The NBA basketball thread 2013-2014

[MtlJeff]

it's a rumor now that Wade will take less money annually but spread it out (as RJRJRJ said), and Bosh will just flat out take far less money (like 11-12M a year) so that Lebron can make the max, and they can sign another guy, rumored to be Kyle Lowry

we shall see.....how about that from Bosh though? Easily leaving 30M on the table if true. I mean several teams would have paid him 16-17M a year, including some in no-state-tax land

[RJRJRJ]

I feel like Bosh is getting pressured into feeling like he HAS to go along with the plan. Honestly, I think Lebron would be better off without both of them, and just taker his max salary and use the rest to build a deep team.

[Sidetracked]

Kind of surprised that LeBron only wants a 1-2 year deal max, but then again I can see the bigger picture. No way Bosh should be making less than Wade IMO. If the Heat can't get a Lowery or Deng, it is going to be tough. Maybe Gasol will take a pay cut and go to Miami. I think it is a long shot though.

[mnplayer]

[quote name='Sidetracked' timestamp='1404273012' post='9620897']
Kind of surprised that LeBron only wants a 1-2 year deal max, but then again I can see the bigger picture. No way Bosh should be making less than Wade IMO. If the Heat can't get a Lowery or Deng, it is going to be tough. Maybe Gasol will take a pay cut and go to Miami. I think it is a long shot though.
[/quote]

LeBron wants to be able to jump ship whenever he wants.

[Sidetracked]

[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1404275328' post='9621145']
[quote name='Sidetracked' timestamp='1404273012' post='9620897']
Kind of surprised that LeBron only wants a 1-2 year deal max, but then again I can see the bigger picture. No way Bosh should be making less than Wade IMO. If the Heat can't get a Lowery or Deng, it is going to be tough. Maybe Gasol will take a pay cut and go to Miami. I think it is a long shot though.
[/quote]

LeBron wants to be able to jump ship whenever he wants.
[/quote]

Yeah that's what I figured. I'm a huge LeBron but think that might tarnish his reputation.

[mnplayer]

[quote name='Sidetracked' timestamp='1404275388' post='9621149']
[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1404275328' post='9621145']
[quote name='Sidetracked' timestamp='1404273012' post='9620897']
Kind of surprised that LeBron only wants a 1-2 year deal max, but then again I can see the bigger picture. No way Bosh should be making less than Wade IMO. If the Heat can't get a Lowery or Deng, it is going to be tough. Maybe Gasol will take a pay cut and go to Miami. I think it is a long shot though.
[/quote]

LeBron wants to be able to jump ship whenever he wants.
[/quote]

Yeah that's what I figured. I'm a huge LeBron but think that might tarnish his reputation.
[/quote]

Yeah, I don't agree with it but I understand why he wants a short contract. Especially because he makes so much money off the court, locking up a long term deal isn't necessarily a priority like it would be for say Kyle Lowry. That's also why I don't understand him pushing for a max contract. I get the stigma of the max deal and what not ,but are the few extra million really worth severely limiting who you can bring to Miami. I think he feels like his best opportunity to win outside of Miami is maybe a year or two away and he might as well try and get another ring or two in Miami before possibly teaming up with Wiggins and Kyrie.

[scratchswinger]

He's kinda smart not to sign a long term deal, this way the team he's with can't get lazy in trying to win. It keeps the front office on their toes and motivated. Let's face it LBJ probably has 2-3 years until Durant passes him and when he does it will be that much harder. Miami was probably the 3rd or 4th best team in the league, they need a lot of help. Also I don't think LeBron cares about legacy in regards to loyalty, that left the building at the decision. He needs chips at this point and the window will start closing soon.

