2012 free agents

[Jeff]

cap flexibility > actually signing overpriced FA's

I'd rather be under the cap enough to make unbalanced trades and take advantage of teams that need to shed salary then get into a bidding war with the Bucks and teams like that over medium talents

[nickagneta]

cap flexibility > actually signing overpriced FA's

I'd rather be under the cap enough to make unbalanced trades and take advantage of teams that need to shed salary then get into a bidding war with the Bucks and teams like that over medium talents

I agree, especially here in Boston. In Phoenix, LA, NY, Miami, Orlando and such being under the cap means pursuing big time free agents, that's just not the case here in Boston where we have NEVER landed a top of his game free agent because of the weather, city, tax situation and nightlife that is so poor here as compared to cities around the country.

I wouldn't be looking for cap flexibility to sign a major name free agent but a little cap flexibility wouldn't hurt to have if say things go bad in Miami if LeBron isn't fitting in well with Wade or Atlanta if JJ isn't turning them into a contender or Indy if Granger becomes expendable or something of that nature.

[Mr October]

I thought Dwight Howard was supposed to be a FA in 2012?

Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams can all opt out in 2012. If they do the 2012 off season class could look great.

If they don't opt out you are looking at Melo, Kaman and a hand full of RFAs that still have a ways to go before getting to an all star level (Lopez, Mayo, Gordon, Love).

[Mr October]

It is smart for the Celtics to retain some flexibility just in case. Only sign smart movable deals.

You never know which star could sour on his team or vice versa by then.

[35Lewis]

I thought Dwight Howard was supposed to be a FA in 2012?

Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams can all opt out in 2012. If they do the 2012 off season class could look great.

If they don't opt out you are looking at Melo, Kaman and a hand full of RFAs that still have a ways to go before getting to an all star level (Lopez, Mayo, Gordon, Love).

If they don't, the 2012 class looks depressing.  As long as Danny doesn't pull a Dumars and overpay for marginal talent just because he has the cap room then we should be okay.  The downside is most of the talent is at the pg position and that would be our most solid position at that time.

[CelticSooner]

Does anyone have any info on Howard? I wonder if he will opt out in 2012 or sign an extension.

The C's should have more than enough cap space. Rondo at the point and Howard down low would be a sick team.

[FallGuy]

I thought Dwight Howard was supposed to be a FA in 2012?

Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams can all opt out in 2012. If they do the 2012 off season class could look great.

If they do opt out, I suspect at least a couple will have a partnership in mind in one city or another.

[Army_of_One_Nation]

Hello. I'm a new guy here, but have been reading your forum for some time now. I must say that your topics are very interesting.

Among the 2012 FA, I really like this young guy from the Magic: Ryan Anderson. He can shoot, rebound and hustles. When Rashard Lewis was out due to his suspension, he stepped in for him and contributed. When he was playing for the Nets, he played as well. He could be a good pick-and-roll option because he has a nice touch from the outside.

I hope I can contribute to the forum in the near future. I am just fearful that I may not be as creative and interesting as you guys.

[CelticSooner]

Hello. I'm a new guy here, but have been reading your forum for some time now. I must say that your topics are very interesting.

Welcome, here's your first TP.

[nickagneta]

As I said earlier in the thread, if the lockout occurs and the owners don't get a rollback of salaries on current contracts but do procure a much more stringent salary structure under the new CBA((something I see as the most likely scenario), I would guess you will not see anyone opting out of contracts.

Why should they? They would only be throwing millions of dollars away. And if that's the case, the 2012 free agent season could be like...yuk. Especially if Carmelo Anthony signs that contract extension he has been offered when he gets back from his honeymoon.

[FallGuy]

As I said earlier in the thread, if the lockout occurs and the owners don't get a rollback of salaries on current contracts but do procure a much more stringent salary structure under the new CBA((something I see as the most likely scenario), I would guess you will not see anyone opting out of contracts.

Why should they? They would only be throwing millions of dollars away. And if that's the case, the 2012 free agent season could be like...yuk. Especially if Carmelo Anthony signs that contract extension he has been offered when he gets back from his honeymoon.

Which makes me wonder if Danny has something specific in mind as he's holding a firm line on contracts beyond 2012, or if he's merely creating financial flexibility. Seems likely it's the latter.

[GreenEnvy]

Ugh, the only two players I'm interested are PG's and Restriced FA's.

I guess 'Melo is enticing, but the odds of him coming here - for a variety of reasons - are slim to none.

Yikes, that's what everyone is gitty over?

[celts34pats55]

cap flexibility > actually signing overpriced FA's

I'd rather be under the cap enough to make unbalanced trades and take advantage of teams that need to shed salary then get into a bidding war with the Bucks and teams like that over medium talents

I agree, especially here in Boston. In Phoenix, LA, NY, Miami, Orlando and such being under the cap means pursuing big time free agents, that's just not the case here in Boston where we have NEVER landed a top of his game free agent because of the weather, city, tax situation and nightlife that is so poor here as compared to cities around the country.

See, I think that's changed now. Since the new Big Three we're back on the map. If we had a shot at a Melo we have to take it while we're still on everyone's minds as a true contender.

[GreenEnvy]

cap flexibility > actually signing overpriced FA's

I'd rather be under the cap enough to make unbalanced trades and take advantage of teams that need to shed salary then get into a bidding war with the Bucks and teams like that over medium talents

I agree, especially here in Boston. In Phoenix, LA, NY, Miami, Orlando and such being under the cap means pursuing big time free agents, that's just not the case here in Boston where we have NEVER landed a top of his game free agent because of the weather, city, tax situation and nightlife that is so poor here as compared to cities around the country.

See, I think that's changed now. Since the new Big Three we're back on the map. If we had a shot at a Melo we have to take it while we're still on everyone's minds as a true contender.

We don't.

[Assassin70]

cap flexibility > actually signing overpriced FA's

I'd rather be under the cap enough to make unbalanced trades and take advantage of teams that need to shed salary then get into a bidding war with the Bucks and teams like that over medium talents

I agree, especially here in Boston. In Phoenix, LA, NY, Miami, Orlando and such being under the cap means pursuing big time free agents, that's just not the case here in Boston where we have NEVER landed a top of his game free agent because of the weather, city, tax situation and nightlife that is so poor here as compared to cities around the country.

See, I think that's changed now. Since the new Big Three we're back on the map. If we had a shot at a Melo we have to take it while we're still on everyone's minds as a true contender.

We don't.

Exactly Melo actually likes Denver but his new Wife would rather be in NY and so would he.  If she was cool with Denver he would have signed the offer this summer.

It is not about $ it is about location and that location is NY, and sadly not Boston