2014 NBA Free Agency and Draft

[gkIrish]

TIFWIW

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Warriors, Cavs and T-Wolves are discussing a three team trade....a blockbuster one....</p>— NBA Legion (@MySportsLegion) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/statuses/488108552649592833">July 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I'm guessing something along the lines of

Warriors get: Wiggins, 1st rounder
Cavs get: Love
TWolves get Klay Thompson, Anthony Bennett, and 1st rounder

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

LeBron only signed a 2 year deal? With an opt out after this next year? Why?

IMO- it's a mistake that could backfire on him.
Why not sign the max length and dollars with opt outs after every year?
That way he protects himself against serious injury and he can cash in after the big TV dollars roll in.

 

[gkIrish]

LOL keep dreaming. The Knicks are going to blow for the foreseeable future.

How many teams have a top 10 player, an all-NBA rookie, their 2015 first round pick, and 20 million + in cap space heading into the 2015 season?

I'll wait.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

IMO- it's a mistake that could backfire on him.
Why not sign the max length and dollars with opt outs after every year?
That way he protects himself against serious injury and he can cash in after the big TV dollars roll in.

Bc he can get a massive contract in 2 years. You arent going to get a clause in a contract where you can opt out every year.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

TIFWIW

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Warriors, Cavs and T-Wolves are discussing a three team trade....a blockbuster one....</p>— NBA Legion (@MySportsLegion) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/statuses/488108552649592833">July 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I'm guessing something along the lines of

Warriors get: Wiggins, 1st rounder
Cavs get: Love
TWolves get Klay Thompson, Anthony Bennett, and 1st rounder

Wiggins wont be part of it but I like the trade you have. My guess is Warriors a LOT of draft picks. Twolves get Thompson and Klay Thompson. Cavs get Love


Or maybe the Cavs are offering Kyrie for Curry? lol

 

[TheTurningPoint]

How many teams have a top 10 player, an all-NBA rookie, their 2015 first round pick, and 20 million + in cap space heading into the 2015 season?

I'll wait.

Knicks get Durant in 2016.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Bc he can get a massive contract in 2 years. You arent going to get a clause in a contract where you can opt out every year.

You really think he couldn't demand that?
Like the Cavs would walk away from the deal?

He can have anything he wants from any team he wants.

 

[SaltyND24]

Knicks get Durant in 2016.

I'm going to say something ridiculous and say that if Durant leaves OKC, he'll a washington wizard...I see him going back to the DMV.

 

[greyhammer90]

I'm going to say something ridiculous and say that if Durant leaves OKC, he'll a washington wizard...I see him going back to the DMV.

Gross. You just agreed with Jalen Rose.

 

[GATTACA!]

You really think he couldn't demand that?
Like the Cavs would walk away from the deal?

He can have anything he wants from any team he wants.

Thats not even legal in the current CBA....so theres that.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Thats not even legal in the current CBA....so theres that.

Well, okay then.

 

[irishog77]

This may be tough for Knicks fans to swallow, but every player doesn't want to go play for them.

What do they have to offer right now? A coach who's never run a practice, drawn up a play, been in a meeting, or even assisted in any way; a coach for a GM; an insane owner; and a max player who is lazy and is the highest volume shooter in the league.

Oh and they have fans that believe they are the greatest city and team in the basketball universe because, well, it's New York.

And when Anthony and Durant are playing together in this mecca of basketball, which one plays the 4 and which one plays the 3? And if you think that doesn't matter, ask Lebron James how much he enjoyed expending all that energy when he had to play post defense because his other teammates could not, or worse, would not.

I'm sure a ton of quality guys will line up to play for them too at minumum/low salaries (because they'll have 2 players taking up 60+% of the salary cap) when they're paying ~52% in city, state, and federal taxes, paying a ridiculous amount for rent/mortgage, and paying a ridiculous amount in food and other goods. Then there's agent fees, attorney fees, union dues, etc. So after all necessary expenses, that player is left with, what-- 25% of his salary to spend on cars, hookers, and whatever else he wants?

