Nene signs for 60 million! WTF!!

[GonzoLays]

:kiddingme

He averaged like 9 pts a game and can't rebound.

:kiddingme

[watermock]

I would rather give 60 out of the gate to Cutler.

[Northman]

who?

[GonzoLays]

who?

exactly!

[GonzoLays]

And no lie, these were his statistics last season:

0 pts per game, 0 rebounds, and 2 Turnovers per contest!!

And he is coming off major knee surgery. The guy stop developing his rookie season. He actually had worse stats in his third season compared to his rookie year. WOW!

Worst contract in NBA history?

[Traveler]

And no lie, these were his statistics last season:

0 pts per game, 0 rebounds, and 2 Turnovers per contest!!

And he is coming off major knee surgery. The guy stop developing his rookie season. He actually had worse stats in his third season compared to his rookie year. WOW!

Worst contract in NBA history?

Tell us how you really feel Gonzo!:wiggle:

[GonzoLays]

who?

I think this reaction sums it perfectly.

That is too hilarious.

And Anubis actually follows NBA basketball. :rofl:

[MechanicalBull]

Worst contract in NBA history?

Scott Layden and Allan Houston might have something to say about that but yeah that is a lot of dough for someone like him.

[GonzoLays]

Scott Layden and Allan Houston might have something to say about that but yeah that is a lot of dough for someone like him.

Hey, atleast Allan Houston was dropping 20-25 a night when he signed that contract. Nene career high is 11 points per game and 6.5 rebounds a game. AND HE IS COMING OFF MAJOR KNEE SURGERY!!!

I don't get it!

[GonzoLays]

Hey, Lil' Jon, Nene signed for 60 million.

http://www.exclaim.ca/images/up-pov_lil_jon.jpg

WHAT!!??!!

[bronco militia]

Hey, Lil' Jon, Nene signed for 60 million.

http://www.exclaim.ca/images/up-pov_lil_jon.jpg

WHAT!!??!!


bwhahaha!

[orange 4 life]

you have to dig deeper here.

the guy has a phenominal upside, is only 22/23 years old, and we're talking about a team with NO ONE inside to bang bodies.
nene if healthy can do just that.

also, assuming kmart is on the way out makes keeping hilario in town even MORE important.
there's more than meets the eye here!!

[GonzoLays]

you have to dig deeper here.

the guy has a phenominal upside, is only 22/23 years old, and we're talking about a team with NO ONE inside to bang bodies.
nene if healthy can do just that.

also, assuming kmart is on the way out makes keeping hilario in town even MORE important.
there's more than meets the eye here!!

You're stretching here, Jake. You're stretching.

http://espn.go.com/media/pg2/2005/0615/photo/050615hubie_195.jpg

If Hubie Brown had to comment on this signing this what he would say:

"He has no back to the basket game, alright. He can't knock down the 15 foot jumper, alright. He's not going to get you 15 rebounds in a game. BUT! What he does bring is size. He's a mobile big man. He's tough, okay. He's got great length which might trouble some guys, alright. You're Nene, you signed the contract, time to stop cha chaing in Brazil and WORK ON YOUR GAME BIG FELLA, alright!!! hahahahah"

I believe that was a direct quote as well.

[RhymesayersDU]

Yeah, why give a contract to Nene when you could sign Leon Powe?!

[broncofan]

Why not give that money to Ben Wallace and actually make a push in the playoffs this year? Oh well, too late I guess. It could be worse, you could be a Sixers fan like me.

[GonzoLays]

Yeah, why give a contract to Nene when you could sign Leon Powe?!

Here's the thing. Leon Powe might have more upside than Nene. They both have knee injuries, so they both got that going for them. But Powe has actually PRODUCED on some level. Nene is all hype.

Leon Powe 412,000 contract
Nene 60,000,000 contract

Who would you rather have?

[RhymesayersDU]

Nene, easy. Powe will be nothing more than a 12th guy on the bench.

[SoCalBronco]

Nene, easy. Powe will be nothing more than a 12th guy on the bench.

Wrong.

Powe will be the second best second round pick ever, behind only Ryan Gomes (and as you noted before, it is a close second). :wiggle:

Isn't that right, Gonzo?

[ludo21]

Nene is still learning. He will be a pretty good player for the Nuggs.

And Ben, will he leave Detroit? Will Dumars let him?

[GonzoLays]

Wrong.

Powe will be the second best second round pick ever, behind only Ryan Gomes (and as you noted before, it is a close second). :wiggle:

Isn't that right, Gonzo?

REP!!!!11!!!

[RhymesayersDU]

That seems like a lot until you look at what other bigs have signed for recently. His deal actually looks pretty standard.

Tyson Chandler: 6 years, $75 million
Adonal Foyle (believe it or not): 5 years, $41.6 million
Samuel Dalembert: 6 years, $58 million

People can say the Nuggets overpaid if they want, but it sure looks like they paid market value to me.

Quoted (From Another Thread) For Truth.

[Killericon]

His name comes with huge Fan Favourite appeal.....I'm sure that played more than a little into it.

But you're right....this is a retarded deal, in every way, shape, and form.

