Free Agency 2011

[Apollo]

David Stern told the media that training camp and free agency would likely begin on the same date, December 9.

Source: RealGM.com

• 2011 Free agents
• Potential amnesty cuts
  

Now that we have a CBA and we have a rough date for free agency let's start talking about what we think the Raptors will do!

[Tim W.]

Don't sign anyone for more than the minimum.

[stretch]

Isn't Eddie Curry a free agent?

[Tim W.]

Isn't Eddie Curry a free agent?

So are Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson.

You're making a list of guys NOT to sign, right?

[Lark Benson]

Great list of free agents here: http://www.hoopsworld.com/2011-free-...n-by-position/

My targets:

1. A third string point like Patrick Mills, Royal Ivey, or a cheap vet like Anthony Carter. Doesn't really matter who, as long as they're dirt cheap and aren't expecting 20mpg.

2. A cheap defensive wing. A guy like CDR would be perfect, or a Quinton Ross.

3. Try to nab a random former lottery pick with talent that hasn't gotten much playing time. Earl Clark maybe, someone like that.

4. A cheap vet at the 5 who understands they're there to teach and to play only a little. Etan Thomas (smart dude), Jason Collins, Fransisco Elson, Tony Battie, Theo Ratliff, these types of dudes.

Basically bargains, flyers and vets, all on the cheap. Whoever the Raps go after, I think the biggest thing they should bring is being a quality practice opponent for the younger players to learn from.

[Matt52]

Amnesty

If Calderon was traded, I'd be interested in Hinrich.

Wings: Marvin Williams, Francisco Garcia (it would depend on the health of Kleiza for this year)

PF: None

C: Biendrins


Free Agency

They need some help with outside shooting and defense - especially with pick and roll specialist JV coming over next year.

SG: Daequan Cook, Afflalo (unlikely to want to come off bench and to not have Denver match)

SF: Wilson Chandler (unlikely due to demand elsewhere and will likely be overpaid).


All C contracts should be pretty cheap or not interested:

C: Joel Pryzbilla, Kwame Brown, Ajinca (very serious, he might be very effective with Casey)


Bring back Reggie on a cheap contract.



I think the Raptors should remain essentially status quo. As Colangelo said, this is the time for evaluation. Players like Bayless, Alabi, ED, JJ, and some extent DD need to show what they can (and cannot) do.

[stretch]

So are Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson.

You're making a list of guys NOT to sign, right?

You left out Marcus Banks.

[Soft Euro]

So are Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson.

You're making a list of guys NOT to sign, right?

Marbury is under contract in China and having a good time. But Antoine Walker did not make the roster of his D league team (maybe for tactical reasons) so he is available!

[joey_hesketh]

Great list of free agents here: http://www.hoopsworld.com/2011-free-...n-by-position/

My targets:

1. A third string point like Patrick Mills, Royal Ivey, or a cheap vet like Anthony Carter. Doesn't really matter who, as long as they're dirt cheap and aren't expecting 20mpg.

2. A cheap defensive wing. A guy like CDR would be perfect, or a Quinton Ross.

3. Try to nab a random former lottery pick with talent that hasn't gotten much playing time. Earl Clark maybe, someone like that.

4. A cheap vet at the 5 who understands they're there to teach and to play only a little. Etan Thomas (smart dude), Jason Collins, Fransisco Elson, Tony Battie, Theo Ratliff, these types of dudes.

Basically bargains, flyers and vets, all on the cheap. Whoever the Raps go after, I think the biggest thing they should bring is being a quality practice opponent for the younger players to learn from.

1. Derrick Martin could probably still get the job done.

2. James Johnson has likely adopted this position for himself. CDR would be nice though.

3. Like Jerryd Bayless and James Johnson? BC has never been shy to sift through other GMs trash.
Which I appreciate, as I was a fan of both before arriving in Toronto.

4. Joel Pryzbilla. Always wanted this guy. Just seems like a hard working, know your role-shut your mouth kinda guy.

[joey_hesketh]

Put Dan Gadzuric on my list of DON'T sign. haha

[Lark Benson]

2. James Johnson has likely adopted this position for himself. CDR would be nice though.

Oh I agree, I just think they could use a backup at the wings, on the cheap. I kind of expect Kleiza to get amnesty'd and barbosa to be gone before the trade deadline, so I think there are some backup minutes to be had by someone.

3. Like Jerryd Bayless and James Johnson? BC has never been shy to sift through other GMs trash.
Which I appreciate, as I was a fan of both before arriving in Toronto.

Bingo.

[Apollo]

I believe they should play it ultra conservative and save the flexibility for next off-season. I'd like to see them fill out the roster with guys who can still play a few minutes but who more importantly would be good influences to a young team. I'm not suggesting they sign all of them, just a couple. They should be only offering these guys one year deals:

• Etan Thomas
• Kurt Thomas
• Anthony Parker
• Reggie Evans

[SuperRaptor]

Our logjam at PF will have to be addressed via trade for a C or SF. I like all of our PF's but we have too many, if I had to lose one I would lose Amir Johnson (although I love the guy).

Whichever position doesnt get filled through the trade we will have to address via free agency.

As for who I would want:

C- Kwame Brown, Jamal Magloire, Eric Dampier, or Joel Pryzbilla.

