The 2013 NBA Free Agency Thread

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I think continuity would have been a better bet. The Wizards should have already let Webster know they'd retain him within reasonable contract demands.

I would have stuck with Wolters because Webster expected Otto to be drafted.

As it is, Webster, the brightest of all FA signings last season is a goner. Ariza may opt out. As an expiring comes back knowing the Wizards will trade him if he does.

I think the Wizards are going to end up depending on getting a lot right away from Porter, and he will not have the veteran leadership of Webster or Ariza, but he will have Glen Rice Jr. getting minutes as well.

Personally, I think trading down, keeping Webster, guaranteeing Ariza enough minutes to interest him back, too; this would have been better from a continuity standpoint. Webster's corner three and Ariza's defense both helped this team look like a playoff team last season.

This draft from the outside looking in made SF seem like the weakest point on the Wizards.

Why should Webster feel wanted? They trade a PG and a PF for a backup SG/SF--the very things Webster provided exceptionally well.

The Wizards never retain good mentors and now they have a guy who needs a mentor filling in.

[rockymac52]

Ariza already opted in. http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-o ... th-wizards

Ted's Take entry from yesterday titled "Continuity and Stability": http://tedstake.monumentalnetwork.com/c ... /index.jsp

"I am focused on a non dramatic off season. An off season where we are focused on improvement and on the draft where we can add to our young core - a free agent period where we can bring back key players. We can add to the core with additional vet players. During the off season we can focus on health and fitness and then to a strong camp where we have a full roster of players all focused on their roles within a system that is known. Our collective focus isn't on role development of an individual but on winning as a team and as an organization. "


He names Trevor Ariza in that post because he opted in. Yet he's still talking about bringing back key players and maintaining continuity. Honestly, who else could he be talking about? Webster is who that post is about, and maybe Price as well.

I would like to hope that the Wizards explained this all to Webster already, if not, that's troublesome. I think it will all work out though. Webster's a smart guy, and he'll understand what we're doing, and he'll recognize that he's still going to get his minutes for us. He's not going anywhere.

[Dat2U]

I think continuity would have been a better bet. The Wizards should have already let Webster know they'd retain him within reasonable contract demands.

I would have stuck with Wolters because Webster expected Otto to be drafted.

As it is, Webster, the brightest of all FA signings last season is a goner. Ariza may opt out. As an expiring comes back knowing the Wizards will trade him if he does.

I think the Wizards are going to end up depending on getting a lot right away from Porter, and he will not have the veteran leadership of Webster or Ariza, but he will have Glen Rice Jr. getting minutes as well.

Personally, I think trading down, keeping Webster, guaranteeing Ariza enough minutes to interest him back, too; this would have been better from a continuity standpoint. Webster's corner three and Ariza's defense both helped this team look like a playoff team last season.

This draft from the outside looking in made SF seem like the weakest point on the Wizards.

Why should Webster feel wanted? They trade a PG and a PF for a backup SG/SF--the very things Webster provided exceptionally well.

The Wizards never retain good mentors and now they have a guy who needs a mentor filling in.

I don't know about going out of our way to make role players feel wanted.

Webster is a good guy who had a very solid season last year, but he's not a core piece and it's a big assumption to believe that what we saw last season from Webster is what we'd see from from him each year on a long term deal.

The Wizards didn't draft Porter to be Webster or Ariza's replacement next season, they drafted Porter to lock down the SF position for hopefully the next decade. It's obvious that the Wizards want to win next season, but they also are trying to set the team up for a sustained run.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Okay, this is GOOD NEWS!

Ariza's contribution will really be important, either way.

I like what he brings as a player. He will be a good mentor by example and encouragement. That's if he remains into the season.

Trevor's contract is going to be very valuable if traded.

Hey, forget the Rice talk.... This is good. Nothing about Ariza opting in is bad.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I think continuity would have been a better bet. The Wizards should have already let Webster know they'd retain him within reasonable contract demands.

I would have stuck with Wolters because Webster expected Otto to be drafted.

As it is, Webster, the brightest of all FA signings last season is a goner. Ariza may opt out. As an expiring comes back knowing the Wizards will trade him if he does.

I think the Wizards are going to end up depending on getting a lot right away from Porter, and he will not have the veteran leadership of Webster or Ariza, but he will have Glen Rice Jr. getting minutes as well.

Personally, I think trading down, keeping Webster, guaranteeing Ariza enough minutes to interest him back, too; this would have been better from a continuity standpoint. Webster's corner three and Ariza's defense both helped this team look like a playoff team last season.

This draft from the outside looking in made SF seem like the weakest point on the Wizards.

Why should Webster feel wanted? They trade a PG and a PF for a backup SG/SF--the very things Webster provided exceptionally well.

The Wizards never retain good mentors and now they have a guy who needs a mentor filling in.

I don't know about going out of our way to make role players feel wanted.

