Official 2016 Free Agency Thread

I disagree with a few points.

1. The Warriors shouldn't even consider a major FA. All their pieces are clicking at GOAT level and what makes it incredible is that they still have room to grow. There's absolutely no reason to mess with what's working. I have no doubt that they'll match all offers for Barnes. (maybe not Elezi because he's replaceable) Let me ask you something.... how are they going to replace Barnes if they let him walk?

2. Harden is an offensive juggernaut and quite frankly a legitimate franchise player. Barnes is a role player. Not even an allstar. The situation is not even remotely similar.

3. Yes we can make offers simultaneously, but time flies in free agency. Other wings like Deng could be gone by the time we're waiting. Clarkson could sign an offer sheet. And what happens if GSW decides to let Barnes walk? We could be left with both Deng and Barnes for max contracts and no room for a player like Horford LOL And we still need to fill out our roster with solid role players. It's just not a good idea to handicap our cap space with huge RFA offers imo. Especially when that offer is likely to get matched.

 

I missed your reply. I completely agree that Ariza's $7 million contract makes him a bargain. He's on the same level as Barnes/Deng in terms of production. Unfortunately Houston won't give up Ariza for Nick Young or Lou Williams, and we're not trading any of our kids for a role player, so he's basically unattainable.

 

we'll see. but i'll just refer to my earlier rationale, which was sound, imo. if we're balking at a max, why wouldn't a team that already has three max players (and a backup that is arguably more valuable) on it do the same?

as for what they'd do--i think they would have space if barnes walks. maybe they sign deng?

as for missing out...meh. the FA market isn't deep anyway. you prioritize your top three and make offers to all immediately. assuming failure, it's dump candidate time. there's not a lot at the bottom end of the FA market.

 

btw, miles plumlee is another RFA that interests me. wonder if milwaukee would shrink from a sizable offer. risky, but i think he could do some things in the right circumstance. great roll partner for dlo.

 

Short of getting Durant, GSW keeps Barnes. You don't take apart a team that is more than likely going to win back to back championships. Championship windows don't come along very often; again, you only make that deal if you're getting Durant, and even in that scenario, Barnes probably gets signed and traded to OKC.

 

Hey gang, here's my piece on why patience may be needed in free agency for the Lakers: http://www.lakersnation.com/why-patience-could-pay-off-for-the-lakers-in-free-agency/2016/06/08/

Needless to say, it's going to be interesting when July comes around. A lot of teams chasing after just a few free agents.

 

Thanks guys! Yeah Lakerman JSJ, I go way back to the CL days, good times. Have to wonder if the Lakers' targets in free agency will change with Luke as the coach. Assuming he's trying to run the GSW offense he's going to need a different skill set than what Byron wanted.

Regardless, hopefully they have learned their lesson and don't wait on Durant to make a decision. That has burned them the past few summers, but if the idea is to either get a star or preserve cap space it makes sense.

 

Hey, that's not fair. There's a chance that Emplay's inside info from over a decade ago finally comes to fruition! Bender to LA!

 

Haha I stay as connected as I can...and I don't have much inside info. Right now all I've got is Tarik Black looking good to stay in LA, but even that could change once free agency starts.

 

I'm warming to the idea of Barnes. I worry about FG% when he doesn't have amazing spacing on 3's, but he's not afraid to get into traffic, bang the boards, and he's definitely a confident player.