SF-Matt Barnes, Shane Battier, Michael Pietrus.

I think we will be able to get any of these guys for pretty cheap.

[Matt52]

Our logjam at PF will have to be addressed via trade for a C or SF. I like all of our PF's but we have too many, if I had to lose one I would lose Amir Johnson (although I love the guy).

Whichever position doesnt get filled through the trade we will have to address via free agency.

As for who I would want:

C- Kwame Brown, Jamal Magloire, Eric Dampier, or Joel Pryzbilla.

SF-Matt Barnes, Shane Battier, Michael Pietrus.

I think we will be able to get any of these guys for pretty cheap.

Barnes was willing to come here, for 2 years and $5M - and he picked up his option with the Lakers (he is not a free agent).

Shane Battier will not be coming to a rebuilding franchise.

Michael Pietrus is not a free agent (unless you think he will be cut through amnesty).

[SuperRaptor]

Barnes was willing to come here, for 2 years and $5M - and he picked up his option with the Lakers (he is not a free agent).

Shane Battier will not be coming to a rebuilding franchise.

Michael Pietrus is not a free agent (unless you think he will be cut through amnesty).

Damn I didnt know barnes picked up his contract.

As far as battier is concerned, I dont think he is high profile enough that he can be selective like that about where he wants to go, money talks, and he is 32 now, he will not get the type of contract he wants.

As for Michael Pietrus I know he had a player option, did he pick it up too?

[Apollo]

Normally I would look at a guy like Battier, see no ring, look at his age and naturally assume that he doesn't want anything to do with a rebuilding team but in this case what's coming from Battier makes it sound like he cares more about the money and years rather than the team:

I've heard (and this is not fact) that Battier is seeking a contract starting at the mid-level exception (or around $5 million). I've also heard the Griz aren't willing to pay that.

Source: Commercialappeal.com

Battier said he’s hoping to get a three- or four-year deal.

Source: NBCsports.com

But he also did say this:

"I want to be in a happy place. I want to go to work and enjoy it. When you go to work and you have a chance to win every night, your job is way better. That’s for any profession, but you want to have a role and be able to contribute to winning.”

Source: NBCsports.com

That said, I wouldn't rule out rebuilding teams if they're not far out from winning as long as they're the top bid. Battier would be an excellent addition... I just don't want to see them make plays for guys like this when we're a little less than seven months out from when they take the next step forward. I'd much rather sit through growing pains in a shortened season.

[RAPresenting]

Kurt Thomas to help guild our bigs. If Jose is traded Anthony Carter to help guide Bayless. If Marvin Williams was cut I'd look at him as well (assuming we cut Kleiza).

[Tim W.]

Battier? Really? You want to pay $5 million a year for a guy who might not even be able to contribute when the team is actually good?

And SuperRaptor, if you think that there won't be teams lining up to sign one of the best wing defenders in the league who also has one of the highest basketball IQs in the game, can hit the open shot and is basically a perfect role player, you've got another thing coming. If I'm Orlando, the Lakers, San Antonio, Dallas, Chicago, or any number of other playoff teams, he's going to be one of the first free agents I call on December 5th.

And after being on mediocre teams throughout his NBA career, I hope he latches on to a contender. I like the guy far too much to see him toil on a lottery team. And I really doubt he'd do that.

[Soft Euro]

Put Dan Gadzuric on my list of DON'T sign. haha

Unfortunately Gadzuric signed in China; would have been a lock otherwise.

[planetmars]

Battier? Really? You want to pay $5 million a year for a guy who might not even be able to contribute when the team is actually good?

And SuperRaptor, if you think that there won't be teams lining up to sign one of the best wing defenders in the league who also has one of the highest basketball IQs in the game, can hit the open shot and is basically a perfect role player, you've got another thing coming. If I'm Orlando, the Lakers, San Antonio, Dallas, Chicago, or any number of other playoff teams, he's going to be one of the first free agents I call on December 5th.

And after being on mediocre teams throughout his NBA career, I hope he latches on to a contender. I like the guy far too much to see him toil on a lottery team. And I really doubt he'd do that.

I'd give Battier a $22-$24 million contract for 5 years. With all the qualities you mentioned - high IQ, perfect role player - he would be outstanding for the Raptors. He'd help shift the culture which is what we desparately need. Casey is a good start, but a coach in my opinion doesn't really have that much power in the NBA unless your name is Phil, Greg or Jerry (and both Jerry and Phil are out of jobs right now).

We have a lot of young talent, and no veterans other than Jose - and Jose is not really the leader our team needs. You bring in Battier, and our team will be even better a year or two from now.

If we amnesty Linas, trade Bargnani for picks and expiring contracts, trade Barbosa, and let Jose's contract expire in two years - Battier's contract won't be so bad.. he would be a mid-level player earning his keep - the same amount Jarrett Jack made yet no one seemed to care.

Also now a days a 32-year old player is still young in the NBA, especially when you see players like Allen, Nash, Garnett and Kobe still playing strong.

Your wish to have Battier play for a contender sounds great - but wouldn't it be better if that happened while he was a Raptor in say 3 or 4 years, while helping mold our team to become such a contender in the next 2 years?

There are only a few players I'd try and get my hands on, even as a rebuild is taking place.. Battier is one of those guys for me.