Atlanta Hawks: Shaq open to joining Hawks (UPDATE: Shaq hasn’t heard from Hawks)
Shaq provides muscle but also potential headaches.
Tim Povtak of FanHouse reports that the Hawks have offered Shaquille O’Neal a two-year contact starting at the full mid-level exception. That figure is pegged to the league average salary and won’t be known until the league completes its audit this week but should come in at about $5.5 million for the first season.
I can confirm at least the Shaq half of this story: He’d be interesting in playing for the Hawks, according to a person with knowledge of his free-agent desires. But a person familiar with Atlanta’s plans said it’s doubtful the team has made such an offer this early in the free-agent process. (UPDATE: Shaq’s agent, Perry Rogers, says he hasn’t heard from the Hawks.) The Hawks are seeking a bulky center, and ASG is said to be willing to use the mid-level exception and pay some luxury tax if necessary to do so, but so far it doesn’t appear the Hawks have decided whom else to target after re-signing J.J.
Shaq, 38, just finished the least productive of his 18 seasons. He’s certainly a more physical deterrent in the post than anyone the Hawks have now, and his blocks and rebounds numbers are still pretty good. But Zaza’s production actually compares decently when adjusted for minutes and when accounting for Shaq’s much higher usage rate. And if Shaq were to play a major role for the Hawks it would mean less minutes in the lineup for Al and/or Smoove, who are more effective players.
If the Hawks are looking to make a buzz as Potvak suggests (”They also could use O’Neal’s star appeal to help create some much needed interest in the franchise,” he writes) then Shaq can still do that. But they should be careful what they wish for in that regard. The Hawks are looking to create a more serious and dedicated culture for the team with a first-year coach, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that Shaq probably isn’t going to help that effort. His approach is that of an 18-year vet with four rings and a nonchalant view of the regular season.
If Shaq came to Atlanta, it wouldn’t be long before he’s telling teammates and media that the Hawks simply need to be dominant at home and .500 on the road and everything will be OK. When L.D. says the Hawks need to play with more energy and effort every night to make it a habit, Shaq at some point would suggest the Hawks don’t really need to worry until March. When the Hawks lose games they shouldn’t and slide down the standings, Shaq would shrug and say they just need to hold onto homecourt advantage for the first round and everything will be cool. And if Shaq becomes unhappy with his playing time, then I don’t need to tell you Shaq is not going to be quiet about it.
If the Hawks signed Shaq, he would instantly become the biggest presence in the locker room, the guy with the most cred and the biggest voice. In addition to deciding if Shaq could still help them on the floor, the Hawks would have to be sure this team is ready to handle his off-court influence.
MC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
656 comments Add your comment
Najeh Davenpoop
July 7th, 2010
5:12 am
Also, for the people mentioning Haywood, there’s quite a bit of contract-year inflation on his stat sheet. Whoever ends up paying him upwards of $8 million per year (not the Hawks, they don’t have the cap space) may be signing the next Dampier.
JoJo the Godfather
July 7th, 2010
6:57 am
One Danny Granger rumor that has been out there had him going to New Jersey for Harris & Favors…Some say this deal is still on the table if New Jersey fails to sign any big name free agents as New Jersey wants to win sooner than later…So would Indiana take Josh Smith & Jeff Teague for Granger & Dahntay Jones (if you could clear Marvin)?…The other side is, would you take Harris & Favors for Smith (if you could clear Bibby)???
vava74
July 7th, 2010
7:00 am
I had a vision:
We will end up with Rasho Nesterovic’s last remains as the bulky C off the bench.
O'Brien
July 7th, 2010
7:15 am
For those concerned about Chemistry, I used to think the Hawks had great team chemistry. But as we found out last year from Horford, the chemistry was not there (witness the Magic beatdown).
When the Bobcats added Stephen jackson, people were concerned about chemistry. But what did he do? He helped lead them to the playoffs. I think our Hawks are soft, and are still searching for a personality, while Horford works his way to being the team leader.
Adding Shaq is a high risk, high reward in my opinion. And I would be willing to take the risk IF Shaq understands his role is 20 mpg off the bench, with more minutes depending on matchups.
And for those ripping ESPN for doing what LeBron wants, guys, ESPN is a Sports network. You do whatever it takes to get viewers. And having LeBron announce his decision on TV will get lots of viewers.
