ESPN: Free Agent Stock Watch and NBA Draft Top 10s

No particular order but these are the guys that interest me off the top of my head:

Draft:

Wayne Simien
Ronnie Turiaf
Francisco Garcia
Jarret Jack (Only if we're shipping out at least 2 of the following: James, Wesley, Sura, Ward, Norris...if not, we don't need him)
Sean May (unlikely)

Free Agency:

Joe Johnson
Bobby Simmons
Vladimir Radmanovich
Etan Thomas
Udonis Haslem
Shareef Abdul Rahim
Stromile Swift (ONLY and I repeat ONLY as an addition to a legitimate bruising PF...if not, cap space is better spent elsewhere)

GUYS I DO NOT WANT!!!! (in UNWANTED order):

1. Latrell Sprewell
2. Nick Van Exel
3. Damon Stoudemire
4. Reggie Evans

 

He said "Top 5 Centers" but he went ahead and listed "Top 7"....very generous man

He also rated Andre Blatche above Villaneuva, Diogu and Simien. Amazing!

Worst, he rated Chris "Bust waiting to happen" Taft as the #1 rated PF. Ridicullous!

Sometimes I feel bad calling Chad a Fraud but he does not make it easy for me not to.

 

To your draft list, I dare to add Kenedy Winston, Joey Graham, Hakim Warrick and Ike Diogu. David Lee will likely be a second round pick unless he miraculously shoots up the ladder which is safe to say is unlikely. He turned to be a borderline bust in Florida. I can't wait for the Chicago affair and May 24th to pass so that we can know better where every player/team stand so far.

As for FA, Spree has to feed his family and I do not think we have enough money to help him out in that regard. I will add Othella Harrington to that list. He is a former Rocket and a solid PF who would not mind coming back "home" I presume.

 

I didn't know Duke's Daniel Ewing was a point guard? I thought he played SG/SF.

 

I don't really think Sean May will be as much of a force in the NBA.

And I hadn't thought about Joe Johnson. Though likely impossible to get him, the idea of him taking Wesley's spot is incredibly appealing.

 

is Joe Johnson a RFA this year? if so expect phoenix to match any offer sheet he signs, unless its an absolute ridiculous max contract one. after the season they've had there is no way they'd want to tinker with that team except maybe getting a deeper bench.

radman sounds interesting but can he rebound? i know he can put the ball on the floor, spread the floor real well and would be able to keep up with the faster 4s in the league (guarding them is another story though). as shown in the dallas series the thing we need badly is taller more athletic players around the perimeter where we were constantly beat off the dribble and to the long rebounds and a rebounding big 4 to help out on defensive rotation when yao/deke go to help leaving the weakside open.

i cant wait till the draft to see who we get I'd be happy if we could draft either garcia or simien with our first round pick

 

ESPN Insider: Chad Ford's NBA Top 20 Free Agents
Redd and Allen head a deep free-agent class
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By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
Now that the season is over, next year has become this year for the 22 teams no longer in the playoffs.

Who will have the cap space to make a difference in this summer's free-agent market?

Assuming there's a $45 million cap (it could be as high as $50 million, depending on what happens with the CBA), the Atlanta Hawks will have roughly $24 million in cap room. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Seattle SuperSonics will have $21 million, the Charlotte Bobcats roughly $20 million. The Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Hornets will have about $11 million. The Milwaukee Bucks have cleared about $9 million. Will they really want or be able to use it? The Sonics likely will spend all of their room re-signing their own free agents. The Cavs will use roughly half of theirs in an attempt to re-up Zydrunas Ilgauskas. And the Bobcats likely will save much of their cap space for summer 2007.

That leaves the Hawks, Cavs (roughly $10 million to $12 million), Hornets, Clippers and Bobcats as the players in the free-agent market. Since only one of those teams, the Cavs, is in any position to compete for the playoffs (though the Clippers are getting close), the free-agent destinations for top veterans will be very limited.

This year's list of free agents isn't top-heavy, but it's deep. Ray Allen, Michael Redd, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Antoine Walker and Ilgauskas top the list of unrestricted veterans. Of that group, Allen and Abdur-Rahim are the most likely to bolt for new teams.

The restricted free-agent class looks much better, but remember, going after restricted free agents in the summer is always a dicey proposition. Only two top restricted free agents changed teams last summer. The Nuggets stole Kenyon Martin from the New Jersey Nets (the Nets eventually agreed to a sign-and-trade) and the Phoenix Suns pried Quentin Richardson away from the Clippers.

