If Bulls don't want to do a S&T and if Nocioni want to come to SA with a MLE contract, Spurs should try to make a full MLE offer.

There are too some CBA tricks to make the deal more difficult to match :

- You can put a trade kicker in Nocioni contract. Bulls will be less interested to match an offer if Nocioni is less tradable because of his trade kicker.

- With a signing bonus and by frontloaded the salary payment each year, you can have a contract where the team will have to give Nocioni $10M before october. Will Bulls match an offer if they have to give $10M to Nocioni this summer ?

These tricks likely won't be enough to get Nocioni but you had to try.

Yeah, I think there's a chance that the Bulls are bluffing about matching a full MLE offer. I know they don't want it to come to that, but they have to float that out there so that teams are more likely to do a sign and trade.

[T Park]

I wish there was a argentine report from a farmer seeing Pop riding in on a hog cart to talk to Andres.

[Bruno]

Then yeah, I'm guessing Nocioni's value is at very minimum around $38M over five years. It wouldn't shock me if someone gave him $40-45M.

Is he worth $40M to the Spurs over five seasons? I'd say so, as long as there are no concerns about his foot.

Nocioni can too get a 6 years contract in a S&T.
Spurs can offer him a Rasho's contract ($42M/6 years).

[El_Mago]

I'm all for Udoka.

Anyone with me?

[T Park]

25 years old

sure.

Doubt the spurs would do it...

[Slinkyman]

Paxson vows to retain Nocioni
Bulls GM also pursues Mihm, 76ers' Smith

By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter
Published July 3, 2007

The Bulls have a weekend free-agent visit confirmed with Chris Mihm and are trying to persuade Joe Smith to follow.

John Paxson's top two targets in the unrestricted free-agent market haven't deterred the Bulls' general manager from addressing the restricted free-agent market—namely, re-signing Andres Nocioni.

In perhaps his strongest comments to date regarding his intense forward, Paxson on Monday said he has been in consistent communication with Nocioni's representatives and vowed action in some form.

"They know we want Noce back," Paxson said. "We're in the process of trying to work something out. I know there's interest in Noce. Everybody would love to have him on their team.

"There are a few teams with [salary-]cap space that could potentially throw an offer sheet down. I've often said, and Jerry's [Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf] with me on this, we're going to match offer sheets. We're not going to lose a player for nothing."

The Grizzlies, Bucks, Bobcats and Magic are the only teams expected to own significant room when the salary-cap figures are set on July 11. As a restricted free agent, Nocioni could have any offer sheet matched by the Bulls, who also could include Nocioni in a sign-and-trade scenario.

"I haven't talked to anybody about that," Paxson said. "Our preference is to sign him outright. Sign-and-trades are difficult because everybody has to be on board. It has to be a destination the player wants. I think they're more last resort than anything else. We'd like to get something done with him because he's so valuable for us."

Paxson insists the Bulls have the financial resources to re-sign Nocioni and add an unrestricted free agent. The Bulls own the midlevel salary-cap exception of approximately $5.5 million, as well as the bi-annual veteran's exception of roughly $1.8 million.

"Financially, we're in good shape," Paxson said. "We know we have Luol Deng and Ben Gordon coming up [for extensions], but we're still in good shape even with those guys.

"I have a tough time letting a player go when there's really nothing there you can replace him with. Noce has been so much a part of what we've been about the last few years. He and Kirk [Hinrich] have done a lot to change this franchise in a positive way."

Nocioni, who is resting the plantar fasciitis in his right foot in Argentina, said in a late-season interview his first priority is to return to the Bulls. But he's also telling contacts in his native country he wouldn't be surprised if he was traded.

Nocioni said Paxson told him in his season-exit interview that adding a scoring big man is the Bulls' No. 1 off-season priority. With franchise-changing names such as Kevin Garnett and Pau Gasol possibly available this summer, Nocioni must figure he'd be expendable.

Paxson said he hasn't talked to the Grizzlies about Gasol, and "there's nothing going on" with the Timberwolves and Garnett.

"From what I can gather, the Wolves and a lot of other teams are taking a deep breath right now trying to look at the free-agent market and see if they can get better that way," Paxson said. "I even talked to a couple of teams [about trades after the draft]. But I need to let things settle too."

Paxson will do so by focusing on face-to-face meetings with Mihm and possibly Smith.

The 76ers have vowed to retain the 6-foot-10-inch Smith, who averaged 8.5 points and 23.1 minutes in 65 games with them and the Nuggets last season.

Paxson contacted Smith directly when the free-agent recruiting period opened at 11:01 p.m. Saturday, hoping to sell the Bulls' no-nonsense philosophy to a well-regarded team player.

The Bulls likely would offer Smith the full midlevel exception. Mihm, who missed all of last season following ankle surgery, wouldn't receive as high an offer from the Bulls.

Nocioni isn't the only restricted free agent Paxson is monitoring. Darko Milicic would interest the Bulls should the Magic woo Rashard Lewis and renounce their rights to the 7-footer.

But Nocioni, for now, is a priority.

"We want him here and, at the end of the day, he likes it here," Paxson said. "I'm not prepared to lose a player for nothing."

[Bruno]

^ Paxson is a CIA type GM but if he isn't bluffing, it doesn't sound good. If he isn't lying, no teams have spoken to Bulls about a S&T. :depressed

[Bruno]

http://chrisvernon.blogspot.com/2007/07/cvernoncom-exclusive-grizzlies-gm.html


Wow, I called my shot. Today I posted on the blog that the Grizzlies needed to go after Andres Nocioni in free agency. I was told tonight that Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace is, in fact, in Argentina and is meeting with a free agent... Andres Nocioni. Great idea Mr. Wallace. Great idea.

[whottt]

I don't think Paxon is saying he won't let him go...

He's just saying, any team that thinks you can offer him a frontloaded 5 year MLE deal with a big trade kicker and sign him...you are are going to be disappointed.


And he's also telling the teams with cap space...you're going to have to overpay to get him, and your over priced offer is going to be tied up for two weeks.


Basically he's discouraging anyone from offering him a contract without trying to work a S&T with them.


He is willing to let him go...just not for nothing. And he says so many times in this article. At the same time, you know he's lying just a bit...if Nocioni gets a huge offer, they won't match it. The Bulls won't over-pay.


RE: Memphis

I don't think Nocioni really wants to play for the Grizzlies...but if they make him a stupid offer he'll probably go there, and the Bulls probably won't match.

[T Park]

Typical spurs.

Going after stiffs like Matt Carroll while Nocioni could be had.

[Bruno]

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/story.asp?id=328325

By Mike McGraw
Posted Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Chapu can’t escape: General manager John Paxson vowed to match any offer restricted free agent Andres Nocioni receives from another team.

“I have a tough time letting a player go when there’s really nothing there that you know you can replace him with,” Paxson said.

Trading Nocioni remains a slight possibility, and one potential target is Spanish league power forward Luis Scola, whose rights are held by San Antonio. Paxson said he always has liked Scola and has inquired about his availability.

“My preference is to sign (Nocioni) outright,” Paxson said. “We’d like to get something done with him because he’s so valuable to us.”

[Bruno]

Paxson said he always has liked Scola and has inquired about his availability.

:hungry:

[T Park]

Trading Nocioni remains a slight possibility, and one potential target is Spanish league power forward Luis Scola, whose rights are held by San Antonio. Paxson said he always has liked Scola and has inquired about his availability

YOUR FUCKING LOADED AT THE THREE

YOU CAN HAVE SCOLA!!

Shit I'll pay his fucking first class ticket from spain if you trade Nocioni.

GODDAMNT SPURS GET ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[timvp]

Trading Nocioni remains a slight possibility, and one potential target is Spanish league power forward Luis Scola, whose rights are held by San Antonio. Paxson said he always has liked Scola and has inquired about his availability.

A trade makes so much sense. I seriously think Scola could end up starting for the Bulls and average something like 15 and 7. That would be the perfect situation for Scola. Him and Ben Wallace would be the perfect tandem.

Scola on the Spurs doesn't make a huge amount of sense. The Spurs are about defense, ball movement and selfless play. Scola doesn't fit any of that. Scola is a low post scorer who wants and needs the ball to be effective.

Nocioni, on the other hand, isn't really needed on the Bulls due to all their young players who play the same position. On the Spurs, Nocioni would be a seamless fit.

[T Park]

so how come pop isn't like the Memphis GM and down there talkin to him....

[FuzzyLumpkins]

A trade makes so much sense. I seriously think Scola could end up starting for the Bulls and average something like 15 and 7. That would be the perfect situation for Scola. Him and Ben Wallace would be the perfect tandem.

Scola on the Spurs doesn't make a huge amount of sense. The Spurs are about defense, ball movement and selfless play. Scola doesn't fit any of that. Scola is a low post scorer who wants and needs the ball to be effective.

Nocioni, on the other hand, isn't really needed on the Bulls due to all their young players who play the same position. On the Spurs, Nocioni would be a seamless fit.

Youre man crush is going to Reggie Evans levels, brah.

[timvp]

Youre man crush is going to Reggie Evans levels, brah.
Could have been a funny joke but you quoted a post where timvp barely said anything about Nocioni.

Smack: B+
Execution: D-

[picnroll]

Have to wonder if Scola isn't really part of the Spurs '08 plan rather than using him for Nocioni. A cheap 2-3 contract on a good big man is a nice filler.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Typical spurs.

Going after stiffs like Matt Carroll while Nocioni could be had.

Typical Tpark. Going after the Spurs front office for not pulling salary cap dollars out of their rear.


so how come pop isn't like the Memphis GM and down there talkin to him....

Probably because Pop doesn't have 10 million in cap room to play with like Memphis.

[picnroll]

I wonder how excited Nocioni is about the prospect of having to sign a less than expected deal with the Bulls and then maybe being packaged in a trade to a rebuilding team. It would be nice if Nocioni would put the squeeze on the Bulls by threatening to play out his option year.

[Marcus Bryant]

Sure, the Bulls would like Nocioni to help them land Gasol. I doubt he's that keen on going to Memphis, unless the Grizzlies are willing to overpay. This situation is shaping up nicely for the Spurs, provided that someone doesn't put a stupid offer in front of Nocioni.

[Bruno]

An interesting question is what kind of contract can Memphis offer to Nocioni.

Memphis total team salary will likely be at least $47.1M but the more likely is a $48.2M total salary.
From what I've read, the salary cap should be between $54.5M and $55M.

In the msot likely case, Memphis will have between $6.3M and $6.8M in cap space. The max contract they will be able to give to Nocioni is a 5 years contract between $36.5M and $39.4M.

[AFBlue]

An interesting question is what kind of contract can Memphis offer to Nocioni.

Memphis total team salary will likely be at least $47.1M but the more likely is a $48.2M total salary.
From what I've read, the salary cap should be between $54.5M and $55M.

In the msot likely case, Memphis will have between $6.3M and $6.8M in cap space. The max contract they will be able to give to Nocioni is a 5 years contract between $36.5M and $39.4M.

And they're reportedly going after Varajao.

Could they be talking to him as a backup plan in case Varajao is matched?

Or could they be counting on a S&T to get Noc...a deal involving big man Pau Gasol?

[Bruno]

And they're reportedly going after Varajao.

Could they be talking to him as a backup plan in case Varajao is matched?

Or Varejao could be Nocioni backup...




Or could they be counting on a S&T to get Noc...a deal involving big man Pau Gasol?

We will see but I don't think they will trade gasol.

[picnroll]

With Warrick and Gay why would Memphis want Nocioni?

[Bruno]

With Warrick and Gay why would Memphis want Nocioni?

Memphis will be a run and gun team next year. Nocioni will play PF for them.

[ArgSpursFan]

It looks like the whole NBA is turning to the Phx loosing type of game.Good news for the spurs ,let them run and gun while we play boring/Defensive/winning Basketball.

[picnroll]

Memphis will be a run and gun team next year. Nocioni will play PF for them.
So Swift, Nocioni, Gay, Warrick, Cardinal, Miller. Lot of money now or will be tied up in 3/4s but no true power 4.. I don't see it.

[Bruno]

So Swift, Nocioni, Gay, Warrick, Cardinal, Miller. Lot of money now or will be tied up in 3/4s but no true power 4.. I don't see it.

Memphis SF/PF rotation will be Gay, Warrick and Nocioni.
Miller will too play some SF but he should mainly play SG.
Swift will be the backup C.
Cardinal won't play at all.

[picnroll]

Memphis SF/PF rotation will be Gay, Warrick and Nocioni.
Miller will too play some SF but he should mainly play SG.
Swift will be the backup C.
Cardinal won't play at all.
This kid Conley better be dayam good because he's going to be doing a boatload of ball handling. That team sucks.

[urunobili]

This is AWESOME... Nocioni might be the only player i could stand having on the roster for not having Scola... he is the natural 3 we need to be Bowen's substitute...

[Darkwaters]

This is AWESOME... Nocioni might be the only player i could stand having on the roster for not having Scola... he is the natural 3 we need to be Bowen's substitute...

Ummm, not really. Hes definitely a 3/4 tweener and not a natural 3. But on the Spurs I do believe he would be a perfect fit.

[Marcus Bryant]

Spurs would address their one major weakness if they acquired Nocioni.

[urunobili]

Just bring one of them... as i said before... Scola is WAY better than Oberto... he has outplayed Dirk on the intl scene being way younger than he is.. I don;t know how much better gasol is than he actually... i don;t think the Spurs will ever bring him over because they dunwanna pay his buyout... and next year.. i don;t think Tau will let both Splitter and Scola leave the ball club together... just bring one more argentine.. Bonner... is he even close to what Nocioni could bring?

[Marcus Bryant]

Just bring one of them... as i said before... Scola is WAY better than Oberto... he has outplayed Dirk on the intl scene being way younger than he is.. I don;t know how much better gasol is than he actually... i don;t think the Spurs will ever bring him over because they dunwanna pay his buyout... and next year.. i don;t think Tau will let both Splitter and Scola leave the ball club together... just bring one more argentine.. Bonner... is he even close to what Nocioni could bring?

Tau won't have much of a choice next summer to stop either from leaving.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

This is so brutal. We've got exactly what Chicago needs (scoring low post big man), they've got what we need (SF/small ball PF).

Fucking do the trade already.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Just bring one of them... as i said before... Scola is WAY better than Oberto...

That may be the case but as of now, he won't get much PT unless Bonner leaves, Horry's minutes are cut even more, and the Spurs still don't play Butler.


he has outplayed Dirk on the intl scene being way younger than he is..

We're not worried about Scola's offense against Dirk. We're worried about his defense against Dirk.


I don;t know how much better gasol is than he actually...

Now that's just stupid. You're saying Scola, who hasn't played one minute in the NBA, is better than a West All-Star.


i don;t think the Spurs will ever bring him over because they dunwanna pay his buyout... and next year.. i don;t think Tau will let both Splitter and Scola leave the ball club together

Then why do you keep saying to bring him over if you think he won't come?


... just bring one more argentine..
Nocioni.


Bonner... is he even close to what Nocioni could bring?

Probably with some more PT, but as of now, no way.

[Bruno]

Just a little anecdote :
There are a crazy rumor in Spain : Nocioni could be abck to TAU next year because Nocioni wife isn't happy in the USA and that wants to go back in Spain.

It makes me laugh to think that we could have next year Scola, Splitter and Nocioni playing for Tau. :spin

[urunobili]

That may be the case but as of now, he won't get much PT unless Bonner leaves, Horry's minutes are cut even more, and the Spurs still don't play Butler.

Horry will only play in the playoffs to break records and claim his 8th ring... Bonner should be left away to get more talent///



We're not worried about Scola's offense against Dirk. We're worried about his defense against Dirk.

i think you should review the 2002 worlds semi finals against germany to see what Scola did against Dirk in that match.. Oberto was the star in that game and Manu got severly injured... but just check his work on him



Now that's just stupid. You're saying Scola, who hasn't played one minute in the NBA, is better than a West All-Star.

Scola does not need to come to the NBA to prove he is at the same level Pau Gasol is... do you remember what you were doing when they defeated Lebron Garnet 7 company at the Olympics?



Then why do you keep saying to bring him over if you think he won't come?
one thing is what i wish (Scola to come ASAP) and the other one what i sense pop and Buford will do



Nocioni.


Definitively


Probably with some more PT, but as of now, no way.

Not even in 5 years Bonner will be close to Nocioni's talent

[kyleo]

Just a little anecdote :
There are a crazy rumor in Spain : Nocioni could be abck to TAU next year because Nocioni wife isn't happy in the USA and that wants to go back in Spain.

It makes me laugh to think that we could have next year Scola, Splitter and Nocioni playing for Tau. :spin
If Oberto's wife is happy in San Antonio, maybe Nocioni's would be.

[ArgSpursFan]

Chicago is cold as hell in Winter and NOt many Spanics there eather.
Maybe in S.A they both will feel better.(Andres and Wife)

[Cherry]

This is so brutal. We've got exactly what Chicago needs (scoring low post big man), they've got what we need (SF/small ball PF).

Fucking do the trade already.

:tu

[T Park]

no new updates on the chapu front i see.

[timvp]

Now, any team in the league can sign Milicic without fear of the Magic matching an offer. Only three teams, the Bobcats, Grizzlies and Bucks, have the cap room available to offer more than the mid-level exception. A fourth team, the Chicago Bulls, might be able to clear enough room if they were to renounce their rights to free agent Andreas Nocioni.

Interesting. I'm not sure if an unrestricted Nocioni makes him more or less likely to become a Spur. The Spurs could then obviously outright sign him but you'd have to think another team out there would outbid the Spurs. The hope would be that Nocioni gives the Spurs some sort of Argentine/Champion discount.

It looks like if the Bulls renounce all their free agents, they could get $8-10M under the cap. That could put them in the Darko running.

This could potentially be a very interesting turn.

[T Park]

Yeah.

For all of us that want Nocioni on the team, we need to prepare for dissapointment if he doesn't come :lol

[K-State Spur]

I think everybody wants Nocioni on the team, but the fact is that there are a couple of outside factors (the contract that he wants, what the bulls are willing to accept for him) that have to fall in our favor in order for that to even begin to happen.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

Chicago is cold as hell in Winter and NOt many Spanics there eather.
Maybe in S.A they both will feel better.(Andres and Wife)




you acting like it's a done deal



it's NOT GOING TO HAPPEN

[Darkwaters]

Interesting. I'm not sure if an unrestricted Nocioni makes him more or less likely to become a Spur. The Spurs could then obviously outright sign him but you'd have to think another team out there would outbid the Spurs. The hope would be that Nocioni gives the Spurs some sort of Argentine/Champion discount.

It looks like if the Bulls renounce all their free agents, they could get $8-10M under the cap. That could put them in the Darko running.

This could potentially be a very interesting turn.


As great as that would be to just be able to sign Nocioni...we wouldn't be ridding ourselves of Barry in the process. I think Barry has to go if we bring in a guy like Noc.

If we wanted to just trade Barry straight up to somebody, who would we target?

[Marcus Bryant]

Given that a 'shooter' like Kapono just found someone to give him US$24 million (not that Canadian shit) Barry may be of some value on the trade front.

[Marcus Bryant]

Interesting. I'm not sure if an unrestricted Nocioni makes him more or less likely to become a Spur. The Spurs could then obviously outright sign him but you'd have to think another team out there would outbid the Spurs. The hope would be that Nocioni gives the Spurs some sort of Argentine/Champion discount.

It looks like if the Bulls renounce all their free agents, they could get $8-10M under the cap. That could put them in the Darko running.

This could potentially be a very interesting turn.

It would have to be the Bobcats, Grizz, or Bucks who do so.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

Noc for Barry in sign in trade


Bulls could use his vet/title experience

[spurtime]

Noc for Barry in sign in trade


Bulls could use his vet/title experience

I wish you could mind meld with John Paxson...

Pax would get fired, tortured, then shot if he did that.

[timvp]

Bulls reportedly still eyeing Grizzlies’ Gasol
By Mike McGraw

Could Bulls forward Andres Nocioni be on his way to Memphis in a trade for Pau Gasol?

A league source suggested any talks between the Bulls and Grizzlies are in the preliminary stages. But Memphis general manager Chris Wallace flew to Argentina in recent days to meet with Nocioni, sources confirmed.

One theory is the Bulls would be willing to send Nocioni, first-round draft pick Joakim Noah, backup point guard Chris Duhon and filler to the Grizzlies in exchange for the 7-foot Gasol, who averaged 20.8 points and 9.8 rebounds last season.

Nocioni is a restricted free agent, which means the Bulls can match any offer the third-year forward receives. Bulls general manager John Paxson stated emphatically Monday that he’ll match any offer sheet for Nocioni.

But it’s possible Paxson’s message was another way of saying any team that wants Nocioni will have to negotiate a trade. The Bulls have great appreciation for Nocioni’s talent and toughness, but his role on the team seems to be limited to either playing power forward at 6-feet-7 or backing up small forward Luol Deng.

