Forget Miami - Should Raptors Fans be Hoping Bosh Joins LeBron in New Jersey?
by RaptorsHQ - Franchise on Jul 7, 2010 9:15 AM EDT
30 comments
The talk now is that Chris Bosh is headed to Miami one way or another, but Franchise wonders if Raptors' fans shouldn't be hoping that New Jersey ends up being CB4's final destination...
Last year, the Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, in one of his regular mailbag columns, discussed the idea of a LeBron James "where am I going to play next year" type reality show with one of his readers.
At the time, the whole thing seemed like a pretty hilarious, albeit far-fetched idea. They envisioned James making like Flavor Flav and choosing from a host of suitors live on TV, and perhaps even having an under-card before the main event.
Well...yesterday basketball fans were treated to news that such an idea wasn't so far-fetched, as LeBron James will announce his decision during a one-hour special on ESPN tomorrow night at 9 PM EST.
Is this what things have been reduced to in 2010?
It seems to be the case.
However while James prepares for his monumental announcement, it's quite possible that the second biggest name in the free-agent drive, Dwyane Wade, is the one that comes out on top when all is said and done.
Wade appears ready and willing to return to Miami, and with Chris Bosh apparently not enthused about joining James in Cleveland, ESPN.com is reporting this morning that Bosh will become the Robin to Wade's Batman in Miami.
There haven't been any logistics as to what this deal would encompass as of yet, but this is hardly a "best-case-scenario" for Raptors fans in my books. Of the possible sign-and-trade options out there, I preferred the assets from teams like New Jersey, Houston and to a lesser extent, Chicago and even Cleveland.
Miami?
The team essentially has two players under contract at the moment, neither of whom are that enticing, and even any draft picks sent to Toronto in a S&T would likely be later in the draft thanks to what appears to be a fairly dominant Heat squad being constructed by Pat Riley and co.
So now what?
Well unfortunately, if Bosh is indeed bound and determined to go to Miami, there's not much Raptors' GM Bryan Colangelo can do. He can attempt to play hard-ball regarding the assets he receives in return for Bosh's services, provided CB4 is bound and determined to take the max via a sign-and-trade, and not simply sign with Miami.
But even that doesn't guarantee the best return on investment, and really, as a Raptors fan, I think you need to hope that ESPN's "Bosh a lock to go to Miami" is premature.
In fact, I think ideally, you need to hope that LeBron is leaning towards heading to New Jersey (aka Future Brooklyn.) Then, instead of heading to Miami, Bosh decides he'd prefer to take his Robin act to the Nets to partner with LeBron, and frankly, superior assets like Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. A starting five of Harris, Courtney Lee, James, Bosh and Lopez would be pretty formidable, and the Nets still have some pieces they can bring in off the pine.
From a Raptors' perspective, New Jersey also has numerous assets that would be huge in helping this team rebuild from scratch with cheap, young talent.
Could a sign-and-trade be facilitated that would see newly drafted Derrick Favors (a true potential Bosh replacement down the road) and Damion James head to TO?
Or what about HQ favourite Terrence Williams, the aforementioned Lee, and/or expiring contracts mixed in?
Hell could the Raptors extricate themselves from some of their lengthier deals in such a scenario?
It's hard to say. But if Toronto came out of this free-agent fiasco with a core of DeMar DeRozan, Sonny Weems, Amir Johnson, Ed Davis, Solomon Alabi, Derrick Favors and Terrence Williams, that's not a bad start. And if Bryan Colangelo could jettison one of Jose Calderon or Hedo Turkoglu to really clear some space, all the better.
The problem, as pointed out by the National Post's Bruce Arthur yesterday, is that Bryan Colangelo only has one year left on his contract and no extension in hand. Does he really commit to a rebuild when it's quite possible that he won't be around to oversee it's completion, not to mention would likely have to deal with the fall-out next season?
That's the million dollar question we keep coming back to here.
For all the talk of dynamiting things, how realistic is that considering the team's General Manager appears to be loathe to admit too much wrongdoing regarding past transactions? If Colangelo thinks he can bring back pieces resulting in a short-term win, like a return to the playoffs, won't he go in that direction?
As Raptors' fans, I think you've gotta hope that's not the case. That approach was attempted the past three seasons and we've seen the results.
In fact isn't that why the team is in this current situation? Short-term play after short-term play by BC has dug a hole too deep to easily climb out of without taking a back-hoe to the entire landscape.
