Thursday, February 18, 2010

Standing Pat?

We are a few hours away from another exciting trade deadline. The biggest name linked to Miami is still available, but after speaking with the Phoenix Suns team owner Robert Sarver Amar'e Stoudamire said "I think I'm pretty much safe," adding that "I feel good. But either way I was going to feel alright".

If Amar'e stays put, it might be great news for the Miami Heat. Yes, it would be nice to make a move so that this season does not have to end like last season's, but the team has hardly inspired confidence that they are one piece away from seriously challenging the East's top 4 teams this year even with Dwyane Wade leading the attack (let's hope he is OK, by the way, you never like to hear a player say he heard a pop). However, it is clear after watching the moves the Heat has made - Quentin Richardson for Mark Blount and Rafer Alston for Chris Quinn, a 2nd rounder and cash (yes, I consider the Rafer Alston move a trade, because there seemed to be a clear correlation with his release, signing and subsequent trade) - that Pat Riley cares about winning, turning the bottom of the roster into two starters/rotation players - neither player is more than a stop gap solution at the position, but that is the point. The moves you have not seen Riley make are moves that commit 2010 cap space to fringe All-Stars.

Of course Richard Jefferson, Stephen Jackson, Caron Butler, Josh Howard could have made the team much more competitive this season and beyond, but Riley has kept true to the vision so far. Everything he does has LeBron, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Amar'e best interests in mind, possibly even Yao Ming, who would definitely benefit from playing with Wade. Yes, the argument could be made that the team is doing everything they can to retain Wade, but I believe Pat when he says they are not walking on egg shells with him. They know it is ultimately his decision anyway whether he wants to take a paycut and leave so they are not allowing themselves to go down that rabbit hole, instead they are focused on an off-season where they will stand at the front of the line.

While the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls are desperately trying to get into Miami's position, the Heat is in a place where they get to be really picky having already cleared tons of cap space. The player I most wanted to get cleared out was James Jones, but it just dawned on me that we may have time to trade him in the off-season if we determine he is not worth $5 million a year... which he might be worth as a 3 point specialist if we acquire a dominant big man like Bosh, Yao or Stoudamire.

The other bright side of standing pat is that we currently do have a lot of useful role players and none of them stand to get a hefty pay raise in free agency, so improving into the 50 win world by next year almost seems like a slam dunk.

114 comments:

  1. I can't get any sleep... food poisoning and the trade deadline jitters.

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  2. Cyrus I was just about to blog, hate to hear about the food poisoning, but still glad u couldnt sleep and wrote the blog,lol. Great blog man, I like the way you think. That is exactly how I would sum up the Heat's lack of movement. I hope things stay quiet for the most part, except finding a team to take Jones.

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  3. Well I wanted Amare now, but I guess once Riley talked to his agent and heard that Amare would probably come here in the summer Riley probably said "Nevermind to the Suns", which in turn made the Cavs do the Jamison deal and made all the Suns or Kerr's whole posturing BS. I hate to say I kind of knew we would probably do nothing, but a minor-major tweak to get under the tax. I hope D-Wright isn't sacrificed because with Wade down we're gonna need him, hell even if Wade didn't go down I want to keep Wright for next year anyway. I expect JJ to be dealt for tax purposes.

    Unless the Suns go back on their word to trade Amare at like 2:59pm we'll have the best shot at signing him this summer. I just hope the Knicks can't land T-Mac before 3pm, that would probably make it a difficult summer for us...

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  4. any news on riley doing the dorrell wright deal?

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  5. Why the f*ck did the Clippers trade Al Thornton for Drew Gooden to facilitate the Antawn Jamison trade? Are they Cavalier fans?

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  6. http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2010/02/17/20100217suns-stoudemire-update.html

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  7. Despite talk of Hickson being a Stoudemire replacement, the Suns had other plans with a move in the works to send Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas
    to Utah in a three-way deal that might have given the Suns a star power forward in Carlos Boozer.

    Instead, the Suns turned down Cleveland's watered-down offer of Ilgauskas, Danny Green
    and the likely No. 30 draft pick. Cleveland was in the position to scale down its sacrifice because of an option it ultimately took

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  8. Cleveland's spurn left Phoenix with few options. Miami is interested but was questioned whether it was willing to include Michael Beasley
    and whether the Suns would want him. The Suns were not interested in Miami's offer, leaving the Heat to find a third party.

