Free Agency around the NBA

[Hydroponic3385]

This thread is to discuss free agency around the NBA. It can include the Cavs, but it's mostly just for Cavs fans to keep track off who's singing where and who's rumored to go elsewhere.

Already signed:
Maurice Evans (Atlanta)
Patrick O'Bryant (Boston)
Tony Allen (Boston)
Eddie House (Boston)
Ryan Hollins (Charlotte)
Daniel Gibson (Cleveland)
Gerald Green (Dallas)
Desagana Diop (Dallas)
Jose Juan Barea (Dallas)
Chris Anderson (Denver)
Kwame Brown (Detroit)
Corey Maggette (Golden State)
Ronny Turiaf (Golden State)
Kelenna Azubuike (Golden State)
Andries Biedrins (Golden State)
Brent Barry (Houston)
Baron Davis (LA Clippers)
Ricky Davis (LA Clippers)
Sasha Vujacic (LA Lakers)
James Jones (Miami)
Tyronn Lue (Milwaukee)
Malik Allen (Milwaukee)
Craig Smith (Minnesota)
Sebastian Telfair (Minnesota)
Ryan Gomes (Minnesota)
Jarvis Hayes (New Jersey)
Eduardo Najera (New Jersey)
Keyon Dooling (New Jersey)
James Posey (New Orleans)
Chris Duhon (New York)
Mickael Pietrus (Orlando)
Anthony Johnson (Orlando)
Elton Brand (Philadelphia)
Royal Ivey (Philadelphia)
Matt Barnes (Phoenix)
Beno Udrih (Sacramento)
Bobby Brown (Sacramento)
Roger Mason (San Antonio)
Kurt Thomas (San Antonio)
Jose Calderon (Toronto)
CJ Miles (Utah)
Gilbert Arenas (Washington)
Antawn Jamison (Washington)
Dee Brown (Washington)

To the Euroleague: Josh Childress, Carlos Delfino, Bostjan Nachbar, Jorge Garbajosa, Nenad Krstic

Still available:
Shaun Livingston (Pho, LAC)
Andre Iguodala (Philly)
Luol Deng (Chi)
Ben Gordon (Chi, NO)
Carl Landry (Hou, Ind, Europe?)
Josh Smith (LAC, Atl)
Emeka Okafor (Char)
Jason Williams (Orl)
Francisco Elson (Den, Char, NJ, OKC, LAL)
Delonte West (Cle, GS)
Louis Williams (Philly, GS)
Darius Miles (Dal, Bos, Pho, NJ)
Devean George (Dal, SA, Pho, Cle, Minn, NO)
Devin Brown (Dallas, Atlanta, Denver, New Orleans)
Earl Boykins
Bonzi Wells
Jannero Pargo
Kirk Snyder
Michael Finley
David Harrison
Alonzo Mourning
Quinton Ross
Yakhouba Diawara
Dorrell Wright
Brian Skinner
Flip Murray
Lindsey Hunter
Sam Cassell
Theo Ratliff
Adonal Foyle

Who do you think is going where? What are some big rumors you've heard? Post about any of that stuff in here.

[B Mac]

Keeping an eye on the Clippers should be interesting. Brand has made it known that he wants to see the team committed to winning before he resigns. Baron has major ties to LA and just opted out. Brand opting out allows the Clips to sign BD and then resign Brand after. That would be a heck of a team for the Clips albeit a team that has some serious injury concerns. A few problems with this though. First, the Clippers owner is notoriously cheap. Would he be willing to pony up two huge contracts like that. If so then Maggette is certaintly out of town. Another question would be whether Davis is willing to take a paycut to sign there.... If not its likely a sign and trade, and then who knows where BD could end up... Still LA, Miami, Knicks, Here....

[Hydroponic3385]

Yeah, the Clippers offseason should be very interesting. And there's also rumors now that Golden State may offer close to a max contract to Arenas, so it's still not 100% he'll head back to Washington.

I've heard that Posey is considering multiple playoff teams, I'm wondering if the Cavs have any shot at him for the MLE. He's from Twinsburg and said last offseason he was interested in playing for his hometown. Posey could perhaps be our other starting wing along with Lebron, and then we can head into the season without any other big moves, saving Wally/Andy/others for a trade near the deadline (whether for a big man or a SG). That'd be ideal to me...Posey would be a great addition, and we'd get to wait to use our assets when they have their most value (near the trading deadline) and when Andy can't turn down any deals anymore. But as of now all I've heard is rumors of Posey looking at Boston, Detroit, Lakers, and New Orleans.

[Benedict_Boozer]

I'll be pretty annoyed if the same teams get the marquee FA's again - Miami, LA, NY blah. Wouldn't surprise me at all though. It's especially annoying because Miami had one of the worst records in NBA history last year.

We are stuck in the middle. Too good to get a high draft pick, not good enough to get a ring.

