Maybe this could be asked elsewhere, but figured it make for fun brainstorming heading to the offseason. 2 seasons ago, we were able to get Robin Lopez for next to nothing. Few were overwhelmed by the move, most ddn't think much of Robin as a player, and we saw him make a big impact on our team. Matthews going further back is another example of us unturning a gem in free agency, when our sights at least on message boards, were probably focused on bigger names. So am curious who else out there somewhat realistically available, or as a free agent do you think would make a good target.
I've already mentioned Roy Hibbert or Tyson Chandler as names. I think if you took Rolo out, and put either of those guys in, that we would improve. I also think if Wes gets a big offer and goes elsewhere, and we resign Afflalo, after a proper training camp and getting his body right, that he would play much better for us this time around. I'd like a defensive backup Pg if possible, but I don't see many out there that would be a major upgrade over what Blake brings.
Olshey really has done a very good job of making under the radar deals that work. Curious to see what he does this summer, or draft day.
Khris Middleton but I think he gets nearly a max contract so not really under the radar. I aguree with Afflalo; his value is pretty low right now so I could see him not getting much attention in free agency. It would be awesome to have him and CJ be off our bench if we have the cap space. We could withstand a missed game to any of Dame, Wes, Batum, CJ, Afflalo which unfortunely among 5 players is very likely for an extended time at some point of the season. But heres the guys that might be available around MLE level contracts that I'd be interested in: C Brandan Wright, Marresse Speights, Kosta Koufos, Alexis Ajinca, Emeka Okafor PF Ed Davis, Kevin Seaphin, Amir Johnson SF Tobias Harris, Jae Crowder, Al-Farouq Aminu SG Danny Green, Iman Shumpert, Alan Anderson, Marco Belinelli PG Jeremy Lin
If we are talking using MLE after re-signing all our others, Lin is a guy I would be very interested in.
I like Danny Green but no way is he close to MLE price - think 10 mil per yr easily, very good defender, very good shooter and can guard multiple positions
If we had significant cap room I'd add these players to the list although the restricted free agents (R) would possibly have to come via sign and trade. But a team like the Thunder or Cavs might have luxury problems and have to let them walk. C Greg Monroe, Roy Hibbert, Enes Kanter(R) PF Paul Millsap, Kevin Love, Thaddeus Young, Tristan Thompson(R) SF Draymond Green(R), Khris Middleton(R) SG Jimmy Butler(R), Monta Ellis PG Goran Dragic, Brandon Knight (R)
Yeah you are probably right theres a few free agents that are right on the boarder I don't know if he quite gets $10 million but he's getting more than MLE.
I mentioned on another thread that if Batum is traded, I'd like to get a Tony Allen or Demare Carroll in return. Don't know if they are free agents or not
Hibbert has red flags for me..just don't see improvement the last couple of years. Would love to have the Lopez twins both on our roster but that would cost a fortune
I want DEFENSE, especially wing defense. Besides Khris Middleton (who I just saw some writer say will get $15M a year!), I like Andre Roberson and Kidd-Gilchrist. Now, I don't think either is a FA, and I doubt either is available, but Charlotte might be ready to blow everything up (didn't some "source" say "everyone is available" in Charlotte?) and OKC is just bringing in a new coach who might want to make more use of Jeremy Lamb or Dion Waiters. Another under the radar guy I liked in Detroit, but who was injured, then re-found his game in Boston, was Jonas Jerebko.
The challenge was to find a "find" like Lopez or Matthews used to be, a current substitute who's better than conventional wisdom says, not a high-priced established star.
It'll take a lot to pry them away/pipedreams: Jonas Valanciunas -- As long as Casey is their coach his minutes will continue to fluctuate. Maybe it's fit or maybe it's because he's still young/green, the Raps had a better +/- when Jonas is off the floor, Amir at center. Something worth looking into. Fwiw, Masai has been after Batum for years. Joel Embiid -- Injured and lazy. Put on the block during his rookie year raises red-flags. Being around an organization who blatantly tanked for two straight season isn't the best environment either. Again, it's worth looking into. Underrated players: James Johnson Kostas Koufas DeMarre Carroll Jae Crowder Iman Shumpert
Jae Crowder has been mentioned a couple times, and he's one of the first I thought of. I also saw that Draco brought up Tobias Harris, and I think he'd be an excellent replacement for Batum, but I'd be surprised if he's just an MLE guy. I also agree with Ed Davis and Alexis Ajinca. Shabazz Muhammad might be another guy ready to break out. Minnesota has a chance to be very good very soon if he and Wiggins can grow and complement each other. Tyler Zeller is looks to me to fit the Robin Lopez mold perfectly. His UNC teammate John Henson has shown a bit as well. Either Plumlee, perhaps. Lots of ACC bigs out there that fit the mold, it seems.
