tOfficial 2015 NBA Draft/Free Agency Thread

[LAD]

Laker Nation, did you guys sign Upshaw?


With the addition of Holmes, doesn't that put you at 15 contracts....w/out Upshaw?

I have a hard time believing Sacre or Kelly > Upshaw.

Hey there miss Mecca!

I don't see him on the roster so I don't think so. I can't find any recent news on him since the start of the summer.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

Laker Nation, did you guys sign Upshaw?


With the addition of Holmes, doesn't that put you at 15 contracts....w/out Upshaw?

I have a hard time believing Sacre or Kelly > Upshaw.

There was a verbal agreement on a two year contract with a team option for the second year but I don't think they've actually signed a contract yet. No idea what's going on there, Upshaw may be trying to find a better deal first.

 

[Beengay fudgepackers]

his athleticism is off the charts. He is seriously like right behind Anthony Davis when it comes to pure athletic ability and the guy has really started to hone his basketball skills.

Combining The Greek Freaks defensive ability, ability to finish at the rim and create mismatches - with Jabari Parker's pure scoring acumen and you have a combo that could be among the best in the league 2-3 years from now. Jabari Parker in a lot of ways reminds me of Paul Pierce. Giannis really has a lot of a poor mans Scottie Pippen in him.

Both guys have the ceiling to be multi-time all stars and eventually make some All-NBA teams.

I like Justice Winslow a lot- and Mecca - dont you think MKG is a great comp for him?

This is quite possibly the absolute worst player comparisons I have ever seen. Carry on though.

 

[Heatles84]

This is quite possibly the absolute worst player comparisons I have ever seen. Carry on though.

Thought the same thing to, but then this goes along with all of Wiggy's other posts.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Which leaves me befuddled as to why they are dragging this out.

Bron has them by the nuts. So, they can't let Tristan walk.

Part of James interview yesterday.
Now those who have been asking, can quit asking why Tristan is turning down 80M.
No risk at all unless James changes his mind, and why would he do that?
He'll get tremendous joy out of making Gilbert pay an extra 35M penalty or whatever it is this season alone.


SANDUSKY, Ohio -- LeBron James praised the Cleveland Cavaliers front office for its moves this summer but stressed the team needs to get restricted free agent Tristan Thompson re-signed.

"Our No. 1 objective right now is to sign Tristan," James said Thursday at Cedar Point amusement park. "He's a huge part of our team. Short term and long term he makes our team more dangerous."

Thompson and the Cavs' talks turned contentious this week when Thompson's agent, Rich Paul, said Thompson would not play for the Cavs after this upcoming season if the team forces him to accept a one-year qualifying offer of $6.8 million.

Thompson and the Cavs broke off talks on a long-term deal in July. Thompson has been looking for a five-year maximum deal worth $94 million or a number close to it. The Cavs' offers have been for less.

 

[Heatles84]

I never liked Rich Paul, and that post further proves my belief that he's simply an agent that got his start because he's boys with Lebron. But then again, this is happening to Dan Gilbert, so I'm fine that he'll likely get paid nearly 3 times what he's worth.

 

[WiggyRuss]

I never liked Rich Paul, and that post further proves my belief that he's simply an agent that got his start because he's boys with Lebron. But then again, this is happening to Dan Gilbert, so I'm fine that he'll likely get paid nearly 3 times what he's worth.

As you saw first hand- if the price of keeping LeBron happy results in going from the Finals to the Lotto- and from the Lotto to the Finals- and making millions upon millions in the process....then I am sure glad we have an owner that is not afraid to pay

 

[WiggyRuss]

This is quite possibly the absolute worst player comparisons I have ever seen. Carry on though.

who would you compare those two? Or are you just the type of guy that whines and complains and criticizes without ever actually offering your own opinion?

IF I Was a Bulls fan I would still be devastated by how last season ended- not being able to get passsed a Cavs team that will not be vulnerable like last year for a LONG time. That was the Bulls chance and they totally blew it. No Love, no Varejao- 1st year coach, Kyrie beat to shit....

and you let Mathew Dellavadova get in your head and rattle you and be the high scorer on your own floor to put you out of the playoffs. There was no way Thibs was coming back after that debacle.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

As you saw first hand- if the price of keeping LeBron happy results in going from the Finals to the Lotto- and from the Lotto to the Finals- and making millions upon millions in the process....then I am sure glad we have an owner that is not afraid to pay

YET its 6 weeks into FA and he ISN'T signed because he wants to pay him much less.

