Mo Williams will opt-out

[EL PRESIDENTE]

The cupboard seemed pretty bare this last offseason for him. I doubt he gets that.

It all depends on how he plays this year and the blazers success, as well as the free cap space situations. He may not but he wants to maximize his money and length of contract and he's worth more than his current salary. That's probably his target, he may not get but that's what the agent is there for

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

Oh well, gives the Blazers a lot of time to make a decision at least.

 

[oldmangrouch]

With a player on the wrong side of 30, "how long" on the contract can be more important than "how much."

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I agree with Nate, why would he make this statement now? What good does it do? It is a completely selfish statement and Mo being a vet should know better.

Are we sure it wasn't Wright who said it

Where do you come up with this stuff?


This is why (via Chris B. Haynes csnnw)

“I would like to be here long term,” Williams revealed to CSNNW.com. “My goal is to work something out with Portland this summer. I like it here and I want to make this place home.”

“With our team, we have a makeup of individuals that do something really, really good and when we mesh together, it’s like gumbo,” he explained. “That’s the best example I can give you of our team. Some teams have a dish where you got your steak, potatoes and asparagus. We’re gumbo. Without one of the ingredients, the gumbo just doesn’t taste well. But when everything is in that pot, it’s just like grandma did it.”

“For me, it’s about finishing my career the right way for the X amount of years that I have and I’d love to do it here because of the fan support, the familiarity with the coach and [General Manager] Neil [Olshey]. I love my teammates. I love the style of play we play so everything is a positive and a plus. My goal is to be here long term.”


The team can plan better now. I think it would be more selfish were Mo to keep it to himself until the final second when the Blazers have less flexibility that he planned on opting out.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Where do you come up with this stuff?


This is why (via Chris B. Haynes csnnw)

“I would like to be here long term,” Williams revealed to CSNNW.com. “My goal is to work something out with Portland this summer. I like it here and I want to make this place home.”

“With our team, we have a makeup of individuals that do something really, really good and when we mesh together, it’s like gumbo,” he explained. “That’s the best example I can give you of our team. Some teams have a dish where you got your steak, potatoes and asparagus. We’re gumbo. Without one of the ingredients, the gumbo just doesn’t taste well. But when everything is in that pot, it’s just like grandma did it.”

“For me, it’s about finishing my career the right way for the X amount of years that I have and I’d love to do it here because of the fan support, the familiarity with the coach and [General Manager] Neil [Olshey]. I love my teammates. I love the style of play we play so everything is a positive and a plus. My goal is to be here long term.”


The team can plan better now. I think it would be more selfish were Mo to keep it to himself until the final second when the Blazers have less flexibility that he planned on opting out.

It would be more selfish for Mo to keep it to himself that he was going to opt out. It would have been more professional of him to keep the idea of opting out in house rather than say it publicly in the middle of this season. Is Mo thinking about winning or his next contract?

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

It would be more selfish for Mo to keep it to himself that he was going to opt out. It would have been more professional of him to keep the idea of opting out in house rather than say it publicly in the middle of this season. Is Mo thinking about winning or his next contract?

Great, so we've established Mo's comments to Haynes weren't "selfish." Just speaking for myself here, but I'm not baggin on Mo every game, so maybe I'm not fully qualified to say that questioning Mo's professionalism for being honest about his situation is dumb opinion to maintain. Mo's family likes it here and Mo is looking for 1 more contract to finish out his career. The news is that he wants to remain a Blazer. In order to do that, he would need to opt out and sign a longer contract. It is not news to the organization, as Haynes mentioned.

What is the purpose or reasoning for your slights about him being selfish and unprofessional? How does talking about his situation and desires for the team and his future affect anyone (other than apparently you) in a negative way? What the Flip Sanders does that have anything to do with Mo's professionalism? lol

 

[cmeese47]

Great, so we've established Mo's comments to Haynes weren't "selfish." Just speaking for myself here, but I'm not baggin on Mo every game, so maybe I'm not fully qualified to say that questioning Mo's professionalism for being honest about his situation is dumb opinion to maintain. Mo's family likes it here and Mo is looking for 1 more contract to finish out his career. The news is that he wants to remain a Blazer. In order to do that, he would need to opt out and sign a longer contract. It is not news to the organization, as Haynes mentioned.

What is the purpose or reasoning for your slights about him being selfish and unprofessional? How does talking about his situation and desires for the team and his future affect anyone (other than apparently you) in a negative way? What the Flip Sanders does that have anything to do with Mo's professionalism? lol

That was a very bunny comment the news came out after two terrible losses and it does absolutely no good to announce that then. If Mo wanted to make such an announcement why not wait until the all star break where his comments can come and go without impacting any game.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I think he will be looking for a four year deal in the range of $25-27 million. He's an offensive minded shoot first point guard, a bad team would likely throw money at him. He is an apt scorer. He could be insurance for Derek rose in Chicago.

