2014 Official FA Thread

[SDC]

when is the deadline for signing free agents in preparation for the 2014 playoffs. the lakers could cut gasol.

[Revived]

I just hope Orlando goes after Kyle Lowry or Patty Mills instead.

Or maybe they end up with Exum, Smart or Ennis by getting pushed down to the 5th or 6th pick in the draft.

Isn't Exum a SG though?

[Revived]

You described us needing a SG who is good at catch and shoot right? We have one right now in Green who is great at it and yet our record with the Green-Dragic backcourt is like barely 13-11.

Who ever our SG is has to be someone that can create really well for himself and others to give Dragic a rest and so that teams can zone in on Dragic.

Uh, no, Gerald Green does not qualify as the type of player I was talking about.

And I said the player playing next to Dragic needs catch and shoot ability, I didn't day that's the only thing he should be capable of doing. Again, that's why I'm using Patty Mills as an example. He can create off the dribble, but you can also leave the ball in Dragic's hands and still have Mills be able to be a significant factor.

As for Dragic, I have watched him these past 2 years and the one thing I have noticed is that he can't carry the team on his back for a whole season and especially not consistently against good teams which will happen in the playoffs.

If teams trap Dragic and double him, he either has to have someone else create or he will end up trying to do too much and will turn it over.

I'm not asking him to carry the team by himself or for him to be the lone ball-handler on the court. I just think he's at his best when he's the primary ball-handler, and that doesn't happen when Bledsoe's in the lineup.

Patty Mills is busting his butt off because its his contract year. There's no telling he will go back to his old Blazers self of being fat and lazy after landing a nice contract. And I got this info from Blazers fans about his fat and laziness.

And Dragic may be at his best when he's the primary ball handler but I think that can be said for a majority of the star SGs in this league. Only Ray Allen and maybe Klay Thompson (idk if you consider him a borderline star) are probabyl about the only two exceptions.

However Dragic splitting ball handling duties with Bledsoe would be best for the Suns as a team. Neither player gets tired and both players get rest even when playing on the floor.

After Bledsoe got hurt, Dragic talked about how tiring it is having to create for everyone and being the only one in the starting lineup that knows how to dribble a basketball.

[Ring_Wanted]

After Bledsoe got hurt, Dragic talked about how tiring it is having to create for everyone and being the only one in the starting lineup that knows how to dribble a basketball.

The point would be that it doesn't need to be Eric Bledsoe the one getting the big contract to help Goran handle the ball. It could be a different player. One whose main position is SG, for instance. Or a SF with point ability.

But then there is the issue of defending quicker PGs.

That's the key factor to me when thinking about Goran-Bledose-MrX.

If Mr.X, be it a SG or SF, can guard the type of players that give Goran so much trouble, I would be open to consider replacing Bledsoe* with him, but if said substitute can't stay in front of the guys who make Dragic suffer, I have no interest, period.

From the impending FA pool the only one who seems to fit those requirements as a Bledsoe replacement is Lance Stephenson, but his wires scare me to death. That's just an example, who knows what can be made available at the draft and during the summer.

*Note that all this is contingent upon Bledsoe actually starting to show that elite perimeter (FG% allowed at the rim is a different story) defense he is credited for, which has not been there for the most part this season.

Particularly, witnessing it during an eventual playoff series is what would sold me 100% on signing him to whatever it takes, while as of right now, I entertain it just in a context of marginal costs (what he'd ideally make vs the excess he'll get).

In my case it still leads to the same conclusion but in a way less comfortable manner, to the extent that I don't rule out a sign and trade. Letting him go for nothing would require a killer alternative waiting on the wings, something I just can't see at this point, but that is still within the realm of possibility.

[Revived]

After Bledsoe got hurt, Dragic talked about how tiring it is having to create for everyone and being the only one in the starting lineup that knows how to dribble a basketball.

The point would be that it doesn't need to be Eric Bledsoe the one getting the big contract to help Goran handle the ball. It could be a different player. One whose main position is SG, for instance. Or a SF with point ability.

But then there is the issue of defending quicker PGs.

That's the key factor to me when thinking about Goran-Bledose-MrX.

If Mr.X, be it a SG or SF, can guard the type of players that give Goran so much trouble, I would be open to consider replacing Bledsoe* with him, but if said substitute can't stay in front of the guys who make Dragic suffer, I have no interest, period.

