Nets notebook: Looks like Thomas may go West

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Nets notebook: Looks like Thomas may go West

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 BY DAVE D'ALESSANDRO

Star-Ledger Staff
ATLANTA -- The Nets' pursuit of Tim Thomas took a sharp turn for the worse Sunday night, when Chicago's buyout provisions expanded to include a demand that the forward find future employment outside of the Eastern Conference.
Bulls GM John Paxson told agent Arn Tellem that he is determined to give Thomas the money he has left on his $14 million contract and allow him to become a free agent, but only if Thomas subsequently signs with San Antonio or Phoenix.
The negotiation continued yesterday with no settlement. But Paxson has control of the discussion: If Thomas is not waived by Wednesday, the Paterson native won't be eligible for the playoffs regardless of what team he chooses to play for.

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Entering the weekend, it was believed that Paxson didn't want Thomas to go to Philadelphia, because the Bulls are chasing the Sixers for the eighth seed in the East. But the Nets have been added to his list of undesirables because they still have two games against Chicago this season.
The Nets' only hope -- which a team official admits is slim -- is the fact that Tellem can be very persuasive. But with the deadline looming, it appears that Thomas will have to give up a large amount of the $5.1 million he is owed in exchange for his freedom of choice; and that he would just as soon take all his money and go to the Spurs or Suns, two teams that have a role for him and are much closer to a title than the Nets can be.Vince Carter's decision to play in last night's 104-102 overtime defeat was a bit of a surprise, given how badly he moved throughout the first half (2-for-8, five points). But it turned into the right decision by the middle of the third period, when he showed how badly he wanted the game with some very acrobatic scores despite obvious pain in his right hamstring.
"It felt better as the game wore on," Carter said. "Early, I was just trying to warm up, and (work on my) confidence more than anything. Anytime you run, you are going to feel something. It was kind of sore. That is the kind of thing that worried me -- mentally more than anything. Once I got it going, it was (easier) to play." Yes, Lawrence Frank saw the box score from the New Orleans-Utah game the other night and noticed Linton Johnson III going off for 17 points and 11 boards. His reaction was gracious:
"I was proud of him," Frank said. "I called him the day after. He said, 'Look I had so much energy.' It's super for him. Genuinely, when you trade a guy you have relations with the guy. It's unfortunate he didn't get the opportunity he's getting there but we were proud of him."

 

[George O'Brien]

Similar stuff from the NY Post

"The Nets' chances of landing (Tim) Thomas have dimmed considerably. Several team sources sounded anything but optimistic about signing the 6-9 forward if he is bought out by Chicago. The buyout negotiations for about $5 million remaining on Thomas $13.975 contract continued yesterday and the Bulls are definitely set on having Thomas go West. Thomas must be bought out and waived by Wednesday or he would be ineligible for the playoffs." New York Post

"It seems the Suns, who have lost Kurt Thomas for up to two months, have joined the list of serious suitors (for Tim Thomas). The Spurs also have interest. Paxson last week said he did not want Thomas going to a team the Bulls are chasing for a playoff spot, which all interpreted as the Sixers. But technically, they're also chasing the Nets." New York Post

 

[jibikao]

So, what's our chance of getting Tim Thomas? Would he pick Spurs?

 

[Chaz]

Spurs fans were discussing this the other day.

I was wondering if the Suns have shown any interest.


I think it depend where this guy's head is. If he can check his ego he could fit in well in the Suns style. Also, who know what kind of shape he is in.

If Diaw can play center, Thomas has the size to play the 4 for the Suns.

 

[fordronken]

Thomas probably would barely play on the Spurs. On the Suns, he would play in the regular season, and if he plays well, he'll get playoff minutes when everybody is back. If not, he sits on the bench. But hey, at least if he joins the Suns instead of the Spurs he'd get a ring this summer.

 

[George O'Brien]

If I'm his agent, I'd take him to the Suns in a heartbeat. TT needs to play and he'd be deep bench on the Spurs. Realistically, he's not a Pops type player. On the Suns he'd play and give his agent a chance to showcase him for the free agency market.

The Bulls can't create an enforcable agreement with TT to get him to go West, but his agent knows the personal price of making an oral agreement and then breaking it.

 

[jbeecham]

I could handle renting Tim for a couple of months on a cheap contract. He'll probably be better than any FA we could pickup. He might be a little similar to Walter McCarty, but we need some depth at PF right now. He's going to have to make his decision quickly to qualify for playoff rosters so hopefully this works out. I'm also surprised that Dallas wasn't mentioned as a possible destination since they have the best record in the west and have always been willing to bring in more talent.

 

[BillsCarnage]

So, what's our chance of getting Tim Thomas? Would he pick Spurs?

He would get no PT with the Spurs. If he wants to gravey train like Nickie and Fins then he'd go to the Spurs.

The Suns might have shown interest since KT went down, but i don't know if TT is a replacement. Maybe with more PT he can play up to potential. He would be cheap

 

[Chaz]

If I were him I would seriously consider the Suns.

7 Guys on the Suns are putting up career numbers.
What better way to re-establish some value than playing with Steve Nash?

