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NBA Offseason Thread: Draft, Trades, and Free Agency

I didn't want to disrupt the NBA Finals discussion, so I thought I'd open up this thread for offseason talk (which alot of teams are already doing).

Here's a few rumors floating around:

Bulls interested in Grizzlies forward Battier

Tim as GM: The exec behind the Kidd craze

It makes sense: We'll be Bobcats (Charlotte's new nickname)

Wolves might go after Malone

Payton might end up with Trail Blazers

Other rumors:

Quote:

The other major trade rumor making the rounds involves Minnesota's Terrell Brandon, who hasn't played since January 2002 and likely will retire. Brandon's $11.2 million salary comes off the salary cap in January. Insurance pays 80 percent. A team that acquires him can make a major savings in the luxury tax.

Indiana is said to be a possible suitor. That kind of deal would enable Indiana to give up, say, Austin Croshere and Jeff Foster or Ron Mercer. Then the Pacers could be free to re-sign free agents Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller and Reggie Miller without incurring considerable luxury tax.

There's also talk the Timberwolves are in talks for a bigger deal with the Trail Blazers, who are anxious to begin weeding out players and reducing salary. Timberwolves officials insist they want to keep Kevin Garnett even as he enters the final season of his contract.

One way to persuade him to stay is to upgrade, and there's a possibility of working a deal for Portland's Rasheed Wallace, who might be expendable with the emergence of Zach Randolph. The feeling in Portland is the leadership-challenged Wallace needs to be with a better player, like Garnett.

There's also talk of a larger deal involving Wally Szczerbiak and Portland. But that's questionable because Szczerbiak's so-called poison-pill contract status would require involving several additional players in any trade.

Quote:

PICKS FOR SALE

It didn�t take long for the offers to start flooding in, in fact beyond the #1 selection in Cleveland, it seems picks 3,4,7, and 8 in the June NBA Draft could be had.

At #2, the Pistons have all but said they will take Darko Milicic. Carmelo Anthony and his agent have been lobbying in the media to get a serious chance at swaying the Pistons into taking Melo at #2, or allowing another team to trade for him. The Piston�s are not aggressive in talks about the #2, but Joe Dumars is listening. If Detroit retains the pick (and it looks strongly like they will), expect them to take Darko Milicic, but a draft day deal involving a starter sent to Detroit in exchange for Melo could happen, and don�t be surprised to see Miami get after Detroit using Eddie Jones or Brian Grant as bait.

Denver walked out of the Draft lottery at #3, but mixed messages have come out of Denver ever since. Depending on who you talk to you�ll get a different answer, but word is Kiki Vandeweghe would rather deal the draft selection, than use it on one player. Likely seeing the promise of a �two for one�, and likely having their fill of young players, word is Denver is seriously entertaining talks on the number 3 overall. It seems more likely than not that Denver deals the pick, although publicly they say they would be happy taking Carmelo Anthony if they keep the pick.

Chicago owns the #7 overall, and it seems they too have had their fill of young guys and would rather deal the pick and player for a roster upgrade. There is talk that John Paxson is shopping the pick hard, but Chicago sources say it is not as aggressive as it seems, and they are prepared to use the pick if a decent deal cannot be made.

The Bucks, as usual have their pick on the market, this year it has a bit more value. Its been said Milwaukee may actually get aggressive about the draft, but that would be a huge departure for both George Karl and Ernie Grunfeld. If the right offer were made (solid veteran) Milwaukee seems poised to move the #8.

[ 06-06-2003: Message edited Shaolin ]

I wonder why the Spurs seem so obsessed over Jason Kidd? They already have two young PGs that have gotten them to the NBA Finals. Do they really need Jason Kidd? If I were the Spurs I'd go after a big man like Jermaine O'Neal, Elton Brand, or Michael Olowakandi.