A sign-and-trade scenario with New Jersey would indeed be that back-hoe.
However it remains to be seen if Colangelo is prepared to put on his hard-hat and get behind the wheel.
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I think the Miami trade could work out if BC convinces them to take on one of the big contracts (Turk or Jose) and takes back Chalmers, the rights to Joel Anthony, our pick, a couple of their picks, and a massive TPE.
Chalmers = backup PG. Anthony = backup C to Bargs if nothing else changes – and if we bring in a C – we only have Anthony’s rights and aren’t stuck with a contract.
TPE could become anything really – including the often discussed NO trade where we take on Okafor to get Collison – or if they could be persuaded – maybe take on Okafor AND Posey to get Chris Paul in exchange for an expiring or two and the TPE (plus whatever young assets BC deems expendable).
The irony is if he attempts a rebuild on the fly and he falls short again and has the team committed to being over the cap and dead in the water, doesn’t that also guarantee that he is goner? I would think it is easier to sell a rebuild (done properly of course) as a GM then it is to suck ass after taking on too many bad contracts).
As for Miami, I actually do not believe they will be a power even with Bosh on board. Both Bosh and Wade have injury history and considering what kind of players the Heat are going to have to bring on board (min contracts and weak MLEs) I don’t see them improving much this year at all. In fact, things could get interesting if BC is truly in Screw You mode. He could for example, insist on the TPE, Beasley, Chalmers, Anthony, our 1st and their 1st next year and one of their 2nd rounders from this year, not because it will make the Raptors better but because Miami would be left with Bosh and Wade taking up 60% of their cap space and no one else under contract they might even be terrible if Bosh or Wade suffer an injury. I really felt that Miami dropped the ball more than any other team because they divested themselves of too much talent leaving them to rely upon the “take less money for the good of the team” argument instead of having assets other people want which makes a sign-n-trade more plausible.
I wouldn’t take Beasley – that’s 5 million for them to spend and I would rather watch them fail trying to use him at the 3 than give them the cap space.
by dhackett1565 on Jul 7, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Take Beasley, insist on them taking Back Calderon
I don’t understand this anti-Beasley argument. Why not give a number 2 overall pick an opportunity to right his ship with a fresh start. Bosh won’t forgo 30M, not with a New York girlfriend pulling his strings, and not just to pair up with Wade and mediocre pieces in Miami. If he’s smart, he understands that Wade at 29, with an injury history, is not a guarantee to make it through the season. And I’m not sure Bosh will make it through given how Riley likes to push players.
If a sign and trade has to be done, take Beasley, the 1st round picks, Chalmers, Anthony, and send back Calderon. This will likely have long-term benefits.
What would be funny is if LeBron ends up in New Jersey or New York, Bosh goes to Miami, and Wade pulls an Elton Brand and goes to Chicago. It would be Bosh, Calderon, and…crickets
by HQ Interloper on Jul 7, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I’d be alright getting Beasley if a larger contract is going their way.
Worst case, Beasley expires next year – can be used as an asset or an expiring in a trade either now or at the deadline (along with Banks, Evans, Beli).
by dhackett1565 on Jul 7, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
FLAVOR OF LOVE
There was an episode where a ‘contestant’ shat their pants (thong) in the main lobby meet and greet with ‘The Flave’
I hope somebody reprises that role (and that Stephen A. Smith does an understudy of it…)
PS – where does Delonte West fit in with all of this? He is after all, the perfect ‘Hamburglar’ to Lebron’s ‘Ronald’…..
Keep Calderon for Now
I see no reason to include Calderon in a Bosh S+T. 1) He is exactly the type of player Miami needs, and why help them even more. 2) He isn’t even Toronto’s biggest “problem”. 3) I think Calderon still have high value in the NBA. We undervalue him because we see his defencive defficiencies daily, but at the end of the day he is still a 7 assist to 1.5 turnover guy, who shots 40% from the 3…and has a level of tenacity to him. I think we could get a better return for him, Lottery picks
So if I’m BC I gamble. I tell Riley, that I take Beasley,if he takes Hedo or no S/T at all. And frankly I’m okay with that. If Bosh signs outright with Miami I’m okay with it. If Riley Bites it would be Bosh + Hedo for Chalmers, Beasley, De’sean Butler first rounder back and 2012 first rounder and approx 15M trade exception.
