The"Crap, it didn't happen..but it was awesome to think of" thread

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

Hard to say how (if at all) this affects anything with Deron, but apparently Ramon Sessions is not going to exercise his player option. So he'll be a FA and come off LA's books.

I wonder if the Lakers convinced him to walk, or if he thinks he deserves more than the $4.5M he's owed? I doubt he'll land anywhere that gives him a better chance to win a ring though...

As far as Deron goes - the Lakers already owe $80M between just seven players after picking up the qualifying offer on Bynum. I suppose they could work out a sign-and-trade with Deron in exchange for Gasol, but the Nets would probably be better off stacking young players (like OKC) than committing to Pau Gasol being the face of their franchise when they move into Barclays.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I wonder if the Lakers convinced him to walk, or if he thinks he deserves more than the $4.5M he's owed? I doubt he'll land anywhere that gives him a better chance to win a ring though...

As far as Deron goes - the Lakers already owe $80M between just seven players after picking up the qualifying offer on Bynum. I suppose they could work out a sign-and-trade with Deron in exchange for Gasol, but the Nets would probably be better off stacking young players (like OKC) than committing to Pau Gasol being the face of their franchise when they move into Barclays.

Right. The Nets have been fairly clear (although I guess it could be posturing) that they'd prefer the cap space from Deron leaving than having Gasol.

I think they'd consider a Deron-for-Bynum SNT, but would the Lakers do that? Deron is great, but giving up a young, talented, incredibly big player seems like an incredibly foolish thing to do (unless you're getting another young, talented, big player like Dwight in return).

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

Right. The Nets have been fairly clear (although I guess it could be posturing) that they'd prefer the cap space from Deron leaving than having Gasol.

I think they'd consider a Deron-for-Bynum SNT, but would the Lakers do that? Deron is great, but giving up a young, talented, incredibly big player seems like an incredibly foolish thing to do (unless you're getting another young, talented, big player like Dwight in return).

Yeah, I'd say both guys have about the same overall impact on the game, so a Bynum-for-Deron swap would just be trading a big for a small... Which is pretty much a cardinal sin in basketball.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Yeah, I'd say both guys have about the same overall impact on the game, so a Bynum-for-Deron swap would just be trading a big for a small... Which is pretty much a cardinal sin in basketball.

I agree. And with Sessions leaving, the team is even shallower. Can Deron+old Kobe+old-ish Pau+Artest get out of the second round?

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by G-Man

The problem with keeping Kidd may come down to money. He's a nice piece for any contender, but way more valuable to one who does not have Dwill, like, say Chicago or Miami, that is really weak at point guard.

My fear is that the Mavs have so many needs, and depending on who else becomes available, we won't be able to afford Kidd. Frankly, if we get DWill, I'd much rather spend to keep Jet than Kidd. He's got more left in the tank, is still a great 4th quarter threat to spread the floor, and is more deserving to retire as a Mav.

Is anyone expecting salaries to come down in light of the new CBA, allowing us to get more talent for less cash? The anticipation is killing me.

The rate increases in the lux tax don't kick in until next season. Cuban projects the market correction won't start until next summer. But i would think many other teams would take Cuban's lead and stay disciplined in keeping as much flexibility going into summer 2013. Couple of players who feel the same way, Gerald Wallace and Ramon Sessions have already opted out of their deals, in hopes of getting a multi year deal. Sessions was set to rake in 4.5 million, he'll probably get a 3 year 10 million dollar deal somewhere.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

I agree. And with Sessions leaving, the team is even shallower. Can Deron+old Kobe+old-ish Pau+Artest get out of the second round?

If Kobe/Bynum/Gasol/Artest can't get out of the second round, then I don't see how Kobe/Deron/Gasol/Artest would do any better... Gasol has been a weaker player than Bynum overall, but it's really Kobe's ridiculous contract that's keeping the Lakers from making any significant moves to improve their roster.

That's why I'm kind of surprised to see Sessions walk - who can they afford who's better? They're already in the luxury tax with only seven players on their roster, and now they're losing their starting PG... Is Steve Blake going to lead them back to the promised land?

[mavs777]

Do we know Sessions is leaving? Couldn't they offer him a extension? I think the thing with Sessions is it is more about the years than anything, he has bounced around for team to team and wants long term security.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I wonder if the Lakers convinced him to walk, or if he thinks he deserves more than the $4.5M he's owed? I doubt he'll land anywhere that gives him a better chance to win a ring though...

