2009 Free Agents

[EJPLAYA]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

If we are smart we take BBD and TA and send them in a trade to a team for a very solid backup SF. (Travis Outlaw maybe, Ron Artest in a sign and trade? Throw in a pick or one of he youngs if needed) Sign Rasheed to backup the big spot. He is a very good possibility because there is a legit need and PT for him here, and he has a great relationship with KG. Sign Powe for a reasonable deal. Sign Marbury to backup Rondo again. His offense will only get better as he has another offseason to get his game back in our system. Pick up another backup less than stellar big man and you are all set. THAT is actually do-able and we would have one heck of a team.

Rondo/Marbury/House
Allen/House/Giddens
PP/Outlaw/Walker
KG/Rasheed/Powe
Perk/Rasheed/Moore (or upgrade)

[guava_wrench]

Next year I'd like our roster to look like this.

Rondo/Marbury
Allen/Parker/House
Pierce/Hill/Scalabrine
Garnett/Davis/Powe
Perkins/Wallace

If we don't/can't resign both Davis and Powe then I would go for Anderson, McDyess, Rasho or Zaza. I'd like to see Moore and Pruitt gone, I don't think it matters whether or not Giddens stays or goes, TA is quickly losing my trust and if we can convince someone to take him I'd do it and I'd like to see Walker given a chance to possibly displace Scal or House from the active roster (and the recipient of the displacement traded). I'd love to see Danny buy a first round pick and make the 15th spot Tyler Hansbrough.

Bibby, Kidd, Iverson, Miller, Gordon, Artest, Marion, Udoka, Ariza, Odom and Wilcox will be too expensive to sign here. I think Chris Anderson may have priced himself out of Boston as well.

I love your lineup, but I think it is a stretch to imagine the Cs can sign Grant Hill, Anthony Parker and Rasheed Wallace with the MLE and vet mins.  I imagine that any one of those guys (with the possible exception of Hill) will be more expensive than either Udoka or Ariza.

While this is true, I think that Ariza and Udoka are still young(ish) guys who would look for a big(ish) contract. I'd like to think Hill and Sheed are after a ring and not money (or max playing time). Parker I'm not sure about, but there are teams crazy enough to give him a bit of money. Who knows?

Yeah, from what I've read, Ariza will be looking for a deal between $6 - $8 million, said he would never sign in Boston, and seems likely to be re-upped by the Lakers.  It's almost guaranteed that he signs for more than a guy like Parker.

As for Udoka, though, I can't see him getting any big offers.  I could be wrong, though.

This will be an interesting offseason due to the shrinking salary cap. Team also expect the cap to shrink the year after, so players seeking long term deals will have a hard time getting big money unless they are elite players.

It is hard to imagine Ariza getting more than MLE. The bad teams who are well under the cap aren't going to get fannies in the seats by signing defensive specialists. The better teams would love him, but won't have much space below the cap.

[nickagneta]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

If we are smart we take BBD and TA and send them in a trade to a team for a very solid backup SF. (Travis Outlaw maybe, Ron Artest in a sign and trade? Throw in a pick or one of he youngs if needed) Sign Rasheed to backup the big spot. He is a very good possibility because there is a legit need and PT for him here, and he has a great relationship with KG. Sign Powe for a reasonable deal. Sign Marbury to backup Rondo again. His offense will only get better as he has another offseason to get his game back in our system. Pick up another backup less than stellar big man and you are all set. THAT is actually do-able and we would have one heck of a team.

Rondo/Marbury/House
Allen/House/Giddens
PP/Outlaw/Walker
KG/Rasheed/Powe
Perk/Rasheed/Moore (or upgrade)

Only problem here EJ is that Baby is a free agent and you would have to sign him and trade him too or sign him and wait until December to do the deal.

Also, I think your distaste for Baby might be clouding your judgment here as Baby alone might currently be worth more than Outlaw on the open market after doing what he has done for this team in KG's absence. Powe's injury will probably limit the C's to offering him a qualifying offer only and I see them giving years and cash to Big Baby. Sorry, I know that probably can't be easy for you in accepting that might be what happens.

