2009 Offseason/FA thread

**Deleterious** · 06-06-2009, 10:41 AM

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineSt...06#STORY_19316

Carlos Boozer May Be Unattainable for Nets

A number of you are still talking about Carlos Boozer, a development that inspires this response from the rest of us, along with some people in the organization: Huh?

We haven't talked to Rob Pelinka about this - he wouldn't talk on the record about it anyway -- but let's look at it pragmatically:

His client will make $12.6M next year if he doesn't opt out. Where else will he get that $12.6?

We assume Pelinka floated this in case he needs a Plan B if the Detroit connection doesn't happen for them. And he undoubtedly has heard what we're hearing: The Pistons are now giving as much (if not more) consideration to Paul Millsap, to the tune of $8-9M per year, which is an ample jump from the $797K he was paid last season.

And if Detroit has cooled on Boozer, he's going to have to scramble to find anything like the 5/60M he's looking for - or thinks he deserves.

Can't see it.

Not in Jersey, perhaps not anywhere.

We asked Thorn point-blank whether he's spoken to his good friend Kevin O'Connor in Utah lately (yes, he understood we were hinting about sign-and-trade scenarios), and his reply was a terse, "nope, not a single conversation."

That doesn't mean a move for Boozer wouldn't benefit the Nets. You accelerate the rebuild by a year, and solidify the weakest position. And he's obviously comfortable in Jersey - he has a home here, if only to be close to the health care specialists that his son (he had a bone marrow transplant a year ago for sickle sell) requires.

But you also have to wonder how this guy will play with a new contract, since he's never been dependable in the past - he's missed 33 percent of the games (134 of 410) in the last five years, fercryinoutloud - and he plays the kind of defense that gets coaches fired. Moreover, it's hard to ignore the fact that Gasol destroyed him in the last two postseasons.

Or that Utah would love for him to walk away now, so they can pay Millsap.

No, the Jazz don't want any part of Vince Carter.

Thats great that the Pistons are going to offer Sap $8-$9 million. The problem is, and nobody seems to mention this, is the fact he is a restricted FA. You can offer it and he might sign the offer sheet, but Utah will instantly match that. You will have to grossly over pay him so Utah wont match.

I actually saw someone the other day say that Cleveland should go after Boozer. I think it was Michael Wilbon. Can you imagine Boozer back in Cleveland?

**Deleterious** · 06-06-2009, 10:41 AM

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineSt...06#STORY_19326

Bosh Not Requesting Trade from Raptors

There were some ripples made when Toronto Raptors All-Star forward Chris Bosh indicated yesterday he would not a ink contract extension with the Raps this summer.

"[When] I signed a three-year [extension in 2006]... I had a goal in mind, and that was to put myself in the best position [in 2010] ... I'm thinking I just want to stick to my goal, stick to what I was doing," Bosh told reporters. "That's a part of the plan ... I just want to address things [after] next season. There's a reason why I did things the way I did them back then."

Of course, all this did was ramp up the Chris Bosh rumor mill. I mean, this says the Raptors have to trade him, right? Because he could just walk next summer! Here's the deal though – this isn't news. This is simply a restatement of an agreement between Bosh and Raps General Manager Bryan Colangelo that was reported weeks ago. They met and both sides agreed there would be no decision made this summer. Bosh did not ask for a trade, and Colangelo has steadfastly maintained they will not trade Bosh unless he asks to be traded.

Bosh has indicated he wants to see if they can build of the momentum they built at the end of the 2008-09 season into 2009-10, and has no current plans to ask for a trade. Colangelo also said if Bosh were to ask the Raptors for a trade, he would do his best to accommodate that request.

**Deleterious** · 06-06-2009, 03:40 PM

SLAM ONLINE | » Rasheed to the Cavs?

Rasheed to the Cavs?

by J. Gamble

My sources say that Rasheed Wallace and the Cavs are beginning talks on a two-year deal worth about $10 million per for the services of the former Piston. The move and negotiations were inspired by Dwight Howard’s dominant performance over Cleveland’s big men in the Eastern Conference Finals. And Wallace will be brought in for that very purpose, to neutralize Dwight Howard next season and help the Cavs get over the hump.

