July 1st Free Agency Begins - Catchall thread

[Dirkbaka]

I can't blame Dwight for leaving LA to come to Houston...it's nice down here. He gets to play in a big city, stay in a big market, play with the best SG in the game, play for a playoff contender now turned championship contender, and get a max contract. I think that those factors were more important to him than taxes.

I've only been to Houston once for work and no offense but it was one of the most boring towns I have ever been to. Idk what the appeal is. Dallas now that is a different story.

[NYKnicksTAPE]

I can't blame Dwight for leaving LA to come to Houston...it's nice down here. He gets to play in a big city, stay in a big market, play with the best SG in the game, play for a playoff contender now turned championship contender, and get a max contract. I think that those factors were more important to him than taxes.

Knowing that you live in Houston (school?) makes having them as your second favorite team much more understandable.

(Completely agree with everyone you said, btw)

Yup, just finished my sophomore year at UH. Btw, Rockets over Warriors in 6 if they meet in the playoffs lol

[NBA Fan 1234]

I can't blame Dwight for leaving LA to come to Houston...it's nice down here. He gets to play in a big city, stay in a big market, play with the best SG in the game, play for a playoff contender now turned championship contender, and get a max contract. I think that those factors were more important to him than taxes.

Knowing that you live in Houston (school?) makes having them as your second favorite team much more understandable.

(Completely agree with everyone you said, btw)

Yup, just finished my sophomore year at UH. Btw, Rockets over Warriors in 6 if they meet in the playoffs lol

Very nice. Watched one of UH's football games last year and it had a crazy ending - forgot who they played against, though. My uncle went there. IIRC, he was there when Hakeem and co were? The Titans played right down the road from school basically and I still never went to a game / became a fan Did start liking country music, though...

As for Houston / GSW - honestly, that wouldn't surprise me. Houston just needs to stay healthy. Loved getting Lawson and Motie has been a favorite of mine for a few years - such a great passer and post player. Houston, OKC, Warriors, and Spurs (doubtful bc of Pop) could all push for 70 wins...which is **** nuts.

[N Y K]

Where was it said it was a major reason? Everything that was reported was differences with Kobe and simply wanting to play in Houston.

He never did (and wisely so) however he didn't loose that much money by taking Houston's max because he didn't have to pay state and city taxes. Heck, Doc Rivers and Jalen Rose were on the record speaking about how it helps.

So speculation. BTW, every player pays state tax for every state they play in. Not the full amount as far as I know, but they are still paying taxes in every state.

Also, Texas, while it doesn't have an income tax, has the 12th highest sales tax (6th highest among NBA states).

I highly doubt it plays as big a role as you think it does.

Just read this.

http://midlevelexceptional.com/2014/07/23/exploring-true-value-contract/

This issue is so overstated. Of course it's a factor; there are MANY factors, but this is overstated by most. Heck, you aren't even taxed the same way on all of the games you play based on the state you play/reside in!!

[NYKnicksTAPE]

I can't blame Dwight for leaving LA to come to Houston...it's nice down here. He gets to play in a big city, stay in a big market, play with the best SG in the game, play for a playoff contender now turned championship contender, and get a max contract. I think that those factors were more important to him than taxes.

I've only been to Houston once for work and no offense but it was one of the most boring towns I have ever been to. Idk what the appeal is. Dallas now that is a different story.

Well, u have the word Dirk in your username so I'll assume that you're biased lol. Houston is way more fun than Dallas...idk what type of work you do or what part of the city u were in, but outside of NY, LA, and maybe Toronto, what other NBA city is better than Houston?

[NYKnicksTAPE]

Knowing that you live in Houston (school?) makes having them as your second favorite team much more understandable.

(Completely agree with everyone you said, btw)

Yup, just finished my sophomore year at UH. Btw, Rockets over Warriors in 6 if they meet in the playoffs lol

Very nice. Watched one of UH's football games last year and it had a crazy ending - forgot who they played against, though. My uncle went there. IIRC, he was there when Hakeem and co were? The Titans played right down the road from school basically and I still never went to a game / became a fan Did start liking country music, though...

As for Houston / GSW - honestly, that wouldn't surprise me. Houston just needs to stay healthy. Loved getting Lawson and Motie has been a favorite of mine for a few years - such a great passer and post player. Houston, OKC, Warriors, and Spurs (doubtful bc of Pop) could all push for 70 wins...which is **** nuts.

The West will be CRAZY this year man! The Clippers and Grizzlies could easily win 55+ games too, and I expect the Pelicans to push for 50 wins. I can't wait for next season to start

[NYKnicksTAPE]

I will say this about taxes though...I sometimes listen to ESPN LA when I'm working out, and SAS and Ramona Shelbourne (both of whom have many contacts and good relationships with a high number of NBA players) said that high income taxes definitely play a factor in regards to coming to a team like the Lakers, but only because they suck right now. When the Lakers become good again...no player will care about the taxes. Players will join a team if it's good, but what they won't do is look to join a bad team while also paying high taxes at the same time. It just won't happen.

