NBA Free Agent Moves on July 13, 2014
NBA Free Agency: Things Are Coming Together
The teams are starting to find or continue to develop their identities, players are seeing what is left of the market, and some hopes have been dashed. That’s what has come on day three of free agency being kicked into high gear after LeBron’s return to Cleveland. Today I’ll be covering Chandler Parsons, Luol Deng, Chris Anderson, Carmelo, Mirotic, Richard Jefferson, Brian Roberts, and all of the rumors and updates from around the league. Let’s get into it!
Chandler Parsons
In a move that left a lot of people confused, some elated, and others unsure, the Rockets decided not to match the Maverick’s offer of a three year, 46 million dollar deal. This was a huge get for the Mavericks who needed Parsons to really compete in the incredibly tough West. For Houston this decision is for the long-term as they said signing Parsons to that deal would restrict them too much in the future. However, after missing out on Bosh and now Parsons, Houston is looking questionable to even really contend this year, perhaps being a fringe playoff team, but likely a one-and-done.
As for Parsons, this is a great situation for them and I can’t wait to see what he can do on that kind of team. He’s going to be surrounded by vets that just plain get it, and the value of their teaching is impossible to quantify. Just learning from Dirk alone is going to boost Parsons for sure, and this Mavericks team will be incredibly dynamic. This move takes pressure off of Dirk, no longer having to score quite as much as consistently, but it doesn’t help the Maverick’s lack of rebounding, something they likely can’t address at this point.
Dallas Analysis: This deal is great for Parsons in every conceivable way, and a huge grab for Dallas when it looked like they were going to be shut out in free agency again. The West will be fascinating to watch.
Luol Deng & Chris Anderson
Miami did everything right after losing LeBron, including adding Deng at the price they wanted of 10 million a year for two years, though Deng did get the player option for year two. This is a short term replacement for Miami, and Deng is obviously no LeBron, but he is a bulldog and should fit in really well in that system. As for Deng, he never got the money he was looking for, but he gets to go to a team that can still contend in the weak (but now rather balanced) Eastern Conference. I really like this play for the Heat, though fans appreciate Deng most when they can understand the effort he constantly displays, and this fan base hasn’t been known for getting that.
However, one guy the Heat fans seem to love is another really hard worker in Birdman, Chris Anderson, who was resigned to a multiyear deal, though the $ is not released at this point. This move isn’t a game changer, but it’s a guy Miami likes, who will work his but off when he comes off the bench, and another veteran that just knows what he has to do. The value for both Anderson and the Heat isn’t possible to determine until the money is decided, but hopefully it will be good for both parties.
Miami Analysis: Miami is a top-4 team if Wade is good to go, and with their experience they could even break for another finals run if everything goes right, even though the system will vastly change as they run the offense through Bosh.
Carmelo Anthony
While his return to the Knicks was decided yesterday, the money has been said to be between 122 million and the 129 million initially reported, over five years. Carmelo stated that he feels like he’s a Knick at heart, and while I can understand that, and having a team theoretically built around you is nice, he’s not on a contender, or anything even close. He had the opportunity to play for a few different playoff teams, but chose the rebuilding project of New York, which is questionable at best, and a money grab at the most straight forward.
I don’t blame him for taking the money, and thankfully he didn’t make the mistake of saying it was a win-first move, but if he has a change of heart or sulks around (as he’s been seen to do at times on the Knicks) then it will be very poorly received after this move. For the Knicks, they got their guy, but near the maximum price, and they really don’t have much to work with in the near future, so it will be very interesting to see who they target during this season and next free agency period.
Knicks Analysis: Not a contender even in the easier Eastern Conference unless something unfortunate happens to a team or two. It’s not going to be a fun time to be a Knickerbocker fan, but at least you have Carmelo.
The Smaller Deals
The biggest of these is definitely the Chicago Bulls successfully signing Nikola Mirotic to a three year, 17 million dollar deal. Mirotic has been playing in Europe until this point, having been drafted in 2011, but should be a very good piece for Chicago and give them more versatility as he is built as a stretch four. As for Mirotic, he tweeted out how excited he was to finally get to play in the NBA, and while the money isn’t fantastic (he’s not bound to the rookie deal, but this isn’t a huge upgrade) it is still solid for his first chance.