Here's Insider's second look at the free-agent class of 2005. Although the names on the board may leave fans breathless, there's little chance most of these guys will leave home.

Top 20 2005 Free Agents

Key: (R) = Restricted free agent | (PO) = Player Option | (TO) = Team Option

1. Michael Redd, SG, Bucks (PO)

The skinny: On July 1, 2005, Redd might be the hottest free agent on the market. He's making just $3 million in Milwaukee this year and tried to bolt the team two summers ago when he signed a three-year offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, he has become one of the league's best shooters and an All-Star. He'll command a huge raise and the Bucks are prepared to pay it. There has been a lot of talk all season that Redd will bolt the Bucks for the Cavs. However, the day before the trade deadline, Redd gave strong indications to the Bucks that he will re-sign with them as long as they give him a big deal. Still, look for the Cavs to make a big push this summer. The opportunity to return to his home state and play with LeBron might trump the extra year and bigger raises the Bucks can offer.

2. Ray Allen, SG, Sonics

The skinny: Of the top-tier guys on the list, Allen has the best shot of leaving. He tried to hammer out a big extension with the Sonics all season, to no avail. The two sides essentially bickered over the last year of a five-year deal being guaranteed. Allen has threatened to bolt if the Sonics don't up their offer … but where would he go? Cleveland is a possibility. If the Cavs don't land Michael Redd, Allen would be an attractive option. Allen hasn't ruled out a return to Milwaukee either, though that doesn't appear likely. The Clippers could have interest, though it's unclear whether Allen would reciprocate. The rest of the teams with money will look for someone younger. All this means that if the Cavs don't come through, Allen's options will be limited to either signing with Seattle for less money or working out a sign-and-trade with the Sonics. Under the last two scenarios, the Sonics get something back in return.

3. Samuel Dalembert, PF/C, 76ers (R)

The skinny: Of all the talented big men from the class of 2001, Dalembert is the most coveted. His breakout performance in April 2004 (12.3 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 4.8 bpg) got teams drooling. This year, his performance has been all over the board, from stunning to awful. However, most NBA scouts blame coach Jim O'Brien more than Dalembert for the center's inconsistent numbers. In the playoffs, Dalembert redeemed himself to an extent, averaging an NBA high 12.8 rpg in the first round against the Pistons. Dalembert has the size, athleticism and work ethic to be a force somewhere down the road. Good centers don't come along too often. When they're on the free-agent market, teams are usually willing to overpay to get them. The Sixers told everyone as the trade deadline came and went that he's untouchable and that they plan to re-sign him this summer … but at what price? Sixers GM Billy King is a big fan, but O'Brien isn't. How much do you pay a guy the coach doesn't like? And given how far the Sixers are over the luxury tax, can they afford to pay him big money? King says yes. We'll see. The Hawks are willing to throw near-max numbers at him. The Cavs and Sonics also are interested. As are teams willing to do a sign-and-trade, such as the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks. Dalembert is going to get paid somewhere. … the question is whether it will be in Philly.


4. Tyson Chandler, PF/C, Bulls (R)

The skinny: Chandler had another up-and-down season for the Bulls. He has stayed healthy, was terrific on the boards again and showed signs that he's an emerging shot blocker. But his offensive game has really stagnated. He still hasn't developed any semblance of a low-post game, getting most of his shots off offensive rebounds and a nice little 10-foot jumper. However, he was very good in the playoffs, which will surely help his stock. Bulls GM John Paxson loves Chandler. He's got a great work ethic both off and on the court that Paxson admires. But what will he pay him? Chandler's history with injuries and his limited offensive potential may keep Paxson from throwing the bank at him. That gives an opening for a team like Cleveland or Atlanta to think about throwing a max-type deal his way. In the end, however, it probably would be fruitless. Paxson has said he'll match any deal for Chandler, and I believe it. He's too important to the Bulls' future, and he has the potential to turn into a Ben Wallace-type defensive force (except Chandler is five inches taller) as long as he remains healthy.

5. Larry Hughes, G, Wizards

The skinny: Hughes picked a great time to have a career year. He's averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals and was well on his way toward an All-Star berth before suffering a midseason injury. There's no question the Wizards want him back and will be willing to pay him. Hughes just turned 26 and seems to be in the prime of his career. The Wizards likely will have competition from the Bucks (if Redd doesn't re-sign), the Cavs and possibly the Clippers. But at the end of the day, the Wizards can offer the most money and seem inclined to do it.

