Even more confirmation that Detriot will make a run at Gordon

That could put them roughly $23 million under the cap going into free agency. Over the past few months, we've assumed Carlos Boozer is their primary target, but that might not be the case. A league source told me Tuesday that the Pistons' free-agent strategy likely would preclude a run at Boozer.

The Pistons want to add several players to the roster and want to keep salaries at or less than $10 million per year. With Boozer likely demanding a deal in the $15 million to $16 million a year range, his contract demands are out of their league. Add in concerns about Boozer's injury history, and I don't think the Pistons will make a play for him.

Instead, you can look for them to make a run at Ben Gordon, try to re-sign Antonio McDyess and find one or two other players they can sign for smaller salaries.

That stance in Detroit could put Boozer in a tough position. If he opts out of his contract with the Jazz, he's going to struggle to find any team far enough under the cap to offer him what he wants. And with the Jazz interested in keeping Paul Millsap, Boozer could be out of luck in Utah, too.

4 months ago J Theory 18 comments 1 recs |

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getting rid of Johnson

leaves a gigantic hole in the frontcourt for them. I don’t see how Gordon would be a top free agent target if now their only “core” guys left are wings and guards – Stuckey, Hamilton, Prince. The only big they have left is Maxiell. And they have no big expiring contracts to use in a trade, so it seems like they HAVE to go after Boozer now. Plus they need a center. I’m not sure what they’re doing.

by kig on Jun 24, 2009 10:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I can see Prince or Hamilton being shopped around

Can’t see them actually getting a deal done though. I wouldn’t be shocked if they revisit the Rondo trade after the draft or even after free agency.

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Jun 24, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They are likely going to draft BJ Mullens with the 15th pick

If they don’t want to spend all their money on Boozer, they have the money to throw the MLE at Marcin Gortat or Zaza Pachulia.

That Steve Nash is exactly the same as Kirk Hinrich, but worse.
by NBA Observer on Apr 8, 2009 12:23 PM CDT

by Ozzie Montana on Jun 24, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't Gortat being overrated?

Throwing a MLE at him would be a huge mistake.

"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."

- fundamentallysound

by J Theory on Jun 24, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

To rebound and defend

Not really.

12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Jun 24, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say he's properly rated

Not a superstar, but he’s going to average a near double-double with consistent minutes and score efficiently around the basket. There’s a reason the Magic sometimes played just as well or better with Gortat on the floor.

That Steve Nash is exactly the same as Kirk Hinrich, but worse.
by NBA Observer on Apr 8, 2009 12:23 PM CDT

by Ozzie Montana on Jun 24, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

First, they'll try to resign McDyess.

Second, they might go after Gortat or Millsap. Both their teams want them, but both their teams are completely capped out (assuming Boozer doesn’t opt out). I’d rather have Gordon + Gortat than just Boozer.

by arjoseph on Jun 24, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boozer vs. Milsap

Since I can’t see the Jazz paying the LT, I think what happens is really dependent on Boozer.

It’s kind of a game of chicken. If Boozer opts out, he might have to settle for less than he wants. He could risk it and not opt out of his contract though. If he stays healthy, then there are lots more teams that could pay him next year.

And if he opts out, the Jazz will have a heck of a time making a legit offer to Milsap. So I think the Pistons would be wise to make an offer to either one of them. If Boozer opts out, make an offer to him. If he doesn’t, make an offer to Milsap.

with $23M, they could offer plenty to one of those guys and have plenty left over to offer to Gordon.

Probably, they could offer $10M, $9M, and have $4M to give to McDyess and cover all their bases.

BullsTwo

by Sports2 on Jun 24, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping you would paint a scenario that precludes the Pistons from making BG a good offer

doh

"Remember, I'm Italian".

by BCs71 on Jun 24, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would the Bulls do a sign and trade with BG for Brewer and Millsap?

by hlac on Jun 24, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would, but I don't understand why the Jazz would want to do that

I don’t think the Jazz can afford to pay the LT. I’m assuming you’re suggesting Boozer stays with them and then they try to swing a sign and trade for Ben?

Well, that’d probably put them over the LT. It’d probably put the Bulls over the LT too. So my guess would be no all around.

BullsTwo

by Sports2 on Jun 24, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand.

And if he opts out, the Jazz will have a heck of a time making a legit offer to Milsap. So I think the Pistons would be wise to make an offer to either one of them. If Boozer opts out, make an offer to him. If he doesn’t, make an offer to Milsap.

If Boozer opts out, why would the Jazz have a heck of a time making an offer to Millsap? If he does not opt out, then they would still have Millsap’s Bird rights, so they could exceed the cap to resign him…either way, they are in the driver’s seat as it relates to Millsap…

" I've looked at these numbers and decided the #1 problem

is that Ben Gordon is selfish..." -your friendly bulls blogger

by Dionysus2.0 on Jun 24, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but how can they use any of their current guys

to get a decent big? I mean, they now have no big guys… and the only good one available via free agency is Boozer. Or, I guess, Millsap, if they want to throw a ton of money at him since Utah will try to match.

by kig on Jun 24, 2009 10:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs