NBA Chat With Stephen Brotherston 7/9/12

Join HOOPSWORLD’s Stephen Brotherston for his weekly NBA Chat covering the Toronto Raptors and all things NBA every Monday at 3pm ET.

Remember, between July 1 and July 10, teams are not allowed to come to agreements with free agents – it’s all verbal and solidly in the grey area – but the Signing Period Moratorium ends Wednesday. So if things seem a little helter skelter right now – that’s because they are. Every move a team makes impacts on their next move – timing is everything and keeping the rest of the world up-to-date isn’t really your team’s first concern!

With so much going on, chats are exceptionally busy at this time of year, so get your comments and questions in as quickly as possible.

  1. Wil

    Hi Stephen, I am having a hard time following Toronto’s moves right now. I understand getting Lowry (although the cost may be high down the road), but Fields is barely worth the minimum (Bayless is much better…and a case of a GM out-thinking himself), and I am not sure if Rozen and Ross can co-exist on the wings. Thoughts…

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Welcome to this afternoon’s chat

      Anyone who isn’t challenged following all the moves going on in the NBA is either kidding themselves or just glancing over some very important details. We are after all still in the FA signing moratorium period, the Amnesty period doesn’t open up until Wed, and teams are no obligation to tell us which FA cap holds they are renouncing – or not.

      Lowry at $5.75m is a bargain. Raps have 1 more season on that deal, then it’ll be a market based salary – think $10m+ if he continues to perform.

      Fields is worth much more than the min. If the Raps had offered him $5m per season for 3 years, odds are very good NY would just match without thinking – they don’t have a better option. NY still might but the back-loaded part of the deal – est at $8.5m will give them pause – which is why the offer was structured that way. You always have to overpay to get RFA – unless their own team doesn’t want/need them anymore.

      Bayless isn’t better – he plays a different position. Bayless is a guard, Fields is a wing. Bayless wants to play PG, Fields is best suited at SF. I like Bayless off the bench with this group if the Raps can find room for him.

      There are a lot of similarities between Ross and DeRozan, but if you remember Sonny Weems & DeRozan played well together – no reason these 2 can’t – assuming they are both still on the roster at training camp – no one knows that yet….

  2. asaf

    what was Brendon Roy thinking? why not get a minimum deal and give his new team a chance to get better? it’s not like he’s getting more money, is it?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Roy isn’t bound to help his new team out by not getting the best deal for himself. He gets to keep all of his money from Portland plus everything from his new deal. Roy is now earning a lot more than max money – lucky guy!

  3. Jazzaholic

    KOC quietly goes about making moves, which are not splashy or outrageously priced, and keeps improving the team.

    What do you think of Mo and Marvin Williams trades?

    Where do the Jazz go from here?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Like both the Mo Williams and Marvin Williams moves. Both solid veterans who have lots to contribute.

      Jazz are overstocked with bigs – they could use more depth at guard and on the wing, but they aren’t desperate. There should be opportunities in July after things shake out a bit to make a move.

  4. JASON

    Afternoon Stephen, after BC and Raps made out like Bandits on the Lowry trade can we see trade looming for Iggy? just sold his house :) …..is the Gay idea dead?…….are we going to sign Ak-47 if both iggy and gay are a no-go? thanks

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lowry was a solid long term move.

      Rumors are flying (again?) that the Raps want Iggy and Iggy could be on the move – we heard this story before – many times – it does make a little more sense this time, but……

      The Grizz are in the process of being sold (we think – or not – financial issues maybe – who knows anymore?) Deals are really hard to do under these circumstances. It still makes financial sense for Gay to be traded – it made more sense at the draft – the Grizz just might not be able to complete many significant deals with an owner who wants to sell and a new owner in the wings. Don’t give up on the idea – just don’t hold your breath.

