Atlanta Hawks: Camp Report Day 2: Still tax-strapped
From what I can gather, Rick Sund is exploring sign-and-trade scenarios for Jamal Crawford. But, so far, Sund does not have the green light to approve a transaction that results in a luxury tax payment. As long as that’s the case, I don’t see how it can happen.
Update 12:08 a.m.: The Knicks have expressed interest in Crawford, as reported by Alex Kennedy Hoopsworld.com and Sam Amick at SI.com. But still no word that Sund has been authorized to spend into the tax. Howard Beck of the New York Times reports that the Knicks will be over the cap once they complete their recent transactions. Their trades thus will be subject to salary-matching rules.
Update 10:09 a.m.: There’s still no indication that Sund has been authorized to spend more than the tax threshold but late last night he was looking for ways to gain some salary relief to get the Hawks further under the tax line. I’m not sure how the Hawks can shed significant team salary (money that counts towards the cap and tax) without using the amnesty clause but apparently Sund is looking for a way to so to gain flexibility to spend on free agents.
After signing Tracy Mc Grady, Jason Collins and Vladmir Radmanovic, Atlanta has roughly $67.7 million in guaranteed team salary committed to 10 players (assuming minimum salaries are the same as stipulated in the old CBA for 2011-12). Add Keith Benson, Pape Sy and Magnum Rolle and the team salary is about $69.7 million.
Atlanta could shed as much as $896,000 of its team salary (depending on any guarantees) by waving those three players and replacing all of them with rookie free agents. Those moves would leave the team salary at about $68.8 million. The luxury-tax threshold is a bit more than $70 million.
Under new CBA trade rules, teams over the cap that don’t pay the tax can acquire no more than 150% + $100,000 of the salaries they trade away. Taxpaying teams can acquire no more than 125% + $100,000 of the salaries they trade away. Since a team over the cap would be using a sign-and-trade to pay Crawford more than the $5 million mid-level, a sign-and-trade involving him would mean the Hawks would have to take back a salary amount that would put them over the tax threshold.
Obviously, the Hawks would pay some tax if they use a significant amount of their exceptions to pay Crawford or any other free agent. With so many teams holding cap room, I have to think Crawford will get more than the mid-level exception even with guys like Rip Hamilton, Chauncey Billups and Vince Carter crowding the market. The Hawks have resigned themselves to as much.
Days later and I’m still getting questions about the report suggesting a Hawks sign-and-trade with the Bulls that would swap Crawford for Omer Asik and Ronnie Brewer. I don’t think there is anything to that report, and not just because it would be a bad deal for the Bulls (which probably helps explain why the rumor is so popular among Hawks fans).
For one, the deal would require the Hawks to pay significant tax and, again, Sund doesn’t yet have the go-ahead to make that kind of deal and may not get it. Also, the Bulls still are focused on signing a free-agent guard using their mid-level exception, and it looks like they’ve got their man in Hamilton.
NOTES
- As expected, the Hawks have no plans to use their amnesty clause this year. It can be used before any season of the CBA, which is for 10 years with mutual opt-outs for the owners and players after six years.
- For now, the Hawks are scouring the free-agent value bin and the waiver wire for help. “We are still looking at what’s out there,” Larry Drew said. “We are keeping our ears open to see if anything falls through the cracks. It’s only the second preseason practice and we will just have to wait and see what happens.”
- The Hawks are in the market for another center. Take a look at the list of free agents and you can see it’s very thin as far as rotation-quality guys.
- The Hawks also are looking for a backup point guard as Kirk Hinrich heals from surgery. The free-agent list looks better for that position. Carlos Arroyo, for one, would be a serviceable stopgap.
- Drew said the Hawks are interested in Gilbert Arenas if he clears the amnesty waiver wire. Teams with cap space get the first shot at him. If there are no bids he would become a free agent, though I’m not sure of the timing on that.
- Billups is on the amnesty waiver wire but he’s warning he might retire or make trouble if he gets claimed by a team he doesn’t want to join.
- The Knicks signed Mike Bibby. New York also reportedly is after free agent J.J. Barea, who probably would be an even better fit than Arroyo for Atlanta. Not sure he can be had for the minimum, though.
- Damien Wilkins signed with the Pistons.
