2015 free agency

The NBA season and draft are over but the NBA is a year round sport. Now begins the most exciting part of the NBA year; free agency. Last year’s free agency changed the landscape of the NBA with Lebron going back home to Cleveland. This year won’t be as monumental, but there are big names on the market that could make some teams championship contenders. The first group of free agents are the guys who are on the market but aren’t really on the market. This group involves Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Draymond Green and Tim Duncan. There’s a better chance of Billy King making a smart move than these guys leaving… Okay maybe not, but you get the point. Now that we got those guys out of the way let’s go through the list.

LaMarcus Aldridge- Lakers

All signs point to Aldridge leaving the Trail Blazer; they even know it. They’ve started to rebuild (with really smart moves) so where does Aldridge go? The favorites are the Spurs, but in order to get Aldridge they need to shed salary real quick. Duncan and Parker are said to be coming back at cheaper contracts and if Manu doesn’t retire he will also be back on a cheaper contract. The problem is the Spurs have to trade Splitter or Diaw and they seem hard pressed to trade them. The Spurs have been talking to the Cavs about trading one of them for Brandon Haywood who has a non-guaranteed contract, but if you’re the Cavs why would you make that deal? They don’t need Splitter or Diaw and you give the Spurs cap room to make themselves a threat to yourself? I don’t think Aldridge is a Spur when free agency ends because too much has to happen. I think Aldridge ends up with the Lakers. The idea of being the face of the Lakers is an attraction for any NBA player. With this probably being Kobe’s last year, Aldridge would suffer for one year in LA but after that he will have the opportunity to play with younger stars because of free agency.

Jimmy Butler- Bulls

Now, Jimmy Butler should be part of the group above because he isn’t leaving the Bulls but, the contract is going to be tricky. It has been reported he wants to be a Laker but he is a restricted free agent so the Bulls will match any offer. Butler can do one of two things if he wants to be a Laker in the near future. 1) Sign the offer sheet from the Bulls that would pay him roughly five million next year, but he would be an unrestricted free agent and he could sign with the Lakers in 2016-2017 or 2) sign a contract from the Lakers that’s two years (Bulls match that offer) with a player option so he opts out after the second year and goes to the Lakers in 2017-2018 when the cap jumps to 107 million. Butler will be a Bull next year but the contract is something to watch out for.

DeAndre Jordan- Mavs

Deandre was born in Texas, went to school in Texas, and now I think it’s time for a home reunion. There has been a lot of friction in the Clippers locker room over the past couple of years; rumors are that Jordan and Chris Paul don’t have the best relationship. Besides that there hasn’t been any indication of DeAndre leaving but there hasn’t been any about him staying either which should be concerning. The Clippers can still offer him the max and apparently they can offer him Jamie Foxx (who was at his meeting with the Clippers). If the Clippers brought out Jamie Foxx what will Mark Cuban bring out?

Brook Lopez- Nets

I am not ready to talk about this yet… I’ll write something about this after free agency.

Dwyane Wade- Heat

This will be a good old fashioned game of chicken but at the end of the day where is D-wade going to go if he leaves the Heat? The Cavs? You think Gabrielle Union is going to move to Cleveland and take a 10 million dollar pay cut? No way Dwyane is leaving Miami.

Brandon Knight- Suns

Remember last year when the Suns signed Isiah Thomas to a great deal in free agency? Things looked good for the Suns but now they look like an organization being ran by a chicken with his head cut off. They have no direction. They traded away the Laker pick! Why would you trade the Laker pick??? They got Brandon Knight mid-season for that Laker pick so they have to resign him right? RIGHT? It sounded like they gauged the market for Eric Bledsoe but they held onto him. The Suns in all likelihood will resign Knight but I won’t be surprised if some crazy happens.

Goran Dragic- Heat

There’s no way he leaves right? The Heat gave up a lot for him. He seemed happy in Miami they can sell him on being on a good team long term. But it only takes one team; he’s unrestricted so if one team decides to throw all of their money at him it could get interesting. However, I don’t see that happening; he’ll be enjoying sunny South Beach.

