NBA free agency/LeBronapalooza 2018

[Trueblue25]

He definitely fits better with Houston than with the Lakers.

Ariza’s gone too. Makes perfect sense.

 

[Alsacs]

Wouldn't it be more likely that OKC would be sending a pick with Melo rather than the Lakers? Also not sure a Melo-Deng swap works financially after the Lakers have used up all their cap space already? Probably doesn't matter. I highly doubt anyone trades for Melo unless it's a situation like the Hawks buying him out to get a draft pick from OKC.

Bulls and Hawks have 20+ Million in cap space they should be buying a pick.

Lakers would be sending a pick because Melo is an expiring and getting Deng off the books opens more room for a max slot next summer.

 

[chugg21]

Wouldn't it be more likely that OKC would be sending a pick with Melo rather than the Lakers? Also not sure a Melo-Deng swap works financially after the Lakers have used up all their cap space already? Probably doesn't matter. I highly doubt anyone trades for Melo unless it's a situation like the Hawks buying him out to get a draft pick from OKC.

No. Deng's contact is terrible for 2 years, Melo only has this year. The Lakers would likely make that deal in a second. Can't imagine OKC does.

 

[OrangeDW]

As a Lakers fan, I want Melo because I want to root for the all time best Syracuse player on my pro team.

As a Melo fan, I hope he goes elsewhere because I’m not sure the fit in LA is all that good, and I don’t want stupid fans to blame him when we don’t win it all next year(because we won’t win it all next year).

I think he’d do well in Miami. I think he’d be a role player in Houston but could really help them if he can find his niche.

Any chance Golden State brings him in too? Because that would bring me back on board with them for a year, lol.

 

[jordville]

Bulls and Hawks have 20+ Million in cap space they should be buying a pick.

Lakers would be sending a pick because Melo is an expiring and getting Deng off the books opens more room for a max slot next summer.

Yes! Chicago should be all over this and getting another pick. But #GarPax...

 

[Newhouser]

Sadly I don't think fit is going to matter to Melo. I think he wants to play with Paul or LBJ and I don't think either spot is great for him. I am also going to be interested to see how interested teams are and at what price. I also hope he is spending the off season getting in the best shape of his life so he can shut critics up (and I have been one the last few years). Wherever he signs he needs to adjust his game.

 

[CuseFaninVT]

Sadly I don't think fit is going to matter to Melo. I think he wants to play with Paul or LBJ and I don't think either spot is great for him. I am also going to be interested to see how interested teams are and at what price. I also hope he is spending the off season getting in the best shape of his life so he can shut critics up (and I have been one the last few years). Wherever he signs he needs to adjust his game.

Will the price matter? He's already going to be getting like 28 mil this year. Everything else is gravy, right?

 

[MikeSU02]

Sadly I don't think fit is going to matter to Melo. I think he wants to play with Paul or LBJ and I don't think either spot is great for him. I am also going to be interested to see how interested teams are and at what price. I also hope he is spending the off season getting in the best shape of his life so he can shut critics up (and I have been one the last few years). Wherever he signs he needs to adjust his game.

He's definitely not the player her was, but at the same time, he is not the player he was in OKC.

I agree with you - he has to commit to getting into phenomenal shape. I think he can still really help a team, especially like Houston. When you are in the midst of an 0-27 streak from three and just need to slow the game down and get a bucket or get fouled, there you go. Get the ball to Melo.

I'm happy for OKC that PG re-signed there, but playing with Russ is hard. He is ball dominant and when he doesn't have the ball, he can get lazy. Same criticism that Melo used to receive (rightly so a lot of the times).

 

[Alsacs]

Lakers need some shooting.
They are a better fit for Melo but it appears he prefers Houston.

 

[Knicks411]

Will the price matter? He's already going to be getting like 28 mil this year. Everything else is gravy, right?

I think the price is irrelevant? He gets his money, the question is just how much Okc pays and how much the other team does. I think?

 

[MikeSU02]

I think the price is irrelevant? He gets his money, the question is just how much Okc pays and how much the other team does. I think?

Well that's why Alsacs was talking buyout, right? Chi does the trade, gets a pick, does the buyout and waives him? Do I have that right?

Then he can sign for peanuts with whatever team and Chi gets that extra pick.

 

[Alsacs]

Well that's why Alsacs was talking buyout, right? Chi does the trade, gets a pick, does the buy out and waives him? Do I have that right?

Then he can sign for peanuts with whatever team and Chi gets that extra pick.

Exactly OKC shouldn’t stretch Melo.
They have to bite the bullet attach Melo to a first round pick that is protected top whatever and they can save the money that way. Atlanta and Chicago have the cap space and Melo on a one year deal they will buy the draft pick and just waive him.

 

[OrangeDW]

Lakers need some shooting.
They are a better fit for Melo but it appears he prefers Houston.

While Melo has a great J...he’s never been a great 3 point shooter with the exception of a couple seasons. He’s pretty good from 3. It’s not like he’s a spot up 3 point bomber. OKC tried to make him that and it didn’t really work.

Lakers need Kuzma and Ingram to take the next step in their development. With LeBron supposedly being slated to play more of a traditional forward role...I don’t really see room for Melo.

 

[Trueblue25]

Lakers - Melo can be Melo and play to his strengths.

Rockets - melo plays with his best friend

Heat - Melo’s the melo show again

 

[jordville]

Tony Parker to Charlotte? (BatumBomb)

 

[jordville]

 

[chugg21]

Exactly OKC shouldn’t stretch Melo.
They have to bite the bullet attach Melo to a first round pick that is protected top whatever and they can save the money that way. Atlanta and Chicago have the cap space and Melo on a one year deal they will buy the draft pick and just waive him.

Not sure anyone is buying a 1st for $27 mill. Imagine the buyout is gonna cost somewhere between 23/25. An asset is obviously better than empty cap space but unless there is something else coming back other than a mid to late 1st thats a big check to write unless they weren't planning on hitting the floor or something.

 

[jordville]

Not sure anyone is buying a 1st for $27 mill. Imagine the buyout is gonna cost somewhere between 23/25. An asset is obviously better than empty cap space but unless there is something else coming back other than a mid to late 1st thats a big check to write unless they weren't planning on hitting the floor or something.

Bulls aren't hitting the floor again next year as of right now.

 

[Alsacs]

Bulls aren't hitting the floor again next year as of right now.

They can resign LaVine and take the Melo contract. Bulls fans should be pissed if Reinsdorf goes cheap in the 3rd largest market in the nation.
That pick could be used in a deal for a future asset. A pick in the 20s has value. OKC saves more money if they find a way to trade Melo instead of stretching him.
If the Bulls want Anthony Davis all the first round picks they can accumulate help.

 

[Alsacs]

When the Celtics sucked in 2014 they helped the Cavs clear space to sign LeBron.
They took a bad contract to get a first round pick.
With Bogans Trade, Danny Ainge Has Enhanced The Cavs’ Ability to Build A Dynasty | Boston.com

Bulls/Hawks should do the same.

 

[jordville]

They can resign LaVine and take the Melo contract. Bulls fans should be pissed if Reinsdorf goes cheap in the 3rd largest market in the nation.
That pick could be used in a deal for a future asset. A pick in the 20s has value. OKC saves more money if they find a way to trade Melo instead of stretching him.
If the Bulls want Anthony Davis all the first round picks they can accumulate help.

Yes Alsacs! I couldn't agree more. Reinsdorf lines his own pockets.. and he won't fire GarPax. The worst front office in sports.

 

[Orangezoo]

No way Melo goes to Chicago. Gotta think a path to LA opens up. Houston second.

 

[Alsacs]

No way Melo goes to Chicago. Gotta think a path to LA opens up. Houston second.

He would accept the trade to help OKC with the understanding he would be waived.

Chicago/Atlanta have cap space and expiring contracts are always tradeable. He never plays a game for them.

 

[Knicks411]

They can resign LaVine and take the Melo contract. Bulls fans should be pissed if Reinsdorf goes cheap in the 3rd largest market in the nation.
That pick could be used in a deal for a future asset. A pick in the 20s has value. OKC saves more money if they find a way to trade Melo instead of stretching him.
If the Bulls want Anthony Davis all the first round picks they can accumulate help.

Could they? That sheet has them at $27 million in space, I guess they could trade for Melo first and then sign Lavine for more.

I don't know, eating that entire Melo salary for one first round pick? I dunno. If I were the Bulls I'd probably rather hold onto the space and see what happens

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Maybe they have an agreement with their players that they'll get paid up to the floor.