Quick React: 2022 NBA Free Agency (or, In Rubio We Trust)
2022-07-02Well, it’s been about 30 hours of NBA free agency that’s transpired. Because of cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor and his intrepid reporting, the Cavs publicly telegraphed their free agency plan and it’s going according to form. The Cavs had three targets during the free agency period: a backup center, a backup point guard, and Ricky Rubio. They accomplished signing all three in about 24 hours. Let’s dive right in for some instant reaction…
1. In Rubio We Trust
In a move that was largely expected and desired, the Cavs brought Ricky Rubio back home where he belongs, on the shores of Lake Erie donning the Wine and Gold. When Rubio first arrived in Cleveland after last year’s trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, early reporting suggested that Rubio wasn’t sure about remaining in Cleveland in a rebuild situation and that the Cavs were open to using his expiring contract as trade bait for contending teams. What a difference a year makes. What actually happened was nothing short of magical. Rubio bought into the team, and help lead the young squad to their best season of the post-LeBron 2.0 era. Unfortunately, his season was cut tragically short because of an ACL tear. Fortunately, it appears that he’s on the path to healing and wholeness and now wants to finish what he helped start, which is a budding dynasty until cruel fortune interceded.
Rubio gave the Cavs a “hometown” discount of a three year, 18.4 million dollar deal, which allows the Cavs to maintain a bit of cap flexibility. There is also the chance that a sign and trade could be worked out with the Indiana Pacers so that the Cavs can retain use of the non-taxpayer midlevel exception (Disclaimer: CLF is not a cap expert, results may vary):
This has not yet been decided. It’s definitely an option tho. And it would greatly help with flexibility https://t.co/zQ49ztFQrf
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) July 2, 2022
The most heartwarming part about the Ricky Rubio reunion is how the Cavs seemed to make the effort to allow Rubio to feel comfortable. Fellow Spaniard José Calderón was hired by the Cavs as a special advisor just two weeks after Ricky Rubio’s injury. Calderón was not only a former Cavalier, but also Rubio’s teammate on the Spanish national team that won the silver medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. In Fedor’s reporting, the Cavs certainly made Rubio a priority in free agency.
This move isn’t without risk of course. This will be Ricky Rubio’s second ACL recovery at the tender age of 32 come October. Conventional wisdom dictates that Rubio probably won’t return to basketball activities until December or January at the earliest. If one were to venture a guess at a target date of return, post-2023 All-Star Break would seem to make sense. And all that assumes everything just goes according to plan. But wouldn’t it glorious to see Rubio back with the squad, helping the post-ASB push to the playoffs and beyond? The Rick Roll the Playoffs Agenda begins now!
2. Cleveland a free agent destination?
Along with Rubio, the Cavs filled out their roster with solid, professional veterans in Raul Neto and Robin Lopez. Neto was a long rumored Cavs’ target, even going back to last season’s trade deadline when the Cavs were looking for help after the Rubio injury. With Neto the Cavs acquired a solid, if unspectacular, player that will defend, pass, and is very efficient shooting in the midrange game. It’s also easy to imagine that adding another international player to the bench will positively impact Rubio and Cedi Osman.
Robin Lopez also fits the mold of consummate professional veteran. While he’s on the tale end of his career, Lopez brings size and strength to the center position that Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley don’t quite have. Lopez also has a decent amount of playoff experience, which should help guide the young Cavs for their playoff push next season.
With the signings of Neto and Lopez, what stands out about those acquisitions from a narrative standpoint is that the Cavs were able to acquire players that are looking to win. Neto and Lopez don’t have much time left in the NBA, and they were obviously in situations where winning wasn’t as much of a priority. Those types of vets typically go to contending teams. The fact that Neto and Lopez chose Cleveland gives the impression that they believe the Cavs are poised to win and make some noise in the playoffs. These types of acquisitions feel better than a Kevin Pangos or Ed Davis because Neto and Lopez still look like they can play, as opposed to being unknown (Pangos) or resigned to cheerleader role (Davis).
3. Breaking News:
#Cavs All-Star point guard Darius Garland has agreed on a five-year, $193 million maximum designated rookie contract extension that could be worth as much as $231 million with escalators, sources confirm to @clevelanddotcom
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) July 2, 2022
Thank you Koby Altman for doing the right thing, collect your W.