What bothers me is the LeBron part. Why come on TV for an hour long special? Sure, the proceeds go to boys and girls club of America, but you have enough money to make a bigger donation if you so choose. Just make your decision, let people know, and move on.
Big Ray
July 7th, 2010
7:18 am
Northcyde ,
Agreed that ‘Sheed and Artest are not guys we would have preferrably added to this Hawks roster.
But I think the main reason why is the lack of strong leadership on the floor and in the locker room. It took a Phil and Kobe combo to keep Artest under control (that and Artest’s shrink).
In Boston, ‘Sheed makes no noise because of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, along with Doc Rivers.
We have no such players yet on our court (Al Horford develops into that, but for now his 3 yrs experience won’t cut it for most vets), Woody didn’t have the ear of his squad last year, and we don’t know yet if Larry Drew will have that connection.
It’s one of the bigger sources of our chemistry problems, and it’s also why we are less likely to add “colorful” personalities.
Big Ray
July 7th, 2010
7:20 am
Lebron’s ego is now bigger than his game, and it’s disgusting to see. Jordan would have never acted like this. Make Lebron give #23 back, and give him #25 (so we don’t disrespect #24, Kobe).
O'Brien
July 7th, 2010
7:55 am
Big Ray,
He’s already changing to #6.
Ben
July 7th, 2010
8:13 am
Would anyone on this blog be interested in a sign-and-trade with Josh Smith, Al Horford, and Josh Childress for Chris Bosh?! It would be hard, but I’d be all for it! Then pick up Shaq to fill the center spot.
~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478)
July 7th, 2010
8:26 am
ALL THOSE GUYS…………FOR BOSH??????????????????????????????
That’s borderline psychotic.
Melvin
July 7th, 2010
8:27 am
Sund, give this guy the whole MLE so we can have a true Big…
“Not that he’s a player that the guys have spoken to, but this all brings to mind a conversation I had with Jermaine O’Neal back in February about this very thing. O’Neal just wrapped up the final year on a gigantic contract that paid him over $20 million in his final year.
“I’ve talked to so many guys who have been around this league and done some really great things—and I don’t want to say any names, but everybody’s saying the same thing… they’re talking about going somewhere as a crew to have that opportunity,” O’Neal said.
In other words, the idea that there are players willing to give up paychecks for a chance to win isn’t as far-fetched as some may think.
“I’ve experienced a lot of things in my career,” O’Neal continued. “I’ve had my own shoe, national commercials, All-Star games, USA teams, big contracts—and I don’t feel validated because I haven’t had the opportunity to play for a championship. That’s all I’m worried about right now.””
kwooden1
July 7th, 2010
8:28 am
ESPN is reporting that Bosh is going to Miami to play with Wade. That makes Miami better, but gives us more reason to go after J. O’Neal. I think that leaves Lebron to stay in Cleveland or go to the Knicks. Either way the East gets a little tougher.
As for Shaq… I first thought it was a bad idea, but after sitting on it a few days, I would take Shaq or Jermaine O’Neal. Horford wants help and I want quality help, especially for the Playoffs. If we don’t get either one of those guys then we might as well go get Collins.
GO HAWKS!
JoJo the Godfather
July 7th, 2010
8:29 am
Bosh & Wade to Miami…LeBron staying in Cleveland?…Will Boozer stay in Utah?…Chicago & Dallas will be calling before Joe signs his deal tomorrow…Will the Hawks & Joe hang up in their face or listen to what they have to say?
~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478)
July 7th, 2010
8:40 am
I have to be optimistic about the upcoming season. The Hawks were one of the BEST mediocre teams in NBA History last year. How many 50+ win teams have you saw that could lose so ugly and embarrasingly at times than we did last year??
The Hawks won 53 games despite having a very limited offensive and defensive playbook, a coach who didnt adjust from sets that routinely got us killed during the course of a game, a point guard who was ONLY good for a streaky jump shots, and basically 0% help from reserve big men.
1 – I have to assume Drew’s system is going to be considerably better and he will be able to make common sense decisions Woodson could not make.
2 – We will have a point guard that actually can push the ball with our athletes and has penetration ability.
3 – Extra Scorer (Jordan Crawford)
4 – Horford showed signs of becoming more aggressive toward the end of the year. I expect a carry over.
5 – Some kind of way we’ll probably have a reserve big man that was better than the options we had last year (wont take much to improve that)
I think next season’s team will be built better to actually get out of the 2nd Rd. than the squad from this past season.
