NBA Offseason Central

[LEWJ]

Gilbert Arenas will opt out of his contract as soon as next week -- he previously said he would wait until June 30th, but it turns out June 20th is the deadline to request free agency.

It's somewhat concerning that Arenas, who is his own agent, misspoke about the deadline -- fortunately, he plans to have a lawyer look things over to avoid any irreversible gaffes. The consensus is that he will certainly re-sign with the Wizards, it is only a question of how many years and how many millions. Jun. 3 - 10:31 am et

Source: Washington Post

Cavaliers probably won't be on the top of his list, or vise versa.

But boy would that be nice.

We can talk about other NBA Free Agency happenings here.

[LMU]

Rumor I heard is that the Lakers are perhaps interested. Picture this starting 5: Arenas, Bryant, Odom, Gasol, Bynum. Insanity.

[LEWJ]

Rumor I heard is that the Lakers are perhaps interested. Picture this starting 5: Arenas, Bryant, Odom, Gasol, Bynum. Insanity.

That is something I would also like to see.

Back to back Finals appearances? I think so.

[Saint Zephyr III]

A lot of this offseason depends on who opts out. Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Baron Davis, Ron Artest...

I just want to know what the Spurs will do and how they can bring in more youth.

[LEWJ]

A lot of this offseason depends on who opts out. Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Baron Davis, Ron Artest...

I just want to know what the Spurs will do and how they can bring in more youth.

I think the Cavaliers need to really look at gettin Baron again. He'd be a nice addition to the team. IMO.

[Drew22]

The Hawks need to resign Smith and Childress and then get a good center. Then Horford can move to PF.

[Shumway]

A bit off topic, but I didn't feel like starting a new one. Kevin Johnson, longtime Suns PG, is running for mayor of Sacramento. Sacramentites, vote for KJ....because I have a shirt of him, and solely for that reason.

And, to stay on topic, what team wouldn't want Agent Zero or Baron Davis? I'd welcome either in purple in orange.

[nyk]

A lot of this offseason depends on who opts out. Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Baron Davis, Ron Artest...

I just want to know what the Spurs will do and how they can bring in more youth.

I think the Cavaliers need to really look at gettin Baron again. He'd be a nice addition to the team. IMO.

Perfect match in my opinion. Baron Davis/LeBron James combo would be great.

[Tentomushi5150]

Does anybody know what teams actually have the money to go for free agents?

[Shane Does Art]

A lot of this offseason depends on who opts out. Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Baron Davis, Ron Artest...

I just want to know what the Spurs will do and how they can bring in more youth.

I think the Cavaliers need to really look at gettin Baron again. He'd be a nice addition to the team. IMO.

Perfect match in my opinion. Baron Davis/LeBron James combo would be great.

King James and the Baron?

Me likey.

[TFoA]

Does anybody know what teams actually have the money to go for free agents?

The Hawks supposedly have money, and they do have a new GM, so I expect them to make some moves this offseason, preferably keeping their RFAs (Smith & Chilldress) and going out and getting a decent big man to compliment Horford. Basically, what Drew said.

If the Hawks do the above, add some depth on the bench, AND get a new coach, that'll be my dream off-season for this squad, and people had better watch out for them in 08-09.

[FiddySicks]

A bit off topic, but I didn't feel like starting a new one. Kevin Johnson, longtime Suns PG, is running for mayor of Sacramento. Sacramentites, vote for KJ....because I have a shirt of him, and solely for that reason.

And, to stay on topic, what team wouldn't want Agent Zero or Baron Davis? I'd welcome either in purple in orange.

He's also a ncandidate that is putting a TON of focus on fixing the problems with the Sacramento school system, which is in dire need of help. Hopefully he gets it.

EDIT: Well, looks like he just won

[Shumway]

A bit off topic, but I didn't feel like starting a new one. Kevin Johnson, longtime Suns PG, is running for mayor of Sacramento. Sacramentites, vote for KJ....because I have a shirt of him, and solely for that reason.

