The 2017-2018 Around the NBA thread

[Hoop Head]

Wasn't sure where to put this, apparently the Rockets had been trying to lobby the league into moving the free agency period to a week before the draft takes place. I can see the value in doing that for some teams but other teams, the ones like the Suns who were picking high or other lottery teams, would probably prefer to make their picks before entering free agency. I think it's more of a preference things that a team could go either way with depending on their financial situation, what sort of expiring deals they have, and also whether or not they're a playoff team.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...n-rockets-proposal-flip-nba-draft-free-agency

 

[Finito]

Has anyone watched this yet?

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

I seen uncle drew yesterday and it was awesome. It is what it is and if you take it for that you'll enjoy it

 

[Krangodnzr]

Okay, pass. Good luck lakers clearing deng contract.

What about Kuzma and Deng???

I might consider that as well, since Kuzma would be an upgrade to Chriss/Bender.

 

[Chaplin]

What about Kuzma and Deng???

I might consider that as well, since Kuzma would be an upgrade to Chriss/Bender.

I’d be down for Kuzma, but that’s not going to happen. San Antonio would definitely require him going to them in a Kawhi trade.

 

[CardsFan88]

Wasn't sure where to put this, apparently the Rockets had been trying to lobby the league into moving the free agency period to a week before the draft takes place. I can see the value in doing that for some teams but other teams, the ones like the Suns who were picking high or other lottery teams, would probably prefer to make their picks before entering free agency. I think it's more of a preference things that a team could go either way with depending on their financial situation, what sort of expiring deals they have, and also whether or not they're a playoff team.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...n-rockets-proposal-flip-nba-draft-free-agency

Yeah they talked about this on The Dump, and the 'argument' was that it would help LeBron and others create better Superteams.

They were quite in favor of it. It was sickening. Because what we need more of, is to give an additional advantage to those trying to create Superteams. So they can use draft picks to fill the final holes after they get the super players to form the core.

 

[Ronin]

That sound you hear is Ball’s trade value plummeting.

Sources: Lonzo Ball has torn meniscus, expects to be ready for season's start

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...meniscus-left-knee-expects-ready-start-season

 

[Ronin]

Sources: Steve Kerr's new deal with Warriors to be among richest for NBA coach
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23950170/los-angeles-lakers-lonzo-ball-torn-meniscus-left-knee-expects-ready-start-season

 

[Russ Smith]

That sound you hear is Ball’s trade value plummeting.
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...meniscus-left-knee-expects-ready-start-season

Sports Radio in LA apparently claiming Lavar leaked it so the Lakers would have a harder time trading Lonzo. The part of that which makes no sense at all is surely Lavar realizes NBA teams do physicals before trades are finalized so they were going to find out about the meniscus eventually anyways.

One of the guys on my UCLA board is claiming it's the same knee he had the sprained MCL on this year and the tear is not new they simply decided he didn't need surgery on it before and decided he does now. no idea what's true but the amount of stuff like this with players these days amazes me, the nonsense with Fultz last year was he hurt was he not, we've seen in with Embiid too where it wasn't clear if he should be playing or not. I know the Lakers held Ball out several times as a precaution last year but if this is not a new injury they should have shut him down and let him have surgery earlier on, now he's shut down during the offseason when he should be getting physically stronger and working on his game.

 

[CardsFan88]

Sports Radio in LA apparently claiming Lavar leaked it so the Lakers would have a harder time trading Lonzo. The part of that which makes no sense at all is surely Lavar realizes NBA teams do physicals before trades are finalized so they were going to find out about the meniscus eventually anyways.

One of the guys on my UCLA board is claiming it's the same knee he had the sprained MCL on this year and the tear is not new they simply decided he didn't need surgery on it before and decided he does now. no idea what's true but the amount of stuff like this with players these days amazes me, the nonsense with Fultz last year was he hurt was he not, we've seen in with Embiid too where it wasn't clear if he should be playing or not. I know the Lakers held Ball out several times as a precaution last year but if this is not a new injury they should have shut him down and let him have surgery earlier on, now he's shut down during the offseason when he should be getting physically stronger and working on his game.