4. Young Bull Watch
As Day 2 of free agency comes to a close, #Cavs are about $19 million away from the luxury tax. That doesn’t include Ochai Agbaji’s contract, which will be close to $4 million. That would make it more like $15 million below the tax when it comes to ongoing Collin Sexton talks.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) July 2, 2022
A few notes on the Collin Sexton situation:
-Only Spurs and Pacers could offer him $20 million+ at this point.
-If Sexton signs an offer sheet, Cavs can match but NOT turn it into a sign-and-trade.
-Cleveland only projects to be $16ish million below tax line with Rubio + Agbaji.— Greg Swartz (@GregSwartzBR) July 2, 2022
Fedor and Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report dropped some key pieces of information in the aftermath of the Rubio, Neto, and Lopez acquisitions. The Cavs have about $15 million left below the tax to extend Collin Sexton. The San Antonio Spurs are clearly in a tank/rebuild situation. It’s hard to see them having any desire to sign Sexton to a long term extension. Logic would dictate that they’re looking to use their cap space to take on contract dumps to collect draft pick assets.
With the Indiana Pacers, they appear to be executing the same type of plan as the Spurs, which is keeping cap space open to accept salary dumps to collect draft assets. They have already unloaded Marcus Brogdon’s contract to clear space, and there are plenty of rumors regarding a potential Myles Turner trade. That being said, it is conceivable that they could be interested in signing Sexton in a tandem with Deandre Ayton to form a young veteran core to supplement their key pieces Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte, and Bennedict Mathurin. But that’s a remote possibility at best given what’s been reported so far.
.@wojespn with an update on the Pacers' plans:
"They're clearly moving into a full rebuild now. They're also engaged on Myles Turner elsewhere, too." pic.twitter.com/xEVvwNBSgg
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 2, 2022
So where does that leave Sexton? The CtB Commentariat should be well aware about how yours truly theorized that things were headed towards Young Bull commanding sixth man/backup combo guard money in the vein of Jordan Clarkson, Tyus Jones, or Kevin Huerter. While some fans may think that kind of money is an insult to Young Bull’s talents, it’s still top 100 NBA money and generational wealth for Sexton. For the Cavs, it’s a reasonable, calculated risk that Sexton can break out and become a star on a team-friendly deal. Sexton signing a 3yr/50m or 4yr/60m should be considered a win for all parties involved… so stay tuned!
If anyone watches the Cavs SL game (5:00 today, Friday), please post a report.
posted a live thread/preview for today’s game
What time is the game today?
5 pm today. I found it.
RIGHT ON RAOUL—SEASON TICKETS FOR CAVS ARE EXPLODING FOR THE LONG AWAITED LUKE TRAVERS ERA
Only watched the highlights, but it seemed like Orlando was having Banchero initiate a lot on offense. He looked really smooth.
yup, he was the de facto PG… looked like a star! GO DUKE!
Tari Eason looks fantastic, getting anxious.
I know you are not a fit guy, but he does not make a ton of sense next to Mobley & Allen if he cannot shoot.
2/9 from deep.
get ready for the Luke Travers era, starting 5:00 p.m., in the Cox Pavilion.
He shot 36% from 3 and 80% from the line on 6 attempts a game in college. He can shoot.
I will refuse to acknowledge he exists at some point, lol. Fell in love with him early on, but then talked myself out of him closer to the draft. Rooting for him but man I’ll be bummed if he’s good and Agbaji doesn’t work out.
Cav’s summer league:
https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2022/07/cleveland-cavaliers-nba-summer-league-2022-preview-and-schedule.html
I guess I’m going to root for the Panthers.
good luck with that
Thanks! I wish the Browns the best and they still have Myles Garrett who I could root for too.
Deshaun Watson on the other hand… let’s just say I hope the truth comes out.
Ok now back to regular Cavs programming!!
Never too late to switch and root for Cincy.
