Nefarious Wizard(s)?

[theatlfan]

So, apparently the Wizards are trying to take us put us in an interesting situation. 1st, they've agreed to take enough contracts from CHI that CHI will be able to offer 2 Max Contracts in FA immediately after Joe Johnson makes a public statement to wanting to play in CHI and wanting the deal done quickly. 2nd, they're negotiating with Josh Chilldress for a multi-year deal.

So, in effect, WASH has created the most feared competitor in retaining JJ's services out of CHI by giving them the cap relief to chase him while they can still fill their most pressing need of a low post presence. Also, they are now negotiating the contract of the player who'd represent our most "cap flexible" option @ replacing JJ with a starting caliber NBA player (I know some might disagree with that statement, but stick with me). They seem to be up to something here, but I haven't figured out what and why...

[evildallas]

Not sure about the Hinrich move. It makes sense for Chicago to dump him to go after free agents, but seems like a strange use of cap space by the Wizards.

[HoopsGuru25]

What a break for Chicago. Even if they strike out on LeBron and Bosh....you have to think that a Joe Johnson and Carlos Boozer combo is a big upgrade over Hinrich and Taj Gibson.

[evildallas]

Between this move and Miami's dumping it pretty much guarantees that Joe has an attractive market somewhere. If both Chicago and Miami have room for two max or near max guys (after Wade) then the 2 wings in play are Lebron and Joe and the then 2 of 3 PFs from Bosh, Amare, and Boozer. Regardless of Lebron's decision, it seems likely that at least one of those teams will be pitching Joe to join their ensemble.

Personally, I am pulling for Dallas to lure Lebron in a sign and trade deal. If he winds up in Miami with Wade then it will be hard times for an Atlanta fan with Howard in Orlando, Wall in Washington, and the conglomerate in Miami in the same division.