I think I'm firmly on the Dwight Howard band wagon. We aren't getting Horford, and I think Whiteside has a very real bust potential.
I just remember how difficult he was to defend in the playoffs a couple years ago. If Harden had showed up, they might have won that series.
Yup. That would be perfect.... but I imagine he would want a player option... unless you give him the 31 million per year for three years (with teh team option)
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport.../?hootPostID=9624b0404c180ed92bfdcf35e1acee94 Having opted out of his Houston Rockets deal, the 30-year-old is in search of a big-time payday that may or may not come. Whether it’s a possible short-term deal in Portland, heading back to his home region to play for the Atlanta Hawks, or even re-signing with the Rockets (who would welcome him back on a non-maximum salary deal), Howard has one of the most fascinating free agency situations of them all.
I definitely don't see him going back to Houston. Not with the way things ended last season. Atlanta isn't going to make a move unless Horford leaves. This is why I think Neil is being so quiet. He doesn't want people to know he's going to press Dwight from the start, otherwise other teams might jump in the fray. If he can get to Dwight early and convince him to sign, we might be able to snatch him up before all the other teams realize they aren't getting Durant or Horford.
A 2 year deal gives us early bird rights, but really, don't think it's a big concern. If we have bird rights on a3 year deal, ate we concerned about a huge salary to 33 year old Howard?
Sometimes, the mind boggles. Here's an article from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The title says it all: It’s a mystery why top free agents haven’t joined the Mavericks http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article86737132.html
When is the news going to start rolling in? Is it usually 12am July 1st, I remember hearing stuff break before that last year. Or maybe I'm wrong.
You can bet GMs are talking to agents now but literally teams can't say anything until Juky 5th or 6th, can't remeber which. Reporters will announce that sources have told them about agreed in principle deals as early as 9pm PST on June 30th
Remember Deandre Jordan was pretty much a Mav until all his teammates talked him into coming back to LA.
Zach Lowe: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...-midnight-friday-nba-contracts-flying-shelves QO for Meyers is really interesting. I don't think it will happen though
