Under the Radar FA pick ups

[mattdelray1220]

I will start by saying this. I think this team is probably going to bring in 1 guard (monk, Dlo who is my preference, Tyus) and probably try to bring most of the team back.

I think they will resign Fultz to be 3rd PG and bring back Goga the be 3rd C.

I think they will let Harris and Ingles go.

I definitely want to see more playing opportunities for AB Jett and even Caleb. I just know they want to win so it might be limited next year. So I got to thinking who would be a great back up G/F for this team that nobody is talking about? KCP would only start.

My pick is Simone Fontecchio. I really liked what I saw from him and he could be the PERFECT back up for Franz. I know that kind of sets back the opening for Jett and Caleb but I really like Simone and think he could be a solid pick up for us.

[Knightro]

Good pick with Fontecchio. He can play.

A guy I really like, provided he's healthy, is De'Anthony Melton.

He's coming off a tough injury season, but he's a very good 3&D guard when he's physically right.

[RichCollab]

Good pick with Fontecchio. He can play.

A guy I really like, provided he's healthy, is De'Anthony Melton.

He's coming off a tough injury season, but he's a very good 3&D guard when he's physically right.

I personally would like to steer clear of injury prone players.

[Skybox]

Love this thread...

Kyle Anderson...great passer, big and physical enough to move 3/4 and even small-5 if you wanted to get funky. Solid defender. MIN is strapped financially and will have a hard time bringing back FA's. He was making $17m, but is probably ready for a $13 x 2yr

Kris Dunn...great (I mean really great) POA defender, PG handles, has developed a reliable 3 ball too late in his career to recoup his money. Min salary guy deserves more...but not too much more. If he's your 3rd string PG, you're good.

I think Monk will come in at $22per and we can front-load to make it even more appealing. Not "under the radar" but, maybe a bargain. I don't see other big cap teams pursuing him as he's not really a true PG...which is perfect for us.

Caleb Martin...this guy has taken over playoff games, is a solid defender, good size & versatility...plus, taking him from MIA makes it even tastier.

Gordon Hayward...worth a look, phenomenal talent if he hasn't completely deteriorated physically. He can do basically everything .

Look to the 2nd apron and over the cap teams...new CBA will make teams think twice, especially if they're not legit contenders.

[eyriq]

Centers:
Moritz Wagner
Luka Garza
Jalen Smith
Luke Kornet

Power Forwards:
Kevin Love
Obi Toppin

Small Forwards:
Javonte Green
Buddy Hield
Jordan Nwora
Sam Hauser

Shooting Guards:
Aaron Wiggins
Lonnie Walker IV
Lindy Waters III
Isaiah Joe
Alec Burks
Luke Kennard

Point Guards:
Russell Westbrook
Tyus Jones
Jeff Dowtin

[Trillen]

Love this thread...

Kyle Anderson...great passer, big and physical enough to move 3/4 and even small-5 if you wanted to get funky. Solid defender. MIN is strapped financially and will have a hard time bringing back FA's. He was making $17m, but is probably ready for a $13 x 2yr

Kris Dunn...great (I mean really great) POA defender, PG handles, has developed a reliable 3 ball too late in his career to recoup his money. Min salary guy deserves more...but not too much more. If he's your 3rd string PG, you're good.

I think Monk will come in at $22per and we can front-load to make it even more appealing. Not "under the radar" but, maybe a bargain. I don't see other big cap teams pursuing him as he's not really a true PG...which is perfect for us.

Caleb Martin...this guy has taken over playoff games, is a solid defender, good size & versatility...plus, taking him from MIA makes it even tastier.

Gordon Hayward...worth a look, phenomenal talent if he hasn't completely deteriorated physically. He can do basically everything .

Look to the 2nd apron and over the cap teams...new CBA will make teams think twice, especially if they're not legit contenders.

I do like the idea of Gordon Hayward on paper. Kind of like a sliiiightly younger Joe Ingles. But it's suprised/concerned me how little he was able to apparently earn minutes for OKC, let alone his injury history. I'd be worried he'd be a good candidate to be the kind of guy that has had his fill of competing and rehabbing injuries and coasts the last couple years someone would sign him on reputation alone.

[Knightro]

Centers:
Moritz Wagner - TEAM OPTION
Luka Garza - RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Jalen Smith - PLAYER OPTION
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT

Power Forwards:
Kevin Love - PLAYER OPTION
Obi Toppin - RESTRICTED FREE AGENT

Small Forwards:
Javonte Green - FREE AGENT
Buddy Hield - FREE AGENT
Jordan Nwora - FREE AGENT
Sam Hauser - TEAM OPTION

Shooting Guards:
Aaron Wiggins - TEAM OPTION
Lonnie Walker IV - FREE AGENT
Lindy Waters III - TEAM OPTION
Isaiah Joe - TEAM OPTION
Alec Burks - FREE AGENT
Luke Kennard - TEAM OPTION

Point Guards:
Russell Westbrook - PLAYER OPTION
Tyus Jones - FREE AGENT
Jeff Dowtin - TEAM OPTION

I like a lot of the names on your list, but they're not all free agents unfortunately.