This supports what we previously reported about what it will take for Sheed to come back next year.

If this signing falls through, I’m hearing that Cleveland may do a sign and trade with the Clippers for Zach Randolph, which certainly makes sense for the Clippers since they are taking Blake Griffin No. 1 overall.

What a steaming pile of crap that rumor is. First, teams cant talk to free agents until July 1. So I have no clue how they are negotiating with Rasheed already. Second, they can't sign him to a $10 million per year deal since they are over the cap. It would have to be a sign and trade. Cleveland has very little that would interest us in a sign and trade.

I would take Varejao in a S&T, but that makes no sense. He is the one big man they will want to keep, so why swap a 27 year old for a 34 year old? So forget that. Now the article says a 2 year deal at $10 million per. Maybe the per was a mistake and they meant 2 years for $10 million. That would be the MLE for 2 years, which Cleveland could do.

Then the whole sign and trade for Zach Randolph. The biggest problem I see with that is...Randolph is under contract. How the heck would they do a sign and trade for someone that has a contract?

People suck.

**Truth** · 06-06-2009, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

SLAM ONLINE | » Rasheed to the Cavs?

What a steaming pile of crap that rumor is. First, teams cant talk to free agents until July 1. So I have no clue how they are negotiating with Rasheed already. Second, they can't sign him to a $10 million per year deal since they are over the cap. It would have to be a sign and trade. Cleveland has very little that would interest us in a sign and trade.

I would take Varejao in a S&T, but that makes no sense. He is the one big man they will want to keep, so why swap a 27 year old for a 34 year old? So forget that. Now the article says a 2 year deal at $10 million per. Maybe the per was a mistake and they meant 2 years for $10 million. That would be the MLE for 2 years, which Cleveland could do.

Then the whole sign and trade for Zach Randolph. The biggest problem I see with that is...Randolph is under contract. How the heck would they do a sign and trade for someone that has a contract?

People suck.

Just what the Cavs need, another old big man who struggles defending pick and rolls and is foul prone.

**Hart** · 06-06-2009, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

SLAM ONLINE | » Rasheed to the Cavs?

What a steaming pile of crap that rumor is. First, teams cant talk to free agents until July 1. So I have no clue how they are negotiating with Rasheed already. Second, they can't sign him to a $10 million per year deal since they are over the cap. It would have to be a sign and trade. Cleveland has very little that would interest us in a sign and trade.

I would take Varejao in a S&T, but that makes no sense. He is the one big man they will want to keep, so why swap a 27 year old for a 34 year old? So forget that. Now the article says a 2 year deal at $10 million per. Maybe the per was a mistake and they meant 2 years for $10 million. That would be the MLE for 2 years, which Cleveland could do.

Then the whole sign and trade for Zach Randolph. The biggest problem I see with that is...Randolph is under contract. How the heck would they do a sign and trade for someone that has a contract?

People suck.

If they could make it work cap wise, then I actually think Sheed is a good fit for Cleveland. I would much rather have Sheed guarding the bigs in Boston and Orlando than Z or Varejao.

**Deleterious** · 06-06-2009, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Hart

If they could make it work cap wise, then I actually think Sheed is a good fit for Cleveland. I would much rather have Sheed guarding the bigs in Boston and Orlando than Z or Varejao.

I agree Sheed is the perfect fit in Cleveland. If he would take the MLE they should absolutely do it. I just don't see anyway we do a sign and trade with them though.

**Truth** · 06-07-2009, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

I agree Sheed is the perfect fit in Cleveland. If he would take the MLE they should absolutely do it. I just don't see anyway we do a sign and trade with them though.

So the team that was criticized for being too old and slow against Howard should add another old big? While it's true that Rasheed has played Howard well, Howard's getting better and Rasheed is just getting older.

I see Rasheed looking for a 20-25 minute a night gig with a contender though so I guess the Cavs would be on his radar. And since the Cavs are in win now mode maybe Rasheed is on theirs as well.

