Official 2016 Free Agency Thread

Beat me to it. I'm crying inside.

 

I think he's just messing around with his teammates and poking fun at the rumors. Still, shows that there might be a hint of truth to it or at least something they've talked about.

A few days ago Klay's dad said that he thinks Barnes could be a 20+ ppg scorer with the Lakers and that he just hasn't had the opportunities he needs since the Warriors are stacked.

If Luke is confident in Barnes, I think I might even be more willing to max him out then DeRozan. He's been very efficient the past few years in a marginalized role, a legit 3&D guy, and familiar with the system.

Just knowing that DeRozan is athletic, I assumed he was a good defender but I've read some Raptors fans online claim he's actually pretty bad on that end of the floor.

 

Harrison Barnes is a great finisher, good 3-point shooter, and good rebounder. He has flaws for sure but he has a lot going for him, especially in the type of offense we plan to run.

Barnes is elite in initiating transition offense. He's often at half court when the ball is inbounded. He's fast and athletic. He thrives and enjoys playing off the ball. Most importantly he can guard the 2-4.

Does he have weaknesses? Absolutely. But he's 23!! We don't need him to score 20 ppg. We don't need to put the ball in his hands all the time. We have D'Angelo and Randle who can make plays and feed Barnes when they draw double teams. We'll probably pick up another FA who can score and I think Barnes would be such a nice fit. He literally checks so many boxes that we are lacking, and have been lacking the last couple of years.

Do I think he deserves the max? Hell no. But the market sets those prices not us. The cap jumps again next summer....we can afford to pay market price for him and I'd much rather take him than DeRozan. Easily. All DeRozan has going for him over Barnes is his scoring and a little more facilitating (because he's the primary option in TOR). But his scoring efficiency is mediocre at best.

 

FWIW, while I have been a proponent of going after DD, I think if the Raps get past the Heat, there is a good chance he stays in Toronto. Their 2 games away from that right now; it doesn't mean I wouldn't pursue him, but my thinking has recently changed on the matter due to the success that he witnesses the Raps having right now. Although, things could change, I don't think they will, and I think there is a higher likelihood he stays in Toronto.

I still think we need to find a featured number 1 scorer; we either trade for one or go after one in FA. We need a guy that is going to draw an extra defender, shift the defense, and be a number 1 scorer for this team. I'm not sold that Russell, Clarkson, or Randle are quite there yet. Quite frankly, for as much as people dislike him, Lou probably the best guy we have at doing that right now.

 

Small-ball next season: I'd go hard after Noah. Then, I'd probably re-sign Black. How many minutes at the center position? I'd split them up with Noah, Black, Randle, and Nance. We need a stretch 4 to pair with any of those guys when their playing the 5. Anybody that can shoot outside of 12' feet consistently is a must; we don't need all of our needs met right now. We can see where we're at throughout the course of the season, and if we need to add/subtract something, we have until February (trade deadline) to do so.

 

I hear you, but from what I read, I don't think that's his thinking; I think he'll see it as progress and a chance to keep growing with a city/fans he loves and a team who drafted him, IMO.

A guy who is a stretch four on a decent deal; Channing Frye. I think he was already mentioned by @docbrown in the 'Salary Dump' thread. Very reasonable contract for the next 2 years on a team that is going to be cash strapped this season and heading into luxury tax hell (Cleveland).

Edit: Another cheap option at SF: Brandon Rush. Could play spot minutes at SG/SF; familiar with what GS does as well.

 

Deng has been killing in these PO's. I'd make him a priority if we strikeout with our number 1 targets. Move quickly, though.

 

Deng would be a great addition, isn't he playing PF for Miami right now? Would be an Iggy-like player for us.

 

Can play SF/PF. We are going small a lot of the time next year, IMO. Spacing and motion matter with what Luke wants to do. Easily the best defensive wing we have had in a minute. My other preferred targets would be Lee, Rush, and Afflalo.

 

I've been on the deng train since before he was killing it in the playoffs. and if Miami is pitching Durant and trying to keep whiteside, he could walk.

 

So exciting that we have a coach that players would probably want to play for.

 

Yeah. I'm definitely in favor of Deng if we can sign him. Solves our long issue at the 3 spot and would be a great locker room presence.

 

We can slowly mold our team to be like GSW. Deng as Iggy and Noah as Bogut.

 

Deng may even be better than Barnes/Derozan if we decide to keep the pick and ease Simmons/Ingram into the starting role.

 

But would Deng want to be part of a rebuild or would he want to join a contender? I would love him here but I think he signs elsewhere.