 

[JS22]

If I recall, Tim Thomas has a pretty decent outside shot, and is about 6'9-6'10. I wouldn't mind picking him up as a stop gap.

 

[Chaplin]

Add me to the group that says TT would be a decent pickup right now.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

If I'm his agent, I'd take him to the Suns in a heartbeat. TT needs to play and he'd be deep bench on the Spurs. Realistically, he's not a Pops type player. On the Suns he'd play and give his agent a chance to showcase him for the free agency market.

The Bulls can't create an enforcable agreement with TT to get him to go West, but his agent knows the personal price of making an oral agreement and then breaking it.

I agree as well. On a contract year, a team like the Suns appears to make everyone look better. It would be a no brainer for me if I were TT.

 

[DevonCardsFan]

Add me to the group that says TT would be a decent pickup right now.

Its a No Brainer I see, with Thomas going down and Grant out a 6-9 guy would fit well right now, even if he plays more of a 3 role at the 4

 

[George O'Brien]

Its a No Brainer I see, with Thomas going down and Grant out a 6-9 guy would fit well right now, even if he plays more of a 3 role at the 4

As compared to Diaw, Marion, and Jones?

TT is a clasic tweener PF/SF who is not quick enough to be a traditional SF and not physical enough to be a classic PF. He'll have to up his game if he wants to play in the playoffs, but he's likely to be as much a fit as Jones on the inside.

 

[elindholm]

he's likely to be as much a fit as Jones on the inside.

That's true -- but remember, at the beginning of the season, several people were calling Jones a shooting guard. So the bar is set pretty low.

Right now, the Suns can use anyone who can play. Thomas is slightly larger version of Jones, although (amazingly) a worse rebounder. He would certainly help while the team is so short-handed.

I'm not sure it's a great fit from his perspective, though. Once Stoudemire returns, it looks like he, Diaw, and Marion will pretty much man the C/PF positions. Thomas can't play center anyway, so his only role will be as a backup PF (where, depending on Stoudemire's status, there may not be a lot of minutes, and which presents serious defensive problems) or competing with Jones for backup SF minutes. When everyone is healthy (LOL -- it could happen), Thomas might find himself parked next to Jackson on the bench, and that won't be good for his ego or his career.

 

[SirStefan32]

I'd love to see TT in the Sun's uniform.

 

[Gaddabout]

I think Tim Thomas looks better in theory than in reality. The guy's twice the athlete Jones is, but half the heart and professional motivaiton. If he's looked slow, it's because he hasn't cared enough to hustle.

On other hand, unless he's a locker room lawyer, I can't see the harm in keeping him from the Spurs ... just in case he gets motivated. I wonder who in the Suns organization is authorized to put a deal like that together by Wednesday, and I wonder if Sarver is interested in throwing a few dollars away on a risk.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

If I'm his agent, I'd take him to the Suns in a heartbeat. TT needs to play and he'd be deep bench on the Spurs. Realistically, he's not a Pops type player. On the Suns he'd play and give his agent a chance to showcase him for the free agency market.

The Bulls can't create an enforcable agreement with TT to get him to go West, but his agent knows the personal price of making an oral agreement and then breaking it.

i don't know what the cba says (if anything) in regards to this, but from a purely legal contract angle the bulls CAN create an enforceable agreement to that end. if they condition the buyout, and hence the cash, on where TT ends up, and TT agrees to the contract and then signs with a team that violates the condition, he can play with the other team, but he'd forfeit the cash of the bulls buyout.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

i think he'd be a good fit. he's long, athletic and can shoot. yes, he's a classic underachiever, but it seems those guys end up playing pretty well with the suns uptempo style and stevie nash.

but i think sarver won't sign him. and yes, despite the buyout, i think it'll come down to cash.

 

[JS22]

i think he'd be a good fit. he's long, athletic and can shoot. yes, he's a classic underachiever, but it seems those guys end up playing pretty well with the suns uptempo style and stevie nash.

but i think sarver won't sign him. and yes, despite the buyout, i think it'll come down to cash.

They're saying on 910 that there is a very good chance of it happening.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

They're saying on 910 that there is a very good chance of it happening.

i'd love to eat my words. he won't replace kt. but he'll be another large body that can actually fit into our system offensively.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

My take on TT is this:

The guy has all the talent in the world, but he played like an unotivated 6'2 player. But hey, he is in a contract year - and hasn't played all season. Supposedly he has been working out at Nova to keep in shape.

I could see him coming in here, and trying his ass off for the next 4 months in order to play himself into another contract.

Worst case scenario is he comes in and stinks up the place, but that is almost certain for anyone else we sign. At least there is a chance for something special with TT.

 

[fordronken]

Well, on the plus side, at least we know that come next season, if Bryan Colangelo signs him to a ridiculous contract, it won't hurt us!

 

[DevonCardsFan]

They're saying on 910 that there is a very good chance of it happening.

Nice

 

[elindholm]

I have to admit, it would be kind of cool to have Brian Grant and Tim Thomas on the roster, both with huge contracts being paid by someone else.