As far as Deron goes - the Lakers already owe $80M between just seven players after picking up the qualifying offer on Bynum. I suppose they could work out a sign-and-trade with Deron in exchange for Gasol, but the Nets would probably be better off stacking young players (like OKC) than committing to Pau Gasol being the face of their franchise when they move into Barclays.

I think Sessions is looking for his final pay day before the supposed market correction hits next summer. He's probably looking for 3-4 years.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by mavs777

Do we know Sessions is leaving? Couldn't they offer him a extension? I think the thing with Sessions is it is more about the years than anything, he has bounced around for team to team and wants long term security.

I'd imagine this would be pretty difficult given their cap situation.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

I'd imagine this would be pretty difficult given their cap situation.

They'll have Bird rights on him.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by G-Man

The problem with keeping Kidd may come down to money. He's a nice piece for any contender, but way more valuable to one who does not have Dwill, like, say Chicago or Miami, that is really weak at point guard.

My fear is that the Mavs have so many needs, and depending on who else becomes available, we won't be able to afford Kidd. Frankly, if we get DWill, I'd much rather spend to keep Jet than Kidd. He's got more left in the tank, is still a great 4th quarter threat to spread the floor, and is more deserving to retire as a Mav.

Is anyone expecting salaries to come down in light of the new CBA, allowing us to get more talent for less cash? The anticipation is killing me.

Jet's next contract and Kidd's next contract are not going to be comparable in any way.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by Underdog

If Kobe/Bynum/Gasol/Artest can't get out of the second round, then I don't see how Kobe/Deron/Gasol/Artest would do any better... Gasol has been a weaker player than Bynum overall, but it's really Kobe's ridiculous contract that's keeping the Lakers from making any significant moves to improve their roster.

That's why I'm kind of surprised to see Sessions walk - who can they afford who's better? They're already in the luxury tax with only seven players on their roster, and now they're losing their starting PG... Is Steve Blake going to lead them back to the promised land?

I don't think this decsion rested solely with the Lakers. Sessions is probably wanting a multi year deal and given the stricter tax rules kicking in after summer 2013, this might be his last chance, otherwise he'd probably be going year to year.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by jthig32

They'll have Bird rights on him.

Good call. Then maybe that's the plan?

[iella]

Nothing to see here, move along.

Kidd open to Nets reunion, mentoring Lin with Knicks

Like any smart free agent, Jason Kidd did not dismiss any potential landing spots during a Monday conference call.

The free agent point guard said he was open to re-signing with the Mavericks, intrigued by the idea of teaming with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or becoming a tutor for Jeremy Lin with the Knicks.

The Nets’ first priority is to try and re-sign Williams, who plans to opt-out of the final year of his contract this summer. Kidd, who has campaigned to have Williams join him in Dallas in the past, said the Nets would have to re-sign their star for the veteran to come to Brooklyn.

"[Williams] is the key because my days of playing 38 minutes are over,” Kidd said, according to multiple reports. “If it’s the backup role to give him time to rest [that’s OK]. Also being able to play alongside a guy like that, we can play off of each other and be successful. It’s something we can look at if it gets done."

Kidd led the Nets to back-to-back Eastern Conference championships in 2002 and 2003. He thinks new owner Mikhail Prokhorov can bring them back to prominence in their new town.

"I think they have an owner that wants to win," Kidd said. "He has the money. I think being able to go into Brooklyn [and] compete — if they re-sign Deron [Williams] and get other pieces — they can compete.”

Kidd, promoting a celebrity golf tournament on the call, talked about Lin and the possibility of mentoring him on the Knicks. Before the Knicks consider any potential free agents, they await word on the Bird rights case involving Lin and Steve Novak. A victory for the union would mean the Knicks would not have to use their $5 million mid-level exception to sign Lin or Novak, and put them in the position to add a prominent free agent.

"That would be a lot of fun, to be able to help a young player like that," Kidd said of Lin, who missed the end of the regular season and playoffs because of a torn meniscus in his knee.

"He has all the tools. We saw that before he got hurt. To help him understand it’s a long season, to pace yourself, and that he’s got to work extremely hard. Also, to share the things that help me be successful and help him be a better player."

[Kidd Karma]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/bal...urn=nba,257651

Probably will be similar to the RJ situation years ago. RJ had a player option, declined it to not only help the Spurs cap situation, but cash in on a multi year deal.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by iella

Nothing to see here, move along.

Kidd open to Nets reunion, mentoring Lin with Knicks

Kidd's negotiating, driving up his value. You could have named all 30 teams during the interview and he would fit in well there.

[nowhereman]

Let's not bury the lead - Kidd's open to a one year deal in Dallas

http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/06...deal-from.html

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by nowhereman

Let's not bury the lead - Kidd's open to a one year deal in Dallas

http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/06...deal-from.html

Ding. Ding. Ding.