Paul Brown & Joe Burrow
vs
Jimmy Haslam & DeShaun Watson
yeah, Who Dey Jason!!!
ditto Jason and DanK, WHO DEY BABYYYY
The Watson signing is a disgrace that reinforces all kinds of negative stereotypes about Cleveland inferiority, but Baker wasn’t gonna get us to the next level. Of course we Clevelanders loved his underdog mentality, but “gritting it out” through injury this past season was just narcissism in disguise — and ended up costing us the playoffs. Those games where Baker played like crap were W’s if he’d had the maturity to let the highly-capable Keenum play instead. Of course, Haslam and Stefanski deserve their share of criticism, too. Their handling of Baker (and OBJ, too, for that matter — who… Read more »
The way salary cap and salary/career work in the NFL makes it very difficult to keep an elite team together for more than a few years. The Browns currently have arguably the best team in the NFL other than at QB. It is hard and rare to assemble such a team. The window of opportunity is a couple years. That brings us to Baker. He might have been good enough to be the rare case of a mediocre QB leading a team to a SB win. But that would require being a great leader and getting along with the other… Read more »
Agree with everything you write on a sports front. On a moral front, I just don’t think you mortgage principles of human decency to move from a top 25 to top 10 QB. I am a believer in second chances when there’s remorse and growth — like with Kareem Hunt. And maybe Watson will show those things once his legal and disciplinary issues are behind him and he serves whatever suspension is coming to him. If so, I welcome him and, of course, am excited about his talent. But what Haslam, Berry and Stefanski did was offer him a way… Read more »
Go Panthers! Bleep the Browns!
Just for fun, top 25 level players who have been traded. My top 25: MJ, Kareem, Russell, Wilt, LeBron, Mikan, Magic, Bird, Duncan, Shaq, Kobe, Curry, Oscar, Dr. J, West; Olajuwon, Moses, Mailman, Baylor, Havlicek, Pettit, Durant; Isiah, Cousy, Giannis). Last 3 in a different tier.
1. Wilt (twice)
a. 1965: SF Warriors to 76ers for Connie Dierking, Paul Neumann, Lee Shaffer, & $$$$.
b. 1968. 76ers to Lakers for Jerry Chambers, Archie Clark, Darral Imhoff.
2. Oscar Robertson
a. 1970. Cincinnati Royals to Bucks for Charlie Paulk & Flynn Robinson.
3. Kareem.
a. 1975. Bucks trade Kareem & Walt Wesley to Lakers for Junior Bridgeman, Dave Myers, Elmore Smith, and Brian Winters.
4. Dr. J.
a. Vriginia Squires trade Dr. J + Willie Sojourner to New York Nets for Kermit Washington & George Carter.
b. Player rights sold by Nets to 76ers (forced to sell in order to join NBA).
5. Moses (5 times).
a. 1975. Utah Stars trade Moses, Ron Boone, Randy Denton, and Steve Green to Spirits of STL for cash.
b. 1976. Blazers to Buffalo Braves for a 1st. (Rick Robey).
c. 1976. Braves to Rockets 2 1sts. 1977 (Wesley Cox) and 1978 (Michael Ray Richardson).
d. 1982. Rockets to 76ers for Caldwell Jones and a 1st (Rodney McCray).
e. 1986. 76ers trade Moses, Terry Catledge, 1986 1st (Anthony Jones) & 1988 1st (Harvey Grant) to Washington for Jeff Ruland & Cloff Robinson.
6. Cousy.
a. 1950. Tri-Cities Blackhawks to Chicago Stags for Frankie Brian (2x All-Star).
7. Russell.
a. 1956. St. Louis Hawks to Boston for Ed Macauley (HOF), and Cliff Hagan (HOF).
8. Olajuwon.
a. 2001. Rockets to Raptors for a 2002 1st (Bostjan Nachbar), and 2002 2nd (Tido Maddox).
9. Shaq (3 times).
a. 2004. Lakers to Heat for Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Lamar Odom, a 2006 1st (Jordan Farmar) & a 2007 2nd (Ronaldas Seibutis).
b. 2008. Heat to Suns for Shawn Marion & Marcus Banks.
c. 2009. Suns to Cavs for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, cash, and a 2010 3nd (Dwayne Collins).
10. Kobe
a. 1996. Hornets to Lakers for Vlade Divac.
11. LeBron James
a. 2011. Sign & Trade after the Decision. Cavs to Heat for a 2013 1st (Nemanja Nedovic), 2011 2nd (Milan Macvan), a 2012 2nd (Jae Crowder), a 2016 1st (Timothy Luwawu-Cabarot), and a never excercised pick swap.
12. Durant.
a. Cannot remember if S&T, but he eas leaving in FA. Warriors trade KD + 2020 1st Nets for D’Angelo Russell, Shabazz Napier, & Treveon Graham. Conditional 2020 1st did not convey.
