General NBA Free Agent News Thread

[Blackjack]

PDcavsinsider
Hold on just a minute, Matt Barnes deal not completely done, says source. Issues with Orlando in sign-and-trade. Deal not done yet.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

That's gonna be a long wait. No reason for Butler to sign a deal starting at 2.4M in July. He'll bide his time and wait for a better deal. There still have to be at least 20 teams that can offer more than 2.4M to start.

Yeah, I know, it's just wishful thinking... I really think he'd be a nice piece at SF, and it would indicate that at least one of Gee/Hairston is likely to get minutes this year, which I fully endorse. It's time to realise that we need to continue to blood youth, whether Tim's still playing or not. With Hill/Blair/Anderson sure to get minutes this year, and Gee/Hairston/Temple also in the mix, it looks like we're going in that direction, but a returning RJ would throw a spanner in that mix. I like Butler as a guy who can play 24-32 minutes, accept his role, play the steadying veteran when Pop needs one, but also allow Pop to play the youngsters. Re-signing RJ to 32mil/4yrs or somesuch would mean Pop would have to play him, and I don't think that helps us win another ring or rebuild.

[Mel_13]

Yeah, I know, it's just wishful thinking... I really think he'd be a nice piece at SF, and it would indicate that at least one of Gee/Hairston is likely to get minutes this year, which I fully endorse. It's time to realise that we need to blood youth, whether Tim's still playing or not.

I agree. At this point, if the Spurs could get Butler signed I'd be perfectly fine with them cutting RJ loose and going with the young guys.

[Obstructed_View]

According to reports I've read, they used most of their MLE on Kleiza. Maybe they worked out a S&T with Denver on that transaction and still have their MLE to use on Barnes???

I think the same rules apply. I misread who signed Kleiza which is why I was confused. I thought Toronto was under the cap. Sad that they traded away Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu and are out of cap room.

[ace3g]

Marc Stein STEIN_LINE_HQ

RT @jadande: Hearing Matt Barnes to Toronto isn't done deal. Magic having trouble facilitating sign-and-trade (LINK ON WAY W/FULL UPDATE)

[5in10]

What about Ryan gomes? I don't know much about him but he's a sf that no
one really talks about.36% from 3 for his career. How's his defense?

[AFBlue]

What about Ryan gomes? I don't know much about him but he's a sf that no
one really talks about.36% from 3 for his career. How's his defense?

Signed with Clippers.

[5in10]

Signed with Clippers.

My bad.

[ace3g]

WojYahooNBA

For Matt Barnes-to-Toronto, a league source says, "The sign and trade (scenario) is dead." Blamed on a "miscalculation" somewhere in talks.

[ace3g]

Marc Stein STEIN_LINE_HQ

Updated ESPN.com link to Matt Barnes latest and issues that have endangered his Toronto deal: http://es.pn/ac12Jw

[Obstructed_View]

Who could blame him for jumping at that much money. When it turns out Toronto can't afford to pay him much more than the good teams, he'll end up with LA or Orlando.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Barnes to LA would be hilarious. His twitter fights with Odom were the best.

LA would have 2 psychos in Barnes and Artest. I think that would finally get them to implode.


On another note, would most posters prefer Butler over Barnes? I feel the teams need a gritty tough defender that has been lacking since Bruce's departure, but at this point I'd rather play it safe with Butler, than take the risk with a locker room cancer in Barnes. His twitter alone would drive the FO crazy.

[scottspurs]

I would rather have Butler, but really wouldn't mind Barnes either if it's a short term deal. I think he has proven he can't last with any one team for an extended stay.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Barnes to LA would be hilarious. His twitter fights with Odom were the best.

LA would have 2 psychos in Barnes and Artest. I think that would finally get them to implode.


On another note, would most posters prefer Butler over Barnes? I feel the teams need a gritty tough defender that has been lacking since Bruce's departure, but at this point I'd rather play it safe with Butler, than take the risk with a locker room cancer in Barnes. His twitter alone would drive the FO crazy.

Butler every day, and twice on Sundays. Butler is a Spurs kinda guy (will fit the locker room well), a better shooter, very solid defender, and I think Barnes' D is vastly over-rated. Throw 4 years 10mil at him and see if he bites.