JSS
July 7th, 2010
8:42 am
@ Northcyde…
The Nets are playing Zoubek more the 1st two games. Zoubek was horrid the 1st game but he was +11 last game. Siler in his playing time was +7 in two games, fouls aside. He’s being asked to do other things in his nearly 20 minutes of play. He also had to take a desperation 3 in that 1st game. Not one of his supporters proclaimed him to be the second coming of Shaq, we just thought he was a better choice for the money over Randolph or the man signed at his release, Jason Collins.
JSS
July 7th, 2010
8:48 am
Not to defend the circus that will occur tomorrow night, bout James is donating all of the sponsorship proceeds of his “carnation” to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
GeeMack
July 7th, 2010
8:58 am
ESPN is reporting Bosh is going to Miami with Wade.
Where would this put the Hawks in the Eastern pecking order if Lebron goes back to the Cavs?
The Shooter
July 7th, 2010
9:02 am
Come on Shaq, we need some size. How about that Labron James! Does he really think I want to sit there far an hour and listen to news about him. What a circus he is. It is all about him. It is a shame he can’t make a three when it counts, or a 15 footer, or a 10 footer, or even a 5 footer. He needs to donate money to law enforcement to force the fathers of all these kids at the boys and girls clubs to accept responsibility for their own kids.
~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478)
July 7th, 2010
9:02 am
Hawks will finish with a better record than the Heat.
BOOK IT.
Mitch
July 7th, 2010
9:25 am
What the Hawks really need?
1. A great strength and conditioning coach.
For a relatively young team, they were not in great shape last year and they tired both physcially and mentally late in games. Plus—here’s the thing—put some extra muscle on Al and Josh and they can play the posts stronger—and—with their athleticism—help faster and stronger—and—be harder for opponets to guard on the offensive end.
Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford need to get in better shape…this whole team needs it. If LD stresses this AND chemistry—WOW—these Hawks could be soaring!
2. Trust in the continued development of the young talent. Al and Josh are still babes…so is Marvin…but all three WILL continue to mature into first-rate players. Al already has an All-Star Game under his belt. Josh will follow, probably this year or next at the latest, and Marvin—he’s starting to show strong signs of becoming a very good all-around player. I thought that at times his rebounding last year was much improved…his shot from the corner is now very good, and his slashing a mid-range game are improving. He’s still only what, 23? Plus, he may be the best defender.
Jeff Teague and Jordan Crawford bring excellent tools. LD need to play these guys and let them run, run, run.
3. Add chemistry players. For example, everyone wants to trade Chills…but man he would be dynamic with this group because he doesn’t turn the ball over, he plays tenacious defense and he takes only good shots…which is what everyone else on the team needs to learn.
What would be best for the team is to hold onto Childress and to add a quality big man for depth. I still think that if LD can get Morris and Collins in shape and if the team can hold onto Joe Smith (and play him a little more this year), they will be fine. All these bigs can add to chemistry.
4. Trade Mike Bibby…and pick up Luke Ridnour…again chemistry. I wouldn’t mind seeing Flip Murray back either. He fit in well two years ago as a solid option at PG off the bench.
drmaryb
July 7th, 2010
9:27 am
Self-Promoter?
OBRIEN @ 715AM
You nailed it! Why promote yourself anymore than this guy does? And, to hide behind the poor
little kids – Boys & Girls Club? That, Sir? – is NOT Rich.
Just make your decision and leave us ALL alone! I’m glad the other FA’s are looking after their OWN interest as well and doing their own thang!
LeBron is getting very old and seeming very self absorbed around these parts!
I knew it would come down to every man for himself – as it should be!
Bron needs to grow up! I guess he didn’t get enough hugs as a kid from his unknown Father.
Saad! Father’s please STEP UP and start hugging your kids – daily.
JSS
July 7th, 2010
9:28 am
It makes Miami a 4 or 5 instead of 6, 7, or 8… Lebron or not, Cleveland’s old problems are still there…
ILL-logical
July 7th, 2010
9:34 am
All of the discussion over w/not Shaq is a good fit for the Hawks proved that at least there is a great deal of passion about the Hawks.
However, reality says that there will be no Shaq in the ATL but the question remains as to what can the team do to get some more size(height and heft)? I would submit that last year’s roster contained those elements but the were not properly utilized.
