With almost $40 million in expiring contracts...what next?

[pacersrule08]

ya but look at thist starting 5 and i like the way u think

Evan Turner
Brandon Rush
Danny Granger
Jason Thompson
Roy Hibbert

If u ask me, if the pacers had a starting 5 like this then bird is doing his job

[basketballwacko2]

Of course my little senario is based on the luck of the draw, but isn't it about time we got lucky!? I'm betting we end up with a pick between 3 and 7, if we get the 3rd pick and end up with Cousins or Favors. I'd like to get a 2nd pick in the 10-15 range too because this draft is gonna be loaded I think.

[8305]

My fantasy would be a top three pick. Right now it looks like there are three guys who could be franchise changers. Wall, Turner and Favors. Right now I'm not sure which one of the three I like best but I don't see anyone else in this draft I"d call a franchise changer.

The only way we will get a pick in the 10 to 15 range will be to trade down. We don't have the assets to make that kind of trade. Not sure the guys in that range are that exciting anyway.

Also don't think our expirings will have value until after the draft and after the top tier free agents have signed. At that point a team with cap space might be interested in a short term obligation who can help immediately. I wouldn't be surprised to see us acquire additional picks for the 2011 draft.

How often do high profile free agent signings that involve the player changing teams work out well for the acquiring team? Not sure that is the road to travel.

[bogut6]

Michael Redd and Dan Gaz? Yeah? Deal?

[floppymoose]

The eastern tank squads are at a disadvantage because they have to play each other. No one is catching the Nets or Minny, and my Warriors will be tough to catch because we are playing 4 D-leaguers at a time much of the game. Plus Maggette is coming back as of tonight, and he is a tanking MACHINE.

As for trading a #5 pick and an expiring (or two) for the #1 pick, that ain't happening. Look at the history of trades for #1 picks. For the most part, they don't get traded. When they do, it's for a LOT more than that.

Pacers have to play:
Tue, Mar 9 Philadelphia 76ers vs Philadelphia (22-38)
Fri, Mar 19 Detroit Pistons vs Detroit (21-40)
Tue, Mar 23 Detroit Pistons @ Detroit (21-40)
Wed, Mar 24 Washington Wizards vs Washington (21-37)
Tue, Mar 30 vs Sacramento (21-40)
Wed, Apr 7 New York Knicks vs New York (21-39)
Sat, Apr 10 New Jersey Nets vs New Jersey (6-54)
Wed, Apr 14 Washington Wizards @ Washington (21-37)

Warriors only have:
Fri, Apr 2 New York Knicks vs New York (21-39)
Tue, Apr 6 Washington Wizards @ Washington (21-37)
Wed, Apr 7 Minnesota Timberwolves @ Minnesota (14-48)

Best hope is that the lotto smiles on you. There is a decent chance for that.