If the players believe it makes things better, and creates good will with the league, isn't that a good thing? It may not fix the problem, but it's a minor tweak that lets the players know they're being heard. The Riley stuff was arrogant, but it wasn't on the same level as Gilbert. He clearly acted as if LeBron was his property, and owed him more, which is ridiculous. Should LeBron have taken a bigger stand and not come back to the Cavs after that? Maybe. Or maybe his decision was bigger than that, and Gilbert benefitting was collateral damage. And maybe part of LeBron forcing Gilbert into certain moves like paying out the *** for Tristan Thompson was him trying to make Gilbert pay. The point is, this is such a small thing that doesn't impact the fans in any way, but shows that Adam Silver and the NBA hears the players, and are willing to work with them on issues they voice concern about. I really don't see the downside. And for fans who are so far removed from being in these players' shoes, I can't understand why anyone would care.
You do, but I'm sure there will be a long list of players willing to take cheap deals to join that team, and if they land Kawhi, they'll be the heavy favorites to win the championship. Even if they land Kemba or D'Lo, they'll be awfully formidable.
As far as the Heat goes, listening to Albert Nahmad (if you don't know who that is, you should follow him. He knows more about the NBA cap rules than probably most GMs) on the Heat beat podcast, I'm starting to think that going all in for 2021 is the right decision. If you can get Jimmy Butler without gutting your young core, I still think you do that, but if not, I'm trying to trade expirings to teams that want to get out from contracts that run the next two years, while trying to pick up future assets or reclamation projects. One name he mentioned was Gordon Heyward, which is someone I've been wondering about. If you could do something like Hassan for him, you get two years to see if you can turn him into the player you thought he was when you recruited him, and if not, you get out of the deal in 2021. I know Heat fans will freak out about that, but the 2020 FA crop is going to be trash, whereas the 2021 class could be really good. Is Heyward worth that contract? No. But Hassan isn't worth his either, so really you're just moving money around to fit your roster better in the short term, while still giving yourself tons of flexibility (two max slots and more) longterm.
That sounds like a good plan. I am willing to bet that Hayward will be much better next year. Recovering from his serious leg injury hampered him last season.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27081670/sources-kd-kawhi-mulling-free-agent-scenarios Preparing myself for blue balls...
I’d love it. We need a seasoned veteran presence with a ring to be an example to all these incredibly young players.
The Butler thing is interesting. If Philly offers him the 5 years, that's where he gets the most money. But right now, the two teams with the loudest buzz are the Rockets and Heat, both teams without cap space. Both teams appear to be able to make a sign and trade work, however. If Jimmy wants his best chance to get a ring, that's probably with Houston. He'd be second, and potentially third fiddle there, though, and it seems like Jimmy prefers being the guy. That's obviously what he'd get in Miami, but realistically he probably won't be contending for a title this year, and probably the next unless Riley pulls a rabbit out of his hat. Despite that, the rumors have been since last year that Jimmy wanted to be in Miami. I would think the Sixers would prefer a package from Miami as well, because I think they have guys that fit in nicely with the Sixers core. I still feel like he ends up in Philly or Houston, but we'll see.
No one wants to play with Lebron. LA imo is going to go after Dangelo Russell or Kawhi. But they need a PG bad so my moneys on Russell or Rozier.
Well, AD did. Kemba going there would have been such a perfect fit and probably made them the favorites going into the season. Russell is also a good fit, though (although there seems to be a lot of buzz with him and Minnesota right now), and Kawhi would make that team unfair.
Maybe, but we've heard this was likely for a while now. I don't know. They're letting Rozier go, and are replacing Horford and Kyrie with Walker. Unless Tatum takes a big leap, or Hayward turns it around, I think they get worse next year. Yes, they have some picks, but enough to land something significant? I don't know about that.
Never know what comes available... Thats one team that goes in to situations smelling like crap and comes out smelling like roses
Huh? The Heat finished 2 games out of the playoffs with their roster from last year. Butler, legitimately one of the 15-20 best players in the NBA, isn't going to make them a playoff team? He's also a shot creator, and an alpha. He was also the best player in the playoffs last year for a team that got beat by the champs on a last minute shot in game 7. That's exactly the type of player they need on offense, and will make them one of the best defensive teams in the league. Simply making the playoffs isn't the point, though. Butler legitimizes the Heat and gives them a star to draw another star. Butler wouldn't be the end of the road. He'd be the beginning of a transformation.
Jimmy Butler will inform the Heat tonight that he wants to play for them according to Tim Reynolds of the AP.
Better than winning 35 games with the current squad. I’m excited. I hope we keep Herro. Better not give up Bam.
I strongly dislike the Knicks, but I legitimately feel bad for Knicks fans. They traded a legitimate star in KP ready to land Zion and two star free agents, only to completely strike out and see the two biggest stars on the market go to another team in their market.
Eh that jay z / rocnation connection definitely played a major role in these guys decision... theres a lot of money/endorsements to be made very soon for the three of them.
So Fkin sick of all my fav pro teams just being hopeless turds. Knicks Dolphins Mariners. I truly hate pro sports right now.