The NBA 2014 Offseason Thread

[murrayyyyy]

I'm shocked we haven't heard more Houston rumors. They are at 65 million with Harden-Lin-Howard-Asik.

[nol]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

That would have been an exciting trade 3 years ago. Looks like spare parts now

It's pretty much all salary. Knicks save some for next season and Mavericks save more beyond that by getting out of Calderon's contract. Mavs probably think playing in an offense with more spacing will help Chandler return to form, and the Knicks like the upgrade in shooting Calderon brings over Felton.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

I'm shocked we haven't heard more Houston rumors. They are at 65 million with Harden-Lin-Howard-Asik.

That's salary, Lin Asik cap hits are only 8.3 each.

[stevew]

Houston really benefits from only having a 2.9m cap hold on Parsons, but they can do all of their other offseason stuff and then handle Parsons. Also, some other team with some space really should throw the max at Parsons, just cause you can't let the Rockets do whatever they want. Offer him the max and reduce the salaries by 4.5% each season or something.

[RainMaker]

I don't get why Dallas is making that move.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I don't get why Dallas is making that move.

My guess is they plan to sign Lowry and feel like they can make one more run with Dirk?

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Miami will not S&T Lebron.

Just like Cleveland wouldn't?

Originally Posted by bhlloy

That would have been an exciting trade 3 years ago. Looks like spare parts now

I'm sure Rick Carlisle will find a way to make Tyson Chandler look very good again.

[nol]

Omer Asik traded to the Pelicans for a future first rounder and cash.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

Brousarrd needs to get off his trade machine on ESPN. (Does anyone like this guy?)

Reporting Harden for Anthony in sign and trade and then James for Lin and Asik making Anthony- James-Howard trio in Houston.

Broussard is so funny and so often incorrect, as in "pulling things out of his backside" incorrect

SI

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by nol

Omer Asik traded to the Pelicans for a future first rounder and cash.

And there goes the Rockets have been too quiet part. Protected pick to give them room for a max player now... So Melo is Houston, Dallas or Chicago now? Texas gives you more of that pay check because of taxes... Linsanity and Melo back together again? Did this work the first time?

[RainMaker]

They need to move Lin to get near a max contract. And even then they are short a little. Still pretty close.

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

They need to move Lin to get near a max contract. And even then they are short a little. Still pretty close.

Or you can use sign and trade of Lin, one of your future picks and this NO picks (not sure on math but it would seem to work out to get a max guy with Asik's salary gone).

Either way Morey managed to screw the Bulls, pay Asik ~8 million over 2 seasons, turns it into a first round pick. That man is pure evil... Now if he manages to turn this into Melo or James he is beyond evil.

[sterlingice]

And then there's this mock draft:
Twitter / JADubin5: MOCK DRAFT http://t.co/vfGDkduI5W




SI

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

Or you can use sign and trade of Lin, one of your future picks and this NO picks (not sure on math but it would seem to work out to get a max guy with Asik's salary gone).

Either way Morey managed to screw the Bulls, pay Asik ~8 million over 2 seasons, turns it into a first round pick. That man is pure evil... Now if he manages to turn this into Melo or James he is beyond evil.

I almost love watching Houston's offseason more than their regular season

SI

[murrayyyyy]

Rumor floating around that the Cavs were shopping Orlando's picks @ 4/12 last night. Can they pass on this deep draft and try to get vets with it? Seems like such a "Cleveland" thing to do. Wiggins and Parker will become all-stars for the next 15 years if they trade out twice.

Twitter / chadfordinsider: Sources: Cavs were calling ...

[korme]

I'm prepared for anything to happen tonight. It's going to be awesome.

As an aside, watching 2011 NBA Draft. Jon Barry declares WAS wins draft with Jan Vesely, Chris Singleton, Shelden Mack. Can't make this up

[Logan]

I love Woj.

