CHA - MIN
Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 3:01 pm
Here's some great information from over at the KFAN board, that I thought you guys would like to see:
NattaNerNutta wrote:Sorry it's been so long since my last little bit of info to spill, but to be honest, my connection, "Billy", has been swamped and I wasn't able to get through to him for a meaningfull chat until just last night.
Like always, you can take my info with a grain of salt. You don't have to believe a word I say because I understand some people on here (bits) just pull random sh*t out of their azz for attention. I on the other hand just happen to have a buddy who has access to info, one who I chit-chat from time to time about our beloved teams (we cellar dweller team fans gotta stick together).
Once again, take it for what you will, I'm only passing on info he has passed down to me through our conversations.
So without further ado.....
1) Bobcats still want cap space. Their main goal is to unload contracts to take a swing at a couple big Free Agents. They still feel the best way to do this is by way of dealing the #4 pick. However, with Clifford now on board it seems far less likely that the #4 pick would be moved as a salary dump. Clifford has his eyes on drafting a big, a point further drove home by his hiring of Patrick Ewing. It's looking far more likely that should Charlotte keep their pick it will be for Len (if available), Noel (also if available), or Zeller. "Billy" has let me in on how this effects our Wolves (read. 3).
2) Charlotte has gauged interest in moving in and trying to trade for DeAndre Jordon. They do realize that they really don't have much of interest to the Clippers, that they would be willing to give up. When asked what the Clips had interest in.....MKG. Which is not going to happen in the eyes of the Bobcats camp. And the Bobcats really don't have too much interest in Bledsoe, at least not to the point that they would be willing to part with MKG.
3) Bobcats have called the Wolves multiple times on multiple situations.
- going directly into the "drafting a big" talk, the Cats have talked to Minnesota about interest in a S&T for Pekovic. "Billy" couldn't let me in on too much but did give me some details. The talks centered around a "tossed around propasal" in the lines of a S&T Pek for a S&T Gerald Henderson and a/multiple future 1st rounder (possibly Portland's or Detroits). From what I was told talks were shot down, but the lines are still open to a modification of the deal depending on how the draft shakes out. Meaning if Minnesota drafts a big the lines of communication might have opened up with us maybe moving Pek and drafting his replacement. In a nutshell, Charlotte would love to get Pek, and would much rather tie it up nice and neat with a quick S&T, rather than having to make an offer and have his cap hold slow down their big plans in FA.
- There has been back and forth chatter about Minnesota moving up to the #4, but the Cats are asking for too much. The asking cost , if Minnesota isn't willing to take Tyrus Thomas, was Derrick Williams, #9, and #26.....waaaaay to rich for anyones blood, but these are the first chatters so you know everyone comes out with a less than appropriate offer. The point of it is, "if a team wants to trade up without taking on a bad contract, they have to pay....period". When I asked what it would take if we did take on Tyrus, he replied with a scenario of the #9 & #26. And maybe work out a deal later for Williams. Their thought process is, if you won't take Tyrus, we will give up the #4, but we want three pieces to rebuild with, D-Will, a big at #9 (Zeller or Adams, and a SG at #26. Actually pretty savvy on their part.
- There is still serious interest in Derrick Williams in the Bobcats' camp. As mentioned above, they would like him included in a deal, either for the #4 pick, or as another deal once the new season is official (July 1st). Once again the Bobcats keep baiting their hook with Gerald Henderson and/or one of Portland/Detroit's 1st rounders owed as ground to start talking trade.
4)All in all, Charlotte would like some scenerio where they quickly fill needs in the frontcourt and a replacement at SG for Hendo. Keep in mind they love Hendo, they just think he will demend too much and would prove to be a situation that would slow down their plans in FA. From talking to "Billy" he feels they would like a situation where they can draft/trade for a Center, trade for D-Will, and make another move to replace Hendo at SG with either a high draft pick (say McLemore or Victor with their #4) or deal for anotehr option.
5) Fall back plans for a SG would be Iggy if they strike out on Josh Smith, and they even have an interest in Eric Gordon, but only if other plans don't pan out.
Well, thanks for hanging in there and reading this "Wall-o-text"...once again I'm more than happy to share any little bit of info I get, and I'll make sure I pass on anymore if I get something worth passing on.
Hopefully I can get a little more info when it gets closer to the draft, but in all honestly it will more than likely be hard to get in touch with my buddy.