ESPN/Grantland writer Bill Simmons dubbed July 1st,
the first day of NBA free agency, “Sources Say Day” because of all the rumors
and reports thrown around when 30 teams are all freed at the same time to go after
available players. And man, sources were saying a lot about the Golden State
Warriors today. There were at least 6 different rumors involving the Warriors
today, and while some of the news broken was expected, there were a few things
coming out of left field. Let’s address all of them, shall we. Let’s start with
the least surprising news, but the biggest potential impact…
Warriors Prepared To Offer AndrewBogut, Klay Thompson Or Harrison Barnes To Lakers For Dwight Howard -- http://t.co/LqwWnL5CeW
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 1, 2013
Nothing really new to see here. We already knew the Warriors were meeting with Howard, and I described a few days ago how any trade for Howard likely starts with Bogut and either Thompson or Barnes. To reiterate, I'm absolutely on board if the Warriors can get Howard for this package. He's a game changer on both ends of the floor and is a legit Superstar to pair with Curry. The insertion of a relatively healthy Andrew Bogut got the Warriors within spitting distance of the NBA Finals, even without David Lee. Everything Bogut does, Dwight Howard does better. Everything. You have the chance to acquire a player of that magnitude, you do it, no questions asked.
Some of the little details around the edges of the meeting were interesting. Jerry West joined coach Mark Jackson, owner Joe Lacob, and GM Bob Myers on the trek. Including "The Logo" is always a good move, regardless of the situation, so I approve of this development. Also, supposedly Steph Curry was going to work the phone angle with Dwight. Apparently, the phone angle meant calling to locate Dwight and then going to find him, because Steph was seen talking to Dwight at UCLA's gym this morning. Maybe talking to Steph directly will help convince Dwight that he will never see a double team again with all the Warriors shooters on the perimeter.
Next up, we have the real shocking news of the last day...
This isn't to say that I'm a David Lee fan all of a sudden, but his value is so much higher to the Warriors than any other team in the league, I'm afraid any deal of Lee would leave a crater at the PF spot, especially with Carl Landry most likely gone. So far, the reports are that Lee was offered to the Toronto Raptors for Andrea Bargnani, and that Lee was also shopped to Portland along with Brandon Rush for Lamarcus Aldridge. Both proposals were reportedly shot down fairly quickly, as David Lee's inability to play defense, massive financial burden (44 Million left on his current deal), and increasing age (on the wrong side of 30) scare off most teams. While i would've heartily approved of the Aldridge swap, the Bargnani proposal confuses me, and if the Warriors have to lower their standards any more in a deal, the player(s) they bring back just won't be worth it. I never thought I'd say this, but here's to hoping David Lee's name doesn't get brought up again this summer.
I put these two together because they go hand in hand. With Jarrett Jack being a free agent and looking for a deal that starts at $7 million per year, the Warriors very well might be on the lookout for a new backup PG. As far as that goes, Collison would be a good get. He burst onto the scene as a rookie, starting 37 games in New Orleans for an injured Chris Paul and averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 assists per game for the year. Since then he's plateaued, never averaging more than 13.1 points or 5.1 assists per game as a starter in Indiana and Dallas. However, he wouldn't be the starter in Golden State, obviously, and he has experience coming off the bench, as a rookie in New Orleans and for about half the year last year in Dallas. As far as potential replacements for Jack go, Collison would be very near the top of my list, alongside Devin Harris, but he hasn't been linked to the Warriors yet so i'll save my thoughts on him for another time.
There we go. It's not officially a Warriors off-season until they're linked to Andre Iguodala in some way. Follow that link and you'll see the Warriors on Iguodala's list of teams he's meeting with. After all the years of rumored "Monta Ellis-for-Andre Iguodala" swaps, its nice to see that thought of Andre heading to Golden State is still holding on out there. Personally, I think there's nothing here. He's a free agent, so the Warriors can only acquire him via sign and trade. The Nuggets will want either Klay Thompson or Harrison Barnes which I seriously doubt the Warriors will consider since each player offers 90% of Iguodala's value at 20% of the price. The Warriors will look to give up David Lee, which the Nuggets won't take because, come on, David Lee couldn't even fetch Andrea Bargnani. Iggy on the roster would be nice, and I've wanted him for years, but I see no way this gets done.
Let's finish with one that's completely out of left field...
What?! I don't understand this, what the hell is going...
Oh, ok. Never mind everyone, nothing to see here.