[Residual-Heat]

Fontecchio is solid and i love his name but likely re-signs with the Pistons.

Im with Knightro, I like Melton.

Skybox mentioned Dunn, and I dont mind him for a third string PG.

[eyriq]

Centers:
Moritz Wagner - TEAM OPTION
Luka Garza - RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Jalen Smith - PLAYER OPTION
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT

Power Forwards:
Kevin Love - PLAYER OPTION
Obi Toppin - RESTRICTED FREE AGENT

Small Forwards:
Javonte Green - FREE AGENT
Buddy Hield - FREE AGENT
Jordan Nwora - FREE AGENT
Sam Hauser - TEAM OPTION

Shooting Guards:
Aaron Wiggins - TEAM OPTION
Lonnie Walker IV - FREE AGENT
Lindy Waters III - TEAM OPTION
Isaiah Joe - TEAM OPTION
Alec Burks - FREE AGENT
Luke Kennard - TEAM OPTION

Point Guards:
Russell Westbrook - PLAYER OPTION
Tyus Jones - FREE AGENT
Jeff Dowtin - TEAM OPTION

I like a lot of the names on your list, but they're not all free agents unfortunately.

Yeah, that's a good call. I guess I should say potential free agents.

[otownflava21]

I really like the prospect of Gordon Hayward. I think he fits the same bill that people are seeking with Paul George and Klay Thompson, but at a much cheaper price. All 3 of these guys are over the hill and injury prone anyways, so why not take the most conservative and cheapest route with Hayward? If he gets injured at least we didn’t spend as much as we would with those other 2 guys. Just like PG and Klay he is big at SG at 6 8, shoots 3s at a high %, playoff experience, and can playmake nicely as a SG.

Would you rather spend $3 for PG, $2 for Klay, or $1 for Gordon Hayward?

We sign him at just a 1 or 2 year deal. He will be a fill-in for the next season or two as we continue to find a better/younger PG or SG for the future. He won’t stunt the growth of Banchero or Franz as much as George and Thompson would IMO. But he would still demand respect from defenses.

[RookieStar]

I really like the prospect of Gordon Hayward. I think he fits the same bill that people are seeking with Paul George and Klay Thompson, but at a much cheaper price. All 3 of these guys are over the hill and injury prone anyways, so why not take the most conservative and cheapest route with Hayward? If he gets injured at least we didn’t spend as much as we would with those other 2 guys. Just like PG and Klay he is big at SG at 6 8, shoots 3s at a high %, playoff experience, and can playmake nicely as a SG.

Would you rather spend $3 for PG, $2 for Klay, or $1 for Gordon Hayward?

We sign him at just a 1 or 2 year deal. He will be a fill-in for the next season or two as we continue to find a better/younger PG or SG for the future. He won’t stunt the growth of Banchero or Franz as much as George and Thompson would IMO. But he would still demand respect from defenses.

I like Hayward as well. I will never forget his NCAA Finals performance against Duke and my heart in my throat as he heaved that last shot that fortunately went out. lol

But we gotta ask, why did OKC trade for him AND bench him?

[eyriq]

Good pick with Fontecchio. He can play.

A guy I really like, provided he's healthy, is De'Anthony Melton.

He's coming off a tough injury season, but he's a very good 3&D guard when he's physically right.

Melton is like a poor man's Suggs. Definitely worth a look if you want to double down on that energy.

[Skybox]

I forgot Spencer Dinwiddie...he could be a steal in FA. He's just old enough and been "invisibled" by the Lakers this season. Maybe he'd do a $5m x 2 deal to rebuild his rep if he saw a good opportunity here.

I think he could bring a lot of what Dejounte brings. He's big, experienced, intelligent, a very capable defender, table-setter, and scorer. Not a great or truly efficient scorer, but starter-quality. I wouldn't pursue to be a starter, but if we signed for Monk, or traded for Simons or Murray - we could follow it up with a bargain signing of Dinwiddie to give us legit PG mins off the bench.

Hopefully, renegotiate Mo Wagner's deal for a longer, less per year deal.
Would be amazing to do the same thing with Isaac, but less likely to be well-received. I think Isaac's agency can see his on court value and feel that there would be options elsewhere, especially if he has another good year. But would be worth exploring.

Both moves would provide even more cap. Follow with Monk for $22 x 4 and Dinwiddie for, IDK, 2 x $5m, and you've still got serious cap space to work with.

[Skybox]

I wonder where Buddy Hield is now at - value wise...He disappeared in PHI. He's 31, made $29m last season ($105m overall)...never was a defender, but ranks among the best 3pt shooters ever. Looking at his games played...he's been a freakin' ironman every season of his career. Suggs is our best 3pt shooter, but we could use a guy who does nothing but hunt them like Hield (if he's ready to accept a secondary role and paycheck).