[watermock]

If they can stomach the two contracts so be it. I certainly don't see how they have improved.

BTW Frito Lays, your going to be surprised what Cutler signs for.

[GonzoLays]

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange
That seems like a lot until you look at what other bigs have signed for recently. His deal actually looks pretty standard.

Tyson Chandler: 6 years, $75 million
Adonal Foyle (believe it or not): 5 years, $41.6 million
Samuel Dalembert: 6 years, $58 million

People can say the Nuggets overpaid if they want, but it sure looks like they paid market value to me.

All this proves is you guys bought a lemon.

When you sign a guy and immediately post four of the worst contracts in NBA history to validate the signing let's just say you got problems.

[RhymesayersDU]

All this proves is you guys bought a lemon.

When you sign a guy and immediately post four of the worst contracts in NBA history to validate the signing let's just say you got problems.
What it proves is that big men get big contracts.

You can't teach size, as the saying goes. Somebody was going to pay him, and we wanted to keep him.

[NOLA Bronco]

What it proves is that big men get big contracts.

You can't teach size, as the saying goes. Somebody was going to pay him, and we wanted to keep him.


Exactly. Its the market that drives the price. He is young and talented. Over the course of the next few years, he should make a leap to the next level. The Nuggets didn't have much of a choice. They weren't going to get Ben Wallace, and there aren't many out there with Nene's abilities available to bring it at a cheaper rate.

[GonzoLays]

What it proves is that big men get big contracts.

You can't teach size, as the saying goes. Somebody was going to pay him, and we wanted to keep him.

What it proves is that there is a sucker born every minute in front office GMs. How about letting Nene play out the season and then make him a qualifying offer and match whatever he got on the open market? Do you think some team was going to give a street free agent of the ilk and ability of Nene 60 mill? I don't think so.

[GonzoLays]

They weren't going to get Ben Wallace, and there aren't many out there with Nene's abilities available to bring it at a cheaper rate.

Nene's abilities? What abilities? What does he bring to the table besides being big?

[DrFate]

:kiddingme

He averaged like 9 pts a game and can't rebound.

:kiddingme

The entire league is screwed up. You have teams trading players who can't physically play (just to dump the contract), teams selling draft picks for cash, giving tens of millions of dollars to guys who don't even know the rules.

The game is borderline unwatchable (although the recent playoffs were slightly better). Give me the game they played in the 80's and early 90's.

[RhymesayersDU]

Gonzo, you're reaching llama levels of retardation here. Nene is widely regarded one of the top-5 free agents this summer, (http://72.22.74.110/BB/showthread.php?t=43621) and the Nuggets didn't want to get into a situation where they'd have to match an even worse contract.

Look, I realize Nene is no Ryan Gomes, but he's a big man who more than a couple teams were interested in.

[DrFate]

Yeah, but Nene is no Mehmet Okur.

ROFL!

[big56fan#1]

wasnt Leon Powe traded to Boston? but still too much $$ for Nene

[GonzoLays]

Gonzo, you're reaching llama levels of retardation here. Nene is widely regarded one of the top-5 free agents this summer, (http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=43621) and the Nuggets didn't want to get into a situation where they'd have to match an even worse contract.

Look, I realize Nene is no Ryan Gomes, but he's a big man who more than a couple teams were interested in.

Ahh, I'm just ribbing you Nuggs fans. I know how you guys feel. You don't know if you should endorse the signing or shoot Karl in the ass for such a lopsided deal.

Who knows how good Nene can be? All we know is that he and Eddy Curry are eerily similar in game and stats. We know for a fact that he will never be a good rebounder or shot blocker. It's just not in him. Will he develop a low post game? Most likely. A Brad Milleresque career average of 15 pts and 7 boards seems just about right for him.

Will Nene ever live up to the deal? Probably not. But you can say that about half the league.

Unti then, hey, Lil Jon, did you here about Nene getting 60 mill from the Nuggs?

http://www.exclaim.ca/images/up-pov_lil_jon.jpg

WHAT!!??!!

[GonzoLays]

I realize Nene is no Ryan Gomes.

QFT!1!

[RhymesayersDU]

I'm not conflicted on the deal at all. I'm going to go ahead and assume K-Mart is being dealt, and therefore we needed a big body in there. We held onto an asset that other teams wanted to take away from us.

Now, if they can't reach a deal for K-Mart, that's a lot of money tied up for 2 PF's... I mean you could play them at the same time at the 4 and 5 spots, but still, that would be cause for concern.

[Orange_Beard]

Damm, he has missed the last 2 years and he gets this kind of money?

[GonzoLays]

I'm not conflicted on the deal at all. I'm going to go ahead and assume K-Mart is being dealt, and therefore we needed a big body in there. We held onto an asset that other teams wanted to take away from us.

Now, if they can't reach a deal for K-Mart, that's a lot of money tied up for 2 PF's... I mean you could play them at the same time at the 4 and 5 spots, but still, that would be cause for concern.

That's the thing, now you have to sell K-Mart for pennies on the dollar because everybody knows you have to get rid of him. Karl already stated that team does not want to pay four frountcourt players 10 mill each which, after this signing, the team is doing. Bad play on Karl's part. He should have stated from the beginning that he wants K-Mart on this team for life because of the "toughness and intangibles" he brings to keep his value up.