Webster is a good guy who had a very solid season last year, but he's not a core piece and it's a big assumption to believe that what we saw last season from Webster is what we'd see from from him each year on a long term deal.

The Wizards didn't draft Porter to be Webster or Ariza's replacement next season, they drafted Porter to lock down the SF position for hopefully the next decade. It's obvious that the Wizards want to win next season, but they also are trying to set the team up for a sustained run.

Moot point.

I was thinking it's rough to expect more out the gate from Porter than what Webster AND Ariza provide. I think playoffs this season are the imperative. Nene's value is going down. He and Okafor as part of a playoff team raises both guys' value a lot.

I feel a whole lot better with Ariza back and will be very happy with Martell Webster signed long-term, Otto will be here the next decade if he's as good as I think. I hope Webster's a part of things at least the next two years.

Both guys back makes things better IMO for Porter and Rice, who will make the team IMO.

[Upper Decker]

I still think Webster returns. He clearly enjoyed himself last season in Washington, he had his best season with his biggest role in his career, he's a team leader, and it was clear the rest of his teammates respected him. I'm sure Washington's reached out to him recently to let him know he's still part of their future. Something will get worked out. Glen Rice Jr has nothing to do with him re-signing.

[Kanyewest]

I think the Wizards want to bring Webster back- although I wonder if a team will overpay to get him. A team like Memphis could use outside shooting. Or a team with cap space like Dallas that could strike out in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.

While I think that the Wizards like Rice as a prospect, I don't think they are counting him in for much in the short term. I think EG took the best player available at that point in the 2nd round. If he pans out, perhaps that would allow the Wizards to either trade him or move on from Ariza or Webster.

Yes the Wizards have other needs to, like another big or a backup point guard. In the short term, they could bring back Price or Temple or another free agent guard. They can also take a gamble on a free agent like they did with Webster.

[Ruzious]

Okay, this is GOOD NEWS!

Ariza's contribution will really be important, either way.

I like what he brings as a player. He will be a good mentor by example and encouragement. That's if he remains into the season.

Trevor's contract is going to be very valuable if traded.

Hey, forget the Rice talk.... This is good. Nothing about Ariza opting in is bad.

Being a veteran doesn't make someone a good mentor. Ariza is a guy who sulks when things aren't going well and takes occasional games off - not the kind of person I'd want as a mentor.

[rockymac52]

I think the Wizards want to bring Webster back- although I wonder if a team will overpay to get him. A team like Memphis could use outside shooting. Or a team with cap space like Dallas that could strike out in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.

While I think that the Wizards like Rice as a prospect, I don't think they are counting him in for much in the short term. I think EG took the best player available at that point in the 2nd round. If he pans out, perhaps that would allow the Wizards to either trade him or move on from Ariza or Webster.

Yes the Wizards have other needs to, like another big or a backup point guard. In the short term, they could bring back Price or Temple or another free agent guard. They can also take a gamble on a free agent like they did with Webster.

The Grizzlies only have the MLE to spend and it's all but guaranteed that's going to Tony Allen, so no worries with them.

As for teams with a boatload of cap space that may strike out with the big stars this summer, like the Mavs... I actually think they'd want to avoid signing a guy like Webster. If the worry is that another team will offer him the full MLE or more than the MLE, and we only want to bring him back for $3-4 million a year, I just don't see it happening. If I'm the Mavs, or any team that was going for the big free agents, I'm not going to blow all of that cap space on Martell freaking Webster. I'm going to just be patient, stay put, and maybe sign some guys to 1 year deals, or deals with team options or non-guaranteed deals in the 2nd year. That way, they can still hold out hope that their cap space will be put to good use next summer, when the free agent class has the potential to be even better.

I don't see many teams coming after Webster with 3-4 year deals for upwards of $4 million a season. I just really don't. He's a talented player that possesses a skill set that pretty much any team would love to have, and he's not THAT expensive, but I think most teams would prefer to try their luck with a cheaper option like Belinelli or Morrow, rather than committing $5 million a year to Webster for the next few years.

Now, if the Kings ended up moving to Seattle, then I'd be terrified, and I'd fully expect Webster to be gone. That man loves Seattle, and it's his hometown so I can't even blame him the slightest bit.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

I still think Webster returns. He clearly enjoyed himself last season in Washington, he had his best season with his biggest role in his career, he's a team leader, and it was clear the rest of his teammates respected him. I'm sure Washington's reached out to him recently to let him know he's still part of their future. Something will get worked out. Glen Rice Jr has nothing to do with him re-signing.

Feel the same way.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

UDFA's are signing fast but Jackie Chrmicel is still on the market !
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/6/28/4 ... mer-league

Why do the Wizards always seem late to the party?

They need to bring in Carmichael and/or Mbakwe. If they feel they'll be able to keep Glen Rice Jr. on the up and up they may as well bring in Adriean Payne.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Okay, this is GOOD NEWS!

Ariza's contribution will really be important, either way.