A scenario that meets the financial and other challenges facing the team is to have Coach Drew-liking the sound of that more and more- sit down with Randolph Morris and have a come to Jesusu meeting:
1. We need you to step your game and become a force in the middle because you have the offensive skills and size that can propel this team to the top.
2. What we need/ requiring from you is consistent effort on the offensive glass and defensive middle. Therefore you must get in the best shape of your life and put on your hard hat every day!
Then Coach Drew must sit down with Josh and All Star Al ,who have known /played with RandMo since High School, and get them to encourage and suppot his efforts. This is key because the peer pressure angle.
Last, this move allows Marvin-if he is still around to become the front court threat that has been missing from the second unit: a veteran second team line up of Bibby,Jamal Marvin-an in shape Jason Collins and ZaZa.
The two rookies and a piece from a Josh Childress/Mo Evens trade rounds out the roster.
NoNameDefense
July 7th, 2010
9:46 am
Two Words – Brandon Haywood
He’s younger and he’s had success playing D Howard. It’s a no brainer
Rufus1
July 7th, 2010
10:02 am
Lebron
Agent David Faulk on 790the zone said the Hawks should ba a team he considers in a S&T, because we can offer the Cavs the softest landing(trade assets) and him a VERY GOOD TEAM.
northcyde
July 7th, 2010
10:09 am
kwooden1
July 7th, 2010
8:28 am
ESPN is reporting that Bosh is going to Miami to play with Wade. That makes Miami better, but gives us more reason to go after J. O’Neal. I think that leaves Lebron to stay in Cleveland or go to the Knicks. Either way the East gets a little tougher.
As for Shaq… I first thought it was a bad idea, but after sitting on it a few days, I would take Shaq or Jermaine O’Neal. Horford wants help and I want quality help, especially for the Playoffs. If we don’t get either one of those guys then we might as well go get Collins.
GO HAWKS!
*********************
Question to you. If Lebron decided to join both Wade and Bosh in Miami, does that give us even more incentive to go after a guy like Shaq or Jermaine O’Neal? And why would people rather have Jermaine than Shaq?
Need a little coercion?
Jermaine O’Neal’s Defensive per 48 minute stats:
opponents eFG%: 52.6%
opponents iFG%: 55%
opponents PPG: 19.8
opponents PER: 19.2
In other words . . . his defensive numbers at C are worse than Horford’s at C . . and FAR WORSE than Shaq’s defensive numbers at C.
And Shaq has better PER 36 minute offensive prodcution numbers than Jermaine.
kwooden1
July 7th, 2010
10:20 am
northcyde,
This is the first I’ve seen of those stats, but they definitely show the value of Shaq over Jermaine. I like Jermaine’s face-up game better than Shaq’s but I think Jermaine’s pick and roll defensive is just as bad as Shaq’s. At this point I would take either one of those guys because we need the size off the bench. If I were the HAWKS, I would explore all options available to offer either of those guys more that the MLE. I don’t think either of those guys would take the HAWKS over any other team, if we’re offering the same money.
vava74
July 7th, 2010
10:21 am
JSS, Northcyde,
I saw yesterday’s summer league game where Siler played and it was not only that his actual contribution as reflected on the boxscore was meager, he looked pretty bad.
Didn’t box out, didn’t set picks, looked lost, showed lack of basic fundamentals. An accurate description of his presence on court is “huge body running back and forth, up and down the court, earnestly but aimlessly”.
One positive thing in his game is that he is indeed intimidatingly big: there was a possession where a guy was dribbling towards the paint and he had a defensive stance (not even a correct one) and the guy with the rock looked at him and immediately stopped and pop up a jumper which was waaaay short.
Anyhow, put him on court with Cheeseburger Collins or RandMo and they will just out play him easily.
He has a long long way to go in my opinion.
UGA
July 7th, 2010
10:22 am
Lester Conner is going to be Drew’s top assistant per Hoopshype.com
doc
July 7th, 2010
10:28 am
northcyde, nice remarks over at bradley’s blog dude, real nice.
agree about jon as well, he is not about defense or filling the middle nor stopping points from coming down the middle. the guy cant move that well on those knees and he has been more the offensive center rather than defender.
i like shaq and like everyone have some reservations about him. agree that he still has game and if he can stay healthy which he hasnt over the past three seasons he rules as a backup or even starter for limited minutes. he wasnt the reason the cavs flagged but circumstances surrounding his late season injury. i would have liked to have seen him with his health.
the best reason shaq isnt coming here has nothing to do with chemistry unless it is about au (the chemical element symbol for gold)? it is because he isnt and wont nor does he have to sign up for a MLE. there is no way we get a discount or steal like him for that price. since that is all we have to spend i think most of this discussion is theoretical and not founded in reality. again fantasy rules.