[Obstructed_View]

On another note, would most posters prefer Butler over Barnes? I feel the teams need a gritty tough defender that has been lacking since Bruce's departure, but at this point I'd rather play it safe with Butler, than take the risk with a locker room cancer in Barnes. His twitter alone would drive the FO crazy.

I've said numerous times that the Spurs will never replace Bowen with one guy. I'd suggested at one point that Hill, Hairston and Gist could do it collectively. Two of those guys are still in the mix and developing quite nicely. Having the potential to dominate other teams on the glass and having two seven footers back in the rotation ain't gonna hurt things either.

[TDMVPDPOY]

how about broke back tmac?

[lurker23]

Butler is still my top pick for the Spurs. Beyond him and MAYBE Bobby Simmons, there's not much out there that I like. Beyond those guys, I'd much rather the Spurs roll with their young guys. And even including Butler and Simmons, it's possible the most productive road would be to give extended minutes to Anderson/Hairston/Gee.

[MaNu4Tres]

Butler every day, and twice on Sundays. Butler is a Spurs kinda guy (will fit the locker room well), a better shooter, very solid defender, and I think Barnes' D is vastly over-rated. Throw 4 years 10mil at him and see if he bites.

Even if Spurs offer 4yr/10 million, Butler can most likely make that in 2 years given Barnes (attempted deal in the works) and Bell's deal.

I'd like to sign Butler with or without RJ for 2.365 million per year, he's the best option available for the remainder of the MLE. I just don't think it's realistic. Just like the many people who thought Spurs could sign Outlaw, Miller, Matthews, Morrow, Brewer,Wright for 2.365 million.

It's highly unlikely for Butler to settle for what's left of the MLE, (given Barnes/Bell's deal and with Cleveland being one of the teams having more money and being interested in him). Even if he wanted to settle for the money the Spurs have available, he'd have to choose the Spurs over roughly 10 other teams that would probably be interested in signing him for that amount. It's a step by step progress that you have take into account that makes him very unlikely. (1- Is he willing to take a paycut for 2.365 mil?; 2. If he's willing to take a paycut, is he willing to pick the Spurs over the other multiple teams interested in him for that low price?)

Because of Nachbar and Simmons being the remaining best options for the remainder of the MLE (realistically), resigning Jefferson is a must and is the most realistic and best viable option. (IMO) A 3 yr/24-27 million; or 4 yr/30 million with partial guarantee for the 4th year should be able to get the deal done. Word is from R.C Buford (from 3 days ago) is that they hope to resign him and are working in that direction. The hold up is probably because R.J and his agent are waiting out on a possible more lucrative deal from a desperate team to create leverage against the Spurs initial standing offer. We just have to be patient as this situation unfolds.

[mountainballer]

Butler is still my top pick for the Spurs. Beyond him and MAYBE Bobby Simmons, there's not much out there that I like. Beyond those guys, I'd much rather the Spurs roll with their young guys. And even including Butler and Simmons, it's possible the most productive road would be to give extended minutes to Anderson/Hairston/Gee.

agree. but talking about Simmons I fear he belongs to the same "fall back" category from where we picked Bogans last year. (remember, quite a few - including myself - thought he was not a bad idea as fall back). this year the Bogans are named Simmons, Hayes, Wilkens, Wright and -yes - Bogans.

I think the chance to get Butler with the available 2.4 million is lower than 5%. as long as Spurs don't know about RJ, it also doesn't make much sense to hire one of the 3rd stringer they probably could get. if RJ doesn't come back, Spurs MUST make a trade, or they will cover the SF spot next season with a Bogans level player as a starter and a Bogans level player as his back up. (and they very likely will need to sacrifice something in that trade. like Anderson for example)

[lurker23]

A 4 year max-deal the Spurs can offer Butler is 9.46 million(close to 10 million). Even then Butler can most likely make that in 2 years given Barnes (attempted deal in the works) and Bell's deal.

I'd like to sign Butler with or without RJ for 2.365 million per year, he's the best option available for the remainder of the MLE. I just don't think it's realistic. Just like how many people thought Spurs could sign Outlaw, Miller, Matthews, Morrow, Brewer,Wright for 2.365 million.