[EJPLAYA]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

If we are smart we take BBD and TA and send them in a trade to a team for a very solid backup SF. (Travis Outlaw maybe, Ron Artest in a sign and trade? Throw in a pick or one of he youngs if needed) Sign Rasheed to backup the big spot. He is a very good possibility because there is a legit need and PT for him here, and he has a great relationship with KG. Sign Powe for a reasonable deal. Sign Marbury to backup Rondo again. His offense will only get better as he has another offseason to get his game back in our system. Pick up another backup less than stellar big man and you are all set. THAT is actually do-able and we would have one heck of a team.

Rondo/Marbury/House
Allen/House/Giddens
PP/Outlaw/Walker
KG/Rasheed/Powe
Perk/Rasheed/Moore (or upgrade)

Only problem here EJ is that Baby is a free agent and you would have to sign him and trade him too or sign him and wait until December to do the deal.

Also, I think your distaste for Baby might be clouding your judgment here as Baby alone might currently be worth more than Outlaw on the open market after doing what he has done for this team in KG's absence. Powe's injury will probably limit the C's to offering him a qualifying offer only and I see them giving years and cash to Big Baby. Sorry, I know that probably can't be easy for you in accepting that might be what happens.

I was planning in that "hypothetical on having to sign and trade him. He would be in favor because Portland is a young and up and coming contender. They need some depth and bulk there at that spot. Unless he felt he could be the man at a scrub team it should be attractive.

I don't dislike BBD at all. I think we way overvalue the guy considering some pretty big important deficiencies at the big spot. I wouldn't mind re-signing the guy, however I think he is at a ceiling and we need to give up something of value to get something of value. TA is the scrub that I don't care if he is seen again. I think the two of them for Outlaw is quite the offering and would be a good deal for both. If just BBD for Outlaw, fine, and then we can trade TA for a sack of peanuts for the concession stands.

[nickagneta]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

If we are smart we take BBD and TA and send them in a trade to a team for a very solid backup SF. (Travis Outlaw maybe, Ron Artest in a sign and trade? Throw in a pick or one of he youngs if needed) Sign Rasheed to backup the big spot. He is a very good possibility because there is a legit need and PT for him here, and he has a great relationship with KG. Sign Powe for a reasonable deal. Sign Marbury to backup Rondo again. His offense will only get better as he has another offseason to get his game back in our system. Pick up another backup less than stellar big man and you are all set. THAT is actually do-able and we would have one heck of a team.

Rondo/Marbury/House
Allen/House/Giddens
PP/Outlaw/Walker
KG/Rasheed/Powe
Perk/Rasheed/Moore (or upgrade)

Only problem here EJ is that Baby is a free agent and you would have to sign him and trade him too or sign him and wait until December to do the deal.

Also, I think your distaste for Baby might be clouding your judgment here as Baby alone might currently be worth more than Outlaw on the open market after doing what he has done for this team in KG's absence. Powe's injury will probably limit the C's to offering him a qualifying offer only and I see them giving years and cash to Big Baby. Sorry, I know that probably can't be easy for you in accepting that might be what happens.

I was planning in that "hypothetical on having to sign and trade him. He would be in favor because Portland is a young and up and coming contender. They need some depth and bulk there at that spot. Unless he felt he could be the man at a scrub team it should be attractive.

I don't dislike BBD at all. I think we way overvalue the guy considering some pretty big important deficiencies at the big spot. I wouldn't mind re-signing the guy, however I think he is at a ceiling and we need to give up something of value to get something of value. TA is the scrub that I don't care if he is seen again. I think the two of them for Outlaw is quite the offering and would be a good deal for both. If just BBD for Outlaw, fine, and then we can trade TA for a sack of peanuts for the concession stands.

LOL. TP. And I wouldn't even care if they were salted or not.

[EJPLAYA]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

If we are smart we take BBD and TA and send them in a trade to a team for a very solid backup SF. (Travis Outlaw maybe, Ron Artest in a sign and trade? Throw in a pick or one of he youngs if needed) Sign Rasheed to backup the big spot. He is a very good possibility because there is a legit need and PT for him here, and he has a great relationship with KG. Sign Powe for a reasonable deal. Sign Marbury to backup Rondo again. His offense will only get better as he has another offseason to get his game back in our system. Pick up another backup less than stellar big man and you are all set. THAT is actually do-able and we would have one heck of a team.