Cleveland and Orlando nowhere on a possible deal for the No. 1 pick, team sources tell Yahoo Sports. "Total bullshit," one executive says.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 26, 2014

[stevew]

This isn't you guys but the constant "Fuck You Cleveland" thing is beyond getting old. Cleveland is apparently the worst place on earth. The currency is unstable. Old people get raped and murdered in the streets and are left to rot. The military dictatorship that runs the city kidnaps children and cuts their arms off.

Like the Cavs can't do anything without it being "The Worst™".

[Sublime 2]

Just read Afflalo to Denver for Fournier and a 2nd?

I expected slightly more for AA. I'm not a big fan of his, but still seems like a good deal for Denver.

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by Sublime 2

Just read Afflalo to Denver for Fournier and a 2nd?

I expected slightly more for AA. I'm not a big fan of his, but still seems like a good deal for Denver.

Denver and Golden St have huge trade exceptions out there that they can use before mid July. Seen rumors of Lin being traded for hte exception to Golden St floated around but I think people are reaching here.

[Arles]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Miami will not S&T Lebron.

If Cleveland did, I'm pretty sure Miami would if Lebron went elsewhere. It's not about money with Lebron and making the calculation "well, Lebron certainly wouldn't sign as a FA for the $12 mil of cap room the Clips/Rockets/etc came up with" would be foolish. If they don't do a S&T, they get nothing.

All that said, I doubt he leaves Miami right now. I think he will sign a 2-3 year deal with player options after the first season and keep an eye on the landscape each offseason.

[Arles]

Originally Posted by Sublime 2

Just read Afflalo to Denver for Fournier and a 2nd?

I expected slightly more for AA. I'm not a big fan of his, but still seems like a good deal for Denver.

Terrible trade for Orlando. I'm pretty sure GS would do Kevin Martin+Barnes for AA as part of the Love deal. I'm guessing a team like Charlotte or Phoenix would consider one of their first picks + cap space (also better). Not sure who this is coming from, but I'm guessing it's a plant from the Denver GM

[Arles]

Wow, Woj is reporting that. If it is true - kudos to Denver for making a great trade.

[stevew]

I like Afflalo but only being on a 1 year deal probably kills his value. Who knows what an extension would cost and he's almost 30.

[murrayyyyy]

Life as a Grizzlies fan. Rumored to be trading Prince's contract and our first round pick to Toronto just to dump it.

New owner goes nuts, fires everyone and now has gone cheap. Hope Hollinger can find that great player for 2 cents on the dollar. Hope when Z-Bo opts out it doesn't kill us.

[nol]

Originally Posted by Arles

Terrible trade for Orlando. I'm pretty sure GS would do Kevin Martin+Barnes for AA as part of the Love deal. I'm guessing a team like Charlotte or Phoenix would consider one of their first picks + cap space (also better). Not sure who this is coming from, but I'm guessing it's a plant from the Denver GM

If they're trying to stay cheap, the only difference between the Denver offer and Charlotte/Phoenix would be if Orlando prefers Fournier more than whoever would be available as the 25th or 27th pick. That's reasonable since Fournier's still young and has proven he can score in limited minutes thus far.

[Subby]

FOFC Alum Kevin Pelton likes this deal for Denver...

The deal

Nuggets get: Arron Afflalo.

Magic get: Evan Fournier, Nuggets' 2014 second-round pick (No. 56 overall).

Denver Nuggets: B-plus

Apparently it's reunion week in the NBA. On Wednesday, Tyson Chandler went back to Dallas. On Thursday, a little less than two years after the Nuggets dealt Afflalo to the Magic as part of the four-team trade involving Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum and Andre Iguodala, they've brought him back to Denver.

There has been a rush to overrate Afflalo a few times, including last season, when he was briefly talked up as an All-Star candidate. Afflalo had his best offensive season in 2013-14, combining the higher usage rate from his first season in Orlando with the high 3-point percentage he had previously shot with the Nuggets. Still, to consider Afflalo an All-Star requires a higher view of his defensive ability than the numbers support.

