kovanovich
Sixth Man
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2009
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Re: Marreese Speights for the Rest of the Season
I definitely think you are right about the player option. Not seen this discussed anywhere, but seems to me a GM who gives a player option is doing so out of weakness. I think Grant is savvy enough to know that Speights isn't such a unique player that he needs to make such a concession.
That said, I just don't see Speights accepting the sort of offer you are describing. I can't imagine he won't get paid at least what he is making now and for a minimum of 3 years guaranteed. But maybe the fact that somewhat comparable players like Hickson and Blair (not to mention Josh Smith, the Utah bigs, and others) will all be hitting the market will reduce his bargaining position. I suspect these sorts of market considerations went into the Cavs' thinking.
The Bullshit Whisperer claimed a couple of days ago that the Cavs had one or more offers on the table for Speights that included a late first round pick, but of course any deal would also have included salary coming back (since the team making the trade would almost certainly have been over the cap). And is it worth getting a pick in the 20s along with a ~$5M/yr (or more) salary on an overpaid player who probably doesn't fit the team and is likely on contract through 2014-15? I'd say most on RCF would say no.
I do think the Cavs genuinely like Speights, based in part on Grant's post deadline comments. I also think the Cavs need a big like Speights on the roster next year to compete for a playoff spot, and despite his shortcomings he does actually pair reasonably well with either Thompson or Zeller.
I definitely think you are right about the player option. Not seen this discussed anywhere, but seems to me a GM who gives a player option is doing so out of weakness. I think Grant is savvy enough to know that Speights isn't such a unique player that he needs to make such a concession.
That said, I just don't see Speights accepting the sort of offer you are describing. I can't imagine he won't get paid at least what he is making now and for a minimum of 3 years guaranteed. But maybe the fact that somewhat comparable players like Hickson and Blair (not to mention Josh Smith, the Utah bigs, and others) will all be hitting the market will reduce his bargaining position. I suspect these sorts of market considerations went into the Cavs' thinking.
The Bullshit Whisperer claimed a couple of days ago that the Cavs had one or more offers on the table for Speights that included a late first round pick, but of course any deal would also have included salary coming back (since the team making the trade would almost certainly have been over the cap). And is it worth getting a pick in the 20s along with a ~$5M/yr (or more) salary on an overpaid player who probably doesn't fit the team and is likely on contract through 2014-15? I'd say most on RCF would say no.
I do think the Cavs genuinely like Speights, based in part on Grant's post deadline comments. I also think the Cavs need a big like Speights on the roster next year to compete for a playoff spot, and despite his shortcomings he does actually pair reasonably well with either Thompson or Zeller.