Right now, the most you can get for him probably Maurice Taylor and Jamal Crawford from the Knicks.

[NOLA Bronco]

I'm not conflicted on the deal at all. I'm going to go ahead and assume K-Mart is being dealt, and therefore we needed a big body in there. We held onto an asset that other teams wanted to take away from us.

Now, if they can't reach a deal for K-Mart, that's a lot of money tied up for 2 PF's... I mean you could play them at the same time at the 4 and 5 spots, but still, that would be cause for concern.

Nene is also valuable because he can guard the bigger body and prevent the Camby man from taking so much punishment.

The Nene-Camby combo is better than 90% of the league. A maturing Melo and a shooting guard who can shoot will help the production of young Nene as well.

[NOLA Bronco]

Right now, the most you can get for him probably Maurice Taylor and Jamal Crawford from the Knicks.


Sold! Kmart in NY will make for an even better soap opera next year....

[RhymesayersDU]

That's the thing, now you have to sell K-Mart for pennies on the dollar because everybody knows you have to get rid of him. Karl already stated that team does not want to pay four frountcourt players 10 mill each which, after this signing, the team is doing. Bad play on Karl's part. He should have stated from the beginning that he wants K-Mart on this team for life because of the "toughness and intangibles" he brings to keep his value up.

Right now, the most you can get for him probably Maurice Taylor and Jamal Crawford from the Knicks.
I agree and disagree. I think you're right that we have to sell K-Mart for pennies, but at the same time, it's not because of the Nene signing. Since the playoffs everybody has known that K-Mart doesn't get along with Karl, that he has bad knees, and a huge contract.

We've been trying like mad to unload him for months now, and even with the Nene signing nothing has changed. We were never going to get full value for him in the first place, IMO. The whole league knew his situation, and we're going to have to beg to get rid of him.

And I wouldn't mind Crawford, he can score.

[Clockwork Orange]

The Celtics just traded the 7th pick in the draft for a guy who'll be on the And 1 Mix Tape Tour in a few years and Gonzo's criticizing someone elses moves. Hilarious!

It's called market value. Did you see the kind of deals that Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry & Samuel Dalembert signed last year? Hell, wait until you see the kind of $$ that Joel Przybilla & Chris Wilcox sign for this offseason.

Try harder next time, Gonzo. This was a pretty weak effort on your part.

[Man-Goblin]

Now, if they can't reach a deal for K-Mart, that's a lot of money tied up for 2 PF's... I mean you could play them at the same time at the 4 and 5 spots, but still, that would be cause for concern.

Well, the money is not really a concern to you or me, because if Stanley Kroenke wants to pay a luxury tax he'll pay a luxury tax. I honestly believe he'd do so if he thought they had a chance at winning it all. Hell, he did it with the Avs to the tune of $80-90 mil when he doesnt even like hockey. Plus, it's not like the dude is hurting for money.

But you're right, Martin being on the roster just doesn't make sense. In fact, it hasn't made sense from the beginning.

Signing Martin was not only unnecessary (and yes they have paid dearly with his hefty contract), but they exponentially stunted Nene's development. Him getting hurt last year was just the icing on the cake, but his minutes were already suffering. He was pissed off, and rightly so. This bullcrap Karl keeps spinning about there being 2000 minutes for all of them is ridiculous.

Yeah, Gonzo, everyone knows the Nuggets are actively trying to move Martin. But it's time to cut bait and anything they can get for him, especially if they can land a major contributor, is gravy at this point. And, in turn, signing Nene makes sense because he will be a starter on this team for at least the next 6 years. I just hope his knee is OK.

[BroncoBuff]

The "free market" is the free market, Gonzo, and had he jumped out there, by all accounts there may well have been a bidding war. IMO, we shouldda contacted one of the potential bidders and pulled off a sign and trade for a 2 guard ...

But Nene's still young, he's physically intimidating and he shows some potential as a post-up player - something Kenyon cannot do. I'm curious whether they re-sign Evans while we're loaded with power forwards. We need some outside shooting.

[Jens1893]

Wasn´t Nene thrown around as trade bait this time last season? And now he´s getting a 60m contract? Is the K-Mart situation the reason for this?

[Man-Goblin]

The "free market" is the free market, Gonzo, and had he jumped out there, by all accounts there may well have been a bidding war. IMO, we shouldda contacted one of the potential bidders and pulled off a sign and trade for a 2 guard ...

But Nene's still young, he's physically intimidating and he shows some potential as a post-up player - something Kenyon cannot do. I'm curious whether they re-sign Evans while we're loaded with power forwards. We need some outside shooting.

Evans would be a solid back up to go in and get some boards when Nene is resting or in foul trouble. He'd be a good resigning, and it looks like the Nuggets are going to do it. Hopefully, he will stay away from the family jewels.

The backup position that worries me is center. Who is going to spell Camby if they let Elson walk? I would absolutely LOVE to see them sign Nazr from the Spurs, but he'll probably command too much. That guy is a 10 and 10 player if he starts on the right team.