Half of my top 25 trafed at some point. When drafted, or later. Teams trading a top 25 guy away and then winning a title: 1. St. Louis Hawks. Won 1 title and lost in the finals 3 other times in the 5 years after to Russell for Macauley/Hagan trade. But all those were against Boston, who won 11 titkes in 13 years with Russell (& Heinsohn for some) in their places. Trade was prior to Russel’s rookie year. 2. Golden State. DeRo got them Wiggins. Houston & Rodney McCray got to the 1986 Finals, but Philly won with Moses… Read more »
Teams trading FOR a top 25 guy: Titles/Finals. With Age.
1. Celtics w/Russell. 11/12. 22
2. Lakers w/Kareem. 5/8. 28
3. Lakers w/Kobe. 5/7. 17
4. Heat w/LeBron. 2/4. 25
5. Nets w/Doc. 2/2. 23
6. Lakers w/Wilt. 1/4. 31
7. 76ers w/Doc. 1/4. 26
8. Bucks w/Oscar. 1/2. 31
9. 76ers w/Wilt. 1/1. 28
10. Heat w/Shaq. 1/1. 32
11. 76ers w/Moses 1/1. 27
A lot of good data!
Any conclusions jump out at you?
Well, the most obvious ones are that I would not bet in Durant leading a team to a titke at age 34/35. That is extremely rare.
1) Durant is 34. The oldest guys on that list were traded at 32 (Shaq) or 31 (Wilt, Oscar). Both Shaq (traded on ’04, won in ’06) and Oscar (traded in ’70, won in ’71) won titles quickly, but never again.
2) But Wade was Finals MVP in 2006, not Shaq (who was very good). And though Oscar waa also good, Kareem was driving the bus for the Bucks.
It should be noted Shaq never made another Finals after 2006. Oscar & Kareem returned for the Bucks in 1974, but lost to Havlicek/Cowens/White & the Celts with Lucious Harris’ injury hurting them.
Wilt made 4 Finals after the trade to LA (1969, 70, 72, 73). Hurt his knee in 1970. Won Finals MVP in 1972, but was much less of a dominant scorer by then. Albeit on teams with West, and Baylor/Goodrich.
I guess my point is that Durant will be 35 by next year’s POs.
Oldest MVPs:
5. Kareem 33
4. MJ 33
3. Mailman 33
2. MJ 35
1. Mailman 35
Oldest Finals MVPs:
1. Kareem 38
2. LeBron & Wilt 35
3. MJ 35, 34, 33
4. Curry & Havlicek 34
5. Dirk, Dream, Unself 32
The 35 and older club is Kareem, Wilt, Bron, & MJ. KD is a great player, but I do not put him at that level. He is on a plane with Steph & Hondo (on the court), but his off the court/insecurity stuff makes him a MUCH less valuable player/leader than Curry or Havlicek. Who are all-timers on the court AND leadership/team first players.
I would think the odds of KD winning a title (as the lead dawg) are slim. If it comes, it needs to be quick. Year 1 or 2.
Great. Thanks.
Some FO’s might wish they had read it!
Your analysis reinforces my intuition that it would be foolish to trade much for KD. As I mentioned below, I wouldn’t trade Scotty Barns straight up for KD.
Kessler Edwards back to Nets. Don’t think he was ever gonna leave.
https://www.netsdaily.com/2022/7/6/23196910/nets-re-sign-kessler-edwards-reported-two-year-deal-with-team-option
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/07/central-notes-cavaliers-sexton-bulls-pacers-stephenson.html#ref=home
Sexton’s camp vastly overestimates his own value. I think it will be around $12 mil or he signs the QO.
If he plays to boost his stats, rather than for the team, he’ll be more problematic.
However, I don’t see any way the Cavs “over pay” Sexton. $18-$20 mil ain’t happening.
I completely agree.
AS ALWAYS SOME VERY GOOD POINTS JASON
Once the 9th hits, and deals become official, and cap holds get removed, we could see some more moves.
But I think the KD thing has thing frozen. No one wants to make the moves that would preclude getting in on the KD deal, directly or indirectly.
Irving, Ayton, Bridges, Sexton, Myles Turner. I think they are all get resolved post-KD. Or, at least, a couple weeks after the 9th. If the Nets really want to take this to camp, then I think teams just start making moves.