From the impending FA pool the only one who seems to fit those requirements as a Bledsoe replacement is Lance Stephenson, but his wires scare me to death. That's just an example, who knows what can be made available at the draft and during the summer.

*Note that all this is contingent upon Bledsoe actually starting to show that elite perimeter (FG% allowed at the rim is a different story) defense he is credited for, which has not been there for the most part this season.

Particularly, witnessing it during an eventual playoff series is what would sold me 100% on signing him to whatever it takes, while as of right now, I entertain it just in a context of marginal costs (what he'd ideally make vs the excess he'll get).

In my case it still leads to the same conclusion but in a way less comfortable manner, to the extent that I don't rule out a sign and trade. Letting him go for nothing would require a killer alternative waiting on the wings, something I just can't see at this point, but that is still within the realm of possibility.

You hit it right on the money. Bledsoe can guard the guys that Dragic can't guard and Dragic can guard the guys that are too big for Bledsoe.

I can't think of another guard who we can sign or trade for (without having to give up the whole farm), that doesn't have a bad reputation/work ethic issues that fits well as the backcourt partner for Dragic as much as Bledsoe does. It makes too much sense offensively and defensively.

I like Stephenson too but I think he's a guy who needs those players in Indiana around him and Larry Bird around as well. He's a system player imo who will need the perfect system for him and a guy like Bird around to keep him in check.

Dragic is a beast defender at SG. And Dragic is a terrible defender at PG. I have paid attention to it when Bledsoe was healthy and now, that's how I know.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Was thinking the suns might look at some buy out guys. Anyone know if insurance still pays okafors contract if the suns waive him to open a roster spot?

If it does I assume that's how they would open a spot. If not I would think Christmas would be the guy to go.

[bwgood77]

I just hope Orlando goes after Kyle Lowry or Patty Mills instead.

Or maybe they end up with Exum, Smart or Ennis by getting pushed down to the 5th or 6th pick in the draft.

Isn't Exum a SG though?

He's supposedly a combo guard and already has said he wants to go straight to the NBA and not college like Kobe did and said he wants to reach out to Kobe for advice. I think he might have said he wants to play for the Lakers too.

[JDLAW]

Was thinking the suns might look at some buy out guys. Anyone know if insurance still pays okafors contract if the suns waive him to open a roster spot?

If it does I assume that's how they would open a spot. If not I would think Christmas would be the guy to go.

Insurance would not pay the Suns if they waive Okafor. They have no rights to the funds if Okafor is not under contract with them.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Was thinking the suns might look at some buy out guys. Anyone know if insurance still pays okafors contract if the suns waive him to open a roster spot?

If it does I assume that's how they would open a spot. If not I would think Christmas would be the guy to go.

Insurance would not pay the Suns if they waive Okafor. They have no rights to the funds if Okafor is not under contract with them.

Cool that's what I thought. I knew Okafor got paid either way. i guess it could be Christmas or Kravtov that gets cut. When i posted before I for some reason thought Kravtov was guaranteed next year but i guess not.

Just realized that Ish has a team option for next year at under 1 mil. I would actually pick that up; he's a serviceable emergency point guard.

[INFORMER-93]

Patty Mills is busting his butt off because its his contract year. There's no telling he will go back to his old Blazers self of being fat and lazy after landing a nice contract. And I got this info from Blazers fans about his fat and laziness.

No, he actually was good for San Antonio last year too. At .net, we had a few posters talking him up over the last year so, especially with his play in international play. This isn't just some flavor of the month thing. Plus, as I said, I'm just using him as an example. In any event, I don't think the Suns need the Patty Mills that's dropping over 20 ppg that we're seeing now anyway. Just a reliable, complete shooter who can handle the ball and score a little off the dribble too.

And Dragic may be at his best when he's the primary ball handler but I think that can be said for a majority of the star SGs in this league. Only Ray Allen and maybe Klay Thompson (idk if you consider him a borderline star) are probabyl about the only two exceptions.

Look, I realize he's played the 2 this season, but he's a point guard.

After Bledsoe got hurt, Dragic talked about how tiring it is having to create for everyone and being the only one in the starting lineup that knows how to dribble a basketball.