[Dirkbaka]

I can't blame Dwight for leaving LA to come to Houston...it's nice down here. He gets to play in a big city, stay in a big market, play with the best SG in the game, play for a playoff contender now turned championship contender, and get a max contract. I think that those factors were more important to him than taxes.

I've only been to Houston once for work and no offense but it was one of the most boring towns I have ever been to. Idk what the appeal is. Dallas now that is a different story.

Well, u have the word Dirk in your username so I'll assume that you're biased lol. Houston is way more fun than Dallas...idk what type of work you do or what part of the city u were in, but outside of NY, LA, and maybe Toronto, what other NBA city is better than Houston?

Chicago for sure. Miami if you like the sun,etc. I was downtown a lot and it was a ghostown after 5. I didn't know what else to do.

I have the name Dirk in my username due to Porzingis. I think he will be a hybrid of half Dirk and Half Ibaka. Hence the Dirkbaka name.

[NYKnicksTAPE]

I've only been to Houston once for work and no offense but it was one of the most boring towns I have ever been to. Idk what the appeal is. Dallas now that is a different story.

Well, u have the word Dirk in your username so I'll assume that you're biased lol. Houston is way more fun than Dallas...idk what type of work you do or what part of the city u were in, but outside of NY, LA, and maybe Toronto, what other NBA city is better than Houston?

Chicago for sure. Miami if you like the sun,etc. I was downtown a lot and it was a ghostown after 5. I didn't know what else to do.

I have the name Dirk in my username due to Porzingis. I think he will be a hybrid of half Dirk and Half Ibaka. Hence the Dirkbaka name.

Maybe u were just in a bad part of downtown. Midtown is where the action is man...you would have had a ton of fun down there. I'll give u Miami, but I think that Houston>>>Chicago. Lol, nice wordplay for your username then...I thought u were a closet Mavs fan

[digitaldropoff]

I would trade melo for love. Melo get's his shot at a ring and we get about 5 years younger. Love will excel next to a rim protectors like lopez and prozningis.

Assets my man....assets. Why would Cleveland trade Love for the reasons you give.....why would Cleveland get an older and slightly damaged scoring machine for a guy who we all know is capable of similar numbers, albeit much better rebounding? I'm sure you would trade Melo for Love, but no one else would....certainly not Cleveland.

As long as NY is cool with not getting max value for trading their "superstar"....as that doesn't happen anyhow, then NY should get some bites, but I doubt Melo brings back a current AS level player. A decent pick, young bucks with potential, and some cap space, maybe throw in a former quality vet. But Melo makes a ton of money and only does one thing......the main problem is he's not at best in the middle of his prime, though some would argue he's on the latter half, and he's coming off back to back years with injuries with the shoulder and knee respectively. Five years ago.....Melo would net you a lot, NY knows this better than anyone.....now.....not so much, certainly not a caliber of Love.

Fact is that Lebron is basically a 4 at this point in his career. Kevin love can not play any position other than power forward, he doesn't have the perimeter skills to play outside consistently nor does he have the speed to defend the 3. Love can't defend the rim so he can't play the 5. Basically Kevin Love does not fit with lebron. Now what a healthy Melo gives is a guy who can switch from 3/4 depending on the lineup. He can defend small forwards when Cleveland plays lebron at the 4. Also cleveland's "window" isn't as large as people think. Lebron is 30 years old and has been in the league for 12 years and Kyrie's knees are a question mark. I believe that Melo going to the US olympic camp is partly trying to show lebron that he is healthy.

Your post is rubbish....sorry. Lebron James is still the best player in the game, stilla freak athlete....he can play whatever position he chooses. Lebron played some PF as needed, the same in Miami.....but in Cleveland their bigs got hurt and in Miami they had no bigs, everyone knows Bosh is and wants to play PF. Taking that aside, it's not about what LBJ wants, it's a value thing. Kevin Love is worth more than Carmelo Anthony, it's not debatable. Both may or may not provide hollow stats that don't actually make those around them better, but Love is younger, locked up longer, and being paid less per year....and that's before another cap increase.....he's also a better rebounder, passer, and his ability to stretch gives better spacing. And both are garbage defenders....Love can't guard ****, neither can Melo....so quit saying he can defend SF's when LBJ plays the 4....yeah, like he's suddenly dedicated to defense after over a decade of being in the NBA.....yeah, okay.

LBJ could want Melo, and Cleveland could part with Love.....but why you assume Love goes there and not some 3 team deal happens...or even more realistic, NY would actually have to give up a lot more than Melo just to get Love. Not saying anything is impossible, but you're not looking at that scenario from enough angles.

[GONYK]

I can't blame Dwight for leaving LA to come to Houston...it's nice down here. He gets to play in a big city, stay in a big market, play with the best SG in the game, play for a playoff contender now turned championship contender, and get a max contract. I think that those factors were more important to him than taxes.

Knowing that you live in Houston (school?) makes having them as your second favorite team much more understandable.

(Completely agree with everyone you said, btw)

Houston isn't a big market, certainly should not be mentioned with LA in that regard

[blanko]

Where was it said it was a major reason? Everything that was reported was differences with Kobe and simply wanting to play in Houston.

