Posted by technomaster:
They get that cap space briefly - but a year later, they'll need to worry about re-signing their crop of young players to long term contracts. Certainly if they develop the way they're supposed to, Aldridge, Oden, and Roy should be demanding max contracts (or close to it) around the same time (who knows how Jack & Webster will respond to contract years). That gives them like a 1 year window to make out like bandits on the FA market, win a title, then lose 1 or 2 or 3 of their core young players. Or be severely over the cap.
It's an interesting opportunity. We'll just have to settle for more or less stealing Zach Randolph away from them for a bargain price. He's essentially our big-name "free agent signing" except we get him NOW rather than later.
Posted by islesfan:
Portland gets about $18M in cap space in 2 years, which they can possibly use on the missing piece to add to their impressive collection of young talent.
They get the malcontent Zach Randolph, as far away from their impressive collection of young talent as possible.
They get a player taken in the mid lottery just 2 years ago, who Isiah said was the best big man in the draft and would have taken with the #1 overall pick.
The Knicks got one of the biggest stat whore losers in the entire NBA. One that guarantess that they'll be capped out for an additional 2 years, at a minimum.
The team is basically Oden, Roy and Aldridge. Those guys aren't going to be able to ask for max contracts for at least another 4 years, with the rookie contract plus 4th yr option and 5th yr qualifying offer. The Blazers have at least a 2 year window, after Francis' contract comes off their cap, before those guys start taking up major cap room. Or just about the time that some serious free agents can become available.
With money not being a consideration for Paul Allen, they're setting themselves up pretty nicely.
The Knicks did not get Randolph for "a bargain price". That's just ridiculous to say. With his baggage and contract the Knicks are paying a hefty price. Is it really a good thing to have Randolph NOW?
If it didn’t work in Phoenix with Nash and Stoutamire... it’s just not a winning formula. It’s an entertaining formula, but not a winning one. - Derek Harper talking about D'Antoni's System
7/11/2007 1:48 PM
) We will be just fine. It works both ways.