THANKS CLF FOR ‘EDUCATING ‘ ME ON ROBY—-UNAWARE OF THE WAIVER —-AGREE WITH BOTH YOU AND JASON ON HARRELL AND AGREE WITH MIKEO ON CHET—WATCHING THE CLIPS// HE STILL LOOKS RATHER FRAIL TO HOLD UP FOR AN ENTIRE NBA SEASON/// WE SHALL SEE ——-ONE THING I DON’T AGREE ON IS ” TODAYS MRS NOMADS HONEYDO LIST “
agree with NOMAD and MikeO about not being sold on Chet quite yet. he appeared to be outplaying some extremely weak competition. doesn’t mean he will not be able to play with the big kids, but not showing it yet.
The Chet hype is already annoying, and I thought he’d be good.
SUMMER LEAGUE IS MEANINGLESS
This. Summer league is hot take central. People love small sample sizes. Skip Bayless made a career out of hot takes because people forget prognostications.
Lbj had like 15 points and 17 points and had maybe the best out of high school rookie season ever.
He can shoot. He can block shots, particularly coming from off ball.
IDK if he can board, post defend, or hold up physically.
Darn good debut, though.
I’m one who thought/ thinks he’ll be a good NBA player, could well be very good. But the online reactions to this game were insufferable. Just so over the top. Summer league performances mean basically nothing.
Also remember Mobley didn’t have a great summer league and should have won ROY
Mobley was elite defensively in Summer League. It was his offense that was bad, and part of the blame clearly was on the coach who wouldn’t give him the ball and let him cook.
Chet and Jalen goated already, sadly
Having Giddey helped, and Chet knew it.
AGREE WITH BOTH OF YOU—WB// CLF ON NEMBHARD—JUST DON’T SEE HIM AS AN ASSET ——KOBY MISSED THE BOAT ON ROBY OR MAYBE ROBY PREFFERED SPURS OVER CAVS
Roby was claimed on waivers, Cavs had no chance to acquire him.
Yep. Spurs claimed him. We did not have a chance. They are ahead of us on the waiver list.
Roby signs with Spurs.
Also, what’s up with the team’s dedication to RJ Nembhard? Is he Jarrett’s best friend or Koby’s nephew or something? RJ didn’t look like an NBA player to me in his few stints last season. Seems like there should be better candidates for higher-upside two-way contracts out there, right?
have no idea… 100% perplexing for sure and he was the moron that was taunting players in a game that the Cavs lost.
Yeah I don’t get it either. Seems a bit premature to make that signing.
Lots of talk about who we should lunge for out of the scrap-heap pieces on the market right now, but If I were Koby — unless some massive opportunity emerges — I wouldn’t do anything other than signing Collin right now. As the season progresses, we should have some superb trade options for missing pieces as our needs reveal themselves. I think there’s a good chance one of either Caris or Collin will prove expendable depending on who’s meshing/playing better. If Agbaji meets or exceeds expectations, and Okoro’s offense doesn’t progress, his defense alone may not be enough to keep… Read more »
fair point about patience, but last year it was only Harden and it was an obvious quasi-tampering situation since he’s friends with Morey. Teams were unwilling to pull the trigger cuz everybody thinks deadline deals are too lopsided.
True about Harden as far as superstars getting moved. I should have been clearer that I didn’t necessarily mean we need to put together a $60 million blockbuster. In fact, depending on how the season is going, I’d probably rather make a smaller high-value move for someone like Harrison Barnes or Buddy Hield. It’s so much more fun cheering for a deep team than a bunch of crybaby/egomaniac superstars (who would probably ruin this team’s chemistry) anyway.
Agree. With this team still being so young, I would rather run it back again see what happens and evaluate at the deadline. I am also hesitant to make any big trade at this point with knowing what kind of player Mobley could become in year 2 or 3, might change the skillset of the particular player you target in a trade. Also, I don’t see the Cavs getting a two-way small forward anytime soon, that’s a position most teams won’t give away in trade unless it’s such a negative value contract.
JUST THROWING THIS OUT THERE —-I KNOW HE RECENTLY GOT BUSTED——-I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED HIS GAME // MOTOR ——MONTREZYL HARRELL —–WORTH PURSUING OR NOT —-THOUGHTS // OPINIONS
Nope, no defense, non-shooting big that will suck as soon as his athleticism goes.