I like what he brings as a player. He will be a good mentor by example and encouragement. That's if he remains into the season.

Trevor's contract is going to be very valuable if traded.

Hey, forget the Rice talk.... This is good. Nothing about Ariza opting in is bad.

Being a veteran doesn't make someone a good mentor. Ariza is a guy who sulks when things aren't going well and takes occasional games off - not the kind of person I'd want as a mentor.

Did this happen last season?

Nene misses a ton of games and is very inconsistent due to injury. Prior to being a Wizard he was also considered a bad teammate.

Ruzious, I thought both guys were very solid citizens and nothing but positive as Wizards last season. Seriously, did I miss something? By example I thought Ariza hustled and made great plays often.

[likwitdesi]

I'd rather use that money on Beno Udrih. The way I look at the PG position in free agency:

Reach Targets: Mo Williams, Devin Harris, Jarrett Jack, Nate Robinson
Realistic Targets: Beno Udrih, Toney Douglas (RFA), CJ Watson

[popper]

Nate Robinson won't re-sign with the Bulls. Desperately wants a multi-year contract. Volume scorer from the PG position. We should offer the mini - exception for 2 years (is that 2.5M per?). Solves our scoring droughts when the second unit comes in.

[likwitdesi]

Nate Robinson won't re-sign with the Bulls. Desperately wants a multi-year contract. Volume scorer from the PG position. We should offer the mini - exception for 2 years (is that 2.5M per?). Solves our scoring droughts when the second unit comes in.

He's getting more than the mini exception. The guy is a legit 6MOY candidate

[Upper Decker]

I'd rather use that money on Beno Udrih. The way I look at the PG position in free agency:

Reach Targets: Mo Williams, Devin Harris, Jarrett Jack, Nate Robinson
Realistic Targets: Beno Udrih, Toney Douglas (RFA), CJ Watson

I feel the same way about Beno. I think he'd be a good realistic target.

[80sballboy]

Nate Robinson won't re-sign with the Bulls. Desperately wants a multi-year contract. Volume scorer from the PG position. We should offer the mini - exception for 2 years (is that 2.5M per?). Solves our scoring droughts when the second unit comes in.

Is that a short joke?

[gambitx777]

UDFA's are signing fast but Jackie Chrmicel is still on the market !
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/6/28/4 ... mer-league

Why do the Wizards always seem late to the party?

They need to bring in Carmichael and/or Mbakwe. If they feel they'll be able to keep Glen Rice Jr. on the up and up they may as well bring in Adriean Payne.

Its at least good news that Carmichael and a few other more notable guys have not been signed yet, maybe the wiz are making some moves be hind the scenes to get some of the good ones.

It would be huge if we could grab Carmichael and Zeke Marshall (despite the Laker talk). that would be a true steal.

[Kanyewest]

I think the Wizards want to bring Webster back- although I wonder if a team will overpay to get him. A team like Memphis could use outside shooting. Or a team with cap space like Dallas that could strike out in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.

While I think that the Wizards like Rice as a prospect, I don't think they are counting him in for much in the short term. I think EG took the best player available at that point in the 2nd round. If he pans out, perhaps that would allow the Wizards to either trade him or move on from Ariza or Webster.

Yes the Wizards have other needs to, like another big or a backup point guard. In the short term, they could bring back Price or Temple or another free agent guard. They can also take a gamble on a free agent like they did with Webster.

The Grizzlies only have the MLE to spend and it's all but guaranteed that's going to Tony Allen, so no worries with them.

As for teams with a boatload of cap space that may strike out with the big stars this summer, like the Mavs... I actually think they'd want to avoid signing a guy like Webster. If the worry is that another team will offer him the full MLE or more than the MLE, and we only want to bring him back for $3-4 million a year, I just don't see it happening. If I'm the Mavs, or any team that was going for the big free agents, I'm not going to blow all of that cap space on Martell freaking Webster. I'm going to just be patient, stay put, and maybe sign some guys to 1 year deals, or deals with team options or non-guaranteed deals in the 2nd year. That way, they can still hold out hope that their cap space will be put to good use next summer, when the free agent class has the potential to be even better.

I don't see many teams coming after Webster with 3-4 year deals for upwards of $4 million a season. I just really don't. He's a talented player that possesses a skill set that pretty much any team would love to have, and he's not THAT expensive, but I think most teams would prefer to try their luck with a cheaper option like Belinelli or Morrow, rather than committing $5 million a year to Webster for the next few years.

Now, if the Kings ended up moving to Seattle, then I'd be terrified, and I'd fully expect Webster to be gone. That man loves Seattle, and it's his hometown so I can't even blame him the slightest bit.

I hope you are right. I think it makes a lot of sense to keep Webster similar to what Danny Green got last year.

[nuposse04]

my biggest fear is Miami signing Webster as a long term replacement to Miller/Battier. He'd fit in well with what they do down there. If he goes west coast I won't be so mad.