CAMP REPORT
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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254 comments Add your comment
Ken Strickland
December 11th, 2011
9:38 am
Exactly what has so many of you convinced that we need to acquire a championship caliber center like DHoward or TChandler in order to get past the semifinals? The Dwight Howard led Magic made it to the 08-09 NBA finals and lost. They followed that up with an Eastern Conference Finals elimination in 09-10, and ended the 10/11 season with a 6gm semifinals elimination to the Hawks.
Since the 08/09 season, he hasn’t been leading the Magic towards a championship, but farther away from one. What makes anyone think he’d be able to lead a depleted Hawks team(we’d have to give up 2-3 starters to get the trade done)farther than he’s led the Magic the last 2yrs?
And what’s all the uproar about TChandler being some kind of savior?
Even though he’s over 7″, here are his numbers compared to our current center AHorford. Chandler(Horford).
REBs-9.4/9.3, BLKs-1.08/1.04, ASTs-.4/3.5, SCORING-10.1/15.3, STLs-.49/77, DOUBLE DOUBLES-18/36.
Looks to me like the Allstar center we already have is the better of the 2, and he still has room for improvement. What we really need in order to get to the next level, or get to or past the Eastern Conference Finals, is IMPROVED DEF, especially our perimeter DEF, and improvement on our bench. The speed, quickness, penetrating ability and DEF that PG JTeague brings will be an automatic improvement to our starting lineup and perimeter DEF.
He’ll close the BIG BLACK HOLE that’s been our perimeter DEF every since MBibby has been our starting PG, and JCrawford has been his primary backup. I see TMac giving us more offensive consistency and versatility than we got from Jamal, although I don’t see him scoring as many pts.
His ability to rebound, play much better DEF, as well as facilitate much better than Jamal, should make him more effective overall than Jamal was. Having Twin, in top condition, Zaza, Benson, and his shot blocking ability, along with ARolle, will give us more frontline size and depth than either the Heat, Bulls or Magic.
Unlike the Bulls, we don’t have to look for a scoring SG, and unlike the Magic, we don’t have to look for a scoring SF and/or PF, or a backup center. Miami is in a unique situation. They need a shooting PG with 3pt range that can defend his position, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands. Teams with quick fast PGs gave Miami fits. They’re also still vulnerable to decent zone DEFs that keeps them out of the lane and forces them to become jumpshooters.
The Hawks should have a good season and strong playoff run, barring any major and prolonged injuries to key players of course.
brigadierjerry
December 11th, 2011
9:38 am
MC, any truth to the Knicks interested in Jamal Crawford?
doc
December 11th, 2011
10:11 am
as i said earlier the amnesty only helps the rich. knicks can afford the risk of 13 milion, the hawks wont be in that position ever to risk paying someone for no production. cba only helps the wealthy as they can figure ways around paying taxes like this.
doc
December 11th, 2011
10:17 am
remember all the feel good stuff that stern and the nba were selling during the all star game on new irleans a few years ago?
Michael Cunningham
December 11th, 2011
10:20 am
blog updates.
@brigjerry: see earlier update re: Knicks.
Rufus1
December 11th, 2011
10:27 am
Defensive Efficiency will improve…..
Last year the Hawks were 14th in defensive efficiency, with Bibby and Jamal playing 30min a game. Now substitute those players with Teague(Super quick), T-mac(6′9), Sy(6′7 and very quick) and Kirk(very solid defender).
I don’t care about the regular season, I only care about the playoffs and we will be better this year.
http://www.teamrankings.com/nba/stat/defensive-efficiency
Prediction: The Hawks will be top 5 in defensive efficiency this year and we will be a better offensively than the Bulls.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 11th, 2011
10:33 am
Ken Strickland championship caliber centers usually play under 30 minutes so they can be fresh to defend and rebound.
Dwight is a freak of nature minutes wise. And he CARRIED that team’s offense and defense.
Tyson Chandler’s WS/48 or amount of Games he Won by HIMSELF per 48 minutes was (21%).
Dirk, a 7′0 Kobe-esque shooter, was (21%).
Horford was 18% in 09-10 and plateaued last year due to low free throw rate, Give me an elite defender and rebounder (Bogut), lower his minutes to keep him fresh (Tyson Chandler) and then fill in the gaps with elite size and perimeter shooting (Johnson, Leuer) and elite wing defenders (Smith, Teague).
Horford is not an elite shot creator or rim protector. Hes not a fluid perimeter player.
He just stays at the elbow like a stockier version of Chris Bosh.