Then if I’m BC I call Rod Thorn telling him that I would do a S/T with them for Favours, Terrence Williams, 2010 pick and Trade Exception. Then I let Thorn ask Bosh if he wants 30M more to play for NJ and be the “King of Brooklyn”.
If it is Miami which all signs point to now. If they don’t take Hedo no sign and trade and I stay strong with my point. Riley is creative and if he can find a third team to get involved so be it…but we won’t S/T Bosh without Hedo.
by WinnipegRaptorFan on Jul 7, 2010 11:09 AM EDT reply actions
Let them have Calderon. He is an $8-9 million dollar backup PG who can’t play defense. That will screw Miami’s ability to sign other players even more. I love Jose, but I feel we all overvalued him after that one season (myself included). He is being paid as a starter, yet they would still have to go our and find themselves a starting PG. Just my thoughts!
by Assistant GM on Jul 7, 2010 11:36 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Gimme Gimme Gimme
I am having a hard time respecting these three divas of the NBA. They are making a mockery of the sport by showing the public that money = effort. I am hearing the same BS excuse that in the end they want to win. Let us be realistic if any of these knuckleheads wanted to win they would take a drastic paycut and sign on with a contender.
The days of staying committed to one team are long gone and I only hope that none of them win a title EVER (again in Wade’s case). However, I won’t get that wish if all of them are going to play for Miami. I feel that this worst case scenario for David Stern and the NBA, if it at all happens.
I cannot remember anytime in the history of the NBA when I was so disenchanted with players with over-sized egos. I can truly say that it is no-longer about the game.
turned off
you know, this fiasco … we don’t have cable, so I rarely watch the games. And with this stuff unfolding, wondering really what is the point of watching these prima donnas strut their cash in the face of the world. I work too hard for my $4000 per month, and I think I might be one of the lucky ones. Its not about sports anymore, only money money money. The last 10 articles it seems on this blog revolves around money. not sports, not strategy, just money.
hate this, really do. Nothing against HQ, I realize this is the “new reality” for sports management. For me, thinking I want no part of this reality – half the country unemployed, or about to be, trillions in debt, environment going to crap, and some kids who can put a ball in a metal circle get 100 million each? absurd. Bad enough with Wells getting 100 million, and then crapping out for years to come. now this. bollocks on their houses.
Chicago
If you are the Bulls right now, aren’t you begging BC to take Gibson, Noah and Rose in a S&T?
Man, talk about losing out big! In their zeal to keep Noah, they lost Wade and Bosh. Who do they pick up now? Adam Morrison? Good times.
I love it!
Worthy gamble. If they could’ve managed to snag both keeping both of their young stars they would have been a perrenial ECF lock if not more. Very enviable situation, plus they will dump Hinrich’s 8m soon.
Is Chicago out of it totally, as is Lebron for NY? Can’t keep up with these NBA divas…
Can someone explaint to me "TPE"?
I see it thrown around all the time and just wondering what it means. I’m trying not to follow this too closely because the way these guys are conducting themselves is making me hate basketball.
I'm on a horse.
by craig in calgary on Jul 7, 2010 12:06 PM EDT reply actions
Traded Player Exception:
If a team trades a player to a team below the cap, the salaries do not have to match. In this case, the difference between the salaries is given to the team moving the player as a TPE. The team can then make a trade (or multiple smaller trades) where they absorb salary without sending out players, up to the amount of the TPE, even if they are over the cap.
ie: If the Bosh to Miami trade is 17 million for Bosh and no one coming back – the Raps get a 17 million dollar TPE. They can then, for example, trade with a team like New Orleans, who want to dump salary – say Okafor and Collison for the TPE and picks.
by dhackett1565 on Jul 7, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
Makes sense.
Kinda :)
I'm on a horse.
by craig in calgary on Jul 7, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I just want to add....
The TPE expires after 1 year, and there would at least have to be a draft pick coming back. It’s also worth pointing out that in your example, the TPE would then move on to New Orleans, and they could use it.
Good point about the expiry and the transfer of the TPE. Wanted to keep it short.
But including a draft pick… this can be a heavily-protected second round pick – ie not a pick at all, just a formality – that’s why I didn’t mention it.
by dhackett1565 on Jul 7, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Bosh is really going to force all of these teams with cap space for 2+ guys into a S&T?