Note: Kirk Hinrich has reportedly re-signed with the Bulls for the minimum. He’s a solid veteran presence and backup for Rose.
Bulls Analysis: Their team is pretty much set and they got at least a few of the pieces they want, most notably Mirotic and Pau. If Rose is healthy this is a serious contender, and they’ll be fascinating to watch.
Richard Jefferson signed with the Mavericks for the veteran minimum. He’s not doing a whole lot for Dallas, but it’s at the cheapest of prices and they need bench guys with experience for this run, and they got just that. He can still score decently off the bench, but he’s not lighting the world on fire. A good grab. (For Dallas analysis, see Parsons section above)
Brian Roberts signed a two year deal for 5.5 million with the Hornets, which is solid value for both sides. Roberts, who went undrafted and has worked his way up into decent playing time in the NBA (last season with New Orleans), gets to play on a solid team and continue to show how hard working he is. For Charlotte, Roberts is a decent backup for Kemba that has the ability to hang with the first unit if needed, and simply won’t hurt them financially or on the court.
Hornets Analysis: Losing Hayward (contract was matched by Utah) still really hurts, but they still have a decent team and should make the playoffs in the East.
D. J. Augustin has signed a two year, 6 million dollar contract with the Pistons. This deal just came across as I was writing this post, so I can’t speculate too much, but it is a solid get for Detroit. Augustin will be a backup to Brandon Jennings, and a very capable one at that. While with Chicago Augustin had his best season yet, scoring almost 15 per while shooting 41% from three, and doing so in about 30 minutes a game. He’s not going to get those minutes in Detroit, but he’ll be a spark plug off the bench and should help with spacing. No analysis for Detroit from this, simply because their team is so bizarre, and Monroe has yet to be guaranteed to stay.
Other News and Rumors
The trade of Omer Asik to the Pelicans just expanded a bit as it now involves three teams. This deal hasn’t been approved just yet, but there seems no reason for it not to. The full deal now sends Asik, Omri Casspi, and 1.5 million in cash to New Orleans. The Rockets acquire Ariza, and the unguaranteed contracts of Alonzo Gee and Scotty Hopson, as well as the protected first-round pick of the Pelicans in 2015. The Wizards get an 8.5 million trade exception because of Ariza’s departure as well as Marvin Ely’s unguaranteed contract. This makes swallowing losing Ariza easier for Washington, and the Rockets potentially able to build a bit more in the future, which aligns with their decision not to match the contract of Parsons.
All Kevin Love talk has died and it looks like we will have to wait another season to see what he will do next. Perhaps the Timberwolves can stay healthy and make some noise, but the West is brutal and I don’t think they have enough. Wiggins was taken completely off the table by Cleveland and that only leaves Lance Stephenson as a target for the Wolves for a trade.
Speaking of Stephenson, nothing new has been reported, but Charlotte is trying to make a play for him. They could offer him 10 million for the first year and close to it for the following ones (depending on the length of the deal), but it remains to be seen if he’d take that offer. It would be a brilliant move if the Hornets can pull it off.
That’s pretty much all the news and rumors going around right now in the NBA as free agency starts to wind down. Now we watch Summer League, see how the final few pieces line up, and wait to see what teams can do this coming season. I can’t wait! Thanks for reading.
NBA Free Agent Moves on July 12, 2014
NBA Free Agency: The Insanity Continues
Yesterday’s signings had plenty of surprises, teams getting their consolation prizes, and a few head-scratchers, but the craziness sure was fun to follow! If you missed any of it, however, I’ve got you covered. I’ll break down the different moves, what I think it means for those teams, and what impact it has on the league as a whole. Let’s get into it!
Paul Pierce
Now that Pierce isn’t trying to have a one-team legacy, after leaving the Celtics for the Nets, it looks like he doesn’t mind hopping around some more, and has signed a two year deal for 11 million with a player option for the second year to play for the Wizards. For Pierce this is a younger team he can give a veteran presence to while not being relied on to do the heavy lifting offensively. For the Wizards this is Trevor Ariza’s replacement in the short term (more on Ariza soon) and a crunch-time scorer that knows what it takes to win a championship. This is solid value for both parties, but it doesn’t move the needle for Washington’s chances.