**Deleterious** · 06-07-2009, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Truth

So the team that was criticized for being too old and slow against Howard should add another old big? While it's true that Rasheed has played Howard well, Howard's getting better and Rasheed is just getting older.

I see Rasheed looking for a 20-25 minute a night gig with a contender though so I guess the Cavs would be on his radar. And since the Cavs are in win now mode maybe Rasheed is on theirs as well.

Nobody is more critical of Rasheed than me, but the one thing he can still do is defend the post. Even though I think his defense on Howard is somewhat over rated (Howard averages his career averages against us), he is better then what Cleveland has now and can probably get this summer.

Rasheed will allow Cleveland to play Howard one on one so they don't have to leave perimeter guys open to rain down three point shots over and over. Now Cleveland has to ask, is that worth it for all the other crap he brings to the table?

**Deleterious** · 06-07-2009, 10:29 AM

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineSt...07#STORY_19356

NBA Exec: Knicks Want to Trade David Lee

An NBA executive said Knicks president Donnie Walsh is trying to work out a sign-and-trade for forward-center David Lee in a cost-cutting move.

**Truth** · 06-07-2009, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

Nobody is more critical of Rasheed than me, but the one thing he can still do is defend the post. Even though I think his defense on Howard is somewhat over rated (Howard averages his career averages against us), he is better then what Cleveland has now and can probably get this summer.

Rasheed will allow Cleveland to play Howard one on one so they don't have to leave perimeter guys open to rain down three point shots over and over. Now Cleveland has to ask, is that worth it for all the other crap he brings to the table?

Somewhere during the Celtics series, maybe after Howard griped, it seems like the Magic started running a lot more pick and rolls than I remember from their typical offense. That's what hurt the Cavs the most and I don't think Rasheed would solve that problem.

**Deleterious** · 06-07-2009, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Truth

Somewhere during the Celtics series, maybe after Howard griped, it seems like the Magic started running a lot more pick and rolls than I remember from their typical offense. That's what hurt the Cavs the most and I don't think Rasheed would solve that problem.

Pick and rolls killed Cleveland, but not the ones with Howard. The ones with two shooters did it. For some reason Cleveland chose to show hard on the ball for pick and rolls and leave the shooter free to drift out to the three point line and kill them. That is something the coaching staff has to change.

Personally, nobody on the Magic scares me with penetration. I would float off the screen to cover the three point shooter and invite guys like Turkoglu and Lewis to try and drive the lane from the top of the arc. They are not PG's and will make mistakes and turn the ball over. Even if they do successfully drive the lane, its easier to provide help side defense in the paint instead of scrambling around the perimeter trying to recover. Now if it was Dwayne Wake, Kobe, or James doing the driving, I would change my strategy up. Those guys will kill you if they get into the lane so you have to show hard and cut off the penetration. But with those big 6'10, 6'9 guys, I would let them try to drive all day and night and let the turnovers and charges happen.

Where Howard did kill Cleveland, was when he was doubled and could find the open man, kick out for an open jump shot and bingo, they shoot 45% from behind the arc or while Cleveland scrambled to cover up outside, Howard became open under the basket again for the dunk. That is bad defense. With Rasheed they can play him straight up and not worry about it.

**Hart** · 06-08-2009, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by Truth

So the team that was criticized for being too old and slow against Howard should add another old big? While it's true that Rasheed has played Howard well, Howard's getting better and Rasheed is just getting older.

I see Rasheed looking for a 20-25 minute a night gig with a contender though so I guess the Cavs would be on his radar. And since the Cavs are in win now mode maybe Rasheed is on theirs as well.

It amazes that Howard scores as much as he does with his post moves. His footwork is lacking and he looks awkward making his moves. But he somehow gets the job done...a lot of the time just through sheer athleticism I think.

As much as I hate Rasheed at this point, I still think he offers a lot in man to man post defense. He also seems to play better against the elite players like Duncan and Howard while he struggles against lesser players. This is just part of the motivation factor for Sheed. Also, Lebron spent a lot of energy in the series helping on Howard because Z and Varejao couldn't even come close to stopping him. Sheed would take a great amount of pressure Lebron defensively.