Danny Green- Spurs

This is real interesting if LaMarcus Aldridge signs with the Spurs. Green is gone but if the Spurs fail to sign Aldridge they still won’t be able to match offers from other teams that will offer a lot more money. But the Spurs organization has probably brain washed him and he will take less and resign. But if LMA goes to the Spurs, Green could probably make 10 million a year on the open market.

Greg Monroe- Knicks

This has been done for a long time according to respected writer. Monroe is someone Phil Jackson loves he will probably get 10-12 million. He isn’t a bad player the only problem is that the Knicks defense is going to be pretty bad with him and Melo. If the Knicks sign him they need to get a defensive.

Tristan Thompson- Cavs

GM Lebron loves him. He will be in Cleveland but the contract will be something to watch. He’s going to get paid, but how much? I think his number will surprise people. Maybe the Raptors offer him the max? He’s Canadian and very good at basketball. If that happens, will Cleveland match? (Also I doubt the raptors offer the max but I’m rooting for chaos)

Paul Millsap- Hawks

The Hawks have to choose between Millsap and Carroll. From everything I’ve read it sounds like Carroll will be the guy leaving. It’ safe to say Millsap stays but again for how much? Millsap might reach the max or come very close to it.

Kris Middleton- Bucks

This decision was made when the Bucks traded Brandon Knight. They couldn’t keep Knight and Middleton so they picked the wing defender that could guard multiple positions. The only concern here is what if The Celtics offer the max? Would the Bucks match? I think they would but it would make things interesting.

Robin Lopez- Clippers

Someone has to replace Deandra Jordan. Lopez would be a solid replacement. He does all the things DJ does just not as good; but with Chris Paul he could become a pretty good center in the league.

DeMarre Carroll- Pistons

I have no idea where he is heading, but this makes sense right? He can play the four here and open the floor for Drummond to work inside. Carroll is a very important player, but he picked the wrong time to be a free agent. Teams are going to be careful with their money this year with the cap going way up next year and they might not spend as much as they should on Carroll. I also wonder if Coach Budz can create the Spurs culture in ATL by convincing guys to take less money. I think it may be possible with the group of guys in Atlanta.

Wildcards and personal favorites

Tyson Chandler- Bucks

If the Mavs get Jordan where does that leave Chandler? With his good friend Jason Kidd. Could you imagine Chandler anchoring that Bucks defense it would be a nightmare to play against, also an ugly thing to watch as a fan but a great ugly thing, think Sharkando. (The Bucks have your attention now don’t they?) I love the fit in Milwaukee for Chandler and I am rooting for it to happen.

Wesley Matthews- Portland

The city and fan base adore him. Which is important in this case because the Blazers can’t lose LMA and Wes in one offseason. They are rebuilding but Matthews is also recovering from a torn Achilles. It makes sense for Matthews to resign with Portland for a one year deal. He’s in a system he knows and is comfortable with the area. He can have a nice rebound season and hit the market next year expecting a big contract.

Tobias Harris- Magic

There are a lot of questions around Tobias Harris. First, is he good? I think he is a good player. He’s only 23 and has improved every year. What position does he play? Who cares! In a year or two there may not be positions. Do the Magic want him? It seems like they do. But if a team comes along and offers Harris more money than the Magic want, will they match? That’s the most interesting question because a team won’t sign anyone and come day five of free agency a team will get desperate and drop a four year, 60 million dollar offer. Do the Magic match?

The Nets

They’ll resign Mirza, Thad Young, and Brook Lopez and give the mini mid level to some washed up vet. I would offer the mini to guys like Justin Holiday, KJ Mcdaniels, Thomas Robinson, and Will Barton. The Nets overpay old guys so why not overpay a young who’s unproved and take a chance!

For everything NBA and Brooklyn Nets :( follow@threwthenet on twitter.

2015 Draft

MC: Tonight is the NBA draft and it’s a rare combination, it’s a deep draft and it could have a lot of trades which could make it a night to remember. To help us out we bring in our friend John Kluepfel. Now there’s a lot to get into but I think we need to address what the first three picks are going to be because I don't see a trade happening in the top three and depending on who gets pick I think it will set the tone for the whole night, so you’re top three picks are?

