2019 - 2021 Free-Agents

[Ranma]

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[Vae Victus]

I've been tooting the Kawhi, KD, AD Super Duper Trio the hardest on the RealGM board.

If Kawhi is semi serious about LAC, and Logo comes to him saying, "if you join, i got KD and AD in the bag." Then i see no reason for Kawhi to not jump onboard first. KD then upgrades from his current aging and banged up teammates going from Steph, Klay, Dray to Kawhi, AD, both of whom are younger and fresh for some long playoff runs. Steph is still amazing, Klay is great at what he does, but Dray is starting to become the weakest link, and their bench of Livingston and Iggy are just washed now.

The only question mark is whether the Logo can come up with a package good enough to get AD. If Ainge truly does go over the top (Tatum + Brown + Horford + MEM FRP + SAC FRP for AD + Hill), then BOS gets AD no questions ask. If Ainge tries to be cute and offers up a shot package based around Brown, then hopefully it poisons negotiations enough where Ferry or the new GM, decides "**** you, you were jerking us around since the deadline, you scumbags" and the Logo rolls in with his best offer. LAL is out of it, due to Klutch hijinks.

The Logo just has the gravitas and good intentions to not utterly screw NOP over as the Logo just doesnt have that type of rep (Ainge we all know is licking his chops wanting to rape NOP, Maginka are **** clowns). The Logo will offer a FAIR deal and one would be WISE to take it.

[mkwest]

How the Clippers are preparing for the playoffs and a busy offseason

Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle offered his take on the Clippers' approach.

"It's very challenging," Carlisle said. "The Clippers are doing a good job of it. We hung in there for a few years and then [we've] undergone more of a massive retooling."

Initially, Clippers management did not have the summer of 2019 in mind during those September meetings two years ago.

But then Kawhi Leonard began to want out of San Antonio last season, with Southern California leaking out as a preferred landing spot -- and not necessarily only to the Lakers.

"You think about the Blake trade," Rivers said. "If you add up what that all brought us, from four draft picks to Shai to Zub to Sham, if you just think about what that did and then it gave us flexibility at the same time. CP, we end up with 'Trezl and flexibility."

The Clippers' front office could be armed with $54 million to $75 million to play with in free agency this summer, depending on any additional roster moves they make, according to ESPN front-office insider Bobby Marks.

Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN

[esqtvd]

oh I'm so scared

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/252810/Hawks-Will-Pursue-Superstar-Free-Agents-In-Offseason

[mkwest]

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[TrueLAfan]

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To me this is (very interesting). Bledsoe just turned 29; he’s in the middle of his peak period. He’s averaged around 65-70 games a year for the last seven years or so. He’s a very productive guy; he could be the #3 player—almost co-#2 player--on a championship team IMO (18.1/4.6/5.7 since 2013). I think he took a hometown and “this is a great team!” discount. And he still came in at (well) under $20 million a year.

Put it this way. I think Bledsoe, in terms of court time, is at least as valuable as Tobias. He plays less—about 20% less a year. But I think Bled is at least as productive, so he makes up a little of that. Even if you think they’re even—Bledsoe was probably more of a 4 year/$80-85 million guy on the open market. That kinda tells me that Tobias’ value is in the $22-25 million a year range. The main part of that difference is the fact that Tobias is kind of an iron man; he plays 75+ games a year.

What’s my point? Don’t overpay and provide a good situation and you can get results. The Bucks got Bledsoe for a good deal—some risk, because he’s had a couple of years where he’s missed extended time. But, still, this will be his fourth year in the last five that he’s played over 2100 minutes—it’s not a big risk. Part of what our organization has done is put us in a situation that makes us desirable. Ballmer going on media and talking about his vision and a new arena—that makes us attractive. Los Angeles as a location makes us attractive. The team we’ve built—tough, young, strong bench, little to no infighting—makes us attractive. Some people complain about him, but the perception around the league (and, I think, among most players) is that Doc Rivers is a players’ coach. That makes us attractive.

About a year and a half ago, I speculated about the possibility of Myles Turner in our future plans and that it would be nice to get him in a couple of years and sign him for around $15-20 million a year. I got some, uh, criticism. But he’s another guy like this (except younger)—it looks like he’ll top out around 15 and 8.5; he’s a great rim protector and has great range for a C. He’d be a good #3 guy on a championship team. Indiana signed him, essentially, to Bledsoe’s deal—a great move, IMO.

