i hope not I would hate to have another player take a cut to stay here only to be to be used as Trade bait Rocket River *cough* Mobley *cough*
2 year 8 to 10 million?!?!?! When you say 8-10 million, do you mean per year or over both years? I suppose 8-10 million total wouldn't be too outrageous, but if you mean 8-10 million a year, that's simply insane. I'd think 2 million per year is more likely. He's better than veteran minimum, but not better than double the veteran minimum.
I could see Deke taking a 1 year 4 million dollar deal. Why? Because players that are on a 1 year deal who will have their Bird Rights or Early Bird Rights at the end of the year can't be traded. Seems like that might be more important to him than the extra year.
To clarify, I meant 2 year 8-10 million total, meaning 4-5 mill per year. Like I said, if we can get him cheaper then great, but if using the Spoon comparison also, then I wouldn't mind paying Deke that range, but that would be the limit.
Capologists please correct if needed. I believe to pay Deke more than the league min and not break into our exemptions it has to be a 2 year deal (he qualifies as an Early Bird Rights FA). I don't know the legaility of a player or team option on the 2nd year, probably a player option is allowed but not the team option (that would be viewed as short cutting the contract length rules). Also the contract could be substantially more than the MLE if we wanted to (or any amount less) based on Deke's previous salary (5.5mil) x 1.75, but that would be crazy to pay 9 mil for a back-up. 10 mil in a 2 year deal (equiv to an MLE) would be the absolute most to consider, and that seems too steep. If Deke wants to sign for the vet min 1-year, 2-year, whatever, that is great for us but I would not insult him by saying it is this or nothing. I think 2-year for like 6 mil (total) with a player option would be quite fair, and keep our exemptions for other free agents in tact. As for Barry, as a 1 year qualifying free agent we can sign him for 20% more than last years 1.8 mil salary. Could be 1 year to 6 years. I prefer to bring back Barry with a 1 year deal, last year's salary (1.8mil)--just over the 1.6/1.7 exemption, seems square all the way around. I don't think I want to tie up a roster spot in 06-07 for JB (two-year deal), and if we acquired Simmons or Cat, and have not traded Wesley in the process, there may not be a spot for JB this year. JB will just have a wait a little while.
Amen. And Barry as well. Those two guys provide great energy for the team and definetly help out the team chemistry. Plus, they know their role, which makes the flow so much better. These guys are definetly up there when it comes to being fan favorites.
Hasn't Barry said he only wants to play one more year? I don't see how we don't sign this guy especially after JVG went on the radio and said the + point differential when he was in the game was "ridiculous". And aren't there 16 rosters spots under the new CBA?
Bring back Deke, Barry, and Sura. All those guys showed tremendous heart down the stretch last year. Mutombo in particular, as Yao tends to pick up his 4th foul with 11 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
Since my thread was locked yesterday, I pasted my thoughts on F Blineberrys column here......I truly believe that the intangibles he brings are priceless, regardless of playing time..........very similar to Hakeem's but with the wisdom of years added...agree ?..... I mean of course the one and only Dikembe Mutombo. Consider: Rockets fate without him this year the learning and teaching for Yao Ming's many future years the Heart of lion who genuinly cares about people, and has no ego about that part of himself, he does it beacause it's "the right thing to do". the rediculously excellent job he does in phase of his game. His mere presence inside that creates nighmares for stupid young players who don't have a clue His LEADERSHIP skills which just may be the biggest gifts These things are not on the free agent market. They are either there inside or they are not. Some day we will look back and realize collectively that DK wil be one of the main reasons that this franchise was able to stabalize at one of it's most critical junctures, that lead to chamionship ball and championship players flocking to play here and raise banners.