And that's a lack of talent issue. Your analyzing the effect of Bledsoe's absence on Dragic and the team as it is currently constituted. I'm not saying dump Bledsoe go with the team as is. With 3 first rounders and loads of cap space, the Susn have more than enough resources to lessen the load on Goran.

However Dragic splitting ball handling duties with Bledsoe would be best for the Suns as a team. Neither player gets tired and both players get rest even when playing on the floor.

Sure, while Bledsoe is still a Sun. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think that's optimal situation for the Suns or Dragic.

[carey]

Cool that's what I thought. I knew Okafor got paid either way. i guess it could be Christmas or Kravtov that gets cut. When i posted before I for some reason thought Kravtov was guaranteed next year but i guess not.

Also, I found out the other day that a lot of media outlets have been reporting the insurance situation incorrectly. Insurance picks up 80% of his contract, but only his contract after the midpoint of the season. So after the season they'll cut the Suns a check for $5.8M, which is nice, but a far cry from $11.6Mil. So it's a little less attractive than I thought it was.

[JDLAW]

Cool that's what I thought. I knew Okafor got paid either way. i guess it could be Christmas or Kravtov that gets cut. When i posted before I for some reason thought Kravtov was guaranteed next year but i guess not.

Also, I found out the other day that a lot of media outlets have been reporting the insurance situation incorrectly. Insurance picks up 80% of his contract, but only his contract after the midpoint of the season. So after the season they'll cut the Suns a check for $5.8M, which is nice, but a far cry from $11.6Mil. So it's a little less attractive than I thought it was.

Most with some knowledge like Paul Coro have been reporting the correct number. Nevertheless, $5.8M for some teams would be the difference between being in the black versus the red at the end of the year.

This is what made the Lakers position regarding Gasol for Okafor so odd and many of the Lakers' fans so clueless. In addition to the insurance payment, the salary savings would have $2M (3/8 of the $5M difference) Laker's tax bill will be $9.2M and they will not get to share in the payout which was about $1.5M last year and will likely be more this year because of the Nets exorbitant luxury tax obligation. which is projected to be more than that of all the payers combined last year. The bottom line is that if you add this all up it is about $18M financial benefit to the Lakers. There are 6 Buss children who are the heirs of Jerry Buss who are working in the Laker's organization in some capacity. Getting out of the tax, taking the insurance money and being able to participate in the luxury tax payout as opposed to paying in would have put $3M in the pockets of each of the Buss children. As you can probably see, the Lakers have a great revenue stream, but they have overhead that would choke a horse.

Word is that they did not want the Suns deal because they did not want to signal to the world that the Lakers would dump a player for cash. This was a time to swallow pride and take the cash. It seems to be a little silly when just earlier in the year they dumped World-Peace in an amnesty move. Financially, this move was a disaster for the Lakers and their half-hearted spin about retaining Bird rights is transparently ignorant because they will end up rescinding his Bird rights at the end of the year.

I am not saying I wanted Gasol, but this is right out of Bizarro world.

[INFORMER-93]

Word is that they did not want the Suns deal because they did not want to signal to the world that the Lakers would dump a player for cash. This was a time to swallow pride and take the cash. It seems to be a little silly when just earlier in the year they dumped World-Peace in an amnesty move. Financially, this move was a disaster for the Lakers and their half-hearted spin about retaining Bird rights is transparently ignorant because they will end up rescinding his Bird rights at the end of the year.

There's a huge difference between Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol. MWP is barely a NBA player anymore. Gasol puts up 17/10. Regardless of the savings, you don't dump a player as good as Gasol for nothing, unless you're in a financially desperate situation, which the Lakers were not.

Secondly, there a number of ways the offseason can play out for Gasol and the Lakers. They don't have to renounce his Bird rights until a free agent is ready to sign on the dotted line. Until then, they can hold on to his rights, giving them the option to either resign him or sign and trade him.

[SDC]

Word is that they did not want the Suns deal because they did not want to signal to the world that the Lakers would dump a player for cash. This was a time to swallow pride and take the cash. It seems to be a little silly when just earlier in the year they dumped World-Peace in an amnesty move. Financially, this move was a disaster for the Lakers and their half-hearted spin about retaining Bird rights is transparently ignorant because they will end up rescinding his Bird rights at the end of the year.