[aexchange]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Ding. Ding. Ding.

If he's open to a 1 year deal, doesn't that keep the powder dry for a run at another FA in 2014?

[spreedom]

Someone please educate me on the Kidd situation: If we want to sign Deron outright (after trading/amnestying guys to free up space) do we need to renounce Kidd's rights so he doesn't create a huge cap hold? If we do have to renounce his rights, don't we lose his Bird rights?

I love Kidd's intangibles and I'd like to keep him here almost no matter the cost. I'd definitely bite the bullet and overpay him on a 1-year deal if we can use the rest of our cap space first.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by spreedom

Someone please educate me on the Kidd situation: If we want to sign Deron outright (after trading/amnestying guys to free up space) do we need to renounce Kidd's rights so he doesn't create a huge cap hold? If we do have to renounce his rights, don't we lose his Bird rights?

I love Kidd's intangibles and I'd like to keep him here almost no matter the cost. I'd definitely bite the bullet and overpay him on a 1-year deal if we can use the rest of our cap space first.

Without Kidd we're at approximately 42 million(Dirk 20, Marion 8, Wood 8, Lamar 2, boobs 2, Jones 1, Carter 1) with Kidd (1.2 * 8 million)it's about 52 million. If we have the intention of keeping Kidd around and if a 4 million salary is agreeable, you ink Kidd first, then work the contracts to squeeze Deron in. I remember back when Miami got the big 3, they got the commitments first, then worked out the details later, LBJ's first year salary was 14 million about 1 million less than his previous season's salary. so he took less than the max, same with Bosh and Haslem, all in an effort to keep Haslem and sign up Miller. So I can see something where Williams does take a million less than his max to squeeze another body in.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by G-Man

The problem with keeping Kidd may come down to money. He's a nice piece for any contender, but way more valuable to one who does not have Dwill, like, say Chicago or Miami, that is really weak at point guard.

Neither of those teams really have money to really work with your "may come down to money" issue. I don't think Chicago and Miami are necessarily weak at point guard, either. With Miami, Wade and James are your primary ball-handlers. We can say they stunk last year but really, they've been in the Finals for two years in a row. They just need to keep to their plan and keep adding pieces along the way. I would think their next piece on their checklist is a big who can clog the lane and bring defense and rebounding. Yeah, there can be names at the point who can be associated with them, but I don't really think it's their primary need. Chicago, most teams are going to be pretty crappy to end the year when their star goes down. If Rose makes a healthy return, then that'll solve the problem. Chicago's issue is similar to Dallas' in the sense they need more weapons that create on offense on their own.

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

Right. The Nets have been fairly clear (although I guess it could be posturing) that they'd prefer the cap space from Deron leaving than having Gasol.

I think they'd consider a Deron-for-Bynum SNT, but would the Lakers do that? Deron is great, but giving up a young, talented, incredibly big player seems like an incredibly foolish thing to do (unless you're getting another young, talented, big player like Dwight in return).

I really don't see that happening. Sure, you still have Gasol in camp if you go that way, but I'm sure they can get a piece or two (probably from HOU) that makes the most sense to replenish their roster with a Gasol deal.. It'd make more sense, to me, to go that route.

[SMC0007]

If not Kidd. I like Dojo to backup PG.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

If not Kidd. I like Dojo to backup PG.

Eek

[nowhereman]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

If not Kidd. I like Dojo to backup PG.

lol

[spreedom]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

If not Kidd. I like Dojo to backup PG.

*eats live grenade*

[Rick41]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

If not Kidd. I like Dojo to backup PG.

wat

[CapitanObvious]

If not Dirk, I'd like B.Cardinal to start as PF.

[aexchange]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

If not Kidd. I like Dojo to backup PG.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by spreedom

*eats live grenade*

This is one of the best posts I've ever read, tbh.

[KillerLeft]

Yikes...prison rules on display again. People need thick skin to come around here, huh?

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Yikes...prison rules on display again. People need thick skin to come around here, huh?

Thick skin is a good defense, but not posting stupid sh!t is better...

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Yikes...prison rules on display again. People need thick skin to come around here, huh?

There's prison rules and then there is common sense. Thinking Jones is ready to step up as a reliable backup point guard is a major, MAJOR stretch.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Originally Posted by KillerLeft

Yikes...prison rules on display again. People need thick skin to come around here, huh?

If these are prison rules, then this is one awesome prison. But I'll be kind and say that Dojo at back-up pg is pretty far fetched at this juncture. He'd need to make astonishing improvement this summer...like not bricking every jump shot would be a nice start.