[RJRJRJ]

[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1404276823' post='9621271']
[quote name='Sidetracked' timestamp='1404275388' post='9621149']
[quote name='mnplayer' timestamp='1404275328' post='9621145']
[quote name='Sidetracked' timestamp='1404273012' post='9620897']
Kind of surprised that LeBron only wants a 1-2 year deal max, but then again I can see the bigger picture. No way Bosh should be making less than Wade IMO. If the Heat can't get a Lowery or Deng, it is going to be tough. Maybe Gasol will take a pay cut and go to Miami. I think it is a long shot though.
[/quote]

LeBron wants to be able to jump ship whenever he wants.
[/quote]

Yeah that's what I figured. I'm a huge LeBron but think that might tarnish his reputation.
[/quote]

Yeah, I don't agree with it but I understand why he wants a short contract. Especially because he makes so much money off the court, locking up a long term deal isn't necessarily a priority like it would be for say Kyle Lowry. That's also why I don't understand him pushing for a max contract. I get the stigma of the max deal and what not ,but are the few extra million really worth severely limiting who you can bring to Miami. I think he feels like his best opportunity to win outside of Miami is maybe a year or two away and he might as well try and get another ring or two in Miami before possibly teaming up with Wiggins and Kyrie.
[/quote]

I think every single one of the big 3 deals are based around them not wanting to look like idiots. The whole decision thing followed by the not 1, 2, 3 etc nonsense really bound them to stick it out in Miami. If they were to win it all next year, I would say that they succeeded in their quest. But if they were to lose next season, I thin we could all chalk up the "big 3" as a general failure. Im almost certain that Bosh and Lebron want to move elsewhere (not Wade because MIA is the best he's got), but they just can't bail out on the sinking ship without looking bad.

[tocino]

I like the warriors' signing of livingston. He's a great pickup i just wish he was getting 10 million/3 years as opposed to 16 million/3 with a partial guarantee for the third

[tatertot]

The Cavs are going to offer Hayward a max deal? Are they nuts???????

Talking about Wiggins at the 2, which means what for Waiters?

[tocino]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1404326205' post='9624661']
The Cavs are going to offer Hayward a max deal? Are they nuts???????

Talking about Wiggins at the 2, which means what for Waiters?
[/quote]

I heard their were "issues' happening with one or more players on the cavs (kyrie?) and waiters. Now that kyrie is signed long term and they just drafted wiggins, they could definitely use waiters as a trade bait for something they need like a backup big

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1404326205' post='9624661']
The Cavs are going to offer Hayward a max deal? Are they nuts???????

Talking about Wiggins at the 2, which means what for Waiters?
[/quote]

I think overpaying is their only shot to get free agents to go to Cleveland. They were smart to lock Irving up with a 5 year offer because they can't compete if he hits the open market. If Wiggins pans out they will probably also offer him a max deal. Their strategy appears to be bet on young talent and hope they will become a big three.

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1404326205' post='9624661']
The Cavs are going to offer Hayward a max deal? Are they nuts???????

Talking about Wiggins at the 2, which means what for Waiters?
[/quote]

They are overpaying him for sure, but i'd like to see him on a team where he doesn't need to be the primary scorer, he's a crafty player...a "spurs" type player. I imagine the goal is him at the #3 with Wiggins at the #2 (assuming Utah doesn't match) and either bringing Waiters off the bench, or trading him for a big man

I wonder if Memphis would trade Kosta Koufos and Jordan Adams for Waiters...for example.

As had been said, it's an overpay...but why not, no one else will go to Cleveland, and they have some time before they have to pay Bennett or Wiggins...and they don't care about whether Thompson stays i'd guess

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1404276950' post='9621279']
He's kinda smart not to sign a long term deal, this way the team he's with can't get lazy in trying to win. It keeps the front office on their toes and motivated. Let's face it LBJ probably has 2-3 years until Durant passes him and when he does it will be that much harder. Miami was probably the 3rd or 4th best team in the league, they need a lot of help. Also I don't think LeBron cares about legacy in regards to loyalty, that left the building at the decision. He needs chips at this point and the window will start closing soon.
[/quote]

I have to wonder what Bosh was thinking if Lebron signs a 1-2 year deal. I mean that's kind of a slap in the face to Bosh if you think about it. I get it, it's business....but man, Bosh is really a sucker if Lebron bolts in a year after signing a short contract. Because he'd be leaving him high and dry with a washed up Wade on a team that was supposed to be "their team" after agreeing to take less

Bosh could've gotten 16-17M to go to Washington, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, heck even Charlotte....all those teams could have freed up that kind of cash if Bosh had just said the word, and with him they'd all be contenders or quasi contenders for the length of his contract. He seems to have sacrificed 30m+ in salary to stay in Miami....I wonder what's going on inside his head if Lebron signs a one year deal.....or is he just that in love with Lebron?