Maybe optimistic but likely is looking to get paid. Despite his turnovers I'm happy with him here but likely not at the price he will command

I went through this with the JJ Hickson crowd last season. I wrote he wasn't worth more than 5 mil to Portland before last season even started, and that's what he ended up getting from Denver this season to no real surprise. So much belly aching.

There is no way Mo is worth the full MLE (around $20 mil/4 years), not at his age. Not unless Neil is doing some kind of drug deal with Mo, which I don't see meeting Allen's approval. But it is no surprise Mo would opt out of the 2.6 mil contract he's under now; that was the Blazers Room exception in order to sign him over the salary cap. Portland will have the full MLE (or the non-tax payer exception) 5.3 mil. Not only could Portland pay Mo more money per year, but more importantly to Mo, Portland can sign him for up to 4 years vs the 2 year max under the Room exception.

So two things. One, I don't think Mo is worth more than what he's being paid now, and two, the length of the contract is more important to Mo than the amount. It sounds like he wants stability for his family and would love nothing more than to call Portland home for the next 4 years, even if it means taking less money. And that's what is great about the MLE, it can be used on any number of players as long as the total contract doesn't exceed $5.3 mil, the MLE amount for next season.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

I don't have a good enough feeling on whether I would be sad on if Mo left after this year (yet). That depends on how this team does, how CJ does, how Mo continues to do, etc. I do know that there is no way I would want Mo around for 4 more years after this year though. That is ludicrous.

 

[Natebishop3]

I went through this with the JJ Hickson crowd last season. I wrote he wasn't worth more than 5 mil to Portland before last season even started, and that's what he ended up getting from Denver this season to no real surprise. So much belly aching.

There is no way Mo is worth the full MLE (around $20 mil/4 years), not at his age. Not unless Neil is doing some kind of drug deal with Mo, which I don't see meeting Allen's approval. But it is no surprise Mo would opt out of the 2.6 mil contract he's under now; that was the Blazers Room exception in order to sign him over the salary cap. Portland will have the full MLE (or the non-tax payer exception) 5.3 mil. Not only could Portland pay Mo more money per year, but more importantly to Mo, Portland can sign him for up to 4 years vs the 2 year max under the Room exception.

So two things. One, I don't think Mo is worth more than what he's being paid now, and two, the length of the contract is more important to Mo than the amount. It sounds like he wants stability for his family and would love nothing more than to call Portland home for the next 4 years, even if it means taking less money. And that's what is great about the MLE, it can be used on any number of players as long as the total contract doesn't exceed $5.3 mil, the MLE amount for next season.

I don't see anything wrong with what Mo did. If he intimated that he is planning on opting out so he can sign a longer deal with Portland, that's fine. I have no beef with that at all. I actually appreciate when players are honest with a reporter. It would have been one thing if he had said, "I'm opting out" and left it at that, but it was in the context of wanting to stay here long term and put down roots so I think it's fine.

 

[tlongII]

I went through this with the JJ Hickson crowd last season. I wrote he wasn't worth more than 5 mil to Portland before last season even started, and that's what he ended up getting from Denver this season to no real surprise. So much belly aching.

There is no way Mo is worth the full MLE (around $20 mil/4 years), not at his age. Not unless Neil is doing some kind of drug deal with Mo, which I don't see meeting Allen's approval. But it is no surprise Mo would opt out of the 2.6 mil contract he's under now; that was the Blazers Room exception in order to sign him over the salary cap. Portland will have the full MLE (or the non-tax payer exception) 5.3 mil. Not only could Portland pay Mo more money per year, but more importantly to Mo, Portland can sign him for up to 4 years vs the 2 year max under the Room exception.

So two things. One, I don't think Mo is worth more than what he's being paid now, and two, the length of the contract is more important to Mo than the amount. It sounds like he wants stability for his family and would love nothing more than to call Portland home for the next 4 years, even if it means taking less money. And that's what is great about the MLE, it can be used on any number of players as long as the total contract doesn't exceed $5.3 mil, the MLE amount for next season.

I don't always rep people, but when I do I rep those with logical takes.

 

[tlongII]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Blazer Fanatic again.

Damn!

 

[BBert]

It's not like Mo called a press conference (I don't think). It's more likely he was asked a question and he answered it. He said all the right things too, about loving the fans, his teammates, the city, and his situation. PR 101. And he probably even meant it. I think it was understood that he would sign for what Olshey had to offer, and opt out later. I also think he was given some assurances about his role with the team as part of the bargain.