      It seems like AK47 likes playing for CSKA Moscow – and who can blame him? The money is good, the lifestyle fits him better – there are good reasons why some Euros choose to stay home rather than play in the NBA. He has to make a decision soon and some team would have to make it worth his while to come back – I don’t think the Raps really have enough space to do it.

  5. Huni

    So, are the Raptors a playoff team now? And what should be the next move to balance the roster, it seems a bit packed in the gurad-forward positions because of the Landry Fields move.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Don’t expect anyone to have the Raps in the top 8 in the East with the roster we think they have now. But that could be underestimating the impact of Coach Casey. Raptors will be a very tough defensive squad next season.

      Agreed – it sure looks like another move has to be in the works.

  6. Deven

    What’s going to happen Jose Calderon now that Kyle Lowry is on the team? Where will Jose end up?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Options:
      1) Backup Lowry for the season and become an UFA – possible
      2) Backup Lowry until the trade deadline and become an important trade piece
      3) Traded during the summer – many possibilities
      4) Amnestied sometime in the next week to create room for another deal

      Likelihood about equal for all possibilities. Colangelo is working hard to do a deal now – doesn’t mean it gets done. Doesn’t mean it’s for anyone we think it could be – Iguodala being the obvious move everyone denies is in the works. Elton Brand off the amnesty wire is another possibility that makes something happen.

      Colangelo keeps saying its all about having flexibility……

  7. Deven

    Are the Raptors a playoff team next year?

  8. Deven

    From what you heard, how close was Steve Nash signing with Toronto?

  9. Deven

    Do you expect any other big trades when the motoraium period ends this week and free agency officially begins?

  10. Christian

    Are raptors done this off-season?

  11. Christian

    Do you think that calderon is in a raptor uniform on opening night?

  12. Christian

    Do raptors plan on starting DeRozan and Fields on the wing?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Too soon to call – but if both are on the roster and the Raps don’t find that “star” SF they are looking for – Yes, that would be the early expectation. Things could change by the time we are done training camp though.

      Casey can do whatever he wants this season with the lineups.

  13. Christian

    what SF are still available that raptors are interested in acquiring?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Possible big targets haven’t really changed – Iguodala, Gay, Josh Smith are the difference makers.

      Issues:
      Do the 76ers really want to move Iggy and for what?
      Can the Grizz actually do a deal with their ownership situation?
      How hard does Smith push to get out of Atlanta?

      Raps offering Fields that deal does suggest it isn’t going to be easy to land a big name player with what they can offer.

  14. Christian

    Who would say is untouchable for the raptors?

  15. Steve

    Hi I love the chats you do, had some questions about the Raps, do you think demar could become a 3 and we start fields as the 2? Or do you see colangelo go after the 3 that the raptors need. Are there any moves you see colangelo do or is this what the raptors roster will potentially look like?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      At this point, Fields is the better 3 who can play the 2 if necessary. DD may be a 3, who has been playing at the 2 because he was under-sized and hopefully filled out over the summer. t.b.d.

      more moves are likely – just hard to see at the moment.

  16. Raps4ever

    Hi Steve, Would it make sense to trade Demar, for OJ Mayo, and Bargnani for Ryan Anderson, who is an excellent 3 point shooter and a better rebounder than Bargnani? The Raptors, would be an instant play-off team, wouldn’t you agree?

  17. noCrownsJust6rings

    Hi sir who do u think has a higher ceiling the tor rookie from lithuania or myers leonard?

  18. adobo warrior

    Who do u think would make a surprise trade next not involving d12? Would tor consider trading derozan? And some writters are saying raptors drafted poorly for their first pick,your take sir?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Ross was a solid pick – from what was left at that point. Lamb was the better known player, but Casey has seen both of them and if he likes Ross better then I’m on board. I’m not disappointed that they passed on Drummond – he didn’t fit and didn’t sell himself as a guy who will develop all of those natural gifts.

      Raps don’t have the luxury of having untouchable players – If they can make the team better by trading DD – so be it.

