Official 2014 Free Agency Thread

[cd021]

cd021, I can't see the Cavs making that first trade unless Dieng is included and the second one, I can't see them making even if Dieng is included.

I don't think Love is quite as good as his production suggests either and I agree that a truly great should should be able to drag just about any team into the playoffs, at least once, even in the West. But at the same time, he has not had a good supporting cast. None of Pekovic, Martin or Rubio are stars and beyond them, they haven't had anything resembling an adequate bench.

I'm not saying Thompson isn't valuable, but again, for Love it's a no brainer to give him up.

If the Timberwolves really are willing to take this until the trade deadline (which looks increasingly unlikely), as I said, if I were the Cavs, I'd wait. But ultimately, if Wiggins has to be included, so be it. James' prime is dwindling, their current roster doesn't time well with it and their front line isn't nearly good enough.

Sounds like we were both wrong about the specs. It seems that Thad Young and Wiggins to Minny, Bennett to the 76ers and Love to Cleveland.

I heard that Brewer maybe involved in the deal as well. Also Cleveland may move 2 of their 3 draft picks (probably both to Minny or one to Phily and another to Minny)

Very good return for Minny if they can nab Wiggins, Young and up to 2 first rounders.

Rubio-Martin-Wiggins/Budinger-Young-Pekovic

Not a playoff team but they are good enough to be compe ive while developing young talent (Wiggins, Mohammed, Dieng, LaVine)

maybe they could even ship Martin out for a first rounder. (Minny be much more likely to keep their pick that Phoenix conditionally owns the picks if it falls in the range of 13-30 next season or the year after)

I think something like Prigioni, Shumpert and a first round pick from the Knicks (who are shopping Prigioni and have attempted to move Shumpert during the trade deadline) would be a good move.

for Kevin Martin (the Wolves would save $ 15.1 million over the next two seasons) and pick up a first round pick probably in the teens (I'd peg the Knicks them to be about 15th in league standings this year).

[TD 21]

Sounds like we were both wrong about the specs. It seems that Thad Young and Wiggins to Minny, Bennett to the 76ers and Love to Cleveland.

I heard that Brewer maybe involved in the deal as well. Also Cleveland may move 2 of their 3 draft picks (probably both to Minny or one to Phily and another to Minny)

Very good return for Minny if they can nab Wiggins, Young and up to 2 first rounders.

Rubio-Martin-Wiggins/Budinger-Young-Pekovic

Not a playoff team but they are good enough to be compe ive while developing young talent (Wiggins, Mohammed, Dieng, LaVine)

maybe they could even ship Martin out for a first rounder. (Minny be much more likely to keep their pick that Phoenix conditionally owns the picks if it falls in the range of 13-30 next season or the year after)

I think something like Prigioni, Shumpert and a first round pick from the Knicks (who are shopping Prigioni and have attempted to move Shumpert during the trade deadline) would be a good move.

for Kevin Martin (the Wolves would save $ 15.1 million over the next two seasons) and pick up a first round pick probably in the teens (I'd peg the Knicks them to be about 15th in league standings this year).

If, as it now appears likely, the Timberwolves come out of this with Wiggins and Young, this will go down as one of the best returns ever for a player of Love's caliber.

If the Cavs come out of this with Dieng and the 76ers can get a 1st with Bennett, this will be a good trade for all three teams involved, which is rare.

Martin is an unwanted contract, so there's no chance they could fetch a 1st for him at this point and no chance of the Knicks giving up Shumpert (who Jackson supposedly likes and who's the only decent wing defender they have) and a 1st for him.

[BatManu20]

[Seventyniner]

Could Marion actually start there? Crazy to think of the implications of the George injury.

[elemento]

Could Marion actually start there? Crazy to think of the implications of the George injury.

Considering what they have to fill the SF hole, yeah easily.

[FireMicoHalili]

Hoping Thaddeus Young gets re-routed elsewhere. He's leaving a team of cellar-dwellers for another bunch of cellar-dwellers.

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Free agent forward Shawn Marion is leaning strongly toward signing with Cleveland over Indiana, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

[RD2191]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA
Free agent forward Shawn Marion is leaning strongly toward signing with Cleveland over Indiana, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

No .

[anakha]

I thought Marion said he wanted to start.

[FireMicoHalili]

As daldridgetnt reports, Pacers applying for Disabled Players Exception of $5.3M for George injury. Indy could offer Marion more than Cavs. - Woj

Options left at SF:
Jordan Hamilton
Francisco Garcia
Chris Douglas-Roberts
Ronnie Brewer
Earl Clark
Antawn Jamison
Chris Singleton
Damion James
James Southerland
Royce White
Ryan Gomes
Dahntay Jhonez
Shard the Loser

[Seventyniner]

I thought Marion said he wanted to start.

If he signs with Cleveland, at least it proves that he only cares about winning. Isn't that what we supposedly want from pro athletes?