6. Joe Johnson, G, Suns (R)

The skinny: People talk about Redd and Allen as the league's premier shooters, but what about Johnson? He ranked second in the league in 3-point percentage this season and seventh in 3-pointers made. Yes, he gets a lot of open shots considering that most defenses are preoccupied trying to contain Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and Steve Nash – but Johnson has proven repeatedly that he can take over a game when needed. The Suns want him back and own his restricted rights. Suns GM Bryan Colangelo told Insider several weeks ago that the team is prepared to match any offer for him. However, Johnson hasn't sounded so sure, and for good reason. The Suns have been trying to stay out of luxury-tax land, and paying Johnson a starting salary of $7-8 million per year will put them dangerously close to the threshold. Once the Suns extend Stoudemire to a max deal, their cap position could get out of control quickly starting in summer 2006. The Cavs will strongly consider Johnson if Redd doesn't sign with them. He's also likely to get some love from the Bobcats and possibly the Clippers. The Suns are hoping that the interest is limited and that they can re-sign him to a more modest deal. If a bidding war breaks out, the Suns might not be able to keep up.


7. Stromile Swift, PF/C, Grizzlies

The skinny: Swift took the Grizzlies' one-year tender offer last summer so he'd be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Expect him to take advantage of it. He has never quite performed up to expectations in Memphis. Still, Swift has the athleticism, shot blocking and rebounding skills many teams covet. He might never be a great offensive player or a particularly smart player, but on an up-tempo team that likes to get out and run, he could be very, very good. Look for the Hawks, Hornets, Bucks and possibly the Cavs and Sonics to show interest.

8. Eddy Curry, C, Bulls (R)

The skinny: Curry is one of this crop's biggest enigmas. He's a talented low-post scorer who still seems to be growing as a player. But questions about his work ethic on and off the court have haunted him (how can a guy his size play 20-plus minutes and grab just one rebound?). The relationship between Curry and the Bulls has waxed and waned considerably over the past three seasons. There were several points this year when it seemed like a lock that Curry would be back in a Bulls' uniform next season. Right now, that scenario is less than certain. Curry had a heart problem toward the end of the season that forced him to miss the playoffs. The Bulls are still having tests run. If there's anything even remotely serious, his value will plummet. If he gets a clean bill of health, things will be more interesting. The Bulls like Curry, but owner Jerry Reinsdorf doesn't sound ready to commit to a huge guaranteed deal for him. If Curry can persuade a team such as Atlanta or Seattle to roll the dice and offer him a big deal, will the Bulls match? GM John Paxson says yes, but it might depend on how the collective-bargaining negotiations turn out. If Curry can get only a four-year deal somewhere else, the Bulls might be willing to take the risk.

9. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, PF, Blazers

The skinny: Abdur-Rahim is an enigma. Every year, he puts up great stats for whatever team he's on, but he's never played on a team with a winning record. Never. The chances of his returning to Portland are slim. He knows that Zach Randolph is the Blazers' future star at the four and doesn't want to keep playing out of position on one of the NBA's most dysfunctional franchises. At 28, Abdur-Rahim still has plenty of juice left. But who's going to offer him the cash? Most of the teams with money are already set at his position or are looking for someone young. A number of veteran teams – including the Nets, Timberwolves and Heat – would love to get their hands on him, but all they can offer is a mid-level exception. The Blazers might be willing to do a sign-and-trade, but given how screwed up things in Portland are right now, who knows what the team will do?

10. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Cavs

The skinny: It's pretty rare when an All-Star-caliber center appears on the unrestricted market. Ilgauskas has issues. He turns 30 in June and, despite having played relatively injury-free basketball the past few seasons, he has a history of foot injuries that would scare away any team doctor. However, his ability to score in the paint and block shots makes him a coveted commodity in a league that lacks big guys. The Cavs want to re-sign him, but for no more than a four-year deal that pays him roughly $44 million. If Ilgauskas pushes for more, the Cavs might wait him out this summer. Like Rahim, he doesn't have many potential suitors among the teams that have cap room, and the Cavs have no interest in a sign-and-trade, closing off that avenue. If Ilgauskas has to choose between taking $5 million in the mid-level exception and taking $10 million from the Cavs, what do you think he'll choose?