Or players can go somewhere else and play. They can even go play for a team that wins championships more than once every 44 years or so.

How much of an appeal is it going to play for the marquee franchise in all of basketball, in a city that offers essentially what New York can offer (but with year-round great weather, no less), with an all-time great player and winner (better than Anthony has ever demonstrated) right now?

 

[Irish#1]

This may be tough for Knicks fans to swallow, but every player doesn't want to go play for them.

What do they have to offer right now? A coach who's never run a practice, drawn up a play, been in a meeting, or even assisted in any way; a coach for a GM; an insane owner; and a max player who is lazy and is the highest volume shooter in the league.

Oh and they have fans that believe they are the greatest city and team in the basketball universe because, well, it's New York.

And when Anthony and Durant are playing together in this mecca of basketball, which one plays the 4 and which one plays the 3? And if you think that doesn't matter, ask Lebron James how much he enjoyed expending all that energy when he had to play post defense because his other teammates could not, or worse, would not.

I'm sure a ton of quality guys will line up to play for them too at minumum/low salaries (because they'll have 2 players taking up 60+% of the salary cap) when they're paying ~52% in city, state, and federal taxes, paying a ridiculous amount for rent/mortgage, and paying a ridiculous amount in food and other goods. Then there's agent fees, attorney fees, union dues, etc. So after all necessary expenses, that player is left with, what-- 25% of his salary to spend on cars, hookers, and whatever else he wants?

Or players can go somewhere else and play. They can even go play for a team that wins championships more than once every 44 years or so.

How much of an appeal is it going to play for the marquee franchise in all of basketball, in a city that offers essentially what New York can offer (but with year-round great weather, no less), with an all-time great player and winner (better than Anthony has ever demonstrated) right now?

I don't disagree with this, but you sound a little pissed at the moment! lol

 

[Irish#1]

How many teams have a top 10 player, an all-NBA rookie, their 2015 first round pick, and 20 million + in cap space heading into the 2015 season?

I'll wait.

Top 15 NBA Players in no particular order.
James
Durant
Bryant
George
Nowitzki
Westbrook
Love
Cousins
Parker
Duncan
Aldridge
Howard
Griffin
Curry
Paul

 

[koonja]

I think Melo is a top 5 player. I'd put James, Durant, Melo, Kobe, Kevin Love as my top 5.

I'm maybe bias on Kobe.

 

[Irish#1]

I think Melo is a top 5 player. I'd put James, Durant, Melo, Kobe, Kevin Love as my top 5.

I'm maybe bias on Kobe.

The vast majority on that list also play defense. I've also heard a lot of "experts" over the last couple of years say Anthony is overrated (not a team player and lack of defense). If you go strictly by scoring I would agree.

 

[koonja]

The vast majority on that list also play defense. I've also heard a lot of "experts" over the last couple of years say Anthony is overrated (not a team player and lack of defense). If you go strictly by scoring I would agree.

Couple points I expect no one to agree with, lol. Melo is not a great defender, but he's been better the past couple of years. Also is rebounding better too (no stats but I thought I heard that).

IMO, we knock Melo for defense, but give Durant a free pass. He's very average at on the ball defense.

And I think as an overall scorer, I'd take Melo over Durant. I love Melo in the post. Defense is a close to a push IMO. Not knocking Durant and saying he's not top 5, but I think Melo is right there.

 

[koonja]

LeBron only signed a 2 year deal? With an opt out after this next year? Why?

Would that be the time Wiggins is in it for a big pay day? Idk how long rookie salaries are. Probably wants to option to take a cut to keep wiggins if he likes playing with him?

 

[gkIrish]

Top 15 NBA Players in no particular order.
James
Durant
Bryant
George
Nowitzki
Westbrook
Love
Cousins
Parker
Duncan
Aldridge
Howard
Griffin
Curry
Paul

You forgot Vince Carter

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

It's like GoIrish said. The max salary is about to go away or go way up in two years so he wants to be able to get on that action.

 

[sparkyND]

Paul Pierce signed with the Wizards for the mid-level exception. Not a bad player for the young Wizards team I think.