He never did (and wisely so) however he didn't loose that much money by taking Houston's max because he didn't have to pay state and city taxes. Heck, Doc Rivers and Jalen Rose were on the record speaking about how it helps.

So speculation. BTW, every player pays state tax for every state they play in. Not the full amount as far as I know, but they are still paying taxes in every state.

Also, Texas, while it doesn't have an income tax, has the 12th highest sales tax (6th highest among NBA states).

I highly doubt it plays as big a role as you think it does.

California sales tax 7.5%~10% texas sales tax 6.25~8.25%.
California State income tax 13.3% Texas state income tax= 0

Dwight's contract value $87,591,270
half is taxable in state 43,795,635
Cali tax rate 13.3%
cali income tax paid: 5,824,819.455

NY income tax 12.7
Ny income tax paid: 5,562,045.645

Texas income tax paid: 0

That's this current contract only. If it is two contracts then he would be saving over 10 mil in taxes.

[NYKnicksTAPE]

I can't blame Dwight for leaving LA to come to Houston...it's nice down here. He gets to play in a big city, stay in a big market, play with the best SG in the game, play for a playoff contender now turned championship contender, and get a max contract. I think that those factors were more important to him than taxes.

Knowing that you live in Houston (school?) makes having them as your second favorite team much more understandable.

(Completely agree with everyone you said, btw)

Houston isn't a big market, certainly should not be mentioned with LA in that regard

Please tell me why Houston isn't a big market

[GONYK]

Knowing that you live in Houston (school?) makes having them as your second favorite team much more understandable.

(Completely agree with everyone you said, btw)

Houston isn't a big market, certainly should not be mentioned with LA in that regard

Please tell me why Houston isn't a big market

NBA team markets are determined by the media market population of the cities they inhabit.

NY and LA are #1 and #2. Houston is 11th. That is not a big market team. That is a the definition of a middle market around where Boston, GSW, Atlanta territory.

I'm saying this as someone who was a Rockets season ticket holder for 4 years and worked for the organization. They are not a big market team by any stretch.

[NYKnicksTAPE]

Houston isn't a big market, certainly should not be mentioned with LA in that regard

Please tell me why Houston isn't a big market

NBA team markets are determined by the media market population of the cities they inhabit.

NY and LA are #1 and #2. Houston is 11th. That is not a big market team. That is a the definition of a middle market around where Boston, GSW, Atlanta territory.

I'm saying this as someone who was a Rockets season ticket holder for 4 years and worked for the organization. They are not a big market team by any stretch.

Oh ok, thank u for the information. Since you worked for the organization, would I be wrong in assuming that even if they are 11th, in terms of exposure and noteriety nationwide and across the world...the Rockets would be closer to the top of the league?

[GONYK]

Please tell me why Houston isn't a big market

NBA team markets are determined by the media market population of the cities they inhabit.

NY and LA are #1 and #2. Houston is 11th. That is not a big market team. That is a the definition of a middle market around where Boston, GSW, Atlanta territory.

I'm saying this as someone who was a Rockets season ticket holder for 4 years and worked for the organization. They are not a big market team by any stretch.

Oh ok, thank u for the information. Since you worked for the organization, would I be wrong in assuming that even if they are 11th, in terms of exposure and noteriety nationwide and across the world...the Rockets would be closer to the top of the league?

Well, Clutch is the most recognized mascot in the world, thanks to Yao and the Chinese market.

In terms of marketing exposure, I don't think the average player in Houston or GSW would have as much exposure as the same player in NY, LA, or Chicago.

As of last year, Amare made more money in endorsements than James Harden. Chris Paul's endorsements tripled once he left NOLA (The NBA's smallest market) for LA. Dwight only picked up major endorsements once he got to LA, and even then, he still isn't in the top 10 off court earners in the league.

You will have some outliers, but in general market size makes a difference unless you are Lebron or Durant. In fact, 5 players in the top 10 plays for NY, LA, or Chi. To someone like Melo it has added probably $30-40M to his net worth at this point

[blanko]

I can't blame Dwight for leaving LA to come to Houston...it's nice down here. He gets to play in a big city, stay in a big market, play with the best SG in the game, play for a playoff contender now turned championship contender, and get a max contract. I think that those factors were more important to him than taxes.

I've only been to Houston once for work and no offense but it was one of the most boring towns I have ever been to. Idk what the appeal is. Dallas now that is a different story.

According to Jalen rose, houston is a smaller second atlanta.

[siar617]

Would you guys trade Calderon for Chris Andersen and Mario Chalmers? Both Birdman and Rio are expiring contracts. There's a rumor of a 3 team deal that could involve the above exchange for the Knicks. Calderon goes back to Dallas and Dallas sends a Felton's small contract and a 2nd rounder to Miami.

Is this a real rumor, Moo?

If those are expiring deals I'd jump on that easy. Get a backup center a younger pg that may not shoot as well but plays better defense. Plus both expire, that is a great deal.

[3toheadmelo]

we need a 3rd string pg, whos available?

[NBA Fan 1234]

we need a 3rd string pg, whos available?

We have Calderon, Grant, and Galloway.