OK, what happens to Dampier now?

[F-Dog]

His hope for a S&T with the Warriors is probably gone, so Dampier needs to find a team with significant cap room. Atlanta and the Clippers are the only teams left that can meet his demands.

Here's a rumor about Atlanta, from the Memphis Commercial Appeal (registration required):

Dampier was figured to be one of the biggest targets this summer. He didn't draw interest from teams with money to spend under the salary cap. Dampier now must weigh a reported three-year offer from Atlanta, which has more than $11 million in cap space but refuses to overpay for players.

Even weaker rumors suggest that Atlanta is offering a contract starting at $8m, and that they're more interested in Stromile Swift if they can get him.


I wonder whether Dampier has visited the Clippers yet?

 

[JCSunsfan]

Dampier could sign with the Clips for 8-9 million a year (I heard on a SanDiego radio station that the Clips have about 13 million in cap space). That would mean the Clips could not match Q. Good news.

Dampier could sign with the Clips for 7-8 million, which would mean that the Clips might just be able to match Q AND sign Damp. Bad news.

The Clips might match Q and not sign Damp. We would then have about 6.5 million to go after Damp. Offer Casey or Jake in a sign and trade and you are about there. Good news.

Damp could sign with Atlanta. Bad news.

Its fairly clear that the Warriors do not intend to keep Damp. Not a good sign.

It seems the Suns have shown no interest at all in Dampier throughout this free agency period. Either they don't like his game, or they don't like him as a person--it seems to me.

 

[SweetD]

It seems the Suns have shown no interest at all in Dampier throughout this free agency period. Either they don't like his game, or they don't like him as a person--it seems to me.

The issue is that the guy only put up good numbers in a contract year and like all the other free agent big men he will be overpaid this year.

 

[Joe Mama]

The issue is that the guy only put up good numbers in a contract year and like all the other free agent big men he will be overpaid this year.

I know that myself and others have said this several times, but I think the lack of rebounding in the frontcourt around him probably have more to do with his increased numbers and the fact that it was a contract year. At least it was just as important. I contend that had he played alongside Jamison and Murphy he would have been lucky to grab 7-8 rebounds per game last season.

I read a blurb today saying that he has reservations about signing in a big market like New York because of the high expectations. That really should tell you all you need to know about Dampier. He wants the big money, but he doesn't want the big expectations that will undoubtedly go along with it.

I still don't think the Phoenix Suns have any interest in him.

Joe Mama

 

[George O'Brien]

I know that myself and others have said this several times, but I think the lack of rebounding in the frontcourt around him probably have more to do with his increased numbers and the fact that it was a contract year. At least it was just as important. I contend that had he played alongside Jamison and Murphy he would have been lucky to grab 7-8 rebounds per game last season.

I read a blurb today saying that he has reservations about signing in a big market like New York because of the high expectations. That really should tell you all you need to know about Dampier. He wants the big money, but he doesn't want the big expectations that will undoubtedly go along with it.

I still don't think the Phoenix Suns have any interest in him.

Joe Mama

I agree. Of course one of the things that might make the Clippers attractive is that no one really expects them to be anything other than the Clippers.

The reports that the Warriors are trying to clear cap space to go after Yao is worth taking seriously. (It is hard to imagine how big a deal having Yao in the San Francisco area would be for attendance). In any case, simply sitting on the cap space may not be the worst thing the Warriors could do if they can't get guys they really want.

I can't see Dampier going to Atlanta, where he would be under pressure to produce without much support. This means the Clippers are the only team that could do a straight up offer with hopes of it working. However, that is not likely to work if they match on Q.

 

[Goldfield]

increased min's were also a factor in Damps increased numbers.

There would be only moderate expectations for him in phx.


He would fit perfectly here...

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

If a Suns center made 9 million a year, there would be WAY more than "moderate" expectations.

Anything less than last years stats would be looked poorly upon.

 

[George O'Brien]

If a Suns center made 9 million a year, there would be WAY more than "moderate" expectations.

Anything less than last years stats would be looked poorly upon.

Since the Suns can only offer $6 million to start, that is not really an issue. If he did 9 ppg and and 8 rpg, he would be a major bargain at $45 million. But the Suns are not going to get him for $45 million so they are not really interested in talking about it.