The Akron (Ohio) Beacon-Journal reported Tuesday that an unknown team, most likely Memphis, has offered Cavaliers restricted free-agent forward Anderson Varejao a contract in excess of the midlevel exception. Such news would support speculation that the Grizzlies are ready to revamp their front line without Gasol’s hefty contract, which runs four more years at a total of $63 million.

The Bulls and Grizzlies discussed a Gasol deal before the February trade deadline, but talks fizzled mostly because the Bulls refused to include Deng.

Besides chasing Gasol this summer, the Bulls figure to make a similar, but more lucrative, offer to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett, who was mentioned in numerous trade rumors prior to the NBA draft.

The Bulls are also interested in acquiring the rights to Spanish league power forward Luis Scola from San Antonio. Nocioni is not likely to be involved in a trade to the Spurs. The Bulls may offer Duhon if he is not included in a larger deal.

In the meantime, the Bulls will open a four-day mini-camp Thursday night at the Berto Center in preparation for the Orlando and Salt Lake City summer leagues.

The summer roster features veterans Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha, Andre Barrett and Martynas Andriuskevicius, along with second-round draft picks Aaron Gray and JamesOn Curry. Noah will not play in the summer leagues due to a shoulder injury.

The Bulls invited some local prospects to the camp, including former DePaul forward Lance Williams, ex-UIC forward Richard Lesko and Chicago natives Keith Gayden (Duquesne) and Boo Davis (Wisconsin-Milwaukee). Gayden played in the spring for the Elgin Racers of the International Basketball League.

:guin

[timvp]

Oh and hell no to the idea of Duhon for Scola.

[K-State Spur]

Oh and hell no to the idea of Duhon for Scola.

agreed.

[T Park]

Fuck the Bulls.

Why wouldn't Nocioni be involved? Whats the fucking hangup?

[timvp]

Fuck the Bulls.

Why wouldn't Nocioni be involved? Whats the fucking hangup?

He's good.

[T Park]

Another summer, another dissapointment.

[picnroll]

All Nocioni would have to say is "I'm playing out my option year and becoming an unrestricted FA" or "I'm going back to Spain". Must be some reason the Memphis GM flew to Argetnina and it might not have been just to shake Nocioni's hand and eat a good steak.

[timvp]

Another summer, another dissapointment.

It's not dead yet and it was never close enough to really be a disappointment. All along, I put the chances at about 10%. I still say there's a 10% chance.

I highly doubt the Grizzlies will trade Gasol for Nocioni, Noah and filler. That doesn't make any sense for Memphis. I do think that Memphis is contemplating offering Nocioni a deal that will make it virtually impossible for the Bulls to match.

If Kapono is getting $24M, you couldn't really fault the Grizzlies for throwing something ridiculous like $55-60M at Nocioni.

[picnroll]

With 10 players on the books Memphis salary stands at about $43.5 it would be tough for them to get both Nocioni and Varejao without a S&T for one of them, assuming they are really targeting Varejao.

[BeerIsGood!]

Looks like we're going into 2007-2008 with virtually the same lineup that won the 2007 World Title. It's going to be interesting to see how things shake up during the season, but I look for it to go much like last season with the Spurs coasting until the rodeo road trip before getting into business mode.

[Bruno]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070703bulls,1,1657088.story?coll=cs-bulls-headlines

Grizzly scenario for Bulls, Nocioni
Memphis GM woos forward in Argentina, may tax Paxson's plan

By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter
July 3, 2007, 11:23 PM CDT


On May 12, Andres Nocioni eloquently repeated his season-long stance about his restricted free-agent status.

"My wish is to play for the Chicago Bulls all my life," Nocioni said then.

On Monday, general manager John Paxson emphatically repeated his season-long stance on the same subject.

"We're going to match offer sheets," Paxson said at the Berto Center. "We're not going to lose a player for nothing."

The Memphis Grizzlies appear poised to test both declarations.

New Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace has traveled to Argentina to woo Nocioni, whose intense style would fill voids on the court and the team's salary-cap room off it.

League sources said the Grizzlies have yet to present Nocioni, 27, with an offer sheet. As one of the few teams with salary-cap space, the Grizzlies theoretically could present a five-year deal worth anywhere from $40 million and $46 million.

Those figures could be a severe test for the financial plan of Paxson, who also must consider long-term contract extensions for Luol Deng and Ben Gordon. This fact is said to have made Nocioni's restricted status look vulnerable to Wallace.

A league source said the Bulls officially have made Nocioni a contract offer, a show of respect consistent with Paxson's above-the-board negotiating style.

The Bulls would have seven days to match any offer the Grizzlies make, and team officials are bracing for it to be greater than theirs on the table.

That would place Paxson in a tough spot: Match the offer and perhaps pay more than envisioned for a vital, yet backup, player, or follow through on his vow not to lose a player for nothing by working to engineer a sign-and-trade.

Complicating that scenario, there is nobody on the Grizzlies' roster that interests the Bulls beyond Pau Gasol. Moreover, Wallace and new coach Marc Iavaroni have made public comments suggesting Gasol remains the centerpiece of the struggling franchise.

A third, less likely option would be to renounce Nocioni's rights and try to clear enough salary-cap room to enter the bidding war for Darko Milicic.

In a surprising and much-questioned move, the Magic renounced its rights to the power forward Tuesday after receiving an oral commitment from top free agent Rashard Lewis. Milicic is now an unrestricted free agent.

Milicic intrigues the Bulls, who have contacted his agent to express their interest. Only the Charlotte Bobcats, Milwaukee Bucks and Grizzlies own significant salary-cap room to sign him, though, so Milicic might be forced to sign for the midlevel salary-cap exception of roughly $5.5 million, which the Bulls have.

Nocioni stressed throughout last season how happy he is to be a Bull. .

But Nocioni was said to have received Wallace's personal recruiting pitch favorably.

A sense of urgency exists to resolve Nocioni's status as the Bulls are trying possibly to sign unrestricted free agents such as Chris Mihm or Joe Smith.

The Bulls also have inquired about the availability of Spanish league power forward Luis Scola. The Spurs own the rights to Scola, 27, who averaged 17 points and 7.2 rebounds for Tau Ceramica, the same team for which Nocioni played.

[Bruno]

http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_5614849,00.html


Griz putting full court presson free agents
Bulls' Nocioni at top of team's wish list

By Ronald Tillery
July 4, 2007

The Grizzlies have made contact with several free agents or their representatives, and general manager Chris Wallace even traveled a great distance to deliver his spiel.

Just four days into the NBA's free-agent period the Grizzlies aren't exactly looking like a wallflower.

Cleveland's Anderson Varejao, New Jersey's Mikki Moore and Orlando's Darko Milicic are among the big men the Griz have already expressed interest in. Chicago forward Andres Nocioni received the team's strongest pitch when Wallace recently visited Nocioni in his native Argentina.

The Griz targeted Nocioni early because he would address several needs, including toughness, defense, rebounding and 3-point shooting. His natural position is small forward but he saw time at power forward for the Bulls, who may be faced with a tough decision regarding Nocioni.

The Grizzlies' early, hard push may be because they view the Bulls as one of the more vulnerable teams as it relates to its own free agents.

Nocioni, a 6-7 forward, is a restricted free agent so the Bulls can match any offer. But they may be reluctant to match more than the mid-level exception for Nocioni in a summer Luol Deng and Ben Gordon are eligible for contract extensions.

Memphis is one of three teams -- Charlotte and Milwaukee are the others -- with the cap room available to offer more than the mid-level exception now that Orlando has committed a maximum deal to Seattle free agent Rashard Lewis.

The Griz are expected to have between $7.8 and $8.8 million to spend in free agency, and are prepared to offer Nocioni a deal starting at $7 million. Memphis has not yet tendered an offer sheet to Nocioni or any free agent.

Reportedly, Chicago already has an offer on the table to retain Nocioni.

Chicago GM John Paxson vowed not to allow Nocioni to leave without compensation. But a sign-and-trade deal with Memphis would seem unlikely because Paxson is said to only value Pau Gasol on the Grizzlies' roster.

Wallace has said he isn't looking to trade Gasol.

The Griz, though, have a number of contingency plans in place.

They plan to take a harder look at Milicic now that he is an unrestricted free agent. Orlando withdrew its qualifying offer for Milicic on Tuesday. Varejao remains a target for the Griz, who also are considering potential deals in which they receive a player without losing any because of their salary cap room.

[Streakyshooter08]

...because he would address several needs, including toughness, defense, rebounding and 3-point shooting. His natural position is small forward but he saw time at power forward for the Bulls, who may be faced with a tough decision regarding Nocioni...


That is EXACTLY what the Spurs need... Get it done! :madrun :hungry:

[whottt]

The Grizzlies are freaking stupid if they do that Gasol trade.

I hate it when stupid teams(like the Magic, Raps and Grizzlies) screw up the market.

I guess that's what they have to do to get people to play there though...overpay.

[timvp]

I think there's a good chance Nocioni ends up on the Grizzlies. They will give Nocioni a big offer because they know Paxson is probably bluffing when he says that he's going to match any offer. It doesn't make much sense in the Bulls' longterm plans to overpay Nocioni when his role on the team over the years will shrink as other players develop.

One good side effect would be if Paxson feverishly attempts to sign and trade him so that he at least gets something for Nocioni instead of losing him to the Grizzlies. Plus, it'd work against him if the world sees his bluff.

Perhaps now that Paxson sees he could lose Nocioni for nothing, he'll be receptive to an offer from the Spurs. Every article stats his interest in Scola. Scola + filler for Nocioni makes a lot more sense than letting him walk to Memphis.

However, how much are the Spurs willing to pay Nocioni? Will they match the offer he'll get from Memphis? And if the Spurs don't, will Nocioni give the Spurs some sort of Argentine/Champion discount or will he make a money grab?

That said, it's tough to gauge if the Spurs even view Nocioni highly enough to fight for him.

[Bruno]

Bulls aren't in a good situation. If the cap is high enough, Memphis will be able to offer Nocioni a $45M contract and Bulls aren't likely to match it with Deng and Gordon future extensions.
They are trying to bluff by saying how great Nocioni is and that they will match offers. And Bulls won't get Gasol without trading Deng.

About Scola : I will be pissed if Spurs trade him for Duhon. I hope Spurs will laugh if Bulls offer that. nocioni or afuture first round pick or Sefolosha are the only interesting and realistic things Bulls can give to get Scola.