It's highly unlikely for Butler to settle for what's left of the MLE, (given Barnes/Bell's deal and with Cleveland having more money and being very interested in him). Even if he wanted to settle for the money the Spurs have available, he'd have to choose the Spurs over 10 other teams that would probably be interested in signing him for that amount. It's a step by step progress that you have take into account that makes him very unlikely. (1- Is he willing to take a paycut for 2.365 mil?; 2. If he's willing to take a paycut, is he willing to pick the Spurs over the other multiple teams interested in him for that low price?)

Because of Nachbar and Simmons being the remaining best options for the remainder of the MLE (realistically), resigning Jefferson is a must and is the most realistic and best viable option. (IMO) A 3 yr/24-27 million; or 4 yr/30 million with partial guarantee for the 4th year should be able to get the deal done. Word is from R.C Buford is that they hope to resign him and are working in that direction. The hold up is probably because R.J and his agent are waiting out on a possible more lucrative deal from a desperate team to create leverage against the Spurs initial standing offer. We just have to be patient as this situation unfolds.

Agreed on all points. Butler is likely just a pipe-dream at this point, which increases the importance of resigning RJ (or getting something in a S&T if another team gets desperate). While I still think there's a slight chance some team does something stupid, the numbers you quoted should get it done.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Even if Spurs offer 4yr/10 million, Butler can most likely make that in 2 years given Barnes (attempted deal in the works) and Bell's deal.

I'd like to sign Butler with or without RJ for 2.365 million per year, he's the best option available for the remainder of the MLE. I just don't think it's realistic. Just like the many people who thought Spurs could sign Outlaw, Miller, Matthews, Morrow, Brewer,Wright for 2.365 million.

It's highly unlikely for Butler to settle for what's left of the MLE, (given Barnes/Bell's deal and with Cleveland being one of the teams having more money and being interested in him). Even if he wanted to settle for the money the Spurs have available, he'd have to choose the Spurs over roughly 10 other teams that would probably be interested in signing him for that amount. It's a step by step progress that you have take into account that makes him very unlikely. (1- Is he willing to take a paycut for 2.365 mil?; 2. If he's willing to take a paycut, is he willing to pick the Spurs over the other multiple teams interested in him for that low price?)

Because of Nachbar and Simmons being the remaining best options for the remainder of the MLE (realistically), resigning Jefferson is a must and is the most realistic and best viable option. (IMO) A 3 yr/24-27 million; or 4 yr/30 million with partial guarantee for the 4th year should be able to get the deal done. Word is from R.C Buford is that they hope to resign him and are working in that direction. The hold up is probably because R.J and his agent are waiting out on a possible more lucrative deal from a desperate team to create leverage against the Spurs initial standing offer. We just have to be patient as this situation unfolds.

I know your POV on this and it (sadly - I think Butler would be perfect for this team right now) makes sense, until the emboldened bit. We really want to commit 8-9mil/yr for the next 3 years (minimum) to a guy who doesn't fit our team? That's going to get us over the top? Given the lack of desire to sign the guy around the league, that would be a very difficult contract to move, and exactly the kind of mistake the Spurs' FO usually avoids (overpaying an average player). I'd go the other way - grab a cheap vet like Simmons or Nachbar and play the kids. Remember also that we'll have picks and probably an exception of some description (post-CBA it may take a different form) next season to strengthen the SF ranks, so commiting to 3 expensive years of RJ could handicap us going forward.

Signing RJ keeps us a mediocre team whilst stifling the development of our youth - on 8mil/yr Pop'd have to play him - all the while having to hang on to a bloated contract for a declining athlete. Ugh, no thanks.

[Bruno]

If Spurs have $2.365M left on their MLE, the max they can offer is:
$4.92M/ 2 years
$7.66M/ 3 years
$10.60M/ 4 years
$13.72M/ 5 years

[lurker23]

agree. but talking about Simmons I fear he belongs to the same "fall back" category from where we picked Bogans last year. (remember, quite a few - including myself - thought he was not a bad idea as fall back). this year the Bogans are named Simmons, Hayes, Wilkens, Wright and -yes - Bogans.