    Stoudemire did not hear from management before Wednesday's game, but Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver did meet with him briefly after the game. Sarver, in Dallas for business meetings, declined comment. General Manager Steve Kerr could not be reached

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  9. A summer sign-and-trade deal remains possible. Stoudemire also must decide on a $17.7 million option for 2010-11. The Suns could resume extension negotiations, although their offer of his option year plus two more years worth $28 million total was rejected, as much for the years as anything. Stoudemire did not ask for the maximum

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  10. barring a bigger Miami move
    about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck So in theory tomorrow Dorell Wright to Grizzlies, Nets or Clippers
    about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck workable trade exceptions include Nets or CLippers - over $3 mil each and no danger of lux tax - plus a roster spot available
    about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck

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  11. A trade waiting to happen - if Miami doesn't move big- Dorell Wright has to go to get HEAT under tax
    about 7 hours ago from TweetDeck

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  12. "Why the f*ck did the Clippers trade Al Thornton for Drew Gooden to facilitate the Antawn Jamison trade? Are they Cavalier fans?"

    They got rid of as much of next year's salaries as they could. Baron-Gordon-Griffin-Kaman is not a bad place to go for Wade/Bron/Johnson

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  13. What I dont get is why the Heat were contemplating getting Amare for Beasley when they wouldn't even do Bosh for Beasley last year.

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  14. There were several tense conversations between Steve Kerr and agent Happy Walters over Amar'e Stoudemire situation Wednesday, sources say

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  15. Sources say that Knicks-Bulls talks on Tyrus Thomas trade have lost traction. "A long shot now," one official says.
    8 minutes ago from web

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  16. GodsSon521 said...
    "Why the f*ck did the Clippers trade Al Thornton for Drew Gooden to facilitate the Antawn Jamison trade? Are they Cavalier fans?"

    They got rid of as much of next year's salaries as they could. Baron-Gordon-Griffin-Kaman is not a bad place to go for Wade/Bron/Johnson

    FEBRUARY 18, 2010 11:48 AM

    I wouldn't mind living in L.A. but it would suck to play for L.A.'s B team. Kobe will always be the star there.

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  17. The Miami Heat are the only known suitor left for Stoudemire, but sources say that Miami has not been willing to add Michael Beasley to a trade package. Although the Suns, according to sources, see Beasley more as an asset for down-the-road moves than as a potential piece of their long-term future, Phoenix would want Beasley and at least one future first-round pick to surrender Stoudemire.

    ESPN.com's Ford reports that the Heat are willing to offer one of their two first-round picks this June, but Miami has built the rest of its Stoudemire offer around the expiring contracts of Udonis Haslem and ex-Suns swingman Quentin Richardson, keeping Beasley out of the deal.

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  18. John Salmons' deal is done, too -- to Mil for Joe Alexander and Hakim Warrick. If my tweeps already know that, apologies.
    3 minutes ago from web Deal would be Thomas for Law, Murray and protected future 1st-round pick. Not done, but other suitors for Ty believe it will happen.
    8 minutes ago from web Sources say Cha is likeliest destination for Bulls' Ty Thomas right now, in exchange for expiring contracts. Flip Murray/Acie Law works.
    16 minutes ago from web

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  19. Just filed to ESPN.com with @chadfordinsider: Utah and Miami have opened discussions on a possible Carlos Boozer deal before 3 PM deadline
    2 minutes ago from TweetDeck

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  20. If we trade Wright for cap space I will be pissed off beyond belief.

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  21. @chadfordinsider Looks like Jazz are going to say no to Heat on Boozer. Heat made the effort, but aren't offering enough (linkage coming soon) ... 2 minutes ago

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  22. Miami trying 2 get Boozer from Utah in "serious discussions" with help from money saving Wash, source says. Haslem, Chalmers maybe involved
    1 minutes ago from web

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  23. Utah and Miami have recruited Wiz to be 3rd team in Boozer talks. Wash would get cap relief out of it. Beasley not involved, source says.
    half a minute ago from web

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  24. Heat being awfully protective of 2 mid first round picks. They're trying to build a title contender. Those picks won't get minutes

    chad ford

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  25. Sources involved in prospective three-way talks with Utah, Miami and Washington aren't optimistic this deal can happen.
    less than a minute ago from web

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  26. Two hours to go... feel free to write another blog. I think we are doing a good job collectively. I was too tired to get into this, but does anybody have good insight on the 2010 draft? Are those picks going to be valuable?