 

[magnifier661]

I think Mo will opt out, with the opportunity to sign long term. I think his first choice, probably offered before he signed, is to resign longer term with this team.

If we lose our MLE on signing him, I will be disappointed. I would hope Olshey has something up his sleeve that could get that other player (who was supposed to be wright, but we know he's been a disappointment).

I wonder if we could do a sign and trade for another player, using Barton, Wright, Claver and Leonard or T. Rob?

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I don't have a good enough feeling on whether I would be sad on if Mo left after this year (yet). That depends on how this team does, how CJ does, how Mo continues to do, etc. I do know that there is no way I would want Mo around for 4 more years after this year though. That is ludicrous.

Four years is the Max Portland can offer. Mo could get 1 to 4 years under a the full MLE for any amount between the $5.3 mil and the vet minimum. I honestly don't have any problem with people being displeased with Mo not being a pillar of consistency. I just wish people had more to talk about than mention their disdain for him at every opportunity. He's a Blazer. I'd like to think Blazer fans can appreciate the effort the every Blazer brings every night trying to bring a proud franchise back to relevance. I'd argue Portland is off to a great start, they are extremely entertaining to watch, have the best team chemistry in 2 decades of Blazer basketball, and I choose to focus on that. I can't control that other people choose not to, but I don't think it's asking too much that the complaint not be repeated over, and over, and over, and over with the same boring, unoriginal, derogative comments.

The side-show that occurred between Jaynes and Haynes last night after the game on talking ball was a complete train wreck and a microcosm of many of the back and forth that occurs on this forum. I wish more people had seen it, because if fans could hear how Jaynes came off, and realize he sounded like many of the fans that keep repeating the same tired slights about Mo, that they might understand why I respond to them the same way I would to Jaynes.

 

[ponderguy]

If Mo really does opt out and we don't bring him back I'd be interested in going after Bayless. He should be a FA as long as boston doesn't resign him

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Four years is the Max Portland can offer. Mo could get 1 to 4 years under a the full MLE for any amount between the $5.3 mil and the vet minimum. I honestly don't have any problem with people being displeased with Mo not being a pillar of consistency. I just wish people had more to talk about than mention their disdain for him at every opportunity. He's a Blazer. I'd like to think Blazer fans can appreciate the effort the every Blazer brings every night trying to bring a proud franchise back to relevance. I'd argue Portland is off to a great start, they are extremely entertaining to watch, have the best team chemistry in 2 decades of Blazer basketball, and I choose to focus on that. I can't control that other people choose not to, but I don't think it's asking too much that the complaint not be repeated over, and over, and over, and over with the same boring, unoriginal, derogative comments.

The side-show that occurred between Jaynes and Haynes last night after the game on talking ball was a complete train wreck and a microcosm of many of the back and forth that occurs on this forum. I wish more people had seen it, because if fans could hear how Jaynes came off, and realize he sounded like many of the fans that keep repeating the same tired slights about Mo, that they might understand why I respond to them the same way I would to Jaynes.

I personally would rather give Mo full MLE for 2 years then have him tied to us for 4 more years. I doubt POR would even consider 4 years so it shouldn't be an issue but I will mention it regardless.

Thanks for the other part(s). I don't feel it pertains to me but yes I do see people it pertains to and I agree it is disturbing at times.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I hope management takes the high road and doesn't publically respond to Mo's comment about opting out or the possible implied idea to give him an extension.

Mo situation can be handled in the off-season between agent and management. Too many good things going on right now with Blazers to deal with the issue of Mo potentially opting out.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

This wasn't really news. Of course Mo is going to opt out. The 2nd year is so that if he gets injured he has some cash to fall back on. This isn't particular sad news either.

btw, no way do we use our MLE on Mo Williams. We'll use it to sign a FA. Mo will be offered whatever scraps of cash that's left. It probably won't be enough for him to stay. Hopefully, C.J. will make it obvious to the casual fan that Mo is expendable.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I think Mo will opt out, with the opportunity to sign long term. I think his first choice, probably offered before he signed, is to resign longer term with this team.

If we lose our MLE on signing him, I will be disappointed. I would hope Olshey has something up his sleeve that could get that other player (who was supposed to be wright, but we know he's been a disappointment).

I wonder if we could do a sign and trade for another player, using Barton, Wright, Claver and Leonard or T. Rob?

It's not really a question of IF he will. He is going to. The reason he was only signed for 2 years was 2 fold. 1) Portland could only sign him for 2 years under the Room exception and for a max of around $2.6 mil for those 2 years. 2) Mo was injured for a huge chunk last season, and it offered flexibility should he get injured again, and to ensure he would bring what Olshey and Stotts envisioned (not that they could sign him for longer, but it just worked out well in that respect).

