tOfficial 2015 NBA Draft/Free Agency Thread

[gordontrue]

LOL at taking anything he says to the media seriously. Like he's blatantly going to say in public that he's trying to get Thompson paid. I surely do not know what's going behind the scenes, but I don't fall for this BS like some do on this forum.

I agree. This has been my main point today on this thread. We don't know what is or isn't being said behind the scenes. That matters so much more than what is said in response to a reporter's question.

 

[Heatles84]

Are you really this blind? Don't answer that. It's rhetorical. We all know that you really are this blind. TT was the 2nd best player because Love and Kyrie were out. If Love and/or Kyrie had stayed healthy and/or TT wasn't one of Lebron's "boys," TT is already re-signed for a lot less.

TT definitely stepped up when he had the opportunity, but he really didn't provide much more in the playoffs than he did in the regular season. His scoring increased by about a point per game and his rebounds by about 2 per game. In other words, about the increase in production that one would expect from the 10 extra minutes he played per game. He was also an abortion at the free throw line. So, the Cavs are going to be paying max or close to max money for a guy that they can't play at the end of games. Let's not pretend that he suddenly started averaging 18ppg and 12rpg.

If the Cavs are completely healthy, TT is, at best, their 6th man and the Cavs are looking at paying him as much as $18.8 million. If this were any other team in the league, you'd be on here posting 2500 word sonnets about how stupid that is.

This. If TT plays for the qualifying offer this year, then in a hypothetical situation next season, the Heat sign him to a 4 year $90+ million contract; Wiggy would go on about how Riley's lost it and the Heat are screwed. The Heat fans recognize that our team isn't perfect and Riley hasn't made every decision perfectly, but we'll take it that he's right more often than he's wrong. Which is the exact opposite of the Cavs.

 

[gordontrue]

Last I checked, Robin Lopez and Enes Kanter are starters and their backups aren't being paid max or near max money. Thompson is a backup and even worse, he's a backup at a position where the Cavs are already paying the starter max money. If the Cavs pay Thompson what he's demanding, they will have nearly $40 million dollars tied up in 1 position.

It's probably okay for now because the Cavs have their roster set and they are trying to get a title before their window begins to seriously close (most likely after next season). But it will likely hamstring them in the future when they are trying to keep up with other teams who have been able to improve their teams every year while the Cavs are forced to stand pat.

Thompson is a backup on the Cavs... but that's sort of irrelevant when discussing what he would demand from other teams... where he likely wouldn't be a backup.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Last I checked, Robin Lopez and Enes Kanter are starters and their backups aren't being paid max or near max money. Thompson is a backup and even worse, he's a backup at a position where the Cavs are already paying the starter max money. If the Cavs pay Thompson what he's demanding, they will have nearly $40 million dollars tied up in 1 position.

It's probably okay for now because the Cavs have their roster set and they are trying to get a title before their window begins to seriously close (most likely after next season). But it will likely hamstring them in the future when they are trying to keep up with other teams who have been able to improve their teams every year while the Cavs are forced to stand pat.

so your saying just because he doesnt start out playing that makes him less valuable? AFTER WATCHING THAT PLAYOFF RUN?

the simple fact that he does not start the game means that he gets paid less? Thats fucking stupid- ESPECIALLY considering that other teams would sign him to start.

that makes absolutely ZERO sense. To say he is worth less money than Robin Lopez just because Lopez starts. Completely and totally ridiculous.

 

[WiggyRuss]

This. If TT plays for the qualifying offer this year, then in a hypothetical situation next season, the Heat sign him to a 4 year $90+ million contract; Wiggy would go on about how Riley's lost it and the Heat are screwed. The Heat fans recognize that our team isn't perfect and Riley hasn't made every decision perfectly, but we'll take it that he's right more often than he's wrong. Which is the exact opposite of the Cavs.

this posts is just so stupid I dont even have the words for it. First- one of the reasons he is so valuable to the Cavs is that the Cavs have his Bird Rights and are able to go over the cap to sign him.

