*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (3 Viewers)

[Mile High]

LA

NY

Brooklyn

MIA

HOU

DAL

SA

ORL

CHI

The NBA should just cut down to these teams and save the rest of us from wasting time carrying/thinking there is a chance.

BOS has more titles than the entire league combined less LAL, CHI, SA, DET, MIA and 76ers, The Celtics leprechaun has more tradition and history in his left nut than 1/2 the teams in the league have. BOS has a quite a few draft picks over the next few years and an aggressive GM and has positioned itself to turn it around quickly.

I'll give you Boston point still stands for 2/3s of the league they might as well be part of a developmental league.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Can't believe Bron/Wade/Bosh all opt out to take less money to play for the Lakers.

Great recruiting pitch Kobe. Best of luck. ####### imbecile.

--------------------

Something's wrong with a story when you have Rotoworld crediting Bleacher Report for breaking news (Lowry)

 

[pollardsvision]

Bosh and Wade are opting out

Bron staying in Miami just became a much better possibility.

If Wade opts out, the "possibility" is 100% James is staying.

I'd think so too.

I don't think Wade opts out without LeBron saying he's coming back.

 

[Mile High]

Who are they freeing up cap space for?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

@RicBucher: My deepest and sincere apologies. My report on Lowry and a S&T between the Raptors-Heat is wrong. I should've known better. I could not...

@RicBucher: ...be more embarrassed. I can't explain why someone would go the lengths "my source" did to set me up, but that's irrelevant. I allowed...

@RicBucher: my zeal to break a story take too much for granted. I'd like to think I'm better than that. Yesterday and today I was not.

how does he keep a job.

Just awful. The trade didnt make any sense either. Cole would have to be signing a deal worth near what Lowry was getting for it to work. All to give Toronto a couple late draft pick? Moron.

 

[Kev4029]

@RicBucher: My deepest and sincere apologies. My report on Lowry and a S&T between the Raptors-Heat is wrong. I should've known better. I could not...

@RicBucher: ...be more embarrassed. I can't explain why someone would go the lengths "my source" did to set me up, but that's irrelevant. I allowed...

@RicBucher: my zeal to break a story take too much for granted. I'd like to think I'm better than that. Yesterday and today I was not.

how does he keep a job.

Just awful. The trade didnt make any sense either. Cole would have to be signing a deal worth near what Lowry was getting for it to work. All to give Toronto a couple late draft pick? Moron.

Cole is under contract. And Miami is under the cap, so it would work regardless. But a sign and trade didn't make any sense, as Miami is already under the cap and I don't think the deal could even be made for 4 more days. Plus, I'm don't think teams can even talk to free agents until Tuesday, so this would be tampering.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

@RicBucher: My deepest and sincere apologies. My report on Lowry and a S&T between the Raptors-Heat is wrong. I should've known better. I could not...

@RicBucher: ...be more embarrassed. I can't explain why someone would go the lengths "my source" did to set me up, but that's irrelevant. I allowed...

@RicBucher: my zeal to break a story take too much for granted. I'd like to think I'm better than that. Yesterday and today I was not.

how does he keep a job.

Just awful. The trade didnt make any sense either. Cole would have to be signing a deal worth near what Lowry was getting for it to work. All to give Toronto a couple late draft pick? Moron.

Cole is under contract. And Miami is under the cap, so it would work regardless. But a sign and trade didn't make any sense, as Miami is already under the cap and I don't think the deal could even be made for 4 more days. Plus, I'm don't think teams can even talk to free agents until Tuesday, so this would be tampering.

My mistake. Thought Cole had expired. How is Miami under the cap? LeBron should still have a big cap hold.

 

[got_nugs]

@RicBucher: My deepest and sincere apologies. My report on Lowry and a S&T between the Raptors-Heat is wrong. I should've known better. I could not...

@RicBucher: ...be more embarrassed. I can't explain why someone would go the lengths "my source" did to set me up, but that's irrelevant. I allowed...

@RicBucher: my zeal to break a story take too much for granted. I'd like to think I'm better than that. Yesterday and today I was not.

how does he keep a job.

Just awful. The trade didnt make any sense either. Cole would have to be signing a deal worth near what Lowry was getting for it to work. All to give Toronto a couple late draft pick? Moron.