Maybe we can work out a sign and trade for Corey Maggette, he would be a great fit here. I wonder what Ferry's strategy even is at this point.

[Hydroponic3385]

^^I agree. I wish I could be a fly on the wall wherever Ferry is right now. He BETTER not be content on just re-signing Gibson and West. I definitely don't think we have to make our 'big move' during the offseason (our expirings gain value during the season, and in December Andy & his agent can't turn down trades), but I think we should at least be trying S&T possibilities for the likes of Baron, Maggette, etc. And we should be willing to use some/all of our MLE. I mean really, who cares about adding to the luxury tax a little? It doesn't matter if we're a little over a way over, and I'd have to think Gilbert wouldn't worry about throwing away a few million if it meant an important piece to add to our rotation.

I added some players that could be around the MLE level that the Cavs could try to get (or guys that could use just part of the MLE). We also have the LLE I believe. But who knows if Ferry/Gilbert want to use any of them, we'll see. Why wouldn't they though, especially if you can get a 1 or 2 year contract?

[Benedict_Boozer]

The last few years Ferry's thing has been to take care of resigning FA's first before he does anything else, so I'd expect more of the same.

With Maggette looking to be available Ferry REALLY needs to be all over that. Do what it takes to get him here in a S&T or full MLE deal. We can offer him a starting spot, lots of media exposure as LBJ's side kick, etc.

Then we have our backcourt taken care of and would roll the dice on Hickson to solve the PF prob. If he doesn't pan out we'd still have Big Ben/Joe Smith.

Get it done Ferry

[Hydroponic3385]

I'd definitely be happy with doing MLE (or if necessary fore Corey, S&T) for Maggette or Posey. Then during the season use some of Wally/Andy/other for one big piece for our team (we'd see whether it needs to be a big man or guard over the course of the season).

[Hydroponic3385]

Beno Udrih has returned to the Kings.

It sounds like Orlando is offering their full MLE, but it is likely that "another team" will be offering him more.

[rjgraca]

According to ESPN - Baron Davis is Clipper bound:

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that the guard reached a verbal agreement with the Clippers on Tuesday night and will sign a new multiyear contract with Los Angeles after the leaguewide moratorium on signings and trades is lifted July 9.

Davis was in line to make $17.8 million in the last year of his deal with the Warriors, but after telling the team that he wanted to stay, opted out at the last minute.

Sources told ESPN.com that Davis, 29, will receive a five-year deal worth an estimated $65 million.

Forward Elton Brand also opted out of his contract with the Clippers on Monday, and speculation quickly began that the team would try to keep Brand and sign Davis. This scenario is only possible if the Clippers renounce the rights of Corey Maggette and Brand takes a slight pay cut.

Sources say the Clippers are expected to do just that and quickly reach a verbal agreement to bring back Brand.

Maggette opted out of his deal on Monday as well.

Davis averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season for a Warriors team that won 48 games but did not make the playoffs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3470016

[LeQuitterNotMVP]

...And there goes another target.

Well, it does look like, if they don't sign Arenas, that the Warriors will go in full rebuild mode. How about this deal:



This Trade Succeeded! Go back to adjust your trade or start over.

New York Knicks

Incoming Players
Anderson Varejao
Salary: $5,784,480 Years Remaining: 1

Offer Matched When a team exercises the right of first refusal to keep a Restricted Free Agent cannot trade the player for 1 year without the player's consent. The player cannot be traded to the team that gave the offer sheet. (Bobcats).

Sasha Pavlovic
Salary: $4,500,000 Years Remaining: 2

Damon Jones
Salary: $4,460,186 Years Remaining: 1


Outgoing Players: Zach Randolph, Mardy Collins, David Lee

Cleveland Cavaliers

Incoming Players
Zach Randolph
Salary: $14,666,667 Years Remaining: 3

Al Harrington
Salary: $9,226,250 Years Remaining: 1

Mardy Collins
Salary: $1,034,760 Years Remaining: 1

Stephen Jackson
Salary: $7,140,000 Years Remaining: 2


Outgoing Players: Anderson Varejao, Wally Szczerbiak, Sasha Pavlovic, Damon Jones

Golden State Warriors

Incoming Players
Wally Szczerbiak
Salary: $13,275,000 Years Remaining: 1

David Lee
Salary: $1,788,033 Years Remaining: 1


Outgoing Players: Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson

[Benedict_Boozer]

^I'd take that deal, not perfect but:

Delonte/Boobie/Collins
S Jax/Boobie
LBJ/Harrington
Randolph/Smith/Hickson
Z/Big Ben

That team is much better IMO. Randolph hurts our D a little but we have Joe Smith and Big Ben to bring in when needed for defense. Harrington gives us some nice depth.

I hope Ferry can put something together...options are quickly running out.

[bcortell]

I guess B Diddy is going to LAC..

which mean Corey Maggette for MLE...

[kiwibrindle]

two words Mickael Pietrus

Why

Defense,
3's
Money reasonable.

