Milwaukee Bucks 2014 - 2015 (part 1)

[Boomer5]

I'd make Larry the last guy on the roster, test him regularly, and hope someone gives you an asset in the hopes of resurrecting his career. Like pick up a 2018 1 and take back a slightly less bad contract. Rim protectors like him are very rare. He is done with the Bucks, but Im sure there is someone that thinks they are smarter than Kidd and can get Larry to play.

 

Edit: Looks like they are close on a buy out.

[Boomer5]

I'd be looking to move Ersan, Mayo, and maybe Henson if we can land a serious PG and rebounder.

[tmwiese55]

From what I've seen Ersan seems the most likely to be traded but I think they'll end up standing pat. He's really the only true PF on the team.

 

Bucks haven't gotten a lot of coverage on Grantland the last few weeks, interesting one today:

 

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/choose-your-bandwagon-would-you-rather-ride-with-the-bucks-or-t-wolves/

[fondybrewfan]

They can't really trade Henson, Zaza, or Ersan without getting some serious size back in the deal. Personally I would hang onto Mayo. Outside of Sanders the team seems to have an outstanding amount of chemistry right now; I would hate to screw that up. Its not like a deadline deal is all of a sudden going to make this team a title contender.

[chadomac]

Sorry for the lack of knowledge on this, guys... but I just want to try to figure out what Larry Sanders' problem is. I don't really pay much attention to the NBA but I find the whole scenario fascinating and infuriating. So this guy signed a contract to play basketball for the Bucks... and now he apparently doesn't want to play anymore and they still have to pay him? Why? The contract is for him to PLAY BASKETBALL FOR THE BUCKS.

 

Like I said, I'm a casual (at best) observer of the Bucks/NBA, but I can't believe the crap that this guy is trying to pull. If he signed a contract to play for the Bucks, he should either play for the Bucks or leave without being paid the remainder of the contract. Ugh.

[Boomer5]

They can't really trade Henson, Zaza, or Ersan without getting some serious size back in the deal. Personally I would hang onto Mayo. Outside of Sanders the team seems to have an outstanding amount of chemistry right now; I would hate to screw that up. Its not like a deadline deal is all of a sudden going to make this team a title contender.

 

Ersan to go would free up money to sign Middleton, who is borderline irreplaceable.

 

This team is interesting; way past being able to tank and just good enough to tantalize to go for a decent run this year. However Id keep my eye on next year, not this year. If they can land a young talented but flawed big like Kanter or 1-2 year lottery ticket like Stauskas on the cheap, do it.

 

Edit: Bucks just reached a buy out agreement on Sanders for $13-15??Mil. That frees up a lot of cap money due to the "stretch" provision. I am unclear on how much this year and in subsequent years.

[patrickgpe]

buyout for sanders complete bucks will pay him "only" 13 million dollars.

 

much less than I was expected.

 

hopefully they can put his roster spot to better use for the 2nd half.

[fondybrewfan]

Are they really only paying him $13 Million or is that number some cap hit or something? I can't imagine why Sanders would agree to accept only $13 Million when if he just showed up and played nice would make #11 Million a year for the next 3 years yet. I must be missing something.

 

If they really only need to pay him $13 Million to kick his butt out then obviously this is a fantastic move; but that seems to good to be true.

[tmwiese55]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25072595/larry-sanders-puts-health-first-reportedly-accepting-buyout

 

Seems like 13 mil total based on this article. Wow, I thought something like 25-30 mil would be best case. This is a great move by them. Frees up money for the signings of Middleton and Knight this offseason or whatever else they want since he's the only large contract on the books. Being they're not against the cap it might be best to just let it all hit the cap right now and get it over with.

 

My best guess is he's dealing with some kind of depression type issue but who knows. I suppose you have to give him respect for doing the honorable thing and giving the money back rather than just go through the motions the next few years.

[Boomer5]

That's the buyout number. I guess LS decided he wouldn't ever play nice, or give up his "hobby" so with suspensions he was never going to see the remaining contract anyhow.

 

This is a shame, he was exactly what this team needed going forward.

 

Either way, this deal frees up a ton of cap room and allows the Bucks to go out and pick up RFAs on the cheap at the trade deadline.

[patrickgpe]

Are they really only paying him $13 Million or is that number some cap hit or something? I can't imagine why Sanders would agree to accept only $13 Million when if he just showed up and played nice would make #11 Million a year for the next 3 years yet. I must be missing something.

 

If they really only need to pay him $13 Million to kick his butt out then obviously this is a fantastic move; but that seems to good to be true.

It is 13 million total. I am assuming he would rather smoke weed than play basketball. complete waste of a player with tons of potential.

[superfly]

They can't really trade Henson, Zaza, or Ersan without getting some serious size back in the deal. Personally I would hang onto Mayo. Outside of Sanders the team seems to have an outstanding amount of chemistry right now; I would hate to screw that up. Its not like a deadline deal is all of a sudden going to make this team a title contender.