[Clockwork Orange]

Like everybody doesn't already know that the Nuggets have to move Kenyon? Right.

Yeah, all he did this year was feud with teammates, coaches, fans & media, never practice, and play maybe once a week until finally erupting because George Karl wouldn't start him in the postseason. But yeah, I'm sure it's Nene's contract that's going to hurt his trade value.::)

[GonzoLays]

The "free market" is the free market, Gonzo, and had he jumped out there, by all accounts there may well have been a bidding war. IMO, we shouldda contacted one of the potential bidders and pulled off a sign and trade for a 2 guard ...

But Nene's still young, he's physically intimidating and he shows some potential as a post-up player - something Kenyon cannot do. I'm curious whether they re-sign Evans while we're loaded with power forwards. We need some outside shooting.

See, that's thing, all those horrendous contracts signed by the likes of Tyson Chandler, Adonyl Foyle and Sam Dalembert were by the home teams who basically bid against themselves when they signed the guys after the fourth season. Had they let those guys test the market, there is no way a team was going to pay Chandler 10 mill a year because only a handful of teams are under the cap. Had Nene tested the market next year, the only teams under the cap would have been Charlotte, Atlanta, and Portland. Then you would have to assume that one of those teams would want his services. It would have behooved the team to let him see if Atlanta (which already has Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams in the middle), Charlotte (Emeka Okafer 1st overall pick), or Portland (LaMarcus Aldridge and Zach Randolph) would even want this guy. And of top of that those teams are probably in the worst shape financially and are under the cap for a reason! Now, whats left for Nene? The mid-level extension which is 5 million a year? Denver was in the power position and completely blew it.

Clowork Orange mentioned Joel Pryzabella as an example of a big man who is about to get paid. Watch his situation closely because he probably won't get more then the mid-level extension. When there are only three or four buyers in the market the player is at an disadvantage.

[RhymesayersDU]

Denver was NOT in the power position with Nene. It was way smarter to lock him up rather than have to match something outrageous. The Nuggets kept him on their own terms, not somebody else's.

You may not think he's very good, but a lot of teams were high on him.

[Clockwork Orange]

Watch and see how much $$ the Bulls throw at Przybilla after Ben Wallace re-ups with Detroit.

[orange 4 life]

Nene's abilities? What abilities? What does he bring to the table besides being big?

being big was what we lacked most last season.

he's a physical presence, he makes you think twice about driving the basket (especially coupled with camby), and he can knock people around under the basket.
even if he's not GETTING a bunch of rebounds, you better believe he'll move people out of the way to open the door for camby, melo (it would be nice to get more boards out of him), and everyone else.

bottom line is we paid what the market dictated, and considering our lack of size there werent alot of options.
just my .02

[-Slap-]

Watch and see how much $$ the Bulls throw at Przybilla after Ben Wallace re-ups with Detroit.
I heard Przybilla will be going to Detroit to replace Wallace.

[Clockwork Orange]

I heard Przybilla will be going to Detroit to replace Wallace.

The Pistons are offering 4 years, $48 million. The Bulls are offering 4 years, $52 million. I can't see Wallace leaving Detroit for an extra $1 million per season. I think the Bulls will have to up their offer quite a bit to get him to move.

[-Slap-]

The Pistons are offering 4 years, $48 million. The Bulls are offering 4 years, $52 million. I can't see Wallace leaving Detroit for an extra $1 million per season. I think the Bulls will have to up their offer quite a bit to get him to move.
I heard Ben and his agent are miffed he didn't get a max offer.

[Clockwork Orange]

I heard Ben and his agent are miffed he didn't get a max offer.

I didn't hear about that, definitely puts a different spin on things. That plus his dissatisfaction with Flip Saunders could make him want out. I guess that's entirely possible. You could be right then, Detroit could be Przybilla's destination.

On a side note, when does Dumars' free pass for drafting Darko Milicic over Anthony, Bosh & Wade expire? I know they won a championship and thus he avoided criticism at the time, but when does he start getting his feet held to the flame for coming up empty with the 2nd overall pick in one of the best drafts in NBA history?

Just curious.

[NOLA Bronco]

I didn't hear about that, definitely puts a different spin on things. That plus his dissatisfaction with Flip Saunders could make him want out. I guess that's entirely possible. You could be right then, Detroit could be Przybilla's destination.

On a side note, when does Dumars' free pass for drafting Darko Milicic over Anthony, Bosh & Wade expire? I know they won a championship and thus he avoided criticism at the time, but when does he start getting his feet held to the flame for coming up empty with the 2nd overall pick in one of the best drafts in NBA history?

Just curious.

I hate to say it, but anyone drafting second was going to go after Darko. Well, maybe the Nuggs wouldn't have because of the Skita failure, but most other teams would have.

I still can't believe they got Melo.

[RhymesayersDU]

NBA Rumor Central: Pistons Offer Irks Wallace

Monday, July 3
Ben Wallace
Pistons

Pistons Offer Irks Wallace
Jul 3 - The Detroit Free Press reports the Pistons have offered a four-year deal worth approximately $48 million to free agent Ben Walllace, while the Chicago Bulls have started bidding at closer to $52 million for four seasons.

