I agree I don't think he gets traded. I think he's important to the development of all these young guys. BUT, if Portland offered Outlaw, Bayless, LaFrentz and the rights to Kopenen for Carter and KVH would anyone pull the trigger?
no chance. for two reasons: (1) there are no roster spots available for all those players. Getting Outlaw and Bayless for Carter would have the effect of stunting CDR's development. (2) Carter singlehandedly brings in a LOT of revenue. Without him, the team would REALLY be in the poorhouse.
besides, I want to see whether this team as currently configured is any good. Maybe I'm nuts, but I think it will be pretty good, and can win 40-45 games.
Good point, but we would definitely see Swift and ager get waive with a quickness. As far as stunting CDR's growth, why would it be different then now. CDR would still get playing time. Probably more, because getting Webster and Bayless doenst mean they would get more PT then VC.
merchandise sales, he is the big draw for corporate boxes, and of course there is the revenue from the five playoff games the Nets will play in this year.
Only 2 spots needed for Outlaw and Bayless, LaFrentz is injured and probably can get a roster exemption for him. If not, the insurance that covers his salary more than makes up for cutting Ager. I probably wouldn't do it either, but the offer would give me pause.
I believe his merchandise sales are divied up amongst the league, doubt that he is a big draw for corporate boxes, and I doubt that Nets will make the playoffs, although it is a possibility. I doubt severely that Vince brings in as much money as he costs. If Nets can deal him for expiring contract(s), a young talent or two, and a draft pick or two, I'd make the deal, and I think Thorn/Ratner would too. Vince was being shopped HEAVILY at the trade deadline last season, according to many media sources.
It's possible. But remember that dealing Vince won't result in $16M in savings--the players the Nets get back have to get paid, too. Maybe they save a few million dollars. Big deal. You'd probably argue that the big savings will come in future years, since Vince's contract will be off the books, and assuming that they acquire some high-salaried player in his contract year for the deal to work. But I'd counter by saying that the Nets will ALREADY have big savings next year, simply by the fact that Swift and Hassell will be gone. That is a $10M savings, maybe half of which would go to paying their replacements. Also, a team just full of prospects will almost always lead to a never-ending spiral of ineptitude, failure, and pessimism. The Nets need to build an environment of winning, even if Vince will no longer be around by the time they are contenders, so that the youngsters are properly trained and you can attract a big free agent. Vince may not bring in as much as he costs, but I bet he brings in as much as the difference between what he costs and what the players acquired in a deal would cost. Anyway, I could easily be mistaken, but my impression is that some percentage of merchandise sales goes to the team, and some to the NBA (possibly to be shared among all franchises). I don't know the percentages.
Hassell is under contract for next season. And an expiring contract saves Nets two years plus the 3rd year buyout cost of Vince's contract, and leaves Nets plenty of Lebron room.
Raef LaFrentz could possibly save them more than that... http://www.columbian.com/article/20081006/BLOGS05/810069983/-1/blazerbanter
Me too! I'm always optimistic in October, but this year it FEELS different. I have a genuine excitement about the team and a real belief that they will greatly exceed the expectations of so-called "experts".
I think it's the feeling of "At worst, we're as bad as everyone thinks we'll be, and our prospects developed. At best, we're an above 500 team, with Vince Carter showing he can lead, and prospects making huge strides". We really have nothing to lose, this season.