 

Henson's pretty much played himself into UNtradeable status the past month. He's still flawed, but has been showing some real signs of progress as a valuable asset for us.

 

As for Ersan Ilyasova however, if the Bucks can get anyone to take him, even if it for is very little the trigger should be pulled. We need to be done waiting for this guy to provide value, he's clogging up space & taking time away from the young guys. Constantly injured, and quite frankly stinks.

 

Pachulia is an interesting case though. I think Kanter could fill the void of Zaza at 10 years younger and much more talented. By no means is he elite and deserving of the max contract he thinks he should have, but I'd take him in a heartbeat if we aren't parting with our assets. ZaZa is valuable to alot of contending teams (as well as our own team) & is at a fair salary.

 

IMO Bucks should do the following (seen these rumors) if we are truly rebuilding -

 

Swap Bayless for Reggie Jackson, who is a RFA end of year. Bayless is a known commodity, while Reggie still hasn't had a full chance at starting.

 

Get ahold of Kanter, if it means trading Mayo or someone of the sort. I don't think the Jazz want Ilyasova but that's awesome if they do. Kanter is another RFA end of season.

 

Trade Ilyasova & a pick to Sacramento for Derrick Williams and a piece (Sessions). Williams is another RFA end of season who has elite talent, but never put it together yet.

 

G - Knight, Jackson, Sessions, Gutierrez

F - Antetokounmpo, Dudley, Middleton, Williams, O'Bryant, Parker

C - Kanter, Pachulia, Henson

 

Knight, Jackson, Middleton, Kanter are all RFA and we can hold a sort of audition to see who wants the big contract. We do have some turnover in that scenario, but we are supposed to be building for the future anyway.

 

Personally I think we'll stand pat or add 1 piece, but that's what i'd try to do if I was Hammond.

[Baldkin]

Sorry for the lack of knowledge on this, guys... but I just want to try to figure out what Larry Sanders' problem is. I don't really pay much attention to the NBA but I find the whole scenario fascinating and infuriating. So this guy signed a contract to play basketball for the Bucks... and now he apparently doesn't want to play anymore and they still have to pay him? Why? The contract is for him to PLAY BASKETBALL FOR THE BUCKS.

 

Like I said, I'm a casual (at best) observer of the Bucks/NBA, but I can't believe the crap that this guy is trying to pull. If he signed a contract to play for the Bucks, he should either play for the Bucks or leave without being paid the remainder of the contract. Ugh.

 

When contracts are guaranteed, it is very tough to get rid of it. All Larry has to do is show up, not try, and make everyone else miserable and he still gets paid. For an MLB example, see Alex Rodriguez.

 

The buyout was clearly something that Larry wanted, and if he's truly having mental heath issues, and problems coping with living life without self medication, I wish him the best. Hopefully he gets the help he needs. He always seemed like a genuine, passionate, and well rounded person from what little he shared in interviews.

[tmwiese55]

what's so frustrating with Larry is those two years before he got the extension he played so incredibly hard at all times that you couldn't love him. He should have won Defensive POY that last season when he was good.

 

I actually think Utah might have interest in Ersan. one of the problems with their bigs is that none of them are stretch 4s or can hit the 3 pointer, he would provide a new skillset for them and should fit around Gobert and Favors off the bench. Ersan is another frustrating one, played so great before his money and then has been constantly injured. Skiles ruined him early in that first season after he got paid with on again off again playing time. by the end of the year he had his head back on right and was playing well again. Have to remember for a 2-3 years stretch he shot like 45% from three and was in the top 5 in the league at 3p%. Last two years have been constantly hurt though and he's not putting up the gaudy rebound games anymore.

 

For trades, no thanks on Derek Williams. i'd take Kanter and and Jackson though if you don't have to give up any long term assets other than 2nd round picks, which we have plenty of. I think we have the Clips 1st rounder one of these years too, I could see that being included for either one, especially Kanter

[GAME05]

"I actually think Utah might have interest in Ersan."

 

I just read a few sources saying the Bucks are talking to Utah where we send Ersan + 1st Round for Enis Kanter. Kanter will be a RFA after the season and it sounds like he'll be commanding about what Sanders was making per year.

[davego]

I would totally make that trade with Utah. We get cap space, get a big to replace Larry and only move a mid-range #1. Seems like a plus deal.

 

I am sad that Larry went off the rails. When the Bucks played at the Target Center early in the season I went to the game with my daughter and her pals. Larry did a post-game for the radio and we slid down near court-side. Afterwards he thanked the girls for coming, was all smiles and really turned on the charm. I know this is just one experience, but I feel bad that this is how he ends in Milwaukee.

[fondybrewfan]

They would have a ton of restricted free agents after this season though and it would be impossible to bring everyone back. Knight, Kanter, Middleton. I would rather they find someone that has a few years left on the contract. Also 3 years from now Giannis might get awfully expensive; and Parker a little bit after that. I don't think Hammond wants to be locked into huge contracts with Knight and Kanter when that ship comes in.