Cole is under contract. And Miami is under the cap, so it would work regardless. But a sign and trade didn't make any sense, as Miami is already under the cap and I don't think the deal could even be made for 4 more days. Plus, I'm don't think teams can even talk to free agents until Tuesday, so this would be tampering.

My mistake. Thought Cole had expired. How is Miami under the cap? LeBron should still have a big cap hold.

He's made his intention to opt out, along with Wade/Bosh apparently. None of them are under contract if they opt out, right?

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Not all that relevant to anything, but here is a picture of Jursuf Nurkic's (the Nuggets pick at 16) dad that Lowe had in his article. His hand is as wide as a pint glass is tall. Pretty good article, as well, if people want to read a little about the Nuggets or 6ers.

Philly also covered in the article. I'm still digesting how Orlando could give up Philly's #1 in 2017. That and the Holiday trade are master strokes.

I may be totally wrong about this, but my understanding is it would take some freak things to happen for it to be a #1 in 2017. Likely would've reverted back to a #2 pick by then.

According to Hinkie in the press conference today, it is now a 1 with no conditions.

http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/27/5848660/sixers-magic-trade-dario-saric-elfrid-payton-draft-picks

The Magic would have gotten the pick whenever the Sixers made the playoffs.

Not anymore.

In trading the rights to Elfrid Payton to move down just two spots, the Sixers got that pick back from Orlando, essentially extinguishing the Andrew Bynum trade and the stipulations that pick had with it. Once the Sixers do not make the playoffs this season and give Boston two 2nd rounders, they will no longer owe anybody anything. They can trade any future pick they want. A totally clean slate

 

[thecatch]

@RicBucher: My deepest and sincere apologies. My report on Lowry and a S&T between the Raptors-Heat is wrong. I should've known better. I could not...

@RicBucher: ...be more embarrassed. I can't explain why someone would go the lengths "my source" did to set me up, but that's irrelevant. I allowed...

@RicBucher: my zeal to break a story take too much for granted. I'd like to think I'm better than that. Yesterday and today I was not. how does he keep a job.

Just awful. The trade didnt make any sense either. Cole would have to be signing a deal worth near what Lowry was getting for it to work. All to give Toronto a couple late draft pick? Moron.

Cole is under contract. And Miami is under the cap, so it would work regardless. But a sign and trade didn't make any sense, as Miami is already under the cap and I don't think the deal could even be made for 4 more days. Plus, I'm don't think teams can even talk to free agents until Tuesday, so this would be tampering.

My mistake. Thought Cole had expired. How is Miami under the cap? LeBron should still have a big cap hold.

He's made his intention to opt out, along with Wade/Bosh apparently. None of them are under contract if they opt out, right?

There is still a cap hold unless the Heat renounce their Bird rights.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Pelicans salary in 2015 (rounded)...

Gordon 15 mil

Evans 10.5 mil

Holliday 10 mil

Anderson 8.5 mil

Asik 8 mil - 15 total

Davis 5.5 mil

Rivers 2.5 mil

---------

Total 60 mil with another 4mil in bench fodder and no starting SF

Picking up the future first goes a long way in helping trade Lin as well. Many people have been saying correctly that something would need to ship out with Lin to get a trade done. Now maybe it doesn't have to be donuts or jones.

How about CHA and HOU agreeing to some players HOU will take with the #25, then trading that player along with the Peli pick, Jones, and Lin to CHA on Friday or Monday (whenever the Peli's are cleared to resume pillaging their future)?

You think it will take the 2014 #25, the Pelican's 2015, and Jones as incentives to move Lin? Jesus.

Just my initial offer. Certainly, it won't take that much. I'd take just the #25 and Jones. Some other team will surely take far less. Hell, I thought HOU would have to give an asset to unload Asik, so clearly my thinking isn't in line with NBA GMs.

Lin is defiantly the harder sell. And guessing someone's value almost seems impossible. I think we under-estimated how desperate some GMs are.

The Pelicans are just stupid here. Paying 15mil for one season of Asik and then they'll have a tough time resigning him next year. That team is spending a lot of money to be average.

The Pels are ridiculous.

Three straight years of lottery/Top10 picks and Jrue Holiday and Asik to show for it.

 

[got_nugs]

@RicBucher: My deepest and sincere apologies. My report on Lowry and a S&T between the Raptors-Heat is wrong. I should've known better. I could not...

@RicBucher: ...be more embarrassed. I can't explain why someone would go the lengths "my source" did to set me up, but that's irrelevant. I allowed...