Rondo/Marbury/House
Allen/House/Giddens
PP/Outlaw/Walker
KG/Rasheed/Powe
Perk/Rasheed/Moore (or upgrade)

Only problem here EJ is that Baby is a free agent and you would have to sign him and trade him too or sign him and wait until December to do the deal.

Also, I think your distaste for Baby might be clouding your judgment here as Baby alone might currently be worth more than Outlaw on the open market after doing what he has done for this team in KG's absence. Powe's injury will probably limit the C's to offering him a qualifying offer only and I see them giving years and cash to Big Baby. Sorry, I know that probably can't be easy for you in accepting that might be what happens.

I was planning in that "hypothetical on having to sign and trade him. He would be in favor because Portland is a young and up and coming contender. They need some depth and bulk there at that spot. Unless he felt he could be the man at a scrub team it should be attractive.

I don't dislike BBD at all. I think we way overvalue the guy considering some pretty big important deficiencies at the big spot. I wouldn't mind re-signing the guy, however I think he is at a ceiling and we need to give up something of value to get something of value. TA is the scrub that I don't care if he is seen again. I think the two of them for Outlaw is quite the offering and would be a good deal for both. If just BBD for Outlaw, fine, and then we can trade TA for a sack of peanuts for the concession stands.

LOL. TP. And I wouldn't even care if they were salted or not.

I wouldn't care if I had to scoop them up myself from the ground at the County fair.

What do you think that Outlaw will command on the market vs. BBD? BBD's definitely made himself some money the past 3 months. He should give half of it to KG...

[Lucky17]

What do you think that Outlaw will command on the market vs. BBD? BBD's definitely made himself some money the past 3 months. He should give half of it to KG...

I think Outlaw commands more than Baby. Outlaw has the ability to play the 3 or 4, has more of that long and rangy look to his game than Baby does. Outlaw also has range to the three-point line, which Baby doesn't have (yet: I could actually see him work on this aspect of his game in the offseason).

In a word, Outlaw's versatility and athleticism (in the traditional sense) over Baby's will earn him a bigger contract.

[nickagneta]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

If we are smart we take BBD and TA and send them in a trade to a team for a very solid backup SF. (Travis Outlaw maybe, Ron Artest in a sign and trade? Throw in a pick or one of he youngs if needed) Sign Rasheed to backup the big spot. He is a very good possibility because there is a legit need and PT for him here, and he has a great relationship with KG. Sign Powe for a reasonable deal. Sign Marbury to backup Rondo again. His offense will only get better as he has another offseason to get his game back in our system. Pick up another backup less than stellar big man and you are all set. THAT is actually do-able and we would have one heck of a team.

Rondo/Marbury/House
Allen/House/Giddens
PP/Outlaw/Walker
KG/Rasheed/Powe
Perk/Rasheed/Moore (or upgrade)

Only problem here EJ is that Baby is a free agent and you would have to sign him and trade him too or sign him and wait until December to do the deal.

Also, I think your distaste for Baby might be clouding your judgment here as Baby alone might currently be worth more than Outlaw on the open market after doing what he has done for this team in KG's absence. Powe's injury will probably limit the C's to offering him a qualifying offer only and I see them giving years and cash to Big Baby. Sorry, I know that probably can't be easy for you in accepting that might be what happens.

I was planning in that "hypothetical on having to sign and trade him. He would be in favor because Portland is a young and up and coming contender. They need some depth and bulk there at that spot. Unless he felt he could be the man at a scrub team it should be attractive.

I don't dislike BBD at all. I think we way overvalue the guy considering some pretty big important deficiencies at the big spot. I wouldn't mind re-signing the guy, however I think he is at a ceiling and we need to give up something of value to get something of value. TA is the scrub that I don't care if he is seen again. I think the two of them for Outlaw is quite the offering and would be a good deal for both. If just BBD for Outlaw, fine, and then we can trade TA for a sack of peanuts for the concession stands.

LOL. TP. And I wouldn't even care if they were salted or not.

I wouldn't care if I had to scoop them up myself from the ground at the County fair.

What do you think that Outlaw will command on the market vs. BBD? BBD's definitely made himself some money the past 3 months. He should give half of it to KG...

