Nets planning to come after Tyrus Thomas

[GoBobs]

If they can't get any of the big three which will probably happen. They plan to offer a front loaded contract that will be hard to match.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67868/20100706/nets_to_shift_attention_to_tyrus_thomas_if_big_fre e_agent_doesnt_sign/

any guesses as to how much? Given that they have so much cap space I wouldn't be surprised if it starts at 10 mil. I hope we wait the maximum 7 days and then match just to screw the Nets. We can always dump a little salary(Nazr) next year once this free agency craziness is over to get back under the tax. It would really suck to lose him for nothing when we owe a pick for getting him so i think the FO would be pretty committed to matching.

[Fred Williamson]

umm, wtf? They just drafted a younger and better Version of Tyrus Thomas, with a lot of upside.

[superb1]

money to burn. they want to bid free agency spenders but they don't have much to offer but potential and promise.

[Cats4lif3]

If this happens we'll have to go after lee or take a dramatic decline

[WAM9]

Remember, I'm pretty sure the luxury tax doesn't kick in until the trade deadline so we could still match any offer and simply deal one of our expirings before the deadline and still be under the LT. I'm not saying that we should match a crazy offer, just that we do have a little more flexibility on what we do.

$10 million a year would be tough because even though that is overpaying, the alternative is letting him walk. Tough spot if NJ actually does this.

[Demon DeaCat]

MJ's choice is clear- either become a doormat or pay the LT. I hope his competitive vigor will lead him to choose the latter, but I fear otherwise.

[WAM9]

MJ's choice is clear- either become a doormat or pay the LT. I hope his competitive vigor will lead him to choose the latter, but I fear otherwise.

One thing that is true is that you should never doubt MJ's competitiveness. As far as I can see, as a player, a FO person, a golfer or a baseball player, he is as competitive as they come. I, for one, am extremely happy that our owner has that trait!

[ND22]

If you are Tyrus Thomas, how do you benefit at all by signing with the Nets other than money?

I'm still confident Tyrus will sign here because he wants to be here, wants to play for LB, and he has a good chance to win the starting spot for a playoff team.

[spectre]

If you are Tyrus Thomas, how do you benefit at all by signing with the Nets other than money?

I'm still confident Tyrus will sign here because he wants to be here, wants to play for LB, and he has a good chance to win the starting spot for a playoff team.

Heh...are you forgetting about Tyrus' first comments when asked about being in the dunk contest his first season?

Thomas slammed after saying contest about money (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2756552)

Hopefully he's grown from that, but getting paid can never be totally discounted...esp. when talking about young guys.

[ammofan]

Favors is not better than Tyrus....

[ND22]

Heh...are you forgetting about Tyrus' first comments when asked about being in the dunk contest his first season?

Thomas slammed after saying contest about money (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2756552)

Hopefully he's grown from that, but getting paid can never be totally discounted...esp. when talking about young guys.

Never saw that, hopefully he has grown from that. Maybe I'm thinking this way because for me money isn't as important as how good the situation I am is. I honestly don't see that big a difference in 6 million than 10 million. Its still 6 million dollars, if you're having financial problems making 6 million then you need to seriously re-evaluate your spending habits.

I look at this situation and feel confident because I feel we give him a better opportunity to excel his career. If money is more important to him...screw it.

[Demon DeaCat]

I'm going go out on a limb and say that if Tyrus has a choice between 6M and 10M, he's going to choose 10M.

[ALuhrs704]

i dont see why the nets want him since they just drafted favors. but i know that tyrus thomas is better then favors.....

[BIGCatBobcat]

If the Nets offer TT a front loaded juicy contract, I doubt we'll match. Scratch that, I doubt the team will be willing to spend the money to match, they could shock me. The contracts (other than Diop, damn you Diop) going forward arent that bad. Next year, Tyson falls off the books (he almost did that for us this year), as does Nazr's. the year after Boris's expires.