[timvp]

nocioni or afuture first round pick or Sefolosha are the only interesting and realistic things Bulls can give to get Scola.Exactly. Barry and Scola for Duhon wouldn't work due to salaries. It'd have to be Butler, Udrih and Scola for Duhon. That'd be a horrible trade for the Spurs.

I'm not even completely sold on the idea of trading Scola for a future first right now. For all we know, next year could be a weak draft and it'd turn out to be a wasted draft pick.

If the Spurs hold on to Scola and sign him next summer, after two months his value would be higher than a future first rounder. I expect him to be able to put up nice stats in the NBA.

[Bruno]

I too take Sefolosha or Nocioni over the future first. If Spurs get a future first for Scola, they should use it in a trade at the deadline for a vet.

Letting Scola one more year in europe is a risky move. Scola can decide to sign an extension with Tau or sign a big contract with a top euro team in europe next summer.

[K-State Spur]

I too take Sefolosha or Nocioni over the future first. If Spurs get a future first for Scola, they should use it in a trade at the deadline for a vet.

Letting Scola one more year in europe is a risky move. Scola can decide to sign an extension with Tau or sign a big contract with a top euro team in europe next summer.

It's not the best scenario, but I'm not sure how 'risky' it is. In terms of joining the team, if he wants most or all of the MLE, I think the team views that as a bigger risk with dumping that much money into a guy who may not be overly effective with Duncan. If you trade him right now, his market value is obviously very low.

[Big P]

Any body care to translate? Apparently the Bulls & Spurs have already talked about trading Scola for Nocioni, not exactly sure when though.

link (http://www.elcorreodigital.com/alava/20070702/deportes/tau/conocera-esta-semana-scola-20070702.html)

El TAU conocerá esta semana si Scola sigue o no en Vitoria la próxima campaña
Los Spurs mantienen aparcada la opción de traspasar sus derechos a otra franquicia El entorno del jugador es pesimista respecto a lograr dar el salto a la NBA este verano



La luz irá abriendo huella los próximos días para aclarar el futuro deportivo del TAU. Ya lo hizo el pasado jueves con la celebración del 'draft' de la NBA y la elección de Tiago Splitter en el número 28 a cargo de los San Antonio Spurs y continuará a la hora de despejar la incógnita respecto a una pieza capital; Luis Scola.

El club vitoriano espera conocer esta semana entrante si el ala-pívot porteño continúa o no en Vitoria una temporada más o logra dar el salto a la NBA, ese sueño que cada verano se hace un poco más inalcanzable. Según estipula su contrato, que no expira hasta el 30 de junio de 2008, el capitán azulgrana tiene de plazo hasta el próximo día 15 para presentar a la entidad baskonista una propuesta firme llegada desde el otro lado del Atlántico que permita romper su filiación azulgrana mediante el correspondiente pago de la cláusula de rescisión. Sin embargo, tanto desde el TAU como desde el entorno del jugador se confía en que el panorama quede aclarado antes. A juicio del agente de Scola, Claudio Villanueva, «este tipo de operaciones o se producen en una semana o no se dan nunca». «No creo que pase de esta semana», calcula el representante.

Y mientras el plazo se agota, los días se suceden sin que los Spurs se hayan planteado un traspaso de los derechos de Scola, un inmovilismo que agranda las esperanzas de que el TAU mantenga en nómina a su buque insignia sobre el parqué. De hecho, la elección de Splitter en la reciente 'lotería de novatos' aumenta aún más la convicción de que la franquicia tejana ha aparcado de forma definitiva el deseo de reclutar al jugador albiceleste.

Tan sólo un equipo de la competición estadounidense se ha planteado una operación con Scola como protagonista. Los Chicago Bulls sopesaron recientemente la posibilidad de un trueque que mandaría a Nocioni a los Spurs y les permitiría reclutar al capitán azulgrana.

Sin embargo, semejante movimiento ha quedado descartado de plano ante el deseo del ex alero baskonista de no ejercer de moneda de cambio justo en el verano en el que debe firmar su segundo contrato en la NBA. En estos momentos, el 'Chapu' es agente libre restringido, puede firmar un contrato con cualquier franquicia y los Bulls tienen el derecho a igualar la oferta para mantenerlo en sus filas. Y no le van a faltar propuestas a Nocioni una vez abierto el mercado de agentes libres.

Renovación

Un hipotético futuro en la NBA para Scola pasa por recalar en otro destino que no sea el del actual campeón de la mejor liga del mundo. Pero el presente le mantiene como jugador referencial en el equipo vitoriano con una temporada más de contrato y con la posibilidad de renovar su vínculo con el TAU. El verano pasado el club ya le propuso la prórroga de su contrato y el presidente azulgrana, Josean Querejeta, siempre ha proclamado su deseo de que Scola se jubile vistiendo la elástica baskonista. De cerrarse su continuidad, Scola cumpliría su octava temporada en Vitoria.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

It says they will accept Barry and Beno and Scola for Nocioni and their next 3 first round picks. :)
























































I hope.

[ArgSpursFan]

It´s says that the only way to come to the NBA to Scola will be via trade,and the bulls are interested in him.they´ll be waiting this week to see what happens.
Sorry not enough time today to translate the whole thing.

[T Park]

I dont think Chicago is interested in trading Nocioni.

I've pretty much given up hope that hes coming.


Honestly, now I'd try and trade Elson and sign Scola if he can be had for as cheaply as he supposedly wants to be here for

[BeerIsGood!]

I dont think Chicago is interested in trading Nocioni.

I've pretty much given up hope that hes coming.


Honestly, now I'd try and trade Elson and sign Scola if he can be had for as cheaply as he supposedly wants to be here for

Why are you trading Elson? For what?

[T Park]

cause Scola > Elson

Splitter > Elson

so see what you can get for him

second rounder whatever

hell package him and Beno and see what offers that gets.

[Ariel]

http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/07/05/01451057.html

Memphis offered $46 million over 5 years. Chicago counter offered $40 million. In any case, we're talking over 8M a year, which would double as the Spurs are on the verge of the luxury tax threshold. Bye bye Nocioni.

[objective]

http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/07/05/01451057.html

Memphis offered $46 million over 5 years. Chicago counter offered $40 million. In any case, we're talking over 8M a year, which would double as the Spurs are on the verge of the luxury tax threshold. Bye bye Nocioni.

damn!

[Marcus Bryant]

http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/07/05/01451057.html

Memphis offered $46 million over 5 years. Chicago counter offered $40 million. In any case, we're talking over 8M a year, which would double as the Spurs are on the verge of the luxury tax threshold. Bye bye Nocioni.

That would be a deal starting at $7.5 mil per or thereabouts. Barry+Beno account for $7.2 mil next season.

[El_Mago]

looks like the spurs are staying intact this summer.

please, no duhon nor grant hill.

give the last roster spot to marcus williams and lets get the season rolling.

[Marcus Bryant]

Plus Chicago has to be willing to take back matching salaries that don't include Gasol.

[Ariel]

That would be a deal starting at $7.5 mil per or thereabouts. Barry+Beno account for $7.2 mil next season.
Yes, but those contracts expire next year. Taking on Nocioni would mean adding another contract for about 8M for the 4 years following that. Are the Spurs ready to make that commitment long term? I don't think so.

[Marcus Bryant]

Yes, but those contracts expire next year. Taking on Nocioni would mean adding another contract for about 8M for the 4 years following that. Are the Spurs ready to make that commitment long term? I don't think so.

Sure, and the cap and the lux tax threshold will increase. Plus the Spurs will have other contracts that will come off the books. No prob.

[Marcus Bryant]

The Bulls won't deal Nocioni to the Grizz unless they get Gasol in return (no Cardinal for them) and the Grizz won't deal Gasol to the Bulls unless they get Deng in return. So no deal.

[Marcus Bryant]

Why does Nocioni go to a Memphis team without Gasol when he can get PAID in SA?

[Marcus Bryant]

Memphis balks at sending Gasol out. Nocioni balks at joining a Memphis team without Gasol. Spurs waiting nearby with Scola and expiring contracts...

:smokin

[td4mvp3]

part of me wonders if the bulls haven't gone for this because they figure they'll be handing the spurs a crucial missing piece that could make a great team a championship repeat team in 08 while they remain close but not close enough, whereas dealing nocioni somewhere else could increase their chances of winning a title without giving a greater advantage to one of the favorites.

[Marcus Bryant]

I think the Bulls are waiting to see if Memphis will gift them Gasol.

[Ariel]

I don't think a deal between Grizzlies and Bulls is a possibility. Certainly not for Gasol, as it's the main reason they're going after Nocioni (they promised Pau a competitive team), and they used the Spanish forward as a selling point in their offer to Chapu. So either Nocioni signs with the Grizzlies outright and calls Paxson's bluff, or he signs with the Bulls (or with another team through a S&T).

Sure, and the cap and the lux tax threshold will increase. Plus the Spurs will have other contracts that will come off the books. No prob.
But contracts coming off the books imply that others must come in, in turn adding to the payroll. Eventually, you'd have a large chunk of the payroll committed to 4 players only. Don't get me wrong, I hope they'd be willing to do it, but at this point I'm inclined to believe they're just going to let Barry's contract expire.

[Marcus Bryant]

Would Nocioni rather make the same $ with a lottery team with Gasol or with a title team with Manu + Oberto? Would the Bulls rather get nothing in return or Scola?

[Ariel]

Would Nocioni rather make the same $ with a lottery team with Gasol or with a title team with Manu + Oberto? Would the Bulls rather get nothing in return or Scola?
If the Spurs were to offer nearly the same money (say the $40 million the Bulls are reportedly offering), I have no doubt he'd choose the Spurs. That's why I'm emphasizing the Spurs side of the deal.

[Marcus Bryant]

I think the Bulls are hoping the Grizzlies are stupid enough to make Gasol available.

[timvp]

Yes, but those contracts expire next year. Taking on Nocioni would mean adding another contract for about 8M for the 4 years following that. Are the Spurs ready to make that commitment long term? I don't think so.

With all the expiring contracts at the end of the year, the Spurs shouldn't really be too close to the luxury tax threshold. And now with Bonner, Oberto and Vaughn signed to multi-year deals on the cheap and the forthcoming rookie contracts of Mahinmi and Splitter, after this year they probably won't be near the luxury tax threshold for a good two years.

[Ariel]

They can hope all they want, it's still not going to happen.

[timvp]

Memphis balks at sending Gasol out. Nocioni balks at joining a Memphis team without Gasol. Spurs waiting nearby with Scola and expiring contracts...