Washington Analysis: Losing Ariza really hurt and while Pierce is nice, they haven’t grabbed anyone to take this team up a notch, so their younger guys will have to make a leap or two. They are still playoff bound though.
Pau Gasol
This one is a little hard to speculate on because there is no contract in place just yet, but Pau Gasol has committed to signing with the Bulls for a multiyear deal. For the Bulls this is the post presence they’ve been looking for as Gasol still has quite a bit left in the tank and will likely be revitalized playing for a team of this quality and a coach like Thibs. As for Gasol, without knowing contract details I can’t speculate how great a move this is for him, but I definitely agree with getting out of that mess that is the Lakers. He’s now back on a contender, and all that’s left is to see what he can do to help them make it all the way.
Update: The deal has been reported to be for three years and approximately 22 million. (7/14/2014)
Bulls Analysis: Again, it is still a lot of speculation right now with Mirotic’s (2011 1st round pick) fate up in the air, Boozer still on the books (amnesty?), and Rose’s health being a question mark. There’s a ton of potential here if healthy though.
Trevor Ariza
Remember that comment I made about consolation prizes? Well, he may not be Bosh, but Ariza is a pretty darn great one, and Houston is the landing place as Ariza signed for four years and a total of 32 million. This can mean a multitude of things for the Rockets, if they don’t match Parson’s deal then they can immediately plug Ariza in and move on, or if they do match they could just play them together even if they’d be a bit small. As for Ariza, this is a better team that he has moved to from Washington, but a much tougher conference. The Rockets are a playoff team, but even if they get Parsons too I don’t know that they’re championship level. The contract is great value for the Rockets and Ariza gets the long-term commitment that he wanted.
Rockets Analysis: Without knowing whether Houston matches Parsons it’s hard to say how good the Rockets will be, but they’ll make the playoffs again at least, even if they let him go. How high can their ceiling become?
Anthony Morrow
Morrow is one of the best pure shooters in the league, an analyst favorite, and he has finally landed on a team where he’ll only be needed for that one skill set, the Thunder. Oklahoma City got him for a very reasonable deal for both sides at three years and a total of 10 million, and it was that extra year that convinced him to leave New Orleans. Morrow will alleviate a little of the scoring pressure from Durant and Westbrook, and give the Thunder much improved spacing with his 3-point shot. Oklahoma City lost Sefolosha, so if Morrow starts in his spot they’ll lose a lot defensively, but maybe the offensive efficiency upgrade will balance that out.
Thunder Analysis: When healthy this is still a title contender, and Morrow relieves some offensive pressure for their core, but do they have enough to win a championship? The West won’t make it easy.
Marvin Williams
The former Bobcats, now Hornets once again, needed a veteran and a power forward to replace McRoberts, and Marvin fits that bill pretty well. Williams signed for two years at 7 million per, and while this move doesn’t make Charlotte any closer to true contention, it was much needed depth and experience, as well as versatility since Marvin can play SF too. For Williams this is a decent deal for the money and he gets to play for a team right next to his university (he played at North Carolina) so it works out well for both sides. This wasn’t a flashy move, but it was a necessary one.
Hornets Analysis: The East is just awful, and the Hornets should be just good enough to make the playoffs, but it is doubtful that they’ll do more than that unless their younger players make a big leap. I’m looking at you MKG.
Gordon Hayward
The reason the Hornets had to make a play for Marvin Williams is due to striking out on Hayward, something that could have made that team very interesting. Instead, the Jazz matched Hayward’s contract for four years and a total of 63 million, retaining their best player. For Hayward this was likely an unfortunate blow, he was really impressed by the Hornets, the way they made him feel like a huge part of them making a run, and how MJ and company welcomed him. Instead of being on a potential semi-contender, Hayward is stuck on a team still in the building phase, as the Jazz are very young and certainly nowhere near even making the playoffs, let alone contending for a title. Good for the Jazz, unfortunate for Hayward.
Jazz Analysis: Keeping one of their primary ticket sellers doesn’t change the fact that the Jazz aren’t going anywhere this year. They will be interesting to watch though with all of that young talent.