My plea to MJ and Rod and Fred: weather the storm for one year so we don't become insignificant. It's a long climb back to where we were last year.

[dnbman]

Never saw that, hopefully he has grown from that. Maybe I'm thinking this way because for me money isn't as important as how good the situation I am is. I honestly don't see that big a difference in 6 million than 10 million. Its still 6 million dollars, if you're having financial problems making 6 million then you need to seriously re-evaluate your spending habits.

I look at this situation and feel confident because I feel we give him a better opportunity to excel his career. If money is more important to him...screw it.


I don't know that the situation here is much better than NJ, where they have a lot of flexibility and some key pieces in place.

As far as the money goes, I think people miss the point when they look at salaries. 6 million versus 10 million has less to do with spending habits and more to do with generating wealth. Smart NBA players are thinking about financial legacy as much as they are about houses, cars, and clothes. That extra 4 million dollars can turn into a lot more money that might make things a lot easier for my children or grandchildren.

Remember, these guys might only get one big contract in their career. If that's 4 or 5 years at $10M versus $5M, that's a $20M + that is given up. If he gets hurt, he's never going to see that money again. Who on this board would give that up, especially if the opportunity to excel wasn't absolutely clear?

[SirBobcat]

Get real guys! So he's immature because he accepts 10 million dollars over 6 million dollars? Everyone in here would take more money and if you want to say that's not true, then you are truly a liar. That's how the World works, the more money you have the better. We're a money hungry society and I wouldn't blame Tyrus if he accepted more money.

[mrtarheel]

With us loosing out on 6mil for Felton and 6 mil for TT do we have the savings to go out and get free agents? I don't think the Nets end up with TT thou they will end up with someone like Lee or Boozer a big name free agent instead of TT. They have Favors and getting TT would be a distraction to him by both being young. Boozer and Lee are players with more experience and age and could slide into the 5 spot allowing Favors to still get playing time to grow.

[Demon DeaCat]

Get real guys! So he's immature because he accepts 10 million dollars over 6 million dollars? Everyone in here would take more money and if you want to say that's not true, then you are truly a liar. That's how the World works, the more money you have the better. We're a money hungry society and I wouldn't blame Tyrus if he accepted more money.

I think what most people consider immature was the way he handled himself in the media. I agree that we all like money, and all things being equal, we'd all take more money if given a choice. I don't think anyone is criticizing him for that. However, a more mature person would have enough savvy not to say "it's all about the money" even if that's how you really felt. Tactfulness and having a sense of how one's comments will be perceived are traits that young players often lack, and only acquire as they mature. One would hope that after 5 years in the league, he wouldn't repeat that same mistake.

[ND22]

I don't know that the situation here is much better than NJ, where they have a lot of flexibility and some key pieces in place.

As far as the money goes, I think people miss the point when they look at salaries. 6 million versus 10 million has less to do with spending habits and more to do with generating wealth. Smart NBA players are thinking about financial legacy as much as they are about houses, cars, and clothes. That extra 4 million dollars can turn into a lot more money that might make things a lot easier for my children or grandchildren.

Remember, these guys might only get one big contract in their career. If that's 4 or 5 years at $10M versus $5M, that's a $20M + that is given up. If he gets hurt, he's never going to see that money again. Who on this board would give that up, especially if the opportunity to excel wasn't absolutely clear?

Make sense, good point.

[SirBobcat]

With us loosing out on 6mil for Felton and 6 mil for TT do we have the savings to go out and get free agents? I don't think the Nets end up with TT thou they will end up with someone like Lee or Boozer a big name free agent instead of TT. They have Favors and getting TT would be a distraction to him by both being young. Boozer and Lee are players with more experience and age and could slide into the 5 spot allowing Favors to still get playing time to grow.

If we lose Felton and Thomas, then we might as well go on rebuild mode with Ajinca, Augustin, and Henderson. I mean, seriously, who are we going to attract to Charlotte that will take us back to being a playoff team with the subtraction of Felton and Thomas?