It would also be bad for the Lakers if their doctors prescribed rest over surgery, only to now bite them in the backside either way... for next season or for a trade to lure LeBron and others.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

What about Kuzma and Deng???

I might consider that as well, since Kuzma would be an upgrade to Chriss/Bender.

I don’t really see Kuzma as a PF. I think he’s more of a tweener. But he is undeniably talented. I think I’d do it bc that’s fine in today’s nba.

That said, I think San Antonio would require him alongside Ingram for Kawhi. In fact with ball no longer a viable sweetener I’m not sure the lakers can pull off Kawhi.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I don’t really see Kuzma as a PF. I think he’s more of a tweener. But he is undeniably talented. I think I’d do it bc that’s fine in today’s nba.

That said, I think San Antonio would require him alongside Ingram for Kawhi. In fact with ball no longer a viable sweetener I’m not sure the lakers can pull off Kawhi.

I think Kuzma/Ingraham and a sign and traded Randle is still the best offer SA is going to get... and it's a pretty damn solid offer, IMO.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I think Kuzma/Ingraham and a sign and traded Randle is still the best offer SA is going to get... and it's a pretty damn solid offer, IMO.

Yeah but with no ball to sweeten someone taking deng off their hands how do the lakers swing all three?

 

[Hoop Head]

Yeah but with no ball to sweeten someone taking deng off their hands how do the lakers swing all three?

They can get all 3 without moving Deng's deal. I've posted this a few times in response to people saying the Lakers will be desperate to move Deng and they'll gladly include Ball to make it happen but that's just not the case. That allows them more room for other deals but they can get those 3, Kawhi, Lebron, and Paul George without trading Deng's contract. This writer breaks it all down. The only money any of those 3 needs to leave on the table would be Kawhi waiving his trade kicker, which should be something he'd do anyways if it means going to the destination of his choice but if he's told doing that means he can play with Lebron and PG13 then it's a no-brainer to waive that.

Here's the rundown on how they can do it...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...whi-leonard-and-still-land-lebron-paul-george


Edit: Here is the Lakers cap situation this year. Deng is the only non-rookie deal they have and if they renounce all of their cap holds they'll have an insane amount of money available. Of course they won't do that until they can start making moves and are in position to sign guys like Lebron, Paul George, or swing the trade for Kawhi. They only have $37 million in salaries next year that are guaranteed.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/cap/

 

[Russ Smith]

It would also be bad for the Lakers if their doctors prescribed rest over surgery, only to now bite them in the backside either way... for next season or for a trade to lure LeBron and others.

Apparently about a month ago Lonzo had a shot in the knee of "platelet rich plasma" which is supposed to promote healing in the knee. Later he told ESPN that the knee was fine and he was now working out full speed and getting stronger every day. It's since been noted that he has a meniscus tear, and likely did all along. It's considered a minor one, not the full meniscus, but apparently they tried to handle it without surgery and finally decided to shut him down.

I just think it's funny people are blaming Lavar for leaking this to stop a trade, like the team getting Lonzo wouldn't have done medical tests on the knee, and found the same issue themselves and cancelled the trade. I have no idea who "leaked" the injury but the reason given makes zero sense.

 

[Phrazbit]

Apparently about a month ago Lonzo had a shot in the knee of "platelet rich plasma" which is supposed to promote healing in the knee. Later he told ESPN that the knee was fine and he was now working out full speed and getting stronger every day. It's since been noted that he has a meniscus tear, and likely did all along. It's considered a minor one, not the full meniscus, but apparently they tried to handle it without surgery and finally decided to shut him down.

I just think it's funny people are blaming Lavar for leaking this to stop a trade, like the team getting Lonzo wouldn't have done medical tests on the knee, and found the same issue themselves and cancelled the trade. I have no idea who "leaked" the injury but the reason given makes zero sense.

LaVar is stupid and crazy, I absolutely think he would try to sabotage any trade moving Ball out.

I also think NBA teams would stay hush hush about a non-surgical knee injury and hope that it went undiscovered by another club. It still blows my mind the Cleveland went through with the Irving trade after they discovered how bad Thomas' hip injury really was.