[SMC0007]

Oh my bad...that was a typo. I meant starter.

[quietsavant]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Oh my bad...that was a typo. I meant starter.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Oh my bad...that was a typo. I meant starter.

I'm going to stab you through the internet.

[Dirkadirkastan]

you just proofed how stupid you are

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Underdog

I'm going to stab you through the internet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_db_xt0P9I

[MavsFTR]

http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/06...12&feedID=3799

Deron Williams is a sportsman. He loves his Texas Rangers so much that he recently attended church services in New York while wearing his Sunday best – a Josh Hamilton jersey. He's so addicted to golf that one of his first post-NBA-season calls was to buddy/mentor Jason Kidd so the two of them could arrange a get-together on the links in San Diego, where Deron owns a home. And yes, there's even boxing …

"Boxing is now the worst sport in the history of the world,'' Deron tweeted following the controversial June 10 Manny Pacquiao split-decision loss to Timothy Bradley. "I'm never buying a fight again.''

What Williams does have to deal with, starting when the NBA free-agent window opens on July 1, is a "split-decision'' of his own:

Should he remain with his present employer, the Brooklyn Nets, serving as the centerpiece of a bad franchise in a new city and new arena that does come with some promise due to Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov's unlimited funds?

Or should he make the move to another team – like the Dallas Mavericks, his hometown franchise, where the 2011 champs aren't so much "rebuilding'' as they would be "reloading'' if deep-pocketed owner Mark Cuban is able to add Deron to a team already featuring Dirk Nowitzki?

"I want to go to a place where I feel like they will have a chance to build and build fast," says Williams, a young and premier point guard hoping to finalize his decision in early July as he and Team USA prep for the Summer Olympics. "I'm not really in the mood for being part of a rebuilding process. I'm getting older. I'm about to be 28. I want to win. I want to win now. Also, I want to live in a place where I want to live and my kids will enjoy living. That's pretty much it."

If it's not also about the size of his first contract, that's a positive for the Mavs in their attempt to lure the native of The Colony back to North Texas. NBA rules try to tip the scales toward players remaining with their present employers by allowing that team to offer their own free agent a max-contract that in this case would be worth $98.77 million. What the Mavs can offer is four years and $73.35 million.

But it's more complex than that (as multi-million-dollar deals often are). The Mavs can propose that Williams get his "extra'' year in Dallas by extending before the first contract is up. Furthermore, New York's state income tax is 8.6 percent (Texas' is zero). And the cost of living when living anywhere near the Nets' new neighborhood is estimated to be 44 percent higher than the cost of living in DFW.

I've also been told that the Mavs have busied themselves lining up corporate support for their potential "big fish'' signee (they'll make sure to tell Deron that the Mavs have the second-strongest corporate sponsorship muscle in the NBA). Oh, and it is my understanding that "World Wide Wes'' (basketball powerbroker William Wesley) is pitching in to advise Deron, too. Wes has a connection with new SMU assistant basketball coach Jerrence Howard, who happens to be one of Deron's best friends. (Coincidence?)

As Deron is seeking a comfort zone and his buddies, his mom, his little brother and his uncle and aunt all reside in Big D …

Well, you can see how the Mavs are attempting to align all the dominoes.

There are ways to squeeze the salary cap to allow it to house a trio of stars. What I've termed "The 3D Blueprint'' could conceivably let the Mavs employ Dirk and Deron and someone of the caliber of Dwight Howard, too. Sure, it's pipedreamy. But the Mavs' big-thinking creativity has helped them to 12 straight playoff berths, two NBA Finals and, finally, a title. How was that championship roster built? Dirk was acquired in a draft-day trade for Tractor Traylor. Shawn Marion was acquired for the retiring Jerry Stackhouse's expiring contract. And Tyson Chandler was stolen in a trade for the semi-retired Erick Dampier's expiring contract.

Now the Mavs are trying to pull another rabbit out of another hat.

Worth noting: Kidd, himself a free agent, has repeatedly stated that his desires are twofold: One, to remain with the Mavs and continue to "go to war'' with Dirk. And two, to team up with Deron, in wherever city works out.

Kidd's updated quotes this week are being misappropriated by the New York media, which has somehow created in its stories a Kidd pecking order that starts with the Nets, continues with the New York Knicks (a virtually impossibility, but hey, they're in New York) and then mentions almost in passing the Mavs as a candidate.

My days of playing 38 minutes are over," says Kidd, 39, repeating that he'd be willing to caddie for his buddy. "We (Williams and Kidd) could play off each other and hopefully be successful."

