Doug Smith: Raptors close to signing FA with MLE

[WigginsNation]

i really hope its MATT BARNES!!!!
This guy would change the image of our team by giving us the toughness and defense we've always needed. He's tough. he's scrappy, and he's not afraid of anyone. If Matt Barnes was to sign with us, I wouldnt be opposed to trying to resign Bosh. Matt Barnes is not a star but he'd be a difference maker for this team.

We'd then have to trade Jose&Turk for something decent; then trade our expirings and future draft picks for Collison and Posy.


Collison/Jack
Derozan/Belinelli
Barnes/Weems/Posy
Bosh/Davis
Bargnani/Amir

+players from jose/turk trade

That team right there is a solid playoff team. Im sure if the raps really wanted Bosh back, he could be ours. If not, sign Barnes anyways, then go out and get COLLISON!!!!! We're headed in the right direction if we do that.

So the plan is, (excluding whatever happens with Bosh):

#1. sign Matt Barnes
#2. get Darren Collison

End result: SOLID/TOUGH BASKETBALL TEAM

[HSOB SIRHC]

Didn't Barnes and Bargnani get into it during one game?

[6th man]

Foye

[Crazy-Canuck]

Childress is that glue guy this team has sorely been missing.

He comes from the right mix of American bred/European cultured having experience of playing in both countries.

The Raps could be ready to make a move in 3-4 yrs time if our players pan out. Keeping the core together with Childress to act as a go between between the Euros/Americans.

MLE for 5/6 yrs isnt bad if BC thinks our young core will be peaking in a few years time.

[Duffman100]

Foye

I just **** myself and threw up a little.

[PoloGoose]

The Raptors have also expressed interest in Ryan Gomes, who was recently waived by the Portland Trailblazers.

[WigginsNation]

For all the "rebuilders" out ther, we just brought in 9 new guys last year, how young do we need to get. Why the worry about us being competitive? Especially if before you wanted to keep Bosh. Don't be mistaken, their will be no concerted effort to tank. For all the OKC there are, there other teams who are just perennial lottery goers. I mean we just had two straight years of lottery picks. DeMar, Sonny, Amir, Jack, Alabi, Davis, Bargs, Doresy, all 25 or under aren't they? I'd say we have a good deal of youth already.

BC is in a contract year, he won't try to suck. He'll try to be as good as we can even better if possible. Last years goal will be this years goal.

+1.

We already have youth, no more rebuilding. Lets get the proper pieces and try to make a run for the playoffs next year. You guys may disagree, but i like BC's approach.

[dacrusha]

For all the "rebuilders" out ther, we just brought in 9 new guys last year, how young do we need to get. Why the worry about us being competitive? Especially if before you wanted to keep Bosh. Don't be mistaken, their will be no concerted effort to tank. For all the OKC there are, there other teams who are just perennial lottery goers. I mean we just had two straight years of lottery picks. DeMar, Sonny, Amir, Jack, Alabi, Davis, Bargs, Doresy, all 25 or under aren't they? I'd say we have a good deal of youth already.

BC is in a contract year, he won't try to suck. He'll try to be as good as we can even better if possible. Last years goal will be this years goal.

Well, then we'll just have to go through a 30-win season this year, get a 10-15 draft pick, fire BC's ass to the curb and bring in someone who is serious about gutting the roster and starting anew.

[chyau.00]

GARBAJOSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[phailing101]

If we smoke the entire MLE on any of those players, its a terrible waste of money.

I can't believe people are upset about the Bird Flu contract and then are listing who they want to sign for the same thing this summer! None of those players are of the same talent of Turkey.....and it pains me to say that.

Please don't blow so much money on any of those scrubs!!!

[dagger]

Interestingly, signing someone for a full MLE, aside from adding a tradeable asset, would seem to preclude taking David Lee in a Bosh sign and trade. It might also preclude a Houston sign and trade with Scola, since Scola+Battier or Scola+Ariza likely would trigger tax.

Isn't that worth a celebration in itself?

Come to think of it, is this rumor without a name part of BC's hardball ploy with Bosh? Think of it - we're losing interest, we're closing off trade avenues one by one because Bosh is sitting around Dallas roasting his 4th of July wiener.

This might be another shot across the bow by BC.

[Duffman100]

For all the "rebuilders" out ther, we just brought in 9 new guys last year, how young do we need to get. Why the worry about us being competitive? Especially if before you wanted to keep Bosh. Don't be mistaken, their will be no concerted effort to tank. For all the OKC there are, there other teams who are just perennial lottery goers. I mean we just had two straight years of lottery picks. DeMar, Sonny, Amir, Jack, Alabi, Davis, Bargs, Doresy, all 25 or under aren't they? I'd say we have a good deal of youth already.

BC is in a contract year, he won't try to suck. He'll try to be as good as we can even better if possible. Last years goal will be this years goal.

+1.

We already have youth, no more rebuilding. Lets get the proper pieces and try to make a run for the playoffs next year. You guys may disagree, but i like BC's approach.

I'm torn. You want young guys to get the playoff experience, taste of winning, etc etc...

But at the same time, you can argue that we're lacking that true talent that will help us become a true contender. So do we tank and get that franchise player or win and hope we acquire one through other means?

[WigginsNation]

Didn't Barnes and Bargnani get into it during one game?

He's in everyones face, which is the kind of player we need, we're way too nice and not tough enough. Just adding one player like Barnes makes this team so much tougher and meaner. Barnes is a straightup baller, and BCs gotta get him and Collison and we'd be looking good!

[Harry Palmer]

But at the same time, you can argue that we're lacking that true talent that will help us become a true contender.

Sorry, does this mean you also think you can reasonably argue that we aren't lacking that?

[Duffman100]

But at the same time, you can argue that we're lacking that true talent that will help us become a true contender.

Sorry, does this mean you also think you can reasonably argue that we aren't lacking that?

Ha, well there are a few that argue that Bargnani or Derozan will become that. I'm not one...but some are. Very few. Yes, you can argue...but with very little supporting evidence.

[dacrusha]

For all the "rebuilders" out ther, we just brought in 9 new guys last year, how young do we need to get. Why the worry about us being competitive? Especially if before you wanted to keep Bosh. Don't be mistaken, their will be no concerted effort to tank. For all the OKC there are, there other teams who are just perennial lottery goers. I mean we just had two straight years of lottery picks. DeMar, Sonny, Amir, Jack, Alabi, Davis, Bargs, Doresy, all 25 or under aren't they? I'd say we have a good deal of youth already.

BC is in a contract year, he won't try to suck. He'll try to be as good as we can even better if possible. Last years goal will be this years goal.

+1.

We already have youth, no more rebuilding. Lets get the proper pieces and try to make a run for the playoffs next year. You guys may disagree, but i like BC's approach.

We're losing a player that put up a top-50 season of all time and replacing him with spare parts.

How is this the type of approach that will garner a playoff appearance?

[Chevy Chase]

Rebuild or not, I don't think that any GM can actually put forth that they are attempting to tank. Even during rebuilding campaigns they must at least try to look competitive. I don't think any player coming in for the MLE is going to replace Bosh and put us in the Playoffs.

[pspot]

Foye is an interesting option, I think he still has 20 ppg potential and just needs a chance at mins

If Jose is moved I wouldn't mind a pg duo of Jack/Foye , especially considering DD and Weems don't have range

[RonaldArtest]

Isn't Joel Pryzbilla (sp?) a free agent? If he is, I hope it's him.

[bboyskinnylegs]

If we're paying the full or near-full MLE, I hope it's to steal an RFA like:
Morrow
Childress
Kleiza
Redick