ESPN: Summer of '08 Preview

[The Guilty Party]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/ ... nts-080226

This is a free part of ESPN Insider that runs down who has cap space (us and Memphis) and where some of the free agents could end up. None of this is earth shattering news but since the Sixers are the most talked about team in the column... it makes for an interesting read.

I do find it interesting that Chad Ford believes Memphis may target Iguodala. Am I wrong for thinking that the Sixers might be better off allowing Andre to talk to other teams about a possible sign-and-trade??

[Ravi]

What do you think about Nenad Krstic?

Who would you want from Memphis?

Mike Miller and Lowry and a first?

[The Guilty Party]

Yeah... I thought that was interesting. I'm not in love with Krstic for a lot of reasons (injury history, cost to sign him) but I could see Stefasnki going after just as Chad Ford said.

If Krstic was our "big splash" this summer.... I would feel a little depressed.

[sports savant]

I do find it interesting that Chad Ford believes Memphis may target Iguodala. Am I wrong for thinking that the Sixers might be better off allowing Andre to talk to other teams about a possible sign-and-trade??

TGP: once again you and I are thinking alike. At this point, although I'd hate to have him go, My gut feeling (although it hurts to say) is that the S&T is a great option.

I was thinking last night that Memphis would be a great fit for him cause of Rudy Gay at the 3, w Conley set at the PG.

We might also be able to acquire a draft pick of theirs and/or a young piece.

I didnt read the piece yet, but Iggy for Crittenton, Jason Collins (salary?) and a pick???

I dont think I can have Iggy at 10-12mill/yr when we still need a #1 option and a PG situation that needs to be settled.

We get Crittenton, then can trade Andre Miller.......???

Guilty Party- doesnt your stomach kinda turn upside down when you say the words, "trade Iggy."

it pains me to say it, but every day I get a lil closer to thinkin that is what needs to happen... ugh

[tk76]

doesnt your stomach kinda turn upside down when you say the words, "trade Iggy."

it pains me to say it, but every day I get a lil closer to thinkin that is what needs to happen... ugh

I don't question your reasoning, but I wouldn't trade him unless his demands were crazy. We lack top level players, and giving up the closest thing we have to one (at 24) is a huge risk given we likely will only get role players and future picks back.

[sports savant]

-I don't question your reasoning, but I wouldn't trade him unless his demands were crazy. We lack top level players, and giving up the closest thing we have to one (at 24) is a huge risk given we likely will only get role players and future picks back.

yeah but I toss n turn with the $$$4 he wants and already turned down. I dont really think I can get myself to pay him 5yrs 58mill that he already turned down-- let alone that he wants MAX $$$ (6yrs & $13-14mill/yr)

I just cant do it-- it really is a painful thing, but if they can S&T him for a really good prospect, expiring cap space and a good (real goop upside) young kid who fills our PF/PG need-- I gotta make the deal.

and trust me-- it doesnt make me happy. It really is an internal fight for me to do it.

[76erinSJ]

Gay and Iggy wouldnt be a good fit next to each other in my opinion. They are just like each other. Miller is the perfect fit for them with Gay. Now if we could land Miller and Lowry for Iggy I wouldnt be upset. Maybe even gert them to switch picks with us but that would be wishful thinking.

[Skates]

Brand both interests and scares the heck out of me. He could be a great fit or a cap killing nightmare. Tough call there if he opts out. Of the RFA's I like the two Joshes from Atlanta and Biedrins as possible targets. Comparing Biedrins to Varajeo is goofy, Biedrins has a lot more talent, has been playing out of position at center and will only be 22. He is poorly used by Nelson in Golden State and could flourish here at PF. Okafor is what he is, a modern day, less athletic Buck Williams who will be overpaid by the Bobcats to keep him.

Pietrus seems like a good fit for what this team is doing since he is an athletic defender who can shoot the 3 ball. Kristic might not be a bad option at a discount because of the injury, but you have to put a strict limit on what you'll spend on him.

Once the draft is done the FA picture will come into better focus.

[carltong23]

Its bad enough people seriously are considering trading Iguodala this summer, but its just stupid to want to trade him to the Memphis Grizzlies. They have NOTHING to offer! Unless they're gonna give us their first round pick unconditionaly this year(which they're not) they have no talent that we would want. Even though I like Crittenton, a package of him, salary filler, and a conditional first round pick would not be nearly enough for a second tier star like Iguodala. Do you know how many teams would kill for a SG/SF like him to team next to Lebron, Wade, Howard, etc? Even if we give him the max or close to it, we can get way more value for him if we trade him two years from now than if we give up on him already. Besides, Thaddeus Young is not ready to be our best wing player yet. Worrying about how much money he's gonna want is kinda rediculous seeing as how Billy King is gone and his numbers havent really improved since last year. Just relax. I have a little more faith Snider than I did with BK.