The elite centers should effect the game w/o the ball in their hands. In fact the more they touch it the worse their offensive rating becomes. The more you rely on your best rebounder (center) actually scoring in isolation the slower your scoring rate is and the more likely you’ll lose.
Perkins, Chandler, and Bynum averaged like 6 points in his title runs. How do you measure defense and self sacrifice? Defensive rating per 100 possessions? REB %? Easy for these talented 7 footers.
If you want to compare Tyson Chandler and Al Horford’s regular season stats then modify Horfords regular season stats to per 28 minutes. Because thats what Tyson plays 28 minutes per game. As does Bynum or Perkins. As should Bogut.
Even easier we already have rebounding % and shooting % etc.
All your showing by comparing is that Horford cant carry an offense and pads his stats with extra minutes. Which we knew already from Eyewitness 4 year Playoff Samples.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 11th, 2011
10:41 am
MC
WTH is the problem with this management regarding cracking into this “core”?
Outside of Joe, (see contract or, not) Is Josh, AL, Marvin, Kirk, Teague and ZaZa really that untouchable? And why?
What is the real problem here?
Can we get a press conference to address the fan base and, tell us what is the vision for this team? Why should we keep buying season tickets to see: Ground Hog Day – over and over? I can recite the lines of this movie verbatum!
Drake might be SOFT Najeh – But, They Know!
I just threw my popcorn on the floor!!!!!!!!
B dog
December 11th, 2011
10:47 am
why dont we amnesty marvin or kirk and go after Nene for about 8 or 9 millon a year
starting line-up
-teague
-joe
-smith
-horford
-nene
sixthman will be T-mac
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 11th, 2011
10:50 am
Rufus 1
From last year.
Chicago – Boston – Orlando – Miami – Philadelphia – Indiana
Thats only the East. You think the Hawks will be top 5 defensively in the LEAGUE? Josh Smith is our rim protector. And he’s 6′8. Loony bin.
I could care less about regular season rankings.. This is what that jagoff Sund has made the team come playoffs.
Teague
*Johnson
Smith
*Radmanovic
Horford
I would not be surprised to see Horford benched with 2 early ones and then Zaza comes in and we win.
Its either go big with Josh and find a stretch 4 and center for Horford. Or go big and find a good center for Josh and live with Marvin Williams matched up on the elites at SF.
At this point Horford is not needed and provides more value in trade than the value his point forward skills & rebounding brings on the court.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 11th, 2011
10:52 am
TKO!
It only took 90 seconds and (2) Yo Mamma jokes to knock that fool, (JJM) out. I guess that makes me Mike Tyson, (ii eat kids). Don’t mess with me.
_____________
OK, I’ve been evil for the past day or so … But, the root of the problem is not PMS – I’m just a bytch and really irritated about this same ‘ole ownership group.
How dare they, (ASKG) bring their collective azzes to the ATL and sit, squat, not rain $ – on our parade. If these owners can’t respect the ATL? Then do us all a huge favor and leave us alone!
I vote to AMNESTY the ASKG! We will PAY them to leave!
I will personally buy out the entire Arena – IF they would just leave! This is the richest FA period with the most good pieces around for seven teams to upgrade and become contending. The Hawks leading the pack! Where is Jimmy Johnson when you need him?
KevinM
December 11th, 2011
10:54 am
From this day forward, until we get another PG, that will be tough for Teague to do on his own.
Give the guy 35-40 minutes, but the kid will need a break. If he goes down for any amount of time, even if 2 games, we can kiss away any W’s.
There are no wins on this team without Teague getting major minutes in every game.
John
December 11th, 2011
10:54 am
Joe and Marvin will have big bounce back years with Jamal gone. He was a great player but I actually think there could be some improvement with him leaving. Jamal would only take minutes away from Teague because Drew would insist on playing Jamal at PG with Joe at SG. When they are in the game together the offense becomes incredibly stagnant because they both go isolation so much. Also Jamal is terrible defender, so the defense should be improved. If McGrady can score some, I think he will fit in nicely. I really think this ends up being a positive. I think if Jamal was resigned everyone would be questioning it after one year kind of like the last Bibby deal. I think Joe’s PPG will go up to about 23-24 and Marvin’s will go up to about 14 PPG.
KevinM
December 11th, 2011
10:57 am
Now the Bulls want to play monopoly with D12:
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/217363/Sources_Bulls_Will_Pursue_Howard
That 3 team jargon is just a smokescreen.