His minutes per and points per have declined...is it because opponents target him mercilessly? I'm just speculating. I thought I remember hearing a few seasons ago that his defense had actually improved substantially-but I'm not sure at all.

Anyway, is he at the point where he'd take a lot less for a smaller role? He'll be a weapon as long as he can stand up. Having a guy like him come off the bench and just start launching 3's is capable of blowing open any game (or catching up).

I have the same vision with Hayward...are they in that "sweet spot" where they can still contribute, on a high level, just for briefer periods while acknowledging that they're not going to get paid a ton to do it.

I think we have an attractive situation here now...great weather, great coach, great facilities, no state income tax, and a young core with great potential to play meaningful games. I really think that's the selling point for Monk, or any free agent, once the money is covered. Not quite ready to call it "Ring Chasing", but it's certainly a competitive environment.

We've got a solid but still very young core, a legit star to carry the team when needed (maybe 2), promising young guys on deck...we're just missing the still-capable vets to pitch in but stand back, when needed. Ingles was a good add - I just feel like his physical ship may have sailed on. He's 36 but looks even older...hard to believe how much older he is than Hayward and Hield.

As I said...I love this thread. We've GOT TO add one big addition...but following it with a couple of these kind of guys is Exec of the Year stuff. It's also not terribly risky - which probably suits our FO. Great orgs like MIA, LAL, etc always add these kind of guys and then they remind you (not every night) why they getting big bucks just a few years before. "Been There. Done That. Not Afraid" is a valuable trait, even if you're not quite the player you were.

[Nyce_1]

Melton, Naji Marshall, & keeping an eye on Isaiah Joe.

[Blue_and_Whte]

I really like the prospect of Gordon Hayward. I think he fits the same bill that people are seeking with Paul George and Klay Thompson, but at a much cheaper price. All 3 of these guys are over the hill and injury prone anyways, so why not take the most conservative and cheapest route with Hayward? If he gets injured at least we didn’t spend as much as we would with those other 2 guys. Just like PG and Klay he is big at SG at 6 8, shoots 3s at a high %, playoff experience, and can playmake nicely as a SG.

Would you rather spend $3 for PG, $2 for Klay, or $1 for Gordon Hayward?

We sign him at just a 1 or 2 year deal. He will be a fill-in for the next season or two as we continue to find a better/younger PG or SG for the future. He won’t stunt the growth of Banchero or Franz as much as George and Thompson would IMO. But he would still demand respect from defenses.

I like Hayward as well. I will never forget his NCAA Finals performance against Duke and my heart in my throat as he heaved that last shot that fortunately went out. lol

But we gotta ask, why did OKC trade for him AND bench him?

He was asked that question recently and didn’t know the answer. Doesn’t appear to be injury related. Maybe OKC’s coaching didn’t know how to fit him in?

[RookieStar]

I really like the prospect of Gordon Hayward. I think he fits the same bill that people are seeking with Paul George and Klay Thompson, but at a much cheaper price. All 3 of these guys are over the hill and injury prone anyways, so why not take the most conservative and cheapest route with Hayward? If he gets injured at least we didn’t spend as much as we would with those other 2 guys. Just like PG and Klay he is big at SG at 6 8, shoots 3s at a high %, playoff experience, and can playmake nicely as a SG.

Would you rather spend $3 for PG, $2 for Klay, or $1 for Gordon Hayward?

We sign him at just a 1 or 2 year deal. He will be a fill-in for the next season or two as we continue to find a better/younger PG or SG for the future. He won’t stunt the growth of Banchero or Franz as much as George and Thompson would IMO. But he would still demand respect from defenses.

I like Hayward as well. I will never forget his NCAA Finals performance against Duke and my heart in my throat as he heaved that last shot that fortunately went out. lol

But we gotta ask, why did OKC trade for him AND bench him?

He was asked that question recently and didn’t know the answer. Doesn’t appear to be injury related. Maybe OKC’s coaching didn’t know how to fit him in?

6'8 SF and dangerous from everywhere? Yeah.... either he lost a step or still injured. Don't buy that fit thing. I mean if they can find spot minutes for their Joe, Wiggins etc... why not him right? Spot up 3 only

[Knightro]

OKC traded for Hayward strictly to shed salary for this summer. Anything he gave them on the court was a bonus IMO.

They opened up like $18M in additional cap space by unloading Bertans, Micic and Mann's salaries for 2024-2025.

[otownflava21]

Im in for Hayward even more than before now. Have him play an oversized SG.

6 5 Suggs
6 8 Hayward
6 10 Wagner
6 10 Banchero
6 10 Carter

My prediction would be…

38% 3PT Suggs
37% 3PT Hayward
32% 3PT Wagner
36% 3PT Banchero
35% 3PT Carter

If Hayward and Carter can stay consistently healthy I can see these percentages being even higher.

[eyriq]

Hayward could fill the Ingles role