This is a type of move we should be looking for, IMO. It’s great to talk about max FAs. You’re gonna win titles having really good #2 and #3 guys and great benches and great organizations. We’ve got the last two to help us get the #2 and #3 guys; signing just one top FA would help even more. It’s a big deal.

[TheNewEra]

Bring back Zubac, Green and Beverly at all cost

[mkwest]

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[Galloisdaman]

Folks talk about this FA and that FA. Some are saying Tobias and Butler will get 30-35 mill a year so Lou and Trezz are absolute steals right now. What would would they get as FA right now??? Management was very smart. Look at the finances of the Chris Paul trade. And the Blake trade. They not only cashed in on players and picks but kept this team full of bargain deals.

[mkwest]

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A little Clipper talk around 3:16

[simon24]

Bring back Zubac, Green and Beverly at all cost

I'm not sure how they could afford to keep him with trying to get 2 max guys and possibly resign Zubac.

[Galloisdaman]

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To me this is (very interesting). Bledsoe just turned 29; he’s in the middle of his peak period. He’s averaged around 65-70 games a year for the last seven years or so. He’s a very productive guy; he could be the #3 player—almost co-#2 player--on a championship team IMO (18.1/4.6/5.7 since 2013). I think he took a hometown and “this is a great team!” discount. And he still came in at (well) under $20 million a year.

Put it this way. I think Bledsoe, in terms of court time, is at least as valuable as Tobias. He plays less—about 20% less a year. But I think Bled is at least as productive, so he makes up a little of that. Even if you think they’re even—Bledsoe was probably more of a 4 year/$80-85 million guy on the open market. That kinda tells me that Tobias’ value is in the $22-25 million a year range. The main part of that difference is the fact that Tobias is kind of an iron man; he plays 75+ games a year.

I can not say what Tobias deserves but if he hits the open market I would not be shocked if he gets an offer in the 30's. That does not mean it will be a good deal. Many UFA sign overpriced deals in all sports.

[Quake Griffin]

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To me this is (very interesting). Bledsoe just turned 29; he’s in the middle of his peak period. He’s averaged around 65-70 games a year for the last seven years or so. He’s a very productive guy; he could be the #3 player—almost co-#2 player--on a championship team IMO (18.1/4.6/5.7 since 2013). I think he took a hometown and “this is a great team!” discount. And he still came in at (well) under $20 million a year.

Put it this way. I think Bledsoe, in terms of court time, is at least as valuable as Tobias. He plays less—about 20% less a year. But I think Bled is at least as productive, so he makes up a little of that. Even if you think they’re even—Bledsoe was probably more of a 4 year/$80-85 million guy on the open market. That kinda tells me that Tobias’ value is in the $22-25 million a year range. The main part of that difference is the fact that Tobias is kind of an iron man; he plays 75+ games a year.

I can not say what Tobias deserves but if he hits the open market I would not be shocked if he gets an offer in the 30's. That does not mean it will be a good deal. Many UFA sign overpriced deals in all sports.

So glad to come from underneath the weight of “what to do with him”.

Better without him.
Undoubtedly we’d have some people wanting him back at that number to keep a 45 win culture.

[mkwest]

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[Galloisdaman]

To me this is (very interesting). Bledsoe just turned 29; he’s in the middle of his peak period. He’s averaged around 65-70 games a year for the last seven years or so. He’s a very productive guy; he could be the #3 player—almost co-#2 player--on a championship team IMO (18.1/4.6/5.7 since 2013). I think he took a hometown and “this is a great team!” discount. And he still came in at (well) under $20 million a year.

Put it this way. I think Bledsoe, in terms of court time, is at least as valuable as Tobias. He plays less—about 20% less a year. But I think Bled is at least as productive, so he makes up a little of that. Even if you think they’re even—Bledsoe was probably more of a 4 year/$80-85 million guy on the open market. That kinda tells me that Tobias’ value is in the $22-25 million a year range. The main part of that difference is the fact that Tobias is kind of an iron man; he plays 75+ games a year.

I can not say what Tobias deserves but if he hits the open market I would not be shocked if he gets an offer in the 30's. That does not mean it will be a good deal. Many UFA sign overpriced deals in all sports.

So glad to come from underneath the weight of “what to do with him”.

Better without him.
Undoubtedly we’d have some people wanting him back at that number to keep a 45 win culture.

It must have been a really tough call because obviously Tobia's points and rebounds are legit positives but the big question was how much of a step back would they take after the trade. Would the team be that much worse (25-34 mill) without him? So far the defense has been better BUT to be fair to Tobias that may be because of Zubac and Bev.