Not interested in the NBA Finals, Shaolin? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

A tandem of Kidd-Duncan would be incredible. But, I agree, PG is not a position of need. The Spurs need to find a legit big man to replace The Admiral in the off-season. Personally, I view Olowokandi as a putz, so if I was a Spurs fan he wouldn�t top the list. The ideal free agent to bring to town would be Jermaine O�Neal (Brand would be No. 1, but I don�t see him leaving L.A. until next off-season). Not only is he young and very talented, but I think his game would be a great compliment to Duncan�s.

Quote:

Originally posted by Shaolin:


Bulls interested in Grizzlies forward Battier

I wouldn�t mind seeing this happen. The Bulls don�t need another prospect via the draft. The team is young and raw as it is. Battier isn�t *that* experienced, but he fits the mold of the perfect role player. Someone who plays good defense, is a leader by example, and knows his role. That�s exactly what this team needs. The Bulls have a large void at the SF position (Eddie Robinson sucks), so Battier would help out in that area. This deal would be contingent on Fizer�s health, so it would be interesting to see if a trade between Memphis and Chicago happens on draft night.

If the Bulls keep the pick, I would like to see them take a chance on Mikael Pietrus. I don�t buy into the �Euro Jordan� crap, but I like the fact that he�s known as a great defender with the potential to emerge into a good SG. The Bulls could afford to have him sit and learn the NBA game a few years, so it wouldn�t be that much of a risk. But I�d prefer that Jim Paxson gets some veteran help in the off-season.

'Siberian Shaq' might go No. 4 in NBA Draft

Looks like the three man draft has now become four. Pavel Podkolzine wowed scouts and GMs after a private workout yesterday. He's only 18 years old and stands at 7'5" tall and 295 pounds. He's already being compared to Yao Ming and a young Arvydas Sabonis. The Raptors could have the big man they've been looking for. The emergence of the 'Siberian Shaq' could make draft day interesting.

Free agency news courtesy of HoopsWorld.com:

Quote:

Here are the notable free agents that either are completely unrestricted or hold team options for restrictions:

Alonzo Mourning: Zo is said to be healthy, but for how long and how much? Miami seems to be through with him so it will be interesting to see where he lands. There is talk that Dallas would like to see him workout, and a Zo-Shaq front line in LA sounds too scary to imagine ...

Andre Miller: Dre is still considered one of the top 6 or 7 points in the game, although he had a dreadful year as a Clipper. The Jazz are rumored to have him earmarked as their point of the future and may make the Clippers match him to keep him. He is LA�s player to lose, but will the Clips leverage $7 million annually into a so-so player for them?...

Brad Miller: The Pacers are trying to angle for a trade to offload some duplication and relieve some luxury tax pressure to re-sign Brad. It seems he�d like to remain in Indiana from what he�s said publicly and privately, but at the end of the day it�s going to be a money decision ...

Corey Maggette: Like Andre Miller, Maggette will be a restricted free agent. It�s being said that Denver has eyes for Corey, and Maggette is eager to get into a role where he doesn�t have to compete for minutes...

Darrell Armstrong: Magic Gm John Gabriel has repeatedly said that Darrel would be retained, I don�t know they leverage a ton of money into him at his age, but it does not seem that Orlando let�s their energy-hustle guy walk...

Derrick Coleman: The rumors of Coleman to Detroit have already started. Detroit despite having Ben Wallace was one of the worst rebounding teams in the basketball. Coleman, a Larry brown favorite is a possible, it just does not seem like they�d do it for a ton of money...

Elton Brand: EB has said he�d like to remain a Clipper, call it morbidity if you will but, he�d like to build something in LA, too bad Donald Sterling doesn�t feel that way too. Elton is not seeking a MAX contract from the Clippers, although he�d like to see a sizable increase, provided they express a desire to retain the core there. If the Clips let pieces go this summer, expect Elton to start seeking life elsewhere....

Gary Payton: GP would like to end his career with a ring, bottom line. Money is a secondary consideration but word is he�s seeking a 3 year deal from whom ever he signs with. That�s a big commitment to a guy that�s on the back nine of his career. The Lakers are the most mentioned, but it seems it will come down to money in Milwaukee, a title in LA or a situation that offers life after basketball...