JK: I agree with the thought that there won’t be any major trades in the top three and think (and hope) it goes Towns, Okafor and Russell. I’m really high on Towns and think he has the chance to be a special type of player in a guy that can stretch the floor but also be a dominant defender. The only guy that comes to mind is Serge Ibaka and Towns has the chance to be Ibaka on steroids. What’s your view on Towns? I’m not high on Flip and both he and Byron Scott are traditional coaches who hate three pointers but I’d love to see Wiggins and Towns together shutting down teams for the next 10+ years.

MC:Towns will be the best big out of this draft easily, I didn’t watch much of him since I don’t watch college basketball but hands down the best big. But I am happy that that is your top three because that three will create the craziness I want! But I think the Lakers take Russell and the 6ers take Mudiay and the Knicks get lucky and take Okafor. Which means the craziness does not happen

JK: I’d be very, very surprised if the Lakers took Russell. I love Russell’s game and think he can be a special player. He’s not a great athlete but his game is silky smooth. I’ve heard James Harden and Brandon Roy before the injuries so that’s certainly high praise. I don’t think the Lakers take him because of the fit with Kobe. Russell needs the ball in his hands and as much as the Lakers want people to believe Kobe doesn’t influence the pick, he does. I’d say the Lakers take Okafor.

Okafor, the accepted number one pick before the tournament, has lost a lot of value because of his inability to defend the pick and roll and his low ceiling compared to some of the other players available. I think Okafor will be a nice player but I wouldn’t put my money on him being a star. Al Jefferson and Brook Lopez come to mind when thinking of a comparison and it makes sense: a big that can control the offense but can also slow it down. A guy that can single handedly win a game but can also slow down the defense and have to be taken out during the last few minutes of the game. We’ll see with Okafor but I’m not high on him just like I wasn’t too high on Parker last year. What’s your take on the Cousins rumors? Would you take Randle and the #2 pick for him? People usually throw the Lakers with any team but Randle, Clarkson and the #2 pick seems like pretty good value right?

MC:For Boggie? No, first why would the Kings trade their franchise player to their biggest rival? Why would I trade for a guy who missed the whole season and Clarkson whose numbers were inflated because he was on a horrible team? No way I do that if i am the Kings, but you bring a great segway. TRADES!! Let’s start off with teams most likely to trade up. My two are the Suns and Raptors. There’s the rumor of Bledsoe and the 13th pick for the Knicks 4th pick, I love this rumor because it’s an interesting trade. I have the Raptors here because they have to do something, do they package their pick and Derozan or Valanciunas to move up? Masai is up to something I can feel it! So who’s trading up?

JK: I would trade Boogie but I don’t think the Lakers offer is that bad. The Wolves got a great return for Love and I know Okafor/Russell/Kristaps/Mario isn’t Wiggins but I’m willing to bet that Randle is better than Bennett. The Knicks trade is pretty interesting but I’d keep the pick if I were them. I understand Phil Jackson is crazy but does Bledsoe, Melo and the Suns pick really make them contenders? I’m not so sure. Whenever we talk about the Knicks it’s “do they fit the triangle?” Does Bledsoe fit the triangle? The Knicks could pass on a legitimate star which would be very Knicks. On the flip side if I’m the Suns, why trade Bledsoe for a top pick when they have a top pick in Alex Len who has yet to turn into a surefire starter in the league? Raptors would be interesting and you’d have to think someone would want to take a chance on Derozan and Jonas but I’d put the Nuggets here instead. I think the Nuggets might take Mudaiy which then begs the question with where Ty Lawson goes. The Nuggets have way too many assets to not make a trade and I think they’ll be the most active team in the draft.

MC: Maybe the Knicks trade 4 for 7 and take Lawson? that makes sense, I think. As for the Raptors I don’t know what the trade would be but Masai is always three moves ahead maybe the Nuggets and Raptors make a deal? Derozan and 20 plus the Raptors pick next year for 7. (remember Toronto has the Knicks pick next year so they can move their own) Before we get into the rest of the top 10, who can trade down? I think the Heat are a team to watch I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade 10 and Deng for lets say pick 19 from Washington? Clears the Heat cap and gives the Wizards a Paul Pierce replacement. Who do you see trading down?