[Qqq123xx]

Lebron will end his career in Cleveland. That is why, for first time in his career, he wants/will be highest paid on a Team. Also why he only wants two year contract. If Cavs get Hayward with Max Contract, no way Lebron gets more. He is going to try and untarnish the whole "Decision" thing. Lots of luck with that. Well maybe in Cleveland.

[mac94]

Waiters needs to go. Cancer.

[baseballfrk8998]

Lowry staying in Toronto for 4 years and 48 mil. Didn't see that one coming but good for Toronto!

[Rob G 89]

Does any one think melo goes anywhere other then NY? I'm a die hard bulls fan and I think the bulls have no shot. I'm hoping they get gasol and parsons. I rather do that then trade for love as they would have no depth and no salary cap space with love kinda like Miami this past year.

[scratchswinger]

Word on the street here in LA is that Mamba, Klove and Melo played a pickup game together in LA. Very interesting....

[Rob G 89]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1404689655' post='9648373']
Word on the street here in LA is that Mamba, Klove and Melo played a pickup game together in LA. Very interesting....
[/quote]
I hope melo goes to la if not chicago then james to Phoenix and bosh to houston. The eastern conference would be a total joke and cake walk for the bulls.

[StarFleetGolfer]

[quote name='Rob G 89' timestamp='1404690506' post='9648455']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1404689655' post='9648373']
Word on the street here in LA is that Mamba, Klove and Melo played a pickup game together in LA. Very interesting....
[/quote]
I hope melo goes to la if not chicago then james to Phoenix and bosh to houston. The eastern conference would be a total joke and cake walk for the bulls.
[/quote]


That's what I hope. Then they can get rid of conferences and just seed the top teams

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1404689655' post='9648373']
Word on the street here in LA is that Mamba, Klove and Melo played a pickup game together in LA. Very interesting....
[/quote]

As a Lakers fan what are your thoughts on Carmelo going there?

Personally, in a vacuum i think it may somewhat hurt them to try and stay competitive for Kobe. I can see Carmelo in a place like Chicago, where they are ready to contend and just need to add a scorer like him. LA is a bit more complex, they need a lot of pieces (their roster is basically empty) and the free agent market is a little dull this year provided the Heat guys stay where they are which is somewhat up in the air now i suppose.

Kobe and Carmelo i just have a hard time envisioning together. Plus they are talking of trying to re-sign Pau to do a Kobe/Pau/Carmelo. Do they really want to commit money to these guys? I don't think that's anywhere close to a contender, and is a team paying Carmelo 25M a year going to be the destination of choice for Kevin Durant in 2 years? I think even the Lakers don't want to pay the luxury repeater tax. Bill Simmons made the point that what he thought would be great for the Lakers is to just overpay guys on a bunch of 2 year contracts to stay competitive now, but leave yourself open to throw the kitchen sink at Durant (you could even promise him they'd try to add Westbrook the following year)

I don't like Carmelo there. Just wondering what you think as a Lakers fan

[scratchswinger]

I don't like Melo as my number 1 but I don't think the Lakers think he will be. I think he is a piece of the bigger prize. Having Melo makes LA a desirable destination for future stars.

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1404360351' post='9628081']
Lowry staying in Toronto for 4 years and 48 mil. Didn't see that one coming but good for Toronto!
[/quote]

That one move, as insignificant as it might be arguably in the grand scheme of things, i wonder if it is somewhat of a domino situation that could send the league haywire.

The Heat guys, everything going on with them is just rumor. But the latest was that Bosh and Wade would all take less, and they would sign someone else and the main target was Lowry. Now with Lowry signing in Toronto, Mills re-upping in SA, Diaw re-upping in SA, the Carmelo thing not happening, Hawes signing with Clippers....Who is left? Pau Gasol and Luol Deng? Gasol can be offered more by the Lakers if they try to make a go with Carmelo and Kobe together, Deng would be a nice fit, but how will the negociations work? What free agent wants to run to Miami (maybe taking less) with no guarantee of Lebron being there? Will Lebron promise free agents he'll stay if they sign? How long will he stay? Rumor is he might want a 1-2 year deal, will he only sign if they land a free agent, except he won't promise free agents he'll sign and will only decide after if the team is worthy of him?