 

[AzStevenCal]

LaVar is stupid and crazy, I absolutely think he would try to sabotage any trade moving Ball out.

I also think NBA teams would stay hush hush about a non-surgical knee injury and hope that it went undiscovered by another club. It still blows my mind the Cleveland went through with the Irving trade after they discovered how bad Thomas' hip injury really was.

I don't think Lavar is stupid. He's just nowhere near as smart as he thinks he is. And yes, I could see him sabotaging any deal.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

They can get all 3 without moving Deng's deal. I've posted this a few times in response to people saying the Lakers will be desperate to move Deng and they'll gladly include Ball to make it happen but that's just not the case. That allows them more room for other deals but they can get those 3, Kawhi, Lebron, and Paul George without trading Deng's contract. This writer breaks it all down. The only money any of those 3 needs to leave on the table would be Kawhi waiving his trade kicker, which should be something he'd do anyways if it means going to the destination of his choice but if he's told doing that means he can play with Lebron and PG13 then it's a no-brainer to waive that.

Here's the rundown on how they can do it...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...whi-leonard-and-still-land-lebron-paul-george


Edit: Here is the Lakers cap situation this year. Deng is the only non-rookie deal they have and if they renounce all of their cap holds they'll have an insane amount of money available. Of course they won't do that until they can start making moves and are in position to sign guys like Lebron, Paul George, or swing the trade for Kawhi. They only have $37 million in salaries next year that are guaranteed.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/cap/

Uh no i think you’re wrong. I believe the article states the lakers could get close. Even the article says that they come up $2M short on Paul George. And both Paul George and Lebron have said they aren’t accepting discounts this seasons.

 

[Folster]

They can get all 3 without moving Deng's deal. I've posted this a few times in response to people saying the Lakers will be desperate to move Deng and they'll gladly include Ball to make it happen but that's just not the case. That allows them more room for other deals but they can get those 3, Kawhi, Lebron, and Paul George without trading Deng's contract. This writer breaks it all down. The only money any of those 3 needs to leave on the table would be Kawhi waiving his trade kicker, which should be something he'd do anyways if it means going to the destination of his choice but if he's told doing that means he can play with Lebron and PG13 then it's a no-brainer to waive that.

Here's the rundown on how they can do it...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...whi-leonard-and-still-land-lebron-paul-george


Edit: Here is the Lakers cap situation this year. Deng is the only non-rookie deal they have and if they renounce all of their cap holds they'll have an insane amount of money available. Of course they won't do that until they can start making moves and are in position to sign guys like Lebron, Paul George, or swing the trade for Kawhi. They only have $37 million in salaries next year that are guaranteed.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/cap/

You are reading that article wrong. Deng is traded with draft picks for zero salary in return in the scenario that allows them to get all three. It's poorly written so it's hard to follow.

The bottom line is that if the Lakers renounce and waive everything they can, they'll have 66 million in cap space. Lebron is slotted for about 35 while PG is slotted for about 30. That only leaves them a miniscule amount of space left.

If they trade for Kawhi and take back more salary than comes in, then they won't have enough cap space to be able to get LeBron and PG as well.

 

[SunsTzu]

I think Kuzma/Ingraham and a sign and traded Randle is still the best offer SA is going to get... and it's a pretty damn solid offer, IMO.

Lakers wouldn't be able to add additional players to Randle in a S&T, so it would need to be multiple deals to accomplish that and I think it breaks down at that point.

 

[Hoop Head]

Uh no i think you’re wrong. I believe the article states the lakers could get close. Even the article says that they come up $2M short on Paul George. And both Paul George and Lebron have said they aren’t accepting discounts this seasons.

You are reading that article wrong. Deng is traded with draft picks for zero salary in return in the scenario that allows them to get all three. It's poorly written so it's hard to follow.

The bottom line is that if the Lakers renounce and waive everything they can, they'll have 66 million in cap space. Lebron is slotted for about 35 while PG is slotted for about 30. That only leaves them a miniscule amount of space left.