[dnbman]

If we lose Felton and Thomas, then we might as well go on rebuild mode with Ajinca, Augustin, and Henderson. I mean, seriously, who are we going to attract to Charlotte that will take us back to being a playoff team with the subtraction of Felton and Thomas?

I see what you're saying, but I'm not sure I'd call it rebuilding yet so much as heavily relying on unproven talents. Yes, I think we might be best to see how Henderson, DJ, and AA contribute with the addition of some inexpensive veterans rather than taking on mediocre contracts of marginal talent in the hopes to compete. Doing so would also give us flexibility to truly rebuild in a coupe of years when virtually all of our contracts expire.

That being said, I don't think this season is compromised. We still have a lot of talent; we just have to figure out how to maximize the talent and get them all to play together. DJ stepping up would go a long way towards making that possible.

[Fred Williamson]

Favors is not better than Tyrus....

oh yes, he is. In addition to this, he's not a knucklehead

[CatNation]

If he really preferred to stay here couldn't we just offer him the same contract as the Nets and backload it instead? Technically its a less valuable contract but its about as much of a home discount as I could imagine.

[dnbman]

If he really preferred to stay here couldn't we just offer him the same contract as the Nets and backload it instead? Technically its a less valuable contract but its about as much of a home discount as I could imagine.

There's a limit on year to year raises so that a team can't sign a guy to fit cheaply at one point and then balloon pay him later.

The difference with front loaded contracts is it at least affects the current year and limits the team.

[mrtarheel]

If we lose Felton and Thomas, then we might as well go on rebuild mode with Ajinca, Augustin, and Henderson. I mean, seriously, who are we going to attract to Charlotte that will take us back to being a playoff team with the subtraction of Felton and Thomas?

You're right that is why I have been hoping for the trade for Jefferson. He along with Jax and Crash will be our Big Three. They could be just as good if not close to the Celtics and bring in Jack from the Raps.

[CatNation]

There's a limit on year to year raises so that a team can't sign a guy to fit cheaply at one point and then balloon pay him later.

The difference with front loaded contracts is it at least affects the current year and limits the team.

thanks didnt know that but it makes sense

[GoBobs]

Most players would prefer a front loaded deal due to the threat of a lockout next year. I would rather lock him up to a deal now then have him play under the qualifying offer. If he signed a like 4yr/38 mil that went 10/9.5/9/8.5 that might be a better deal for us then what we would have to pay him next year if he breaks out.

[dnbman]

Most players would prefer a front loaded deal due to the threat of a lockout next year. I would rather lock him up to a deal now then have him play under the qualifying offer. If he signed a like 4yr/38 mil that went 10/9.5/9/8.5 that might be a better deal for us then what we would have to pay him next year if he breaks out.

True. Plus, a team can take advantage of cap space now without compromising cap space later. Front loaded contracts can be win-win, unless a player is seeking a max contract.

[DY_nasty]

If this happens we'll have to go after lee or take a dramatic decline
A dramatic decline? I think some of us are blowing this out of proportion...

oh yes, he is. In addition to this, he's not a knucklehead
The only thing Favors does better than Tyrus is be a rookie.

[SCBobcat]

There's a limit on year to year raises so that a team can't sign a guy to fit cheaply at one point and then balloon pay him later.

The difference with front loaded contracts is it at least affects the current year and limits the team.

This is true, but it also works the other way. In a front loaded contract, the decreases each year are limited the same percentage as an increase (8% in this case). To answer Catnation's question, if NJ offers Tyrus the front-loaded contract and he signs it, we are stuck with the terms of that contract. If we exercise that option that we have due to TT being our restricted free agent, then it is equivalent to us crossing out New Jersey's name and adding ours.

[GoBobs]

Now I am hearing they may go after Lee or Boozer so maybe false alarm.

[BRNC]

I would think Booz would be their main target at this point...he'd be a better complement to Lopez...difficult to really know what teams with money will do at the end of the day...:g:

[Demon DeaCat]

Boozer or Lee versus TT should be a no brainer. I think it's safe to assume TT is plan C in that scenario. I could easily see the Nets needing to resort to plan C though.