According to The Detroit News, negotiations between Wallace and the Pistons have gotten off to a rough start.

"It was disappointing," he told the newspaper. "It was not at all what I expected."

Derek Fisher
Warriors

Jazz?

Jazz Eye Fisher
Jul 3 - The Deseret Morning News reports if the Utah Jazz can't find shooting help via free-agency, they may have an alternate route to fill their glaring need. According to the newspaper it's believed Utah has spoken with Golden State about trading for veteran guard Derek Fisher, and a proposal may be on the table.

Al Harrington
Hawks

Pacers?
Knicks?

Harrington Coming Home?
Jul 3 - The Indianapolis Star reports Atlanta Hawks free agent Al Harrington, who played the first six seasons of his NBA career with Indiana, is one of their primary targets.

The feeling is mutual. "I know there has been some interest there in Indiana," Harrington told the newspaper on Saturday night. "I've always considered Indiana home. To come back, it would be like I never left."

Sam Cassell
Clippers

Cassell Stays A Clipper
Jul 3 - The Los Angeles Daily News reports Sam Cassell agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract Sunday with the Los Angeles Clippers that will allow him to follow through with his plan to play two more NBA seasons, then start a coaching career.

According to the Orange County Register, Cassell turned down a firm two-year, $15 million offer from the Atlanta Hawks.

"I gave it a lot of thought and there were times during (Saturday) night when it went back and forth," Cassell told the Orange County Register. "I decided to sleep on it and come up with a decision (this) morning."

Joel Przybilla
Trail Blazers

Bulls?
Kings?
Spurs?

Spurs In The Hunt For Pryzbilla
Jul 3 - Joel Przybilla's agent, Bill Duffy, told the San Antonio Express-News Saturday that the Spurs are among the teams the free-agent center is considering.

"He's wide open," Duffy said. "Nothing has been looked at too closely yet, but he certainly has a lot of respect for the Spurs."

On Saturday Pryzbilla told The Oregonian that he is "torn" on what he will do.

"It's a tough decision, and already it has been very stressful," Przybilla said. "I don't know if I'm excited or scared."

The newspaper reports his decision comes down to money and the opportunity to play for a better team than the Blazers.

Tyson Chandler
Bulls

Bulls Shopping Chandler?
Jul 3 - The Detroit News reports the Bulls have been shopping Tyson Chandler around the league in hopes of getting a more offensive-minded big man like Golden State's Troy Murphy or Utah's Carlos Boozer, and had their free-agent sights on a less-expensive center such as Joel Przybilla or Nazr Mohammed.

Mike James
Raptors

Hawks?
Mavericks?
Rockets?
Knicks?

Interest In James Heats Up
Jul 3 - The Dallas Morning News reports plenty of competition has cropped up in the Mavericks pursuit of Toronto free agent Mike James. According to the newspaper, the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets are also pursuing the guard.

Bonzi Wells
Kings

Hot For Bonzi
Jul 3 - The Sacramento Bee reports two days into negotiations, the Kings have plenty of competition for Bonzi Wells. His agent, William Phillips, told the newspaper he already has received six offers, including one made by the Kings on Saturday that is believed to be for more than the $5 million midlevel exception. According to the newspaper, Phillips has made a counteroffer and is waiting to hear back from Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie.

The Detroit Free Press reports Wells is high on the Pistons' summer shopping list.

The Rocky Mountain News reports the Nuggets are courting Wells, but Phillips said the Nuggets likely would need to do a sign-and-trade for him.

Eric Piatkowski
Bulls

Suns Ink Piatkowski
Jul 3 - The Arizona Republic reports that Chicago free agent Eric Piatkowski agreed Sunday to a two-year, $2.4 million deal with Phoenix.

DJ Mbenga
Mavericks

Mbenga Re-Signs With Mavs
Jul 3 - The Dallas Morning News reports the Mavericks come to terms with backup center D.J. Mbenga on a multiyear contract Sunday.

J.R. Smith
Hornets

Spurs?

Hornets Ready To Deal J.R.?
Jul 3 - According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune it appears more than likely that J.R. Smith will be traded. His father, Earl, told the newspaper Sunday that Smith will not participate on the Hornets' summer league team in Las Vegas because he believes a trade is possibly in the works.

"If a trade happens, it happens," Earl Smith said. "It doesn't matter to us really, but he's not playing in summer league. Why play if he's going to be traded?"

Clifford Robinson
Nets

Robinson Remains A Net
Jul 3 - The Bergen Record reports the Nets reached a tentative agreement on a new two-year deal with Cliff Robinson on Saturday. According to the newspaper the second year is the Nets option.

Cleveland

Cavs Contact Free Agents
Jul 3 - The Willoughby News-Herald reports Cavaliers spoke to the agents for Portland center Joel Przybilla, Memphis forward/center Lorenzen Wright and Mark Bartelstein about Los Angeles Lakers swingman Devean George.

Rasual Butler
Hornets

Nets Target Butler
Jul 3 - The Newark Star-Ledger reports the Nets are targeting the Hornets Rasual Butler to help improve the teams shooting.

