Comprehensive Expiring Player Discussion

[spectre]

Felton, Chandler Seek Return to Up-and-Coming Bobcats (http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/04/02/felton-chandler-seek-return-to-up-and-coming-bobcats/)


CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- These are exciting times in the Queen City. And with Charlotte players now feeling like kings in town, two key Bobcats want to still be part of it next season.

Point guard Raymond Felton (right), who becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1, said in an interview with FanHouse before Friday's 87-86 overtime win over Milwaukee he wants to re-sign this summer with the Bobcats. Felton's long-term future with the team was in doubt last summer when he turned down a multi-year deal as a restricted free agent to instead sign a one-year contract.

"No question, this is where I want to be,'' Felton said. "So hopefully we can work something out.''

Then, in a post-game interview with FanHouse, center Tyson Chandler said he doesn't plan to opt out of his contract this summer, meaning he will return next season to the Bobcats rather than become an unrestricted free agent. It's pretty much of a no-brainer decision considering Chandler is due $13.2 million next season, an amount no other team would pay him. Still, he's very enthusiastic about being with the Bobcats.

"I'm sure I'll be here,'' Chandler said. "I'm sure this is going to be where I'm going to be. I'm sure. I'll finish out the final year of my contract. This team is continuing to go in the right direction.''

The future of coach Larry Brown is another story. But a return of Felton and Chandler, who has been on the mend lately after an injury-plagued start to the season, would give the up-and-coming Bobcats all of their key players back for next season. Gerald Wallace, Stephen Jackson and Boris Diaw are all under contract.

With Friday's win, the Bobcats (40-35) lowered their magic number for clinching the first playoff berth in the team's six-year history to four. Felton is sure excited about when the Bobcats might clinch, saying it "would be a dream come true for me.''

Felton's enthusiasm for Charlotte wasn't as clear-cut last summer, when general manager Rod Higgins said he turned down a multi-year contract offer. Higgins wouldn't give specifics, but the Charlotte Observer reported last fall the offer was for about $7 million annually, more than the $5.5 million qualifying offer he got in order to become unrestricted this summer.

"We maintained a willingness last summer. We tried to get something done long term,'' Higgins said of negotiations with Felton, in his fifth season. "So we'll continue to see how the season goes. [Felton turning down last summer's offer was] what negotiations are all about. It takes two to tango. You don't take it personal. That's just the way of the business. We all [still like Felton].''

There's been more to like this season, with Felton calling it "probably my best year as a point guard as far as running the team and scoring when I need to.'' Felton is averaging 12.1 points and 5.5 assists, which is down from last season's 14.2 and 6.5. But the Bobcats have an additional backcourt weapon in Jackson and Felton is playing less minutes, with his per-minute averages actually not all that different.

Perhaps most importantly, Felton's turnovers are down and his field-goal percentage has soared from 40.8 to 45.6. Felton struggled Friday, shooting 4-of-15 for 12 points, but in the previous eight games he had shot 61.8 percent while averaging 15.8 points.

"He's had a pretty solid year,''' Brown said. "You know what you can expect from him every night. He tries to guard. He tries to do the right thing. And I think he's getting there. He's had periods this year where he's played at an unbelievably high level.''

Felton didn't want to talk about why he chose to sign a one-year deal last summer. But Felton, a native of South Carolina who played at the University of North Carolina, emphasized Charlotte is where he wants to remain.

"This is where I want to be,'' Felton said. "I mean, this is Charlotte. Charlotte is like home. Close to home. Close to where I went to college at Chapel Hill. It's just like being at home so, of course, I would love to be here.''

As Higgins said, it takes "two to tango.'' But it takes one to tango when it comes to Chandler (right), who holds all the cards as to whether he will return to the Bobcats.

When asked if it wouldn't make sense to walk away from all that money, Chandler said, "Exactly.'' But it's more than that for Chandler, acquired last summer from New Orleans (http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/10/08/chandler-not-offended-by-bobcats-trade/).

"I'm sure this is where I'll be,'' said Chandler, averaging 6.2 points and 6.2 rebounds. "I love it here. I'm just starting to come in and playing with the guys and being healthy and they're starting to see who I am. We're starting to jell.''

Chandler, who has missed 30 games this season primarily due to ankle and leg problems, said he only recently has fully recovered from left ankle surgery last summer. Chandler never has been one to put up big numbers, but over the past two weeks he's had a 15-point outing, three games of eight or more rebounds and a three-block night.

