2021 Free Agency

[JMAC3]

If we expect Borrego to make the playoffs then we have to use the last bit of this cap space... Especially after trading Graham for a pick. Otherwise we really aren't trying to put the best team on the floor.

[LofJ]

If no other player of significance is brought in I wonder how they're going to sell that. "Our team leaders expect to be in the playoffs. And we backed them up with the 2nd lowest payroll in the league. We believe in them!"

I don't expect that Mitch and team are done, but if not I would be fascinated to see how they justify such a low payroll for a team that is supposedly competing for the playoffs.

It’s not that hard - is it?

Because 3 of our 5 best players and starters are still on their rookie contacts (LaMelo, Miles & PJ) our salary sheet looks healthy.

With better luck with health (eg: not losing LaMelo & Gordon for significant stretches of time) we will be better positioned for more wins.

Projected natural improvement from our young guys entering their 2-4 seasons will add wins.

Contribution from at least 1 of our 4 draft picks will add depth.

Anyways, back to FA though (because that’s what this thread is for, not win/loss projections).

I'm glad that Kupchak didn't go overboard this offseason. And there was no possible way for us to get our payroll up to $120 million plus like the rest of the playoff teams without overpaying Graham and Monk.

That said we still need veteran depth because injuries happen every year. We don't have to give out 3 to 5 year deals like a lot of other teams foolishly did, but we can and should pull another Mason Plumlee like move. Another good veteran player on a short deal like Plumlee would cap off a fantastic offseason.

[JMAC3]

I think I have changed my mind on Oubre... looking at his basketball ref page it is tough to find bright spots.

Pretty much a horrible three point shooter except 1 season... he has played 6.

Never has had a better Offensive rating than a Defensive rating... meaning the team gives up more points than it scores in his minutes...

Vorp stats are horrible, Wins shares are horrible.

Not worth 10 Million.

[vorbis]

Read on Twitter

[LofJ]

That's as official as it gets. He's an elite shooter and always seems to light us up, I'm on board.

[JDR720]

The issue is he is injury prone.

Besides his rookie season, he has never played more than 52 games.

[driveandkick]

He also can’t play defense

[Liver_Pooty]

Brings depth. I love it

[JDR720]

He'll probably be our best shooter and maybe even a top 3 scorer. But he doesn't really solve any of our issues.

Pro:
Best shooter
Solid rebounder
Probable top 3 scorer
Can play PF and C

Con:
Defense
Injuries
Doesn't solve any hole on team

I keep going back and forth. I kinda of like the idea of it, but the downside is we have an expensive, injury prone bench player.

[amcoolio]

I actually like the fit with Kai, sure it will be bad defensively but Lauri is like a way taller Malik Monk with his hot streaks and it is a huge improvement to the bench. Ish, Bouknight, Bridges, Markkanen and Kai/McDaniels? Yes please

He was used horribly and has had 3 coaches already

[Liver_Pooty]

I actually like the fit with Kai, sure it will be bad defensively but Lauri is like a way taller Malik Monk with his hot streaks and it is a huge improvement to the bench. Ish, Bouknight, Bridges, Markkanen and Kai/McDaniels? Yes please

He was used horribly and has had 3 coaches already

Miles will be starting but I agree.

[amcoolio]

I actually like the fit with Kai, sure it will be bad defensively but Lauri is like a way taller Malik Monk with his hot streaks and it is a huge improvement to the bench. Ish, Bouknight, Bridges, Markkanen and Kai/McDaniels? Yes please

He was used horribly and has had 3 coaches already

Miles will be starting but I agree.

Over who? Plumlee?

[amcoolio]

I actually like the fit with Kai, sure it will be bad defensively but Lauri is like a way taller Malik Monk with his hot streaks and it is a huge improvement to the bench. Ish, Bouknight, Bridges, Markkanen and Kai/McDaniels? Yes please

He was used horribly and has had 3 coaches already

Miles will be starting but I agree.

Over who? Plumlee?

[amcoolio]

I actually like the fit with Kai, sure it will be bad defensively but Lauri is like a way taller Malik Monk with his hot streaks and it is a huge improvement to the bench. Ish, Bouknight, Bridges, Markkanen and Kai/McDaniels? Yes please

He was used horribly and has had 3 coaches already

Miles will be starting but I agree.

Over who? Plumlee?

[Liver_Pooty]

I actually like the fit with Kai, sure it will be bad defensively but Lauri is like a way taller Malik Monk with his hot streaks and it is a huge improvement to the bench. Ish, Bouknight, Bridges, Markkanen and Kai/McDaniels? Yes please

He was used horribly and has had 3 coaches already

Miles will be starting but I agree.

Over who? Plumlee?

Lol over Washington. Ball, Rozier, Hayward, Miles Plumlee is our best starting 5, and I don't think it's honestly close at this point.

[CuseMayne]

Definitely on board as long as it's not too expensive and not too long of a commitment. Would bring MUCH NEEDED scoring off the bench, and he still has some upside. I vaguely remember us here on the board considering to trade for him during last year's trade deadline. I'd like the pickup...and with the Bulls spending huge to get Lonzo and DeRozan I don't see them retaining him...

[Emhoward]

I'm meh about it. But we better not be giving up any assets.

[Evil_Headband]

How much cap space do the Hornets have?

[BigSlam]

Read on Twitter

I feel like this can be added to the dozen or so other players we have been “strongly” connected to this summer that never eventuated.

Not saying it won’t happen. Just saying I put zero stock in anything on Twitter.

[Liver_Pooty]

Do the Bulls even have enough $ left to match?