:smokin

That's my hope as well. A sign and trade between Memphis and Chicago seems very unlikely. So unless the Bulls want to lose Nocioni for nothing, they'll deal him somewhere.

Add in the fact that Paxson loves Scola and the Spurs have a set of expiring contracts, not to mention a couple decent young prospects, the Spurs can get in the mix in a hurry.

It'll come down to how much the Bulls like Scola and how much the Spurs are willing to pay Nocioni. Because of Memphis, I think the chances of the Spurs landing Nocioni got better instead of worse. The Bulls now actually see the possibility of losing Nocioni for nothing.

Plus, Memphis can turn around and make a big offer for Varejao, so it's not like they'll get in a Nocioni bidding war.

[td4mvp3]

That's my hope as well. A sign and trade between Memphis and Chicago seems very unlikely. So unless the Bulls want to lose Nocioni for nothing, they'll deal him somewhere.

Add in the fact that Paxson loves Scola and the Spurs have a set of expiring contracts, not to mention a couple decent young prospects, the Spurs can get in the mix in a hurry.

It'll come down to how much the Bulls like Scola and how much the Spurs are willing to pay Nocioni. Because of Memphis, I think the chances of the Spurs landing Nocioni got better instead of worse. The Bulls now actually see the possibility of losing Nocioni for nothing.

Plus, Memphis can turn around and make a big offer for Varejao, so it's not like they'll get in a Nocioni bidding war.
but i thought i read somewhere that scola decided to stay in spain or wherever and that he isn't likely to come over this year? doesn't chicago's interest rest on his coming over for 08?

[Marcus Bryant]

How rumors are started...

[timvp]

but i thought i read somewhere that scola decided to stay in spain or wherever and that he isn't likely to come over this year? doesn't chicago's interest rest on his coming over for 08?

Scola has until July 15th to present Tau with a buyout proposal. Until that date passes, Scola is a possibility to come to the NBA this season.

[Ariel]

but i thought i read somewhere that scola decided to stay in spain or wherever and that he isn't likely to come over this year? doesn't chicago's interest rest on his coming over for 08?
No, that was a stupid DraftExpress piece made of nothing but speculation, and bad one at that. He said he wants to play in the NBA. If there's a real chance to play for Chicago, he'll jump on it, no questions asked.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Hmmm......I like what I hear but normally when timvp is adamantly for something it wont happen, cuz it makes too much sense. The only exception to this rule is the Jackie Butler summer of 2006.

[DieMrBond]

If, and its a massive If, Nocioni is traded to the Spurs for Scola + filler, where does he fit into the Spurs rotation? We go small and have him as a Power Forward in the starting lineup with Tp, MF/MG, Bruce, Nocioni, TD? Or does he backup Bruce? Or does he supplant Bruce in the starting lineup?

Would he even want to come here if he wasnt starting? Or is he made from the same cloth as Fab/Manu in that regard?

[Ariel]

Would he even want to come here if he wasnt starting? Or is he made from the same cloth as Fab/Manu in that regard?
If the minutes are there, he won't care. He's come from the bench in the past for the Bulls, hell, he even suggested Skiles once that he benched him for PJ because he thought he Ben was suffering for it. :lol The guy is all about winning. Of course, he's not going to let go of $46 million as a result, but still he's always stressed the importance of competing for something.

[Bruno]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070704bulls,1,2050305.story?coll=cs-home-headlines


Bulls offering Nocioni $38M

By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter
July 4, 2007, 11:07 PM CDT

Several twists and turns still could develop before the free-agent signing moratorium ends July 11.

But for one relatively quiet holiday, some momentum swung the Bulls' way in the wooing of Andres Nocioni.


As one of only three teams with significant cap room now that the Orlando Magic has reached an oral agreement with Rashard Lewis, the Memphis Grizzlies are weighing their options with interest in Nocioni as well as Cavaliers restricted free agent Anderson Varejao.

The longer the Grizzlies wait, however, the more attractive a Bulls offer that already is on the table could become.

A source said the Bulls' five-year offer starts near $6.3 million to $6.4 million for the first season. Factoring in a 10.5 percent increase of the first season's salary annually, the total package sits at approximately $38.1 million to $38.7 million.

The Bulls could increase that offer and also would have seven days to match any offer sheet Nocioni signed with Memphis. General manager John Paxson has vowed to match any offers for his hyperactive forward.

Per the collective bargaining agreement, the Bulls are allowed to offer Nocioni a six-year contract. Sources said the Grizzlies have yet to tender Nocioni an official offer.

It's unclear whether any oral offers or promises of an offer have been made. Nocioni is believed to be the Grizzlies' No. 1 target. The Grizzlies, however, can offer only an 8 percent increase in their package. Thus, a five-year offer starting at $7 million is worth $40.6 million, a figure the Bulls almost surely would match.

Should the Grizzlies start a five-year package at $8 million, that deal would be worth $46.4 million. That number might give Paxson pause, although nothing on the Grizzlies' roster beyond Pau Gasol interests the Bulls in sign-and-trade scenarios.

And Paxson has vowed not to lose Nocioni for nothing.

There are no indications the Grizzlies will make Gasol available. In fact, contradicting that notion, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that Gasol personally recruited Nocioni with a phone call while new Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace visited Nocioni in Buenos Aires.

Nocioni has told contacts in Argentina that he liked Wallace and believes he could fit in well with new coach Marc Iavaroni's envisioned up-tempo system.

The Grizzlies used their lottery pick on Ohio State point guard Mike Conley Jr. to be the push guard in that attack. But Nocioni also has a strong comfort level with Paxson and coach Scott Skiles and maintained throughout last season that his first priority would be to re-sign with the Bulls.

Even if the Bulls add a scoring big man, as Paxson has stressed is their main off-season priority, and Luol Deng stays healthy at the small forward spot, Nocioni is considered a vital cog in the Bulls' attack.

His ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting, rebound bigger than his 6-foot-7-inch size and play multiple forward positions is valuable.

Nocioni, 27, is recovering from plantar fasciitis in his right foot. His manic playing style may be cause for worry at times, but it's only the second significant injury of his career.

[T Park]

yeah the spurs have no shot at him now :depressed

[Bruno]

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/bulls.asp?id=328856


Wanted: Big man who plays offense
Bulls still chasing several possibilities

By Mike McGraw
Posted Thursday, July 05, 2007


John Paxson’s summer job is to try to find the missing piece that could send the Bulls into next year’s NBA Finals.

He’s working on several possibilities.

Memphis 7-footer Pau Gasol remains a target and could be involved in a sign-and-trade deal for Andres Nocioni.

If Minnesota decides to trade Kevin Garnett this summer, the Bulls are expected to make an offer. Paxson also is pursuing veteran big men Chris Mihm and Joe Smith in free agency and is interested in acquiring the rights to Spanish league power forward Luis Scola from San Antonio.

The action heated up in recent days when Memphis general manager Chris Wallace traveled to Argentina to meet with Nocioni.

It’s possible the Grizzlies could try to sign Nocioni to an offer sheet. But the 6-foot-7 forward is a restricted free agent, and Paxson has insisted the Bulls will match any offer.

“I’m not prepared to lose a player for nothing,” Paxson said earlier this week.

There is reason to believe Paxson will back up that claim. The Bulls have $49 million in salary commitments for next season, including their three draft picks. The team’s payroll is well below the luxury tax threshold, which was $65.4 million a year ago.

Nocioni may not even agree to sign an offer sheet because that would limit his options this summer. Once the Bulls match an offer, Nocioni still could be traded after Dec. 15 with his permission, but he could not go to the team that tendered the offer sheet.

Nocioni enjoys playing for the Bulls, but he also realizes he could have a greater role on a different team, since the Bulls already have Luol Deng at small forward.

Memphis also is rumored to be pursuing Cleveland power forward Anderson Varejao. He’s a restricted free agent, but the Cavs aren’t as likely to match an offer sheet because their payroll already is at $64.7 million without counting Varejao or free-agent swingman Sasha Pavlovic.

The Grizzlies are about $10 million below last year’s salary cap. The cap number should rise, but Memphis does not figure to have enough room to sign both Nocioni and Varejao to competitive offer sheets.

League sources believe the Grizzlies may be prepared to revamp their front line by signing Varejao and trading Gasol to the Bulls for a package including Nocioni and draft pick Joakim Noah.

Scola, a native of Argentina, averaged 17 points and 7.2 rebounds for Tau Ceramica in the Spanish ACB league last season.

He wants to play in the NBA badly and his representatives are hoping the Spurs, who have held Scola’s rights since drafting him in 2002, will be sympathetic to his dream. The Bulls are thought to have the most interest in acquiring Scola, 27, an accomplished inside scorer in Europe.

The Bulls are expected to have only mild interest in Orlando center Darko Milicic, who averaged 8 points and 5.5 rebounds last season. The Magic made Milicic, 22, an unrestricted free agent after agreeing to terms with Seattle’s Rashard Lewis.

[BeerIsGood!]

yeah the spurs have no shot at him now :depressed

You're on a Nocioni rollercoaster. I've seen you say this in about 6 threads and then get some hope with another article. Just sit tight and everything will take care of itself pretty soon if Scola has a dead date of July 15th to propose a buyout.

[objective]

one thing is for sure, Scola's name is being bandied about in a lot more newspaper articles outside the Express News than ever before.

[T Park]

nah the spurs havent been mentioned as even showing interest in Nocioni.

Giving away Scola though is a mistake.

[Bruno]

It will be interesting to have the salary cap number. It's far from sure that Memphis will be able to offer a $46M contract to Nocioni.

As objective said, Scola is mentioned in a lot of articles, Bulls must be really interested in him. Spurs are too interested in Nocioni.

3 main questions will decide if Nocioni will go in SA :
1) Does Chicago like Scola enough to trade Nocioni for a package around him?
2) How much money Spurs are ready to give to Nocioni? $38M? $40M?
3) What will be Nocioni choice ? What is his priority? Playing time? Money? Being on a good team? A title?

[Bruno]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/456504,CST-SPT-bull05.article


Faux Pau: Pax says it ain't so
Calls story about recent talks with Grizz a fabrication

July 5, 2007
BY BRIAN HANLEY

Bulls general manager John Paxson said he has had no recent talks with the Grizzlies concerning a trade for Pau Gasol.

A newspaper report Wednesday suggested such talk was at ''the preliminary stages,'' which Paxson flatly denied.