[CPops57]

If the best the Sixers can do in free agency is Krstic, I'd either use the cap space to make a trade or just let Jason Smith have the role and save the money for next year.

Trading Iggy is fine if it makes the team better. Though if I'm trading him to Memphis, I'd probably be more interested in Mike Miller as the centerpiece of any deal because he adds nice shooting ability.

[sports savant]

Gay and Iggy wouldnt be a good fit next to each other in my opinion. They are just like each other. Miller is the perfect fit for them with Gay. Now if we could land Miller and Lowry for Iggy I wouldnt be upset. Maybe even gert them to switch picks with us but that would be wishful thinking.

I think you might discount how good Rudy Gay can be. He's a legit scorer and at 6'7/6'8, he can be a true 3. Then Iggy's complimentary skills work well with him & then Conley's penetration and shooting will only get better.

Rudy is a #1 scoring option--which i Ideal for Iggy. Would Memphis still need of a shooter-- oh yeah. Mike Miller could be traded for that if they need to.

I'd rather get a very young player (I prefer a bigger PG like Crit than Lowry) and an expiring over an older player like Mike Miller.... w and expiring contract, & Andre Miller's contract; we'd have $20mill to dish out (just like Kwame for Gasol)

regardless, my point isn't really to WHOM we trade Iggy, but IF WE ARE/SHOULD trade him.....

[LieCheatSteal]

Why would anyone go to Memphis? They have ownership and attendance issues. The Sixers are a more stable franchise.

[corwin]

Sorry guys. I just don't see how anyone could be infatuated with Mike Miller or Kyle Lowry. Lowry is OK but undersized points who can't shoot are not that hard to find. Mike Miller, I just don't know what to say. Is he really much better than Korver who was given away for cap space? Trading Iggy for that package is to my way of thinking a step backwards. If Iggy is to be traded it has to be something better than that.

[Fire BK]

Craig Smith!

Rony Turiaf!

[freshie2]

Is Kristic still injured?? He was a really nice player last year before his injury...if the knee checks out, he's a 24 year old center who averaged about 16/7 last season before his injury.

Not crazy about Miller/Lowry for Iguodala unless they give a lottery pick as well...can't see the Sixers going for that type of S/T...they'd be better off letting him walk and using the salary elsewhere.

[CPops57]

Sorry guys. I just don't see how anyone could be infatuated with Mike Miller or Kyle Lowry

Speaking just for myself, I don't think I'm infatuated with either of them.

I'm just not against trading Iggy if it makes the team better, and I'd want to keep all options open.

[dbodner]

I'm just not against trading Iggy if it makes the team better, and I'd want to keep all options open.

Trading him for a below average starter and a backup pg does not make the team better. This team isn't close enough to contending to take a downgrade in talent to get a better fit. Only way Iggy goes is if it's for a big, or a guy with #1 type potential.

[THFM]

Anybody who trades Iggy for MIKE MILLER honestly don't know ANYTHING about baksetball and I question any other the decision they make in there lives.

[CPops57]

Just for the record, I didn't say I'd definitely trade Iggy, and certainly not straight up for Mike Miller without getting more value.

I just think there are a few scenarios where trading for him should be considered. As the team is currently configured, the downgrade obviously doesn't make sense.

But if you can do something such as add an Elton Brand, you're in position to try and compete immediately and should consider possible moves to make the pieces fit better.

Again, I'm not saying I'd definitely do something, but in any scenario all the options should be considered to improve the roster.

That's all I said. Jeez.

[bebopdeluxe]

CPops:

As Malcolm said, "...by any means necessary..."

Eddie must be open to all options - including moving Iggy in the right deal. I also absolutely agree with dabods that we cannot trade Iguodala and have a tradedown in talent - in the name of "better fit". We have so few quality assets, and each one must be treated like GOLD.

But...if we can move Iggy and get a quality PF, and then use our cap money to make a deal for a traditional stone-cold scorer aat the SG position (Redd? Miller?), I am open to moving Iggy in a scenario like that. But, as somebody who was really pushing the "S&T" play with Iggy, I am coming around to the possibility that he stays as a key guy on this team...as long as the $$$ are right (and Thad grows 1-2 inches this summer).