Agree 100%.
Hell no on Harrell. He may not even play. 3 pounds of weed in the car.
C’MON KOBY GO GET ROBY
Kessler Edwards is still out there.
Maybe he wants to stay in Brooklyn but he is an UFA.
There’s no question Cavs should kick the tires on Edwards.
Supposedly Nets want to sign him long term.
Nets signed TJ Warren, so you can take him off the list of potential wings.
Drat. FWIW, I do not really see a UFA I would be eilling to spend the full TPE on at this point. Thus, a Rubio S&T does not make much sense, other than opening a roster spot for Sexton.
AGREE WITH YOU JASON—–THINK WINDLER IS A GREAT KID —BUT EITHER DUE TO LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN HIM BY J.B. OR WINDLER HIMSELF LACK OF CONFIDENCE —JUST HAVEN’T SEEN WHAT WE WERE ALL HOPING FOR FROM HIM—–AND MAYBE FOR HIM AND THE CAVS THEY NEED TO DEPART —–COULD HE POSSIBLY BECOME JOE HARRIS 2:0 —I WOULD ROOT FOT THAT TO HAPPEN FOR HIM
COUNT ME IN JASON—HAVE BEEN A STRONG WINDLER SUPPORTER FROM DAY 1// THINK FOR THE CAVS AND HIM IT IS TIME TO ‘CUT THE CORD “
It would not have to be Windler, necessarily. I am all for giving the kid another year. But if JB isn’t going to play him anyway….
It is just that the other 8-15 guys on the roster have proven they can contribute in some way(s). Other than Agbaji, who is a rook.
Neto & Lopez are proven backups. Okoro, Wade, & Stevens can all defend. Cedi is a streaky shooter. IDK what Windler does that helps us.
I’d let go of Stevens before Windler.
Same. But JB wouldn’t.
Ain’t that the truth! LMFAO
what is the deal with “if JB isn’t going to play him anyway”? The sad fact is that when he played last year, he didn’t show much. Is there someone you think he should have been playing ahead of?
He had such sporadic minutes that it would have tough to get in any kind of groove. Not saying he was freaking amazing in the minutes he played, but he wasn’t exactly put in any kind of position to succeed. He looks like an NBA player to me.
agree he looks good out there, but the numbers didn’t come.
as far as the suggestions that he might be “Joe Harris 2.0” or something, my recollection is that Joe Harris 1.0 looked pretty good from the get go, and maybe the Cavs lost him in a numbers crunch, or maybe a LeBron mandated trade, or … . Any other recollections on this?
OKC just waived Isaiah Roby. I know we are full up, but Roby is: 24, 6’8″ 230 lbs, with a 7’3″ wingspan, and averaged 10.1/4.8/1.6 in 21 mpg and made 28 starts. 51.4% FG. 44.4% 3pt.
He is more of a 4 than a 3, and the 3 pt shooting could be an aberration (29.4% two years ago), but has to be a more useful player than Windler, yes? Especially if he can play 3/4.
The type of player I’d like to see them go after.
He was pretty good last season…won the Thunder some games they probably didn’t want to win…
THANK YOU HAWKS—-YOU ACTUALLY HELPED US WITH YOUR LONG-IN-BURGER “BASKETS ” HIRE
If healthy, I think a LeBron, Kyrie, and Davis could contend.
There is not much else. Who are 4-8?
The rest of roster: THT, Austin Reaves, Stanley Johnson, Kendrick Numn, Wayne Gabriel, Tony Brown, Damian Jones.
Mike Longabardi joining Hawks coaching staff!
Horrific shooting at 4th of July parade in Highland Park, IL (Chicago burbs). Idiot with rifle shooting from distance.
6 dead. 24 injured.
I am not usually pro-death penalty, but I’d make an exception here.
Kyrie apparently bought a $3.7 mil mansion in LA yesterday.
Apparently, he thinks he is gonna be spending time there soon.
Spending time there sitting out the season.
HAPPY 4TH TO ALL OF YOU –ENJOY —BE SAFE !!!
Markkanen with a game winning triple with under 10 sec left to win it for Finland at FIBA.
Go Big Finn!
kyrie is a one-man circular firing squad.. good shot, too.. right between the eyes..
great name for a band!