''I have not had one conversation concerning Gasol,'' said Paxson, who called the story -- which floated a deal of Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah, Chris Duhon and other considerations for the 7-foot Grizzlies forward -- ''a complete fabrication.''

The Grizzlies, who offered Gasol to the Bulls before the trade deadline last season, are very interested in Nocioni.

General manager Chris Wallace flew to Argentina to make a personal pitch to the restricted free agent.

Paxson has said his desire is to re-sign Nocioni and has vowed to match any offer sheet he signs. Teams cannot sign free agents until next Wednesday, when the NBA sets the salary cap for next season, expected to be about $56million.

Teams have seven days to match offer sheets tendered to their restricted free agents. If the bidding for Nocioni proves to be too costly for the Bulls, Paxson could try to include him in a sign-and-trade deal.

The Grizzlies, Bobcats and Bucks have the most cap room with which to pursue free agents.

As for the Bulls' free-agent pursuits, 76ers forward Joe Smith is scheduled to meet with Paxson and coach Scott Skiles today at the Berto Center, and Lakers center Chris Mihm is scheduled to visit Saturday.

Mihm, who missed all of last season after ankle surgery, reportedly also will work out for the Suns at the team's summer league in Las Vegas.

Paxson still is awaiting word from Bulls forward/center P.J. Brown on whether the unrestricted free agent wants to play another season.

Brown's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told Paxson on Wednesday that Brown still had not returned from a vacation.

If Brown, 37, decides not to retire, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been quoted by DallasBasketball.com as saying his team will pursue Brown.

Cuban also told the Web site that the Mavericks are trying to trade for Timberwolves superstar Kevin Garnett ''because this is about trying to be opportunistic.''

[Streakyshooter08]

Well I guess we will hear a lot of stories linked to that topic. I think the Scola discussion will come to an end at July 15th. He might be the only way to get Nocioni.

With Hill, Wallace, Pietrus out of the picture the Spurs might try a little more to get him. I still don't think there is a good chance to get him. :depressed

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

yeah the spurs have no shot at him now :depressed

Such a drama queen...

[ploto]

I haven't read this whole thread but I remember some trade proposals, but has anyone discussed Base Year Compensation?

If some team wanted to start him at say $7M, wouldn't he only count $3.5 toward the sign and trade? So, in some senses this helps the Spurs because the Bulls want to get value back but they can not get much back salary-wise, but the rights to Scola have value and cost nothing in the trade salary-wise. Right??

[AFBlue]

I haven't read this whole thread but I remember some trade proposals, but has anyone discussed Base Year Compensation?

If some team wanted to start him at say $7M, wouldn't he only count $3.5 toward the sign and trade? So, in some senses this helps the Spurs because the Bulls want to get value back but they can not get much back salary-wise, but the rights to Scola have value and cost nothing in the trade salary-wise. Right??

That's correct....

So the deal could be Scola rights, Barry, and Udrih for Nocioni and Duhon....or something to that effect.

[ploto]

This is why I figured the Spurs think they will not get Nocioni because they used up $3M on Bonner. If they have to take back an extra about $3M in salary to get Nocioni, I fugured they would have reserved that and not given it to Bonner.

You could just do Butler + Beno + Scola's rights for a resigned Nocioni. Who wants Duhon?

[ArgSpursFan]

can the spurs Trade Bonner right now if they want,or have to wait 30 days?
that could be another option to bring Nocioni.
Bonner+Udrih+Scola for Noc.

[yavozerb]

I like the butler+beno+Scola scenario much better than barry..Lets face it butler has 2 more years (6mil left) and he is not going to get the playing time he needs with the spurs..Time to open up some roster spots for cheaper young players who need development.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

This is why I figured the Spurs think they will not get Nocioni because they used up $3M on Bonner. If they have to take back an extra about $3M in salary to get Nocioni, I fugured they would have reserved that and not given it to Bonner.

You could just do Butler + Beno + Scola's rights for a resigned Nocioni. Who wants Duhon?

A team looking to shed 3 mil in salary next summer.

[waly.mg]

Nocioni probably is going to sign an offer from Memphis, and Paxon don´t want to leave Nocioni for nothing

What about: The Spurs trades the Scola Right and other player to Chicago for a Memphis player?

Like Who:

Atkins
Miller
Rudy Gay
Damon Stoudamire

[coopdogg3]

Apologies if already posted. Nothing about the Spurs so much, but it says where Nocioni is at salary-wise.


http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors?univLogin02=stateChanged

$38M Offer On The Table
Jul 5 - The Memphis Grizzlies are weighing their options with interest in Andres Nocioni as well as Cavaliers restricted free agent Anderson Varejao.
A source said the Bulls' five-year offer to Nocioni starts near $6.3 million to $6.4 million for the first season. Factoring in a 10.5 percent increase of the first season's salary annually, the total package sits at approximately $38.1 million to $38.7 million.

The Bulls could increase that offer and also would have seven days to match any offer sheet Nocioni signed with Memphis. GM John Paxson has vowed to match any offers for his hyperactive forward. -- Chicago Tribune


The Grizzlies' unleashed a full-scale recruitment of Chicago's restricted free agent Andres Nocioni. Not only did GM Chris Wallace fly to Argentina to meet with Nocioni to sell Memphis and the Griz, head coach Marc Iavaroni joined the discussions via telephone. Pau Gasol even phoned Nocioni to present a convincing pitch.
The Griz still have not tendered an offer to Nocioni. Chicago would have seven days to match whenever Nocioni receives an offer. -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal


Nocioni may not even agree to sign an offer sheet because that would limit his options this summer. Once the Bulls match an offer, Nocioni still could be traded after Dec. 15 with his permission, but he could not go to the team that tendered the offer sheet.
Nocioni enjoys playing for the Bulls, but he also realizes he could have a greater role on a different team, since the Bulls already have Luol Deng at small forward. -- Arlington Heights Daily Herald

[Bruno]

You could just do Butler + Beno + Scola's rights for a resigned Nocioni.

You can't do it because it doesn't work under the CBA.

If you wnat to know how BYC work, read that post :
http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1825226&postcount=105

[Bruno]

Lets face it butler has 2 more years (6mil left)

Butler's last year is a team option.

[AFBlue]

I like the butler+beno+Scola scenario much better than barry..Lets face it butler has 2 more years (6mil left) and he is not going to get the playing time he needs with the spurs..Time to open up some roster spots for cheaper young players who need development.


The playing time for Center is split between Oberto and Elson. While Oberto is firmly entrenched to give his 20 minutes a night, I'm not so sure about Elson.

Elson is constantly out of place defensively, doesn't play well off of Duncan, doesn't rebound well, and is only under contract for one more year.

So, I have to disagree with you about Butler. If he is impressive enough in the summer league (assuming he's on the roster) and in training camp, I could see a scenario where Butler supplants Elson in the rotation this year and certainly a scenario where he is the likely candidate for minutes at the position the year after.

I also have reservations about the Spurs dumping their only two bigs outside of Duncan that have ability in the low post. While I think the Spurs only really need one of them...they AT LEAST need one.

Finally, I think that Barry would be a more attractive trade piece than Butler or Bonner. He is a proven veteran, a solid shooter, and a guy that can play the PG position....which would be beneficial when paired up with the undersized Gordon.

Giving them Barry, Scola, and maybe Udrih provides them with a shooter, an inside scorer, and a replacement on the roster for Duhon.

[Darkwaters]

You can't do it because it doesn't work under the CBA.

If you wnat to know how BYC work, read that post :
http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1825226&postcount=105

Ok, I understand how BYC players work under the CBA, but what I don't understand is why is Nocioni considered a BYC? That was never really explained. What requirements does a player have to fulfill to fall into this category?

[Bruno]

That was never really explained. What requirements does a player have to fulfill to fall into this category?

A player who re-sign with his team or sign an extension is BYC if he gets a raise bigger than 20%.

[justanotherspursfan]

A player who re-sign with his team or sign an extension is BYC if he gets a raise bigger than 20%.
If I understand correctly, this doesn't apply if he's signed and traded at the same time. It only applies if he's first signed, and then later traded.

Is that right?

[K-State Spur]

This is why I figured the Spurs think they will not get Nocioni because they used up $3M on Bonner. If they have to take back an extra about $3M in salary to get Nocioni, I fugured they would have reserved that and not given it to Bonner.

That's possible.

Even what we can see from the outside looking in, it looks like Nocioni is a longshot. Maybe Paxson is telling our front office something that makes it a no shot. It's possible that their potential interest in Scola has been vastly overstated.

[Bruno]

If I understand correctly, this doesn't apply if he's signed and traded at the same time. It only applies if he's first signed, and then later traded.

Is that right?

BYC apply too for sign and trade (Nocioni case if he is traded to SA).

[Darkwaters]

What does BYC stand for?

[Bruno]

What does BYC stand for?

Base year compensation

If you want to learn more about that :
http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#73

[ploto]

Oh, so the BYC only counts on the outgoing from the team that signs and not both ways. I did not know that. Thanks.

[CaptainLate]

The playing time for Center is split between Oberto and Elson. While Oberto is firmly entrenched to give his 20 minutes a night, I'm not so sure about Elson.

Elson is constantly out of place defensively, doesn't play well off of Duncan, doesn't rebound well, and is only under contract for one more year.

Oberto was in his 2nd year. Most players in the Spurs system have problems their first year :dizzy but do better (e.g., Finley, Oberto, Barry) their sophomore seasons. Now that Elson's learning curve is past, look for good things next season. :elephant He runs the floor better and his shot is more extended than Oberto's.

[AFBlue]

Oberto was in his 2nd year. Most players in the Spurs system have problems their first year :dizzy but do better (e.g., Finley, Oberto, Barry) their sophomore seasons. Now that Elson's learning curve is past, look for good things next season. :elephant He runs the floor better and his shot is more extended than Oberto's.

Oberto did better in his second season because he was given the opportunity for PT, with Rasho and Nazr being gone.

Granted, there is an advantage to learning a system for one year, so logically a player should be better as they spend more time with a club....but keep in mind this is also Jackie Butler's second season.

I guess it just boils down to a difference of opinion. I think that if Jackie was given the opportunity, he would out-produce Elson in virtually every category....except the flamboyance/animation after a dunk.

[BeerIsGood!]

Oberto was in his 2nd year. Most players in the Spurs system have problems their first year :dizzy but do better (e.g., Finley, Oberto, Barry) their sophomore seasons. Now that Elson's learning curve is past, look for good things next season. :elephant He runs the floor better and his shot is more extended than Oberto's.