@RicBucher: my zeal to break a story take too much for granted. I'd like to think I'm better than that. Yesterday and today I was not. how does he keep a job.

Just awful. The trade didnt make any sense either. Cole would have to be signing a deal worth near what Lowry was getting for it to work. All to give Toronto a couple late draft pick? Moron.

Cole is under contract. And Miami is under the cap, so it would work regardless. But a sign and trade didn't make any sense, as Miami is already under the cap and I don't think the deal could even be made for 4 more days. Plus, I'm don't think teams can even talk to free agents until Tuesday, so this would be tampering.

My mistake. Thought Cole had expired. How is Miami under the cap? LeBron should still have a big cap hold.

He's made his intention to opt out, along with Wade/Bosh apparently. None of them are under contract if they opt out, right?

There is still a cap hold unless the Heat renounce their Bird rights.

ah. I don't know much about the cap in that case.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Not all that relevant to anything, but here is a picture of Jursuf Nurkic's (the Nuggets pick at 16) dad that Lowe had in his article. His hand is as wide as a pint glass is tall. Pretty good article, as well, if people want to read a little about the Nuggets or 6ers.

how can that even be real?

Nurkic has like a 2 inch vertical and I can't see how that one-hand shot I see in all the highlights will work in the NBA, but he does look very fluid and can run and move his lower body really well for someone of that size.

 

[Abraham]

Talk about looking stupid. Even a little research or knowledge of the cap and the fact that no one can talk to free agents should have given bucher pause.

 

[Kev4029]

@RicBucher: My deepest and sincere apologies. My report on Lowry and a S&T between the Raptors-Heat is wrong. I should've known better. I could not...

@RicBucher: ...be more embarrassed. I can't explain why someone would go the lengths "my source" did to set me up, but that's irrelevant. I allowed...

@RicBucher: my zeal to break a story take too much for granted. I'd like to think I'm better than that. Yesterday and today I was not.

how does he keep a job.

Just awful. The trade didnt make any sense either. Cole would have to be signing a deal worth near what Lowry was getting for it to work. All to give Toronto a couple late draft pick? Moron.

Cole is under contract. And Miami is under the cap, so it would work regardless. But a sign and trade didn't make any sense, as Miami is already under the cap and I don't think the deal could even be made for 4 more days. Plus, I'm don't think teams can even talk to free agents until Tuesday, so this would be tampering.

My mistake. Thought Cole had expired. How is Miami under the cap? LeBron should still have a big cap hold.

If all 3 have opted out they could renounce them all. They would be using cap space not bird rights to sign everybody anyway.

 

[Kev4029]

Not all that relevant to anything, but here is a picture of Jursuf Nurkic's (the Nuggets pick at 16) dad that Lowe had in his article. His hand is as wide as a pint glass is tall. Pretty good article, as well, if people want to read a little about the Nuggets or 6ers.

how can that even be real?

Nurkic has like a 2 inch vertical and I can't see how that one-hand shot I see in all the highlights will work in the NBA, but he does look very fluid and can run and move his lower body really well for someone of that size.

I don't know about that pick at all but he is going to be a massive man in a few years. A 23 inch vertical is laughable, he can barely dunk a ball with two hands with that vert.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Assets

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Assets

I know everyone really wants to hear the continual reporting on the Sixers, but in a radio interview today, when asked if this was going to be basically a redshirt season for Embiid, Brett Brown literally said "We're gonna err on caution. We're gonna do right thing by our asset."

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Bill Simmons usually has his draft diary up by now. It must be about 100K words.

 

[Abraham]

Doubt he did one since he was on air and had that huge column Wednesday.

 

[Frostillicus]

Not only is he terrible on TV, but we miss out on one of his best columns every year.

 

[Eephus]

Not only is he terrible on TV, but we miss out on one of his best columns every year.

Television is not his medium

 

[Mister CIA]

Bosh and Wade are opting out

Bron staying in Miami just became a much better possibility.

I chuckled.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Not only is he terrible on TV, but we miss out on one of his best columns every year.

Television is not his medium

He's terribly long-winded, which is fine in print, but doesn't work on a panel where airtime needs to be shared.

 

[pollardsvision]

I like Simmons on TV. What, do you guys want a panel full of Wilbons?

Maybe TV 'isn't Sinmons' thing' but that's because traditional TV guys suck.

TV isn't really David Simon's thing either.