  19. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Can you name another team outside LA,OKC,SA,Miami ,NET.to win the NBA championship this year.why.

  20. Tyler

    What are your thoughts on the Fields signing? Was it just a ploy to try and get Nash to sign with TO or was he one of their targets all along?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’d say both are true. Block Nash from landing in NY and Casey liked his game as a defensive wing/shooter.

  21. Charles

    How is Valanciunas doing in the Olympic qualifiers? Any word?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Valanciunas has had some big games – impressive for a kid his age. Not as consistent as the veterans, but that’s to be expected. Go to the FIBA.com site for box scores

  22. joey

    is there any truth to the rumoured deal of derozan and calderon going to philly for Iguodala and Vucevic.

  23. Lenny from Springfield

    Are you worried about the new look Brooklyn Nets? Does this make the Raptors the ‘worst’ team in the Division considering Philly made the playoffs next year along with the celtics and Knicks?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Nets look good – no question – 1st year as a team though.
      Philly has lots of holes on that roster still – great coach though – they’ll be tough
      Cs? who knows – could be 2nd best in the East or does age finally catch up to them. It is definitely worth the gamble, but no one will know until they actually play some games.
      Knicks – chemistry, chemistry, chemistry…….
      Does the Raptors defense make them much better than they look on paper – it just might!

  24. Aris

    I am also sad to see they retracted the Q.O for Bayless. He is a great kid a good competitor and loves Toronto. Any chance they might work something out to get him back in a Raptors uniform. Possibly a mid level? We don’t have the greatest talent at any position but we certainly have enough bodies at every position excep the PG position. With a very good chance Calderon’s expiring contract will be traded at the deadline Jarred would be a great back up for Lowry.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Bayless could be back – the Q.O. was for $4.3m. If the Raps bring him back it would be for much less than that, maybe as little as $2m (say $2m is little with a straight face!)

      Bayless is a good guard – we’ll see how long he lasts in FA over the next week. If no one picks him up, the Raps could bring him back under favorable terms.

  25. joey

    if the raptors dont make the playoffs this year is BC as good as gone. This would be 5 years without a playoff appearance.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Not necessarily – could see Colangelo being kicked upstairs to become even more of a “President” and Ed Stefanski getting full GM responsibilities.

      Colangelo is a very polished executive – a great guy to represent your organization. If the Raps decided they wanted a different basketball brain making the deals – they don’t have to get rid of Colangelo to accomplish this.

      It’s tough to see where MLSE could get an upgrade over Colangelo and Stefanski to run their team.

      I’m getting a little perturbed about no playoffs though too!

  26. matt

    amnesty Jose and then deal DD,JJ+ED for Iggy?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Let’s not rush to amnesty anyone until the team has to.

      Two young player on rookie deals is very tough to give up – eating Jose’s salary on top is really pushing it – especially after some team picks him up off the waiver wire for $2m per season.

      Adding Iggy is the type of step forward that moves the Raps in the right direction though – it’s all about the price….

  27. matt

    Jose,DD,JJ for Gay

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’d make that trade if I’m running the Raps.
      It’s hard to get a handle on what the Grizz are thinking

  28. prince

    any word on tor landing iggy
    how about iggy for colderon, ed davis, and t ross

    we get a lagit 3 and they get a solid point who they can dump next year ed davis who can start now and t ross who can score off the bench like lou will did for them everyones happy

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Everyone denies Raps & Sixers are talking – no one believes them…..

      Ross is Casey’s pick – might have to pry him from Casey’s cold dead fingers to get him…

  29. matt

    I really hope BC doesn’t extend DD for above 7 million/season, but he gave what he did for Fields, which means $10 million/season for DD unfortunately. Raps fans, we are masochists.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      DD definitely hasn’t done anything that would get him a $10m per deal yet. Thinking more like MLE money – but we’ll see what’s he’s got before that decision has to be made.

  30. LC

    What should Wolves do to get Lee, Batum, Hill, Stiemsma

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lee is the only realistic option to pursue – Offer the Rockets next year’s draft picks in a S&T or go trade for a draft pick the Rockets would want.

  31. Alex

    What are your thoughts on reports Pacers are matching Hibberts offer? I was really excited about bringing in OJ Mayo and another big at the same or a little more.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      That’s a super tough position to be put in – and it shouldn’t have surprised them. Hopefully they are working on a S&T deal or are planning to match. Hibbert is too good to let walk – but that’s a big premium to be paying – of course that is the only way to steal a RFA.

      Not everyone would agree – but I’d just be bringing back my own FA in Indiana and not worrying about anyone else’s.

  32. matt

    With Memphis not keeping Mayo it showed 1 and/or 2 things, they don’t have $ and/or they want depth.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Can’t see Memphis bringing back Mayo – kind of surprised he hasn’t got a deal yet?

      And Yes the Grizz are a small market team that shouldn’t be a luxury tax payer under any circumstances

  33. Josh

    Hi SB – I know the raps were looking at a taking Waiters if he was there – since you cover the Raps, what was/is your take on the kid? What’s his ceiling? THANKS!
    PS. Sorry about that whole Nash thing, but you got Lowry!

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I’d agree he was the 2nd best SG prospect – but I think he was a big stretch at 4th – Cavs picked based on need. If Waiters develops to his full potential – Cavs have a starter, maybe even a star – but that’s by no means a guarantee.

      Always very suspicious when kids won’t work out for teams … what was he hiding?

  34. Joe

    Let’s talk Cavs. Seeing a lot of stuff on twitter about them obtaining some players by helping Dwight move to Brooklyn. Thoughts? Who could the Cavs get, what would we give up?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Cavs will do a deal that helps the Cavs – they have zero interest in helping the Nets.

  35. Alex

    I really don’t understand the Ryan Anderson signing. Are they going to play Davis at the 5?

  36. Miguel

    Why do all insiders consider cap space to be more important than having a star especially at a young age?There are doubts about bynums knees but I believe Orlando has a lot more to worry abou with Lopez’s foot. For instance we know about Orlando in talks with LA and Brooklyn.Why are you gonna give up Howard for a bunch of players of which you will lose to free agency with your cap space as a plus instead of trading for an Allstar and rebuilding around him.The lakers would need a third to team to relieve Orlando of Turkoglu and Richardsons contract.and yes only if Bynum signs the extension. Cap space is important but not the better option for Orlando because they are losing the center of the Magic universe.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      You want cap space to land a young star – cap space isn’t more important than having a young star.

      When you are blowing up a roster – one of the goals is often getting draft picks and cap space to go after a young star – probably next season.

  37. Manbir

    Who are the lakers most likely going to go after I’m free agency and what are the chances that Pau Gasol or Andrew Byunm

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lakers should be done except for vets they can attract on min deals to fill out the roster. I wouldn’t move either big man now that they’ve got Nash – NBA Finals or bust (literally)

  38. Phil

    How good is Kris Humphries? Would he get those RB numbers if he played along side a center who could actually grab a RB? It seems like the Cavs are offering Humphries a great deal, and he should just accept the one year inflated price tag and move on. What do you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Hump looked good in Toronto for 3yrs. Didn’t get minutes – but when Bosh was hurt, Hump put up good numbers then too – 3 years ago.

      I don’t think Hump gets the respect he deserves – lots of hustle big men get $8-10m on long term deals. Hump is as good as most of those guys.

  39. Joe H

    Tell me the 76ers didn’t amnesty Brand and let Lou go only to sign Nick Young. There has to be another deal in the works. Any clues?

  40. daniel

    Your wrong about b roys contract, minny just pays his new salary towards his old one, he isn’t making a penny more then he was last week

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Pretty sure Roy is an UFA – I’ll ask Larry Coon if I’m reading this right, but Roy was Amnestied, cleared waivers, retired, came back and can now sign anywhere he wants and keep all of his money. It’s only a claim off the amnesty wire that saves Portland anything and that’s gone.