[amour217]

Interesting to see the new Russian owner trying to make a splash...

That being said: "In Soviet Russia, you sign the Nets"

[Muttley]

Interesting to see the new Russian owner trying to make a splash...

That being said: "In Soviet Russia, you sign the Nets"
Nice! How did I not think of Yakov? +1

[dnbman]

Boozer to Chicago. Lee to ny or gs. If nj is looking for a pf, we could be in trouble.

[CatNation]

still don't get why the Nets would want a young PF that needs minutes to develop when they just drafted one. especially not for 10 mil.

[LiquidWayno]

I think they will go for David Lee, Tyrus will be an afterthought.

[GoBobs]

Boozer to Chicago. Lee to ny or gs. If nj is looking for a pf, we could be in trouble.

Lee is a free agent, totally depends on where he wants to go.

[dnbman]

Lee is a free agent, totally depends on where he wants to go.


There was a report last night that Lee would either resign with the Knicks if Lebron signed there or accept a sign a trade to Golden State if Lebron did not, netting the Knicks Anthony Randolph and Ronny Turiaf.

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/23074654?source=rss_blogs_NBA

This article makes it sound less certain, but the report last night made it sound as if it would happen.

[Demon DeaCat]

Turiaf and Randolph make less than $6 mil combined. I don't know how those salaries would match up in a S&T for Lee who would command far more than that. I assume other players would have to be involved.

I don't understand Lee's hesitancy to re-sign with the Knicks in the first place. He's got to realize how good he has it with D'Antoni. Plus, even if they don't get Lebron, with Amare there now, plus solid players in Gallinari and Chandler, they could still contend in the east, especially if they were to grab Felton.

[dnbman]

Turiaf and Randolph make less than $6 mil combined. I don't know how those salaries would match up in a S&T for Lee who would command far more than that. I assume other players would have to be involved.

I don't understand Lee's hesitancy to re-sign with the Knicks in the first place. He's got to realize how good he has it with D'Antoni. Plus, even if they don't get Lebron, with Amare there now, plus solid players in Gallinari and Chandler, they could still contend in the east, especially if they were to grab Felton.

You really think the Knicks would contend? I don't see it. Maybe with Felton. Amare definitely needs a quarterback.

I think the GS deal would include others, but those two would be the main pieces.

[Demon DeaCat]

I think they would definitely contend with Felton, and if they don't get Lebron, I think he'll end up there.

Felton
Chandler
Gallinari
Lee
Stoudemire

That line up could compete with anyone, and unlike the scenario that seems to be shaping up in Miami, it's far more balanced. Even if they were to end up with Ridnour instead of Felton, he's a solid enough quarterback to complement those other 4 guys. I don't think they'd be the odds on favorites to get to the finals just because I don't think they'd defend well enough in a playoff situation, but I do think they'd be good enough to be a top 4 team in the east.

[GoBobs]

I don't think NY can resign Lee and still have room for Felton. Lee could still choose to go where ever he gets offered the most money. It will be easy for NJ to outbid most of the s&t suitors like GS, Minn.

[mrtarheel]

NY wants Ridinour because it will be a 1yr deal with the option of going after Parker or Paul in the next yr or so. Wade wants Jason Williams back and seeing that he is an older pg they would need another pg but Chalmers could easily fill in there. I really see Felton left out in the cold. Even if the Nets were to offer him big money why go there when u know you are going to be the backup pg as he is not better than Harris. Swallow the pride and do what needs to be done. As for TT, the Nets really don't need him they need star power. They need someone to draw the crowd, they already have young talent at the 4 with Favors. They have money to burn so I wouldn't doubt they go after him thou.

[blazenheat09]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67974/20100708/outlaw_agrees_to_$25m_with_nets/

Looks like they went after Outlaw. Looks like TT might be back. But the still do have a lot of room.