KevinM
July 7th, 2010
10:32 am
Shaq over Z
Shaq over Brad Miller
Shaq over Brendan Haywood on cost alone…..still as talented
Shaq over Dampier
Shaq over Jermaine O’Neal
Shaq over Zaza, Collins and Morris
Shaq over some kid named Siler
Easier put, the only guys I put above Shaq are unobtainable….sign him and make some changes to make this team more of a 1/2 court threat. Without that, we aren’t going forward. It has been said for a few years now…..a running team isn’t going to win you a championship.
Ask Phoenix, ask the Knicks, ask Golden State….it doesn’t translate
Why LeBron would go to the Knicks is beyond common sense…….he won’t win a title with that team or any D’Antoni team.
The only thing that LeBron does know is if he wants to get to the FInals, he will have to be in the East. If he goes back to the Cavs, our chance at O’Neal is probably futile.
As for Joe convincing others to come play here………really? The only thing he has said publicly in 5 years gets him booed mercifully by us and then he and his agent are saying that Joe can recruit other big names here………really?
But now that Joe has his incredible deal, and probably ends up the 2nd-3rd highest paid FA this offseason, Sund has to make a couple more moves to get us in contention to at least ‘compete’ with Orlando and Boston. Still have to get a number 2-3 seed to make any playoff noise.
Hoops
July 7th, 2010
10:34 am
Ben,
You are entitled to your opinion, but your trade proposal is the worst in the history of basketball!!!!
northcyde
July 7th, 2010
10:34 am
ILL-logical. . . . it is higly illogical to expect Randolph Morris of all people to step up and be a decent center in this league.
LOL . . the obsession for scrub centers continues.
KevinM
July 7th, 2010
10:37 am
Oh yeah, get Shaq a driver to go work with Mark Price in Suwanee and work on his FT. Based on Josh’s comments, sounds like he isn’t interested on doing everything necessary to lead this team.
Finally, the best reason of all to sign Shaq: because we don’t have any resemblance of a Center on this roster! How many times does it need to be mentioned in 10 years? We lost Pryzbilla and haven’t had a 5 since…is that amazing?
~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478)
July 7th, 2010
10:39 am
I agree with KevinM, except his cheap shot about the guy on the pringles can. Mr. Pringles FTW
JSS
July 7th, 2010
10:49 am
@ Vava74…
Please stop acting you are the only one watching summer games. This is the last time I’m saying anything else about Siler. He’s the Nets issue, not ours now. The one that has never been said was that Siler lacked “fundementals.” His fundemetals were the things that people lauded. He was always accused of “lacking polish” and the things that en-tale (natural fluidity, second nature big man movement). Shoot, they said that about Artis Gilmore and Tree Rollins, no I’m not comparing him to them before you go off on some ramble. You can count fluid big men on 5 hands, no more. He held his own last Summer, especially against Morris. Funny, go back and look at last year’s Rookie camp and see how quickly Morris took his game to the perimeter. If he was bloody awful they would have cut much earlier in camp like they did Sims! Sure, the kid has his shortcomings. But they would not have cost his $2.4 million dollars to find out! You don’t like him, no problem!
Ken Strickland
July 7th, 2010
10:50 am
We’re now on page 6 discussing whether the Hawks should acquire Shaq, but what are our alternatives if we don’t? Now that we have a HC that’s not a coward and isn’t afraid to actually utilize young players and his bench, why not go with the idea that there’s strength in numbers.
That means we should try and acquire a FA center like NMuhommed, or JPrzybilla, if we can and he’s willing to return. Then do a sign and trade with Washington for ABlatch and resign RMorris. That would give us a 5 headed center, with AHorford, ZPachulia, ABlatch, NMuhommed/Przybilla and RMorris. What would make it even more effective is AHorford, ZPachulia and RMorris can also play PF. Using this arrangement will insure we have a better chance of avoiding the same fate the Celtics suffered when they lost starting center KPerkins to injury.