If the Heat had Whitesides Bird rights (which they dont) and had to compete against a team to keep him or lose him for nothing- of course they should pay whatever to keep him.

honestly I have never seen a less intelligent or nuanced post then this one. Congrats on the worst post of the day.

 

[Heatles84]

Last I checked, Robin Lopez and Enes Kanter are starters and their backups aren't being paid max or near max money. Thompson is a backup and even worse, he's a backup at a position where the Cavs are already paying the starter max money. If the Cavs pay Thompson what he's demanding, they will have nearly $40 million dollars tied up in 1 position.

It's probably okay for now because the Cavs have their roster set and they are trying to get a title before their window begins to seriously close (most likely after next season). But it will likely hamstring them in the future when they are trying to keep up with other teams who have been able to improve their teams every year while the Cavs are forced to stand pat.

See, this makes so much sense, yet some won't be able to grasp this concept.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Thompson is a backup on the Cavs... but that's sort of irrelevant when discussing what he would demand from other teams... where he likely wouldn't be a backup.

I disagree.
Other teams might overpay based on need.
Not saying the Cavs can't use him, but they don't NEED him if he NEEDS max money.

Assuming James was out of the equation, wouldn't it possibly be smarter to trade him to get deeper in other areas of need?

 

[Heatles84]

this posts is just so stupid I dont even have the words for it. First- one of the reasons he is so valuable to the Cavs is that the Cavs have his Bird Rights and are able to go over the cap to sign him.

If the Heat had Whitesides Bird rights (which they dont) and had to compete against a team to keep him or lose him for nothing- of course they should pay whatever to keep him.

honestly I have never seen a less intelligent or nuanced post then this one. Congrats on the worst post of the day.

Coming from you that's a compliment.

My point was in regards to grossly overpaying for Thompson, which you would blast the Heat for. If your shitty organization (with zero titles) did it, then it's genius. You stupid (unt.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

this posts is just so stupid I dont even have the words for it. First- one of the reasons he is so valuable to the Cavs is that the Cavs have his Bird Rights and are able to go over the cap to sign him.

If the Heat had Whitesides Bird rights (which they dont) and had to compete against a team to keep him or lose him for nothing- of course they should pay whatever to keep him.

honestly I have never seen a less intelligent or nuanced post then this one. Congrats on the worst post of the day.

And who ever disputed this?

Keeps going back to the same question though, why isn't he signed for any reason other then luxury tax penalty?

Pretty apparent to all of us that Gilbert isn't quite an anxious to pay all that luxury tax that you claim he doesn't care about.

Lot's of teams have let players walk who had Birds rights because some other made them an offer that made no sense for them to match.

Maybe the Cavs are hoping someone comes up with some type of trade offer which they can include Haywood that they feel James will sign off on?

 

[gordontrue]

I disagree.
Other teams might overpay based on need.
Not saying the Cavs can't use him, but they don't NEED him if he NEEDS max money.

Assuming James was out of the equation, wouldn't it possibly be smarter to trade him to get deeper in other areas of need?

I said his being backup was irrelevant related to what other teams will pay him. Of course his potential role becomes an important part of the Cavs decision in terms of how much they are willing to pay him

 

[trojanfan12]

Thompson is a backup on the Cavs... but that's sort of irrelevant when discussing what he would demand from other teams... where he likely wouldn't be a backup.

It's not irrelevant at all. Unless you think that without Lebron's influence, Thompson would be in a position to demand that kind of money. Thompson/Lebron have the Cavs bidding against themselves for Thompson. Do you really think that if Thompson hit the open market that he would be getting anyone to offer him a max or near max deal?

His career average is 10.41ppg and 8.41rpg. Last season, he averaged 8.45ppg and 8.01rpg. In the playoffs, playing starters minutes, he averaged approx. 9ppg and 10rpg. On the open market, he'd do well to get $12million per year on a team that he would start for.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

I said his being backup was irrelevant related to what other teams will pay him. Of course his potential role becomes an important part of the Cavs decision in terms of how much they are willing to pay him

I guess we disagree because you feel there is a real negotiation going on.

And, James doesn't have to say anything to say everything.