He'll be making the same or more than Kyrie...think about it.., you know, the guy who you said ranked in the running for league MVP.

So, it's not about being afraid to pay, it's because he HAS TO James ass, which is the only reason he went back to that shit hole city/franchise to begin with.

 

[gordontrue]

Part of James interview yesterday.
Now those who have been asking, can quit asking why Tristan is turning down 80M.
No risk at all unless James changes his mind, and why would he do that?
He'll get tremendous joy out of making Gilbert pay an extra 35M penalty or whatever it is this season alone.


SANDUSKY, Ohio -- LeBron James praised the Cleveland Cavaliers front office for its moves this summer but stressed the team needs to get restricted free agent Tristan Thompson re-signed.

"Our No. 1 objective right now is to sign Tristan," James said Thursday at Cedar Point amusement park. "He's a huge part of our team. Short term and long term he makes our team more dangerous."

Thompson and the Cavs' talks turned contentious this week when Thompson's agent, Rich Paul, said Thompson would not play for the Cavs after this upcoming season if the team forces him to accept a one-year qualifying offer of $6.8 million.

Thompson and the Cavs broke off talks on a long-term deal in July. Thompson has been looking for a five-year maximum deal worth $94 million or a number close to it. The Cavs' offers have been for less.

Completely disagree. LeBron vocally stating that re-signing TT is a priority tells us nothing about where he stands. For all we know, LeBron wants TT to compromise and come down on price. If LeBron was really demanding that the Cavs pay TT whatever he wants... he would've been signed weeks ago.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

As you saw first hand- if the price of keeping LeBron happy results in going from the Finals to the Lotto- and from the Lotto to the Finals- and making millions upon millions in the process....then I am sure glad we have an owner that is not afraid to pay

Also, to counter this, he's a billionaire so a few million doesn't really help his retirement fund.
And, how many more millions is he actually pocketing if he's paying that huge amount of payroll and luxury tax?

 

[WiggyRuss]

YET its 6 weeks into FA and he ISN'T signed because he wants to pay him much less.

He'll be making the same or more than Kyrie...think about it.., you know, the guy who you said ranked in the running for league MVP.

So, it's not about being afraid to pay, it's because he HAS TO James ass, which is the only reason he went back to that shit hole city/franchise to begin with.

See- this is not related to your point- but this is a PERFECT example of how your read only what your incredibly bitter, biased brain allows you to read

About Kyrie i said he will never get MVP consideration as long as he plays with LeBron while LeBron is in his prime. It is completely the 100% opposite of what you claim Isaid. You do this ALL the time. You have absolutly ZERO regard for the truth.

I do think Kyrie is going to have a great season- and really continue to improve- especially now that he is just starting to enter his prime- all though in reality he probably still wont hit his absolute prime playing level for another couple yeras- similar to RW.

I think we see a 60 point game from Kyrie this season- a game where everything is falling and LeBron and the team keep feeding him. I think Kyrie steps up even more defensively now that he is more physically mature and has been in an NBA weight room for a few years- and no longer has to expend all his energy offensively. I mean - the guy is the best ball handler n the league- the guy is one of the best shooters in the league- the guy is one of the best finishers at the rim in the entire league- and he is incredibly clutch.

Kyrie should make his 4th all star team at the age of 23. - and hopefully add a ring to it

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Completely disagree. LeBron vocally stating that re-signing TT is a priority tells us nothing about where he stands. For all we know, LeBron wants TT to compromise and come down on price. If LeBron was really demanding that the Cavs pay TT whatever he wants... he would've been signed weeks ago.

Possibly, but I highly doubt that scenario.

Tristan knows he isn't worth either number, in theory.

If he didn't have James' support to ask for what is being reported, IMO he would JUMP on the 80M or whatever.

IF he was going against James, then James might get pissed like he reportedly did with Wiggins which lead to his departure which would leave him where?

