The MLE & 2008 Free Agents
Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:36 pm
I know the cap-space option still seems to be the priority in most minds. But assuming that circumstances either dictate otherwise, are there any free agents this summer that Portland could/should take a run at?
And by 'circumstances', I mean it's quite conceivable that KP will jump the gun an off-season early on making major additions to the team and be active this summer. It's a small window of time when he'll have Lafrentz's expiring and probably portland's last lottery pick for years. He could trade both along with other players to move up in the draft, bring in some young vets, and consolidate the roster or any combination thereof. And considering that he'd almost certainly have to take back a bad contract to do so, the cap-space option could be dead anyway.
Or maybe he'd make moves such that adding an MLE-level player this summer wouldn't really impact cap-space in 2009. And maybe even a BAE-level player could help
Anyway, are there any free agents on this list that would be worth adding?:
Unrestricted:
) Malik Allen. A 6-10, 255 banger-type that many have asked for. Earned $770,000 this season so he'd probably come cheap. He's not better then Frye though, just cheaper. 3 years, 1 million/year, only 1 year guaranteed?
) Eduardo Najera. This guy could certainly help the blazers, especially if KP trades Outlaw or Webster, or Jones opts out and demands too much. Najera is that physical, energetic, hustle guy that portland lacks. And he can play effectively on both ends of the floor. He's making 4.9 million this year, so the MLE, and perhaps even a little less might secure him. Definitely worth considering.
) Matt Barnes. He's come back to earth this year and playing at a much lower level. Doesn't seem to fit the culture in portland either, especially considering Portland's current SF rotation. Not worth considering.
) DeSagana Diop. Somewhat similar to Pryzbilla, even in injury history. More athletic then Joel and a little better hands for the ball. Still, Portland has Oden, Joel, LMA, and Frye. Diop isn't really needed.
) Jannero Pargo. He's not pure UFA in that he has a player option. Would certainly be better at PG then Jack or Sergio, at least through next season. He's making 1.8 million so he'll want more. I'm not sure he'd be worth it. Probably not worth considering.
) Fred Jones. Hmmm. It's probably true that if portland wanted a 'tweener' guard then Jones would be better in that role then jack. He's certainly a capable perimeter defender. Might be worth considering...but would he consider portland?
) Beno Udrih. He's only making $550,000 this year and it sounds like the Kings like him. Only average assist/turnover ratio but he's a good scorer and OK defender at PG. If portland has trouble upgrading PG rotation, could he be an option?
) Kurt Thomas. Did someone say "banger"?
Resticted:
) Josh Childress. Not a good 3 pt shooter, but he seems to do everything else better then Portland's SF options. Atlanta may not try too hard to re-sign him either.
) Craig Smith. Minnesota is shooting for cap-space in 2009 as well. How will they react if Smith gets a 4 or 5 million a year offer?. Does portland have room for him? he certainly brings something to the game that portland lacks.
It's actually a pretty slim free agent market this summer, Although I was only considering those that could be had for the MLE or less. But there are still some players there that could definitely help portland. They aren't worth the price if no moves are made by KP this summer. But if he does consolidate the roster, using the MLE could be a viable option.
And by 'circumstances', I mean it's quite conceivable that KP will jump the gun an off-season early on making major additions to the team and be active this summer. It's a small window of time when he'll have Lafrentz's expiring and probably portland's last lottery pick for years. He could trade both along with other players to move up in the draft, bring in some young vets, and consolidate the roster or any combination thereof. And considering that he'd almost certainly have to take back a bad contract to do so, the cap-space option could be dead anyway.
Or maybe he'd make moves such that adding an MLE-level player this summer wouldn't really impact cap-space in 2009. And maybe even a BAE-level player could help
Anyway, are there any free agents on this list that would be worth adding?:
Unrestricted:
) Malik Allen. A 6-10, 255 banger-type that many have asked for. Earned $770,000 this season so he'd probably come cheap. He's not better then Frye though, just cheaper. 3 years, 1 million/year, only 1 year guaranteed?
) Eduardo Najera. This guy could certainly help the blazers, especially if KP trades Outlaw or Webster, or Jones opts out and demands too much. Najera is that physical, energetic, hustle guy that portland lacks. And he can play effectively on both ends of the floor. He's making 4.9 million this year, so the MLE, and perhaps even a little less might secure him. Definitely worth considering.
) Matt Barnes. He's come back to earth this year and playing at a much lower level. Doesn't seem to fit the culture in portland either, especially considering Portland's current SF rotation. Not worth considering.
) DeSagana Diop. Somewhat similar to Pryzbilla, even in injury history. More athletic then Joel and a little better hands for the ball. Still, Portland has Oden, Joel, LMA, and Frye. Diop isn't really needed.
) Jannero Pargo. He's not pure UFA in that he has a player option. Would certainly be better at PG then Jack or Sergio, at least through next season. He's making 1.8 million so he'll want more. I'm not sure he'd be worth it. Probably not worth considering.
) Fred Jones. Hmmm. It's probably true that if portland wanted a 'tweener' guard then Jones would be better in that role then jack. He's certainly a capable perimeter defender. Might be worth considering...but would he consider portland?
) Beno Udrih. He's only making $550,000 this year and it sounds like the Kings like him. Only average assist/turnover ratio but he's a good scorer and OK defender at PG. If portland has trouble upgrading PG rotation, could he be an option?
) Kurt Thomas. Did someone say "banger"?
Resticted:
) Josh Childress. Not a good 3 pt shooter, but he seems to do everything else better then Portland's SF options. Atlanta may not try too hard to re-sign him either.
) Craig Smith. Minnesota is shooting for cap-space in 2009 as well. How will they react if Smith gets a 4 or 5 million a year offer?. Does portland have room for him? he certainly brings something to the game that portland lacks.
It's actually a pretty slim free agent market this summer, Although I was only considering those that could be had for the MLE or less. But there are still some players there that could definitely help portland. They aren't worth the price if no moves are made by KP this summer. But if he does consolidate the roster, using the MLE could be a viable option.