Also, why has no team offered him anything to at least make the Cavs make a decision if he's so valuable and in high demand?

 

[trojanfan12]

so your saying just because he doesnt start out playing that makes him less valuable? AFTER WATCHING THAT PLAYOFF RUN?

the simple fact that he does not start the game means that he gets paid less? Thats fucking stupid- ESPECIALLY considering that other teams would sign him to start.

that makes absolutely ZERO sense. To say he is worth less money than Robin Lopez just because Lopez starts. Completely and totally ridiculous.

I guess you didn't grasp the rest of the post. Name one backup that is being paid max or near max money. Especially when he averaged 8ppg and 8rpg for the season.

What's "fucking stupid" is tying up nearly $40 million in 1 position. The only way that should ever happen is if you are paying the starter $30 million and his back up $7-8 million.

What's hilarious is how disingenuous you are. If any other team in the league was looking at tying up nearly $40 million in one position, you'd be talking about how stupid that is. But since it's the Cavs, it's suddenly a smart move. It's ridiculous how transparent you are.

 

[gordontrue]

It's not irrelevant at all. Unless you think that without Lebron's influence, Thompson would be in a position to demand that kind of money. Thompson/Lebron have the Cavs bidding against themselves for Thompson. Do you really think that if Thompson hit the open market that he would be getting anyone to offer him a max or near max deal?

His career average is 10.41ppg and 8.41rpg. Last season, he averaged 8.45ppg and 8.01rpg. In the playoffs, playing starters minutes, he averaged approx. 9ppg and 10rpg. On the open market, he'd do well to get $12million per year on a team that he would start for.

Its really hard to know what his market value is, because he is a restricted free agent. So far no team has offered... but how much of that is because they know the Cavs will match? Its impossible to say.

I think your numbers are very lows. The general consensus among media and nba personnel in May/June was that his gamble to turn down $13 mill a year had definitely paid off.

With the cap changes, and looking at other contracts going out this season... TT could easily get north of $15 mill a year from another team next year, assuming he stays healthy and productive. Thats just my opinion, though, no one knows.

 

[Heatles84]

Man, Cavs fans are arguing just to argue. This also goes into how they're defending Lebron. Lebron is a smart businessman I give you that, and the guy does some good - especially with his I Promise charity that's going to pay for scholarships for kids that complete the program. Putting aside my hate for Lebron on the court, that's pretty fucking awesome.

But to the point that everyone is arguing, on those that are not Cavs fans, we're fully aware that Thompson will likely be signed long term by the Cavs. No other organization is going to pay him what the Cavs will ultimately (over $15 mil per). Lebron's influence is the main factor, not sure why this is being argued. Thompson knows his value is purely based on Lebron's influence, no other team is going to pay him anywhere close to what he's asking for. If a title is only on Gilbert's mind, he would pay the luxury tax. Cleveland can't do shit whether they re-sign Thompson or not given they're way over the luxury tax, even when the cap jumps up as much as it does next year.

Arguing just to argue.

 

[WiggyRuss]

It's not irrelevant at all. Unless you think that without Lebron's influence, Thompson would be in a position to demand that kind of money. Thompson/Lebron have the Cavs bidding against themselves for Thompson. Do you really think that if Thompson hit the open market that he would be getting anyone to offer him a max or near max deal?

His career average is 10.41ppg and 8.41rpg. Last season, he averaged 8.45ppg and 8.01rpg. In the playoffs, playing starters minutes, he averaged approx. 9ppg and 10rpg. On the open market, he'd do well to get $12million per year on a team that he would start for.

this is just so wrong its ridiculous. If you think all Thompson would get on the open market next year is a 4 year 48 million dollar deal then I have some great swamp land to sell you in Florida. Hell- Wesley Mathews just got a "max" deal. Kanter got a "max" - Lopez got almost 14M a year.

anyway- its all irrelevant anyway as long as it gets settled before the start of the season.

It actually cracks me up that you guys are so concerned about TRISTAN THOMPSON. lol. it just goes to show- that when you are just that damn good like the Cavs are- and are at the center of the league, on National TV more than anyone, lead sports center, etc- that you are always under the microscope.

