That's what I thought when I looked at the list for the "deepest draft in years". I did not see a lot of "can't miss" players. Going the free agent and draft route are both risky. Having both options improves the odds a little.
Can't you also use your cap space to acquire a player with a big contract through a trade without having to give out equal amount?
Re-sign Joel to be our backup center. Sign Indiana's Lou Amundson to backup LaMarcus. Put the full court press on for Deron Williams. If he says "No thanks", go after Jeremy Lin. Sure he turns the ball over but he's a phenomenal distributor who showed what he can do when he doesn't have to give the ball up to Melo every time down the floor. No Nash, just no. He's way to old and this team is ready to win a title. I like Spencer Hawes but I feel he and LA down low wouldn't be bruising enough so I'd throw some money at Omer Asik. I think he's got a lot of untapped talent.
Steve Nash is the only attainable game changer on that list. Some of the younger guys like Eric Gordon are RFAs, and the older guys who are UFAs that intrigue me (Kris Humphries and Carl Landry) play the same position as LMA. Hibbert would be nice, but Indiana isn't going to let him go.
Best pick + EWill for Rondo. Second best pick + Wessy for Josh Smith.Then re-sign Joel and Kurt. Then we've got Rondo/Nic/Smoove/LA/Joel. Center would be weak, but our D and rebounding wouldn't be that bad.
Not a bad idea, but I'd be tempted to take Perry Jones with the 2nd-best pick instead of trading for Josh Smith.
I think Josh Smith should absolutely be a target for you guys. He wants out of Atlanta and Atlanta is shopping him and trying to re-tool because they know what they've got isn't a legit contender. Cap space + a high pick is a good start. That still leaves you with Batum/Smith/Aldridge + another first round prospect and maybe a PG in free agency?
There are tons of players with big contracts in the league. Just stating another option you can use with cap space rather than just the UFA class since people are so wrapped up in it.
