Official 2016 Free Agency Thread

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/16595527/los-angeles-lakers-hoping-land-kevin-durant

I don't have any problem with one harmless meeting. At least it would show KD takes us somewhat seriously. I'd imagine they'd pitch to him if they can secure Whiteside that they still have money left over to get another guy in addition to you. I'm sure he'll pass, but I could see him saying come back to me in a year or so if you guys can make some progress and have enough money left to sign my buddy Westbrook we can meet again.

 

no harm in trying to muddy the kd waters...if you're busy signing other players in the process. i think the lakers--rightfully-have zero shot at durant. but why not use your space to prolong the process and snap up some guys? the other competitors in the durant sweepstakes a) are competing for the same players, and b) have less to spend than the lakers. play chess, folks. make jeanie look stupid. and her little dog, too.

 

I don't really doubt it's true though. I doubt the Lakers would give up on Durant because of how much they love him and what he could bring. I'm sure they know they aren't getting him this season, but they can at least let him know their plan for next year when he's a free agent again.

 

Yeah, if we get a meet, I think it's more so a preliminary one for next year. Gives us a chance to put our cards and plan on the table and then he can see how we handle the rest of FA. if he likes what he sees, he can hop aboard next summer when his 1 year contract is up with OKC.

 

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...e-agency-offers-negotiations-miami-heat-stall

This could effect our pursuit of Whiteside. If they let him walk they can offer him the max I believe. Hard to see the Heat letting Wade walk though.

 

Cleveland bound?

 

If they waive him, backup PG option? Fits the vet criteria

 

I really hope we don't hold off on signing Whiteside because we're waiting for a meeting with Durant to ask him who he'd hypothetically want to team up with.

 

Yes because okc wont put dipo in a position to avg those #s....rus and durant eat 1st, everybody else comes 2nd. They're gona make him a spot up shooter with the occasional iso plays, pretty much another glorified dion waiters

 

Cleveland would have to play some salary gymnastics and move some pieces around to make that happen. Plus, it is Cleveland. Wade would want a bigger market and a big $$$ deal. If all else fails for us and he's available, I'd take him.

 

And ibaka was a big part of why okc almost beat them, you really think a rookie and an avg shooter like dipo is going to make them better next yr?

 

Remember if Wade gets over 20 million, the cHeat cannot give Hassan a max deal without dealing away other players. Wade isn't going anywhere + the cHeat want to bring back JJ/Deng + add FA pieces. Put it all together and......

 

Sources are in...

 

Oladipo is one of the best sixth men in the NBA. Assuming that's the role he'll play in OKC. He may not be a great shooter, but he absolutely is an upgrade and he'll get plenty of open looks playing with Durant. As for Sabonis he may not have a huge impact, but is certainly skilled and could be a nice building block down the road. Ilyasova gives them a stretch four to play in spurts. Ibaka had a good series, but he was far too inconsistent as a third scorer and they got a much more consistent scorer in Oladipo.