And, to stay on topic, what team wouldn't want Agent Zero or Baron Davis? I'd welcome either in purple in orange.

He's also a ncandidate that is putting a TON of focus on fixing the problems with the Sacramento school system, which is in dire need of help. Hopefully he gets it.

EDIT: Well, looks like he just won

Hooray, the KJ shirt gets worn tomorrow in celebration, although his victory doesn't affect me in any way, unless I move to Sac-town. Congrats to Kevin...hopefully he's a good choice, for the city's sake.

[tp49]

A bit off topic, but I didn't feel like starting a new one. Kevin Johnson, longtime Suns PG, is running for mayor of Sacramento. Sacramentites, vote for KJ....because I have a shirt of him, and solely for that reason.

And, to stay on topic, what team wouldn't want Agent Zero or Baron Davis? I'd welcome either in purple in orange.

He's also a ncandidate that is putting a TON of focus on fixing the problems with the Sacramento school system, which is in dire need of help. Hopefully he gets it.

EDIT: Well, looks like he just won

Not so fast. He did not win a majority of the votes (currently 47% to the incumbant's 40% and a 3d insignificant candidate's 6% the remaining candidates total the rest). He's also put a lot of focus on public saftey which in this city is a big issue. However, he will be in a run-off election in November and he has several issues hanging over his head.

[FiddySicks]

A bit off topic, but I didn't feel like starting a new one. Kevin Johnson, longtime Suns PG, is running for mayor of Sacramento. Sacramentites, vote for KJ....because I have a shirt of him, and solely for that reason.

And, to stay on topic, what team wouldn't want Agent Zero or Baron Davis? I'd welcome either in purple in orange.

He's also a ncandidate that is putting a TON of focus on fixing the problems with the Sacramento school system, which is in dire need of help. Hopefully he gets it.

EDIT: Well, looks like he just won

Not so fast. He did not win a majority of the votes (currently 47% to the incumbant's 40% and a 3d insignificant candidate's 6% the remaining candidates total the rest). He's also put a lot of focus on public saftey which in this city is a big issue. However, he will be in a run-off election in November and he has several issues hanging over his head.

Gah, I knew as soon as I posted that something wasn't right with it. Last I checked he had 49% of the vote and I just assumed he'd get the extra percent needed for victory. And you know what assuming does.......

[Joshawaggie]

A bit off topic, but I didn't feel like starting a new one. Kevin Johnson, longtime Suns PG, is running for mayor of Sacramento. Sacramentites, vote for KJ....because I have a shirt of him, and solely for that reason.

And, to stay on topic, what team wouldn't want Agent Zero or Baron Davis? I'd welcome either in purple in orange.

He's also a ncandidate that is putting a TON of focus on fixing the problems with the Sacramento school system, which is in dire need of help. Hopefully he gets it.

EDIT: Well, looks like he just won

Woo Hoo! I used to have a suns KJ autograph hat. He was one of my faves, as was Majerle. The 90's Suns were the ultimate.

[OB33]

Does anybody know what teams actually have the money to go for free agents?

Memphis and Philadelphia have the most money to spend, but the Warriors, Clippers, Hawks, and Wizards could all have lots of cap room as well if some of their star players opt out of their contracts.

[Saint Zephyr III]

Here's the Western Conference:

Denver Nuggets - $76,906,392

Los Angeles Lakers - $75,330,112 ($72,830,112 if Chris Mihn opts out)

Portland Trailblazers - $75,082,295/($71,926,295 if James Jones opts out)

Dallas Mavericks - $72,817,214

Phoenix Suns - $70,398,830 ($68,422,430 if Grant Hill opts out)

Houston Rockets - $64,835,460

Utah Jazz - $60,489,926

New Orleans Hornets - $59,820,969

Sacramento Kings - $57,318,535 ($48,868,535 if Ron Artest opts out)