I hope you're right, but I think using Oberto is comparing apples to oranges. Oberto was a proven international performer who was getting accustomed to the Spurs, the NBA, and living in the USA all at once. Elson has been in the league for a few years, hasn't shown much improvement in those years, and isn't a proven performer for anyone in the past. I hope he improves greatly, but it's not likely.

[ArgSpursFan]

damit!!!

5 yrs 46 M????????????????

[Darkwaters]

It is a generally agreed opinion that players are generally much improved in their second season with the Spurs. In fact, that opinion is so readily tossed out by your average poster that it has become downright repetitive. But their are definite facts to indicate that its true. Well consider this:

Francisco Elson
Jackie Butler
James White
Jacque Vaughn
Matt Bonner

All of these players spent their first season with the Spurs last year...and all of them are expected to return. While it is possible that none of them shown such a significant improvement next season, it is probably more likely that at least one of them will show a Oberto-esque growth overnight. Having just one of these guys explode with growth will vastly improve this team, and I don't think it is unrealistic.

...now consider if more than one of them does this. :spin

[ArgSpursFan]

I guess you guys just didnt get Xamila Rey´s Post.
Nocioni just got a 5 yrs 46 M offer from the Memphis Grizl.
This is fucking crazy.

[AFBlue]

It is a generally agreed opinion that players are generally much improved in their second season with the Spurs. In fact, that opinion is so readily tossed out by your average poster that it has become downright repetitive. But their are definite facts to indicate that its true. Well consider this:

Francisco Elson
Jackie Butler
James White
Jacque Vaughn
Matt Bonner

All of these players spent their first season with the Spurs last year...and all of them are expected to return. While it is possible that none of them shown such a significant improvement next season, it is probably more likely that at least one of them will show a Oberto-esque growth overnight. Having just one of these guys explode with growth will vastly improve this team, and I don't think it is unrealistic.

...now consider if more than one of them does this. :spin

A very tempting thought to be sure....

But I also think that improvements can go unnoticed if a player lacks the opportunity to prove their worth.

I seriously wonder....if Butler dominates the Summer League and has a good showing in camp, does he even suit up every night, let alone earn minutes in a regular spot in the rotation?

With the number of veterans in front of him, I'm not so sure....

And I think the chances are even less likely for a guy like White or Williams. If either of those guys dominate, do you really think they're earning minutes in front of Barry or Fin?

Sadly, I'm not sure than any of the second-year stars I hope to succeed will end up doing so...not because of lack of talent, but because of lack of opportunity. :depressed

[AFBlue]

Okay, that was my pessimistic post of the day....

Here's hoping that Butler kicks ass in the off-season and unseats Elson for regular time.... :p:

[Ariel]

I guess you guys just didnt get Xamila Rey´s Post.
Nocioni just got a 5 yrs 46 M offer from the Memphis Grizl.
This is fucking crazy.
We got it. I already posted it a few pages back (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1832498&postcount=386):

http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/07/05/01451057.html

Memphis offered $46 million over 5 years. Chicago counter offered $40 million.

[AFBlue]

I guess you guys just didnt get Xamila Rey´s Post.
Nocioni just got a 5 yrs 46 M offer from the Memphis Grizl.
This is fucking crazy.

Did he sign it?

An offer is only good with a signature indicating the player is interested....

[samikeyp]

He was offered the contract by Memphis....does he have to accept it then the Bulls can match or not? Or can he refuse it? (Not that he would)

[AFBlue]

He was offered the contract by Memphis....does he have to accept it then the Bulls can match or not? Or can he refuse it? (Not that he would)

He can refuse it....

[ArgSpursFan]

He was offered the contract by Memphis....does he have to accept it then the Bulls can match or not? Or can he refuse it? (Not that he would)

I´m not sure how it works,but it´s not on papper yet.
The article says that Memphis is going after him very seriusly,and Memphis thinks that Chicago wont be able to mutch the offer.

[Darkwaters]

He was offered the contract by Memphis....does he have to accept it then the Bulls can match or not? Or can he refuse it? (Not that he would)

Of course he can refuse it...he doesn't HAVE to sign a contract at all. He could retire if he wanted. Or sign for far less than hes worth or whatever. But any contract that he signs (in the NBA that is) can be matched by the Bulls and brought over to Chicago again.

[samikeyp]

He can refuse it....

That is what I thought. Too bad he probably won't be a Spur.

[ArgSpursFan]

I don´t think He´ll refuse to 6M Dollars extra.
I wouldn´t.
Funny thing is,Memphis feels like Chicago wont be able to offer him that kind of money.
We´ll see what happens.

[venitian navigator]

Just a question (maybe two).
If Nocioni don't come to us (Chicago or Memphis) do you think the management will bring Scola offering him some good money (like the mle) or still try to trade his rights to Chicago or someone else (maybe Memphis, if Chapu goes there) ?

I can tell you I'd like Scola to come here to prove himself in the nba...and I'm scared his time is only now!...also 'cause I think (second question) that next year we'll have the chance to give the 500.000 k only for one player (Splitter) and, in the meantime, Scola could just decide his time for nba has passed (and take some offer from Tau or somebody else in Europe)...

[Ariel]

Just a question (maybe two).
If Nocioni don't come to us (Chicago or Memphis) do you think the management will bring Scola offering him some good money (like the mle) or still try to trade his rights to Chicago or someone else (maybe Memphis, if Chapu goes there) ?
No. The Spurs already have their big men quota filled, after re-signing Oberto and Bonner, and keeping Horry. There's no room for Scola. Besides, they didn't even want him there was room for him, even though they could have had him. The only chance of seeing Scola in the NBA the next season is having the Spurs trade his NBA rights. Which appears to be pretty damn hard.

[Mr. Body]

Just a question (maybe two).
If Nocioni don't come to us (Chicago or Memphis) do you think the management will bring Scola offering him some good money (like the mle) or still try to trade his rights to Chicago or someone else (maybe Memphis, if Chapu goes there) ?

I can tell you I'd like Scola to come here to prove himself in the nba...and I'm scared his time is only now!...also 'cause I think (second question) that next year we'll have the chance to give the 500.000 k only for one player (Splitter) and, in the meantime, Scola could just decide his time for nba has passed (and take some offer from Tau or somebody else in Europe)...

I don't think so, either. It sure looks at this point like the Spurs are fishing with what they have. Scola won't just not be a Spur, he won't be in the NBA this next year, heightening the likelihood he'll never come over.

[2centsworth]

BYC apply too for sign and trade (Nocioni case if he is traded to SA).
does a Barry + Scola's Rights work if Noc will accept $40m instead?

[venitian navigator]

Thanks!
However, I think that second thoughts are never too late till they're possible, olso if the roster for bigs looks, as of now, complete...(who knows if, via trade, some roster spot suddenly become available...?)

[Ariel]

However, I think that second thoughts are never too late till they're possible, olso if the roster for bigs looks, as of now, complete...(who knows if, via trade, some roster spot suddenly become available...?)
Scola needs to define his situation in the next 10 days. As for freeing up a roster spot via trade, it's not doable within that time frame. Horry is retiring next year. He's not going anywhere. Neither is Bonner, who's just signed a 3 year contract. There's still that Duncan fellow left though. Well, we can only hope.

[Typhoon]

Won't happen, looks like Nocioni is gonna go with the Grizzlies...

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:depressed

[ploto]

So LJ, is Nocioni worth this contract?

[Russ]

Can Nocioni play D?

[timvp]

So LJ, is Nocioni worth this contract?

Like I said earlier:


I don't see that as an outrageous offer. If a one-dimensional spot up shooter is worth $24M in Kapono, then Nocioni is easily worth $46M. Probably more if you base it on Kapono logic.

I'd rather pay Nocioni $56M over five years than Kapono $24M over four.

[Bruno]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070705bulls,1,2443522.story?coll=cs-bulls-headlines


Memphis falling short in Nocioni running

By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter
July 5, 2007, 11:21 PM CDT

The Bulls brought unrestricted free agent Joe Smith to the Berto Center on Thursday to sell their franchise and philosophy and, by the way, hint at throwing some millions around.

Despite a transcontinental flight to woo Andres Nocioni personally in his native Argentina, all indications are the Memphis Grizzlies aren't doing enough of the latter with the Bulls' restricted free agent.

Barring an unforeseen change of philosophy, league sources said the Grizzlies, who have made an oral offer not much better than the Bulls' written offer, wouldn't increase their pursuit of Nocioni.

While nothing is official until Nocioni signs, all signs point to Nocioni accepting Bulls general manager John Paxson's five-year deal worth near $38 million, perhaps within days.

When Paxson took the rare move of proactively offering a restricted free agent that deal, which runs counter to Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf's philosophy of not setting the market, it merely backed up his season-long stance that Nocioni is valuable and needs to be re-signed.

Even if the Grizzlies reached a $46 million offer that was reported erroneously in the Argentine media, the Bulls would have seven days to match because they still own his rights.

A $46 million offer might give Paxson pause. As of late Thursday, however, all indications were that the Grizzlies, who also are considering Cavaliers' restricted free agent Anderson Varejao, were prepared to move on.

The Bulls were pleased that Smith flew in from Phoenix to meet with the coaching staff and Paxson at the Berto Center. The 12-year NBA veteran averaged 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 65 games with the Nuggets and 76ers last season and is one of their main targets in free agency.

Sixers general manager Billy King has said publicly that re-signing the 6-foot-10-inch forward is a priority, and Smith, who played at Maryland, has a comfort level in the East.

But the Bulls, who likely would have to spend most or all of the midlevel salary cap exception of roughly $5.5 million to sign Smith, sold their vision and opportunity to win during a lunch with Smith, Paxson and coach Scott Skiles.

A similar recruiting pitch will follow Friday with Nets big man and Bulls-killer Mikki Moore. Saturday, Lakers center-forward Chris Mihm, who missed all of last season following ankle surgery, will visit the Berto Center.

The Bulls have the midlevel exception as well as the biannual veteran's exception of $1.83 million no matter what happens with Nocioni. But re-signing Nocioni and seeing how that contract is structured would help with some unrestricted free agent decisions and remains the priority.

It appears less so for the Grizzlies.

[Bruno]

So, it's likely the end for the Nocioni hope. :depressed

[Ariel]

http://www.ole.com.ar/notas/2007/07/06/01451733.html

Olé insists with the $46 million figure. It says it'd be a contract starting at $8 million. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[BeerIsGood!]

If the Bulls are going to sign him - they would still have a week or so from now to decide if Scola is what they want and can strike a deal using Nocioni, correct?