[Demon DeaCat]

I don't think NY can resign Lee and still have room for Felton.

The Knicks have about 18.5 mil on the books right now. If Amare starts at 16 mil, which I think is the max amount, even if Lee also got a max deal that would take them to about 50.5 mil. Factor in 5 minimum contracts at 500K to bring their roster to 13 and they'd be sitting at roughly 53 mil., leaving them with 5 mil to give to Felton. I agree that he's going to want more than that, but what other options would he have at that point? The only other teams left with cap space don't need a PG (assuming LBJ is in Miami). I suppose he could sign with anyone for the MLE, since that's roughly equal to what the Knicks could offer, but those would likely be non-playoff teams and therefore less desirable situations. His best remaining options would then be to sign with NY for the 5 mil, or come crawling back to us for roughly the same amount. Given that choice, I could see him opting for NY because 1) they'd be a better team, and 2) it would certainly be a bitter pill to come back here for less money after having played hard ball and lost.

Who knows how it will play out, but I think think that's a plausible scenario.

[Chef]

chadfordinsider

The Nets Plan B? After landing Outlaw, focus turns to Tyrus Thomas or Luis Scola http://es.pn/bGmemu

[SCBobcat]

Turns out that Travis Outlaw deal with NJ is $35 million for 5 years ($7 per year flat). That tells me that Tyrus' rate if NJ offer him a contract will be higher than that ... Possibly in the $9 mil range.

[spectre]

Turns out that Travis Outlaw deal with NJ is $35 million for 5 years ($7 per year flat). That tells me that Tyrus' rate if NJ offer him a contract will be higher than that ... Possibly in the $9 mil range.

7 per for Outlaw?

...and the overpaying continues.

[spectre]

http://www.netsdaily.com/2010/7/8/1558476/the-man-most-mentioned-tyrus-thomas


How much might he cost the Nets? He has a qualifying offer of $6.26 million so expect a starting salary in excess of that. A couple of writers have suggested the Nets might front-load their contract offer so that Bobcats, who hold his rights, won't match. Under league rules, the Nets could offer Thomas a signing bonus equal to 17.5% of the total contract plus agree to pay him his first year salary upfront. Should the Nets want to avoid waiting a week for the 'Cats to decide, they could also trade for him.Going by that...say they offered him 5/40 (8 per). 17% of that is 6.8 million, which would make their "poison pill" 14.8 million due at signing.

That's a lot of cash up front.

I'm also probably way underestimating what he could get paid...remember Outlaw just got 7 per from the Nets.

Let's just tell them we'll trade for Harris. Rumor has it they're looking to trade him anyway...and we sorely need a PG.

[jdsingar]

That would be a respectable deal for the Nets, relative to all the other deals that have been going on. I think Tyrus' days are numbered.

[CatNation]

Trade tyrus for harris

trade tyson diaw for jeff sessions

trade dj nazr for jamison (dunno if this actually works :biggrin:)

resign juwan howard

resign flip

harris/sessions
jax/flip/henderson
crash/ups/tawn
antawn/juwan/lexy
jefferson/ratliff/diop

[Demon DeaCat]

http://www.netsdaily.com/2010/7/8/1558476/the-man-most-mentioned-tyrus-thomas

Going by that...say they offered him 5/40 (8 per). 17% of that is 6.8 million, which would make their "poison pill" 14.8 million due at signing.

That's a lot of cash up front.

I'm also probably way underestimating what he could get paid...remember Outlaw just got 7 per from the Nets.

In other words, he's gone. I know it's pointless to dwell on the past, but I really don't understand how we allowed the Bulls to wrestle our 1st rounder away from us in that TT trade. They clearly didn't want him and had been trying to unload him all year, and they desperately needed to clear cap space join the FA sweepstakes. It would seem that we had the leverage. Why did we not insist on keeping our 1st or no deal? Especially given our cap situation and knowing we weren't going to go over the tax to match an offer for him. We should have made them do it for Flip and a 2nd.

