McDonald: Spurs at front of line for Maggette

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b....1f4e7bd9.html

NBA: Spurs at front of line for Maggette

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

Jeff McDonald
[email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I thought Delfino was a UFA?

According to nba.com and espn.com he's not.

ok, Toronto did extend him the QO.

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

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

According to nba.com and espn.com he's not.

ok, Toronto did extend him the QO.

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

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

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

The Boston Globe reported that an offer had been made. But...

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Originally Posted by Boston Herald

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

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source

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

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

Shoot me...

Cause its working out wayyyy too much.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/imag...ine=1215022879

Fucking Celtics.

Go sign posey mfers.

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

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

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

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

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

:tu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Spurs have also expressed interest in bringing back Finley

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:shootme

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

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

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

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I notice you didn't put Boston there.

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Originally Posted by LA Times

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

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source

Great. This thing may drag on through the weekend.

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

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b....1f4e7bd9.html

NBA: Spurs at front of line for Maggette

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

Jeff McDonald
[email protected]

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by T Park

I notice you didn't put Boston there.

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Don't have cap room greater than the MLE.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

Don't have cap room greater than the MLE.

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But they would technically be " a possibility" though.

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

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Originally Posted by LA Times

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

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

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source

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

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Originally Posted by John_C

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

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No.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

No.

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

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

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

source

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

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Yes Chris Mullen.

You have 5 swingmen.

Naturally, you HAVE to get another.

Genius.

:pctoss

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Originally Posted by T Park

But they would technically be " a possibility" though.

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

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

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

Doubt it.

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

source

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

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

Warriors do not need Maggette.

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Originally Posted by T Park

But they would technically be " a contender" though.

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

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

Then again, It almost makes too much sense.

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Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21

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

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

Then again, It almost makes too much sense.

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

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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Originally Posted by LA Times

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

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

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source

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by bigdog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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

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

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Yeah the shit teams are gonna fuck it up.

Fucking shit....

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21

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

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

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Originally Posted by Bruno

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

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

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

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

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

Stuff like that NEVER falls the Spurs way.

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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Yeah, and that's pretty disturbing. :lol

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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Difference is that Smith is a PF.

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

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh well, I need a drink.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

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

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

Oh well, I need a drink.

---

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

Sigh :depressed

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Difference is that Smith is a PF.

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

---

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Difference is that Smith is a PF.

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

Thaddeus Young is probably more of a PF than Smith.

Quote:

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Maggette doesn't make a lot of sense for Sixers. He is quite old, his best position if SF like Iguodala and he isn't really a shooter.

---

I don't consider 28 old and with Miller at 32 running the show, they aren't that much of a young team. Maggette is about the same age as Dalembert.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Difference is that Smith is a PF.

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

---

agreed.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hollinger

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

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source

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

---

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BLACKJACK21

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

---

Yeah, that may be the best case scenario. The Warriors spend near max dollars on Josh Smith and the Sixers spend their money on someone like JR Smith.

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

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

Quote:

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

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

---

If McDonald is to believed, it appears as JR Smith is Plan B. If that fails, splitting the MLE between some combination of Mason, Delfino, Pietrus and Najera looks like Plan C.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

Josh Smith to GS would be a good fit.

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

---

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

I think you go after Pietrus and try to lock him up quick if you miss out on Maggette.

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

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

---

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timvp

:shootme

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

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

---

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tully365

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

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and stay positive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Russ

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

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

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

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

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...SPV611JS76.DTL


Maggette now is person of interest

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

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

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

^Adios Corey :depressed

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

^Adios Corey :depressed

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

Fuck them. Give us Stephen Jackson back.

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

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

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

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

The Warriors don't publicly comment on negotiations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, at least its not the hornets :toast

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by picnroll

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

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

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

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

Damn that's sucks

We better go to plan B

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Southwest Texas Fan

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

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If the Spurs want to waste their time waiting for the Hawks to match, sure, he's an option.

Perfect Scenario:

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marcus Bryant

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tmtcsc

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

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

I still think Maggette ends up with the Spurs.

It's just a feeling.

Let's review quickly.

He'll have the opportunity to start.

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


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

Tim Duncan.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Southwest Texas Fan

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

---

Philly is bringing in Childress next week.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

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

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

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

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

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

I'd be surprised if GSpot signs him..

IMO, it's between us and Boston..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

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

I'd be surprised if GSpot signs him..

IMO, it's between us and Boston..

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

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

Damn :pctoss