Other News and the Rumor Mill
Kent Bazemore signed a two year and four million dollar deal with the Hawks. The Knicks waived Lamar Odom (whose fall is one of the saddest I’ve ever seen) and re-signed Cole Aldrich. Carmelo Anthony is in contract negotiations with the Knicks but it appears he has agreed to a deal somewhere around the 120 million mark to stay in New York. I’ll go into more detail today or tomorrow if that gets finalized. Luol Deng has been offered a deal for roughly two years and 10 million per by the Heat, but no guarantees on if he signs there. Wade has yet to finalize his return to Miami, but it is still the belief that he will once they get the rest of the pieces in line. There is still no word on whether Houston will re-sign Parsons, but they have until 11:59 PM tonight to decide.
There is plenty happening around the NBA with free agency likely to settle down significantly after the last two days of insanity, but also Summer League and all of the young talent being on display. It is a really fun time for analysts (to speculate) and fans (to see the next superstars get their first NBA action) and for me to share some news with you. Thanks for reading.
NBA Free Agent Moves on July 11th, 2014
NBA Free Agency: After LeBron’s Return Home
We knew that once LeBron made his choice, regardless of what it was, that the rest of NBA free agency was going to kick into high gear, but no one expected quite an onslaught of action like we experienced yesterday. I’m going to break down all of the trades, moves, and other news one-by-one with my (somewhat) brief thoughts on how each effects that player, team, and the league. Let’s get into it!
Chris Bosh
LeBron wasn’t the only one that decided to do the unexpected. The most popular theory was that Bosh was going to the Rockets who would then match Chandler Parson’s contract offer (from the Mavs) and create one hell of a starting five, likely making them on par with the Spurs as West favorites.
Instead, Miami got its consolation prize and Bosh signed a max deal for five years and 118 million dollars to be their new centerpiece. You can argue that this was purely for the money, and while I would agree that was an enormous factor, I don’t know that it was the most important one.
Bosh has wanted to be the “star” on a team for quite some time, and ever since joining Miami he wasn’t even second fiddle, but option #3 to LeBron and Wade. Now he gets to be THE guy for the foreseeable future, having the team build around HIM, and he gets paid major bucks to do it. I don’t know how likely it is he’ll succeed in that role, but good for him to get the opportunity, even if it means titles won’t be as easy to come by versus him having gone to Houston.
Miami Analysis: TBD – Too many pieces, including Wade, left undetermined, but w/Bosh they should compete.
Vince Carter
Vinsanity has moved on from the Mavericks (who are having a rough go of it yet again in free agency) and on to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three year, 12 million dollar deal. Vince has been a role player for a while now, coming off the bench for Dallas most recently but playing decent minutes (25/game), and will provide some much needed spacing and outside shooting for the Grizz. With Mike Miller likely leaving for Cleveland, Carter ensures Memphis still has a solid 3-point veteran on the team (shooting ~40% from 3). This isn’t a game changer, but more of keeping the status quo. Good value for both sides.
Memphis Analysis: Still making the playoffs, but not a title contender due to lack of consistent offense. Losing Miller (presumed) and James Johnson to the Raptors (more on that next) will hurt more than they expect.
James Johnson
This off-season has certainly been an up-and-down affair for Johnson, going from the low of his off the court drama (assault charge, pled not guilty), to the high of returning to Toronto to play for the Raptors. His deal is for 2 years and 5 million total, not a huge sum, but for a bench player that is still looking to find their identity in the league (he’s only 27 and had decent minutes two seasons in his 5 year career, both with Toronto) it’s about right. The Raptors seem to be fine with the roster they had last year, and outside of small moves like this, have kept the core the same. Johnson should fit in comfortably.
Toronto Analysis: They’ll make the playoffs in the pathetic East, but how much improvement can they expect from their roster? Without a few players making a leap it is going to be another middling season for this team.
The Lakers
I’m going to bundle all of the deals going on with the Lakers into one section because they’re just keeping a bunch of guys from last year’s team, and none of it makes much sense, unless they want to tank again anyway.
- Jordan Hill – 2 years at 9 million per, with the second year being a team option. The consensus from analysts seems to be that the Lakers must have thought they were bidding against someone else for Hill because this is way more than he should be making. While his energy and effort are excellent, Hill is still an unknown, and likely this is a trial run to see what he can be. At least the Lakers can bail if it doesn’t work out this season?