Too much is being made of the 30m difference – Bosh+Lebron (maybe not Wade) will be around at the end of their deals and probably get grandfathered in somehow. The 30m difference is more of a 10m difference when you take off the difference an extra year adds. Plus, he will be out to re-up a year earlier. Remember when Carmelo took the 5th year instead of 3 plus an option for the 4th year? Now he wants out and is stuck until 2011.
If Bosh is really trying to force all of these teams with cap space for 2+ guys into a S&T, he really doesn’t want rings. He is essentially selling off his future team’s supporting cast for a small raise. He should know best of all how difficult it is to get coveted young players onto the roster.
Carmelo’s deal was a bad move by his agent, considering when the CBA was up. Agent should be fired.
And getting a max contract next time is no guarantee. Big men tend not to do well in their thirties, especially if they rely on their quickness. Add in the injury concerns (overstated, but Bosh hasn’t played a full season in years, if at all) and a guaranteed $30M sounds pretty good.
I think it’s pretty clear to everyone that Bosh’s priorities are: Money, City, Winning. In that order. Of course, if he convinces LBJ to go to Miami and doesn’t do a sign and trade, that’ll show just how little I know.
by dhackett1565 on Jul 7, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
You are forgetting though that Bosh doesn’t have the same outside basketball revenue streams that Wade and Lebron have. If he did he probably wouldn’t be as hung up about it.
True. But consider the chance he doesn’t win a title.
He will have earned over $150m by the age of 30 regardless. Another big money deal likely follows. Considering the value of a ring – the accomplishment, the experience, the HOF/legacy rub… I think he would be wise to forego the S&T.
It may even end up being wise, as a 30 year old PF is much more attractive than a 31 year old PF.
Welcome Joel Anthony!
At least we’d have a Canadian on the roster… and one that is a decent defensive Center (one of the holes on the Raptors).
Bosh is signing with Miami, Toronto gets nothing...
No Sign & Trade deal here folks. Bosh is gone, Toronto gets cap space only and Miami gets CB4 and D-Wade.
Bryan Colangelo has only one year remaining on his contract so it begs the question, does he try rebuild with the chance he won’t be around in 2011-12 or does he go for the playoffs this coming season?
Remember Colangelo was given the ‘Brian Burke’ treatment and the keys to the franchise when he was signed. He has greatly devalued his stock since he’s been in Toronto and given he will be without a deal next year I could see him try desperately to get Toronto into the playoffs to improve his league-wide standing as a GM. If the Raps turn it around this coming season it would be a nice story and would give Colangelo bargining chips to get a future deal either in Toronto or elsewhere.
Long story short, I don’t think the departure of Chris Bosh means a Raptors rebuild.
If you listen to AM 640
They are basically saying that this makes Toronto in the NBA = Nashville or Atlanta in the NHL — i.e. a City that will never land a big name Free Agent, and the star players will always bolt from when the contract expires.
One point that I will agree with them one: Bosh saying that he’s going to Miami “not for the money, but to play on a winner” is a bunch of crap — a starting lineup of Chalmers/Wade/Beasley/Bosh/Haslem might not even make the playoffs.
You forgot the key 4 second round picks playing 6-9. Obviously, if Lebron is not going to Miami, they will be able to add at least a couple of good role players at about 6-7 mil per season but I still do not see them winning a championship next year with that roster. They will need at least one more offseason before they can truly call themselves championship caliber. Of course if LJ signs there, things will be even harder.
Come on
What made Miami make the playoffs last year? Was it Jermaine O’Neal, Quentin Richardson, Dorrell Wright and Carlos Arroyo?
Don’t be stupid. More than 50% of teams make the playoffs. Not being able to get the 8th seed in the East is something only BC can do. Look who I’m talking to.
The benefit of getting star players is getting useful vets to take less money to play with you. Miami will have the pick of the vet min litter and may yet add Lebron (though unlikely). They are a lock for the playoffs, though likely not a championship contender in year 1.
Find me 10 veterans willing to take minimum-salary to fill out the Heat roster:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqfVFI3KUTuDC9mQlyE9p8K8vLYF?slug=ys-nbafreeagenttracker2010
PG: Arroyo/Alston/Jason Williams?
SG: Antoine Wright? Devin Brown?
SF: Tim Thomas? Joey Graham?
PF: Joe Smith? Juwan Howard?
C: Rasho? Magloire? Tony Battie?
Seriously… 2-3 of these guys would be STARTERS!
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