[Darkwaters]

I'm not going to say Nocioni is a goner...but it doesn't look great. But who knows?

[Bruno]

http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_5617355,00.html

Chicago likely will retain Nocioni
Wallace indicates report of $46 million deal unfounded

By Ronald Tillery
July 6, 2007

Once a full-scale pursuit, the Grizzlies' attempt to acquire restricted free agent Andres Nocioni now appears dead in the water.

Nocioni likely will re-sign with the Chicago Bulls because the Grizzlies verbally indicated an offer that is in the same neighborhood as what the Bulls are ready to pay in order to keep the 6-7 forward.

Chicago's offer on the table is a five-year, $38 million deal. It is believed the Griz came in lower -- closer to a figure starting at about the mid-level exception ($5.5 million).

Typically, teams would wait before deciding whether to match an official offer tendered to its free agent. Because of Nocioni's restricted status, the Bulls could match an offer from another team within seven days.

The proactive move by Bulls general manager John Paxson indicates how much he values Nocioni.

Griz general manager Chris Wallace insisted Wednesday that the Griz hadn't tendered an offer to any free agents, contradicting an Argentinian newspaper report that said Memphis offered Nocioni a $46 million deal.

The Griz are expected to have up to $9 million in salary cap room to spend on a free agent. Milwaukee and Charlotte are the only other teams with money to spend that is more than the mid-level exception.

The Griz have also expressed interest in Cleveland restricted free agent Anderson Varejao, and are said to be working on contingency plans now that a Nocioni deal is unlikely.

Wallace, though, traveled to Argentina earlier this week to meet with Nocioni. Griz coach Marc Iavaroni and franchise player Pau Gasol phoned in to help sell Nocioni on Memphis.

Although teams can't sign free agents until Wednesday, Nocioni can re-sign with his current team (Chicago) at any time.

In 53 games last season, Nocioni averaged 14.1 points and 5.7 rebounds.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:pctoss

[Marcus Bryant]

So now's the time for the Spurs to enter the fray.

[Ariel]

I think you people are paying way too much attention to what Nocioni, Scola, Chicago and Memphis are doing, and not enough to the Spurs. Has there been any serious indication the Spurs are going after Nocioni? Because you could have the entire Universe properly aligned, but if the Spurs are not set on signing him, then it's all moot.

[BeerIsGood!]

If Paxon loves him as much as he says, how about a nice offer for Tyrus? Paxon has too many forwards and another one in Noah coming in. Throw us a bone Johnny...

[Marcus Bryant]

It appears that Nocioni is not interested in joining Memphis.

While the prospect of Nocioni leaving for Memphis without anything in return would have provided the impetus for the Bulls to seek a S&T deal which gave them something (ie Scola), it also serves to keep his price down.

Generally, teams do not want to keep a player who does not wish to remain with the club. Chicago has a glut of players at Nocioni's position. Scola is in line with what they are looking for and there is interest on the Bulls' part in Scola.

[Marcus Bryant]

5 years, $38 mil? The Spurs better not be balking at that.

[bigfan]

I think there is still a possibilty here. They need a Scola.

[Marcus Bryant]

A Bulls' offer of 5 years, $38 mil starts at approximately $6.25 mil, which is roughly about $500k to 700k over the MLE.

[Darkwaters]

I think there is still a possibilty here. They need a Scola.

We're still in the running...but things look clumsy now. I'm going to wait and see what else develops.

[Marcus Bryant]

I think you people are paying way too much attention to what Nocioni, Scola, Chicago and Memphis are doing, and not enough to the Spurs. Has there been any serious indication the Spurs are going after Nocioni? Because you could have the entire Universe properly aligned, but if the Spurs are not set on signing him, then it's all moot.

Memphis was the one team that could blow up the possibility of a Scola for Nocioni swap. Nocioni doesn't seem to want to go there, regardless of the offer. The next step is for Nocioni to balk at re-signing and force the Bulls to look for a palatable S&T opportunity. Enter the Spurs with Scola.

[Marcus Bryant]

“I’m not prepared to lose a player for nothing,” Paxson said earlier this week.


Scola, a native of Argentina, averaged 17 points and 7.2 rebounds for Tau Ceramica in the Spanish ACB league last season.

He wants to play in the NBA badly and his representatives are hoping the Spurs, who have held Scola’s rights since drafting him in 2002, will be sympathetic to his dream. The Bulls are thought to have the most interest in acquiring Scola, 27, an accomplished inside scorer in Europe.

link (http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/story.asp?id=328856)

[Ariel]

Memphis was the one team that could blow up the possibility of a Scola for Nocioni swap. Nocioni doesn't seem to want to go there, regardless of the offer. The next step is for Nocioni to balk at re-signing and force the Bulls to look for a palatable S&T opportunity. Enter the Spurs with Scola.
I don't disagree it makes sense all around. And I'd love for it to happen. But for the time being and to the best of my knowledge, there's no indication the Spurs have lifted a finger to even check on him. So in the end, the Bulls could be open to dealing Nocioni, Nocioni would love to play for the Spurs, the Spurs would be in position to get him by dealing a player the the Bulls want in Scola, and Scola would jump at the chance of playing in the NBA. But do the Spurs want Nocioni in the first place? Is there any evidence pointing to that?

[SequSpur]

The Spurs need Scola or Nocioni. Elson and Butler suck.

[BeerIsGood!]

I don't disagree it makes sense all around. And I'd love for it to happen. But for the time being and to the best of my knowledge, there's no indication the Spurs have lifted a finger to even check on him. So in the end, the Bulls could be open to dealing Nocioni, Nocioni would love to play for the Spurs, the Spurs would be in position to get him by dealing a player the the Bulls want in Scola, and Scola would jump at the chance of playing in the NBA. But do the Spurs want Nocioni in the first place? Is there any evidence pointing to that?

The Spurs are very quiet about their thoughts regarding these things. I'd be very surprised if they would not jump at the chance to get this guy for $38 mil in exchange for Scola (who isn't helping the team anyway) + filler.

[Darkwaters]

Memphis was the one team that could blow up the possibility of a Scola for Nocioni swap. Nocioni doesn't seem to want to go there, regardless of the offer. The next step is for Nocioni to balk at re-signing and force the Bulls to look for a palatable S&T opportunity. Enter the Spurs with Scola.

The Spurs do have quite a bit to offer the Bulls. Scola could quite possibly be the answer to their single biggest need and a player like Brent Barry fills their need for a big guard to put alongside Gordon/Curry. The Spurs can alleviate the Bulls of Duhon and in turn give them a shot at a potentially quality PG in Udrih (who if nothing else could be traded for future 2nd rounders to the Cavs). I just hope that Paxson and Buford are thinking along the same lines as us and realize this trade makes sense!

[ploto]

Generally, teams do not want to keep a player who does not wish to remain with the club.

But Nocioni is fine with staying in Chicago. He just wants a comparable salary from them.

[ploto]

I think you people are paying way too much attention to what Nocioni, Scola, Chicago and Memphis are doing, and not enough to the Spurs. Has there been any serious indication the Spurs are going after Nocioni? Because you could have the entire Universe properly aligned, but if the Spurs are not set on signing him, then it's all moot.
And who says Nocioni wants to join the Spurs?

[Marcus Bryant]

I don't disagree it makes sense all around. And I'd love for it to happen. But for the time being and to the best of my knowledge, there's no indication the Spurs have lifted a finger to even check on him. So in the end, the Bulls could be open to dealing Nocioni, Nocioni would love to play for the Spurs, the Spurs would be in position to get him by dealing a player the the Bulls want in Scola, and Scola would jump at the chance of playing in the NBA. But do the Spurs want Nocioni in the first place? Is there any evidence pointing to that?

Nocioni going to Memphis gave the Bulls the hope of landing Gasol. Now that's been snuffed out. The scenario in which the Spurs land Nocioni is the one in which they are offering the best alternative to Chicago. As for the Spurs' interest, they aren't exactly the most forthcoming organization. Nocioni's agent is also Scola's, which is somewhat important as Scola has to be able to make the move to the NBA this summer for any potential deal to happen. Just as we haven't seen any reported interest of the Spurs, we haven't seen any statements from Nocioni saying that he'd like to be back. If the Spurs are interested, as I believe they are, it makes sense to sit back and watch how things play out before getting involved. Memphis could have easily driven up Nocioni's price by about $15 mil.

[Ariel]

The Spurs are very quiet about their thoughts regarding these things. I'd be very surprised if they would not jump at the chance to get this guy for $38 mil in exchange for Scola (who isn't helping the team anyway) + filler.
No news doesn't necessarily mean it's not going to happen. But it doesn't mean it's going to happen either. And even if the Spurs were interested but keeping things quiet, you'd think by now they would have contacted Nocioni, and that would probably end up leaking to the press one way or another.

[Marcus Bryant]

But Nocioni is fine with staying in Chicago. He just wants a comparable salary from them.

Where is the quote?

[Darkwaters]

CIA Pop...

[Marcus Bryant]

Oddly enough, Manu is in Argentina now. Perhaps he will drop by Andres' rancho...

[Ariel]

If the Spurs are interested, as I believe they are, it makes sense to sit back and watch how things play out before getting involved.
But that's the whole deal. You -along with many others, myself included- believe the Spurs are interested in Nocioni. There's at least some proof to pretty much every assumption we've made so far, except from that one. No paper has ever reported anything different. In fact, it's been reported the Spurs intend on standing pat, keeping the roster as is. So again, I'm not saying it can't happen. Only that we're going crazy searching for news from all angles, when we're missing the most important one: that of the Spurs.

[Marcus Bryant]

Mike Monroe has no idea what is happening.

[Marcus Bryant]

The Spurs have long had interest in Chicago free-agent forward Andres Nocioni, but likely would need a sign-and-trade deal to land him, and the Bulls appear intent on trying to keep him.

Ludden (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA070107.01C.BKNspurs.freeagents.3556078.html)

[Ariel]

Well, that sounded more like speculation on the part of the writer rather than actual news, but I will give you that at least it's something.

[Marcus Bryant]

I guess we'll have to wait until the Spurs fully disclose their summer plans ahead of time.

Until then, the window for Scola to negotiate with another team to join them will close on July 15th when his opportunity to buy out the remaining year on his Tau contract ends. Of course, he can't negotiate with another NBA team until he is traded, and if he is a part of a sign and trade deal with a current free agent the earliest that can happen is July 11th. If anything, I would expect that the Spurs are keeping a low profile because the last thing they would want is for the league to believe that there was an agreement in place with Scola before he was dealt to another team.