  41. josh

    how are the rockets going to fix their pointgaurd situation? will they unload martin and scola soon? where to and for what?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Rockets are going to something – aren’t they? This blowing things up to start over can be painful to watch…..

  42. Tyler

    As a Timberwolve fan do you see them making big moves to keep Love happy if/when Por matches Batum?

  43. dub

    unless a great deal comes along i think the raps should keep calderon then resign him next summer for much cheaper and use the excess money to sign a quality player. Agree? it could be a great pg duo as long as they’re both happy in their roles

    • Stephen Brotherston

      I agree – Raps shouldn’t just dump Calderon – they need to get value back in any trade.

  44. Sam

    Hi Stephen!

    James Johnson is the only SF we have capable of guarding SF’s.

    DD, Ross and Fields are undersized and Kleiza is just not a good defensive player and he’s not so quick either.

    So why the hell Casey wants to give up such asset? (rumors…)

    Aside from Iguodala, who else could we get to fill that soft spot on the lineup?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Fields and JJ are about the same size – Fields is 6″8″ in shoes. Fields is a better SF than SG. JJ is a better PF than SF.

      Raps are still looking for an upgrade at SF – but Fields may be as good as they can get – a big reason why they went after him.

  45. Tyler

    Why does everyone love Lowrey? Nash would have put that team on the map, now they have an average point guard to go with an overpaid average point guard.

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Lowry has two seasons remaining on his current contract at $5.75 million and $6.21 million (team option)

      In 38 starts last season, Lowry averaged 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.8 steals and hit 38.8 percent of his 4.8 three-point attempts and 86.5 percent of his free throw attempts.

      Lowry is one of the pieces in creating a playoff team

  46. RaptorBoi

    Hey Steph, thanks for keeping the raps relevant on Hoopsworld, im an NBA fan but i love the raps. 2 things first i feel like colangelo is just awfull with money sometimes, the deals he’s thrown around in the past few year, feels like hes overpaying on deal like Amir, Linas and now field but all that to stay mediocre how does that make sense. Also i love the we got lowry but couldnt we renegociate calderon’s contract how do u let go of a guy who’s been so stand up, hes my favorite raptor pg all time, cant see him leaving

    • Stephen Brotherston

      If Calderon was willing to stay at about the MLE as a backup – I’d want him on the team for 4 more years. Problem is, he can probably get that kind of money from Real Madrid or Barcelona – no way he’d pass that up. It’ll cost more to keep him in the NBA.

  47. Korey

    I heard Raptors Brass would prefer Jonas to play in the summer league over the Olympics… What do you think?

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors would like to get Jonas over here as soon as possible – the only issue with the Olympics is the injury risk, but you just can’t deny someone the opportunity to play for their Country!

      The Olympics will give Jonas a far superior experience than anything available in NBA summer league playing against guys – many of whom couldn’t make a team in Europe – who are at a far lower talent level than he will be playing against there. For example – JV was going up against Al Horford this week when he was playing for the Dom Rep national team – JV put up a 17/7 and 1 block. That’s a lot better experience than playing summer league.

      That’s all for today.
      Thanks for all the great comments and questions.

  48. Korey

    Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun tweeted that James Johnson is likely gone. Have you caught wind of this news? Is a big
    Move going down behind the doors? Other than that, no news has went public

    • Stephen Brotherston

      Raptors are one of the most secretive organizations in the NBA – as it should be. It is grossly unfair when teams let information about deals leak before they are finalized – these are real people’s lives we are discussing.

      The speculations about Toronto’s roster are being made by looking at the bodies and concluding something has to give – And something does have to give, we just haven’t heard what yet. (Not to worry – some player or agent will leak the next move ahead of time)