Official 2008 Free Agency News/Discussion Thread

[tk76]

Agree 100%

[sixers hoops]

Perhaps the best solution for both would be to agree to a deal averaging $12 million a year over 5 years and give Iggy a player option for the 6th season.

I agree, and according to reports Iguodala may not be agreeable to something like this. None of us know the specifics of the negotiations; however, Eddie has to be prepared to stop at a certain point. You can't just keep agreeing to increase your offer because the player demands it.

I encourage players to hold out for the best deal possible, because I also expect them to honor the contract for the life of the contract. Nevertheless, Ed has to be smart enough to realize when the asking price is unreasonable and walk away. I'd rather Andre sign the qualifying offer than offer him over 13 million a season.

I do respect and appreciate Andre's defense and overall offensive contribution; nonetheless, I find 12 million a fair market value contract for a player of his ability and 13 million a steal for a player of his caliber. Ultimately, I think somewhere in this range is the tipping point were I put my final offer down.

[geiger]

And I firmly believe Stefanski will have patience and do the right thing. In fact, the only report we've seen in the media is one from PhillyBurbs, that does not site to any sources, and claiming that Iggy and Sixers are close on a 5 year deal for over $70 million. If that report was true, we would have had a contract signed by now. Otherwise, they have been quiet about each others demands, which I think is a good sign. Things usually take a bad turn when someone feels boxed in and tries to negotiate through the press. We have yet to see that here. It's frustrating, but I think they are moving along.

By the way, I wonder what people would think of AI2 being reunited with the original AI? Maybe a sign and trade deal where we ship Iggy to Denver for JR Smith and Linas Kleiza.

[bebopdeluxe]

geiger:

Don't know if it would happen, but I like that deal.

[LongLiveHinkie]

I personally hate that deal. One of my rules that applies 99% of the time is that the team who gets the best player in the deal wins the deal. The Sixers would be trading two for one, but lowering their talent level and starting lineup.

I'm also not under the belief that an inferior player, but with more suited skills makes the team better. Give me the better player and find out how to fit them in later.

Also I'd be willing to overpay for Iguodala, because we'll be over the cap anyway.

[jmon]

I'm also not under the belief that an inferior player, but with more suited skills makes the team better. Give me the better player and find out how to fit them in later.

I agree, especially when you are giving up a very good all round player and getting 2 players who can't defend.

EDIT: alright, I have no idea if Klieza can defend now that I think about it.

[bebopdeluxe]

jmon:

I have no idea if Klieza can defend either, but unlike a lot of these artsy-fartsy thin-as-a-rail 6'10" guys who want to stay outside and shoot jumpers, Klieza is a legit big-body...who can DEFINITELY fill it up from outside (just ask Argentina). While JR Smith is definitely a step-down from Iggy, he is a legit, natural SG with ability and upside...

If Iguodala wants 5/70 or nothing, I would do this trade before just letting Iggy sign the QO.

[LongLiveHinkie]

I know that JR can't defend if his life depended on it. I also know that when the Sixers are struggling with chemistry and continuity at the end of the season, JR Smith is jacking up 30 foot 3 pointers with 20 seconds left on the shot clock, and the difference between 1-5 seed is only a margin of games, then a lot of you will be like DAMN I wish we overpaid a bit for Iguodala.

[bebopdeluxe]

Westbrook:

I can't really get into a discussion with you on this...to be honest, I simply reacted to geiger's suggestion as an option that I would consider over just having Iggy sign the QO and walk. I don't have any specific love for either Smith or Klieza - although I think that they are both legit NBA players that - on talent alone - I would have SOME interest in.

As far as overpaying Iggy, I simply do not agree with you.

[LongLiveHinkie]

I understand, but this issue touches a nerve with me. One of my major sports pet peeves is the obsession that fans have with what teams pay players. There are some circumstances where this doesn't apply, but I'm mainly talking about good players here. I'm not talking about signing Calvin Booth to a 5 year 50 million dollar contract obviously.

Phillies fans pulled the same BS in the offseason when they said they were happy the Phillies didn't pay Rowand what the Giants did. Now not one Phils fan who has a clue about the game of baseball wouldn't reverse time and give Rowand that money now. I've never had an issue with overpaying for good players, and IMO, it rarely ever hurts a franchise. It can hurt you if the player hits a wall or gets hurt, but those aren't in your control. For the most part, the overpaying doesn't come back to haunt you. At the end of the day, it is about being the best team you can be, and I don't think you can put a price on that.

But I'm not going to try to force you to agree with me. We'll see what happens with Iguodala. I just want the deal done at this point.

[LongLiveHinkie]

According to hoopsworld, which is hit and miss:

Rumors of Iguodala and Sixers closing in on a 5/70 deal that could be completed this week.

Sixers contacted Elton Brown with interest in him.

[sixers hoops]

According to hoopsworld, which is hit and miss:

Usually miss, but if it is true, I have put my faith in Ed that Iggy is worth what he is paid.

[geiger]

I'm guessing they are simply repeating what they read in PhillyBurbs. Elton Brown interest makes some sense, although he's essentially a duplicate of Evans, and undersized big man whose main attributes are hustling and playing hard.

Kleiza is a decent defensive player and JR Smith has the tools to be a decent defender. Smith is still a 22 year old kid and his per minute offensive numbers are off the charts. It's just a thought.

As for statement about better player, I'd agree most of the time but not all. First off, you have to account for potential that younger players have. Secondly, teams that don't fit, don't win. How did Curry and Randolph do together? Did the Knicks make a good trade in taking on Randolph and his giant contract when he doesn't fit and is nearly impossible to move? No.

I'm not one of those people who advocates moving Iggy. I'd much rather keep him. However, there is a limit as to what I would pay for him before it becomes a problem. It's silly to say that since we'll be over the cap, it's okay to overpay. It's not okay. It will put us into luxury tax at some point and prevent us from signing MLE players or even first round picks, hinder our flexibility to make trades, and put us in the same situation Billy King got us into in the first place.

[LongLiveHinkie]

I agree there is a limit, but the difference between 12 million a year and 14 is not enough to warrant not wanting him anymore IMO.

If Iguodala wanted 5 years 80 million or 5 years 90 million? Then obviously you draw the line. But for 2 more million per year? No issue with me.

[ai31]

ESPN says Iggy signs for 6 years, $80 million.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3532139

[LongLiveHinkie]

Nice about time.

Love it, love it, love it.

[Sixerscan]

Alright now that Iguodala is apparently signed we're going to start a new thread.

Also did some other house cleaning.