 

[Kev4029]

I like Simmons on TV. What, do you guys want a panel full of Wilbons?

Maybe TV 'isn't Sinmons' thing' but that's because traditional TV guys suck.

TV isn't really David Simon's thing either.

I like Simmons on TV, but he was not good last night.

 

[Daywalker]

Not all that relevant to anything, but here is a picture of Jursuf Nurkic's (the Nuggets pick at 16) dad that Lowe had in his article. His hand is as wide as a pint glass is tall. Pretty good article, as well, if people want to read a little about the Nuggets or 6ers.

Philly also covered in the article. I'm still digesting how Orlando could give up Philly's #1 in 2017. That and the Holiday trade are master strokes.

I may be totally wrong about this, but my understanding is it would take some freak things to happen for it to be a #1 in 2017. Likely would've reverted back to a #2 pick by then.

According to Hinkie in the press conference today, it is now a 1 with no conditions.

http://www.libertyballers.com/2014-nba-draft-prospects-andrew-wiggins-julius-randle/2014/6/27/5848660/sixers-magic-trade-dario-saric-elfrid-payton-draft-picks

The Magic would have gotten the pick whenever the Sixers made the playoffs.

Not anymore.

In trading the rights to Elfrid Payton to move down just two spots, the Sixers got that pick back from Orlando, essentially extinguishing the Andrew Bynum trade and the stipulations that pick had with it. Once the Sixers do not make the playoffs this season and give Boston two 2nd rounders, they will no longer owe anybody anything. They can trade any future pick they want. A totally clean slate

Insane to give up a Philly first rounder to basically move up two spots. Even more pathetic is Hinkie knew exactly who Orlando wanted. Talk about being completely owned. Plus how do you bend over like that? Philly holding Orlando up seems obvious they desperately wanted that pick back. You just don't give it away. At the very least you get it protected 1-5 or 1-8. Philly is going to take that because they are hoping to be a solid team in three years.

 

[Celph Titled]

I like Simmons on TV. What, do you guys want a panel full of Wilbons?

Maybe TV 'isn't Sinmons' thing' but that's because traditional TV guys suck.

TV isn't really David Simon's thing either.

I like Simmons on TV, but he was not good last night.

I don't think he's necessarily bad on the NBA, but he doesn't have much knowledge of the college game.

Warriors and Sixers sharing Aaron Craft in summer league! Gritty!

 

[Celph Titled]

Catching up here, but apparently the Isaiah Austin idea was completely Silver's. Pretty cool dude.

 

[Daywalker]

I love Simmons. Jalen is kind of fun to play off of too. Jalen has some stories and takes bizarre angles.

That said, the WTF segment was them saying how Wade will opt out and take less money then Lebron. At worst Lebron/Wade/Bosh all take the same. Wade not going to opt out and throw a few million to Lebron. Lebron makes around 70mill a year as is.

 

[Daywalker]

Hypothetically:

If the Lakers became a salary dump for Chicago and took Boozer, Dunleavy and Mirotic how much could they pay Pau?

I know Chicago covets Mirotic. But if Pau got in his ear and all of the sudden Mirotic wants to resign with Real Madrid unless he goes to Lakers?

Lakers take on Boozer and Dunleavy with Kobe and Nash putting them at 54mill. Projected cap at 63mill. Can Lakers go over the cap and pay Pau say 1/15?

I just think Chicago clearing cap space won't be as easy this year as it was for Golden State. Jimmy Butler and Chicago #1's not that enticing. Chicago could move Gibson but would they want to with Mcdermott and potentially Carmelo coming aboard.

I just have a feeling Reinsdorf would rather pocket the 17mill and not amnesty Boozer then hold onto Mirotic when he would already have a stacked roster.

 

[Daywalker]

So was Bucher's report even possible under the CBA?

 

[Juxtatarot]

Hypothetically:

If the Lakers became a salary dump for Chicago and took Boozer, Dunleavy and Mirotic how much could they pay Pau?

I know Chicago covets Mirotic. But if Pau got in his ear and all of the sudden Mirotic wants to resign with Real Madrid unless he goes to Lakers?

Lakers take on Boozer and Dunleavy with Kobe and Nash putting them at 54mill. Projected cap at 63mill. Can Lakers go over the cap and pay Pau say 1/15?

I just think Chicago clearing cap space won't be as easy this year as it was for Golden State. Jimmy Butler and Chicago #1's not that enticing. Chicago could move Gibson but would they want to with Mcdermott and potentially Carmelo coming aboard.