[BrewBalls]

Looks like the Bucks are only willing to trade Henson if the return is a top notch PG like Lawson or Jackson. Not sure how I feel about this unless the plan is to either trade for a different big (i.e. Kanter) or sign a mid-level ($12M AAV) free agent big in the offseason (Monroe, Chandler or Milsap). Chandler would be a very interesting option based on his defensive and rebounding abilities.

 

http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2015/02/dangle-henson-ilyasova.html

[tmwiese55]

Regarding the Henson post. Henson is a RFA as well so it's just them saying they'd rather get a proven player back than to pay him like 8mil per year based on potential. If Larry was still around the idea of trading Henson would make perfect sense. I'd do this for Lawson but not sure about Jackson, he's just more proven. But he's also small so maybe Jackson would be a better fit to play alongside Knight in kind of a Suns style two PG setup. I love Milsap but have to think he'll re-sign or go to another contender, his game is so smooth he can fit on almost any team. I haven't heard much Monroe talk really, he might be a better get than Kanter and can dangle a similar package. Van Gundy should want Ersan for his shooting potential.

 

Fondy makes a great point on the RFAs. If you hand out deals to Knight, Middleton(or Jackson/Lawson instead), Kanter/Monroe, Henson. all of a sudden you're locked into that core for like 50+ mil per year. and that core can't really compete for a championship unless Giannis and Jabari become legit starts. at that point they'll have to give Giannis a max deal and hopefully parker a max deal the year after. Since it's their first max deals they're not crazy expensive but they'll be tight to the cap with little flex. Probably why they're willing to move Henson rather than pay him.

[BrewBalls]

Henson won't be a RFA until after the 2015/16 season. Also you do not need to trade for Monroe. He is a UFA after this season. I really think he can be the passing center Kidd is looking for and shouldn't cost more than $11-12M per to sign.

[fondybrewfan]

How would Knight and Lawson possibly work at the same time? Knight as the SG? I don't know if that is a very good idea; Knight need the ball in his hands to be effective. He never struck me as a good off the ball player.

[tmwiese55]

That helps on Henson, gives another year before having to make a decision, not sure why I had that in my head. Or this offseason maybe give him a cheap extension if he'll take it.

 

Yes you don't have to trade for Monroe but you'd be able to start negotiations sooner and would have his Bird rights. Wouldn't give up a 1st rounder for him though since he's unrestricted, I'd be fine dangling Ersan though. I would expect Monroe to get the 15-17 mil type contract that the likes of Parsons and Hayward got last year, especially since the league knows the cap is about to go way up in the next couple years. If he hits FA I doubt we'd win the battle but who knows. I'm with you, I like him better than Kanter and seems like a decent fit here.

[BrewBalls]

How would Knight and Lawson possibly work at the same time? Knight as the SG? I don't know if that is a very good idea; Knight need the ball in his hands to be effective. He never struck me as a good off the ball player.

I agree. Maybe the plan is to then trade him for more assets. Otherwise, would Kidd start both Lawson and Knight or have Knight be the first player off the bench as an offensive sparkplug?

[BrewBalls]

That helps on Henson, gives another year before having to make a decision, not sure why I had that in my head. Or this offseason maybe give him a cheap extension if he'll take it.

 

Yes you don't have to trade for Monroe but you'd be able to start negotiations sooner and would have his Bird rights. Wouldn't give up a 1st rounder for him though since he's unrestricted, I'd be fine dangling Ersan though. I would expect Monroe to get the 15-17 mil type contract that the likes of Parsons and Hayward got last year, especially since the league knows the cap is about to go way up in the next couple years. If he hits FA I doubt we'd win the battle but who knows. I'm with you, I like him better than Kanter and seems like a decent fit here.

The only problem with trading for Monroe is you are now having to give up an asset or two on top of his extension to get him. Ersan can still fetch them another asset which could be in addition to signing Monroe.

[tmwiese55]

I know your point on the assets for Monroe, but in my opinion this type of deal is why we've been accumulating a shed-load of 2nd round picks. It's not like you can actually use all those picks they have coming, not enough roster spots. No way you give up a 1st rounder unless it's something like top 25 protected.

 

For Knight playing with another PG. The NBA is becoming increasing positionless (or at least much more blended than in the pat), it's all about skillsets on offense and who you can guard on D. And I think the motion sharing offense Kidd is pushing fits having two scoring PGs at the same time. Kidd being a PG in the past should help with this as well. I think Knight plays along with a PG quite a bit already in Bayless and Marshall before he got hurt. I loved the idea last offseason of signing Bledsoe from the Suns. I'm not sure on Lawson fitting well due to being so short, think he needs to be paired with a traditional tall SG for defensive purposes. Jackson could work as he's also 6'3 but I'm just not sure how good he really is. Think I might rather stick with Middleton and focus on getting a good big.

 

Sucks to think about a couple years ago we looked so set for young bigs, Larry and Ersan as somewhat proven starters who were under 25, Henson and Udoh as good young prospects who were good enough to be in the rotation. two years later and we have only Henson that we even want around and not totally sure how good he can be.