**Betrayer** · 06-08-2009, 09:38 AM

All part of Joe's master plan to take down a division rival through subterfuge. It'll be like dropping a demolitions expert behind enemy lines.

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 10:26 AM

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineSt...08#STORY_19384

Though the Knicks likely will take a combo-type guard in the June 25 NBA Draft, Knicks team president Donnie Walsh will eye a center with his $5 million mid-level exception during free agency, and Orlando's 7-foot backup Marcin Gortat is very high on his list, The Post has learned.

The Knicks had no interior defensive presence, and that's Gortat's strength. He also blocks shots and rebounds. (The Knicks were last in blocked shots the past two years).

The Polish big man originally was drafted by coach Mike D'Antoni's Suns in the second round of 2005, but they traded his rights. Gortat probably will not be re-signed because he plays a smallish role as Dwight Howard's backup and the Magic can't pay him accordingly.

Gortat said the Knicks could be an ideal spot. Gortat (four points, three rebounds) played 15 minutes last night as Magic coach Stan Van Gundy often used a twin-tower alignment to combat the Lakers' size.

Magic general manager Otis Smith can match any offer, but said he knows it will be a financial challenge to retain Gortat.

"He's got the best job in America, playing behind my best player, playing 8 to 10 minutes," Smith said. "He goes out and does his job and probably has the best work ethic of anyone in the locker room. Can he start for another team? Yeah he can.

"I'll just deal with it and the market will dictate where he goes," Smith added. "I would like to keep him on our team, but it depends if someone wants to make him a starter and figures out what's my breaking point. I'm sure teams will make a run for him."

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 10:27 AM

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineSt...08#STORY_19386

Harris Hopes to Recruit Boozer to Nets

Late in an interview with Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on WFAN Thursday, Devin Harris was asked both about the upcoming draft and the possible acquisition of Carlos Boozer.

–Regarding the Draft:

“Aw, dont make me play GM”

“We need more of an athlete, someone who can rebound and block shots, someone who can complement Brook really nicely.

–Regarding Boozer, Roberts pointed out that Boozer looks like he’ll choose between Detroit and New Jersey…

“I definitely hope he picks New Jersey. I think he fits well in us, he’s a 4 man who obviously can complement Brook real well. He can run the screen and roll. He’s a rebounder that we need and he can also space the floor as well. I’ve kind of played with Boozer a couple of times over the summer so I know what he’s capable of doing obviously, going…playing against him. He’s a talented player so he fits right with what we do.”

–Asked if he is willing to recruit the Jazz big man, Harris laughed and answered…

“I’ll do what needs to be done”.

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 10:28 AM

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineSt...08#STORY_19369

Ben Gordon Being Courted by Olympiakos?

Ben Gordon(1.91-PG/SG) is rumored to have been offered to Olympiakos by his agent and this is something that is being confirmed by a plenty of greek sports portals, redplanet.gr and gazzetta.gr to name a few. This sets a new spin on the transfer targets of Olympiakos because Ben Gordon has a british passport.

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 10:32 AM

Knicks' David Lee will draw interest | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Knicks' David Lee will draw interest

A short note in Sunday's Boston Globe said the New York Knicks are "trying to work out a sign-and-trade for power forward David Lee in a cost-cutting move."
Advertisement

And since Lee, picked 30th by the Knicks in the 2005 draft, is an athletic frontcourt player coming off a career-best season, it figures the Pistons would be interested.

The Knicks are considered to be one of the teams angling to have a lot of salary-cap space for the summer of 2010 when the highly touted free-agent class of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire are among the players expected to hit the market.

So it makes sense that the Knicks would pass on giving Lee, who made just over $1.7 million last season, a big raise for averaging 16 points and 11.7 rebounds.

Lee, 6-feet-9 and 240 pounds, is an active frontcourt presence who is in constant motion, grabbing offensive rebounds and being an outright pest.

In a game against the Golden State Warriors in November, Lee, who played at Florida, set career highs with 37 points and 21 boards.

It was the first 30-20 game in regulation for the Knicks since Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing had 36 points and 21 rebounds against Philadelphia on Jan. 23, 1994.

