Official 2016 Free Agency Thread

I was just wondering why in the world some guys here would want Conley? He is a great nearly Allstar Caliber PG but I don't want anybody hindering DARs Development.

 

It's not cryptic at all. Come correct July 1st, and you'll have a shot. Miami is going after Durant and they'll have to wait to see what Durant does; the Durant situation isn't getting solved on July 1st. If another team (ahem Lakers) come in and getting a meeting with Whiteside, offer him the max, roll out the red carpet, and impress him, then he's gone. The beauty about all of this is we don't have to wait on Durant. We have the luxury of signing Hassan and still having enough room to fit Durant into another max slot; although, the chances at signing Durant are remote.

The only other location that competes with Miami is Los Angeles. The money is basically equal. He loves playing in Staples. We did pass on him for Wayne Ellington last year, so he might like witnessing us grovel while going through the process of recruiting of his services, but we have to do what we have to do. He's a force. He's a game changer. He fits very well within what we want to do offensively; and he's a very good rim protector. I'm all in, and I think we have a great shot. We need to act quickly and decisvely. Make him a priority first day of free agency and you have a great shot at him, IMO.

 

i think it's interesting that a) portland is going hard after him and b) he seems interested in them. i'd take plumlee as a starter, and they've got leonard as an RFA. i might make him an offer if whiteside signs there. there won't be enough minutes between those three and ed davis.

 

It's actually just me. I don't think DAR is ready to be given full reins and I would like Conley to hold his hand. Like Nixon did Magic, like Skiles did Penny, like Jack did Curry etc. etc. Russell has been hanging out with idiots like Young and Arenas his first year. He and JC can learn with Conley at the helm how to be a pro and a leader.

 

My take on those comments...

- Riley probably wants a discount and that's where the we'll see comment comes in. Whiteside isn't going to settle, nor should he. Dwight at 15-17 million gives them comparable out to HW with room to add elsewhere. I can see Riley having that line of thinking here.

- The July 1st comment to means pay me and I'm yours, plain and simple.

A solid pitch and max could sell him. Riley hardball just helps that

 

Would love either Whiteside or Horford, but slightly prefer Whiteside. We should be pushing hard to sign one right out the gate while other teams are frozen waiting on Durant. Aside from the draft which was a big success, our offseason is either a success or failure this year based on our ability to lock one of these guys up. The drop-off to Biyombo or Ezeli is huge IMO

Anything else is icing after that. As a luxury signing I could be on board with any of Parsons/Batum/Barnes, though all will be paid more than I believe they are worth. But we have a glut of capspace and it is only worth something if you have something to spend it on and any of these guys would round out our roster in a way that makes us competitive immediately. Plus the cap will go up another 20 million next year, so we may still be able to swing another max guy next year and will have a much more appealing roster to a superstar if we have these 2 signings in place along with our young guys.

 

I'd welcome Whiteside with open arms. Instantly improves us in several areas.

 

Yeah. He's definitely making it clear he is available.

 

You enjoying vacation? Where you been?

 

Yeah man. Been keeping an eye on things but haven't had much time to comment. Bouncing from beach to beach down here in Florida.

Back to the grind tomorrow though.