2021 Free Agency

[BigSlam]

The San Antonio Spurs had interest in signing Lauri Markkanen in free agency, but his asking price exceeded what they were willing to pay, according to Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective.

San Antonio, however, signed Zach Collins to a three-year, $22 million deal despite his multiple ankle surgeries. The number San Antonio gave Collins offers some insight into what Markkanen is seeking well beyond that.

The Chicago Bulls sought DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade that could have used Markkanen as a makeweight. The Bulls ultimately agreed to a three-year, $85 million deal with DeRozan and sent back Thaddues Young and future picks.

Windhorst adds that the Bulls could keep Markkanen on a one-year deal.

Does this mean that Markkanen is expecting a contract around $25-$30mil per year?

If so: That's a HARD pass from me.


https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/263712/Lauri-Markkanen-Sought-Contract-Beyond-What-Spurs-Were-Willing-To-Pay

[yosemiteben]

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Love this

[MPM]

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Love this

So very happy for Kemba - he (and the Knicks) must be over the moon. (And more bad news for Schroder)

[BigSlam]

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Love this

I usually stop caring about a player the moment he leaves our team, but I'm so happy for Walker.

It's awesome he's going to be able to play at home and on that stage - and he's a really good fit there.

[LofJ]

I still want Kemba to come back to Charlotte. If it doesn't work out with the Knicks I hope he'll consider it.

[Chapelchilla]

Thats awesome for Kemba. Makes the Knicks formidable though. Hopefully he takes it out on Boston.

[-Ian-]

I hope Kemba's knees can withstand Thibs.

[Rich4114]

Knicks could be serious this season. Happy for Kemba and $8m per year is a steal. Just two years after being eligible for super max he’s making $8m per year and less than he was on his bargain Charlotte contract.

[Benjamin Linus]

It's cool that Kemba didn't go to the Lakers

Knicks will be solid though. Going from Payton/Bullock to Kemba/Fournier is a pretty nice upgrade, just figured they would've made some splashier moves with all that capspace & picks they had going into the offseason

[amcoolio]

Kemba is toast defensively though. I don't see it ending up well.

Can't believe he gave up that much money just to go somewhere to play. It has to be an assload of money he gave up to get the Thunder to agree.

[BigSlam]

I hope Kemba's knees can withstand Thibs.

I think Walker is a coaches dream. I can't see any coach not totally digging him, his attitude, his work ethic and his passion.

[yosemiteben]

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[BigSlam]

I still want Kemba to come back to Charlotte. If it doesn't work out with the Knicks I hope he'll consider it.

For a poultry $8mil a year Walker would have been an outstanding addition for us.

Although he's obviously looking for a starting gig, which he will have in NY - plus the ability to play at home.

With us he'd be a back up and we are only his 2nd home.

[BigSlam]

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Team Schroder must be sweating bullets.

Knicks were said to be interested, but now with Walker that opportunity is gone.

[Benjamin Linus]

I don't know if I'm on an island here, but I'd still like to see us bring in another center... and this is coming from someone who doesn't mind PJ playing the 5. I mean, if we're trying to make a playoff push I'm not sure how ready Vernon and Kai are and if Plumlee ever misses time that big rotation could start to look real thin. Just not a lot of options left... Birch? Kanter? Biz?

[amcoolio]

I don't know if I'm on an island here, but I'd still like to see us bring in another center... and this is coming from someone who doesn't mind PJ playing the 5. I mean, if we're trying to make a playoff push I'm not sure how ready Vernon and Kai are and if Plumlee ever misses time that big rotation could start to look real thin. Just not a lot of options left... Birch? Kanter? Biz?

Who would we cut? We are already at 15 roster spots.

Maybe a small consolidation trade is in the works. Problem is there are very few tanking teams. The Bulls and Knicks went all in with very little shot to advance in the playoffs. Which I'd wager is better for us in the long run.

[LofJ]

Oubre must have killed his value last year with the Warriors. He was always pretty mediocre, but I think he'd be decent coming off the bench for us.

That said I'd rather Mitch trade with a team to give them salary relief. The options there are better - Beverley, Lamb, or Ingles would all be great additions.

[Benjamin Linus]

Can we keep Biz on retainer lol sign him to a 10-day contract whenever needed?

[GoBobs]

Make Biz a coach and then a player coach if plumb dog gets hurt or we decide to cut richards

Jordan Bone would be good as a third pg option

[Benjamin Linus]

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