Posted by TrueBlue:

Artest's agent recently stated he isn't opting out. He'll return with the Kings next yr to become a FA the following season or get extended before then if they should decide to do so(if it's possible?).

Posted by s3231:

I don't see Walsh signing Arest unless its for a 2 year deal or something short-term.

Walsh is not going to compromise our long-term cap flexibility by bringing in someone as unstable as Ron.

Posted by Ira:

Posted by s3231:

I don't see Walsh signing Arest unless its for a 2 year deal or something short-term.

Walsh is not going to compromise our long-term cap flexibility by bringing in someone as unstable as Ron.

I think this is a key point. At the press conference, Walsh kept coming back to the cap issue and specifically menitoned 2010. I think that's a key consideration and I don't see Artest signing a two year deal if he can get a longer one elsewhere.

Posted by s3231:

I think a bunch of teams would offer Artest a 5 year MLE type deal. He's worth much more than that in terms of basketball production. Yes, he is very erratic, but you have to believe that there are at the very least, several teams willing to take a chance on him (especially in the Western Conference where its one big arms race).

Posted by fishmike:

how about Chris Duhon for some portion of the MLE? Especially if we use Nate in a package? Duhon plays D, good passer, gets everyone involved, is a winner.

Posted by TrueBlue:

Posted by UB:

Posted by s3231:

I think a bunch of teams would offer Artest a 5 year MLE type deal. He's worth much more than that in terms of basketball production. Yes, he is very erratic, but you have to believe that there are at the very least, several teams willing to take a chance on him (especially in the Western Conference where its one big arms race).

It's a tough call..again, I also agree that several teams will be interested in him. I just think a 5-yr deal is a big commitment to a potential headcase. Also, why would Artest agree to a 5-yr MLE agreement? I'm assuming he's out to land some sort of big $ contract (possibly i'm not grasping the whole mid-level signing concept totally?)

This is exactly what the mindset is at this point. His Agent recently spoke on his behalf, even mentioning it's Ron's desire to not opt out. Obviously he wants Ron to play in a system he's familiar with next yr, a team who owns his birds rights, who can possibly give him the kind of deal he's looking for. He also wants Ron to build his value back up because he knows the teams that'll have cap space this off-season probably aren't looking to acquire his client for more than where he's slated at salary wise at the moment. More than likely less. This leaves teams over the cap bidding for Ron with MLE offers. Instead if he doesn't opt out and becomes a Free Agent next yr, he'll have more teams possibly in the pool bidding for his services. It would be the dumbest thing of him, along with an Agent supporting a decision to opt out and sign 2yr deal at MLE market on any team, considering Ron would be on the other side of 30 by the time the deal ends looking only at MLE or less money. He's not coming here for a 2yr MLE deal, get that out of your head and neither will we offer him anything more than that. The only way he comes here if Donnie really wants him bad and we work a S&T unloading substantial salary to obtain him.


When is the last time a Top 30 possibly Top 25 player has ever signed a 2yr deal in his prime close to his last deal he'll ever receive?

And the more one discusses this idea the more it proves one really wants Ron on the team.

[Edited by - TrueBlue on 04-03-2008 1:36 PM]

Posted by fishmike:

Posted by UB:

Posted by fishmike:

how about Chris Duhon for some portion of the MLE? Especially if we use Nate in a package? Duhon plays D, good passer, gets everyone involved, is a winner.

I like Duhon. But I'm greedy and want more of an impact player! Then again, thats probably what got us in this mess in the first place!

start filling the roster with 2 kinds of players:
young hard working types that know how to play and know how to win. Duhon comes to mind. Old school Knick types.
high ceiling players even if unproven

Good talent isnt always an option around every corner. You need good glue guys at the right cost. Duhon is one of them. Just practicing with him will make guys like Crawford and Nate better. Guys that play "the right way" make the whole team better :)