11. Bobby Simmons, G/F, Clippers

The skinny: Simmons stands to be one of the more coveted free agents on the market because he's an unrestricted free agent, plays for the Clippers and shouldn't break a bank account to get signed. Simmons has been improving throughout the season. In February, he averaged 20 ppg while shooting 50 percent from the field and 57 percent from 3. He's versatile, a great rebounder for his size and one of the league's best free-throw shooters. He's a hardworking kid who doesn't turn 25 until mid-June, so what isn't there to like about him? The Clippers want him back badly, but they are likely to get some serious competition from the Bobcats, the Hornets and possibly the Cavs.

12. Marko Jaric, PG, Clippers (R)

The skinny: When Jaric has been healthy, he has looked solid. The pickings are slim at the point-guard position, which should bode well for Jaric. A number of teams – including the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings and Blazers – are interested, but none of them has more than the mid-level to make something happen. The Cavs have more to offer and are interested, but might be unwilling to lock up their cap space for 15 days while they wait for LA to match. The Clippers are inclined to keep him anyway, as long as the bidding doesn't get out of control for both Jaric and Simmons. Los Angeles has a nice young nucleus that should continue to improve as long as the players stay healthy.

13. Kwame Brown, PF/C, Wizards (R)

The skinny: Despite all of Kwame's problems, teams are still interested. In fact, now that the Wizards have suspended him, the interest might go up. Before, many GMs felt that Washington would match any offer for Brown. Not anymore. Despite his problems, Brown still has upside. There aren't a lot of athletic, 7-foot 23-year-olds on the market. A team such as Atlanta, desperate to turn around its fortunes, might just send a significant contract his way. Brown played high school ball in Atlanta and still has a fan base there. Given the load of cash the Hawks have to work with, they might be able to afford him, Dalembert and a point guard such as Earl Watson.

14. Vladimir Radmanovic, F, Sonics (R)

The skinny: Radmanovic was the leading contender to win the Sixth Man Award before breaking his leg and missing the last six weeks of the season. He was a critical component in the Sonics' unlikely run this year and has a lot of fans around the league. He'd like to get out of Seattle and move to a team willing to give him a starting role. Although there are a number of teams that would be interested, Radmanovic's problem is the competition at his position going into the summer. According to a number of teams that Insider talked to, Redd, Allen, Hughes, Johnson and Simmons all rank higher on the boards of teams that have money to spend. If a number of other options fall through, teams such as Cleveland, Milwaukee and possibly Atlanta are interested. However, if those teams find help somewhere else, Radmanovic might be forced to take the mid-level exception. A number of teams would be interested in giving it to him, but at that point it's likely that the Sonics would match.


15. Antoine Walker, F, Celtics

The skinny: Walker's reemergence in Boston was supposed to pay off for him this summer. However, after the Celtics tanked in the first round (and Walker was less than stellar), he seems to be right back where he was in Atlanta. Walker put up decent numbers all season, but many teams are writing them off as meaningless. His abysmal plus/minus numbers for the Hawks, among the worst in the league, haven't helped his cause. In Walker's defense, he was a spark for the Celtics, helping Paul Pierce be happy again and making GM Danny Ainge look like a genius for about a month. But the effect was short-lived. What happens this summer? No teams with cap room will show serious interest in Walker. The Celtics might be willing to re-sign him, but not for anything near the $14 million he makes this season. Cut that number to less than half, and the Celtics might start talking. Walker might have no choice but to take it or a bigger pay cut for another team's mid-level exception (the Knicks and Sixers come to mind) .

16. Antonio Daniels, PG, Sonics (PO)

The skinny: Daniels is another contender for the Sixth Man Award and likely will try to bolt Seattle this summer. He has posted two solid seasons with the Sonics, is one of the best point-guard defenders in the league and has improved his jump shot to the point that defenders have to at least guard him. He has become increasingly comfortable as a point guard the past two seasons and should become a solid starter on a team such as the Rockets, who are looking for more size and leadership at the position.

17. Kyle Korver, SF, 76ers (R)

The skinny: Korver has turned himself into one of the NBA's sweetest long-range shooters and should get a lot of attention from teams willing to use their mid-level exceptions. The Sixers want to keep him and can match any offer up to the mid-level. However, if a team offers more, the Sixers cannot match (they own only Korver's early Larry Bird rights). That's unlikely, especially with his poor performance in the playoffs.