[Aremid]

We could have really used Marion. Now we have no one left to play backup sf

[exstatic]

Are the Spurs interested in signing anyone to improve the team? If Marion takes a minimum offer in Cleveland, then I have no idea what the Spurs are doing. They still need a backup SF. Maybe Chip is put off by his shot as much as I am?

How much money do the Cavs have left?

I am stunned at how many people don't realize this:

The Spurs are getting the band back together, intact.

I realized it when they didn't cut that excrescence Daye when they had the chance. The roster will be the 14 guys on permanent contracts last year at the end, plus KA.

[Ice009]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with adding 1 decent free agent to the team. Either a backup SF or backup PF/SF would really help the Spurs.

I don't see why they need to keep Ayres. They can easily cut him to add someone better to the team that will help more on the court.

And don't go saying people don't realize what the Spurs are doing. You think people around here a ing re ed? We know what they're doing, but we still want an upgrade or two.

I disagreed in the 2007 off season with them doing nothing and then the Lakers and Celtics pulled off huge trades that left the Spurs at a disadvantage. The Spurs didn't bother adding any depth, so when Manu was hurt in the playoffs, it made is easier for the Lakers to be able to beat them. Plus, if they had added someone decent, they may have ended up with a higher seed and not had to play game 1 on the road in LA where they blew that huge lead that could have changed the series.

This current team has a lot more depth, I'll acknowledge that, but they still could use someone at backup SF/PF. Someone that actually plays that position.

So how much is Cleveland offering Marion? Is it only the minimum?

[FireMicoHalili]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with adding 1 decent free agent to the team. Either a backup SF or backup PF/SF would really help the Spurs.

I don't see why they need to keep Ayres. They can easily cut him to add someone better to the team that will help more on the court.

And don't go saying people don't realize what the Spurs are doing. You think people around here are ing re ed? We know what they're doing, but we still want an upgrade or two.

I disagreed in the 2007 off season with them doing nothing and then the Lakers and Celtics pulled off huge trades that left the Spurs at a disadvantage. The Spurs didn't bother adding any depth, so when Manu was hurt in the playoffs, it made is easier for the Lakers to be able to beat them. Plus, if they had added someone decent, they may have ended up with a higher seed and not had to play game 1 on the road in LA where they blew that huge lead that could have changed the series.

This current team has a lot more depth, I'll acknowledge that, but they still could use someone at backup SF/PF. Someone that actually plays that position.

So how much is Cleveland offering Marion? Is it only the minimum?

FIFY. Have to put some stuff in bold so other re s like us can understand.

[exstatic]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with adding 1 decent free agent to the team. Either a backup SF or backup PF/SF would really help the Spurs.

I don't see why they need to keep Ayres. They can easily cut him to add someone better to the team that will help more on the court.

And don't go saying people don't realize what the Spurs are doing. You think people around here a ing re ed? We know what they're doing, but we still want an upgrade or two.

I disagreed in the 2007 off season with them doing nothing and then the Lakers and Celtics pulled off huge trades that left the Spurs at a disadvantage. The Spurs didn't bother adding any depth, so when Manu was hurt in the playoffs, it made is easier for the Lakers to be able to beat them. Plus, if they had added someone decent, they may have ended up with a higher seed and not had to play game 1 on the road in LA where they blew that huge lead that could have changed the series.

This current team has a lot more depth, I'll acknowledge that, but they still could use someone at backup SF/PF. Someone that actually plays that position.

So how much is Cleveland offering Marion? Is it only the minimum?

Power to ya, brotha. Keep banging your head on that wall if that's what makes you happy in the off season.

There were two teams that were compe ive with us last year. Miami imploded, and OKC lost their best perimeter defender, and drafted second round talent at #29 with the expressed purpose of signing him to a d-league contract. THAT would be a hard team to ing follow, constantly dumping talent to stay under the tax.

[Malik Hairston]

I wouldn't mind Marion for the minimum(if he accepted a reduced role, which he wouldn't), but he was actually awful last year, tbh..he's just an average defender nowadays, and a below average offensive player..

NBA fans and media are always enmored by names, rather than actual production(see: Danny Granger, Caron Butler last season)..

[slick'81]

Looks like marion is headed to the cavs

[Ice009]

I wouldn't mind Marion for the minimum(if he accepted a reduced role, which he wouldn't), but he was actually awful last year, tbh..he's just an average defender nowadays, and a below average offensive player..

NBA fans and media are always enmored by names, rather than actual production(see: Danny Granger, Caron Butler last season)..

Don't really care that much about Marion. I thought he might have been alright as a backup. Personally, I would have maybe offered him about half the MLE for one season. If the Spurs were high on his defense, then maybe the full MLE for one season, but if he's dropped off like you say, then I wouldn't have even offered him the full MLE.

Did you have any suggestions on anyone that the Spurs could have looked at as a backup SF/PF or backup PF type of player that they could have signed before players went to other teams?