The NY papers tied that quote into their stories that started with declarations about ex-Net Kidd's willingness to return to that franchise. They push to the bottom of the tales Kidd's relationship with Dallas, scoot past his distaste for Nets coach Avery Johnson (with whom Kidd did not get along when they were both with the Mavs) and omit entirely the truly new and notable quote issued by Kidd:

"I really think Cuban is going to put the pieces together to give us an opportunity to get back to win it," Kidd said. "He put himself in position to go get two more studs."

Yes, there's that "3D Blueprint'' again. See, it's not just me talking about it.

I don't believe Deron's decision is simply about the largest contract; if that was the case, he could've re-upped with the Nets long ago and cashed his checks while the Nets perennially won half as many games as the Mavs perennially win. Certainly it is in part about the team around him – though Deron vehemently denies a Yahoo report quoting a league source as saying his willingness to stay with the Nets hinges on whether they acquire Dwight.

"I didn't say that,'' Williams says. "That's not how I feel. I don't think I'm going to base my decision, my family's decision on somebody else coming to a team or not. I have to make a decision that's best for me and my family. That's what I'm going to do."

Ah, there's that "family'' issue again.

Deron has a lovely bride (who seems to favor wearing Texas Rangers caps, too) and four children. Can you raise a family in Brooklyn, in Manhattan or in northern New Jersey? Certainly. Traffic can be a nightmare but the schools are some of the best in the world. And a $17-million-a-year salary can buy a guy a large estate, if that what he wishes. A Nets player could easily get to The Barclays Center while living in nearby Brooklyn Heights (a lovely area but one devoid of the mansions or even McMansions usually favored by athletes earning millions.) Or some Nets players might continue to live in New Jersey, on the other side of the Holland Tunnel. … a bit of inconvenience in exchange for whatever benefits they find in being Nets.

Meanwhile, Deron's mom lives in a $229,000 house her son purchased for her in 2007. It is the sort of handsome home that would cost four times that amount if located in New York City. Last month, one of Deron's children celebrated a birthday. Deron didn't bring Grandma to Brooklyn for the party; he brought his family to The Colony for the gathering. … to Grandma's house, which is located in a community nearby The Colony High School, where Deron attended, where there are neighborhoods about 22 minutes from the AAC.

Amy Williams' parents are also based in the Carrollton/The Colony area. Amy and Deron have known each other since second grade, were high-school sweethearts, and belong to the Carrollton church where Amy's father is the minister.

Comfortability, anyone?

Deron himself could live a bit further south, in the same generally vicinity of where Dirk, Cuban and Carlisle live. It takes each of them about eight minutes to get from home to work. Oh, and the Cuban and Carlisle daughters attend The Hockaday School. Deron's girls might like that, too.
How significant is all of that to Deron? Or does he have "Big Apple'' aspirations?

Oh, and hey: Is Brooklyn really "The Big Apple,'' anyway? Or is it rather off-Broadway?

If Deron is at all interested in his marketability, the Mavs will note than in New York, the Nets will continue to (always?) play second fiddle to the Knicks. And the Giants. And the Jets. And the Yankees. And alongside the Mets, Islanders, Rangers and Devils. … and the entertainment world.

If he wishes, Deron Williams can own the endorsement market in this region. Tie him in with the two-time AL champion Rangers, and/or with the headline-owning Dallas Cowboys, and Deron can be as beloved as Dirk ... or Aikman ... or Emmitt … or Staubach ... In DFW, those guys are the entertainment world.

The Mavs will pitch the deep involvement of their owner (Mark Cuban is as hands-on as they come, while Prokhorov makes infrequent trips to The States while involving himself in business, politics and playboying in his native Russia). And the stability of the coaching situation (Carlisle has his ring and a new four-year deal; the Nets' Johnson is ... well, still growing into the job). There is Kidd, who is represented by agent Jeff Schwartz, as is Deron. And of course there is Dirk Nowitzki, the best player Deron will have ever passed to and the best teammate he will ever have.

Deron Williams says Dallas is his favorite place to play. Does he mean that only as a visitor? Or can he mean a "place to play and live''?

Which franchise has the building blocks needed to contend? Which front office has a creative and championship pedigree? And then -- again putting aside the chance to compete for titles, which Dallas believes it will do in The Deron Era, and also setting aside for a moment the finances involved -- there is the simple pitch that the Mavs hope will break Deron Williams' own "split-decision'':

Financial opportunities? Dallas will do its best.

Family, comfort and competing for championships? Dallas will say it IS best.