- Nick Young – 4 years and 21.5 million total for “Swaggy P” might actually be solid value for the Lakers, but it doesn’t really get them anywhere. Young is a volume scorer, inefficient, and is ideally a 6th man off the bench. The Lakers don’t have that luxury, however, and might have to start him given that the rest of their roster isn’t much (if at all) better.
- Jeremy Lin – He was acquired in a trade with Houston and at minimum gives the Lakers (even more) international appeal. I don’t know how he fits in with Kobe and Young (all three like the ball in their hands), not to mention Nash (if healthy), but he’s fun at least? The bright side is Lin is only 25 and has room to grow yet, so maybe he can thrive in LA.
Lakers Analysis: This feels like another bottom team, especially in the hyper-competitive West, and that can’t sit well with Kobe. As a Boston fan I’m totally fine with this.
Isaiah Thomas
The Suns made a great move in terms of acquiring talent and at a great price when they got Thomas in a sign-and-trade deal with the Kings for a trade exception (the Kings get this, Suns don’t give it up) and the rights to Alex Oriakhi, the 57th pick in the 2013 draft. However, it is a bit odd that it would be Phoenix making this move to grab a talented guard when they have Bledsoe AND Dragic already. The deal is 4 years and a paltry 7 million per, and while it is unknown whether the Suns will keep and play all three at the same time, or if one of them gets moved for a different piece, what is certain is this could be an amazing small-ball team as constructed. Good for both parties.
Suns Analysis: If you thought they were fun last year…
Final Thoughts
There was a few moves that I am sure I missed here, but with plenty more action expected today I’ll be sure to include it in the next free agency update! Today we will likely learn whether Wade resigns with Miami or goes to Chicago, whether Pau goes to the Bulls as well (seems highly likely) and what that means for Boozer (amnesty?), if Melo will choose the Knicks (or amazing the Bulls, again). Luol Deng, Chandler Parsons, Trevor Ariza, Kevin Love, and plenty more potential moves are still to come, and I’ll make sure to keep you updated. Thanks for reading.
What Should We Expect From The Cavs For 2014-2015?
Cleveland Cavaliers 2014-2015
When LeBron made his choice to return to Cleveland an uproar of social media, speculation, and (mostly) positive feedback from fans and analysts occurred. All of that was to be expected. However, one other crazy thing happened, Las Vegas decided that he made the Cavaliers, a team that last year went 33-49 in a TERRIBLE Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs, the favorites to win not only the East, but the Championship as well. Don’t believe me?
That’s right, at 4.5/1 odds (or 9/2 as they have here), the Cleveland Cavaliers as currently constructed are the favorites. In the Sports Illustrated article that spread the news of James returning to Cleveland, James said that, “we’re not ready now.” So what is going on in Vegas? Why are they making such an incredible leap? Let’s discuss.
The Current Cavs
With a healthy Varejao to rebound and guard the interior, a developing Tristan Thompson that wouldn’t need to play as much if they go small ball (like the Heat did with much success), Kyrie to dish out when he’s got the ball or slash to the basket when LeBron does, LeBron himself, and Waiters or Wiggins depending on the latter’s development, this is a contender. In the East you could argue that they are anywhere from #1 to #3 (depending on Lance and Indiana as well as Rose’s health for Chicago).
However, when you look at the sheer amount of amazing teams in the West, many that are full established with players comfortable with each other, to assume a team as young as Cleveland would not only survive the playoffs to get to the finals, but beat whomever came out of the dog-fight that is the West is presuming a lot. James has led teams with far less talent that far before, but can he do it again with this roster? It’s hard to say.
The Favorites
Wiggins for Kevin Love (and possibly a few pieces from one side or the other to even things out $ wise) has been a popular rumor, and now it has been said that Love would re-sign with Cleveland if he was traded there. Replacing Wiggins with Love does a variety of great things for the Cavs. Varejao’s health becomes a bit less of an x-factor, and he wouldn’t be counted on to rebound quite as much as he had, perhaps preserving his body and keeping him good to go for the season. Thompson becomes a bench player if they want to put Varejao and Love on the court, and with Love’s ability to shoot from the perimeter and with the 3-ball spacing would be vastly improved.
Love also brings a ready to win now mentality to mesh with LeBron’s, and experience that many of the current Cleveland players just don’t have, though admittedly not in the playoffs. Love being one of the best passing big men makes this team seemingly impossible to guard. Kyrie and LeBron could both handle the ball with ease, and feeding either of the excellent big men or Waiters would be no problem for them.