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

I am becoming increasingly frustrated that we haven't signed Baynes yet and haven't even looked at Okafor. The guy is a straight up beast - despite the slight decline. I know injuries are risky to gamble on, but I think this is a low risk, high reward scenario.

Plus this seems like a player that RC would lick his chops over.

[Ice009]

I am becoming increasingly frustrated that we haven't signed Baynes yet and haven't even looked at Okafor. The guy is a straight up beast - despite the slight decline. I know injuries are risky to gamble on, but I think this is a low risk, high reward scenario.

Plus this seems like a player that RC would lick his chops over.

I'd be very interested in Okafor if he's completely healthy. I seem to recall him being a very good defender? How is/was he on offense?

[cd021]

If, as it now appears likely, the Timberwolves come out of this with Wiggins and Young, this will go down as one of the best returns ever for a player of Love's caliber.

If the Cavs come out of this with Dieng and the 76ers can get a 1st with Bennett, this will be a good trade for all three teams involved, which is rare.
Martin is an unwanted contract, so there's no chance they could fetch a 1st for him at this point and no chance of the Knicks giving up Shumpert (who Jackson supposedly likes and who's the only decent wing defender they have) and a 1st for him.

I disagree on that point. Its not like his contract is an albatross. Its $21 million over the next 3 seasons. Of the 29 players that averaged 19 ppg he had the 3rd cheapest salary (Thomas & Lilard). He is cheap & productive while only 30 years old. With the continuing rise of the salary cap (it could jump to $67 million after next season) his contract will look like more and more of a value.

To Minny, he was brought in to add a scoring punch and to appease Love who wanted to make the postseason. Now that Love is being moved, he is nothing more than a stop gap until they find a younger and cheaper replacement (that maybe Wiggins if they see him as a SG). Moving a veteran for a 1st round pick and clearing the books would be ideal (like how PHX got 1st rounders for Scola and Gortat)

If the Knicks are serious about making the playoffs (especially with the East being the way it is) acquiring Martin would be a great get because of his scoring efficiency (career average of 18 ppg and only 12.5 FGA)

The Knicks could take Brewer off Minnys hands to replace Shumpert. Jackson may like Shumpert but he isn't very productive, a poor shooter and a overrated defender.

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=lqfaww2

Knicks Get
Corey Brewer
Kevin Martin

Minnesota Gets:
Andrea Bargnani (1 year, expiring $11.5 million deal)
Iman Shumpert
1st round pick

Caulderon-Martin-Anthony-Stoudimire-Dalembert with a bench of Prigoni-Smith/Hardaway Jr.-Brewer/Early-Smith

or a bigger trade of:

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mqqhp7f


Knicks Get
Corey Brewer
Kevin Martin
J.J Barea

Minnesota Gets:
Andrea Bargnani (1 year, expiring $11.5 million deal)
Iman Shumpert
Pablo Prigioni
1st round pick

Minnesota would clear the books of $19.2 million over the 15-16 and 16-17 season. The Wolves probably aren't going to want long term deals after dealing Love unless its to Pekovic, Rubio and Wiggins and maybe Thad Young. They'd move both of their non essential personnel in one move. They have been exploring the possibility of getting rid of all 3 players and would allow them to take a step back next year and potentially improve their draft position.

I could also see OKC potentially looking to reacquire Martin (especially if Jackson continues to start alongside Westbrook and Durant)

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=kqozwa8

the could ship out Perkins (expiring deal) and a 1st round pick. I would think OKC would be more willing to due so; in addition to ridding themselves of Perkins they also have 5 first round picks currently on rookie scale deals on roster with Huestis being the 6th playing the D-League and probably coming on after next season)

http://www.sportsworldreport.com/art...kevin-love.htm

all of the above could be a moot point if Martin is indeed included in the deal (probably to Cleveland if it is still only a 3 team deal)

[cd021]

I'd be very interested in Okafor if he's completely healthy. I seem to recall him being a very good defender? How is/was he on offense?

he's average but career numbers of 10 ppg and 51% isn't bad production. I've heard that Cleveland is interested in him though.

[BatManu20]

Yea kind of disappointed we couldn't add a single player to help this team.. not surprised though. And KA doesn't count. He's a 19 y/o kid who won't play much, if at all in the playoffs.

But can't complain too much since we re-signed all our guys and are bringing back the gang. It basically all hinges on our health now, which is a big question mark this season.

[ElNono]

I don't see why they need to keep Ayres. They can easily cut him to add someone better to the team that will help more on the court.

I blow a gasket on the regular watching Ayres play, BUT, he's on the team as a minute burner/filler. He doesn't pout about the role, and all in all, he's on a decent deal ($1.8m, even Corey Joseph will make more money than him this season). He already fits in the locker room and has some "corporate knowledge". The Spurs won't buy out that contract to spend more money signing somebody else for such a secondary role, I don't think.

He's also an expiring contract now, so he can be some salary to be used for a mid-season trade if the Spurs need to touch up the roster a bit.