Minnesota Sports Forum

TheFuture wrote:moI know that's probably the case, and he likely puts us in the playoffs next season, but we are not contending with the top teams either way. I can't believe the numbers Gasol is still putting up, and he even was shooting the 3 ball more last season, but next year we could potentially add a high tier player with that money who can be a part of this team going forward as we are more competitive.

One thing that should be addressed with this plan you bring up. We weren't even on the meeting list for any of the top guys in this year's class. We have a long ways to go to even get on those lists so it's not a guarantee next year we'll all of a sudden be the bell of the ball with everyone wanting to come here. There's a lot of risk in that plan as well because if we don't get there who's to say there is someone as good as Pau available for a short term deal to keep our flexibility for our young guys.

TheFuture wrote:

longstrangetrip wrote:Maybe this has been covered, but can somebody help me out with something? San Antonio already has $79 million tied up in 8 contracts, so how can they be offering anything more than about $10 million to Pau Gasol? I've been assuming that he was eventually end up in SA, but now I'm confused. What's going on?

longstrangetrip wrote:Maybe this has been covered, but can somebody help me out with something? San Antonio already has $79 million tied up in 8 contracts, so how can they be offering anything more than about $10 million to Pau Gasol? I've been assuming that he was eventually end up in SA, but now I'm confused. What's going on?

If they have a way to afford Durant then they have a way to afford Gasol. Plus, that is one of two teams a vet is going to take a discount for.

As for moving Diaw and Green, that makes sense if landing Durant. I'm not sure it does for Gasol.

You're right. They were talking about how they could land both KD and Pau..

Q12543 wrote:

MikeAz wrote:If KD signs with GS, does anyone think OKC would make a run at Gasol? Maybe 3 x $20m? Why else would he be waiting on KD?

Is there any overlap in the teams courting them? If so, Gasol will want to see which one he picks. Or perhaps KD's decision leads to another decision by someone else that ultimately affects Gasol.

As for Golden State and Durant, I will pick up my crayons and go home if he signs there. That is three of the best shooters in the history of the game on the same damn team. Absurdity. And how the !@#$% can Golden State even afford KD!?!

I'm with you. May as well just skip the playoffs until the finals if that happens. Curry, Klay, Durant, Green ... Get real. Could they even form a team beyond this upcoming season?

Squishypoo wrote:

longstrangetrip wrote:Maybe this has been covered, but can somebody help me out with something? San Antonio already has $79 million tied up in 8 contracts, so how can they be offering anything more than about $10 million to Pau Gasol? I've been assuming that he was eventually end up in SA, but now I'm confused. What's going on?

I seen on ESPN guys like Danny Green and Diaw, Would have to be moved.

Yeah, I just read the same thing. They have $52 million tied up in LMA, Leonard and Parker, so they would only be able to spend another $12 million on the other 11 players if they signed Durant to a max. They could do this by giving away Green and Diaw and convincing Duncan and Ginobili to retire, and then signing 11 players to minimum contracts. But does anyone think they would do this in order to pick up a 35 year old guy? I don't.

And yes, we are happy to take Green off your hands.

Its bizarre that we are in a bidding war for a 35 year old. I would have preferred paying to get Marvin Williams, Dudley or Courtney Lee at slightly above the salaries they signed for.

khans2k5 wrote:

TheFuture wrote:moI know that's probably the case, and he likely puts us in the playoffs next season, but we are not contending with the top teams either way. I can't believe the numbers Gasol is still putting up, and he even was shooting the 3 ball more last season, but next year we could potentially add a high tier player with that money who can be a part of this team going forward as we are more competitive.

One thing that should be addressed with this plan you bring up. We weren't even on the meeting list for any of the top guys in this year's class. We have a long ways to go to even get on those lists so it's not a guarantee next year we'll all of a sudden be the bell of the ball with everyone wanting to come here. There's a lot of risk in that plan as well because if we don't get there who's to say there is someone as good as Pau available for a short term deal to keep our flexibility for our young guys.

Very good points. Thibs is the real deal though, and we all expect a great improvement just with our current players. We were playing .500 ball the last part of the season under Sam, and we've since added a top 5 pick in Dunn and a great backup big in Aldrich. I fully expect us to be in that 8th seed struggle where we fight between the 10th and 8th slot. Anything less will be a disappointment, and that's without Gasol. The league and its players will surely take notice to a team hovering around .500 with 2nd - 5th year players leading the way. If Towns and Wiggins are the next big duo then maybe waiting it out for team friendly deals is the way to go. That could begin as soon as next season. I may be on my own here, but a Gasol signing would be jumping the gun a year early.

longstrangetrip wrote:

Squishypoo wrote:

longstrangetrip wrote:Maybe this has been covered, but can somebody help me out with something? San Antonio already has $79 million tied up in 8 contracts, so how can they be offering anything more than about $10 million to Pau Gasol? I've been assuming that he was eventually end up in SA, but now I'm confused. What's going on?

I seen on ESPN guys like Danny Green and Diaw, Would have to be moved.

Yeah, I just read the same thing. They have $52 million tied up in LMA, Leonard and Parker, so they would only be able to spend another $12 million on the other 11 players if they signed Durant to a max. They could do this by giving away Green and Diaw and convincing Duncan and Ginobili to retire, and then signing 11 players to minimum contracts. But does anyone think they would do this in order to pick up a 35 year old guy? I don't.

And yes, we are happy to take Green off your hands.

Well ginobili already stated he is returning. I think there is zero chance Durant ends up in SA. Boston ( I hope) and OKC are the only very likely options in my opinion.

GS and SA just carry too many uncertainties with what their rosters will look like if Durant commits to either team. Boston and OKC in the other hand will not have to shuffle much.

Well, I did not want Crawford for that kind of coin!!!

Sam Amick ?@sam_amick 3m3 minutes ago
Jamal Crawford is staying with the Clippers, I'm told. Three years, $42 million.

TeamRicky wrote:Its bizarre that we are in a bidding war for a 35 year old. I would have preferred paying to get Marvin Williams, Dudley or Courtney Lee at slightly above the salaries they signed for.

I don't know, Ricky...I think it's a perfect fit for us. It's likely a 2-year deal while we have all this cap space and a young group of studs who could really use a vet on the court. And Gasol is coming off a great season: 22 PER, 16.5/11/4.1, defensive rating of 101 with 2 blocks per game. I'd love to see 2 elite passers on the court with KAT, Wig and Zach. And in 2 years when our stars are getting closer to their prime, we let him go at 37...or he sees a chance for a championship and he stays with a bargain contract.

I think the Durant sweepstakes are down to GS and OKC and it's close. The Clippers and SA are moving on by re-signing guys and letting Ginobili know there is a spot for him.