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  27. Jazz playing really well right now. Needed a replacement for Boozer (Haslem) + upside (pick or player). Miami hasn't offered latter ...yet
    4 minutes ago from web

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  28. Beasley off the bench???? Boozer????? Really lol

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  29. haslem, jones and #1 pick... get it done riles

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  30. Kings get Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and Larry Hughes' expiring contract . . . all just filed to ESPN.com. Link coming momentarily
    half a minute ago from TweetDeck T-Mac and Sergio Rodriguez to NYK; Kev Martin/Jared Jeffries/swap of 2011 first with Knicks and 2012 first from Knicks to Houston AND
    less than a minute ago from TweetDeck Sources close to the situation tell ESPN.com that all three teams have reached agreement on deal to send T-Mac to New York

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  31. Heat being awfully protective of 2 mid first round picks. They're trying to build a title contender. Those picks won't get minutes

    chad ford

    February 18, 2010 1:09 PM

    Those picks might be starters we won't have alot of players left after FA so those picks might be useful because they both would be small contracts.

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  32. Boozer?! WTF?! It's not going to make sense if they end up giving up more to get Boozer than the offered for Stoudamire. It doesn't make sense. Maybe more media BS?

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  33. Knicks got rid of Jared Jeffries. Can you say 2 maxes?

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  34. Yea Cyrus this is gonna be a good draft

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  35. Knicks gave up A LOT for extra $9.5 mil in space. Hill, a Top 1 protected in 2011 and Top 5 protected in 2012. They better get 'Bron
    half a minute ago from web

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  36. Knicks got rid of Jared Jeffries. Can you say 2 maxes?

    February 18, 2010 1:24 PM

    lol how many players do the Knicks even still have?

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  37. picks will be in the 14-15-16 range

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  38. I'm really looking forward to some comprehensive write-ups about the winners and losers of the trade deadline. There are some noticeable come ups.

    Meanwhile, we're sitting here hoping (praying) that Wade's calf is OK. I don't even care about a big move. Find a way to get rid of Haslem for Roger Mason and DJ Augustine.

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  39. well I figured, if they could afford it, the Knicks would get Amar'e & Joe Johnson. Should have kept Nate, but w/e.

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  40. Kaman starting to realise the Clips management are full of shit.

    http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=4924419

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  41. Just talked to one GM who says Miami calling to lay ground work for pre-draft and summer trades. Don't seem like they're doing deal now

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  42. A front office executive involved in Carlos Boozer three-way discussion with Miami, Utah and Wash: "It's not going anywhere right now."
    less than 20 seconds ago from web

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  43. wow. Chicago sent Tyrus Thomas to the Bobcats. Can't believe the Rockets traded Carl Landry...

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  44. As one GM just said on phone, "Charlotte could be a real problem for someone in the first-round. That is some athletic frontline now."
    half a minute ago from web

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  45. yepp ^
    still, the players they get in return might be crap, but the Bulls should trade Heinrich, too. Just free it all up.

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  46. "Slledge has a mangina"

    chad ford

    half a minute ago from web

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  47. Charlotte and Indiana in serious talks on deal that would send T.J. Ford to Bobcats for package that includes D.J. Augustine, source says.
    less than a minute ago from web

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  48. Cross our fingers for Augustine or hinrich

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  49. 28 minutes left 'til the deadline. doesn't look like we're making any moves...

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  50. We could at least got somebody to play while Wade is down so he won't rush back

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  51. Indiana-Charlotte discussions broad, sources say: Talks included Ford and Rush for Augustine, Nazr and Gerald Henderson. Not yet imminent.
    1 minutes ago from web

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  52. lmao. they brought up the puppet commercial when they were talking about if Big Z should go back. Wonder if that's why Nike put him in the commercial even though I haven't seen him get into all that...