Simply put, if Love joins this team the hurdle will be the same as it is now with the Cavs, getting the players used to each other. The difference is Love’s talent is ready and immediately spring-boarding them to the favorites for the East without a question instead of just a potential top three team. Does it make them title favorites?
The West (Briefly)
If we are to assume that reports are accurate (at least ones confirmed by many reliable sources), then Bosh will likely join the Rockets and Parsons will be resigned. Even if Parsons isn’t in Houston anymore, and Dallas gets him instead, both of those teams will be contenders, especially with Dallas having Tyson Chandler back.
Then there is the young but fiery Blazers (who need to improve on defense), the old reliable Spurs (that never seem to fade), the defensive juggernaut of Memphis, and the exciting trio of Golden State (what moves will they make yet?), the Clippers, and the Thunder. Even though they weren’t successful in getting LeBron, we also can’t count out the very talented Suns either, and if Love stays in Minnesota and they can stay healthy who knows what happens there.
Final Thoughts
So again, are the Cavs title favorites? Without Love I would agree with Lebron and say no, they are too young and just wouldn’t have the experience (outside of LeBron and Varejao) to handle going against the West winner (regardless of who it was) assuming they’d win the East which is not guaranteed either. With Love they’d still be underdogs to the West team, but it would be more matchup based, and determined by smaller factors just like every title (health, coaching, team philosophy, big vs small, etc..)
So, is Las Vegas jumping the gun? Absolutely. Does that mean the Cavaliers aren’t going to be fascinating to watch with or without Love? Not at all, I can’t wait to see what LeBron can accomplish there. Thanks as always for reading, and I’ll be breaking the rest of free agency down soon.
LeBron James Does Everything Right
LeBron James Does Everything Right
I’m not breaking any news that anyone reading this won’t have heard, but LeBron has returned to Cleveland. Not only did he make a choice that fans and analysts alike approve of (in terms of doing the right thing, not necessarily best basketball move), but he did it in a classy way. If you haven’t taken the time to read the article on Sports Illustrated, here you go. I highly recommend giving it a read. LeBron is honest, he keeps it short and to the point, and he explains why he chose Cleveland even though he admits, “I’m not promising a championship… we’re not ready now… I want to win next year, but I’m realistic.”
What does this mean for LeBron? He gets to try and continue his legacy while being open about this being a long-term project. There are no promises being made, no guarantees, no “not one, not two, not three…” or anything of the sort, he’s there to do his best to bring a championship to Cleveland. LeBron wants to build his family there, to continue his community work where he grew up, and to do everything he can to succeed not in the best title-seeking situation (at present), but where it is home for him.
This is a far more mature version of James. Look back to the 2010 mess, something he does admit he would have handled differently (though he would have still went to Miami), and compare that to how he handled it this time around.
- Instead of holding a television press conference for an hour he chose to do an old-fashioned article with a reputable source. He didn’t want to be interrupted, misinterpreted, or misrepresented. All LeBron wanted to do was let people know where he was going and why, and he did that with grace and style.
- There were no meetings with LeBron and the other organizations in the style of 2010, no parties, grandiose gestures, or any of the extras that were involved in the last go around. Instead James had his agent do the meetings, this way he wasn’t going to be persuaded by anything but information that was as unbiased as possible. His agent would know the best situations and could explain them in financial and basketball terms, no personal feelings to get in the way.
- With LeBron deciding to take his time and consider his options without all that extra crap getting in the way there really wasn’t news to be had, so Twitter went crazy, quite literally so (with conspiracy theories and everything). People moaned about him taking too long to decide, that this was becoming a spectacle again, that he needed to hurry up so they could get on with their lives. That wasn’t James, that was a frenzy of desire for instant gratification, and LeBron not touching it was one of the best decisions he made.
I don’t think that LeBron could have handled this situation any better. There are plenty of questions I have about other free agents, Wade’s opt-out, and a variety of other things going on with the NBA, but now that the King has made his choice the rest can fall into place. Thanks as always for reading, and look forward to another article today or early tomorrow about the remaining free agent situations.
The Fantasy Devotee's Ramblings 