 

[GATTACA!]

I think Melo is a top 5 player. I'd put James, Durant, George, Howard, Kevin Love as my top 5.

I'm maybe bias on Kobe.

FTFY

Kobe isn't even top 10 anymore he's well into the twilight of his career and is coming of a torn achillies. Also Durant is a much better all around player than Melo. Durant gets to the rim way more than Melo, he isn't a black hole when he gets the ball, and he's a more consistent rebounder.

Would that be the time Wiggins is in it for a big pay day? Idk how long rookie salaries are. Probably wants to option to take a cut to keep wiggins if he likes playing with him?

No, rookie deals are for five years. Even if it was he wouldn't have to take a cut to keep Wiggins you are allowed to go over the salary cap to keep your own players. LBJ took the two year deal because that's when the NBA TV deal is up. So it's expected that max salary along with the salary cap is going to go way up. That will be a chance for Lebron to finally be paid the highest in the NBA.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Knicks get Durant in 2016.

Idk about being a Knick, but I think Durant being a free agent in 2016 is part of the reason LJ only signed for 2 years.

 

[GATTACA!]

Idk about being a Knick, but I think Durant being a free agent in 2016 is part of the reason LJ only signed for 2 years.

See multiple explanations above ^

 

[koonja]

FTFY

Kobe isn't even top 10 anymore he's well into the twilight of his career and is coming of a torn achillies. Also Durant is a much better all around player than Melo. Durant gets to the rim way more than Melo, he isn't a black hole when he gets the ball, and he's a more consistent rebounder.



No, rookie deals are for five years. Even if it was he wouldn't have to take a cut to keep Wiggins you are allowed to go over the salary cap to keep your own players. LBJ took the two year deal because that's when the NBA TV deal is up. So it's expected that max salary along with the salary cap is going to go way up. That will be a chance for Lebron to finally be paid the highest in the NBA.

Kobe's not top 10? Didn't he average 27 a game last time he played? And he's a better passer than anyone on my list not named lebron.

 

[Grahambo]

Not putting Anthony in the Top 15 is straight hating.

As for the state of the Knicks: I suppose Derek Fisher has never sat in any meeting involving basketball so what does he know. Not like he hasn't been a student of the game his entire life and learned from Phil. Or not even an endorsement from KD is enough because it's not like he hasn't been an unofficial player/coach the last few years. Or being a PG, not like he hasn't learned how to control the game over his last 18+ professional years of basketball.

As for the future, they open up with $23mil (plus another $11mil if Bargs is dealt). I'm sure nobody will come.

Anthony at the 4/ KD at the 3. And Koon, his defense and rebounding is much improved so you are correct in that. It's not like he won 54 games two years ago. Enough with the tax argument. It's tiresome and weak.

Sure, not everyone wants the bright lights. Dwight didn't want LA. But money talks. So does Jackson's rings and Dolans open wallet.

Most NYK fans are intelligent and understand. Don't skimp on rebuilding and try to sell us on BS. That was managements fault the past few years.

Oh, and draft picks: everyone trades them.


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[IrishLax]

All you New York fans keep dreaming about KD. He has expressed literally zero interest ever in going to NY.

On the other hand, he spends all of his free time in DC and goes out of his way to catch Redskin games, etc. and... if you can believe radio shows?... has expressed interest privately in returning to DC if things sour in OKC.

So you're talking about a better up-and-coming team, better fit, home, and a large media market... or a worse team, worse fit, worse area, and a bigger media market which might translate into bigger stardom/advertising $$. So IF he leaves OKC... which is a bit of longshot... don't get your hopes up.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Anthony is a better player now than he probably has ever been, but he better keep himself in shape or else his body will not be in good enough condition for KD to come in 2016.

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[gkIrish]

I've seen maybe one Knicks fan on here say they want or think KD would go to NY.

I personally don't see it and don't want it if Melo is on the team. I just want Marc Gasol or Aldridge next season.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Portland would have to fall sharply for Aldridge to leave. Gasol is a possibility though.

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