Kyrie doesn’y believe in circular. Flat only.
Can this WILDEST EVER offseason end with no one making an offer for KI or KD? Too funny!
If he volunteers to cut has salary way down, I would maybe trade Dylan Windler for KD straight up. I might trade the GumDropBear for KI, and then cut him.
Seriously, It could easily turn out that no one will trade anything for KI. Obviously it is worth trading for KD, but probably not near as much as the Nets think. They are expecting a Gobert size pile of loot. But — RIGHT NOW — is KD worth as much as RG? KD is hurt a lot, and that won’t get better. His skills seem to be going down fast. And he is a head case, about 1/4 as bad as KI. Gobert is obviously much more limited, but he comes to play every night and looks like he has… Read more »
I don’t think any team is going to trade anything for KI other than the Lakers, who are absolutely desperate, and desperately want to unload RWB’s contract. And even so, the only reason the Lakers are interested is because KI is desperately trying to go to the Lakers, and only the Lakers. It would be ridiculous for any other team to even glance at him, at least at this moment, because there is zero reason any other team should expect he’d take the court for them. I’m not even convinced KI is still a plus player…this ain’t 2015/2016 KI anymore,… Read more »
Sounds like no one wants to trade for Irving, since they know he wants to end up with the Lakers. The Nets should hold him until the trade deadline, then try to see if a contender wants his services for something if value.
Irving isn’t metely toxic, he’s radioactive. The market for him is limited to desperate teams (Lakers), and teams that view him as an expiring contract they might be willing to take on if they can dump more long term salary on Brooklyn. He’d probably be kept away from the team like Houston did with Wall last year (for far less reason). A contender would not eant to part with $36 mil worth of players for such a flake who has publicly declared LA or bust. And a rebuilding team would not want to give up assets for a toxic rental… Read more »
Durant is similar, but to a much lesser extent. And is, of course, a much better player. He’s 34 with an injury history (90 games last 3 years). And never led a team to a title as an alpha (can we all concede Barkley was right).
Plus, he has history of pouting his way out of GSW, and now Brooklyn (two contenders). He wants out now because he and his BFF were told they would not continue to get everything they wanted for a 4th year in a row after delivering nothing. 1 series win in 3 years.
A contender would not want to give up so much they are not a contender. And would be relinquishing control to KD’s whims, and those of his friends (start De’Andre Jordan, hire this coach, you don’t understand Kyrie, etc).
Non-contenders don’t want to give up assets for a guy who will be decrepit by the time they contend.
The only teams that make sense are teams that:
1) Feel they can contend with what they keep + KD, + vet min guys and TPMLE guys for years.
2) Can give Brooklyn a near all-star type player AT KD’s spot (team gets upgrade, Nets get all-star) AND,
3) Have a logjam of young talent at other spots that they can give one away and still contend even with few/crappy picks for a while Or
4) Have an excess of picks.
It wouldn’t be $36M at the AS break. It would likely be $18M.
True, enough.
Those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. Fyi.
I love how he says that then picks up his option. Pure comedy gold!
copyright that quick!
I’ve already printed up 20,000 t-shirts with that slogan. Gonna make a mint.
although I can’t wait to see how he screws things up for the Lakers!
I think $15 mil a year is higher than any offer he gets. If he gets any offers at all.
Everything waiting on KD now. No signings of note. In fairness, not a lot left.
Best UFA’s remaining (non-geriatric): Harden (staying in Philly), Warren, Harrell, Schroder, Bryant.
Bryant and Warren with injury issues. Harrell just got busted.
Geriatric division: Anthony, Ibaka, Aldridge, Griffin, Rondo, Bradley, Iggy, Lou Williams, Millsap, Kief Morris. Basically, what’s left is either old, coming off an extended injury layoff, a legal issue, young & unproven, or Dennis Schroder.
There are a couople notable RFA’s. Ayton, Sexton, and Bridges. Bridges has issues. Suns want to see if they can turn a guy they don’t want to pay into KD. And YB.
The rest are unproven guys. No RFA has switched teams yet.
Nice recap of action so far:
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2022-nba-free-agency-tracker-zach-lavine-gets-supermax-jalen-brunson-to-knicks-celtics-add-danilo-gallinari/
I know it is just Summer League, but boy did Keegan Murray look good. 26 pts on 10/14 FGs and 4/5 from deep.
