RealGM

Is there a point in playing AK anymore? Maybe its more logical to agree to buyout, so AK would be able to play for championship contender? At least he will realize what it's like to play outside the Utah and it will be easier to make decision for the next season. Maybe it may save Utah some money even for this season.

Same goes to Raja Bell - let Lakers have him or somebody else, since there is no point in such veteran presence for this team.

They couldn't be in another team's playoff roster if they got released now.

The best way to develop young talent is to surround them with talent. All the young guys can still learn from AK. Raja, not so much. I wouldn't mind letting Raja go, but he is going to retire this summer anyway.

QuantumMacgyver wrote:The best way to develop young talent is to surround them with talent. All the young guys can still learn from AK. Raja, not so much. I wouldn't mind letting Raja go, but he is going to retire this summer anyway.

You think? I sort of doubt that. Unless the lockout drags on for an entire year, I think we'd see him ask for a buy-out before we saw him retire.

Yep--2 issues:
- Deadline to be eligible for playoffs has passed
- If a player is waived the guaranteed amount of the contract counts towards the salary cap and must be paid. This can be reduced a bit in a buyout situation but doesn't help the player at this point.

Interesting because the local radio guys were talking about a "veteran who will not be named" who shortly later was named as Raja had said something to the effect that he is making plans to not be back next year even though he would be under contract--so that would mean buyout at a reduced cost, agreeing to void the contract (Derek Fisher style), or a trade.

Time to start this lineup and play them the majority of the minutes whether AK-47 likes it or not. He injred his knee and has a bad back so he might be out for awhile anyway. I have called for this lineup for awhile. Some of you think Millsap will be eaten alive by SF but we might as well test it out now for next year. If Millsap cant play the position then we trade him or Jefferson away to get a SG/SF.

Pg Watson (since Harris is out)
SG Hayward
SF Millsap
PF Favors
C Jefferson