18. Earl Watson, PG, Grizzlies

The skinny: Watson remains one of the most underrated point guards in the league and should generate significant interest this summer. He has played backup to Jason Williams most of his career, but his player efficiency ratings make him, at the very least, Williams' equal. He's one of the best defensive point guards in the league, and he keeps turnovers to a minimum. He won't score a lot of points due to a faulty jumper, but he definitely can run a team. Teams such as the Bobcats, Bucks, Blazers, Cavs, Hawks, Jazz, Rockets and Magic all should have interest, and Watson should be available. GM Jerry West loves him, but with the Grizzlies' payroll spiraling out of control, it's likely they won't be able to re-sign Watson, who can get a deal elsewhere starting at four or five million per. Given Watson's desire to be a starter, it's unlikely that he would choose to re-up with Memphis even if the Grizzlies could afford him.

19. Sarunas Jasikevicius, PG, Maccabi Tel Aviv
The skinny: Jasikevicius is the best point guard in Europe and has led his team to three straight Euroleague Championships. The former Maryland star is an incredible passer, has deep range on his jumper and plays with lots of emotion and grit. If he were more athletic, a better defender and four or five years younger (he's 29 now) he'd be near the top of the list. But as it stands, he'd be a great mid-level pick-up for a team trying to compete for a championship.

20. Donyell Marshall, F, Raptors

The skinny: Marshall became one of the most coveted guys on the trading block last fall and will likely get a lot of interest (for the mid-level exception) from the same teams that pursued him then: the Bulls, Rockets, Heat and Sixers.


Best of the rest

Player/Team Option: Shaquille O'Neal, C, Heat (PO); Damon Jones, PG, Heat (PO); Darius Songaila, F, Kings (PO);Keith Van Horn, F, Mavericks (PO); Cuttino Mobley, SG, Kings (PO); Jalen Rose, SG, Raptors (PO); Grant Hill, SF, Magic (PO); Jamal Mashburn, SF, Hornets (PO); Bonzi Wells, SG, Grizzlies (TO); Eddie Jones, SG, Heat (PO); Nick Van Exel, PG, Blazers (TO); Bobby Jackson, PG, Kings (TO); Devean George, SF, Los Angeles Lakers (PO); Predrag Drobnjak, C, Hawks (TO); Austin Croshere, F, Pacers (PO); Clifford Robinson, F, Nets (TO)

Note: It's very unlikely most of the players on the above list will exercise their player options – that's why they weren't listed on the Top-20 list. The only exceptions could be Mobley, Damon Jones and Songaila, who might opt out in an attempt to get more money elsewhere.

Unrestricted: Damon Stoudamire, PG, Blazers; Gary Payton, PG, Celtics; Jerome James, C, Sonics; Latrell Sprewell, SG, Timberwolves; Jeff McInnis, PG, Cavs; Dan Dickau, PG, Hornets; Dale Davis, C, Warriors; Kerry Kittles, SG, Clippers; Glenn Robinson, SF, Spurs; Jahidi White, C, Bobcats; Bo Outlaw, F, Grizzlies; Ervin Johnson, C, Timberwolves; Raja Bell, G/F, Jazz; Mark Madsen, F, Timberwolves; Tyronn Lue, PG, Rockets; Darrell Armstrong, PG, Mavericks.

Restricted: Udonis Haslem, F, Heat; Gerald Wallace, G/F, Bobcats; Dan Gadzuric, C, Bucks; Zaza Pachulia, C, Bucks; Reggie Evans, F, Sonics; Ronald Murray, G, Sonics; Luke Walton, F, Lakers; Jason Kapono, F, Bobcats; Willie Green, G, Sixers; Matt Bonner, F, Raptors

European Free Agents: Maceo Baston, PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Arvydas Macijauskas, SG, TAU Vitoria; Anthony Parker, SG/SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Travis Hansen, SG/SF, TAU Vitoria; Nikola Vujcic, C, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Jose Manuel Calderon, PG, Tau Vitoria; Dimitris Diamantidis, PG, Panathinaikos; Demos Dikoudis, SF, CSKA Moscow

 

Have the Rockets made any noise as to who they want to pursue in free agency this year? Has anyone heard anything?

I would love to Have Shariff Abul Rahim. I don't know how possible that is. We need someone who can put pressure on the other teams defense.

 

he still thinks lue is on the rockets.


if we draft a PF then marshall will be off our FA list. otherwise he would be the best rebounder on our team and he can shot the 3 cinsistantly.

JVG wanted AD for two summers now, making this the 3rd. watson is also a "JVG type" however he is smaller that AD and can't shoot as well. he is not a bad second option.

all 3 guys will ask for the MLE so we have to wait for draft night to see what we get.

