Bird raiding Nuggets bench?

indy_dave00 · Post #1 » by **indy_dave00** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 1:45 pm

Posted by Mike Wells

http://blogs.indystar.com/pacersinsider/

THE `BURBS - The hill in the Eastern Conference continues to get steeper for the Pacers.

Washington, Atlanta and Detroit have already made significant moves to improve their roster.
You're not about to see president Larry Bird and general manager David Morway suddenly start hammering away on the panic button.
The Pacers say be patient, they have a three-year plan.

You're probably thinking that's easier said than done, especially since you haven't seen the Pacers in the playoffs since 2006.

The Pacers are optimistic they'll be able to sign some good players this summer. They just plan on doing it with a "Dollar General" shopping mentality.

Don't expect the Pacers, who have about $8 million to spend, to overpay a player. They want to add players at bargain prices.

Danny Granger was at Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday and he said he would like for them to sign another swingman.

"We're thin on the wing now," he said. "We know Mike (Dunleavy) will be back, we just don't know when. We didn't pick up the option on Marquis (Daniels), so it's pretty much me and Brandon (Rush) at that position."

The Pacers have expressed interest in Denver free agent Dahntay Jones.
Jones, who only made $797,000 last season, is the type of player the Pacers should go after because he doesn't need the ball to be effective. He enjoys playing defense, which is not something many Pacers can relate to.

Jones wasn't the only player the Pacers reached out to Wednesday.
They also called about free agents Anthony Carter, Linas Kleiza and reportedly about restricted free agent Marcin Gortat.

Post #2 » by **The Rebel** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 2:15 pm

S & T Kleiza for Foster? You do that and we will not even bother to try to resign Carter just for you guys.

Nutty Nats Fan · Post #3 » by **Nutty Nats Fan** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 3:47 pm

Hunter + LK (S&T) + DJ (S&T) + AC (S&T) for Murphy? LOL

indy_dave00 · Post #4 » by **indy_dave00** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 4:21 pm

I could see a Linas Kleiza and Dahntey Jones sign and trade deal for Jeff Foster as a possibility. Foster is signed for 2 years at 6 mil plus per year . There was a report of Nuggets intrest in Foster at the trade deadline.

As for the Troy Murphy for Hunter , Kleiz and Jones part - do the Nuggets want Murphy's 2 year 23 mil contract?? Chances are Bird would not be against moving him for a cheaper package of players including the expiring Hunter. Remember the Pacers did draft Tyler Hansbrough at #13 last week.

Post #5 » by **el loco** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 4:35 pm

Denver has been interested in Foster for a few years now. I doubt the interest has changed much because he does fill a need.

How many players does Indy have under contract?

Post #6 » by **The Rebel** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 4:36 pm

Denver has no rights on Jones and therefor would not be any kind of benefit for them to resign and then trade him, as it is taking part of the MLE or LLE to do it.

As for trading Hunter and KLeiza for Murphy, I think Murphy would be a good fit for what the Nuggets need, but I do not see them adding that kind of contract unless they move someone like KMart.

indy_dave00 · Post #7 » by **indy_dave00** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 5:08 pm

The Pacers have 9 players signed currently Granger, Murphy, Dunleavy, Ford, Foster, Rush , Hibbert, and Diener in addition to Tinsley ( who has an arbitration hearing soon). They will sign Hansbrough and most likely 2nd rounder Price. Both Jack and McRoberts are restricted free agents who were given qualifying offers and from all indications Bird wants to resign so that would make 13 roster spots counting Tinsley who will be gone one way or another later this summer.

So the Pacers can make a 2 for 1 , or 3 for 1 and be okay contract wise.

Nutty Nats Fan · Post #8 » by **Nutty Nats Fan** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 5:46 pm

Murphy/Foster for Kmart/LK and Denver promises not to match when Indy offers deals to AC and DJ.

I like, lol.

J Smitty · Post #9 » by **J Smitty** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:17 pm

Can you package players in a s&t?

I'm happy to hear this either way though....I don't want to see AC back, and Jones/Kleiza I really don't care about.

Post #10 » by **el loco** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:40 pm

J Smitty wrote:Can you package players in a s&t?

I'm happy to hear this either way though....I don't want to see AC back, and Jones/Kleiza I really don't care about.

I am pretty sure that you can package players in a S&T.

Prior to the draft, this trade rumor was making the rounds:

The NY Post is reporting the Knicks could do a sign-and-trade with Portland, which would send Lee(with a new deal) to the Blazers, for a combination of players, which would certainly include Sergio Rodriguez, along with Travis Outlaw and possibly an expendable big man currently on the roster.

JRMelo15 · Post #11 » by **JRMelo15** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 8:17 pm

I'm not a fan of Foster. Yes he can get us 10 rebounds a game, but having a 4 on 5 on the offensive end doesn't help us, because he's got 0 offensive game. BTW, I found this on the General Board - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnboXiq33os :lol:

Nutty Nats Fan · Post #12 » by **Nutty Nats Fan** » Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:35 pm

JRMelo15 wrote:I'm not a fan of Foster. Yes he can get us 10 rebounds a game, but having a 4 on 5 on the offensive end doesn't help us, because he's got 0 offensive game. BTW, I found this on the General Board - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnboXiq33os

But Foster has a secret weapon. He can break hands without getting a foul call. Think how much that would have turned the LA series. Kobe? Oops, sorry about the hand. :lol:

With Kmart on the court, its 4 on 5 too. No one needs to cover his jumper.