The more I think about it the more I like this option better than signing Shaq. We’ll have 25 fouls to use at center without having anyone foul out. It would take a HC with guts, ability and a willingness to utilize this much depth, but there’s been no indication that LDrew is lacking in these areas. In addition to improving our depth and talent at center, I’d really feel more comfortable if we had another PG to backup JTeague, and use Bibby more as a SG.
JSS
July 7th, 2010
10:54 am
BTW, Randolph is a UFA, how much of a raise are you going to give him?
macaroni tony
July 7th, 2010
11:06 am
Lester Conner landed on his feet pretty well after not having his contract renewed by O’Brien last month.
Conner is expected to sign a three-year contract to be coach Larry Drew’s lead assistant down in Atlanta.
Conner will coach Atlanta’s summer league team in Vegas.
Here’s a text message I got from somebody in the league about Conner.
“(He) moved up in the standings by about 15 games.”
macaroni tony
July 7th, 2010
11:06 am
http://blogs.indystar.com/pacersinsider/archives/2010/07/obrien_talks_ab.html
micah
July 7th, 2010
11:09 am
i really dont want him he hogs the ball and he is old
cp
July 7th, 2010
11:17 am
The Hawks should go after Josh Boone. He can play center and pf. He is young and will be cheap. He blocks shots and rebounds. Terrible free throw shooter but we just need him to come in play solid d and grab boards.
terrell
July 7th, 2010
11:26 am
Division just got a little tougher with Bosh and Wade signing with Miami. Oh wait, they’re the only 2 players on the team. lol! We’re still better. Haha! Go Hawks!
Hoops
July 7th, 2010
11:32 am
LaBron’s decision will have a big effect on the Hawks and their ability to get Shaq IMO. If LaBron goes back to the Cavs, Shaq will stay with the Cavs. If LaBron goes to the Heat, then the Cavs may be willing to S & T him to the Hawks for Childress & Evans or Marvin. That will get the Cavs a SF and it will allow Shaq to make more than the MLE.
O'Brien
July 7th, 2010
11:36 am
cp,
Good call. I suggested Josh Boone a long time ago. Everytime we played the nets, I felt like was very active on the boards, and he can play spot minutes at PF and center.
Terrell,
Don’t sleep on Miami yet. If they sign bosh outright, they will still have money left over for a couple more solid pieces.
Mike is back
July 7th, 2010
11:48 am
Just a note on the kid from Texas we traded to the Nets…Marvin really luck out on that trade…because this kid Damion James can definitely play the SF position at the next level. He has easily out played Favors in Summer League thus far. He will be a great rotation guy that hustles, and plays his assss off on both end of the floor. I have been really impressed by James’s tenacity.
However, I will reserve my judgment on the trade until I get a chance to see Crawford…I think he can light it up. He had better be ready to roll…Damion James is already generating some serious buzz. Everyone is already talking about that trade.
darrell starks
July 7th, 2010
11:52 am
Is it possible that the hawks could get lebron i say why not.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
July 7th, 2010
11:57 am
Just for fun let say lebron pull a rabbit out of a hat and choose atlanta 2 play with joe and horford or josh.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
July 7th, 2010
11:59 am
Let say lebron for josh, jamal,
or
Let say horford, marvin, jamal,
WHO DO CAVS CHOOSE ?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
July 7th, 2010
12:08 pm
Here’s another alternative to signing Shaq. See what you think of this one. We all know New Orleans is hurting financially and wants to dump PG CPaul and C EOkafor’s contracts. So, we take advantage of that by giving them future financial relief by offering JCrawford($9.36M)and MEvans’($2.5M) expiring contracts, MBibby’s($6.2M)contract, which expires the yr after theirs, and MWilliams($7.5M), who becomes a valuable asset if he plays well for them, for EOkafor($10.8M) and CPaul($13.5M).
$24.3M is the combined total of Okafor and Paul’s contracts, and $25.58M is the combined total of Bibby, Evans, Crawford and Marvin’s combined contracts, which works out financially. The end result is, we get the starting caliber center the ASG and Sund covets, as well as an All Star PG, and they get $18.08M in financial relief next yr(Bibby will be in the final yr of his contract after this season, which becomes tradeable). We can then resign Childress and be on our way to kicking some butt, without having to use our MLE.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
darrell starks
July 7th, 2010
12:13 pm
The hawks are the only team that could get lebron and cavs could get some good players back,
HEAT, KNICKS, NETS, BULLS, HAWKS
WHAT TEAM COULD GIVE CAVS MORE TALENT ?
MY OPINION THE HAWKS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!