I've really wanted to give this FO the benefit of the doubt, but as we sit here on the verge of losing TT and that pick for nothing, I'm having a really hard time doing that, especially after seeing how Minnesota's FO leveraged Miami's desperate situation to get Beasley for a 2nd rounder.

[Scottley Crue]

In other words, he's gone. I know it's pointless to dwell on the past, but I really don't understand how we allowed the Bulls to wrestle our 1st rounder away from us in that TT trade. They clearly didn't want him and had been trying to unload him all year, and they desperately needed to clear cap space join the FA sweepstakes. It would seem that we had the leverage. Why did we not insist on keeping our 1st or no deal? Especially given our cap situation and knowing we weren't going to go over the tax to match an offer for him. We should have made them do it for Flip and a 2nd.

I've really wanted to give this FO the benefit of the doubt, but as we sit here on the verge of losing TT and that pick for nothing, I'm having a really hard time doing that, especially after seeing how Minnesota's FO leveraged Miami's desperate situation to get Beasley for a 2nd rounder.
Really, Minnesota's front office didn't leverage anything. They literally had the least to offer. Miami got exactly what they wanted out of that deal, which was cap space. I'd be pretty willing to bet that Riley was on the phone with all the teams that had the room to take Beasley under their cap for nothing and was begging them to take them.

And TT may be gone, but we don't know that as of yet. Though that contract starts out with a bang, the yearly salary declines in time. Now, the 'Cats could do a traditional one for the same amount that increases over time. Just depends on where he wants to play and how he wants his money delivered.

[K1NGofAKR0N]

trade some one of value with a high income to the cavs for jj hickson. well be getting money and talent. maybe trade stephen jackson or boris diaw to clear the forward spots

[mrtarheel]

http://www.netsdaily.com/2010/7/8/1558476/the-man-most-mentioned-tyrus-thomas


Let's just tell them we'll trade for Harris. Rumor has it they're looking to trade him anyway...and we sorely need a PG.

Where have u heard that rumor?

[Demon DeaCat]

Really, Minnesota's front office didn't leverage anything. They literally had the least to offer. Miami got exactly what they wanted out of that deal, which was cap space. I'd be pretty willing to bet that Riley was on the phone with all the teams that had the room to take Beasley under their cap for nothing and was begging them to take them.

And TT may be gone, but we don't know that as of yet. Though that contract starts out with a bang, the yearly salary declines in time. Now, the 'Cats could do a traditional one for the same amount that increases over time. Just depends on where he wants to play and how he wants his money delivered.

Are you saying Miami wouldn't have rather gotten a 1st back for a #2 overall pick? Sure, the cap space is what they wanted most, but I think it's a stretch to say giving Beasley away for a 2nd rounder is "exactly what they wanted". The point is, they took what they could get for him, and the Wolves knew they didn't have to offer much given the situation. I just feel like we could have, and should have driven a harder bargain in our trade with Chi.

As for TT, if NJ offers a heavily front loaded deal, we'd have to match that as it's written, which we almost certainly wouldn't based on everything MJ has said thus far.

[Proudiddy]

If we let Tyrus get away, this offseason and past season's efforts/moves were meaningless. Couldn't he just look at what they're offering him, tell us, and then let us set up a contract as close to that as he likes w/o ever signing with them?

[spectre]

Where have u heard that rumor?

What, trading for Harris or that they're shopping him? I've seen it in a couple of blurbs, but mainly I'm going off the multiple rumors that the Nets are interested in Felton. We know he's not going anywhere to be a backup, so...

[Muttley]

Wojnarowski reporting Cats have signed TT! (http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)

Bonnell's weak speculative about the signing? (http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2010/07/bobcats-close-to-signing-thomas.html)
Be certain beat writer!

Oh, here it is (http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2010/07/thomas-agent-has-deal-with-bobcats.html).

40 for 5

[Mustachio]

this is all pointless now. Tyrus is a Bobcat for the next 5 years.