Lindsey Hunter
Pistons

Suns Offer Contract To Hunter?
Jul 3 - The Detroit News reports the Phoenix Suns have met with Lindsey Hunter and apparently offered him their bi-annual exception, which would pay him $3 million over the next two seasons. However according to the newspaper Hunter has said he wants to finish his career with the Pistons.

[Clockwork Orange]

I hate to say it, but anyone drafting second was going to go after Darko. Well, maybe the Nuggs wouldn't have because of the Skita failure, but most other teams would have.

I still can't believe they got Melo.

Not true. Memphis originally held the 2nd overall pick and were forced to send it to Detroit to complete the Otis Thorpe trade of several years ago. Memphis GM Jerry West was absolutely in love with Carmelo Anthony and openly questioned the sanity of the Pistons braintrust for even thinking about taking Milicic ahead of him. If Memphis keeps that pick, Carmelo is a Grizzly right now.

The sick thing is, Kiki would have taken Darko over Carmelo. He got saved from himself by the Nuggets falling the 3rd in the draft and by Detroit grabbing Darko ahead of them.

[Clockwork Orange]

Damn, looks like you were right, Slap. ESPN.com has it on their front page that Wallace has informed the Pistons that he will sign with the Bulls.

[Clockwork Orange]

Chicago is gonna have some decisions to make soon. They're committing $12 million per season to Wallace, plus they're going to have to extend the contracts of Gordon, Hinrich, Nocioni & Deng (all of whom are still on their rookie contracts) within the next year or two.

They're gonna be pretty damn good this year though.

EDIT: I'm officially mockjacking this thread by putting up three consecutive posts. STFU. ;D

[Man-Goblin]

Damn, looks like you were right, Slap. ESPN.com has it on their front page that Wallace has informed the Pistons that he will sign with the Bulls.

Wow. Honestly, though, I believe the Pistons will be fine. Go get a Muhammed for like half the price...they'll still be a top 3 team in the east.

[watermock]

Watch and see how much $$ the Bulls throw at Przybilla after Ben Wallace re-ups with Detroit.

Wallace signed with Chicago for no more than Denver gave Nene.

[Archie]

Why are you guys talking about basketball... (I'm probably not coming back to this thread so no need to comment unless you need to defend yourself). I really hate the NBA. Tried to get excited last season and tried to watch game 6 of the finals... Just does not turn the crank...

[Spider]

60 mill ? thats alot of 99 cent tacos if you ask me .......

[Nuggets4]

Why are you guys talking about basketball... (I'm probably not coming back to this thread so no need to comment unless you need to defend yourself). I really hate the NBA. Tried to get excited last season and tried to watch game 6 of the finals... Just does not turn the crank...

Why are you wandering into a thread that talks about basketball just to bitch about basketball? I don't go into the Nascar threads and say "This sport is stupid".

I never will understand this phenomenon.

[RhymesayersDU]

Why are you wandering into a thread that talks about basketball just to bitch about basketball? I don't go into the Nascar threads and say "This sport is stupid".

I never will understand this phenomenon.
I believe the term I'm looking for is "Quoted For Truth."

[BroncoBuff]

60 mill ? thats alot of 99 cent tacos if you ask me .......
You're getting burned, §pider! Our Jack in the Boxes give us TWO tacos for 99c !!

[Spider]

You're getting burned, §pider! Our Jack in the Boxes give us TWO tacos for 99c !!
we dont have a Jack in the Box . but we gotta lot of mexican going on @ Taco Johns ;D

[Spider]

uggggg i hate paying to much for a taco .........

[BroncoBuff]

Evans would be a solid back up to go in and get some boards when Nene is resting or in foul trouble. He'd be a good resigning, and it looks like the Nuggets are going to do it. Hopefully, he will stay away from the family jewels.

The backup position that worries me is center. Who is going to spell Camby if they let Elson walk? I would absolutely LOVE to see them sign Nazr from the Spurs, but he'll probably command too much. That guy is a 10 and 10 player if he starts on the right team.
I like your "post-Kenyon" thinking there ... by assuming that Nene will start at the 4 ... but remember that Najera is a 4, too. So even without K-Mart, we have 3 legit power-forwards counting Evans.

Can't Nene play center some? He has in the past ... and unfortunately, like it or not, Camby is brittle .... so I'd hate to see Elson go. I liked what Elson did when he got some floor-time this year, and he's still quite young.

Isn't there SOMETHING we can do with stupid Kenyon? Detroit might take him now that Wallace is gone ... not the same player, but size matters. .... "Hey Detroit ... just take him and his contract - we don't want nuthin in return."

[BroncoBuff]

we dont have a Jack in the Box . but we gotta lot of mexican going on @ Taco Johns ;D
LOL I've seen their ads ... Paul Rodriguez is their spokesman!

[Clockwork Orange]

Wallace signed with Chicago for no more than Denver gave Nene.

Wallace got $60 million over 4 years, Nene got $60 million over 6 years. That's a difference of $5 million per season.