Have many front offices had to make 3 of these huge calls in 2 seasons? Chris Paul, then Blake, then Tobias? Those were all high risk moves but I have to give the front office credit. Many executives would stand pat rather than put their jobs/reputations on the line. The Clippers did it 3 times in around 18 months.

[Vae Victus]

LAC is in great position to not only get KD, Kawhi, and AD in one offseason, but keep just enough depth to be a sustained great team. The only question is how of the farm is the Logo willing to trade for AD.

LAL is toast
BOS is in deep doo doo if Kyrie bolts
NYK HAS to get lucky in the lotto and with flattened odds, its too ez to get jumped over slot wise

LAC is in the mix for AD if they choose to be involved.

[esqtvd]

To me this is (very interesting). Bledsoe just turned 29; he’s in the middle of his peak period. He’s averaged around 65-70 games a year for the last seven years or so. He’s a very productive guy; he could be the #3 player—almost co-#2 player--on a championship team IMO (18.1/4.6/5.7 since 2013). I think he took a hometown and “this is a great team!” discount. And he still came in at (well) under $20 million a year.

Put it this way. I think Bledsoe, in terms of court time, is at least as valuable as Tobias. He plays less—about 20% less a year. But I think Bled is at least as productive, so he makes up a little of that. Even if you think they’re even—Bledsoe was probably more of a 4 year/$80-85 million guy on the open market. That kinda tells me that Tobias’ value is in the $22-25 million a year range. The main part of that difference is the fact that Tobias is kind of an iron man; he plays 75+ games a year.

I can not say what Tobias deserves but if he hits the open market I would not be shocked if he gets an offer in the 30's. That does not mean it will be a good deal. Many UFA sign overpriced deals in all sports.

So glad to come from underneath the weight of “what to do with him”.

Better without him.
Undoubtedly we’d have some people wanting him back at that number to keep a 45 win culture.

Well, I know you're slagging on me. But I was here for 25 years of a 30-win culture. I don't turn up my nose at 45 wins.

That's about where we're headed now, and I'm enjoying the ride a lot.

That said, I wasn't prepared to max out Tobias either, but for a more nuanced reason: He's simply not a game-changer. Give me his numbers but with leadership and defense like Pat Bev, or the ability to impose his will on a game at crunch time, and I'm totally there.

[Galloisdaman]

LAC is in great position to not only get KD, Kawhi, and AD in one offseason, but keep just enough depth to be a sustained great team. The only question is how of the farm is the Logo willing to trade for AD.

LAL is toast
BOS is in deep doo doo if Kyrie bolts
NYK HAS to get lucky in the lotto and with flattened odds, its too ez to get jumped over slot wise

LAC is in the mix for AD if they choose to be involved.

Anything is possible but that would be an incredible offseason. Almost like winning the powerball. Think about how many superstar FA have come here as FA previously. To basically get 3 that would be huge!

If Kyrie is going to hurt that teams locker room and not play defense Boston might drive Kyrie to the airport.

[esqtvd]

LAC is in great position to not only get KD, Kawhi, and AD in one offseason, but keep just enough depth to be a sustained great team. The only question is how of the farm is the Logo willing to trade for AD.

LAL is toast
BOS is in deep doo doo if Kyrie bolts
NYK HAS to get lucky in the lotto and with flattened odds, its too ez to get jumped over slot wise

LAC is in the mix for AD if they choose to be involved.

LAL is toast

my favorite part of your post LOL

Great post. But I'm not giving up anything in trade for anybody. With LA's weather, a great owner and a championship coach who gets plenty of respect from players all over the league*, and being the worldwide capital of showbiz--PLUS The Logo--we're gonna get top people without having to part with any talent.


*https://clipperholics.com/2019/03/14/patrick-beverley-joins-sports-center-talk-la-clippers-success/

When asked about how much credit goes to Doc for keeping this team successful through trades and everything else, Beverley responded:

All of the credit. All of the credit. I mean, me, Lou, Gall, Trezz, you know, especially me and Lou. You know, after the trade got done, I looked at Lou like, “man, we gotta go out there and play as hard as we can and live with the result.” You can see Doc imprinting his coaching, his culture into this team.

Van Pelt then asked what Doc gives that is the most important thing.

Realness. His IQ is incredible for the game. Of course, he’ll curse you out in a hot second….Any plays he draws up, especially an ATO, they always work!

[Ranma]

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