Its a LOT of fun having a team like this and the eyes of the entire NBA on your team. I am glad you guys have taken so much interest in the Cavs. LOL......hell with the Heat who can at best top out as a 2nd round team- or the Lakers who cant even make the playoffs- the CAVS are where its at fellas! lol.

 

[Heatles84]

I guess you didn't grasp the rest of the post. Name one backup that is being paid max or near max money. Especially when he averaged 8ppg and 8rpg for the season.

What's "fucking stupid" is tying up nearly $40 million in 1 position. The only way that should ever happen is if you are paying the starter $30 million and his back up $7-8 million.

What's hilarious is how disingenuous you are. If any other team in the league was looking at tying up nearly $40 million in one position, you'd be talking about how stupid that is. But since it's the Cavs, it's suddenly a smart move. It's ridiculous how transparent you are.

That's what I tried telling that dumb fuck.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Its really hard to know what his market value is, because he is a restricted free agent. So far no team has offered... but how much of that is because they know the Cavs will match? Its impossible to say.

I think your numbers are very lows. The general consensus among media and nba personnel in May/June was that his gamble to turn down $13 mill a year had definitely paid off.

With the cap changes, and looking at other contracts going out this season... TT could easily get north of $15 mill a year from another team next year, assuming he stays healthy and productive. Thats just my opinion, though, no one knows.

thats not only your opinion- but if you watched and listened to the playoff broadcasts - thats the opinion of a great many people associated with the league. Not just you or me.

 

[WiggyRuss]

I guess you didn't grasp the rest of the post. Name one backup that is being paid max or near max money. Especially when he averaged 8ppg and 8rpg for the season.

What's "fucking stupid" is tying up nearly $40 million in 1 position. The only way that should ever happen is if you are paying the starter $30 million and his back up $7-8 million.

What's hilarious is how disingenuous you are. If any other team in the league was looking at tying up nearly $40 million in one position, you'd be talking about how stupid that is. But since it's the Cavs, it's suddenly a smart move. It's ridiculous how transparent you are.

one position? honestly did you even watch the playoffs or have been paying attention to the NBA? This is where I just get a loss for words at total and complete ignorance. Did you see how teams went small? Did you see Thompson playing center during the playoffs? Did you see Love and Thompson playing together a lot during the regular season as they COMPLIMENT EACHOTHER PERFECTLY?

to say that Thompson is "only" a power forward is completely and totally born out of ignorance and stupidity and anyone who watched the CAvs last season with knows that- or watched hte NBA at all with the move towards smaller lineups knows that. Apparently its something you missed.

 

[Heatles84]

this is just so wrong its ridiculous. If you think all Thompson would get on the open market next year is a 4 year 48 million dollar deal then I have some great swamp land to sell you in Florida. Hell- Wesley Mathews just got a "max" deal. Kanter got a "max" - Lopez got almost 14M a year.

anyway- its all irrelevant anyway as long as it gets settled before the start of the season.

It actually cracks me up that you guys are so concerned about TRISTAN THOMPSON. lol. it just goes to show- that when you are just that damn good like the Cavs are- and are at the center of the league, on National TV more than anyone, lead sports center, etc- that you are always under the microscope.

Its a LOT of fun having a team like this and the eyes of the entire NBA on your team. I am glad you guys have taken so much interest in the Cavs. LOL......hell with the Heat who can at best top out as a 2nd round team- or the Lakers who cant even make the playoffs- the CAVS are where its at fellas! lol.

The Heat and Lakers have titles to show for it, the Cavs....not so much. The Heat had a team that everyone was looking at for four solid years, with A LOT more media exposure and vitriol mixed in. Some experts are picking the Heat as a possible conference finals opponent for the Cavs. We'll have to wait and see as anything can happen. On paper, the Heat look great. Riley re-tooled the team, now we just have to wait and see if the team stays healthy and if Spoelstra knows what he's doing or if he coasted by on having Wade, Bosh, and Lebron on the same team.