Hard for us to do a sign and trade with them. I think our only expiring deal is Amir and thats under $4 million. Lee will get at least $8 million I imagine, so we would have to add players to make it work. I doubt NY wants to take on salary.

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

Hard for us to do a sign and trade with them. I think our only expiring deal is Amir and thats under $4 million. Lee will get at least $8 million I imagine, so we would have to add players to make it work. I doubt NY wants to take on salary.

After thinking about it, I think a sign and trade would work with Amir. Lee will get a huge raise, so that would make him a BYC player. Meaning only half of his contract would count against the cap. So even if he signed for $10 million, his cap space in a trade would only be $5 million. Easily doable with Amirs contract.

**Betrayer** · 06-08-2009, 12:15 PM

Wouldn't mind Lee. He's a great rebounder, hustle player, and he actually understands what the "Roll" part of "Pick and Roll" means.

I would love to see us go after Gortat. He smells of bargain to me. He's a true Center, that plays hard, rebounds, has good hands, and a nice touch around the basket. He's adds a big body in the paint that can block shots. Plus, at age 25, his game is still growing (12 foot jumpshot needed). I think he can be had at a good price (5 mil or so), making him a steal even as a 25 minute a night 6th man from that position.

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 01:21 PM

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Pistons Could Turn To Turkoglu With Cap Space

Pistons Could Turn To Turkoglu With Cap Space

Reports have suggested the Pistons will be interested in Ben Gordon, Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap this summer, but they could also make a play for Hedu Turkoglu.

Turkoglu is most likely to remain in Orlando, but could be lured away if a team with cap space offers a better deal.

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 01:43 PM

Terry Pluto's Talkin' ... about Rasheed | Terry's Talkin' Sports - cleveland.com

Cavs Will Be In Market For Rasheed

Guess what? The Cavs may have an interest in Wallace on a short deal. They need more size, and they'd like a big man who can shoot. At 6-11, Wallace can defend when the mood strikes him. He remains a good shooter. He will be 35 in September, and seemed distracted in his final season with the Pistons, yet still averaged 12 points and 7.4 rebounds. He has some nagging injuries, but one theory is coming to a contending team in the same division as Detroit could inspire him. Cavs assistant John Kuester was with the Pistons and Wallace for a few years and likes the power forward/center.

**Betrayer** · 06-08-2009, 02:32 PM

I guess if the writers make an article about single free agent available in connection with Detroit, they'll have to right on one of their guesses, right? I can't wait until July 1st when writers can stop speculating on things with no evidence and start writing the news.

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 03:04 PM

It will be an especially bad year for the Pistons and rumors. With all that cap space, every agent on earth will want to link his player to the Pistons in order to drive up his price.

**Hart** · 06-08-2009, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by Betrayer

Wouldn't mind Lee. He's a great rebounder, hustle player, and he actually understands what the "Roll" part of "Pick and Roll" means.

I would love to see us go after Gortat. He smells of bargain to me. He's a true Center, that plays hard, rebounds, has good hands, and a nice touch around the basket. He's adds a big body in the paint that can block shots. Plus, at age 25, his game is still growing (12 foot jumpshot needed). I think he can be had at a good price (5 mil or so), making him a steal even as a 25 minute a night 6th man from that position.

Is it true that Lee doesn't play defense? The scouting report on him seems to be he rebounds and plays hard but he doesn't have much skill level on offense and doesn't play much defense. I can live with his shortcomings on offense but I would hate to sign a guy who doesn't play defense. Maybe getting him out of New York would help.

I agree about Gortat but I do worry about signing him to a multi-year deal and then finding out he is the next Nazr Mohammad. That is the risk you have to take with centers though because there are so few of them out there. He does seem to be an upgrade over Kwame.

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by Hart

Is it true that Lee doesn't play defense? The scouting report on him seems to be he rebounds and plays hard but he doesn't have much skill level on offense and doesn't play much defense. I can live with his shortcomings on offense but I would hate to sign a guy who doesn't play defense. Maybe getting him out of New York would help.

I agree about Gortat but I do worry about signing him to a multi-year deal and then finding out he is the next Nazr Mohammad. That is the risk you have to take with centers though because there are so few of them out there. He does seem to be an upgrade over Kwame.