Afflalo has poor rebound and steal rates, so his defensive contributions are largely limited to individual defense; there, he's closer to average than elite. Last season, the Magic had 6.1 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the court, per NBA.com/Stats -- a discrepancy that adjusted plus-minus suggests can't entirely be blamed on undersized backcourt-mate Jameer Nelson.

Still, even if Afflalo is only an average shooting guard, he's a great fit for his old team. Last season, Denver had the same issue using Randy Foye (6-foot-4, 213 pounds) as a tiny 2-guard; the Nuggets were 5.1 points worse on defense per 100 possessions when Foye played. Ideally, Foye would come off the bench and see time at both guard spots, a role to which he can now return.

That upgrade comes at a reasonable price for Denver, which retained its lottery pick (No. 11 overall) in this deal. Fournier has flashed potential, particularly as a rookie, but the clock is ticking on him contributing during the remaining two years of his rookie contract, and he never separated himself from the Nuggets' cadre of wing options.

Though Denver adds about $6 million in salary with this deal, it remains safely under the luxury-tax line with a roster that is more or less complete, depending on other moves general manager Tim Connelly and company may have in store. While making the playoffs will still be a big challenge in the increasingly brutal Western Conference -- note all three trades this week have involved playoff contenders in the West bulking up for next season -- this move has so little downside that it's still a winner.

Orlando Magic: C

Getting only Fournier and a second-rounder for Afflalo feels disappointing compared to the tantalizing rumors we've heard during the past week: Afflalo for the No. 11 pick from Denver, or as part of a trade to move up to the No. 1 pick. As Grantland's Zach Lowe noted on Twitter, Magic GM Rob Hennigan is known for his diligence, and it's unlikely he simply didn't follow through on greater offers. Afflalo's trade value is probably overstated.

That being the case, the follow-up question is why Orlando was in such a hurry to move Afflalo. He blocked Victor Oladipo's path to the starting lineup, certainly, but the Magic might have been able to start both players together or wait out the summer and see if a shooting guard became a more desperate need for a team following free agency.

The biggest asset Orlando gains in this deal (cap space) is one it already had in abundance. Orlando can now clear about $20 million under the cap by waiving Nelson, whose salary this season is just $2 million guaranteed. Perhaps there are future moves contingent on that space. We'll see.

The Magic also get a lottery ticket in Fournier, the 20th overall pick in the 2012 draft who won't turn 22 until just before opening night. As a 20-year-old rookie, Fournier gave the Nuggets good minutes after Danilo Gallinari's season-ending ACL injury, showing the ability to cross-match and successfully defend point guards -- something that might be useful as part of a backcourt pairing with Oladipo. Last season, Fournier's shooting percentages dipped both inside and outside the arc, and he dropped below replacement level. He's projected barely above that mark for 2014-15.

[Arles]

Originally Posted by nol

If they're trying to stay cheap, the only difference between the Denver offer and Charlotte/Phoenix would be if Orlando prefers Fournier more than whoever would be available as the 25th or 27th pick. That's reasonable since Fournier's still young and has proven he can score in limited minutes thus far.

I don't see thy Orlando makes the deal though. Just keep Aaron and see if you get a protected first in season from a contender who suffers an injury. A late second and marginal prospect is hardly a return that couldn't be improved upon over time. Unless Orlando has big plans for that extra $6 mil in cap space during FA (which I doubt), this move doesn't make sense for them.

[nol]

Originally Posted by Arles

I don't see thy Orlando makes the deal though. Just keep Aaron and see if you get a protected first in season from a contender who suffers an injury. A late second and marginal prospect is hardly a return that couldn't be improved upon over time. Unless Orlando has big plans for that extra $6 mil in cap space during FA (which I doubt), this move doesn't make sense for them.

Because waiting would just get them a late first round pick as well. If you play chicken for too long, you increase the likelihood of potential trade partners saying "No thanks, we'll just wait a couple months and then sign him." At some point, the sexiness of saying you have a future protected first-rounder eventually fades and then you just have to draft someone in a slot where the odds of finding a player that sticks in the NBA are 50/50 at best.

