OK, what happens to Dampier now?

[Gaddabout]

Then why doesn't he just sign with Atlanta?

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

I don't know. I would guess he balked at playing for a crappy team for less than half of what he walked away from by opting to be a RFA. He left $17 million to try his luck. I'm guessing he was sure he could land $10 mil (or more) from some other team in the region. I think his preference was to play in Memphis.

 

[George O'Brien]

I don't know. I would guess he balked at playing for a crappy team for less than half of what he walked away from by opting to be a RFA. He left $17 million to try his luck. I'm guessing he was sure he could land $10 mil (or more) from some other team in the region. I think his preference was to play in Memphis.

The problem Dampier is facing is actually pretty interesting. He wants a deal of $65 to $70 million over 6 years. Atlanta will give him $30 to $35 for three years, but at that point his market value will be much lower than it would be now. Teams willing to take him in trade will only do that if they can unload some big salaries in the process, so GS has decided they'd rather keep the cap sapce than to take bad contracts. (The Knicks wanted to trade two overpaid second stringers for him and GS said "no way".)

In theory Memphis remains the front runner, but only if Swift is included. Apparently West refuses to move Swift and may be concerned about the price anyway. I'd still see them as the most likely team to do a deal, but it not a sure thing.

Apparently the Pacers are all but out of the running. Mullen wants Bender and the Pacers think he is going to be a good center someday (he's been a project). After the Pacers moved Harrington, the rumors about the Pacers all but dried up.

I have been surprised the Clippers have not been mentioned more often, but they are an odd team. They have a massive amount of cap space, but only 6 players with guaranteed contracts.

 

[Dylan]

I too am amazed the Clippers are being so quiet. They have that room and are running out of anyone to give it to. They lost Dooling now. I just cannot understand what they are waiting for.

When I read about Dooling, I just figured that was the nail in the coffin regarding Q. They have to match, I believe.

Losing Odom, Miller, Kobe, Q in two offseasons will take the Clippers fans to even lower depths. Sterling is a terrible owner, but he can't be THAT stupid can he?

If they don't match Q, they will absolutely cement their reputation as the worst organization in pro sports.

 

[George O'Brien]

I too am amazed the Clippers are being so quiet. They have that room and are running out of anyone to give it to. They lost Dooling now. I just cannot understand what they are waiting for.

When I read about Dooling, I just figured that was the nail in the coffin regarding Q. They have to match, I believe.

Losing Odom, Miller, Kobe, Q in two offseasons will take the Clippers fans to even lower depths. Sterling is a terrible owner, but he can't be THAT stupid can he?

If they don't match Q, they will absolutely cement their reputation as the worst organization in pro sports.

In another thread there is an LA Times article which makes a similar point. It really looks like the Clips will match on Q and then fill in with minimum salary guys.