Jason Kidd: Based on who well New jersey has played in the post season, it�s hard to believe Jason Kidd would leave Jersey. His wife wants to stay; they have proven to be competitive enough to get to the big show. Kidd stays in Jersey...

Jason Terry: JT said at the trade deadline this year, he loved Atlanta and wanted to stay, the club stepped away from trade offers, it seems like he�s staying in Atlanta...

Jon Barry: Barry was basically told he would not be brought back to Detroit. Rumor has it he is interested in playing in Boston, but he will have plenty of options. If the Lakers are smart, they�d make sure he�s part of their roster for next year....

Juwan Howard: Juwan is free from expectation, after completing his mega-money deal, he�s just a player again. Several clubs have interest in his game, now that he�s cheap, namely the Lakers, but the Mavs may have interest in returning and there is talk that he�d be a good fit in Miami or Detroit- both clubs are looking for rebounding and inside scoring...

Karl Malone: If Mrs. Malone has here way, I am told Karl will be a Maverick or Spur. One place he�s not likely to land is back in Utah, where Larry Miller said Karl was not getting anymore mega money deals, the best they would offer is the median exception. Karl has options, but it seems like his interests are in Texas...

Keon Clark: Keon holds a player option for $5 million for one more season in Sacramento, the Kings say they have not received word that he�ll exercise it, but it�s expected he will, if he doesn�t, he may not find a better offer elsewhere...

Lamar Odom: Because of his track record, Odom is viewed as damaged goods, although pat Riley still would make a pass at him from what I am told. Odom is expected to accept the Qualifying Offer sheet he�ll get this summer and play one more year in LA, it�s not insane to say Donald Sterling could pony up on the money he�s hinted at giving, time will tell...

Reggie Miller: There was talk that Reggie was ready for another uniform, although it�s said he�s talked with Pacers ownership, who claim to be willing to keep Reggie at a better price tag to have him retire a Pacer. Reggie will not make what he did, but it seems the Pacers are positing to clear room to re-ink him and Brad Miller both...

Scottie Pippen: Pip keeps telling media he�ll play two more seasons in the right situation, ideally with the Blazers, who seem to have lost his phone number...

Stephen Jackson: Stephen Jackson has been a stud all year and he�s due for a payday, it�s possible the Spurs pony up the money to keep him, it�s more likely that he moves on to greener pastures. Jackson has been the eye of a number of teams, it�s said that Phil Jackson has admired the way Jackson has battled to stay in the league and likes his defense...

Theo Ratliff: Theo holds an option for free agency but did not exercise it, it�s possible he does, but hawks sources say there isn�t a market for him, that is better than the deal he has....

Tim Duncan: Timmy stays in san Antonio, it�s a forgone conclusion he�ll be back, it�s also a forgone conclusion that he�ll have a lot of say in who comes on this summer after David Robinson hangs them up. Word is Duncan would love to play with Jermaine O�Neal, expect hefty pursuit....

Of that list, i'd sign Andre Miller and Theo Ratliff.

I don't like the Bobcats as the Charlotte nickname.

I love all the pre-draft hype! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] A guy like Pavel Podkolzine has an impressive *individual* workout, and now he�s all the latest rage. Exactly how does that happen? He might be the greatest thing since sliced bread (and Lord knows that NBA executives love big guys), but he didn�t go up against anyone in his workout. How can these scouts judge how good Podkolzine really is based on that? Granted, he does have incredible skills for someone his size, but A LOT of NBA duds have looked �spectacular� in these types of workouts. I�m just sayin�. It sounds like NBA GM�s fall in love with these European players based on some individual drills in a gym. Then comes in that overused word �potential.� Podkolzine didn�t play that much this past year, so I highly doubt NBA teams will be going off anything besides workouts.

Quote:

Originally posted by General Jiang Wei:

I don't like the Bobcats as the Charlotte nickname.

I don�t either. Flight is the perfect nickname. It works on so many levels.