You can follow Andy on twiter at @AMOhoop34
Some of the little details around the edges of the meeting were interesting. Jerry West joined coach Mark Jackson, owner Joe Lacob, and GM Bob Myers on the trek. Including "The Logo" is always a good move, regardless of the situation, so I approve of this development. Also, supposedly Steph Curry was going to work the phone angle with Dwight. Apparently, the phone angle meant calling to locate Dwight and then going to find him, because Steph was seen talking to Dwight at UCLA's gym this morning. Maybe talking to Steph directly will help convince Dwight that he will never see a double team again with all the Warriors shooters on the perimeter.
Next up, we have the real shocking news of the last day...
Y! Sources: Golden State exploring trade possibilities on David Lee and $44M left on his contract. http://t.co/ZkRroTm0bkWell, can't say I saw that one coming. Considering David Lee has been trumpeted as a personal favorite of Joe Lacob since he bought the team 3 years ago, I think this came as a surprise to just about everyone. The funniest part is, while I've been trumpeting the call to trade Lee from the day he signed that contract and always felt he was overrated, I'm actually a little uncomfortable with the thought of getting rid of him now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 1, 2013
This isn't to say that I'm a David Lee fan all of a sudden, but his value is so much higher to the Warriors than any other team in the league, I'm afraid any deal of Lee would leave a crater at the PF spot, especially with Carl Landry most likely gone. So far, the reports are that Lee was offered to the Toronto Raptors for Andrea Bargnani, and that Lee was also shopped to Portland along with Brandon Rush for Lamarcus Aldridge. Both proposals were reportedly shot down fairly quickly, as David Lee's inability to play defense, massive financial burden (44 Million left on his current deal), and increasing age (on the wrong side of 30) scare off most teams. While i would've heartily approved of the Aldridge swap, the Bargnani proposal confuses me, and if the Warriors have to lower their standards any more in a deal, the player(s) they bring back just won't be worth it. I never thought I'd say this, but here's to hoping David Lee's name doesn't get brought up again this summer.
Warriors met with Jarrett Jack, but he's probably going to have to wait until after D12 stuff shakes out | http://t.co/2BQWLH5b1W
— Marcus Thompson (@gswscribe) July 1, 2013
I'm told the Warriors can actually offer Darren Collison more money. Post updated | http://t.co/2BQWLH5b1W
— Marcus Thompson (@gswscribe) July 1, 2013
I put these two together because they go hand in hand. With Jarrett Jack being a free agent and looking for a deal that starts at $7 million per year, the Warriors very well might be on the lookout for a new backup PG. As far as that goes, Collison would be a good get. He burst onto the scene as a rookie, starting 37 games in New Orleans for an injured Chris Paul and averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 assists per game for the year. Since then he's plateaued, never averaging more than 13.1 points or 5.1 assists per game as a starter in Indiana and Dallas. However, he wouldn't be the starter in Golden State, obviously, and he has experience coming off the bench, as a rookie in New Orleans and for about half the year last year in Dallas. As far as potential replacements for Jack go, Collison would be very near the top of my list, alongside Devin Harris, but he hasn't been linked to the Warriors yet so i'll save my thoughts on him for another time.
Y! Sports NBA free agent buzz led by Andre Iguodala's big day with suitors. Stay here for more free agency updates. http://t.co/qQ4WPclurG
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 1, 2013
There we go. It's not officially a Warriors off-season until they're linked to Andre Iguodala in some way. Follow that link and you'll see the Warriors on Iguodala's list of teams he's meeting with. After all the years of rumored "Monta Ellis-for-Andre Iguodala" swaps, its nice to see that thought of Andre heading to Golden State is still holding on out there. Personally, I think there's nothing here. He's a free agent, so the Warriors can only acquire him via sign and trade. The Nuggets will want either Klay Thompson or Harrison Barnes which I seriously doubt the Warriors will consider since each player offers 90% of Iguodala's value at 20% of the price. The Warriors will look to give up David Lee, which the Nuggets won't take because, come on, David Lee couldn't even fetch Andrea Bargnani. Iggy on the roster would be nice, and I've wanted him for years, but I see no way this gets done.
Let's finish with one that's completely out of left field...
Sources: in addition to Nets, Clippers and Warriors showing interest in Andray Blatche
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 2, 2013
What?! I don't understand this, what the hell is going...
RT @PeterVecsey1: This just in: Been informed Blatche cancelled meetings with other suitors. Meaning Andray has made commitment to Nets
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 2, 2013
Oh, ok. Never mind everyone, nothing to see here.
You can follow Andy on twiter at @AMOhoop34
1 comment:
Good couple of posts! The thing I don't get about the Howard trade is why so many people say the price will be Bogut and one or more of their wings or draft picks. Exactly what leverage will the Lakers have if Dwight says my first choice is the Dubs and my second choice is the Rockets. LA would risk losing him for nothing if the Rockets sign him. I say Bogut, Jefferson, and a pick for Dwight and Nash. And LA will be lucky to get that.
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