I think the chance to get Butler with the available 2.4 million is lower than 5%. as long as Spurs don't know about RJ, it also doesn't make much sense to hire one of the 3rd stringer they probably could get. if RJ doesn't come back, Spurs MUST make a trade, or they will cover the SF spot next season with a Bogans level player as a starter and a Bogans level player as his back up. (and they very likely will need to sacrifice something in that trade. like Anderson for example)

Yeah, I'm not fully convinced on Simmons myself, though the three seasons of 42% three-point shooting or greater is something Bogans could never come close to claiming.

I agree with the thought that, if the Spurs somehow get nothing for RJ and he walks, a trade for a SF is pretty much a given, unless someone really breaks out early in the season. This is my biggest worry with the whole situation, as it's hard to say what the Spurs would have to give up to get a starting-caliber SF. Candidates include young players (Anderson, Hill, Blair), stars like Parker (which would likely indicate the beginning of rebuilding anyway, and isn't recommended by me), or a cap friendly contract like Dice, which would thin our front line. None of those are roads I want to go down, which is why it is important that the Spurs either re-sign RJ or find a way to get at least a trade exception.

[MaNu4Tres]

I know your POV on this and it (sadly - I think Butler would be perfect for this team right now) makes sense, until the emboldened bit. We really want to commit 8-9mil/yr for the next 3 years (minimum) to a guy who doesn't fit our team? That's going to get us over the top? Given the lack of desire to sign the guy around the league, that would be a very difficult contract to move, and exactly the kind of mistake the Spurs' FO usually avoids (overpaying an average player). I'd go the other way - grab a cheap vet like Simmons or Nachbar and play the kids. Remember also that we'll have picks and probably an exception of some description (post-CBA it may take a different form) next season to strengthen the SF ranks, so commiting to 3 expensive years of RJ could handicap us going forward.

Signing RJ keeps us a mediocre team whilst stifling the development of our youth - on 8mil/yr Pop'd have to play him - all the while having to hang on to a bloated contract for a declining athlete. Ugh, no thanks.

I understand you POV and sometimes people tend to disagree on issues on this forum surprisingly. (Like the R.J situation for instance).

I just don't think 8/9 mil a year for 3 years (or 7.5 million for 4 yrs) is exactly the death of our financial flexibility for the future. An eight million dollar salary figure will be a very tradeable piece in just two years. (If R.J doesn't produce). Two years for a player with his proven ceiling for 7-9 million is worth the risk compared to the alternative (Simmons starting at SF). IMO

I know R.J didn't have the prototypical Bowen-like contribution on the defensive end or from the corner 3 that many of us solely judge him on. But fact is the guy still produced in other aspects (IMO) and helped out the team in ways we tend to forget (58 outings in the reg. season he scored double digits; his off the ball defense contesting shots at the rim and the 32 outings he scored over 15 points.) He wasn't Bowen-like with superior foot speed and lateral quickness on the perimeter, but he is a good versatile defender that is able to defend the bigger and more methodical wings ( Pierce, Melo, Artest, ect.) and he can contest shots off the ball and become an active player in that regard. *Not to mention his ability to convert at a very high percentage in transition, which should be an asset because of the Spurs finally adding Splitter to help the interior defense*

The fact that R.J's contribution can't really get any worse than it was for a portion of last year (February)and for the fact that the guy has a very high and proven ceiling, capable of being a reliable 3 point threat;(which will open up many lanes for him to get to the rim and the line and open up the flood gates on the Spurs overall potential) makes me believe he is the Spurs best option if they want to get to the championship. The higher the potential, the better the chance Spurs have at number 5. IMO

[mountainballer]

as much as many will hate it, but currently the re signing RJ is something to pray for. we can then still also hope for the 2nd year in the system wonder.

btw. I mentioned Battier yesterday. didn't read that he is on the block (which he reportedly was last deadline), but I really wonder what the asking price from the Rockets would be. they now have so many options of (younger) player, who will all eat from his minutes at either SF or PF. (Ariza, Budinger, Hill, Patterson). and at almost 32 he also might not be in their long term plans. and the Rockets move to lux tax territory with the re signing of Scola.
however, he can't be had for just expirings (like some will propose immediately) and something like a 2011 1st rounder won't do it either. several pieces?
(btw. Houston might be a team that is interested in DeColo. they wanted Llull this year, but he signed with Real till 2014. not that Decolo was enough. just that they might be interested with having him in a package)