[GonzoLays]

Clowork Orange mentioned Joel Pryzabella as an example of a big man who is about to get paid. Watch his situation closely because he probably won't get more then the mid-level extension. When there are only three or four buyers in the market the player is at an disadvantage.


Joel Pryzabella just signed a 5 year 30 million dollar deal with Portland. Do you call the getting paid Clockwork or is that a reasonable deal for a young big man? I believe it is the latter.

That is what happens when you let the player of the ability of a Joel Pryzabella or Nene test the market. Joel tested the market and all he could get was the MLE. Had Nene tested the market, I don't know who would have signed him. Chicago signed Ben Wallace so they are out of the market for a big man. The Spurs and Pistons both want big men but all they can offer is the MLE.

Let's face it, the Nuggs bid against themselves for the services of Nene.

[ZONA]

60 million huh? For somebody who has average talent. Sounds like a move the Knicks would make.....................LMAO Hilarious!

[Man-Goblin]

60 million huh? For somebody who has average talent. Sounds like a move the Knicks would make.....................LMAO Hilarious!

Actually, Nene's talent and athleticism are pretty exceptional for a 7-footer. At 23 he's still raw, his excuse being he hasn't played enough to really develop all of his skills. Let's face it, he grew up in Brazil and a large portion of his youth was dedicated to playing soccer. But I think it is a good signing by the Nuggets and certainly market value for a young big.

Plus, the Knicks wouldn't have signed him because he isn't a tweener 2-guard. Try again.

[Nuggets4]

Joel Pryzabella just signed a 5 year 30 million dollar deal with Portland. Do you call the getting paid Clockwork or is that a reasonable deal for a young big man? I believe it is the latter.

That is what happens when you let the player of the ability of a Joel Pryzabella or Nene test the market. Joel tested the market and all he could get was the MLE. Had Nene tested the market, I don't know who would have signed him. Chicago signed Ben Wallace so they are out of the market for a big man. The Spurs and Pistons both want big men but all they can offer is the MLE.

Let's face it, the Nuggs bid against themselves for the services of Nene.

Gonzo, I have to admit you're doing a solid job of trolling on this thread. I give you props for that. That said, the fact that you're comparing Pryzbila to Nene proves you're trolling. Pryzbila is, at best, a 10 and 10 guy. That is the most you will ever get out of him. Nene, if he removes his head from his ass and gets away from his Brazilian circle jerk, is a potential 20 & 10 guy. Nene, like Dalembert and Chandler, is paid more for potential than production. It's a gamble the Nugs had to take.

I must be in the minority because I know some Rockets fans on ClutchFans are knocking this deal pretty hard too. I don't see what the big deal is. Nene is worth the risk IMO. And if he doesn't work out, as Dalembert & Chandler are proving, there's always a market for big men with potential.

[Bronco X]

NBA players get paid in a system that is broke. But that's the system you've got to work in if you're in an NBA front office. If the people who are always bitching about players being overpaid got into in NBA front office and decided to run things with "higher principles" or whatever, they'd never get anyone to play for them.

[Man-Goblin]

NBA players get paid in a system that is broke. But that's the system you've got to work in if you're in an NBA front office. If the people who are always b****ing about players being overpaid got into in NBA front office and decided to run things with "higher principles" or whatever, they'd never get anyone to play for them.

The NBA has a salary cap. Like any cap it is based on league revenue. It may be a soft cap, but still it places parameters on what teams and owners can spend.

I will never get why people get so caught up in how much these people make. Who cares? It's not our money. If they couldn't spend it (and some franchises obviously choose not to), they wouldn't. I couldn't care less about how much the players make in a league. I just care that the owners my teams are willing to do whatever it takes to win.

[Clockwork Orange]

Joel Pryzabella just signed a 5 year 30 million dollar deal with Portland. Do you call the getting paid Clockwork or is that a reasonable deal for a young big man? I believe it is the latter.

That is what happens when you let the player of the ability of a Joel Pryzabella or Nene test the market. Joel tested the market and all he could get was the MLE. Had Nene tested the market, I don't know who would have signed him. Chicago signed Ben Wallace so they are out of the market for a big man. The Spurs and Pistons both want big men but all they can offer is the MLE.

Let's face it, the Nuggs bid against themselves for the services of Nene.

I guess we can't all trade top 10 picks for Sebastian Telfair. Ha!

The Nuggets didn't set the market, they just have to go by it. Look to the past at the deals signed by the likes of Greg Ostertag, Matt Geiger and the like. The market for bigs is always skewed, way it goes. Hell, Przybilla got way more money than he deserves.

Funny how you seem a lot more bothered by this move than any Nuggets fan. Hilarious!

[Clockwork Orange]

On to relevant matters.

Knicks eyeing Kenyon Martin. (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/432259p-364245c.html)

Isiah Thomas has another chance to acquire Kenyon Martin, his bum knee and his bloated contract.

With the Denver Nuggets having agreed to terms with Carmelo Anthony and Nene over the weekend, Martin never has been more available for the taking. Pairing Martin, a rugged power forward, with Eddy Curry is something Thomas has thought long and hard about since February. However, the Knicks are reluctant to part with Channing Frye, the most desired player on the roster.