I found this from some guy at Bleacher Report. This is just a one game evaluation. I'm just posting about his defense. Click the link to read about his offense and rebounding.

David Lee's Lack Of D Is All-Star Voters' Defense | Bleacher Report

Defense

It’s this end of the floor where Lee struggles.

Because D’Antoni has the Knicks switch every screen, Lee was often stuck on the perimeter guarding Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala. Lee too much respect to Iguodala’s drives, allowing AI to shoot over Lee, while Lee bit hard on a Miller pump fake and fouled him 19 feet from the basket.

Even when Lee was defending his own man, he made no effort to contest a Samuel Dalembert 18-footer (understandable considering Dalembert’s inconsistent jumper), and was left dizzy by a Thaddeus Young cross over.

Lee sometimes made effective hard shows and recoveries on screen/rolls, but when he wasn’t showing, he was in no-man’s land, giving up too much room to rhythm jump shooters.

Lee’s most egregious off-ball defensive mistake was sagging too hard off Young who was at the top of the key, and paying too much attention to Miller with the ball at the left wing. An up-screen from Young for Speights allowed for an uncontested alley-oop with Lee nowhere in the area.

Also, because Lee is New York’s de facto center, yet isn’t a shot blocker, the Sixers had no troubles attacking Lee’s help defense and registering scores of layups.

Lee does work hard, but more consistency is needed by Lee on this end of the court to truly be an all-star.

Sounds like the defensive system put him at a disadvantage. Asking him to guard players on the wing is probably not that hot of an idea. Regardless, his blocked shots stat is crazy low (.3 per game). They did say he worked hard though. To me, that is mostly what defense is about. If he is willing to work hard, a good coach should be able to put him in the right system and get a good performance out of him

**Hart** · 06-08-2009, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

I found this from some guy at Bleacher Report. This is just a one game evaluation. I'm just posting about his defense. Click the link to read about his offense and rebounding.

David Lee's Lack Of D Is All-Star Voters' Defense | Bleacher Report

Sounds like the defensive system put him at a disadvantage. Asking him to guard players on the wing is probably not that hot of an idea. Regardless, his blocked shots stat is crazy low (.3 per game). They did say he worked hard though. To me, that is mostly what defense is about. If he is willing to work hard, a good coach should be able to put him in the right system and get a good performance out of him

Lee certainly did not get a lot of help in New York. Playing next to Curry, Wilcox, and Harrington is not going to give you a lot of help defensively. I think if you put him next to a good defensive center like Chandler or Gortat, he might do a lot better.

**4hzglory** · 06-08-2009, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

After thinking about it, I think a sign and trade would work with Amir. Lee will get a huge raise, so that would make him a BYC player. Meaning only half of his contract would count against the cap. So even if he signed for $10 million, his cap space in a trade would only be $5 million. Easily doable with Amirs contract.

With our cap space, couldn't we just do even a draft pick trade for Lee (if NY would accept of course). We have the cap space to make any trade without giving back equal contracts, so if all NY wants is draft picks and Amir, we could do it. (Don't know if they would take that though.)

**Deleterious** · 06-08-2009, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by 4hzglory

With our cap space, couldn't we just do even a draft pick trade for Lee (if NY would accept of course). We have the cap space to make any trade without giving back equal contracts, so if all NY wants is draft picks and Amir, we could do it. (Don't know if they would take that though.)

Good point.

**sportz4life** · 06-08-2009, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by 4hzglory

With our cap space, couldn't we just do even a draft pick trade for Lee (if NY would accept of course). We have the cap space to make any trade without giving back equal contracts, so if all NY wants is draft picks and Amir, we could do it. (Don't know if they would take that though.)

correct, because of their cap space matching contracts is not necessary..To essentially acquire Lee for 5.5-6MM in gross cap expenditure would be solid

**Deleterious** · 06-09-2009, 04:22 AM

I think I would play poker with the Knicks. They don't want him back. Sign him to an offer sheet and I bet they don't match. Saves a draft pick.

