2009 Free Agent Thread

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Merge it now, if you must. Pick a thread, any thread.

Funny thing is, Portland has cap room this summer, despite the talent we already possess. What's funnier, we have the wealthiest owner in the league, and some people believe Portland won't use it. What part of wealthiest owner plus cap space do people not understand? Dude was dropping how much for our last playoff-caliber roster?

Portland will use it's cap space - you can BOOK it. If it doesn't, we should all be shocked, and understand, no potential upgrade was available without creating other weaknesses. I look over the pending free agents, and three players seem to stand out, all of which Portland has been rumored to be interested in. All three, also happened in recent posts (2 of 3 are featured in posts here). Ramon Sessions, Hedo Turkoglu, and Andre Miller.

So I ask, what do people want? What do people expect to see?

Me, I think Portland makes some deals come draft day (duh, considering all the 2nd rounders we have). Maybe we send some cash plus our pick to move way up. But I don't see the draft doing much for Portland. However, I see Portland going hard after at least one of the 3 aforementioned players.

So what say you? What (realistic) moves do you want/expect to happen? Or, in the much-quoted words of KP, shall we "Let it bake"?

What makes this interesting, IMO, is while we have Webster coming back, in the past, we've talked about Roy playing the point position. With Turkey Glue, you can run a Roy-Webster-Turkoglu-LA-Oden lineup. You can also run any lineup that features Sessions in a 3-guard lineup, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Or, you can start Miller, with a guy like Blake coming off the bench. Roy's versatility and what management sees as his strengths likely will determine what management ultimately seeks. I just don't see day of "seeking" being draft day, but July 1.

 

[Minstrel]

Ramon Sessions is my most realistic idea of a "big splash." Andre Miller also seems fairly realistic, but I wouldn't consider him a big splash due to how short-term an addition he would be and he's not a star. But getting Miller would be a strong move, if a long-term addition like Sessions can't be procured.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Personally, I'd love to see Sessions here. There have been some rumors that KP really liked him, and McMillan wanted T. Green, so we went with Green in the 2007 draft. I've heard the same from people I'd consider realiable, though not necessarily "connected". That being said, KP always gets his man. Look at Blake. Patterson trade KP's first acquisition, and KP went and brought him back. I could see us getting Sessions.

I also wonder if we'll make a push for Conley. 3-4 months ago, I say please no. But I think Conley looked good the last few months, and Outlaw, a guy Memphis supposedly likes, did little to give me warm fuzzies. I say, KP, if you got nothing else going, make it happen. Warm GO's heart.

 

[MAS RipCity]

Point Guard- Andre Miller
SmallForward- Hedo Turkoglu, Ron Artest
Power Forward- Birdman

Those are pretty much the only players I would offer a contract too..
We can also use Blake and Webster as pieces in a sign and trade

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Those are pretty much the only players I would offer a contract too..
We can also use Blake and Webster as pieces in a sign and trade

Unfortunately, I can't see us going after Artest. The killer is, that guy could make us contenders. It just seems management is hell-bent on protecting that angelic image - I hope I'm wrong. One isn't going to override B-Roy and all the other good guys.

As for dealing Webster....why? He is likely the exact offensive threat this team needs. He can shoot outside, he can drive...

 

[MAS RipCity]

Honestly, I'm done waiting on Webster, injury or not, to break out.
Rudy is Webster and then some.
Hell, Batum and Travis can match him shooting the 3 ball.
I like the kid, just not more than Rudy Trav or Batum, someone's gotta go.

 

[oldguy]

Point Guard- Andre Miller
SmallForward- Hedo Turkoglu, Ron Artest
Power Forward- Birdman

Those are pretty much the only players I would offer a contract too..
We can also use Blake and Webster as pieces in a sign and trade

I would add Sessions to your list. I think he's the best propect we have for a pure PG.

I think Artest is really risky...and not because of the fight. I've seen him interviewed on TV a couple of times, and that guy is freak'n nuts! That said, he would be a huge risk, with potentially huge reward if it works out. I'm pretty big on character, but Artest is worth a chance.

I think Hedo could be the vet everyone's been talking about. He could probably play some bu 4 too, if they move Travis.

If we can't get Sessions, Miller would be a decent upgrade. Whether it's RS or AM, something else has to give in the backcourt. Even if you consider Sergio gone, where are the minutes for NewPG, Steve, Jerryd, Roy and Rudy? If they upgrade SF, I might have to add Martel to the list. I don't see how Nate can keep both Rudy and Jerryd happy.

Birdman? Ugh, I can't stand the guy...but I could get over it.

One condition, though, get either Artest or Birdman, not both.

 

[THE HCP]

Andre Miller and that's it. We're cool!

 

[B-Roy]

1. Hedo Turkoglu
2. Andre Miller
3. Doesn't matter.

If we just get Hedo, I'll be ecstatic, since getting Hedo also kind of solves the problem of getting a point guard.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Not Birdman. He is a cocky bastard and I think there might have been a good reason he was suspended from the NBA for two seasons. Not what we need here.