The Magic definitely like Fournier and almost drafted him in 2012. He's better than marginal, since he's already proven by age 20 that he's at the very least a rotation player that can shoot it.

It's still a good trade for Denver, but Orlando's front office has done enough over the past couple years to get the benefit of the doubt that they're not totally getting whitewashed on this deal.

[albionmoonlight]

My prediction: Despite all of the media-hype that "this will be one of the craziest and most unpredictable [NBA or NFL] drafts in recent memory" (which prediction they seem to make about every draft now), this draft will have a few trades, and most players will go about where they are expected to go.

If I had to make an actual substantive predictions, I will say that in five years, Vonleh will be seen as underrated and Wiggins as overrated.

[nol]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

Denver and Golden St have huge trade exceptions out there that they can use before mid July. Seen rumors of Lin being traded for hte exception to Golden St floated around but I think people are reaching here.

I'm seeing that Houston already has a deal for Lin lined up that they'll do if they get a commitment from one of their big free agent targets.

[stevew]

Sounds like Parker

[nol]

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

My prediction: Despite all of the media-hype that "this will be one of the craziest and most unpredictable [NBA or NFL] drafts in recent memory" (which prediction they seem to make about every draft now), this draft will have a few trades, and most players will go about where they are expected to go.

If I had to make an actual substantive predictions, I will say that in five years, Vonleh will be seen as underrated and Wiggins as overrated.

I'm very confident in predicting this will be one of the craziest NBA drafts. Last year's was only unpredictable in that none of the top guys really stood out that much - there weren't as many teams trying to trade up. This year I'd have predicted more trades just from the fact that there weren't as many big moves last year and front offices get antsy. Add to that the strength of this draft (especially when compared to 2013) and the number of teams trying to clear cap space for a big free agency period, and it's going to be much more of a sellers' market.

If Embiid's still available at #4 and beyond, there will be a frenzy of offers from teams trying to move up. If the Cavs take Wiggins first, Philadelphia will be trying like mad to deal for him. That's just the top of the draft. Phoenix and Chicago will likely be making moves with multiple picks, and the draft's deep enough that there will probably be some guys who are lottery picks on a lot of teams' boards lasting until the end of the first round.

[stevew]

My thought is Parker goes first. The Cavs flip him from there. Ideally you could flip both Parker for Wiggins(and dump Jack on the Bucks) and end up with Embiid or Exum and some other stuff. Or just keep Wiggins.

[nol]

That bluff would definitely get called. Milwaukee's fine with taking whichever of Wiggins or Parker is there at the second pick.

[whomario]

Originally Posted by nol

Omer Asik traded to the Pelicans for a future first rounder and cash.

just to state the obvious for the Pelicans rather than the rockets: Asik seems like a nive fit next to Davis in that he takes some heat off him defensively, allowing him to roam more. If Davis develops a better jumper eventually, this would be great on offense as well. (even now, Asik imo is fairly good at not clogging the lane despite his lack of range). Then add Anderson and you have a terrific 4/5 rotation.

[stevew]

Davis was like a 6'2" junior guard so I'm guessing his jumper will end up fine. If he can grow that range out past the arc he will be the best player in the league by 2017.

[nol]

Originally Posted by whomario

just to state the obvious for the Pelicans rather than the rockets: Asik seems like a nive fit next to Davis in that he takes some heat off him defensively, allowing him to roam more. If Davis develops a better jumper eventually, this would be great on offense as well. (even now, Asik imo is fairly good at not clogging the lane despite his lack of range). Then add Anderson and you have a terrific 4/5 rotation.

Yeah, New Orleans wouldn't be a team anyone would want to face in the first round of the playoffs. I think the trade also means that Boston is really looking to get Embiid because the Celtics were always thought of as a landing spot for Asik, and they surely could have made a similar offer to Houston with the extra picks they have.