I just have a feeling Reinsdorf would rather pocket the 17mill and not amnesty Boozer then hold onto Mirotic when he would already have a stacked roster.

No, Gasol has a cap hold of $20 million so to do the trade you suggest, they would have to renounce Gasol. That means if they re-signed him afterwards, they couldn't go over the cap doing that.

By the way, the Bulls aren't as cheap as this perception is. They have been quite clear that will use the amnesty if it makes basketball sense to do so. Paxson even said this on the radio again yesterday. They aren't trading Mirotic just to salary dump Boozer's contract. The idea of trading him is a strategy so they can offer Melo a little more money without dumping other players (namely Taj Gibson) and to allow them to keep the mid-level exception. It is possible that Mirotic could be included in such a transaction but there is debate about that among Bulls fans. (I'd allow it.)

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So was Bucher's report even possible under the CBA?

As it stands, no. Cole is only making $2.1M and Miami is currently over the cap so the salaries would have to match within 125% + $100K. If Lowry was going to sign for only $3M or so, it would work. If the Heat renounced the rights to LeBron, yes it could work as that would put Miami under the cap and the salaries wouldn't matter.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Huge credit to Nick Young for posting this. Little kid takes him to school.

 

[Abraham]

It's bizarre that no one is talking about pau as a key free agent. Well, except the Knicks which is telling since Phil knows him so well. Dude was 17/10 on that awful team with a coach that hated him.

 

[pollardsvision]

I like Simmons on TV. What, do you guys want a panel full of Wilbons?

Maybe TV 'isn't Sinmons' thing' but that's because traditional TV guys suck.

TV isn't really David Simon's thing either.

I like Simmons on TV, but he was not good last night.

He was certainly talking too much and cutting Bilas off. I thought Bilas was going to choke him a couple of times.

He's got some learning to do, but Countdown him, Jalen, Burke, and Collins is really wonderful. In the meantime, I think Inside the NBA has become almost unwatchable.

 

[pollardsvision]

It's bizarre that no one is talking about pau as a key free agent. Well, except the Knicks which is telling since Phil knows him so well. Dude was 17/10 on that awful team with a coach that hated him.

I assume nobody talks about him because nobody thinks he'd actually leave. Like he's Kobe's battered wife that won't get out.

If he would be open to it, I'd take him in CHA over all these wing options that either won't happen or would take some crazy overpaying.

I'd love for CHA to nab both Gasol and Young from LA.

 

[Premier]

I like Simmons on TV. What, do you guys want a panel full of Wilbons?

Maybe TV 'isn't Sinmons' thing' but that's because traditional TV guys suck.

TV isn't really David Simon's thing either.

I like Simmons on TV, but he was not good last night.

He's got some learning to do, but Countdown him, Jalen, Burke, and Collins is really wonderful. In the meantime, I think Inside the NBA has become almost unwatchable.

Wow. I have never seen a more wrong paragraph here, and I read all of LHUCKS college football posts.

 

[mlbnfl]

I like Simmons on TV. What, do you guys want a panel full of Wilbons?

Maybe TV 'isn't Sinmons' thing' but that's because traditional TV guys suck.

TV isn't really David Simon's thing either.

I like Simmons on TV, but he was not good last night.

He's got some learning to do, but Countdown him, Jalen, Burke, and Collins is really wonderful. In the meantime, I think Inside the NBA has become almost unwatchable.

Wow. I have never seen a more wrong paragraph here, and I read all of LHUCKS college football posts.

I don't mind Simmons like some do, I even someone enjoy some of his antics as, while unprofessional and biased, they at least add something to what might be an otherwise uneventful telecast. That said, how can you not love Inside the NBA. Granted Shaq kinda sucks, but I love me some Chuck.

 

[pollardsvision]

I like Simmons on TV. What, do you guys want a panel full of Wilbons?

Maybe TV 'isn't Sinmons' thing' but that's because traditional TV guys suck.

TV isn't really David Simon's thing either.

I like Simmons on TV, but he was not good last night.

He's got some learning to do, but Countdown him, Jalen, Burke, and Collins is really wonderful. In the meantime, I think Inside the NBA has become almost unwatchable.

Wow. I have never seen a more wrong paragraph here, and I read all of LHUCKS college football posts.