Denver needs a shooting guard but the Nuggets have little interest in Steve Francis. Jamal Crawford is a possibility, especially coming off a good season. Denver would prefer salary cap relief in the form of an expiring contract like Maurice Taylor or Jalen Rose.

Thomas hinted last week that he didn't expect to make any significant changes to the roster. In fact, there are whispers around the league that James Dolan is reluctant to add another fat contract to his league-high payroll.

Martin is scheduled to earn $71 million over the next five years and is coming off a season in which he struggled with a surgically repaired knee. He also had an infamous falling-out with coach George Karl during the playoffs and was basically thrown off the team. The Mavericks reportedly are interested in Martin, who grew up in Dallas.

"You need a partner to make a trade," Karl told the Denver Post. "We're not going to hurt our team. We're only going to make our team better."

[Man-Goblin]

On to relevant matters.

Knicks eyeing Kenyon Martin. (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/432259p-364245c.html)

Isiah Thomas has another chance to acquire Kenyon Martin, his bum knee and his bloated contract.

With the Denver Nuggets having agreed to terms with Carmelo Anthony and Nene over the weekend, Martin never has been more available for the taking. Pairing Martin, a rugged power forward, with Eddy Curry is something Thomas has thought long and hard about since February. However, the Knicks are reluctant to part with Channing Frye, the most desired player on the roster.

Denver needs a shooting guard but the Nuggets have little interest in Steve Francis. Jamal Crawford is a possibility, especially coming off a good season. Denver would prefer salary cap relief in the form of an expiring contract like Maurice Taylor or Jalen Rose.

Thomas hinted last week that he didn't expect to make any significant changes to the roster. In fact, there are whispers around the league that James Dolan is reluctant to add another fat contract to his league-high payroll.

Martin is scheduled to earn $71 million over the next five years and is coming off a season in which he struggled with a surgically repaired knee. He also had an infamous falling-out with coach George Karl during the playoffs and was basically thrown off the team. The Mavericks reportedly are interested in Martin, who grew up in Dallas.

"You need a partner to make a trade," Karl told the Denver Post. "We're not going to hurt our team. We're only going to make our team better."

Channing Frye for Martin? pop the champagne corks ladies and gentlemen, Isiah is on the phone.

[SureShot]

Channing Frye for Martin? pop the champagne corks ladies and gentlemen, Isiah is on the phone.

Nobody use the phone!!!!

[cambrad8085]

Anyone here peruse nuggets.proboards1.com ?

[Master___Pain]

Can't Nene play center some? He has in the past ... and unfortunately, like it or not, Camby is brittle .... so I'd hate to see Elson go. I liked what Elson did when he got some floor-time this year, and he's still quite young.

Elson is actually not all that young, he's 30 years old. No real loss IMO, his ceiling has been reached and it's not all that high.

[Nuggets4]

Financial adviser, and former NCAA basketball player, Bret Bearup is known to be close to the goings on in Denver. He has been reported to be one of the few people who truly has the ear of Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke, for instance.

I e-mailed Bearup to ask why the Nuggets had seen fit to spend $60 million over six years for the young, Brazilian, bench-warming, post-ACL-surgery, power forward Nene. The knee-jerk reaction, at least in the blogosphere, (Deadspin and YAYsports! for instance) had been that this was too much contract for this player. Here is Bearup's response:

The Nuggets had 75% of the teams in the NBA call with interest in a sign and trade for Nene. Now, realize they know Dan Fegan is his agent, and has a rep for getting his people top dollar. I have no doubt the Nuggets would have been faced with either a $70+ million sign and trade, or Chicago or Atlanta miss out on their first target and Denver would be forced to match a larger number, or he would have played for the tender and Denver would lose him. The Nuggets intend to sign him July 12th and have announced such, but are STILL getting phone calls from teams wanting to sign and trade for him, even though Fegan would get another $10 million for Nene in that kind of deal.

The deal was 6 years and 60 million, but a significant portion of that is deferred, such that the true cost to the Nuggets will be millions less. In addition, there are further "stretch" provisions that will lessen the burden if he doesn't hit certain games played and minutes targets. This was a "Troy Murphy" deal, not an "Erick Dampier" deal (both are Fegan clients... Murphy got $58 million two years ago, Dampier got $70 million).

The average starting big men (4s and 5s) in the NBA make $7.3 million. Nene starts very close to that.... and there are indications he'll be above average. He's huge (6-11, 265) quick, and athletic. He was Denver's best player in training camp last year before going down in the first game... he was really coming on. And he's only 23.

Given the uncertainty of Kenyon Martin, and the injury history of Marcus Camby, the Nuggets could not afford to let Nene slip away. Further, signing Nene takes a talented "big" off the market. In this game of supply and demand, talented "bigs" are in short supply, and this will only serve to stimulate interest in Martin in the marketplace. Given the calls the Nuggets have received today, it already has.

http://www.truehoop.com/

[GonzoLays]

I e-mailed Bearup to ask why the Nuggets had seen fit to spend $60 million over six years for the young, Brazilian, bench-warming, post-ACL-surgery, power forward Nene

LMAO