 

[WiggyRuss]

Completely disagree. LeBron vocally stating that re-signing TT is a priority tells us nothing about where he stands. For all we know, LeBron wants TT to compromise and come down on price. If LeBron was really demanding that the Cavs pay TT whatever he wants... he would've been signed weeks ago.

"Things need to be worked out from his side and the Cavs, but we need him back," James said. "I think our front office has done a great job this summer. The next step is to get Tristan done."

CANT WAIT for the season to start!

 

[WiggyRuss]

I still cant believe Kyrie and Love and LeBron are all here.

Gordon- just think of where the Cavs were at like 18 months ago- compared to the absolute powerhouse they are today. A lot had to go right here in Cleveland - and LeBron got unhappy in Miami- and the rest is history.

Now we have LeBron and 2 high level all stars in Love and Kyrie who have barely even, if they have, entered their prime years and are signed to very solid contracts.

The Love thing worked out great. What a sigh of relief when he signed- and not only signed- but took the full 5 year deal. That is huge. It makes it all worth it. GREAT job by David Griffin and Dan Gilbert.

 

[gordontrue]

Possibly, but I highly doubt that scenario.

Tristan knows he isn't worth either number, in theory.

If he didn't have James' support to ask for what is being reported, IMO he would JUMP on the 80M or whatever.

IF he was going against James, then James might get pissed like he reportedly did with Wiggins which lead to his departure which would leave him where?

Yeah, who knows. My personal thought is that LeBron is staying out of the actual price negotiation. He wants TT back. I'm sure he wants Rich Paul to do well as an agent. And I'm sure he definitely wants the Cavs to be smart and stay as flexible as they can in the situation.

My guess is that LeBron is hoping for a good compromise that is mutually beneficial.

Like you said, if was in either corner heavily... something would've been done. The longer this takes... the more I think both sides are trying to find a good compromise and just holding out for that extra couple mill.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Yeah, who knows. My personal thought is that LeBron is staying out of the actual price negotiation. He wants TT back. I'm sure he wants Rich Paul to do well as an agent. And I'm sure he definitely wants the Cavs to be smart and stay as flexible as they can in the situation.

My guess is that LeBron is hoping for a good compromise that is mutually beneficial.

Like you said, if was in either corner heavily... something would've been done. The longer this takes... the more I think both sides are trying to find a good compromise and just holding out for that extra couple mill.

for sure. Its restricted free agency. Each side is using the leverage that they possess. It will get worked out- and the Cavs will field an absolutely great roster, and be the title favorite- while Dan writes some LARGE checks- the largest in the history of theleague- but if it means getting a ring, becoming immortalized as the owner who broke the Cleveland Curse, raising his franchise value by about half a bill , then God bless! lol

that Mo Williams acquisition i think is very underated- getting another playmaker and shooter is extremely important- couple that with the progress Delly has made- and the Cavs are very very deep at the PG position now- and the cool thing is both Mo, Delly, and even KI can all play off the ball if they need to. that versatility is very nice to have.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

"Things need to be worked out from his side and the Cavs, but we need him back," James said. "I think our front office has done a great job this summer. The next step is to get Tristan done."

CANT WAIT for the season to start!

Umm..
HIS side is James...

And as far as your previous post, correct me if I'm wrong (I'm not searching posts) but didn't you say/imply that Kyrie was talented enough to be considered in the conversation for league MVP (although you did say that playing with James that it could never happen)?
Bottom line is, the talent level isn't even close but because of James they will be paid equal.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

I still cant believe Kyrie and Love and LeBron are all here.

Gordon- just think of where the Cavs were at like 18 months ago- compared to the absolute powerhouse they are today. A lot had to go right here in Cleveland - and LeBron got unhappy in Miami- and the rest is history.

Now we have LeBron and 2 high level all stars in Love and Kyrie who have barely even, if they have, entered their prime years and are signed to very solid contracts.

The Love thing worked out great. What a sigh of relief when he signed- and not only signed- but took the full 5 year deal. That is huge. It makes it all worth it. GREAT job by David Griffin and Dan Gilbert.

Ringless.
Just as they are now and will be a year from now.

 

[gordontrue]

Relevant Amico tweet from 15 minutes ago: