<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Raptors will most likely use the mid-level exception, or at least a large portion of it, to sign a player who can play small forward for them. The biennial exception will likely be aimed a veteran big man who can help them off the bench. Here are some of the free agents the Raptors will likely be targeting with their mid-level exception: Matt Barnes, Golden State Warriors. An unrestricted free agent at the age of 27, the 6-foot-7 small forward had a breakout year playing for Don Nelson, with averages of 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds a game on 43.8-per-cent shooting in 24 minutes a game. He stands to get a big raise from the $744,000 he was paid last season. Jason Kapono, Miami Heat. He's not the most athletic small forward in the league, but he makes up for it with spectacular three-point shooting. He led the NBA at 51.4 per cent. He's 26 and averaged 10.9 points a game, opening the floor for Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade. Mickael Pietrus, Golden State Warriors. As a restricted free agent, the 25-year-old could be available because the Warriors might not be able to sign both him and Barnes and stay under the luxury tax. An athletic 6-foot-6 wing player known for his defence, Pietrus averaged career bests of 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 48.8 per cent shooting and 26.9 minutes. James Posey, Miami Heat. He's the oldest and most experienced player who might be available in this range. Posey will turn 31 in January, but has earned a reputation as a hard-nosed defender. With a team-first approach, his credibility was bolstered by the championship ring he won with the Heat in 2006. He averaged 7.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 27 minutes a game last season. Other possibilities include Sasha Pavlovic of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Andres Nocioni of the Chicago Bulls, although both are long shots as they are restricted free agents, meaning their current clubs can match any offer. The Raptors were prepared to woo Grant Hill, but the Orlando Magic veteran seems likely to pursue his goal of a championship ring with the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs or Phoenix Suns. </div> LINK
I'd stay away from James Posey. If you bring him in, you're asking for bad chemistry. I'm not just talking about the few isolated incidents he had with Hinrich in Miami either. He completely destroyed the 50-win Grizzlies squad from the inside, along with Jason Williams and Bonzi Wells. He was arguably the best player on the team that year, even moreso than Pau Gasol, but then he just got arrogant, cocky, and gained a lot of weight when he was out with an injury. Mike Fratello didn't think he deserved the same playing time he was getting when he came back from that injury, and that just set the kid off on a tantrum. Also, is there any chance Mo Pete is resigned?
Hmm, I never thought of it from that aspect VC. I never followed Posey, and only saw him through games against Heat. Theres always a ahance that Mo-pete could resign but it makes more sense to part ways. With SMitch coaching, Peterson doesn't seem happy and it would be more fitting for him to sign somewhere else. His time as a Raptor is done; he's had his moments but now theres not much he can do to help this new era Raptors squad. I like the idea of bringing in either Pietrus or Barnes. Pietrus brings more of a slashing, athletic type SF while Barnes is more of a scoring contributor that could blossom in the Raptors system. It seems as if the Bobcats are going to keep Wallace but he'd be a great addition to this team also. Another SF I think the Raptors should start looking at is Nocioni. I read an article saying with the addition of Noah, it seems as if he has no spot on the Bulls. He's either forced to play PF at 6'7 or be a back up to Luol Deng. Nocioni would be a nice fit here in Toronto especially with all the European flare we have goin' on.
Ah...Kapono, why not Peitrus, makes me think. But I'm not a 2x EOY, so what is my word good for against Colangelo?