 

this draft seems so deep that we could possibly sign undrafted players like ivan mcfarlin or aaron miles... mcfarlin is a hell of an athelete which this team lacks a lot of.

also.... im not saying i want it, but for some crazy reason i wouldnt be surprised if seattle and houston do a sign and trade for ray allen for couple expiring contracts and couple players. i know ray is old, but JVG seems to be in love with those players, and ray obviously wants to play for a team that is championship material. also, dealing away ray would relieve seattle from a huge headache with all the contract negotiations they have had. i also believe seattle will be set in rebuild mode after the season is over b/c is doesnt look like ray and seattle are going to come to an agreement and the fact radman wants out as well since doesnt like playing off the bench and doesnt like to play PF.

it would def. be intresting to see what it would be like with tmac and ray allen hanging out around the perimeter with yao downlow.

oh well, just a thought

 

Please tell me you are joknig.

 

I like what AD has shown so far in the SA/Seattle series. He's strong defensively(quick and 6'4"), he's done a decent job on the guys he's matched up with(sometimes Ginobili, sometimes Parker), and he can get to the basket pretty well. Also, he doesn't seem to turn the ball over. The only problem is his shooting, .438 and .297 from 3, but I can live with it as long as he is creating and can make a good entry pass. He is getting a little long in the tooth(I think he's 30y/o), but that's just like JVG likes them.

 

This summer's #1 priority....












Sign Joe Johnson!!! I don't care what it takes, sign him to the longest term possible. He's young and simply one of the most underated players in the L, and a perfect fit for this team. If we get JJ, he'll be a primary ball handler, along with TMac. We won't need a great, or even good PG...just someone who can play a little D. Address the PF position through the draft and sign a PG via FA.

I think it's realistic that he can be pryed away from Phoenix, especially if they advance to the finals without his services. The lure for him would be a bigger role on an up and coming team with championship aspirations.

 

My Free Agent / Trade Wishlist Includes.

1. Tyson Chandler
2. Drew Gooden
3. Eddie Griffin
4. Joe Smith
5. Carlos Boozer
6. Nene
7. Antoine Walker
8. Dan Gadzuric

These are guys I think we have a legit shot at getting. I guess you can see I like the tall lanky type of PF's.

J

 

I agree. This draft may not have a BronBron or Yao but it is deep. I only wish we had a secound round that we could have used to get an athletic 1, 2 or 3.

The thought and reality that guys like Travis Deiner, Kelenna Azubuike, Bracey Wright, Lenas, Deng Gai, Hodge, Miles, Gilchrist, etc. could be late secounders to undrafted makes me salivate.

Noble aspiration but all we can offer him is the full MLE unless Phoenix agrees to a sign and trade with us (which I doubt they will be willing to do with a WC rival). Another way to land him is to skillfully move our expiring contracts to free up money.

If Phoenix is willing to do a S&T with us, I will be willing to give them a first rounder and a second plus cash for him. I will be willing to pay $10M per year for JJ to become a rocket. With JJ_Mac_Yao as our core, we will surely be a formidable team for years to come.

I am 90% sure that Phoenix will lose Joe Johnson because I do not see how they can match minimum $9M per JJ is likely to get this summer. Maybe it is wishfull thinking but with Amare, Matrix and Nash I see Phoenix cutting their lose and doing a S&T with a team like Cleveland. I do not think we can afford to land JJ either but I can dream.....

 

I am 90% sure JJ will stay in Phx. Unless a max contract is offered to him (which they might match), they surely will max. JJ is too young, too good, too versitle. They are not going to blow up the team they just built, and which has turned around their fan base. Even SA, smaller market, will carry TD at the max, Parker and Manu at close (9+ mil range), plus sizeable other contracts (Rasha/Nazr/Barry). Bank on JJ staying in Phx even if that is all they do this offseason. Further, why does another team want to enter the picture when they know they will probably waste a few days of negotiating plus 15 days only for Phx to match while they have been on the FA sidelines.

 

Any team that pays Joe Johnson 9 million per season is going to be hating themselves for the length of the contract. That is Ray Allen money, pretty much a max contract. JJ should be getting MLE money. OVERRATED.

 

A 23 year old that averages 17 points as the 4th option of his team and makes 48% of his 3-point attempts is going to get more than MLE money.

 

He get's that many points because of steve nash and the offense they run.