[nol]

Hopefully this will be the only fashion-related post I make because making a second one would mean that someone had an even crazier suit than Andrew Wiggins:

[stevew]

I gotta grab that stylist
-Louis Farrakhan

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by whomario

just to state the obvious for the Pelicans rather than the rockets: Asik seems like a nive fit next to Davis in that he takes some heat off him defensively, allowing him to roam more. If Davis develops a better jumper eventually, this would be great on offense as well. (even now, Asik imo is fairly good at not clogging the lane despite his lack of range). Then add Anderson and you have a terrific 4/5 rotation.

Off the top of my head that makes their lineup 6'4 (Jrue)", 6'6"(Evans), 6'9"(Aminu?), 6'11"(Davis), and 7'0" (Asik)?

That's one big team out there who can't shoot a jumper to save their lives.

[nol]

Originally Posted by murrayyyyy

Off the top of my head that makes their lineup 6'4 (Jrue)", 6'6"(Evans), 6'9"(Aminu?), 6'11"(Davis), and 7'0" (Asik)?

That's one big team out there who can't shoot a jumper to save their lives.

Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson can shoot, and if Aminu starts going forward, it'd be as a starter in name only. The Pelicans could go either small or big with one of those two in Aminu's place. Holiday shot 39% from three last season, but he was injured. Either way, if Anthony Davis keeps getting better, he's going to be dragging them to the playoffs regardless of who they have.

[whomario]

well yeah, i´m just going to assume they know this and try very hard to somehow get another shooter or 2. Signing Evans and have him in the role he has to play was an incredibly dumb thing to do. If they get shooters at the 2 and/or 3 and get him to come off the bench and get to handle the ball a bit, that would maybe make him look a little better. Though i think he is not a very good player either way.

Still, that adition of Asik is a no brainer.

[nol]

Their best lineups (Holiday, Davis, Anderson, Gordon, Evans) were actually really ,really good offensively last season, so Asik will help them a bunch.

[whomario]

so when is the first pick actually made ? 8 pm ?

[nol]

Looks like the Cavs are officially on the clock at 7:30. 10 minutes for each pick in the first round.

[whomario]

thanks. Looks i am gonna watch most of the draft live for the first time in like, ever (there was always a good reason not to stay awake until early morning before so i at most watched the first couple picks)

[murrayyyyy]

Originally Posted by nol

Either way, if Anthony Davis keeps getting better, he's going to be dragging them to the playoffs regardless of who they have.

Or he becomes Love 2.0

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Arles

If Cleveland did, I'm pretty sure Miami would if Lebron went elsewhere. It's not about money with Lebron and making the calculation "well, Lebron certainly wouldn't sign as a FA for the $12 mil of cap room the Clips/Rockets/etc came up with" would be foolish. If they don't do a S&T, they get nothing.

All that said, I doubt he leaves Miami right now. I think he will sign a 2-3 year deal with player options after the first season and keep an eye on the landscape each offseason.

I was talking if Houston didn't have the cap space. Something it looks like they'll be able to make if they trade Lin. But if Houston didn't have the cap space, I wouldn't facilitate a trade and doubt Riley would either.

[nol]

It's still surreal to me that Doug McDermott's gonna be a lottery pick. I went to Iowa State's basketball camp (his dad was the coach there before Creighton) going into my junior year of high school, and I ended up on his team for pretty much everything.

In true basketball camp fashion, the teams were divided up based on height. I was the tallest person on my team, and Doug was the second-tallest, but there was a pretty big drop-off in height between me (probably around 6'2" at the time) and the person taller than me.

Naturally, the team we were on had to play all Phoenix Suns style and it was a blast because we'd have five guys who could hit threes or slash to the basket. I remember giving Doug crap because we were basically the same size and he was always eager to let me guard the tallest player on the other team He definitely wasn't afraid to bomb threes at the time despite being younger than the other guys, and it surely helped him coming up to go against someone like Harrison Barnes every day in high school.