Well, the Los Angeles Lakers have a huge chunk of it -- more than $65 million worth. Only six Lakers have guaranteed deals in 2016-17, and the biggest one is only $7 million (Lou Williams). To get all of that cap space, the Lakers would have to renounce Bird rights to Kobe Bryant and Roy Hibbert (who each have $20 million plus cap holds) and decline options on a few other players. http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/10/16/9529643/nba-free-agency-2016-salary-cap-space-bil
I'd throw a max, poison pill deal at Barnes. Do they match? probably, but at least you weakened them from a financial perspective. This offseason doesn't have much outside of Durant. Barnes would fill a GLARING need. Our future depends on the development of Randle and Russell. FA is going to be for complimentary players, IMO.
That's what I'm thinking too. You may end up settling for Batum, but I'm pretty sure Batum isn't going to rush into a contract when so many teams will have cash to spend (and we'll have like 60 million he can take a big chunk out of).
He is and I'd still take him, but he's not an ideal fit. Derozan is a shaky shooter from outside and an inconsistent defender given his abilities. If I had an order of SFs I want from FA: Barnes, Batum, Derozan, everyone else.
I mean technically yes I think we could sign both to an offer sheet at the same time, but it's 1000% likely that Drummond will be maxed out. It's not as likely that Barnes will be.
Yeah I think it's clear Derozan isn't the best fit, but his talent level alone makes him valuable if we can't get to Barnes or Batum. I'd rather have a talent that doesn't fit than no talent at all.
I really don't know much about DeRozan, other than that he is a scorer and he gets to the line. How is his defense though? We need a SF that can play some defense, and score/shoot, but I'd take the defense first as we have some scorers already.
He's an okay defender that could be better if he focused more, but the bigger problem is that he's a terrible outside shooter. He's only shot over 30% from deep once in his career and so far this year he's under 20% from that range. He's more of a cutter/slasher/volume shooter and get to the free throw line kind of guy. At this point I think it's unlikely to expect a meteoric rise in 3PT% so he's far from an ideal fit. Still, his ability to create shots for himself, get to the line, and play fast and athletic basketball would fit with what we need from our starting five. Russell, Clarkson, Derozan, and Randle make for a hell of a dynamic fast break and with Kobe/Byron out of the picture could really do some nice things defensively. Barnes is still my guy for oh so many reasons and I'm definitely willing to overpay for him. After that it's Batum who can be that rangy defender and hit the outside shot. Then it's Derozan based purely on talent. After that you're looking at your Jeff Greens, Evans Turners, Luol Dengs, and Joe Johnsons. I suppose we should throw Chandler Parsons in there too, but I haven't seen much of him since his big injury.
We need a SF desperately. Ideally Barnes, and then my enthusiasm drops off with Batum. Again, not familiar enough with DeRozan, so I'd have to see him more. Jeff Green is ok, but after that not a fan of anyone else you listed. I guess if it comes down to it we need a SF so bad I probably would be good with any of the first 4 guys you listed.
We could also try to trade for one a la the Roy Hibbert and Jeremy Lin deals, but I'm not entirely sure who is out there for that kind of scenario. I have to do more research on that front. I agree though that addressing the SF spot is our biggest problem outside of our HC.
If Luke is our next HC target, he and Barnes would already have a short hand with each other so that could definitely help both of their transitions.
SF is a definite need and should be addressed first. Throw everything and the kitchen sink at Barnes. I'd be happy with Batum as well. I'm okay with Derozan based purely on his athleticism and length. After that..... uhhhh Jeff Green? Trade options? Next would be to resign Hibbert and JC and then fill out the roster.