So what if Miami whiffs on all their free agents because of stuff like this? Doesn't that make Lebron look a bit selfish? Does the whole team just break up?

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1404691948' post='9648617']
I don't like Melo as my number 1 but I don't think the Lakers think he will be. I think he is a piece of the bigger prize. Having Melo makes LA a desirable destination for future stars.
[/quote]

If i'm the Lakers, my post Kobe wish list would have to be Durant/Westbrook/Love. Hopefully getting one of those guys. Hopefully having 4 years committed to Carmelo at 25M per won't get in the way of that....well, assuming you are a Lakers fan of course LOL

[Rob G 89]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1404692056' post='9648639']
[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1404360351' post='9628081']
Lowry staying in Toronto for 4 years and 48 mil. Didn't see that one coming but good for Toronto!
[/quote]

That one move, as insignificant as it might be arguably in the grand scheme of things, i wonder if it is somewhat of a domino situation that could send the league haywire.

The Heat guys, everything going on with them is just rumor. But the latest was that Bosh and Wade would all take less, and they would sign someone else and the main target was Lowry. Now with Lowry signing in Toronto, Mills re-upping in SA, Diaw re-upping in SA, the Carmelo thing not happening, Hawes signing with Clippers....Who is left? Pau Gasol and Luol Deng? Gasol can be offered more by the Lakers if they try to make a go with Carmelo and Kobe together, Deng would be a nice fit, but how will the negociations work? What free agent wants to run to Miami (maybe taking less) with no guarantee of Lebron being there? Will Lebron promise free agents he'll stay if they sign? How long will he stay? Rumor is he might want a 1-2 year deal, will he only sign if they land a free agent, except he won't promise free agents he'll sign and will only decide after if the team is worthy of him?

So what if Miami whiffs on all their free agents because of stuff like this? Doesn't that make Lebron look a bit selfish? Does the whole team just break up?
[/quote]
There is a side story to lebron being selfish there saying the players union is pressuring him to take a max contract. They said it doesn't look good to have the best player in the league not making the most when the players gave back 7 perecent to the owners during the last CBA.
If you watch sports center that tom penn does different salary scenarios for james bosh wade and Haslem plus 5 mil for cap hold for min players. After all that there is like 4 mill left there is no way they can sign anyone decent. It's going to get real interesting soon.

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1404692300' post='9648667']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1404691948' post='9648617']
I don't like Melo as my number 1 but I don't think the Lakers think he will be. I think he is a piece of the bigger prize. Having Melo makes LA a desirable destination for future stars.
[/quote]

If i'm the Lakers, my post Kobe wish list would have to be Durant/Westbrook/Love. Hopefully getting one of those guys. Hopefully having 4 years committed to Carmelo at 25M per won't get in the way of that....well, assuming you are a Lakers fan of course LOL
[/quote]

Are you saying there won't be money left to sign one or two other max (or close to max) guys after Kobe/Nash are off the books?

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1404694398' post='9648893']
[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1404692300' post='9648667']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1404691948' post='9648617']
I don't like Melo as my number 1 but I don't think the Lakers think he will be. I think he is a piece of the bigger prize. Having Melo makes LA a desirable destination for future stars.
[/quote]

If i'm the Lakers, my post Kobe wish list would have to be Durant/Westbrook/Love. Hopefully getting one of those guys. Hopefully having 4 years committed to Carmelo at 25M per won't get in the way of that....well, assuming you are a Lakers fan of course LOL
[/quote]

Are you saying there won't be money left to sign one or two other max (or close to max) guys after Kobe/Nash are off the books?
[/quote]

there would be yes, but Kobe would have to be off the books. But if you sign Carmelo and then Love next season, you probably pay the Luxury tax for 1 year, and lose any realistic shot at Durant or Westbrook.

That would still be a fine team, i'm just not crazy about Carmelo in that situation.

If i was a Lakers fan i'd rather trust the brand and hope we get Love with Westbrook or Durant

[scratchswinger]

And what if Love gets traded to GS and OKC win a title this year? Both are very realistic and if they happen we would have to assume that everyone would re-up.

Lakers made 77 million or something last year, next closest team was less than half.

[scratchswinger]

Reports were false, they were not even at UCLA at the same time.