C's should save their MLE for guys from China

[Chris]

Looking at the roster, I am not sure the C's are in that need of another big signing, unless they can somehow get a major impact player (Billups, Rip, etc.) before the season starts.  

Right now, I think they already have a solid rotation with Dooling, Daniels, Green, Bass, and Wilcox coming off the bench, and the young guys behind them.  It may not yet be a championship rotation, but it should get them a solid spot in the playoffs.

So, I am wondering if they might be better holding on to their MLE, and hoping to use it either for a buyout guy, or more likely for one of the guys coming back from China in March.  

Most contenders won't have that available, and the C's should have a very strong case to bring in a guy like Kenyon Martin or JR Smith, either of whom could be the type of player that could put them over the top into the top contender category.

Anything like this would be a risk, but when your options are give the MLE to a guy like Kwame Brown or rolling the dice on getting Martin, I roll the dice.

So, I say, go out and sign another vet minimum big man, and maybe another perimeter guy, and keep the seat warm for Martin.

[Who]

What is the difference financially between the mini-MLE and a veteran minimum at that point in the season? The contracts become pro-rated (is that word?), right? So early to mid March, 18-25 games left, so the contract would only be around 25% to 40% of it's full-season value? Do I understand that correctly?

Let's take the smaller one as an example, 25% of $3million would be $750k. 25% of $1.4 million would be $350k. A difference of $400k ... will money really give that much of an edge in these negotiations?

Kenyon Martin's team is expected to compete for a Championship so he should return at a later date. Maybe even take a week or two to decide where to go. Will the difference in money be a deciding factor?

[prov1ml34]

I thought I read a report that teams could offer money to the Chinese teams for buyouts of players. If that is true, Danny should be on the phone with both Kenyon Martin's and J.R. Smith's teams working on buyouts for both of them or at least one of them. They are both players that could provide a very positive impact. Otherwise we will be in a bidding war with how many other teams come March.

[Smokeeye123]

J.R Smith, Jeff Green, Dooling, Bass, Wilcox, would be a solid bench...I think getting J.R Smith is a pipe-dream though and won't happen.

[Liam W]

JR Smith would be great. Get rid of Ray's contract and start rebuilding this roster.

Guys like JR Smith are players we need

[RJ87]

I was just going to post something about JR... My first choice would be some type of trade for OJ Mayo but that's highly improbable. JR is a free agent whenever he gets back from China, maybe Denver would be open to doing a sign and trade for Jermaine since they're likely losing Nene and will need depth at center with Birdman?

[hpantazo]

I'd keep my eye on Aaron Brooks too. If we could get him cheap for half a season he can be instant offense off the bench. At least we should consider him just to prevent him from going to our competitors. If he goes to a team like the heat or the knicks as a starter we could be screwed.

[GreenEnvy]

Interesting idea. Could be risky, as there sill be a few teams with the MMLE and several with the MLE to throw at some of those guys. If we get outbid or passed over, we will be in a real bind come playoff time.

I'm not heartbroken over losing David West, but it was weird to start envisioning it and then finding out it's not happening. I think JO is gonna have a real solid year for us and Bass should be able to give us 20MPG at the PF spot. I still think we need around 20-24 minutes at C though, and I'm not all that comfortable with Wilcox for all of those. We still our positioned better cap-wise for next summer without West.

Where DA goes next is anyone's guess, and doing what they did with Green was a safe move but now we can't use him in a trade, and he was our second biggest tradeable asset.

I'd like to bring back Delonte if still possible. Kwame for insurance? Pavlovic is apparently back, not crazy about that but a harmless move.