**Deleterious** · 06-09-2009, 09:50 AM

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Boozer: Contract Status Is Up To Jazz

Boozer: Contract Status Is Up To Jazz

Carlos Boozer suggested on Monday that he still hasn't decided if he'll opt out of the final year of his contract with the Jazz.

The statement, which was made on ESPN's "Jim Rome is Burning," is contrary to what he told ESPN.com back in December.

"I want to make the best decision we can, obviously," Boozer said. "Do my homework, do my due diligence and on June 30th I'll decide either to opt in or opt out."

Boozer said back in December that he was definitely going to opt out, but now appears to be putting the ball in Utah's court.

"Yeah," he said if wanting to remain in Utah. "I mean, obviously, I put the ball in their court. You know, I told them I wanted to be there – and we'll see how they respond, and how they approach me."

**sportz4life** · 06-09-2009, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

I think I would play poker with the Knicks. They don't want him back. Sign him to an offer sheet and I bet they don't match. Saves a draft pick.

Del..they dont want the pick..they are trying to manage cap space..the idea is to add a player and the 1.35MM the pick represents. Then the cap cost is reduced. They would rather use 2nd rounders who are not guaranteed money.

**Deleterious** · 06-09-2009, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by sportz4life

Del..they dont want the pick..they are trying to manage cap space..the idea is to add a player and the 1.35MM the pick represents. Then the cap cost is reduced. They would rather use 2nd rounders who are not guaranteed money.

I understand that. But NY is not going to be asking for a 1st rounder. They want the extra cap space more then Detroit does. So they will be asking for a second rounder. Sign him to the offer sheet and save the pick.

**sportz4life** · 06-09-2009, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

I understand that. But NY is not going to be asking for a 1st rounder. They want the extra cap space more then Detroit does. So they will be asking for a second rounder. Sign him to the offer sheet and save the pick.

We shall see..they may want the #15 to package with #8 so they can move up..Time will tell..I'm not a huge Lee fan, but for 5MM I am interested.

**4hzglory** · 06-09-2009, 11:28 AM

..I'm not a hug Lee fan, but for 5MM I am interested.

My thoughts as well. I'd even be interestested for closer to $8 mil.

**lesgoblu02** · 06-09-2009, 11:30 AM

Lee is exactly what the Pistons need.

**Deleterious** · 06-10-2009, 10:26 AM

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Reports Of Cavs Chasing Wallace Untrue?

Reports Of Cavs Chasing Wallace Untrue?

There were reports on Monday that the Cavaliers were chasing free-agent Rasheed Wallace.

However, Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer points out that rumors of a two-year, $20 million contract are false.

The Cavaliers do not have the salary cap space to make such a deal, and the free agent negotiating period doesn't begin until July 1.

Another report linked Cleveland to Zach Randolph in a "sign-and-trade," but the Clippers big man isn't a free agent.

Well, that all sounds familiar.

**Deleterious** · 06-10-2009, 11:21 AM

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Childress Not Expected Back To NBA For 2009-10 Season

Childress Not Expected Back To NBA For 2009-10 Season

Three separate sources have informed the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Josh Childress is not expected to return to the NBA for the 2009-10 season.

The dynamics of his situation in the NBA haven’t changed from last summer. He’s still a restricted free agent and would be subject to dealing with a Hawks organization that couldn’t get a deal done with him last summer.

“I don’t know why he would come back,” a Western Conference scout told me. “There’s so much uncertainty in the league this summer. Teams are holding back because of the economy and plotting for the summer of 2010. Plus, he’s still bound by restricted free agency, which means he can’t really come back and shop around for the best situation. If the Hawks didn’t get a deal done with him last summer I don’t see any way they get one done now. No way.”

Bummer, I would have liked the Pistons to go after him. Doubtful Atlanta could/would match an offer.

**Omaha Piston** · 06-10-2009, 12:01 PM

I'd like for us to grab Gortat too.

**Deleterious** · 06-10-2009, 02:02 PM

Can anyone here with ESPN Insider confirm they are reporting Dallas is trading Josh Howard to the Wizards for the #5 pick?

Obviously Washington would have to send back some salary if true.