It was only appropriate Chandler and Felton combined for the game-saving play Friday. With three seconds left in overtime, Chandler tapped out a rebound to Felton, who ran out the clock to secure the win.

The two would like to combine for some more key plays next season in Charlotte.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com or Twitter@christomasson

[BRNC]

spectre...great find and we can only hope we do resign Ray...also NBATV finally posted the Arena Link interview with Ray last night...:biggrin:

trying to embed it but having no luck...but they have it up and is a good view...

[ALong13]

Suck Chandler opted in, I expected it, but it would have been great if he opted out giving us money to sign TT & Felton. I'm really worried we won't be able to re-sign TT

[CatNation]

We'd have to find some way to split with either Naz or Diop. Nobody wants Diop obviously so it'd be finding a taker for naz. He's been great for us but Theo has been able to fill in at a much more affordable price and I don't see any reason he'd be any worse next year. Dude's real athletic for his age and you can tell he keeps himself in tip top shape. He's just like Mutombo.

[Walt Cronkite]

"No question, this is where I want to be,'' Felton said. "So hopefully we can work something out.''

I'm sure I'll be here,'' Chandler said. "I'm sure this is going to be where I'm going to be. I'm sure. I'll finish out the final year of my contract. This team is continuing to go in the right direction.''

I haven't seen video of these quotes, but in text form, they couldn't be more different.

[dnbman]

I haven't seen video of these quotes, but in text form, they couldn't be more different.

What do you mean? From each other? From reality?

[spectre]

"I love it here. I'm just starting to come in and playing with the guys and being healthy and they're starting to see who I am. We're starting to jell.''

You missed this part, but I agree they're not exactly the same.

[Walt Cronkite]

I didn't miss it, just omitted it. Felton's initial reaction is "I love it here. I want to be here". Chandler's is "I have a massive contract, I'm sure this is where I'm going to be". Maybe the quote is out of place, but it's the first time I remember seeing Chandler say he loves it here, not so for Felts.

[spectre]

Well aside from the no brainer of not opting out of over 13 million, their history is nothing alike. Felton grew up near Charlotte (relatively speaking), went to college in the state, started here the 2nd year of the franchise's existence and has been thru all the ups and downs. I'm sure in his mind he helped get us to what success we've had and he wants to continue it.

TC on the other hand just than a year ago was upset at being traded from a playoff team with Chris Paul no less to a lottery team. Add to that he's never been healthy here, hasn't really contributed to the team til lately and I'm sure he knows a lot of fans have been slamming him repeatedly.

To even think that he'd love it here after all that is a pretty big leap. He's going to get paid so he doesn't have to have that attitude. Being the positive guy that I am I see it as only a good thing.

[dnbman]

Well aside from the no brainer of not opting out of over 13 million, their history is nothing alike. Felton grew up near Charlotte (relatively speaking), went to college in the state, started here the 2nd year of the franchise's existence and has been thru all the ups and downs. I'm sure in his mind he helped get us to what success we've had and he wants to continue it.

TC on the other hand just than a year ago was upset at being traded from a playoff team with Chris Paul no less to a lottery team. Add to that he's never been healthy here, hasn't really contributed to the team til lately and I'm sure he knows a lot of fans have been slamming him repeatedly.

To even think that he'd love it here after all that is a pretty big leap. He's going to get paid so he doesn't have to have that attitude. Being the positive guy that I am I see it as only a good thing.

All that, plus, I think TC was just being direct. The plain truth is that he'll be here because of the contract. To me, he just acknowledges the fact before pointing out he enjoys being here. Definitely a difference between their perspectives though.

[SWedd523]

Let's not sugarcoat anything. Walt is right, you can tell by the way they responded as to what their true feelings are. Ray says I want to be here, Tyson says "I'm sure" this is where I'm going to be. Two completely different messages.

[spectre]

I don't think anyone is arguing that. I certainly wasn't.

Thing is did you expect them to feel the same way?

[ALong13]

I'd love to trade Chandler's expiring contracts for two first (like Kurt Thomas trade). Someone could get a big expiring contract, we'd have money to re-sign felton and TT and money to re-sign Graham or Ratliff

[BRNC]

I'd love to trade Chandler's expiring contracts for two first (like Kurt Thomas trade). Someone could get a big expiring contract, we'd have money to re-sign felton and TT and money to re-sign Graham or Ratliff

The thing is no way we do this without taking back a "garbage contract" in the process...