JK: I wouldn’t bet on the Raptors and Nuggets making a deal. Remember, Masai left the Nuggets and not in a Derek Jeter kind of way. Trading down is a little tough but I don’t think the Heat are looking to trade down. First, they traded two picks for Dragic so they’re definitely trying to win now. They’re paying Bosh, Dragic, Deng and hopefully Wade in order to win now. If Wade leaves town, they need a replacement, fast. The Heat are interesting, do they take a Wade replacement or do they take a forward?  

 

MC: Okay we have your top three now gives us the next seven picks. No trades just picks.

Knicks: Kristaps- The European guy who jumped up everyone’s boards. A 7 footer, who possesses great athleticism, is a skilled shooter and has potential to be a rim protector might have the highest ceiling behind Towns. He is European though so many will be quick to label him as a bust. Needs to add strength but this guy could be the best player in the draft, or one of the worst. The Knicks need just about everything so if they think Kristaps is the guy, they should go for him.

Magic: Winslow- one word comes to mind when thinking of Winslow: solid. The Magic continue to stockpile assets and Winslow fits the bill as a safe pick, much like Oladipo, Payton and Gordon. Hopefully Winslow can shoot NBA range because that’s the one thing the Magic need. Many people fell in love with him in the tournament but my love doesn’t stretch this far. I’d much rather have WCS, Mudiay (the one other guy I could see the Magic taking) or Hezonja. The Magic really just need a star and I’m not sure Winslow is that guy but he fits their draft style.

Kings: WCS- The perfect fit to Cousins. Has the potential to be a great player in today’s NBA. A tremendous shot blocker who fits the mold as a Tyson Chandler, Andre Drummond, Andrew Bogut kind of player. A guy who doesn’t need the ball but can be very effective and efficient. Huge fan of WCS and would rather have him than Winslow or even Okafor.

Nuggets: Mudiay- Mudiay is an athletic point guard, much like the John Wall, Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook’s of the world. He’s not a European guy with little scouting (which is his reputation since he played in China) since he’s played with a lot of these guys in showcases before. He’s got a high ceiling but he needs to learn how to shoot in order to expand his game. The Nuggets seem to be content on trading Ty Lawson and this pick gives them the chance to deal him.

Pistons: Mario Hezonja- The Croatian Kobe! This guy is nuts and I love him. This guy has the swagger but the skills to back it up. Watch his YouTube videos and you’ll see why so many people are hoping this guy becomes a star. Hezonja is an athletic monster who throws down windmills before quarter’s end and takes wild three pointers that would make Jimmer proud. I’m not sure Hezonja will be good, but I’m sure as hell hopeful he will be. It’ll be interesting to see how coaches interact with Mario, as he seems like someone who will torture SVG. I’d also see Stanley Johnson being drafted here but can’t see Hezonja falling much after this. Crazy potential but also just plain crazy.

Hornets: Kaminsky- Frank Kaminsky seems like a bust. Just like the European guys (Hezonja and Kristaps), there’s a negative connotation when thinking about White American born big men. Think Tyler Hansbrough, Adam Morrison, Jimmer Fredette or Douggy Buckets. But I’m here to play devil’s advocate. I think Kaminsky can be a very useful player in today’s game. He’s never going to dunk on you but Kaminsky is a legitimate stretch four who can handle the ball, post up and create offense on his own. Think Boris Diaw or Josh Mcroberts. He’s not going to be a star but Kaminsky can be a really useful tool to a good team.

The Hornets desperately need scoring, shooting and someone to create offense, a Frank fills all of those holes.

Heat: Stanley Johnson- Johnson was a consensus top five pick before the college basketball mostly because of the potential he has. He’s got a Lebron James body with tremendous length and athleticism. Johnson carries a lot of risk and could be another Wesley Johnson. But If he puts it all together, watch out. Johnson fits the Heat as a guy who could potentially take the weight of the offense if Wade were to leave or be a key cog and take up Deng’s minutes.   

MC: Four through eight seems like it can go multiple ways. I guess Kristaps will be a Knicks if they keep the pick but I keep hearing the Knicks love Trey Lyles, I think the Knicks trade the pick and draft Lyles later on. I can see the rest of your mock be a reality but WCS to the Kings is interesting I think they might go with Mario, if they pick WCS it will be crazy with the Cousin rumors.