I think they both might be $4-6 million a year players on the open market but Outlaw has another year left on his contract, I think. Baby is restricted so unless someone comes out and offers Baby a full MLE package, I think the C's re-sign him or match the offer given him.

[Casperian]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

The difference between this and next season is that most of these mediocre players have expiring contracts, which makes them more valuable in trades. I think we can absolutely expect Ainge to deal one or two of these contracts during next season.

[EJPLAYA]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

If we are smart we take BBD and TA and send them in a trade to a team for a very solid backup SF. (Travis Outlaw maybe, Ron Artest in a sign and trade? Throw in a pick or one of he youngs if needed) Sign Rasheed to backup the big spot. He is a very good possibility because there is a legit need and PT for him here, and he has a great relationship with KG. Sign Powe for a reasonable deal. Sign Marbury to backup Rondo again. His offense will only get better as he has another offseason to get his game back in our system. Pick up another backup less than stellar big man and you are all set. THAT is actually do-able and we would have one heck of a team.

Rondo/Marbury/House
Allen/House/Giddens
PP/Outlaw/Walker
KG/Rasheed/Powe
Perk/Rasheed/Moore (or upgrade)

Only problem here EJ is that Baby is a free agent and you would have to sign him and trade him too or sign him and wait until December to do the deal.

Also, I think your distaste for Baby might be clouding your judgment here as Baby alone might currently be worth more than Outlaw on the open market after doing what he has done for this team in KG's absence. Powe's injury will probably limit the C's to offering him a qualifying offer only and I see them giving years and cash to Big Baby. Sorry, I know that probably can't be easy for you in accepting that might be what happens.

I was planning in that "hypothetical on having to sign and trade him. He would be in favor because Portland is a young and up and coming contender. They need some depth and bulk there at that spot. Unless he felt he could be the man at a scrub team it should be attractive.

I don't dislike BBD at all. I think we way overvalue the guy considering some pretty big important deficiencies at the big spot. I wouldn't mind re-signing the guy, however I think he is at a ceiling and we need to give up something of value to get something of value. TA is the scrub that I don't care if he is seen again. I think the two of them for Outlaw is quite the offering and would be a good deal for both. If just BBD for Outlaw, fine, and then we can trade TA for a sack of peanuts for the concession stands.

LOL. TP. And I wouldn't even care if they were salted or not.

I wouldn't care if I had to scoop them up myself from the ground at the County fair.

What do you think that Outlaw will command on the market vs. BBD? BBD's definitely made himself some money the past 3 months. He should give half of it to KG...

I think they both might be $4-6 million a year players on the open market but Outlaw has another year left on his contract, I think. Baby is restricted so unless someone comes out and offers Baby a full MLE package, I think the C's re-sign him or match the offer given him.

I'm interested in BBD for TA type money, but not for 4-6. I really don't think BBD has much upside from where he is at right now. That isn't meant as a slam to his ability, because he definitely adds value and does some things well, but I don't see him getting much better at those, and I don't see him becoming a decent low post scorer or rebounder or shot blocker. He can improve his outside shooting, but not a whole lot better than what he has been doing lately. I think he is about 95% of what he will ever be, and to me that isn't worth 4-6 mil, especially at the high end of it. 2.5-3 I take him in a heart beat. I'd rather have Outlaw at 4-6 mil than BBD. He is 6'9" and has upside. Even if it meant overpaying a bit for him. At worst he is a great backup SF. At best he replaces PP at the end.

[housecall]

Our problem is that everyone wants to trade mediocre players for someone that is a good player. Or they think that all the free agents must want to sign with Boston if they want a ring because somehow we are the best place to have a chance?! I'm willing to bet that the younger and more athletic CAVS would disagree. That the Lakers would disagree...

If we are smart we take BBD and TA and send them in a trade to a team for a very solid backup SF. (Travis Outlaw maybe, Ron Artest in a sign and trade? Throw in a pick or one of he youngs if needed) Sign Rasheed to backup the big spot. He is a very good possibility because there is a legit need and PT for him here, and he has a great relationship with KG. Sign Powe for a reasonable deal. Sign Marbury to backup Rondo again. His offense will only get better as he has another offseason to get his game back in our system. Pick up another backup less than stellar big man and you are all set. THAT is actually do-able and we would have one heck of a team.