Plus he isn't even that great of an option. Yes, he blocks shots and hustles, but he is not good at man to man defense and he has no offense whatsoever. I just think there are better options even in the draft.

 

[THE HCP]

I think Turkey's strength is his ability to score. Would he have enough shots on this squad to help us. Don't we need a tough point guard? I think Miller would bring more to us then Hedo.

 

[Minstrel]

I think Turkey's strength is his ability to score. Would he have enough shots on this squad to help us.

A legitimate third option would be a big benefit. Beyond that, he has excellent passing skills. His Assist Rate is just a step down from point guard levels.

Also, his defense isn't too bad. He's got great size and decent quickness.

 

[Tince]

Here is the list of players I'd consider...

PG: Miller, Kidd, Sessions, Nash, Shannon Brown
SF: Turkoglu, Ariza, Artest
PF: Brandon Bass, Leon Powe, Josh Powell, Glen Davis, Chris Anderson

 

[Minstrel]

The players I'd be interested in (in order, within each position):

PG: Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller, Nate Robinson
SF: Hedo Turkoglu, Josh Childress, Trevor Ariza, Ron Artest
PF: Brandon Bass, Chris Andersen

 

[gambitnut]

I want us to cut Blake and sign four players in free agency. Channing Frye, Grant Hill, Robert Swift (or a defensive specialist at SG, but I think it is more likely that we could sign Swift cheap enough to be able to sign the others as well), and one of my top four PGs, Andre Miller, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd or Stephon Marbury (I'd probably put Marbury second on my personal list, but he is least likely for reasons that don't have much to do with basketball ability).

 

[LittleAlex]

I am going to go out on a limb and say Portland doesn't do a whole lot in free agency outside of filling the bottom two or three spots on the roster. KP is WAY too happy with the team as it currently exists and over values his assets to the point he won't be able to deal them.

I hope I am wrong but there isn't any historical evidence to the contrary.

 

[axs88]

I want us to cut Blake and sign four players in free agency. Channing Frye, Grant Hill, Robert Swift (or a defensive specialist at SG, but I think it is more likely that we could sign Swift cheap enough to be able to sign the others as well), and one of my top four PGs, Andre Miller, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd or Stephon Marbury (I'd probably put Marbury second on my personal list, but he is least likely for reasons that don't have much to do with basketball ability).

Ugh. Again?

 

[BalancedMan]

I've liked Turkoglu since his Sacramento days, which I remember him checking in to play some guard. Versatile. I haven't watched him much in recent years. But here are his advantages. He's a big shot maker, excellent passer, great size....he's causing a big match up problem on the pick and roll.

Having another playmaker out there in addition to Roy would be great and would reduce our need for a playmaking PG, although that would certainly be a luxury as well. He is 30, and that's getting up there in age. But with his shooting, passing, BB smarts, etc I think he can remain relevant for a decent amount of time because he is more of a skill player than relying on his athleticism. I'd rather have him than Artest, who is more likely to blow up team chemistry and be a pain in the ass.

The only problem I see is that even if we have 16 mil in cap space, that might not be enough to sign Hedo and Miller/Sessions, unless something like a regressive salary for Hedo is agreed to so that we can open the cap space to sign Sessions earlier. I don't know much about the CBA and am actually pretty sure that won't work due to how salary cap holds work with 2nd round RFA's, but but it's a thought.

It'd be better if Miller could shoot the 3, but one thing you have to say is that when he goes to a new team, they tend to do better. For example, when he arrived in Denver or more recently in Philly.

Why not use the cap space if Paul Allen is willing to shell out the money. Adding Hedo and a Miller, although each are a bit older, give us the ability to contend next year (clearly). Sessions would be better, but we'll see how that works out. But if we want to make a major FA splash, I figure that Blake and TO (or at least one) will be gone, and we'll likely go after a player of whatever position we release.

Or we could just play Roy at PG some more with Hedo handling the ball some too:

Roy/Rudy/Hedo/LMA/Pryz

Bayless/Webster/Batum/?/Oden

? = Freeland or new Acquisition.

Roy may not have the speed to keep up with CP3, Parker and such, but who does. We'll play some more zone, with our big long players clogging the lanes and good bigs shotblocking. I loved it when Scottie played PG for us.

 

[Nikolokolus]

PG: Miller, Sessions, Kidd
SF: Tukey Glue, Josh Childress, Ron-Ron, Ariza
PF: (realistic backups) Antonio McDyess, Leon Powe, Jason Maxiell, Chris Wilcox

 

[Nikolokolus]

I am going to go out on a limb and say Portland doesn't do a whole lot in free agency outside of filling the bottom two or three spots on the roster. KP is WAY too happy with the team as it currently exists and over values his assets to the point he won't be able to deal them.

I hope I am wrong but there isn't any historical evidence to the contrary.

You might be right, but there's no historical evidence because KP has never had any cap room to play around with in his first 4 years of rebuilding the team.