John
December 11th, 2011
10:58 am
Am I correct in thinking that you still have to pay players that are you amnesty until someone else picks them up and you still have to pay part of their salary. The salary just doesn’t go towards the salary cap? I heard the Spurs will still have to pay Jefferson a good bit.
KevinM
December 11th, 2011
10:59 am
“We wouldn’t be who we are if we don’t take a look around all 29 teams and try to make the best deal for the Orlando Magic,” Smith said.
Otis my man, you are about to seal your fate as a GM if you don’t get the best of this trade.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 11th, 2011
11:00 am
Empty Feelings!
“why dont we amnesty marvin or kirk and go after Nene for about 8 or 9 millon a year” -BDog-
________________
Great question? Why not?
KevinM
December 11th, 2011
11:02 am
JC1 to NY………..when was the last time you remember a player returning to his old team? Kidd withe Mavs comes to mind.
I can’t imagine it working out any better the 2nd time around. JC1 must have some real value in his 1 dimensional game.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:02 am
“why dont we amnesty marvin or kirk and go after Nene for about 8 or 9 millon a year” -BDog-
________________
Wouldnt we still be over the cap at 60m or so?
i_am_soulstar
December 11th, 2011
11:02 am
Sounds like the Knicks are trying to do Toney Douglas, Balkman, & someone else for Crawford. Whether it goes through or not (probably not), that Knicks team is gonna have no depth this year. Although I would love to have Toney Douglas here.
northcyde
December 11th, 2011
11:03 am
Blog monster killed my response to Grandad using the amnesty. I have to see where the problem is now.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:04 am
I’d say ZaZa is untouchable. Won’t get a better backup than him. Get rid of Smoove if he takes one jumpshot this year
AMNESTY ASG
northcyde
December 11th, 2011
11:04 am
Grandad . . the reason why you wait to amnesty JJ ( if it comes to that ), is to get MAXIMUM VALUE from that amnesty.
Using it right now reduces our payroll to around 50 million. That’s still not far enough under the cap to make a major play for most of these top notch or even 2nd tier free agents. Patience is what is needed when using this amnesty.
We simply need to wait until some of our bad mid-level contracts come off the board ( namely Marvin and Zaza , . even add Hinrich to that mix ) before using the amnesty. The Knicks using it on Billups just shows how silly that franchise is. If Amare goes down with knee problems, that team may be screwed for many years in the future.
The amnesty should be used as an insurance policy, not a food stamp.
The summer of 2013 is when you consider using it, if you’re the Hawks. By that time, we’ll have a clear indication of what the future of this team will be. In the summer of 2013
- Josh Smith will either have his extension, or be an unrestricted free agent
- Marvin will be going into the last year of his contract ( 7.5 million )
- Teague will be a restricted free agent, and will be receiving offer sheets
- Joe will be making 21.47 million going into 2013 – 14
Unless a major trade happens amongst the core in the next two years, the summer of 2013 is the crossroads year for the Hawks.
northcyde
December 11th, 2011
11:05 am
The problem with most Hawk fans is that they completely undervalue JJ, despite viewing what happens during the playoffs. The question I’ve always asked is . . . when JJ has a bad game, why can’t someone else step up and be big time ( namely Smith or Horford )?
The answer is that in most cases, they don’t have the ability to step up and be big time, and lead the team. I hate to break that to some of you, but they simply don’t have that ability.
Najeh’s idea is much better. If you want to bring in a superstar, you trade 2 of the core players to get Dwight here. It could be JJ + AL . . JJ + Smith . . or Smith + Al. It really doesn’t matter to me which 2 you would trade. But that’s the type of game changing move that a REAL franchise would do, in order to get a superstar like that.
trade JJ + AL, here is your team
PG – Teague
G – T-Mac
F – Marvin
PF – Smith
C – Howard
Trade JJ and Smith for Howard, this is your team
PG – Teague
G – T-Mac
F – Marvin
PF – Horford
C – Howard
Trade Smith and Al for Howard, and this is your team
PG – Teague
G – Johnson
F – Marvin
PF – Zaza
C – Howard
And with all of these moves, you STILL keep the amnesty in play, just in case you do need to use it later on.
And I agree with Najeh. I would trade for Howard even if I didn’t have a guarantee that he would re-sign with the Hawks. Who knows? We get to the NBA Finals or win a title in Atlanta with Howard here, and he MIGHT want to stay, instead of going to the Jay-Z Nets or Kobe Lakers. I would basically go to Orlando and say . . which of our two stars do you want? And no, we’re not taking Turkoglu in a trade. We’ll give you 2 of our stars for Howard.