[teej]

Tyson has said on his blog he loves the city, and that he wants to be here. Obviously he was just telling the truth in that he's not opting out, even if he's traded to the Nets or Wolves or something. But he's genuine enough in his appreciation of the team, at least as far as I can see.

[tamburello]

I'd love to trade Chandler's expiring contracts for two first (like Kurt Thomas trade). Someone could get a big expiring contract, we'd have money to re-sign felton and TT and money to re-sign Graham or Ratliff

Kurt Thomas was not traded for a 2 first rounders, in fact, Phoenix sent Sonics 2 first rounders along with Thomas' contract in order to convince Sonics to absorb his contract, so that they could pay much less luxury tax.

I think there is nothing to discuss about Tyson's decision. I mean, is there anyone here who actually thought Tyson might opt out? Come on. Of course he would stick his contract.

[Marvel]

TC for Al Jefferson:biggrin:

[SWedd523]

Crash for Al Jefferson:biggrin:

fixed. ;) ;)

[ohara831]

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65772/20100405/bobcats_hope_thomas_takes_qualifying_offer/

Interesting statement that the FO is likely not leaning towards trying to keep Ray. Wonder where the insight comes from?

[dnbman]

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65772/20100405/bobcats_hope_thomas_takes_qualifying_offer/

Interesting statement that the FO is likely not leaning towards trying to keep Ray. Wonder where the insight comes from?

Even if the sentiment is true, I'd be shocked if anyone in management actually said that with us so close to the playoffs. If so, they're idiots for letting that kind of idea get out. The last thing you want is for your starting point guard to feel unwanted.

[ajbry]

Sam Smith is the only one 'reporting' this new development?

In that case I wouldn't worry about it. At all.

[Dexmor]

The Bobcats are said to prefer tendering Tyrus Thomas to retain him for about $6 million.
Owner Michael Jordan said he won't pay the luxury tax now, the talk is they won't re-sign point guard Raymond Felton with D.J. Augustin in the wings. Felton might draw interest from a team with cap money like the Knicks.


Read more: http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65772/20100405/bobcats_hope_thomas_takes_qualifying_offer/#ixzz0kFihcjxW

[Dexmor]

Can you believe this? Is Larry gona walk without Ray? Why is he being so cheap? Next year Tyson-Nazi both come off the books.
I will admit there is a big part of me who would like to see how T.J. Ford would do here or D.J. as a starter but even letting Ray going won't put us under the cap unless they plan on not getting a backup or resigning Graham or Theo or Hughes.
This is redicoulus. MJ has more money then Jerry Buss.
Was this not the great thing we thought it was? Why couldn't they have been bought by a Russian billionare.

[dnbman]

This is a repost from the Felton/Chandler thread.

Mods: maybe we need to create a Felton/Thomas/Free Agency thread and combine all of this talk.

[etothet]

I think it would be a big mistake to let Raymond walk. He is brings a lot to the table and I just don't think DJ is ready. I am absolutely positive that there are teams that will sign Raymond. But the FO makes the decisions. As a franchise getting ready to possibly make their first playoff, I would not be discussing that info at this time. Jordan is the owner so I guess he knows what he is doing. I hate to see Ray gone.

[etothet]

Even if the sentiment is true, I'd be shocked if anyone in management actually said that with us so close to the playoffs. If so, they're idiots for letting that kind of idea get out. The last thing you want is for your starting point guard to feel unwanted.

I agree. That is ridiculous if they let that get out. That would be so dumb.

[dav7z]

I have to call bullshit . Its no way in hell management does this now. Some of this reporting writers dream up baffles me.

[Dexmor]

So if he lets Ray walk he knows what he's doing? Did he know what he was doing drafting Morrison because getting approved to buy a team doesn't make you smart.
I can only hope this is a take away style bargaining move to get Ray to take a little less.

[Toocool]

I'm not sure whether Auggie is ready to start (if they plan to start him). Is there any chance we would fall under LT if we don't resign Graham, Hughes and Theo? Not saying we wouldn't, but just something I'm curious to know.

I wouldn't want Tonberry to go. He loves it here, and we've seen this improved Tonberry playing now. It would suck for him to go, but we'll just wait and see.

[spectre]

Sam Smith is the only one 'reporting' this new development?

In that case I wouldn't worry about it. At all.

Seriously guys...Sam Smith.