Rondo/Marbury/House
Allen/House/Giddens
PP/Outlaw/Walker
KG/Rasheed/Powe
Perk/Rasheed/Moore (or upgrade)

Only problem here EJ is that Baby is a free agent and you would have to sign him and trade him too or sign him and wait until December to do the deal.

Also, I think your distaste for Baby might be clouding your judgment here as Baby alone might currently be worth more than Outlaw on the open market after doing what he has done for this team in KG's absence. Powe's injury will probably limit the C's to offering him a qualifying offer only and I see them giving years and cash to Big Baby. Sorry, I know that probably can't be easy for you in accepting that might be what happens.

I was planning in that "hypothetical on having to sign and trade him. He would be in favor because Portland is a young and up and coming contender. They need some depth and bulk there at that spot. Unless he felt he could be the man at a scrub team it should be attractive.

I don't dislike BBD at all. I think we way overvalue the guy considering some pretty big important deficiencies at the big spot. I wouldn't mind re-signing the guy, however I think he is at a ceiling and we need to give up something of value to get something of value. TA is the scrub that I don't care if he is seen again. I think the two of them for Outlaw is quite the offering and would be a good deal for both. If just BBD for Outlaw, fine, and then we can trade TA for a sack of peanuts for the concession stands.

LOL. TP. And I wouldn't even care if they were salted or not.

I wouldn't care if I had to scoop them up myself from the ground at the County fair.

What do you think that Outlaw will command on the market vs. BBD? BBD's definitely made himself some money the past 3 months. He should give half of it to KG...

I think they both might be $4-6 million a year players on the open market but Outlaw has another year left on his contract, I think. Baby is restricted so unless someone comes out and offers Baby a full MLE package, I think the C's re-sign him or match the offer given him.

I'm interested in BBD for TA type money, but not for 4-6. I really don't think BBD has much upside from where he is at right now. That isn't meant as a slam to his ability, because he definitely adds value and does some things well, but I don't see him getting much better at those, and I don't see him becoming a decent low post scorer or rebounder or shot blocker. He can improve his outside shooting, but not a whole lot better than what he has been doing lately. I think he is about 95% of what he will ever be, and to me that isn't worth 4-6 mil, especially at the high end of it. 2.5-3 I take him in a heart beat. I'd rather have Outlaw at 4-6 mil than BBD. He is 6'9" and has upside. Even if it meant overpaying a bit for him. At worst he is a great backup SF. At best he replaces PP at the end.

I agree with  you EJ..being 6'6"doesn't help BBD case either...I would like BBD added with M.Barnes  as a backup ,mainly because he seems commited to D moreso than offense but can give you both.

[ToppersBsktball10]

u forgot AI maybe we could get artest and id like AI if starbury leaves but before anybody says anything i have reasons dump TA and some others for a player who can play d and score when he needs too AI's not done. give him about 26 mpg and he'll score alot off the bench

[Atzar]

u forgot AI maybe we could get artest and id like AI if starbury leaves but before anybody says anything i have reasons dump TA and some others for a player who can play d and score when he needs too AI's not done. give him about 26 mpg and he'll score alot off the bench

You haven't paid attention to him this year in Detroit, have you?

It's not happening. 

[wiley]

I'm a big Baby fan, but I wouldn't veto a sign and trade for the right deal.  The right deal could even be for an aging vet as long we also got a draft pick out of it.

For example.  Sign Baby, and then trade him, Scal and TA for Camby plus an L.A. draft pick or youngster with potential.  I didn't check Camby's salary so this is just an example.  I would hate to trade Baby if we didn't get back a young player with potential or someone between 25 and 27 years old.

No to Sheed as I can't picture him and Doc working together at all.  A big yes to McDyess.

Or how about sign Big Baby and trade him to New Orleans for Posey and a draft pick?  Hornets might enjoy having an L.S.U. alumn with a big personality.

[ToppersBsktball10]

u forgot AI maybe we could get artest and id like AI if starbury leaves but before anybody says anything i have reasons dump TA and some others for a player who can play d and score when he needs too AI's not done. give him about 26 mpg and he'll score alot off the bench

You haven't paid attention to him this year in Detroit, have you?

It's not happening. 

thing is he came off the bench with a bad back and he only got 16 mpg give him 12+ more and he'll put up about 16 ppg