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  53. Charlotte and Indiana is close, but sources say not done. FIve players for now, including Ford and Rush for Augustine, Henderson and Nazr.
    1 minutes ago from web

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  54. Deals can still be announced after the deadline. 3 pm wont be the last trades you hear. I think its just the paperwork has to be faxed in by 3. There will be some late deals

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  55. Boozer update just in: Source w/knowledge of Jazz thinking says deal "unlikely" but Jazz/Heat still talking w/half-hour left until deadline
    2 minutes ago from TweetDeck

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  56. Riley get captain Kirk for captain clutch lol

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  57. One version of the proposed deal would have sent Boozer and Washington's Mike James to Miami, Haslem and Richardson to Utah from Miami and Miami's Carlos Arroyo, Utah's Kyrylo Fesenko and perhaps another player to the Wizards.

    Yet one source said that Miami's Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers were also discussed along with Utah's Kyle Korver

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  58. Latest: Hearing one team is making a last minute push for Amare. Suns source says a deal "may" happen. Link coming

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  59. Latest: Hearing Pacers-Bobcat deal isn't happening

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  60. Well at least dorrell is still here

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  61. Latest: Amare is staying in Phoenix. Last minute bid failed. Sarver, Kerr, Stoudemire & agent meeting for dinner tonight to calm waters.
    3 minutes ago from web

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  62. wow Kerr is stupid does he think Stoudemire is gonna stay after you tried to shop him away he should've just traded him.

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  63. Well I guess the confidence we had in Pat to get it done this summer can be divided by 4. A lot more competition (with money) for this summer. People are going to be overpaid. Good thing we kept Beasley since him & Dwyane Wade are our best selling points.

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  64. With buyouts and roster clearing expected around the league after Thursday's flurry of trades, it is possible the Heat could add a short-term scoring option on a 10-day contract as it awaits a Wade return. Among those currently available is former Heat swingman Ricky Davis.
    Copyright © 2010, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
    -----

    ha, ok ira.
    no tradees for us. joy......

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  65. The Jazz got a protected 1st round pick from the Grizzlies for Ronnie Brewer. Kind of surprised we held onto Wright. I didn't think the Grizz would offer a first rounder for either Brewer or Wright.

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  66. I'm disappointed.
    Ira is a tool.
    Beasley's block was NOT a goaltend.
    New Jersey announcers said so and Kiki had refs review.
    Is Ira above the refs and better than video review?
    That's all for now.

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  67. Looks like overpaying Rudy Gay might be our best bet in the off-season....what was that like plan F or G?

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  68. Out of all the wheeling and dealing I really like Charlotte's pick-up of Tyrus Thomas and Sacramento's pick-up Carl Landry too, but the Bobcats deal effects us more we got them 2 more X's this season. If you thought they were athletic before Wallace, Thomas, Chandler, Jackson and Felton is very good starting 5.

    Well it's basically Bosh or bust now...lol
    Riley got what he wanted cap-space for 2010 fool's gold FA, et's see what he does with it... I'm glad we held onto D-Wright...LMAO!!!!!!!!

    Well back to the normal Heat chatter...LOL
    Will Spo finally let Beasley play with no restrictions seeing as this year is going to continue to be what it was supposed to be since before training camp "A YEAR OF GROWTH FROM WITHIN" or will Beasley continue to play behind his reserve Gritzzz Hustlem AKA Purity Man?
    And when is Spo getting fired?

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  69. Donnie Walsh got the job done, nice.

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  70. Can't see how beasley responds after his game lady night an being the featured scorer vs Memphis fri if only spo rotation of haslem an beaseley was the same as last night we would b a diff lookin team but happy we kept d wright he should get the start fri to match up with gay

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  71. Donnie Walsh got the job done, nice.

    February 18, 2010 4:56 PM

    I think he gave up to much imo let's say you guys get maxA maxB who else is on the roster?

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  72. It is disappointing to see the NY Knicks, Chicago Bulls and LA Clippers get in a better position for this off-season.

    After the 5 game losing streak I thought we had to make a move,but this 4 game winning streak followed by keeping Dorell softens the blow a bit.

    I want to see more of Wright and Cook, possibly Chalmers... I hope we get into the playoffs, but if we don't I would want nothing more than to get lucky like the Bulls and win the lottery.