Mike Brown loves defense, Lebron loves players who are good when not touching the ball.

Why not...

Ferry need I say more?

[Hydroponic3385]

Gerald Green is now a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

Josh Smith is meeting with the Sixers as they try to lure him to Philly.

The Lakers are going after Posey and Brent Barry.

[Hydroponic3385]

Corey Maggette was reportedly offered the full MLE from the Celtics (reported to be roughly $5.8 million). Orlando, Philly, and Utah are three other teams strongly pushing for Corey. (where the F are the Cavs?)

Chris Duhon may've been offered a 2-year contract from the Knicks, which may be worth up to $7 million (overpaid, much?). But Orlando is also interested in Duhon.

[Benedict_Boozer]

You'd HAVE to imagine Ferry at least made an MLE offer to Maggette. The Cavs keep everything so secret he could've already signed and we'd have no idea.

If Ferry didn't make an offer he must already have a deal in place for backcourt help.

[Hydroponic3385]

I hope you're right. It's definitely true, Ferry/our front office is generally much more quiet than other teams. I just am a bit scared by Ferry saying he's happy with the roster and wants to see continuity and how our team does with a full season. That could very well be a smokescreen, but it's just scary to think he may not be actively pursuing some guys cuz he's content with a guy like Wally or Sasha starting for us.

[Hydroponic3385]

--Brand offered a huge contract from the Warriors - so will he be a Clipper or a Warrior? The Sixers may try to lure him in as well.
--Detroit rumored to be looking at James Jones, CJ Miles, Mickael Pietrus, and James Posey.
--Chris "Birdman" Anderson being looked at by the Celtics.
--The Sixers are looking at Atlanta's Josh Smith if they can't nab Brand.
--Nenad Krstic will be looking to play elsewhere as his days with the Nets are done.

I have to ask...should we look at Krstic for the full MLE? He was averaging 16-17 points a game before his injury, which is obviously way better than any of our current bigs can average. He'd also make Varejao utterly and completely expendable (as we'd still have 4 vet bigs and Hickson without Andy), thus making it even more likely Wally + Andy (and perhaps more) will eventually be packaged together for a nice SG.

[B Mac]

Nenad is coming off a pretty serious injury. While Im not sure just how healthy he is, he would be a good long term replacement for Z.

[Hydroponic3385]

^^Well 5.8 million is still not overpaying a big man who averaged 16-17 points but had knee problems. I think he's definitely worth it, but I'm sure he's not the direction Ferry is looking.

Now about Corey Maggette...

The teams I've heard interested in him are: Boston, Orlando, San Antonio, Cleveland, New Orleans. Also possibly Golden State if they don't get Brand. I've read from a couple sources that the Cavs are indeed interested, and I'm sure we'd offer the full MLE like everyone else. Let's see how likely it is he goes to the other teams:

Boston - apparently Boston is denying even offering Corey a contract. sounds like they may not be that interested anymore?

Orlando - offered him the full MLE, but it's at least 50/50 that Duhon accepts Orlando's 3 year/10 million dollar contract. that'd make it pretty much impossible for Orlando to get Maggette. i'd assume Duhon would prefer making more and having a 3 year contract (instead of 2 years for like 4-5 million in New York)

New Orleans - he'd be a GREAT fit on the Hornets. Imagine adding a guy who can create his own shot (someone besides Paul obviously) to this team. Paul, Maggette, Stojakvoic, West, Chandler is just plain scary.

San Antonio - they seemed to have been dubbed the favorites to land Maggette. they've offered him their full MLE. but it's possible he'd be on the bench for them (unless Ginobli is once again a 6th man), and he'd be their 4th scoring option.

Golden State - if the Warriors don't get Brand, they could go after Maggette. but I believe they just spend money offering big contracts to Ellis and Biedrins and not really spend a ton more. I see them wanting younger guys anyways.

Philly - if they can't get Brand, Josh Smith, or Josh Childress, I can see them going after Maggette. but he's further down the line, and they'd also prefer finalizing a deal with Iguodala as well.

So if I were to guess, I'd say New Orleans is the best fit for Maggette, and perhaps our biggest competition. San Antonio could definitely land him, but I think he'd be offered a much bigger role in Cleveland than in San Antonio. Corey seems to like Orlando a lot, but if Duhon chooses Orlando over NY, the Magic can say good bye to getting Maggette. It sounds like Boston may not be interested anymore.

So hopefully Duhon joins the Magic, Boston doesn't have interest anymore, and we can convince Maggette that he'd have a much more important role in Cleveland than in New Orleans or San Antonio. Plus we could throw in the whole "the East is easier to win" or "you can be an all-star here" bit as well. Imagine if the Cavs FINALLY lucked out in free agency after years of not. We'd still have Wally + Andy + picks/more expirings to get another good starter or perhaps all-star (during the season, get a good guy from a team who is underachieving).