If you can catch Barkley on a day where actually seems to give a #### about being there, he's becoming a caricature.

Shaq is as bad as expected. Kenny can't save it, and he's too busy running a half a mile to the big screen anyway. Ernie's great, but he can't save that mess.

When the stupid pics are the highlight of the show, it's time to pack it in.

Countdown with Bill, Jalen, Collins and anybody else (though I really like Burke) is just an interesting conversation with some people that really love watching basketball.

Bill says some really dumb things and maybe TV isn't the forum to wax poetical about his theories, but he gives a #### and doesn't just say the same tired stuff every other studio show does. He says stupid things because he thinks about this league too much. Jalen and Collins balance him perfectly.

Barkley, on the other hand, is ItN's "off the wall say stupid things guy", but the stupid things he says come from a place of really just being tired of being there and not giving a ####. It used to be funny. Now that it's not, it's just boring.

 

[thecatch]

I'd rather listen to Barkley ramble than any of the other analysts on either show talk about anything.

 

[pollardsvision]

I'd rather listen to Barkley ramble than any of the other analysts on either show talk about anything.

I felt the same way 5 years ago. Now, I always get the sense he doesn't really care about being there, but they pay him too much money to walk away.

Or as Jalen and Bill would say, Barkley's in "Keep Gettin' Dem Checks" Mode.

 

[thecatch]

I'd rather listen to Barkley ramble than any of the other analysts on either show talk about anything.

I felt the same way 5 years ago. Now, I always get the sense he doesn't really care about being there, but they pay him too much money to walk away.Or as Jalen and Bill would say, Barkley's in "Keep Gettin' Dem Checks" Mode.

I don't think Chuck has ever really given a ####. When Simmons wrote about visiting the set like 10 years ago he talked about how Barkley didn't even watch the games.

 

[got_nugs]

Haslem opted out.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Haslem opted out.

It will be interesting to see what he re-signs for. Probably a good sign for the Heat though.

 

[No. 16]

I'm think we're just blessed with 2 great basketball shows that are very different.

Chuck and crew is like watching with a group of friends.

Bill and Jalen actually have insightful analysis.

Happy to have both and the best part is they finally rid us of Magic.

Also, if you're not listening to the Jalen Rose's podcast on Grantland channel you're missing out. Love Jalen and Jacoby....such a great duo.

 

[tommyGunZ]

It's bizarre that no one is talking about pau as a key free agent. Well, except the Knicks which is telling since Phil knows him so well. Dude was 17/10 on that awful team with a coach that hated him.

I assume nobody talks about him because nobody thinks he'd actually leave. Like he's Kobe's battered wife that won't get out.If he would be open to it, I'd take him in CHA over all these wing options that either won't happen or would take some crazy overpaying.I'd love for CHA to nab both Gasol and Young from LA.

Pau's problem is that he's one of the slowest good players in a league that is speeding up.

 

[got_nugs]

Haslem opted out.

It will be interesting to see what he re-signs for. Probably a good sign for the Heat though.

He has same agent as wade, bosh. I don't see a scenario where this would be bad for Miami. Of course I'm sporting heat contact lenses fwiw.

From 07/08/2010:

@RicBucher: FWIW: disparate opinions among gms, agents, league HQ officials today about where LeBron is going, but consensus on 1 thing: it's not Mia.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Haslem opted out.

It will be interesting to see what he re-signs for. Probably a good sign for the Heat though.

He has same agent as wade, bosh. I don't see a scenario where this would be bad for Miami. Of course I'm sporting heat contact lenses fwiw.From 07/08/2010:

@RicBucher: FWIW: disparate opinions among gms, agents, league HQ officials today about where LeBron is going, but consensus on 1 thing: it's not Mia.

I'm still not sure what this master plan is.

Let's say Wade and Bosh join LeBron and Haslem and all opt out. Let's also say Haslem re-signs for 3 million and the Heat renounce all their other free agents. Cole is on the books for 2 and Napier about 1. Cap hold for 5 empty roster spots is about 2.5. Cap is 63.2 so that leaves 54.7 for the big 3 and a free agent. What's the lowest the big 3 might take? 15 million each? If so, that leaves 9.7 for a free agent and then they are forced to sign minimum guys for a bench. Who are they targeting for 9.7 and does this give them much better of a team than last year?

Edit: I missed Birdman (and I'm not sure what's happening with him) but he doesn't make much so the figures are about the same.