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  73. Well, that was not interesting. Beasley looked very good last night. Spo, not so much.

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  74. HD#1 said...
    Donnie Walsh got the job done, nice.

    February 18, 2010 4:56 PM

    I think he gave up to much imo let's say you guys get maxA maxB who else is on the roster?

    FEBRUARY 18, 2010 5:04 PM

    Nobody, but who cares? Wade is single handedly taking NOBODY to 40 wins this year. Put a Chris Bosh next to him? That's it right there. (plus Chandler, Gallinari, Douglas and some other crap)

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  75. I'll say this, no one is sweating more than Riley right now. Lebron looks like a lock to stay in cleveland. They've got that championship on wrap this year, they have the best player in the NBA and a top 2-3 supporting cast in the NBA.

    colangelo's not too worried since he was expecting Bosh to leave anyway. Same with Phx and Utah with Amare. I dont know about Atlanta, Joe Johnson has a good team there but I could see him trying to join Miami or NY for more money.

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  76. Nobody, but who cares? Wade is single handedly taking NOBODY to 40 wins this year. Put a Chris Bosh next to him? That's it right there. (plus Chandler, Gallinari, Douglas and some other crap)

    February 18, 2010 5:12 PM

    lol well Bease is a something atleast.I mean who's the bench scorer who's gonna start at certain posistions yeah the Knicks will be fun to watch but they have to address these problems somehow if they want to beat the Lakers who are pretty much stacked.I wonder if Walsh can pull it off he's done it before.

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  77. "I'll say this, no one is sweating more than Riley right now. Lebron looks like a lock to stay in cleveland. They've got that championship on wrap this year, they have the best player in the NBA and a top 2-3 supporting cast in the NBA."

    I don't think the Cavs can beat the Lakers imo they still have holes like who the backup C is now that Z is gone plus it also helps that Kobe is having a mini vacation before the playoffs.

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  78. Two max guys, Gallo, Chandler, Douglas, and 7-10 minimum salaries (which is all they'd be able to afford) is not going to get it done against an actual quality roster with some star power of its own. You don't need more All-Stars or high-profile players, but you need a lot more than D-Leaguers and guys from the park.

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  79. So it looks like Wade's calf should be ready to go in less than two weeks (about 4-5 games). Thank God.

    If he's out that long, hopefully we can win the two home games with Minny and Milwaukee ...hopefully.

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  80. long as wade gets back for the lakers game, got tix for that one :)

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  81. I don't think the Cavs can beat the Lakers imo they still have holes like who the backup C is now that Z is gone plus it also helps that Kobe is having a mini vacation before the playoffs.

    FEBRUARY 18, 2010 6:00 PM

    I think the Wizards will buy out Ilgauskas who will return to Cleveland.

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  82. Memphis believed it had a deal in place today for Miami 's Dorell Wright but the transaction fell through.

    http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/feb/18/grizzlies-trade-future-draft-pick-utah-shooting-gu/

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  83. Lord Hades said...
    Two max guys, Gallo, Chandler, Douglas, and 7-10 minimum salaries (which is all they'd be able to afford) is not going to get it done against an actual quality roster with some star power of its own. You don't need more All-Stars or high-profile players, but you need a lot more than D-Leaguers and guys from the park.

    FEBRUARY 18, 2010 6:08 PM

    Wade + Bosh(I'm assuming LBj is staying in Cleveland), Gallo, Chandler, Douglas... that's fine. Look, Wade won 40 last year with nobody. Bosh is better than anyone on that 09 team outside Wade. Gallo, Chandler, and Douglas together are better than Joel, Haslem, and Chalmers together. Its fine.

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  84. so, how does the heat get bosh, keep beasley, keep the draft picks, and add a rudy gay this offseason? thought?

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  85. The cap unexpectedly stays near where it is now (~57M) or someone signs at a real discount. Right now, we've got room for a max (~16M) and then around 9M.

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  86. new york and chicago will be a bear to compete with for bosh's services. then even if we get bosh, he's not technically a center, so we need one of those as well. then, we need a pg as well and also a sf. alot of holes to fill and maybe the draft picks can yield an answer and maybe not

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  87. I think the Wizards will buy out Ilgauskas who will return to Cleveland.