 

[Quagmire]

This is from Insider on 7/22:

A Damp free-agent market? With Rasheed Wallace now off the board, Erick Dampier sits a top Insider's free-agent list. Where will he go? Dampier's chances of landing on the Knicks took a huge blow on Tuesday when the Warriors traded for Dale Davis. The Knicks were offering Nazr Mohammed and Othella Harrington. Now, the Warriors no longer need or want Mohammed. That leaves only the Hawks left offering him a contract anywhere near what the Knicks were willing to pay (6 years, $71 million).
Dampier would consider the Hawks, even though they are rebuilding, because it's closer to his home in Mississippi. It also why he had strong interest in the Grizzlies. However, the Hawks are currently offering him only a three-year contract at roughly the same numbers he gave up to become an unrestricted free agent. They've made it clear they won't overpay, leaving Dampier with three options. He can either try to convince the Warriors to do a sign-and-trade with another team, go to the Hawks for three years and pocket roughly $24-$26 million, or go to a contender on a six-year deal for the mid-level and bring home six years at roughly $37 million.
Given Dampier's age (30) and his history of injuries, he's probably better off taking the mid-level contract. The Warriors are reluctant to take back any large salaries at the moment. They talked with the Mavericks and Sixers about deals that would ship Dampier and one bad contract out for the expiring contract of either Glenn Robinson or Antoine Walker, but so far talks haven't led anywhere.
It's unlikely he'll get another huge deal after his contract with the Hawks expires in three years. Taking the mid-level might be Dampier's best chance of landing a solid long-term contract with a team that could give him a ring someday. If he's interested, a number of teams, including the Pacers, Blazers, Suns and Timberwolves, would show interest.


And this is from a chat on the same day:

ShelC (Montclair): Any chance of Dampier landing with the suns? If we dont get Q, that 5 year 48 mil deal with the suns wouldnt be too bad. The Knicks sign and trade has fallen thru, the Hawks only offered a 3 year deal and the Grizz seem like a longshot. In Phoenix, Damp wouldnt have any pressure to be "the man". He could come in, do the dirty work (rebound, block shots, score a lil bit) and be happy being a piece of the puzzle.

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Chad Ford: Not a bad idea. It's very likely that the Clippers will match Q, giving the Suns about $5.8 million to work with under the cap. The Suns could use a center and if Damp agrees to a deal like that, it would make some sense for Phoenix -- before his asking price was too high. Now that it's coming down, it could be a good fit.

So it seems that the Suns may be able to offer the best combination of championship potential, money, and contract length. This might be like the draft where we have to decide on need versus BPA. I don't think that there are any better players available at any position, plus he fills a major need. Offer him a four year contract with the remaining cap space and negotiate up to five years guaranteed. We can't predict future injuries or changes in attitude and/or motivation, but Dampier has the highest risk/reward.

 

[George O'Brien]

I would be shocked if Dampier came to the Suns for just $45 million, but his options do seem to be diminishing. While I never liked him starting at $9 million, I really like him at under $6 million.

 

[NJYAJ09]

Frankly, I would rather have Dampier @ 45 mill then Q @ 45 mill.

 

[George O'Brien]

Frankly, I would rather have Dampier @ 45 mill then Q @ 45 mill.

It still seems like a huge long shot, but right now GS is at just over $45 million. If they took back salaries on a big deal they would start getting up near the luxury tax level (though probably not over it). Considering that Davis and Robinson will come off contract next year, they might feel justified in just sitting on the cap space and making a big push next summer.

If Dampier is looking for a long term deal, his free agency options are closing fast. Atlanta is very cautious and Charlotte simply won't go a big deal on an older player. That leaves the Suns and Clippers as the only teams potentially with cap space.

In theory the Clippers could match on Q and still sign Dampier. In practice, the huge signing bonus for Q will mean that they might do one but not both.

 

[elindholm]

In practice, the huge signing bonus for Q will mean that they might do one but not both.

Is there a huge signing bonus for Richardson, or is that just the invention of some bozos on the radio?