Wright has been a disappointment thus far, as Freeland was his first year on his $3 mil/year deal. We'll see how things shake out, but I'm not casting any stones till this team has achieved more of their potential from playing together, which I think they have only begun to scratched the surface.

Wright is under contract, as is Meyers, Claver, and TReb, so a sign-and-trade doesn't apply. Barton is the only where a sign-and-trad could apply, as there is a team option for next season. They all can be traded outright though.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

This wasn't really news. Of course Mo is going to opt out. The 2nd year is so that if he gets injured he has some cash to fall back on. This isn't particular sad news either.

btw, no way do we use our MLE on Mo Williams. We'll use it to sign a FA. Mo will be offered whatever scraps of cash that's left. It probably won't be enough for him to stay. Hopefully, C.J. will make it obvious to the casual fan that Mo is expendable.

I don't believe he is as expendable as some believe (as I watch Mo nail a 3 pt. shot and finish the and 1 at the FT line on the comcast game replay).

 

[magnifier661]

It's not really a question of IF he will. He is going to. The reason he was only signed for 2 years was 2 fold. 1) Portland could only sign him for 2 years under the Room exception and for a max of around $2.6 mil for those 2 years. 2) Mo was injured for a huge chunk last season, and it offered flexibility should he get injured again, and to ensure he would bring what Olshey and Stotts envisioned (not that they could sign him for longer, but it just worked out well in that respect).

Wright has been a disappointment thus far, as Freeland was his first year on his $3 mil/year deal. We'll see how things shake out, but I'm not casting any stones till this team has achieved more of their potential from playing together, which I think they have only begun to scratched the surface.

Wright is under contract, as is Meyers, Claver, and TReb, so a sign-and-trade doesn't apply. Barton is the only where a sign-and-trad could apply, as there is a team option for next season. They all can be traded outright though.

I'm talking about sign and trade as: the other team has a free agent that they sign and trade with us to equal the MLE amount.

I know Mo will opt out, but our need has to be a back up SF since Wright has been sucking

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Whereas before I was in the Mo corner . . . don't think I would be upset at this point if he was traded, as long as we get a quality PG out of it. (Reality is he might not even be here next year)

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I personally would rather give Mo full MLE for 2 years then have him tied to us for 4 more years. I doubt POR would even consider 4 years so it shouldn't be an issue but I will mention it regardless.

Thanks for the other part(s). I don't feel it pertains to me but yes I do see people it pertains to and I agree it is disturbing at times.

2 years is better than 1. It provides him and his family another year of stability in a city he likes, with a team he loves playing for. My only point is that this isn't really news, and it's actually very encouraging and good to hear. No drama here. Just a player expressing a desire to be a Blazer and help this team win.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

Whereas before I was in the Mo corner . . . don't think I would be upset at this point if he was traded, as long as we get a quality PG out of it. (Reality is he might not even be here next year)

That's the issue I take with all the animosity with Mo being who Mo is. The solutions are always shite E-Spin trade machine fodder, if not vague - or worse, imaginary "IF" scenarios with no practical means to accomplish the goal.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I'm talking about sign and trade as: the other team has a free agent that they sign and trade with us to equal the MLE amount.

I know Mo will opt out, but our need has to be a back up SF since Wright has been sucking

Ah, yes. And of course, Portland could not trade their own FA in return in the situation, and may not have to from a cap perspective because Portland would use the exception to sign that FA, not cap space.

 

[magnifier661]

Ah, yes. And of course, Portland could not trade their own FA in return in the situation, and may not have to from a cap perspective because Portland would use the exception to sign that FA, not cap space.

This would be the only option if we want to retain Mo and get another player of need

 

[Natebishop3]

That's the issue I take with all the animosity with Mo being who Mo is. The solutions are always shite E-Spin trade machine fodder, if not vague - or worse, imaginary "IF" scenarios with no practical means to accomplish the goal.

How many people have talked about trading him? I think most of the posts about Mo have talked about playing Earl Watson or CJ. Haven't seen many trade scenarios involving Mo.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

How many people have talked about trading him? I think most of the posts about Mo have talked about playing Earl Watson or CJ. Haven't seen many trade scenarios involving Mo.

It has been suggested. I'm not pointing fingers. And as I mentioned, those suggestions begin with, "get rid of Mo...", but for whom?

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

This would be the only option if we want to retain Mo and get another player of need

Not necessarily. If Mo settled for 2 mil/3 or 4 years, Portland could still sign a FA at 3.3 mil for 1-4 years. Then the following year, they could use the MLE again on other player(s). But more than likely they will only have the tax-payer MLE because Portland will be looking at locking up LA/Lillard/Wes... etc.