 

[Tortimer]

1. Hedo Turkoglu
2. Andre Miller
3. Doesn't matter.

If we just get Hedo, I'll be ecstatic, since getting Hedo also kind of solves the problem of getting a point guard.

I agree except would put Miller #1 and Hedo #2.

 

[hasoos]

You might be right, but there's no historical evidence because KP has never had any cap room to play around with in his first 4 years of rebuilding the team.

I don't buy that argument. He has had veterans exceptions which are probably very near the amount of cap room we have now, and he never used them. Hell I can tell you right now that Joe Smith would have been an upgrade over Frye at backup PF any day of the week, and he was available. KP never came close to even pulling the trigger on a veteran exception.

 

[andalusian]

Mine are:

Sessions/Miller
Maxiell/Bass
Turk

In that order.

 

[Wheels]

Mine are:

Sessions/Miller
Maxiell/Bass
Turk

In that order.

Maxiell is a FA? wow I missed that this whole time somehow lol

 

[andalusian]

Maxiell is a FA? wow I missed that this whole time somehow lol

I guess that these are the ones I would love to see and expect to be available somehow - Detroit is going to use their cap space on a PF upgrade most likely - so I consider him very likely to be available - but you are right - he is not a FA.

Anyway, blame Nik, not me. He went Maxiell first

 

[RickyRubio]

I wouldn't mind getting Kidd. I am not opposed to Birdman (in fact he is one of my favorite players), but he isn't going anywhere. I wouldn't mind losing Bayless to move up in the draft. I really think we need to move Outlaw and get a better backup 4. I wouldn't mind getting Conley somehow. If Memphis gets Rubio, maybe they would move him? I still think that Conley would make Oden better.

Miller would be cool too. Hedo would be fine with me as well, but I don't think he is going to leave Orlando. They are so close to a championship, if not this year.

My ideal situation? Outlaw and Sergio, our 1st round pick and a 2nd rounder for Conley. I don't think that would happen though.

I would do this one here though.

http://www.realgm.com/src_checktrade.php?tradeid=5089046

Sergio, Bayless and Outlaw for Buckner and Conley. Yeah, Memphis gets the better of the deal, but we get what we want and need.

Blake\Conley
Roy\Rudy
Batum\Webster
LMA\?
Joel\Oden

Then we just need to pick up a good banger backup 4 for LMA. Or draft DeJuan Blair with our pick. Let Frye, Ruffin, Randolph and Raef walk. Maybe try to get Lee if he will play for a reasonable price? I am not opposed to Artest either.

Lots of choices! It's nice to have assets.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I guess that these are the ones I would love to see and expect to be available somehow - Detroit is going to use their cap space on a PF upgrade most likely - so I consider him very likely to be available - but you are right - he is not a FA.

Anyway, blame Nik, not me. He went Maxiell first

Right I should have specified target for trade not FA ... but we're talking about Detroit who is likely to blow the whole damn thing up.

 

[Wheels]

I guess that these are the ones I would love to see and expect to be available somehow - Detroit is going to use their cap space on a PF upgrade most likely - so I consider him very likely to be available - but you are right - he is not a FA.

Anyway, blame Nik, not me. He went Maxiell first

Oh I wasnt calling you on being wrong or anything. I just assumed that I somehow missed him on the FA list which surprised me cause he would be an obvious target if a FA. (minutes aside)

 

[Nikolokolus]

I don't buy that argument. He has had veterans exceptions which are probably very near the amount of cap room we have now, and he never used them. Hell I can tell you right now that Joe Smith would have been an upgrade over Frye at backup PF any day of the week, and he was available. KP never came close to even pulling the trigger on a veteran exception.

I'm not saying there isn't a chance you're right (*shudders*), I'm just saying the team is sort of entering a new phase, where they shift from development to consolidation. There's not much point to loading the roster up with vets when you're trying to evaluate what you have, now that things have crystalized and the team has some actual salary flexibility I'm hoping that KP is able to make the transition.

(God I hope you're wrong )

 

[BrianFromWA]

No sarcasm here:

I must have missed the boat on Andre Miller. To me it seems as if it's a big groupthink effort that he's going to be our PG savior for the next 2-3 years until we can grow someone to replace him. But Andre Miller? Really? I mean, yes, he's durable, but he's 33. He's got a pretty good 2.7-1 A/TO ratio, but he only gets 6.5 apg. I'll leave other thoughts to a sixers fan (not me, though named Brian)
http://www.depressedfan.com/basketball/sixers/andre-miller-steel-wont-rust.php
This is the part that I can't comprehend when people say he's #1 on the list (even above Hedo?!)

Andre Miller's defense is very, very poor, especially his on-the-ball defense, which is a huge issue for a point guard. We can get that statement out of the way, there's no need to harp on it. As the season wore on, his defense grew worse as his mobility was limited due to injuries. Accept that as a given and now let's evaluate the rest of his game.

Maybe I'm wrong...I only watched about 5 PHI games this year, so I admit that I'm not the end-all be-all on Andre Miller knowledge. But seriously?