I hope he lights it up for Sactown this year. And the Kings finish ahead of the Lakers.
love summer league! bummed that the Cavs don’t start till Friday!
KJG: Cavs Summer League team:
Sounds like the Kyrie/ Russ trade is going to happen in some form, it’s being reported they’re basically haggling about whether or not Joe Harris’s contract will be included (Lakers want Seth Curry, not Harris). Just a revolting story, and if it happens, I hope the Lakers implode in the most spectacular way conceivable.
I guess the Nets want to get rid of Irving that bad.
Wouldn’t you?
At least Russ will show up and try.
The difference is Russ is washed. Kyrie can still be dynamite, especially as a 2nd/3rd fiddle. I’d ask for more than Russ from the Lakers, not that they have much to give.
good point.
exactly! I have never much liked Russ as a player, but I admire him for giving 100%
More spectacular than this past year?
How about: Kyrie continues to be Kyrie. They miss the POs. They miss the play-in. LeBron leaves. Kyrie does not re-sign.
I’d take that.
West:
Top 6: GSW, Clips, Nugs, Grizz, Wolves, Suns.
7-10: Navs, Blazers, Pels, Kings/Jazz.
Easy to get to 9 before LA. 10 is tougher.
haha!!!
IDK, I there were reports that Haynes’ teport was untrue.
I am sure the Lakers and camp Kyrie will continue to leak stuff to try to make the trade happen.
The Nets would be insane to do it without a 3rd team. You cannot have Westbrook and Ben Simmons together. That is brutal. AND you also give up Harris/Curry. Man.
I guess it could work if the other 3 guys could shoot.
Westbrook, Curry, Harris/SF who can shoot, Simmons, C with range.
The ONLY way I see the Nets agreeing to a trade for Westbrook is if KD says he would stay if Russ comes to Brooklyn.
The Cavaliers have re-signed free agent shooting guard RJ Nembhard on a 2-way deal
You done good Chris.
Thanks Steve as always!
The post has been updated to reflect the reports, refresh the page to see the new edition… thanks again Jason for the catch!
Nice piece. Two small nits.
Pacers not Pistons have cap space. Detroit had it to start, but it is gone now, though if they waive Kemba, perhaps they do jave $20 mil.
Pacers also also loaded in the backcourt (Hali, Duarte, Daniels), so Sexton makes little sense there.
Thanks for the catch Jason! Will edit to reflect the report.
I wonder if the Kings would trade Barnes for maybe LeVert? Their salaries match, and the Kings could shed a year of his contract.
Correction, he’s on the final year of his contract.
Cavaliers Sign Ochai Agbaji, Isaiah Mobley
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/07/cavaliers-sign-ochai-agbaji-isaiah-mobley.html#ref=home
Awesome! Should be fun to see this team play!
is it possible to get a roster exception in the event of a long term injury like RR?
I was wondering that too…I think ‘no’, but I’m not certain…
also afraid it is “no”. otherwise, another PC — possibly Goodwin — would be good to have.
might well be some trades that will open a roster spot.
Great Stuff!!
I got to watch the “Ricky Rubio Show” game. Too awesome.
I’m pretty pleased with the moves. I’m a big Neto fan, and I think the Cavs players will love playing with him. Lopez is still a good player with a weird hook shot that always seems to find the bottom of the net. Should be a legit NBA backup. Also his personality should mesh with these guys. And no one can predict how Rubio will look coming back from that injury, but I will admit I would have been crushed if he signed elsewhere. Delighted he will be on the bench. And I am so happy for DG. One of… Read more »
I don’t understand how a SF isn’t ever part of their top goals? They have undersized players, Markenen, and Cedi in the SF position.
My guess is they don’t want to overpay/overdraft just because of position. I’m also not sure who was really available that they would want. I do think the Cavs are well positioned to make an offer if any SFs become available since they have so many non-terrible players locked up and own their draft picks after next year.
Kyle Anderson, Otto Porter Jr. we’re available. And this isn’t just this year. It’s every year they just never seem to fill the position.
good observation. the landscape for getting a SF isn’t good right now. it might be a lot better at the trade deadline, which is where the “non-terrible locked up” players become part of the equation.
Fair point, which is why I was highly critical of their draft strategy in the 2nd round when there were wings that could come in and compete.