There's a huge difference between Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol. MWP is barely a NBA player anymore. Gasol puts up 17/10. Regardless of the savings, you don't dump a player as good as Gasol for nothing, unless you're in a financially desperate situation, which the Lakers were not.

Secondly, there a number of ways the offseason can play out for Gasol and the Lakers. They don't have to renounce his Bird rights until a free agent is ready to sign on the dotted line. Until then, they can hold on to his rights, giving them the option to either resign him or sign and trade him.

do you really think it will require the laker's bird rights for other teams to sign pau gasol? you're just parroting marc stein.

[INFORMER-93]

do you really think it will require the laker's bird rights for other teams to sign pau gasol? you're just parroting marc stein.

I don't even know what Marc Stein has said about Gasol.

Anyway, it all depends on the team that wants to sign him. The vast majority of teams that have cap space are rebuilding teams. They won't even be interested in Gasol. And even if a team is under the cap, it may benefit them to do a sign and trade in order to preserve their cap space to bring in another desired free agent.

[SDC]

do you really think it will require the laker's bird rights for other teams to sign pau gasol? you're just parroting marc stein.

I don't even know what Marc Stein has said about Gasol.

Anyway, it all depends on the team that wants to sign him. The vast majority of teams that have cap space are rebuilding teams. They won't even be interested in Gasol. And even if a team is under the cap, it may benefit them to do a sign and trade in order to preserve their cap space to bring in another desired free agent.

1) why would the other team give the lakers any assets?
2) why would the lakers take on more bad salaries so that the other team "can preserve their cap space"?

[INFORMER-93]

1) why would the other team give the lakers any assets?
2) why would the lakers take on more bad salaries so that the other team "can preserve their cap space"?

Your second question answers the first, and who says they have to take back bad salaries?

[JDLAW]

Word is that they did not want the Suns deal because they did not want to signal to the world that the Lakers would dump a player for cash. This was a time to swallow pride and take the cash. It seems to be a little silly when just earlier in the year they dumped World-Peace in an amnesty move. Financially, this move was a disaster for the Lakers and their half-hearted spin about retaining Bird rights is transparently ignorant because they will end up rescinding his Bird rights at the end of the year.

There's a huge difference between Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol. MWP is barely a NBA player anymore. Gasol puts up 17/10. Regardless of the savings, you don't dump a player as good as Gasol for nothing, unless you're in a financially desperate situation, which the Lakers were not.

Secondly, there a number of ways the offseason can play out for Gasol and the Lakers. They don't have to renounce his Bird rights until a free agent is ready to sign on the dotted line. Until then, they can hold on to his rights, giving them the option to either resign him or sign and trade him.

You have not told us anything that we already did not know. Sure they can hold out, but in the end they will renounce his cap hold.

As for the financial part of it, $18M is a large amount of money to keep a player that has no future with the team and has nothing to contribute to the current sinking ship that is the Lakers. I am sure all the Buss children would rather have an extra $3M each in their pockets.

[SDC]

1) why would the other team give the lakers any assets?
2) why would the lakers take on more bad salaries so that the other team "can preserve their cap space"?

Your second question answers the first, and who says they have to take back bad salaries?

why would pau agree to this? why would the lakers take on an expiring contract (when they dont have to, and any asset they receive is anything to crow about) just to do the other team a favor? and why do you think other teams would overpay for gasol?

[INFORMER-93]

Word is that they did not want the Suns deal because they did not want to signal to the world that the Lakers would dump a player for cash. This was a time to swallow pride and take the cash. It seems to be a little silly when just earlier in the year they dumped World-Peace in an amnesty move. Financially, this move was a disaster for the Lakers and their half-hearted spin about retaining Bird rights is transparently ignorant because they will end up rescinding his Bird rights at the end of the year.

There's a huge difference between Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol. MWP is barely a NBA player anymore. Gasol puts up 17/10. Regardless of the savings, you don't dump a player as good as Gasol for nothing, unless you're in a financially desperate situation, which the Lakers were not.

Secondly, there a number of ways the offseason can play out for Gasol and the Lakers. They don't have to renounce his Bird rights until a free agent is ready to sign on the dotted line. Until then, they can hold on to his rights, giving them the option to either resign him or sign and trade him.

You have not told us anything that we already did not know.

Your original post would suggest otherwise. Either you didn't know, didn't understand, or just chose to ignore it.