San Antonio Spurs - $57,221,368

Minnesota Timberwolves - $55,124,864

Los Angeles Clippers - $53,265,640 ($36,825,640 if Elton Brand opts out; $44,865,640 if Maggette opts out; $28,425,640 if both Brand and Maggette opt out)

Seattle Supersonics - $48,425,867 ($45,325,867 if Damien Wilkens opts out)

Golden State Warriors - $47,240,290 (a paltry $30,060,290 if Baron Davis opts out)

Memphis Grizzlies - $44,024,061

Here's the Eastern Conference:

New York Knicks - $90,991,250

Boston Celtics - $74,831,989 ($71,369,509 if James Posey opts out)

Cleveland Cavaliers - $74,806,862

Indiana Pacers - $69,526,339 ($63,351,339 if Jeff Foster opts out)

Milwaukee Bucks - $62,387,203

Toronto Raptors - $55,802,202

Orlando Magic - $54,856,605

Detroit Pistons - $53,837,079

Miami Heat - $53,364,781 ($36,184,781 if Shawn Marion opts out of contract)

New Jersey Nets - $51,790,000

Atlanta Hawks - $51,747,507

Chicago Bulls - $40,358,473

Washington Wizards - $38,459,731 (due to Arenas' opted contract)

Charlotte Bobcats - $35,302,700

Philadelphia 76ers - $34,640,077 ($33,498,239 if Calvin Booth opts out)

So...the true big player on the free agency market are the Philadelphia 76ers. Due to Webber's contract finally letting up, they could easily make a big splash and STILL keep the core of the team together. If they could pick up a strong power forward, then they can become a dark horse in the East.

[ShinyHubCaps]

^ To that, about $56.2 Million is the salary cap. As far as opt-outs, I think Gilbert Arenas is just trying to get more money without losing his power to negotiate, so I'm thinking that they'll re-sign him for a couple of years at a ton of money.

I think Jose Calderon of the Raptors is done with his current contract. He's not entirely happy there from what I've heard. He might re-sign, but I'd say that he won't, and then he'd be a big pick-up for teams looking for a combo guard. He is a restricted free agent, so other teams get to bid on him before the Raptors ultimately decide on whether or not he stays.

Ben Gordon is a restricted free agent, but the Bulls have talked about trading him for a while. They may want to let it ride and count their cap room, especially since they have the #1 lottery pick. I fully expect the Bulls to be contenders on the free agent market. Meanwhile, the rumor of trading Dwyane Wade to Chicago for the Bulls' draft pick is being deemed false.

And finally, my pick for most intriguing free agent (unrestricted): Antawn Jamison of the Wizards. For teams (like the Bucks) who need a PF to play like a PF and not some wing-guard (Villanueva and Yi...).

Other possibilities for Early Termination Options for unrestricted free agency: Shawn Marion, Jermaine O'Neal, and Stephon Marbury.

Upcoming free agents:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008freeagents

[LEWJ]

God the Cavs don't have as much cash to spend as I thought.

I kinda wish they would've never resigned Anderson Varejao, he is severely overpaid.

I was kinda wishing for a sign and trade, because his offensive rebounding could really benifit for another team. But he cannot shoot worth crap.

I'm kinda wishing for a trade involving him.

But, back on track.

The Cavs still need a better PG. Delonte West is solid, and Daniel Gibson is great off the bench, but IMO neither are good enough to start day-after-day, especially looking at what they could have. I think Steve Nash could be a legit fit in Cleveland as well. And boy, Allen Iverson, would be cool =D

Also I think they need a PF. I know they just got Wallace, but he's not doing anything in the short run, and he's getting old, so there is no long run. I think Antawn Jamison would be cool, but his interest in the Cavs is probably close to zero, after the rough playoff series. Ben Gordon would probably work well too. Other notables: Shawn Marion, Jermaine O'Neal.