From Smith's article:


The Bobcats are said to prefer tendering Tyrus Thomas to retain him for about $6 million. But because owner Michael Jordan said he won't pay the luxury tax now, the talk is they won't re-sign point guard Raymond Felton with D.J. Augustin in the wings. Felton might draw interest from a team with cap money like the Knicks."the talk is". LOL! Higgins really needs to stop going out with Smith getting drunk like that!

Seriously...it's pretty obvious that this is Smith's speculation. He looks at our overall cap, figures we will offer TT the QO because we just traded for him (hell, he could of asked and we said we're going to offer it), see that any more salary would put us over...takes Jordan's "we won't pay the tax", then leaps to us letting Felton walk.

Has anyone seen ANY sign that Larry Brown would be happy with DJ as his primary PG? Wasn't DJ in EVERY trade rumor at the deadline?

[spectre]

Sam Smith.

Seriously.

[dnbman]

So if he lets Ray walk he knows what he's doing? Did he know what he was doing drafting Morrison because getting approved to buy a team doesn't make you smart.
I can only hope this is a take away style bargaining move to get Ray to take a little less.

I try not to get worked up about these things, especially when it says "the talk," which could be idle speculation. Until Jordan or management makes such a statement, we all just need to focus on the playoffs and not let the speculation manifest enough to affect the team.

[Dexmor]

True that but at the same time it couldn't of come from thin air and it matches Jordan's statements.
Honestly though if if if and that is a big if if D.J. can keep up the jumper maybe it's a good thing because the zone kills us.
Were is the backup pg gonna come from though?

[etothet]

True that but at the same time it couldn't of come from thin air and it matches Jordan's statements.
Honestly though if if if and that is a big if if D.J. can keep up the jumper maybe it's a good thing because the zone kills us.
Were is the backup pg gonna come from though?



He will need to do more than hit the jumper. He better bring some d as well.

[SWedd523]

This is a repost from the Felton/Chandler thread.

Mods: maybe we need to create a Felton/Thomas/Free Agency thread and combine all of this talk.

merged this thread with the felts/tc topic and renamed. Have at it!

[spectre]

Wait a minute...you renamed my title?

Damn dictator.


True that but at the same time it couldn't of come from thin air and it matches Jordan's statements.
Honestly though if if if and that is a big if if D.J. can keep up the jumper maybe it's a good thing because the zone kills us.
Were is the backup pg gonna come from though?

Seriously Dex...step back for a minute and think about what LB requires from his starting PG and compare that to DJ.

I could be totally wrong, but after it appearing LB was more than willing to move DJ for Rasheed Wallace and for Carl Landry (and no PG coming back) why would you think that's suddenly changed now?

[SWedd523]

Wait a minute...you renamed my title?

Damn dictator.

http://www.fatcult.com/images/cartman-as-the-police-respect-my-authority1.jpg


Now that the topic has gone to Tyrus as well as Ray and TC, I figured I'd change the title to keep the talk on all three in here (well now two I guess, since TC is opting in)

;)

[TheBeagle]

merged this thread with the felts/tc topic and renamed. Have at it! Ahhhh :rkiss0: With this act of merging, SWedd's no longer a mod virgin. So long, innocence. Just remember, there's nothing quite like that first time...;)

[SWedd523]

I was so nervous when I was doing it too. I have to set a good first impression or its all downhill. Hopefully I did right by you guys, and I'm glad yall were here to help pop my cher.......rios

[teej]

Sam Smith.

Seriously.

Exactly. The same guy who said we weren't going after Tyrus, and who has predicted that every UFA this offseason wants to play in Chicago. He makes stuff up daily.

And if anyone read Jordan's comments closely (which our friend Mr. Smith did not :facepalm:) you'd see he said that performing well in the playoffs would constitute a reasonable amount of lux tax spending.

And no way in hell Tyrus gets the money over Ray, unless all this we've heard about Ray rejecting big offers is true. :g:

[CatNation]

DJ will be ready next year this sophomore slump will be over soon. expect a jump from his rookie numbers to 17/7 with those rookie %s

[BRNC]

DJ will never be the defensive PG Ray is and Ray has continued to develop his game...I'm not sure how much better he can get but IMO DJ never reaches him defensively...and I doubt Rod goes drinking with any of the reporters so I also call :bull: on Smith....

If Ray becomes outrageous with his salary demands then the FO may feel they have to let him walk if they can't work a sign-and-trade...I doubt MJ (after EO50 was over-payed) forces Rod to sign Ray for more than market so worse case Ray is worth more to another team and we let him go...but I think we make an offer...