    February 18, 2010 6:16 PM

    What happened to the Wizards basically handing a so called rival one of your best players pathetic.

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  88. so, how much will we have on the books for free agency assuming we keep both 1st round picks to flesh out the roster?

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  89. hmm...now that Chicago, Clippers, & NY are real players in this FA, I wonder if Wade is enough to entice a FA signing. We have Wade & Beas, then nothing. Clipers will have Davis-Gordon-Griffin-Kaman, Chicago has Rose-Deng-Noah, Knicks have Douglas-Chandler-Gallo-Curry(lol)...The chances that Riley strikes out this summer have more than doubled because of these last two days.

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  90. PTI made a very good point about Bron's future. They brought up Lou Alcindor and how after winning a title in Mil he asked out of Mil because he had brought them a title. They made it out to seem that Alcindor was "jailed" in Mil until he won a title and felt emancipated once he left..........what if Bron feels the same way? I mean this is freakin Clev, the place sux arse, sux major arse. Does anybody really think a 32yr old Jamison and an over the hill 37yr old Shaq are going to keep Bron happy forever? This is all conjecture as I think Bron will sign a 3yr deal(about as long as Mo and Jamison have left in their tanks) and then bolt title or not to a major city to seriously chase titles. Yea I don't think he can seriously expect to win titles(plural) in Clev, maybe one if he's lucky this year but Dan Gilbert is not going to be able to keep losing money for the sake of keeping the "King" in Clev.

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  91. GodsSon521 said...

    hmm...now that Chicago, Clippers, & NY are real players in this FA, I wonder if Wade is enough to entice a FA signing. We have Wade & Beas, then nothing. Clipers will have Davis-Gordon-Griffin-Kaman, Chicago has Rose-Deng-Noah, Knicks have Douglas-Chandler-Gallo-Curry(lol)...The chances that Riley strikes out this summer have more than doubled because of these last two days.

    ___________

    I don't see why anyone would take the Clips serious, come on they're the Clips. NY is going to be a major player....I can see Amare and Johnson teaming up in NY back with Dantoni. When Amare doesn't feel loved by Miami as we chase Bosh he will sign with Dantoni to get his gorilla game going, then Johnson will say hmmmmm Amare or Smith&Horford?

    Chicago seems like a major player for Bosh and then Boozer. If Miami doesn't get Bosh it's because of Chi.

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  92. I don't know. Ferry has put together a pretty decent roster for practically nothing. Mo, Shaq, Jamison; He got those guys for peanuts (bad contracts and picks). What's to say he couldn't reinvent the roster again as needed down the line? ...and he will need to.

    The 'emanicipation' angle is an interesting one though. It'd be like the ultimate sucker punch. "Here's your title, home town. I'm off the Madison Square, bitches!" It seems like he'd be greedy and want more (rings), instead of chasing more money, in terms of endorsements and exposure. Who knows with the guy who wants to be a "global icon"?

    Also, looking at the Forbes report that cited NBA operating revenue, Cleveland wasn't one of the teams that lost money. Any losses they manage to incur (because of the heightened payroll) would pale to what would come if Bron Bron leaves. Nuclear winter.

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  93. NBATV is recapping how Haslem led us to the title.

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  94. FMB is right. No one is taking the Clippers seriously, unless its a B-level guy who just wants to be overpaid. Who wants to be a second class citizen in, not just the city, but their own arena? Signing up for a notoriously cheap owner, cited as one of the worst in sports for a franchise that bears the same designation? Come on.

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  95. Hades,

    We're on the same page. I can't see anybody going to the Clips wasting years trying to upstage the Kobe's. Won't happen.

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  96. “We just took him off the board,” Riley said. “I’m not saying there wouldn’t have been a deal. But in this particular situation, we feel like Michael is going to be a core component on this team for years to come. He’s just got too much of an upside.”

