Don't even know what to believe. There is too many rumors out there. This is what I think each of the following players will end up playing next year: James- Chicago Wade-Miami Bosh-Miami Amare-New York or New Jersey Boozer-Chicago or New york Joe Johnson-Miami or New York Dirk Nowitzki-Dallas Scola-Houston Lowry-Houston Turkoglu-Sacremento or Orlando Shaq-Dallas Tracy McGrady-Lakers Brad Miller-Houston Brandon Haywood-Dallas Kleiza-Denver Vince Carter-Washington Arenas-Orlando Chris Paul-New Orleans Yao Ming- Houston Tyson Chandler-Charlotte Tyrus Thomas-Charlotte Grant Hill-Phoenix Kevin Martin-Houston
....seems like David Stern would be concerned that a GM says this has been planned for a long time now and the waiting is just a formality. Tampering anyone? I would love nothing more than the Heat to get "Joe Smithed".
What I don't understand is why is it tampering? LOL what kind of league is it when a FA can't sign where he wants to any more? The Joe Smith case was a different matter altogether because JS signed for an offer substantially lower than his market value, and for less years in order to sign another lucrative contract. In Miami, or any other FA case nowadays, the max FAs will sign for the max amount for the max number of years. The only question is where they will sign, and that's entirely the FAs choice. If they all wanted to hold an avenger meeting then let them, that's totally within their rights to play where they want to play as they are all FREE AGENTS.
His post didn't work well for him at all. It was so bad that it was good. He is the Duke of Truth part II.
...it's tampering because they aren't technically FAs yet - they are still under contract with their present team until FA officially starts. Agreed it's not quite the same as the Joe Smith situation, but I'm sure Stern wouldn't hesitate to lay down the hammer if he finds a team is having a conversation with a FA while they are still under contract with their team. Even if it's a technicality, I don't think Stern would have much mercy for a team or player who knowingly breaks one of his rules.