Of course, I’m rolling with the trade Al + Smith option, and keep a potential good backourt of JJ + Teague + Hinrich in play . . along with adding the most dominant big man in the game.
Howard > Smith + Al.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:14 am
Dallas lost Caron Tyson and DeShawn. They added Vince and Odom. Good additions and if Haywood is healthy this team is set. What a brilliant front office.
The team won a ring WITHOUT Caron and Haywood. Just like Lakers without Bynum mostly those 2 years in the Playoffs
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:18 am
Chicago definitely has trading pieces. Boozer lives in Orlando too I think
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:23 am
I dont normally tip my hat to bloggers, because I think most of you dont have a clue and you blog because you lonely lives have no meaning. I can tell because you blog thirty times on 1 page as if you have some earth shattering development that is being revealed and you are the only one with access to the story, so you us keeping us looped in.
But it seem to me Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut has a clue. If you follow I get the impression that he understands the game a lot better than your average arm chair point guard blogger. Ive learned to scroll past the “usual suspects” and look for bloggers with some sense, whose ambition is not to produce page long vomit, or diuretic utterances, but to key in on where the hawks are and what will make them better.
I tip my hat at you Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut, you get my keeping it real award for not succumbing to the “usual suspect” , and having the courage to stand for something in this P. Barnum Bailey of the deaf dumb and blind.
Thanks for keeping it real
Cheers.
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:25 am
northcyde – another great post. Thanks Im tracking.
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:27 am
what about giving up Al and JJ keep Crawford in JJ’s spot and then you have
Teague
Crawford
T Mac
Smith
Howard.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 11th, 2011
11:28 am
Soul Food!
“Sounds like the Knicks are trying to do Toney Douglas, Balkman, & someone else for Crawford.” – I_am_soulstar -
______________
I would not approve of the ASKG paying into the Luxury Tax for any of those scrubs just to help Jamal get paid. Like I said last night:
Jamal needs the Hawks more than we need him, we have one spot left and no money to help Hamal’s cause. We have to look at moving some key pieces now, if we identify a super star player that we want. Heck, for that matter, a grade C player even.
Would you trade Josh or AL for Toney Douglas and filler? Hell, we already got more filler than the Bic Pen Company.
Rufus1
December 11th, 2011
11:33 am
@Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer
Yes, I do think we will be to 5 in defensive efficiency. Great perimeter defenders prevent players from getting to the rim. Jamal and Bibby put a great deal of pressure on the front line to protect the rim and rebound.
The common theme of all of those teams is a young athletic PG(except the Magic.) and we now have on of those players. The defensive flaw has always been the same(Dribble Penetration), and that problem destroys the defensive integrity. Stopping dribble penetration will force more jumpers and allow our long wing players to be more effective.
This is now a defensive team and that will be the key to our success.
PS. We were 28th in points per game last year.
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:35 am
I forgot to tell you all, but I just failed my Pre-Algebra exam and my Mother is very Mad at me. Time to go mow the lawn.
northcyde
December 11th, 2011
11:35 am
Big Dog . . if the Hawks are willing to go over the Tax . . yeah, you can do that too. But now I’m not sure if Jamal even wants to come back here now, even if we made that move. But yeah, you could definitely make that move.
NOTE:
To make a JJ + Smith or Horford deal work, the Magic would have to throw in a player like JJ Redick. I wouldn’t take Hedo Turkoglu, I’d make them give us Redick. Add 2 first round draft picks + JJ + Horford . . . for Howard and Redick
To make a Smith + Horford deal work, the Magic would have to throw in a guy like Ryan Anderson. 2 first round draft picks + Smith + Horford . . for Howard and Anderson.
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:35 am
*your
*so you are keeping us looped – December 11th, 2011,11:23 am
You guys must consider that Howard has said that the only way he comes to Atlanta is if Josh stays, so you can throw out the scenarios that involve Josh. He is part of the reason that hed consider the Hawks.
Thats his buddy and part of our attempt to lure him here.
darrell starks
December 11th, 2011
11:36 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=86tngp5
CAN ASG PULL THIS TRADE OFF, THE HAWKS WOULD WIN A TITLE.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
ryan
December 11th, 2011
11:36 am
I like that trade northcyde the only problem is Howard said the only way he play for hometown team is if Josh Smith on it .