JK: I think WCS is a perfect fit with Cousins. Cousins is a “center” but in today’s positionless basketball, two big men might be a nice response to small ball. Cousins as the anchor on offense and WCS as the rim protector/ pick and roll specialist seems like a match made in heaven.

MC: Before we wrap this up since it’s a Nets blog what are the Nets doing? this is Billy King’s sweetspot! late twenties he’s going to pick a decent player isn’t he?

JK: He has to. This might be the only reason why King is still the GM. We only have late first rounders and that’s just about the only thing he’s good at. So let him do it right? Why hire someone else when there’s no flexibility at all? Let’s hope!

MC:The Nets have two picks entering the night how many picks do they end up making on Thursday? I say three they’ll probably buy one second pick. What say you?

JK: The Nets might buy a pick but they really need to hit on their first rounder. I’d love to get someone like Justin Anderson or RJ Hunter but if Hollis-Jefferson or Montrezl Harrell fell to 29, I wouldn’t pass on them either. The back of the draft is mostly a crapshoot and I’d shoot for the stars if I’m King.

MC: I agree, go for the highest ceiling. I like Anthony Brown he shot 44% from three and can defend pretty good.

Well that’s your 2015 draft preview let the weirdness begin! For everything NBA and Brooklyn Nets follow @threwthenet on twitter.

It's Just Getting Started

The NBA season is over L and the Warriors are the champs but it occurred to me during the finals that the Cavs and Warriors may have created a rivalry and that we may see these two teams match up in the finals again. The Cavs are a lock to be in the finals over the next couple of years since they have the best player in the world and they play in the worst conference in the world. For the Warriors it will be tougher since they play in the west but they will get better as a unit, remember this is only year one under Kerr they should only get better over time. But both of these team face challenges over the offseason, first let’s look at the Cavs.

The Cavs offseason plan is pretty simple bring everyone back. A full season of Kyrie, Shumpert, JR, Lebron, Delly, Love, Mozgov and Thompson is a great top 8 and if you add some pieces around that it’s a championship team. The Cavs have a first round pick and I would use that pick on a big man and try to move Anderson Varejao. He makes a lot of money over the next two years, he can’t stay healthy and the Cavs have too many big men. Love, Lebron and Thompson all are power forwards and Mozgov is your center. With Thompson he is on the verge of getting a HUGE contract the Cavs can’t have Varejao, Mozgov, James, Love and Thompson it’s too much money and the Cavs aren’t a big market team so they can’t pay the tax bill that the Nets pay. Moving Varejao would be very tough but it should be something they look to do.  The Cavs have the mini mid-level exception and Lebron James so they should be able to get a good player to sacrifice on money to play with Lebron for a title. For the mini the Cavs need to find another wing off the bench who can shoot. Matt Barnes just got traded and is expected to get waived, he would be a great fit In Cleveland. If Lebron is healthy next year they should cruise to the NBA Finals once again.  Also Lebron should play like 66 games next year and not play over 32 minutes a game. He has played so many minutes it would be wise for Cleveland to keep him fresh and put more of a load on Kyrie and Love during the regular season.

For the Warriors the road back will be a lot tougher than the Cavs but with one of the best front offices in the game they should be okay. All of their core is coming back their top 9 is loaded Curry, Klay, Iggy, Barnes, Livingston, Draymond, Bogut, Ezeli and Mo Speights. The Warriors have a pick and also the Mini mid-level exception, I’d like the Warriors to pick up a shooter off the bench this has been a glaring weakness for them in my opinion and it showed itself during the finals. If they can find a shooter off the bench they might be unstoppable. Now the Warriors have David Lee a guy who doesn’t fit in Steve Kerrs system but is still a good NBA player as we saw in the NBA finals. The Warriors should trade him but, the problem is he has a huge salary and the Warriors might not want to trade him. It might be wise to let his contract run out so the Warriors have cap room for the summer of Durant. If they can swap Lee for another expiring I think GS should do it, having 16 million be a bench warmer isn’t what you want.  There aren’t many trades out there that would make sense which means the Warriors might be the same team next year with a few minor tweaks. Matt Barnes would be a great fit in Golden State as well. (Matt Barnes and Draymond on the same team! Please and thank you)

Regardless both of these teams should be good for a while and we could see a Warriors vs Cavs finals for a while.