I just noticed...SWedd is no longer a virgin...who the heck are we going to sacrifice now to make sure we do well in the play-offs...ROFLMAO

[spectre]

From my good buddy Bill Ingram of Hoopsworld via email:


Rick and I talked about this at length in Orlando and there's absolutely no truth to Smith's piece. He's become the Glenn Beck of sports writing - just making stuff up as he goes along.

The Bobcats believe they can keep Ray for a reasonable price, especially give that he loves Charlotte and has absolutely no desire to leave. If he gets some ridiculous offer from someone else they may let him walk - I love Ray, but he's not a star by any means - and chase someone as a replacement. But who really offers Ray star money in this economy?

I expect Ray and Tyrus to be in Charlotte for a long, long time.

[BRNC]

great find spectre...the worse case (IMO) scenario is the Knicks can't get anyone they want in free agency and throw money at Ray...that's the only one that concerns me...:facepalm:

[Toocool]

I don't think Felton wants to get with the Knicks. Why jump ship for a couple extra couple of million, when you can be on a nice sturdy ship run by Cpt. Jack with a little pirate flag and a Bobcat figurine at the front instead of a Knicks boat that's being scuttled in shark-infested waters, with random cultists fervently praying to the skies for Lebron James to come to them.

[ND22]

Good to hear Bill Ingram thinks we can keep Ray and Tyrus here for a while.

[etothet]

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/04/06/top-50-2010-nba-free-agents/

Article lists Raymond as number 20 of the top 50 free agents in 2010. He is the top point guard on the list. I have been sensing that the one team that may go after Ray would be the Lakers. They really need a point guard and there is a Carolina connection. If we let him walk, he may end up in a Laker's uniform.

http://thelakersnation.com/forums/index.php?/topic/36573-raymond-felton-and-tyson-chandler-want-to-stick-with-bobcats/

[teej]

Lakers can't offer more than the MLE though, so I'm not worried about that. And if the Knicks are paying Ray star money, he knows that's a losing team.

[etothet]

Lakers can't offer more than the MLE though, so I'm not worried about that. And if the Knicks are paying Ray star money, he knows that's a losing team.

Good. Thanks for the info.

[spectre]

Ray's Way - Gaston Gazette (http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/charlotte-45931-ray-way.html)


Felton also should be playing for himself, but he’s pretty clearly put team goals ahead of his own individual agenda. A potential unrestricted free agent at season’s end, Felton’s future could well be determined by how far Charlotte advances in the playoffs.

New majority owner Michael Jordan said as much recently when he said he would be unable to exceed the NBA luxury tax threshold in the coming years.

However, Felton’s value is pretty clear, if for no other reason than his durability and progress as a NBA point guard. Entering Wednesday’s game, Felton had missed only 11 of a potential 409 career games. Additionally, he has consistently improved his skills as a leader and players.

However, with his future uncertain, some might think Felton would play with some anxiety in his game. Not Felton.

"I don’t worry about that stuff," said Felton, who is averaging 12.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 79 games this season. "I think I’ve done what I needed to do to prove that I can play. It’s all about showing I can lead a team to the playoffs and showing that I can win at this level. That’s what it's all about with me."

Besides, Felton is delighted that he’ll see his longtime goal be fulfilled later this week when the team begins play against the Orlando Magic in the 2010 playoffs. He’s most happy that Gerald Wallace, his teammate dating from his rookie season, will be here to share the journey with him.

"It’s been a struggle, just being one of the guys who's been here almost from Day One," Felton said. "You know, Gerald was here the first year I came here. Going through the things we’ve been through, this is very exciting for us. It’s an emotional thing to be at this point. It's something that’s going to mean a lot to everybody – in the organization, on this team and in this city."

[ohara831]

I hope we keep him. My concern is that a number of teams have made trades this season with the sole intent of clearing cap space and luring King James. He can only play for one team. There will be a good bit of money available for a few teams. And Ray could be someone they throw a lot of money at to get; money we wont be able to match. Maybe Ray does take less to stay in Charlotte. But he'd be crazy to take too much less. If we are talking upwards of $1.5 - 2.0 per season less, you cannot blame him if he goes.

[ohara831]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65970/20100414/felton_ridnour_will_be_on_knicks_radar/

That is my concern. A team like NY who cleared all that space for King James will be able to throw a ton more $ at Ray than the Cats, especially if they dont get James.

[teej]

I know they'll be able to throw money around, but I don't know if NYK is a good fit for Ray. Just depends how much money talks to him.