Out of the free agent list Shaolin posted, I think Corey Maggette is the most intriguing prospect. He really stepped up his game the past few years. He and Elton Brand carried that pathetic excuse of a team in L.A. this season, which says a lot. Not only has he developed a good outside shot, but he has improved on defense and penetrates well to the basket. I wouldn�t mind seeing him playing SG for the Bulls. He�s an up-and-coming player.

The Bulls are bringing Dwyane Wade in for a second workout, so they must be very interested in him. I really like his game, but I'm not sure he's what the Bulls need at this point.

The worse thing about a draft is that no one is a guaranteed anything.

James ain't ****, i mean yeah potential, but he does all this stuff vs high school kids. so what.

Jason Williams was suppose to be the **** too, and Harold Miner and so many others. It's hard to build a team when you never know if that one piece you need is worth drafting for.

�With the fourth pick of the 2003 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors select Pavel Podkolzine, a 7�4� center out of Russia.�

http://www.nbadraft.net/profiles/hea...dkolzin-hd.jpg http://www.jsrsports.com/images/topi...podkolzine.jpg

Nice mug! [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] But, the dude is a freakin' giant!

Will Pod come out of nowhere and rise up the draft charts like Skita did last year? Better yet, will the Denver Nuggets trade down to pick the �Siberian Shaq?� (This is the latest rumor) Where does that leave �Melo? Inquiring minds want to know.

[ 06-08-2003: Message edited Chi159 ]

Yeah, I agree. None of these teams really know what they are getting. No matter what, LeBron James is vastly overrated right now. People are acting like he�s the next greatest thing. WTF? You can�t make that judgment based on HS numbers. There have been way too many �can�t miss� prospects for anyone to make that claim. You provided good examples. Does anyone remember Felipe Lopez? The HS phenom destined to become the next MJ? I rest my case.

But I do think it's a bit ridiculous that many NBA teams lift Euro prospects to incredible heights based on a few workouts. Either scout the European game better (only a few teams really do) or take a huge gamble based on hype.

*Edited to include Darko's take on Pavel Podkolzine (From ESPN Insider):

Darko's not impressed with Mickael Pietrus or Victor Khryapa. He swears that Sofaklis Schortsanitis is really only 6-foot-8, and he reserves his harshest judgment for Pavel Podkolzin, whom he played against last year.

"Pavel can't even walk," he says with a grin. "So how can he play in the NBA."

[ 06-08-2003: Message edited Chi159 ]

Quote:

Originally posted by Chi159:
You provided good examples. Does anyone remember Felipe Lopez?

"Pavel can't even walk," he says with a grin. "So how can he play in the NBA."[/i]

He made a good combo with Zendon Hamilton at St Johns, but couldn't even reach status as a college player.

I'm liking Darko now, i mean i love trash talkers [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img]

I want to see Melo in a cool uniform,... hmmmm trade Raef LeFrentz and the 1st pick this year and next to Denver for Melo [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Here are the two latest big rumors:

1.) Chicago Bulls trade Jay Williams, Eddie Robinson, and the No. 7 pick to Seattle for Rashard Lewis and a player/draft pick to be named.
[*]It�s no secret that GM John Paxson is looking to shop Jay Williams and unload Robinson�s contract in return for a talented SF. I wouldn�t mind seeing this deal happen, but I would want the second player in return to be of solid value. No way do I want to see Calvin Booth or Jerome James�s overpriced butt sitting on Chicago�s bench this year. After all, the Bulls would be giving up the No. 7 pick in what is turning into a deep draft class. But, I don�t mind the idea of the following starting lineup: Crawford, Rose, Curry, Lewis, and Chandler. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

2.) Atlanta trades Theo Ratliff to the Lakers for Horry, Fisher, Rush, and a draft pick. Supposedly, this deal has already been agreed to in principle.
[*]Wow! The Lakers would be gambling on Ratliff�s health in lieu of depth with this trade. If healthy, Ratliff would be the perfect inside compliment to Shaq and Kobe�s game. He�s the ideal power forward. But if he goes down with his usual injury problems, the Lakers will be screwed.