 

[coloradosun]

This is from Insider on 7/22:

A Damp free-agent market? Where will he go? Dampier's chances of landing on the Knicks took a huge blow on Tuesday when the Warriors traded for Dale Davis. Taking the mid-level might be Dampier's best chance of landing a solid long-term contract with a team that could give him a ring someday. If he's interested, a number of teams, including the Pacers, Blazers, Suns and Timberwolves, would show interest

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Chad Ford: Not a bad idea.

Portland?

I probably created another illusion for myself, but this clip gave me a second wind on a trade that would send Ratliff to Phoenix. I think even elindholm had some curiosity on a SAR to GS for Dampier and Cliff Robinson in a sign trade.

The Dale Davis-NVE deal threw me for a loop but maybe, just maybe it was just part of the deal that the teams knew they wanted to do.

If Q is retained by the Suns then the second half of the deal would be completed. The Miles-Ratliff for Marion etc could be the second half.

GS does not have any scoring and SAR would be the answer and if he is not resigned next season opens space so they can go after Yao.

Foyle
SAR
Dunleavy
Richardson
Fisher

sounds better than having Troy Murphy in the lineup. SAR would be good PR having gone to Cal for two years.

Thank you Chad Ford for keeping hope alive. This offseason is like a drug, I am addicted.

 

[George O'Brien]

This offseason is like a drug, I am addicted.

Sounds more like you've been drinking.

 

[Griffin]

Marc Stein reports:

Don't rule out Phoenix from the Erick Dampier chase. The Suns have liked Dampier from the start of free agency, and they could be back on the free-agent market next week if the Clippers, as expected, elect to match Phoenix's offer to restricted free agent Quentin Richardson.

If the Clippers do match, Phoenix can present a contract to Dampier that starts above the $4.9 million mid-level exception. At present, unless New York can find a third team to get involved in a sign-and-trade with Golden State, Dampier can't get more than the mid-level from any team besides Atlanta.

Working against the Suns: Dampier's preference for switching to the East.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=1845274

Personally, i think Damp will be gone before we find out what Clippers will do. If however he is still available, I expect the Suns will make him an offer, since they missed out on Ostertag.

 

[elindholm]

The Suns have liked Dampier from the start of free agency

They have? Says who?

Working against the Suns: Dampier's preference for switching to the East.

So that he can be in the same conference as O'Neal?

 

[devilalum]

The Suns have liked Dampier from the start of free agency

They have? Says who?

Working against the Suns: Dampier's preference for switching to the East.

So that he can be in the same conference as O'Neal?

I think his preference for the east was based on Shaq being in the west.

He can be more dominate in the west now if he's motivated. (BIG IF)

 

[devilalum]

Gambodufus was just on the AZ Sports report and said the Suns want Scott Pollard?

 

[Gaddabout]

I think his preference for the east was based on Shaq being in the west.

His preference for the southeast is based on his desire to play near his home.

 

[elindholm]

Gambodufus was just on the AZ Sports report and said the Suns want Scott Pollard?

He must be reading this board. We've mentioned Pollard a few times.

 

[carey]

He must be reading this board. We've mentioned Pollard a few times.

We've mentioned every tradeable big man in the league a few times.

 

[devilalum]

His preference for the southeast is based on his desire to play near his home.

Then why doesn't he just sign with Atlanta?

NY is not that much closer to Mississippi than AZ. His home is Miss. right?

 

[Chaz]

Then why doesn't he just sign with Atlanta?

NY is not that much closer to Mississippi than AZ. His home is Miss. right?

If was him I would worry that the team would still suck and he would be villified for a huge contract bust. (this is my theory anyway)

The logic continues that he could be a solid piece of a winning team in Phoenix and maybe just make a ton of money instead of a ton and a half.

Of course, who knows? I am curious who he will play with next year.
Well, we can rule out the Warriors I guess.

 

[Gaddabout]

Allow me to interpret Stein's journalese for you: "I used to write for the Dallas Morning News. Having covered the Mavs before they became cool, and having worked for Belo, my brain is damaged. I often impose my own assumptions and write them as if I actually spoke with anyone associated with the team I'm writing about. That's how they used to do things at Belo, and it's standard practice at ESPN since the company decided rumor and innuendo is far more enticing than actual journalism."