That article tosses around quite a few numbers and inserts various players at different points as well while throwing around a ton of numbers. I believe Ouchie is correct though, they'd be close to $2 million off now that I'm trying to run the numbers myself. $2 million between 2 free agents to get to their preferred team and have teammates of that caliber is quite different than the discounts that players usually discuss taking. I believe Durant left like $6 or $7 million on the table last year to help the Warriors resign Livingston and Iguodala. I'd think they'd reconsider their stance on taking discounts at the very least. When their previous statements were made was before anyone had the idea of what sort of superteam they'd be forming.

The Lakers can potentially pull everything off in house though, by waiving and stretching players if need be. That allows them quite a bit of flexibility if they are looking to dump a contract instead of waiving it. They're not going to overpay to do so. They can dump Deng for a deal half the size and throw in some picks now that they don't owe any in trades since the Laker pick conveyed last year, finally. We'll see what happens but I think there is a strong possibility they can pull it off since

 

[Hoop Head]

Lakers wouldn't be able to add additional players to Randle in a S&T, so it would need to be multiple deals to accomplish that and I think it breaks down at that point.

They could work multiple deals though. Kuzma is on a minimal deal as a late 1st round pick. The Spurs might be able to absorb his contract after they clear Kawhi's cap figure from their cap. Then the Lakers trade him to the Spurs for a heavily protected 2nd round pick that never conveys. I know deals like that don't happen often but it is a possibility. Spurs don't generally trade star players either so there is no telling what could happen. You are correct though that Randle would need to be dealt separately in a S&T.

 

[Russ Smith]

LaVar is stupid and crazy, I absolutely think he would try to sabotage any trade moving Ball out.

I also think NBA teams would stay hush hush about a non-surgical knee injury and hope that it went undiscovered by another club. It still blows my mind the Cleveland went through with the Irving trade after they discovered how bad Thomas' hip injury really was.

I could see him trying to sabotage a deal yes, his business in part depends on Lonzo being a Laker. But the knee is not exactly a secret, they shut down Lonzo's season for it. He missed a bunch of games earlier in the year with it. it's the same knee, first it was a sprained MCL, then it was a bruised knee, it's the same knee. When he came back the first time he openly said I'm playing through pain, it doesn't feel normal but I'm playing through it. Anybody that was interested in trading for him was going to have it checked out and would have found that tear unless the tear happened within the last couple of days.

 

[Folster]

That article tosses around quite a few numbers and inserts various players at different points as well while throwing around a ton of numbers. I believe Ouchie is correct though, they'd be close to $2 million off now that I'm trying to run the numbers myself. $2 million between 2 free agents to get to their preferred team and have teammates of that caliber is quite different than the discounts that players usually discuss taking. I believe Durant left like $6 or $7 million on the table last year to help the Warriors resign Livingston and Iguodala. I'd think they'd reconsider their stance on taking discounts at the very least. When their previous statements were made was before anyone had the idea of what sort of superteam they'd be forming.

The Lakers can potentially pull everything off in house though, by waiving and stretching players if need be. That allows them quite a bit of flexibility if they are looking to dump a contract instead of waiving it. They're not going to overpay to do so. They can dump Deng for a deal half the size and throw in some picks now that they don't owe any in trades since the Laker pick conveyed last year, finally. We'll see what happens but I think there is a strong possibility they can pull it off since

I disagree. It's way more than 2 million. They have 65 million in cap space. If they get Kawhi and use cap space to absorb his contract, that will eat into the 65 million they need to max LeBron and PG.

For example. Let's say the Lakers send the Spurs Ingram, Kuzma, Hart and picks for Kawhi. LA would be taking back rougly 10m more than they are sending. Now instead of having the 65m needed to max LeBron and PG, they only have 55m.

They can not trade for Kawhi and max both LeBron and PG unless something is done with Deng.

 

[Mainstreet]

The Lakers keep Zubac... bummer. I was hoping the Suns might find room for him.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Hoop Head]

This is great, ESPN has a story spinning The Rock as the guy who is helping rebuild the Lakers "winning culture". I really don't know how they can spin this. It's an insult to their roster and team to suggest a WWE wrestler/actor is the guy who is turning around their team. The ESPN big market bias is real and this is a perfect example. Posting this the night before NBA free agency starts.


http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...ebrity-speaker-series-promote-culture-success