[ 06-11-2003: Message edited Chi159 ]

Quote:

Originally posted by General Jiang Wei:

I'm liking Darko now, i mean i love trash talkers [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img]

Darko is just a jealous smack-talkin' bitch! [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] I've heard nothing but positive things about Pavel and his workouts. It's like Yao Ming all over again, lots of potential but lots of uncertainty as well. I'd take the gamble if I were the Raptors. You can't find too many 7'4" guys walking around nowadays.

You got to feel for Jay Williams. He was all the rage coming out of college last year, but now the Bulls are using him as trade bait.

As for the Rashard Lewis to Chicago deal, I wouldn't do it if I was Seattle. Rashard had a breakout year last year and is finally coming into his own. Rashard and Ray Allen make a deadly combo in Seattle. Maybe Rashard for Crawford and Chandler.

That Ratliff deal might help the Lakers, but who would play the point? Pargo? [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] Good luck! The Lakers depth would still suck:

STARTERS:
PG Pargo
SG Kobe
SF George
PF Ratliff
C Shaq

BENCH:
Medvedenko
Horry (team option)
Fox (injured)
Madsen (free agent)
Walker (free agent)

Quote:

Originally posted by Chi159:

2.) Atlanta trades Theo Ratliff to the Lakers for Horry, Fisher, Rush, and a draft pick. Supposedly, this deal has already been agreed to in principle.

I love Theo, but i think Rush is a stud in the weeds. Plus a draft pick, which is completely potluck no matter if it's #1 or #58.

Shaq might just break Ratliff's back in practice goign for a rebound.

Latest I've heard, Lakers is signing Mike Madsen and trading him, then, for John Travolta or whoever that sing the Thong song.

On a more serious note, I do agree of any plan from the Lakers, to let go of Fisher, Horry and even Fox and Samaki Walker, but it must be for a reliable third option player i.e. a player who is not Theo Ratliff (reliable underscored here). Plus, Lakers still need to get a PG to replace the departure of Fisher.

Personally, if Lakers is shrewd enough to find a capspace, I like them to get back Eddie Jones from Miami. In that case, Kobe can plays the point (the ball is always with him anyway), Jones can play either SG or SF and with Shaq in the center, who cares who the other 2 starters are, although one could be a good one from the draft. In that case, Lakers finally get a damn fine third option, Kobe gets the ball and Shaq gets to do what Shaq do best - dominates the paint and dunks.

[ 06-15-2003: Message edited dcismyfav ]

Quote:

Originally posted by Shaolin:


That Ratliff deal might help the Lakers, but who would play the point? Pargo? [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] Good luck! The Lakers depth would still suck:

STARTERS:
PG Pargo
SG Kobe
SF George
PF Ratliff
C Shaq

BENCH:
Medvedenko
Horry (team option)
Fox (injured)
Madsen (free agent)
Walker (free agent)

However, if the potential trade happens, I don't think Lakers will be that dumb to leave the roster as it is.

I think Lakers will use its second round draft pick for a small but quick point guard, like Jason Gardner from Arizona, who can score and mature (as a senior with 4 to 5 years experienced in a competitive college basketball tournament)

The Lakers might also let go Walker and Madsen to free the capspace, and in their place, will be some young but cheap free agents who is willing to sacrifice playing time for a quick potential to adorn the championship ring, and some veteran FAs who is willing to do the same.

And I've get the feeling, Lakers through Phil, is negotiating a deal with Pippen for him to play for a minimum salary, with a chance for him to retire with glory i.e. another championship ring.

With that in mind, Lakers' roster could be :-

PG: Jason Gardner
SG: Kobe Bryant
C: Shaquille O'Neal
SF: Scottie Pippen
PF: Theo Ratliff

Bench:

Jannero Pargo
Brian Shaw (re-sign)
Rick Fox
Stanislav Medvedenko
Dan Gadzuric (FA center from Milwaukee who played for UCLA)
Travis Best (FA PG from Miami)
Devean George

How about that for an imagination ? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[ 06-15-2003: Message edited dcismyfav ]