    At least we know that our organization values him. Because we kept him we now have a chance to build a dynasty next year. Unfortunatley, alot of teams cleared enough capspace to sign a prime time free agent. New Jersey, New York now can sign 2 maxes, Chicago, L.A… Riley better be on his A-Game.
    Rileys posturing kept Cleveland from acquiring Amare. Brilliant. We will sign him or Bosh next year. Lebron will now stay in Cleveland. Before this move I thought he would go since they have no building blocks/cap space, but now a core of Williams, James, Jamison, Varejao, Hickson and Shaq is good enough to stay. Wade/James is no longer. But Wade/Beasley/Bosh or Wade/Beasley/Amare etc will be available.

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  97. Chris,

    Of all those teams only NY, CHI, and Mia have a chance to be legit title contending teams. NY because of $$$$ and Dantoni, CHI because of their young core, and Mia because of Wade and Beasley.

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  98. Wades possible destinations.

    Clippers- Joining Davis, Gordon, Griffin, Kaman. Davis and Kaman are injured every year. Griffin hasn't played a single NBA game, and Gordon is still young and unproven. Oh, and they are the worst franchise in sports.

    % of Wade coming= 0%

    Nets- Joining Lopez, Harris, Lee, CDR. They have a very young core, who are poised to make noise in the future. Unfortunandtely for them, Wade wants to win now, not in the future. That team is a process. Yes Jay-z and Brooklyn is enticing but Wade will be 31 before they are ready to compete

    % of Wade coming= 1%

    Knicks- Joining Gallo, Chandler, and Douglas, and most likely a MAX free agent. Huge market, and great media exposure. Unfortunatley for the Knicks, he has flat out said NO to joining the Knicks. He does not like the city, or the weather there. Wade also knows that to win a ring u need to play defense, he knows this will never happen under Dantoni.

    % of Wade coming= 5%

    Chicago- Joining Chicago native Rose, Deng, and Noah. Chicago has a decent supporting cast with a good center and great young PG. After that, the talent drops off. While, being reunited with his hometown city sounds like a great story, Wade has repeatedly said that he looks at Chicago as a place of refuge, and peace. He enjoys going here for non-basketball related activities. He is also a known cold weather hater. Judging from his comments over the years this does not sound like a place he would enjoy PLAYING basketball in. However, this team remains Miami's biggest threat.

    % of Wade coming= 18%


    After examining all the possibilities I give Wade a 76% chance of staying with the Miami Heat

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  99. Basically, the only way Wade leaves is if Riley spends the summer with his thumb up his ass. We've got too much money not to get something done, even if it's overpaying a max @ 13M for Rudy Gay and a couple of role players at PG and C.

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  100. "even if it's overpaying a max @ 13M for Rudy Gay and a couple of role players at PG and C."

    You guys just have to hope Amar'e or Boozer will be enough for Wade to stay. Would not mind him bolting to the Knicks with Bosh or somebody...lol

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  101. The Heat could end up with Bosh/Stoudamire and Gay to pair with Wade.... if they traded Beasley.

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  102. I think the odds of Wade going to New York are better than the odds of him going to Chicago.

    If he goes to Chicago, he's a moron. Rose, Deng, and Noah are no better of a supporting cast than what the Heat could put around him, even given that we strike out in free agency. Beasley, Rudy Gay, and Raymond Felton is just as good as that sh*t, and that's worst-case scenario. Not to mention we can pay him more, and he's already entrenched in the marketing and fan-base here. He goes to Chicago, he starts from scratch, and he does it in the shadow of Michael Jordan. He's already the best basketball player in Heat history. In Chicago, nothing he does will ever touch MJ/Pippen.

    The Knicks scare me because it's the epicenter of the marketing world, and playing in Madison Square Garden is still a big deal. Wade could also go there and help turn around what has been an awful organization, re-earning him his "hero" status quickly in New York.

    I'd say at this point, I think we've got about 75% chance at re-signing him. Knicks 20%. Bulls 5%, just because it's his hometown.

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  103. Not afraid of Wade leaving at all. Even if he does I think its for Chi. If you are gonna leave, u may as well go home. I think he also knows you need defense to win, something he wont get under Dantoni. I mean sure the knicks can add Wade and a max guy, but after that, they will have limited depth and will depend on ring chasers, At least with the Bulls the depth can be had, they can still move Kirk, and Rose will be a Max guy soon. Nobody longs for the chance to play in NY like they use to. TO be honest, that big stage isnt made for everybody. Sure Wade could do it, but not sure he would want to .

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