Man, it's truly a shame that the Nugs couldn't get the job done with such a solid core. Billups is an experienced, steady hand at PG, Afflalo's a rich man's version of Shane Battier, Melo's one of the most gifted offensive players in the league, Martin's a freak athlete and a force around the cup, and Nene's one of the most effective centers in the Western Conference. Plus, JR Smith and Ty Lawson are outstanding bench players, and could arguably start for a handful of teams across the NBA. I honestly thought they were one of the most dangerous teams in the league for the last 2-3 years, but they just couldn't get over the hump. Nuggets fans must be crushed...
Denver wouldn't want Jeffries and his contract. I know he's expiring, but the Nuggets want to save as much money as possible. I'd also rather throw in another pick or a better player than take on Al Harrington and his horrific contract. Melo + Nene for Yao, Hill, Bud, 1st + Player X making more than $1.99mil (Brooks fits percetly, though Denver probably doesn't have much interest in him, so you'd probably have to add a third team).
The tweet mentions that they're unaware of Nene's third desired team. His first was the Heat, what's the second?
Dallas acording to Stein but he's a Dallas guy, still makes sense. On Melo AND Nene, that would be ideal. If we aren't completely out of the race by then, we'd have a dam good shot at the playoffs but more importantly could also be sneaky way of rebuilding if Melo and/or Nene leave town. Harrington is a yucky contract but in Adelman's sytem he could be one heck of a scorer.
Why Dallas? They have so many centers already.... Maybe we could hop in as a 3rd team and snag one of the Mavs centers?
Last year, they had a good chance, but i think George Karl's health got in the way. If he was coaching at the end of the season and in the playoffs, it would have made a huge difference.
but Nene has no balls.. ok he has one.. ok that was a very lame joke.. I'd be happy if we somehow got Nene. This team needs some toughness. We have the two worst perimeter defenders in Martin and Brooks and two of the worst paint defenders in Scola and Hill.
Yes, Denver has all these terrific players, but they can't get it done. People here seem to think if we get a good big man, we are instantly a much better team. Denver has a good center, a good wing player, and a good point guard and they are coming up short. If we somehow acquire Nene, I won't be expecting any miracles. Also, I wonder why his rebounding aren't better. He only averages 7 1/2 rebounds per game.
Why would either Melo or Nene opt out with a new CBA and a probable lock out coming. If they opt out and there's a lock out they won't get anything from any team, it won't matter what teams want them or where they want to go. If it's a short lock out it won't matter, but i have a feeling this is going to be the 98-99 season all over again. Nene isn't going to opt out , he'd be crazy.
No player salaries get paid during a lockout. So, if the entire season is lost to labor issues, they get nothing. Heck, even if the lockout only eats up a portion of the season, they'll lose that portion of their salaries, and the remainder may be rolled back to a "new CBA" level. For a max guy like Melo, though, he'd be pretty foolish not to take the money. He's got the most to lose long-term. For Nene, $11.6M is a lot of money and will likely represent the most he'll ever get for one year of basketball if the new CBA is as harsh to player salaries as many suggest. If I were him--and if I were traded to the "right" team--I would NOT opt out.
So even if they are under contract they won't get paid? Wow, now I know they are crazy. If that's the case I think melo might sign the extention if he doesn't get traded. There's no way Nene opts out.
I was trying to read up last night on what some the new CBA rumors were and I couldn't really find anything substantial. Bima tell me if this list sums up the talking points Reducing the percent of BRI going to players (currently at 57%) Franchise player tag where player gets average of top 5 salaries at his position Possibly eliminating MLE Non-guaranteed contracts Possibly reducing max contract size and duration To me it would seem the BRI distribution percentage and guaranteed contracts would be the biggest issues. However, I don't see how players salaries could get nuked considering the salary cap didn't even drop last year. That would seem to indicate that league revenues aren't that bad. Further, you have the Warriors sale which was huge. It blew away Forbes estimates for the franchise by nearly 43% ($450 mil sale v $315 mil Forbes est) and it appreciated by nearly 10% a year for the former owner Chris Cohen. In my eyes, something doesn't add up. It would seem the owners position that are teams losing crap loads of money because of player salaries is questionable. Tell me what you think of this.
I'm all for Morey going out and getting Melo and Nene even if neither sign an extension before the trade. This would give the Rockets a legit shot at contending this season depending on what we have to give up, and would probably give the Rockets an opportunity to acquire something in return in a sign and trade. At worst, you end up rebuilding, but that really isn't much different then what's happening right now any way. Currently the Rockets are just a collection of solid role players that will never contend for a title without that star player. It seems this team will be stuck in limbo without dramatic roster moves one way or another, so why not go for it.
I have no doubt Morey is going to make a move. If nothing else, he is going to acquire trade exceptions and 2012 expiring contracts to use in trade after the new CBA is negotiated and to take advantage of possible contraction.
