Phoenix claims they will match

[West Remy]

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The Phoenix Suns are quietly putting out word that they will match any offer to restricted free agent Joe Johnson -- even a max contract worth more than $10 million. The investment would pay off over the longterm, because Johnson could be prepared to take over at point guard as Steve Nash gets older.

If the new CBA reduces the RFA waiting period from 15 days to 5, Cleveland might as well throw a huge contract at Phoenix and force them to match. If the Suns match, then you move on to the next guy and you haven't even lost a week's worth of time. I can't see how Phoenix is going to handle throwing a big contract at Johnson with all the other money they are going to spend on Amare and what is already being spent on other players.

 

[PIP]

all we can do is try... if they match ? they match

lets just see how much they're talkin when a potential max contract is staring them in the face..

i don't know if i read it here, or on hoopshype or inside hoops-- but their owner was quoted as saying he will get a profit or something like that..

if they are going to upgrade that bench like they want, plus pay that starting 5 a ton ? i don't see how they can do it..

they are also looking to upgrade their team , especially from from the defensive perspective... i just don't see how they can pull it off ?

 

[West Remy]

If JJ stays, then somebody on the team will have to go. My guess would be a possible move of Q. His contract is terrible, considering how much he gets payed and the fact he's recently become a chucker from beyond the arc. It's a shame really because Richardson used to play a more well-rounded game of slashing and being physical.

 

[Karma]

I believe the max we can offer Joe Johnson is 10.9 million. Thats alot for Phoenix to match for him to play 3rd and 4th fiddle.

 

[QCCav]

I dunno but I think they're bluffing. I agree with the guys above in that we have nothing to lose in trying. Worse case, might open a possibility that they would have a hard time when its Aamare's turn and we try again then.

Edwin

 

[Pioneer10]

I say go for it.

On a separate note: Would people consider doing a sign and trade for Gooden (PF who give Phoenix more size and fits well in a running system plus expiring contract) for JJ?

 

[Dungong]

The Suns, if they keep their team, will probably be profitable. They're known as the most exciting team in the league, they went to the conference finals, and i just dont see how they don't resign him. But if its only a 5 day match period, then I'm all for it.

 

[Glen Infante]

I'd call their bluff and offer him that 10 mil contract. They might just be saying that so no one tries to grab him. We need to at least try, if we don't I would definatly be disappointed.

If they match, oh well move on to the next guy on the list.

 

[PIP]

I say go for it.

On a separate note: Would people consider doing a sign and trade for Gooden (PF who give Phoenix more size and fits well in a running system plus expiring contract) for JJ?

they're looking for defense..... which means, they're not looking at drew :chuckles:

 

[LyXo]

Phoenix needs size. Not a PF, especially not the 6'9, skinny Gooden. Amare doesn't like playing out of position at the C is why they need a big. The only player they'd be remotely interested in would be Z, but that would mess up their system. As LEBRON'S PIPPEN says, they need a defensive center because they already have one of the best post players in the NBA with Amare.

As for JJ, if the wait is 5 days, then just throw the max at JJ and see what Phoenix does. No harm, no foul. If it's 14 days, then I'd be weary. They're not looking into free agency at all because they have no cap space. They looking to trade, so they'll have that time to figure things out: Trade Q? Trade Marion? Let JJ walk? Sign-and-trade?

The chances of JJ leaving now seem slim. I have a feeling this could be a bluff, but JJ is not the only option out there. Trading Q, as West Remy said, would be more beneficial to the team. He had an extremely limited role in the playoffs, kinda tells you something. If they can trade him for a defensive big, they'll probably pull the trigger. I dunno how many teams trade freshly signed players, but if it makes the team better than I think they'll do it. I think they'd be more willing to part with Q than JJ.

It seems that they've been trying to shop Marion also, to no avail. He has a huge contract and is an odd SF or undersized PF. But, either option for the Suns is good. Both Q and Marion can play the 3.

I can see Phoenix trying to work something out with Portland: Marion for Ratliff + first rounder (If Portland trades its #2 for Charlotte's #5 and #13, I can see Phoenix getting the #13). They get a solid veteran, defensive center that they need. Won't demand the ball, would play his role well.

Any scenario spells injustice for us, unless they don't match our max offer to JJ.

 

[E-Light]

The Suns, if they keep their team, will probably be profitable. They're known as the most exciting team in the league, they went to the conference finals, and i just dont see how they don't resign him. .

The suns won't be profitable if they keep there team. They will NOT match a max offer to joe johnson. This is a complete bull shit rumor. I'll stand strong on this joe johnson thing. I've explained it before. Look at their salaries, they have HUGE DOLLARS STILL TO PAY TO AMARE. He will get the max. Phoenix won't match a MAX CONTRACT for Joe Johnson. For christs sakes there have been rumors they want to move marion because of his huge contract. Why? They don't think he's worth it. And there going to pay Joe Johnson 10 million to be there 4th or 5th option? :chuckles:

What a joke. Look at there salaries for the next few year, keep in mind the luxury tax is going to be lower in the collective bargaining agreement. The suns have an owner who want a profit, and they won't profit if they sign joe johnson to a max deal when they have a max deal for amare coming up, and also already pay HUGE dollars to nash, and marion.

Joe Johnson isn't worth a max contract. If we give him the max phoenix won't match. Joe Johnson will be over payed, but WE WILL HAVE A SHOOTING GUARD, AND THAT'S WHAT COUNTS!!!!!!!!!

 

[NarlCavs]

It probably is a bluff by the Suns but giving an offer to Johnson is still a risk even if the period to match drops to 5 days. Every day in free agency is important especially early on and in the offseason for the Cavs.
Johnson is my top choice of the FA SG's. I would not give him a max contract though. He's a very good player, not a max player. Those contracts should only go to franchise type players. Teams always get in trouble when they give out max contracts to players who really aren't worth them. I'm surprised so many would be willing to throw that type of money at him.
I would be willing to give an offer for $10 million in the 1st year but I wouldn't give the yearly allowed raises that are allowed in contracts. 5 years for $50 million is more than fair and still might make the Suns decide not to match. A max offer would end up at something like $65-70 million over 5 years. That's overpaying.

 

[Mac]

The only way the Cavs do this is if the CBA is changed to 5 days.

You cant tie your money up for 15 days, that's free agent suicide. And thats the only leverage Phoenix has and no matter what the owner says, they cant and will not match.

They need help big time on the bench and with a true center.

If they match this, they will never be able to sign a decent starter for the MLE and they wont have anything to trade for a big because nobody is going to take a SG or a PG because honestly, Jacobson and Barbosa are their only tradable assests, unless they give up on Marion but with his contract, I dont see a lot of takers after his tanking in the playoffs.

 

[Karma]

Jacobson was traded to New Orleans. Phoenix do have little flexibility on their roster for expansion. This plays into our hands with Johnson. As Mac said though, 15 days is too long. We need the new CBA to have this reduced to the much publicised 5 days.

 

[Mac]

Well then, lol, I didnt even know he was traded. Thats how bad their bench is, haha.

Either way, they arent matching his contract. They are trying to scare people off, but the bad thing, that 15 days is probably enough to do it.