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:37 am
Not me, just a hater, by the way, imitation is the greatest form of flattery. So thanks for the impersonation.
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:35 am
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 11th, 2011
11:42 am
Cap Room!
“Wouldnt we still be over the cap at 60m or so?”
- Grandmaster JeJe -
_______________
70M is the cap, but its a little soft. I believe you can go like 10% – ? over that, (700K)? before you have to pay any tax.
I think the new tax is $1.50 per $1.00 over, that’s some serious loan shark-ing right there. (correct me if I’m wrong)
northcyde
December 11th, 2011
11:42 am
By the way . . this would be Orlando’s team if the following trades happened
JJ + Al coming to Orlando
PG – Nelson
G – Johnson
F – Richardson ( who was just re-signed )
PF – Big Baby
C – Horford
JJ + Smith coming to Orlando
PG – Nelson
G – Johnson
F – Richardson
PF – Smith
C – free agent center or Daniel Orton
Big Baby would be 6th man
Smith + Horford going to Orlando
PG – Nelson
G – Richardson
F – Turkoglu
PF – Smith
C – Horford
Big Baby 6th man
I guess if you’re Orlando, you may want the 1st team if you wanted to win now . . . and maybe the 3rd team if you wanted to build for the future. But if you could find a decent center, that 2nd team would be very interesting.
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:43 am
We should sign Jamal and Deandre Jordan. Sign Chauncey and Arenas too.
lineup:
Teague Joe Marvin Josh Al
Chauncey Hinrich Arenas McGrady DeAndre ZaZa
Get it done Sund!!!!
darrell starks
December 11th, 2011
11:43 am
STARTERS TEAGUE, REDICK, JOSH, ZAZA,HOWARD
BENCH HINRICH, PAPE, TMAC, MARVIN, COLLINS
RESERVE VLAD, BENSON
GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:46 am
Drmaryb,
I thought the cap is 58 and LT is 70 or so???
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:47 am
Darrell,
Great trade
JOE AND AL FOR DWIGHT AND REDICK
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:48 am
AMNESTY ASG
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 11th, 2011
11:48 am
Actually its that time of the month right now and big dog is bothering me so im using his name right now. I don’t like him. He must be talking about me as the usual suspect.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:50 am
Do that trade for Dwight and pray Marvin and TMac will contribute.
I like the trade
northcyde
December 11th, 2011
11:51 am
Big Dog . . . Howard currently has NO SAY in where he’ll end up. He can only suggest where he would LIKE to go. Orlando can accept any deal from any team though, and Howard ( at least for this year ) would have to go to that team. It just wouldn’t be for certain that the team that traded for Howard could keep him long term.
Like I said . . even if the Hawks lose him in the summer of 2012, I’d be willing to risk him playing in Atlanta for one year ( preferably with Joe Johnson here ). Give us that inside – outside game that is the staple of most championship teams, and see if he wants to stay at the end of the year.
Worst case scenario is that Howard leaves, and we can decide whether or not to trade or amnesty JJ right then and there, and rebuild the team. Losing Howard + amnestying JJ would put the Hawks damn near 40 MILLION under the cap, with only Marvin, Zaza, and Teague under contract.
Best case scenario is that Howard wins an NBA title in his home city . . and arguably becomes the most beloved sports figure in Atlanta history. And then he may decide to re-sign with Atlanta, with the NEW CORE of Howard – Johnson – Teague – Marvin intact for another title run.
darrell starks
December 11th, 2011
11:52 am
If the Hawks get Howard sell out crowd almost every night, if you ASG why not make a push for Howard the hometown kid, would be the best business move ever for this organiztion.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grandmaster JeJe
December 11th, 2011
11:53 am
Only problem is ORL resigned J.Rich and are paying Arenas a ton to not be there.
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:53 am
Im sorry you feel that way Drmaryb, I Ive made my points, you are free to puppet my blog names as you will. I have a life and will go on to have a great day. I hope you have one as well.
I dont agree with the blog you posted under my name@
Big Dog
December 11th, 2011
11:43 am
We should sign Jamal and Deandre Jordan. Sign Chauncey and Arenas too.
lineup:
Teague Joe Marvin Josh Al
Chauncey Hinrich Arenas McGrady DeAndre ZaZa
Get it done Sund!!!!
Have a great day,