Free agency starts / reported signings (merged)

[liam]

Pretty much. I understand that Sac are always going to struggle to get high caliber free agents, and maybe he becomes a good piece for another trade to land a 3rd all-star... but I've just never been high on him for some reason.

Now that I really think about it, he's probably a good safe option at 18 million per, until they can make another really strong move.

Problem resolved.

I like Sac, and like all small market teams (except the Spurs) want them to succeed.

San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the US.

But it’s the 31st largest media market and 24th largest metropolitan area, which is much more relevant to its size compared to other NBA teams than the number of people in the city limits.

I lived in Texas for 20 years and everyone in Texas roots for the Spurs...

[Ed Monix]

F - Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore
F - Jabari Smith Jr, Jae'Sean Tate
G - Jalen Green, Kenyon Martin Jr
G - Fred VanVleet, Kevin Porter Jr
C - Alpert Sengun, Jock Landale

I do not understand where Dillon Brooks is going to play. With that much money, they must be thinking of him starting at SF. So the Thompson twin goes to the bench. So Cam Whitmore is probably the odd man out there.

The Rockets owe their 2024 pick to the Thunder, so it behoves them to be as competitive as possible.

VanVleet
Green
Brooks
Smith Jr
Sengun

Porter Jr, Thompson, Eason, Tate, Landale, Whitmore, Green, Garuba

———

I actually really like what the Rockets have done in terms of roster construction. I’m (obviously) only guessing, but I doubt they are finished moving players.

VanVleet deal is great for the Rockets IMO. He’s obviously an extremely hard worker considering he worked his way from undrafted to All-Star, someone who can be a role model to the young core group. Even though VanVleet’s deal seems overpriced, it’s only for three years, just when the Rockets high lottery picks become expensive.

Something I also love about their roster is that, (critical) minutes aren’t just given anymore, they’re earned. Im sure Udoka believes in the Spurs way of development, team first & you earn your role.

[Kernewek]

Anyone getting Prokhorov vibes from the Suns owner and his spending habits?

You mean he’s a rich dude who will get tired of spending so much in two years?

Kind of, but moreso the inherent initial spendiness feels similar.

"There's no doubt a fairly steep learning curve for owners coming into the league.... While he demonstrated a willingness to pay far above our tax, what comes with that are also restrictions on what free agents you can sign. He 'went for it," so to speak, bringing in some high profile veterans and trading away some future assets in order to try to win early on in his tenure.

That's Silver on Pokhorov in 2016. Feels applicable.

[Who]

Mo Wagner stays in Orlando for 2 years, $16 million.  I did think we gave up on him too quickly, although I’m also surprised at this contract.

Also, 4 of Orlando’s 16 players under contract went to Michigan, which is a bit odd for a school that’s only got about 10 players in the NBA right now.

I don't understand these teams giving $8mil per year to vet minimum guys. Waste of cap flexability.

Who cares if Mo Wagner leaves? You can replace him with a vet min guy and lose nothing. So why (over)pay him?

[Who]

Why do Memphis want Patty Mills? Where does he play?

They signed D-Rose as well.

G: Ja Morant, M Smart, D Rose, P Mills
G: D Bane, L Kennard, Konchar
F: Z Williams, D Roddy, J LaRavia
F: J Jackson, B Clarke, S Aldama
C: S Adams, X Tillman

They have GG Jackson to add as well. Maybe he will be a two way contract.

They are already at 15 players (without GG Jackson) and haven't signed a starting level SF to replace Dillon Brooks yet. All 3 of those SFs are question marks heading into next season.

Might they start Luke Kennard at SF? Or go small with M Smart and Bane at SG & SF?  What are they doing?

Z Williams has been a disappointment for them so I doubt he is slated to start unless if he turns it around. My guess is Kennard will start at SF, and when Morant comes back you might see Morant, Bane, and Smart all in there at times. Up front Clarke will miss most of the season with an injury, and I’m not sure if Adams will be ready to start the season. Aldama was a pleasant surprise for them last season, and he should be getting of playing time as well.

I did not realize he would be out for most of next season. Big loss to their big man rotation. Memphis badly need another big. And they are already at 15 players. Somebody has got to go to make way for that new big man.

That Patty Mills signing looks even stranger to me after learning this.

[footey]

Mo Wagner stays in Orlando for 2 years, $16 million.  I did think we gave up on him too quickly, although I’m also surprised at this contract.

Also, 4 of Orlando’s 16 players under contract went to Michigan, which is a bit odd for a school that’s only got about 10 players in the NBA right now.

I don't understand these teams giving $8mil per year to vet minimum guys. Waste of cap flexability.

Who cares if Mo Wagner leaves? You can replace him with a vet min guy and lose nothing. So why (over)pay him?

Keep his more talented brother happy I guess. Plus Mo not a bad back up player.  Especially when he plays the Celtics.

[Birdman]

Utah signing  Jordan Clarkson to an extension 3 years 55 million

[Celtics2021]

Utah signing  Jordan Clarkson to an extension 3 years 55 million

Presumably a big raise in year 1 and then a large decrease in years 2 and 3 to give him trade value at the deadline and next offseason.

[Who]

Utah signing  Jordan Clarkson to an extension 3 years 55 million

Ugh. That is a lotta money. Too much money.

[liam]

The NBA owners keep crying poor mouth but then spend crazy money on role players.

[Who]

Rockets trading Garuba and Ty Ty Washington & draft picks to Atlanta. I presume this is a cap dump. I haven't seen what the picks are but I presume they are 2nd rounders.

Woj and Shams both reporting this on twitter.

[Birdman]

Ty Ty is an intriguing prospect..could do good in the right system

[Birdman]

Is it true Blazers like to include Nurkic with Lillard in any trade? Portland blowing up everything but still sign Grant to 5 years which is puzzling

[Who]

Houston also traded Josh Christopher (I don't know who he is) to Memphis yesterday. Another former first round pick jettisoned by Houston.

[Birdman]

Houston also traded Josh Christopher (I don't know who he is) to Memphis yesterday. Another former first round pick jettisoned by Houston.

Guess Houston clearing up some cap space after signing 4 guys yesterday