[Yahoo!] Carmelo privately expressing more enthusiasm to join Rockets than Knicks

You know, you're probably right, letting them know a year out is a lot better than what happened to cleveland and toronto, if they'd known their players were leaving, they would have gotten a lot more than they did.

Compare what Cleveland got with what Denver are being offered, and they can't really be too angry at Melo, he seems to even be giving hem options so they don't get screwed by the assetless NY which seems to be his #1 preference.

 

It didn't work out for those teams even when they did everything possible to accommodate their little darlings.

I'll take a franchise tag with a side order of referee accountability, please.

 

So what can we agree on? If this trade does happen, who is definitely gone?

Hill, Jeffries, and some amount of picks?

 

A franchise tag would never work in the NBA. The only reason it works in the NFL is because (a) so little of players' salaries are guaranteed, and the franchise tag at least guarantees them a nice chunk of change for one year, and (b) the NFL players union is powerless compared to NFL owners.

In the end, there really isn't any way to absolutely FORCE a player to stay with a particular team. However, if the goal would be to create an even bigger incentive for the players to stay with their current teams, then perhaps the following would be better avenues to pursue:

--Extend the length of rookie contracts (this WOULD actually force them to stay)

--Eliminate the Mid-Level Exception (this would greatly reduce other teams' ability to sign away good players; and I truly believe that the owners are going to shoot for getting rid of the MLE in the upcoming CBA negotiations)

--Allow for an even greater disparity in annual raises for re-signing with your current team vs. leaving in free agency (more than the current 2.5% difference)

--Allow for an even greater disparity in guaranteed years for re-signing with your current team vs. leaving in free agency (although the owners are actually seeking to further REDUCE the guaranteed years of contracts)

[The last two points above would make that often-quoted "$30M being left on the table" potentially even a greater amount. This will allow a player's team to more easily play "hardball". However, if a player is willing to leave that much on the table, then it should be his right to do so. It is called FREE agency, after all.]

 

From Feigen's blog

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(I can't know if it would be smarter. None of us can without the advantage of hindsight. I can't argue with your logic. That's what makes it a gamble. Tough to get to the top without taking one. -- Jonathan)
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(So far, they seem to believe they can do better. The sources I spoke to yesterday, however, really could not answer that. -- Jonathan)
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(Ignoring contracts, I'd say keep Martin. Denver would be better served to acquire Martin. -- Jonathan)
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(The trade exception left cannot be aggregated with players' contracts to make a deal work. They could use a part of it separately for Balkman or Afflalo. -- Jonathan)
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(Tough to make it work with Brooks' small salary. And the Nuggets have Ty Lawson in that role. -- Jonathan)
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(The feeling I had was that the Nuggets' top prioprity was getting the best young prospect they can get. If they rebuild, they would likely have to step back for a year or two at least. They are unlikely to be contenders for anything until Martin is in the last season of his contract, or later. -- Jonathan)
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(No one will give up much unless he agrees to the extension as part of the deal. -- Jonathan)
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(I have been told he remains willing to sign an extension with the Rockets. -- Jonathan)
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(Anthony is not a four. I would consider that a very good offer, though I cannot say if it is the best they can get. -- Jonathan)

 

LOL, I asked him that 1st question in the bold.

Interesting that even with Yao limited, he is still willing to sign an extension with us.

 

I have often said Feigen's a mere mouthpiece for the Rockets, and in exchange he gets to break the news - by that I mean confirming it - before the national media does. I miss the old days...

The bottom line is if Martin is included in the deal, Feigen loses further credibility even from the kiddie camp.

 

ASidd_1990,

If the rockets are unable to acquire Melo, will you get mad?

I think you are into this thing too much!

 

I think I'm taking things a little too far.

I've always loved Melo's game, ever since he raped my Horns in the NCAA tournament.

Maybe I have a soft spot for him, dunno. Just love his game and he's one of my favorite players.

Also, having Lala at every home game wouldn't hurt.

 

Maybe DD would have been better served making his point sending a link to one of his silly videos....

 

Maybe you should do a video so we can compare who is the silliest !

DD

 

More news regarding the Melo-Drama

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/n...gametime_a.nba/

 

"Page Not Found"

 

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2010/09/21/20100921_gametime_a.nba/

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-campquestions092210

 

Looking foward to finding out if Melo will get traded within the next couple days, after a month long lull, Melo fever is back! :grin:

 

A good buddy of mine is close with a few people in the Knicks front office so , for what its worth, he told me that the Knicks think they are #1 on Melo's AND Denver's list. He said the package would be centered around Gallonari (sp?) and Randolph whereas Randolph would be involved in a trade w a 3rd team for a first rounder and that Denver would get the 1st rounder.

I cant imagine anyone giving up a #1 for Randolph alone...and its not like the Knicks are loaded with other assets unless you consider Eddie Curry's expiring contract an asset (which Denver may)

Anyway...dont jump down my throat....i know this is from a "knicks source" but i figured it was the first new piece of info have heard in a little while so i passed it along

 

Interesting. The reports have said that the Knicks would give one of Gallo and Randolph, but not both, but I guess when push comes to shove, they need to get Melo to give the fans the first boner they can have about the team in years. No other team needs a "splash" as much as they do.

If this offer is true, perhaps the Houston Rockets wouldn't mind trading the NY pick(s) for Randolph? The Rockets were said to be interested in Randolph a while back and the guy has a very interesting skill set (though he does have his issues.... like injury).

I would think there are other teams out there who would give up a pick or two for AR.

 

even a first rounder? i dont know much about his game

 

7', atheletic, has "point forward" skills, nice rebounder. Shooting is kind of inconsistent. Very young, didn't get much burn from Nelly (probably due bad jump shooting and lack of maturity).

Some have compared him to KG, to me he looks more like Lamar Odom (if he pans out). Only played 33 games last season due to injury.