NFL Offseason Series: Quarterbacks

Michael GinnittiJune 29, 2016

The Top 2016 NBA Free Agents

Michael GinnittiJune 27, 2016

With July 1st just days away the discussion turns away from last week's draft and immediately to the start of the free agent season. We'll take a look at a few notable free agents from each position group, and their financial projections. View all NBA Free Agents

Guards

DeMar DeRozan (26, TOR)
The Raptors have been reluctant to hand out max contracts in the past, and DeRozan is a borderline candidate for one at best, but all signs point to him remaining in Toronto, with a huge chunk of money. A max contract in Toronto would be for 5 years, and a projected $152M. 
Potential Destinations Include: Toronto

Mike Conley (28, MEM)
With the Grizzlies in need of pieces to push them over the edge, Conley may jump ship to a team more likely to win sooner. While Memphis remains the favorite to sign him back, the recent movement around the league could spark interest elsewhere. With 9 years experience, Conley would be smart to sign a 1 year deal this summer, positioning him for a big pay day when the 2017 cap increases mightily.
Possible Destinations Include: Grizzlies, Mavericks, Spurs, Lakers, Bulls

Rajon Rondo (30, SAC)
Rondo had an excellent season with the Kings, after falling from grace in seasons prior. He's still a bit injury prone and at 30 years old won't have too many more seasons of top production. While Sacramento will do all they can to keep him, it's probably in Rondo's best interest to cash in, especially now with 10 years of service (35% of the cap). A max deal elsewhere can garner him 4 years, $131.5M.
Possible Destinations Include: Nets, Kings, Bulls 

Dwyane Wade (34, MIA)
While Wade's better days are behind him, he showed he's got production left in the tank last season. It's hard to imagine him leaving Miami after 13 seasons, and all signs appear to justify him staying. His max salary for the upcoming season would earn him $30.8M, but with team and winning in mind, he's more likely to sign for close to half that. A 1 year $20M contract seems fitting.
Possible Destination Includes: Miami 


Forwards

Kevin Durant (27, OKC)
Durant will likely speak with other notable teams this week, but in doing so the discussion will probably be about NEXT summer. All signs point to him re-signing with OKC on a 1 year $26.4M contract (with a player option for 2017). This will allow both he and Russell Westbrook to hit free agency together next offseason, when the salary cap is set to rise another $15M. 
Potential Destinations Include: Thunder, Spurs, Warriors, Knicks 

Al Horford (30, ATL)
Like Durant, Horford has 9 years of experience, meaning he can max out at 30% of the cap this year, and 35% next year. This has many speculating the likelihood of a 1+1 (1 year deal plus a player option) contract this summer, allowing him to cash in again next year. Where he signs is a bit of a mystery. His role with the Hawks is certainly valued, but with the recent trade of Jeff Teague, it's unclear how the Hawks are planning to build in the next few months. Horford is already being rumored across the league, so the interest or the pay day won't be a problem. Should he seek a max deal this year, it will be to the tune of 5 years $152M (Hawks) or 4 years, $112M (elsewhere). His 1 year deal comes with a $26.4M salary.
Potential Destinations include: Hawks, Rockets, Magic, Celtics

Chandler Parsons (27, DAL)
Dallas was hoping Parson's would play out his $16M option year before requiring a pay raise, but his opt-out may have sealed his fate last week. With guard/center holes to fill, Dallas almost certainly won't be able to match the money Chandler will be offered elsewhere. A 4 year max elsewhere would bring him $94M, with a $22M salary for 2016-17. 
Possible Destinations Include: Magic, Grizzlies, Rockets


Centers

Hassan Whiteside (27, MIA)
Whiteside rose from the dead in the past two seasons, culminating 2015-16 on a high note with exceptional defense throughout the postseason. He's now one of the most coveted big men available this summer, and is on the heels of a big pay raise to go alongside. A max contract with the Heat comes to the tune of 5 years, $126.5M, while signing so with a new team comes in at 4 years, $94M. Both carry $22M salaries for the 2016-17 season. The Heat will need to be creative with their cap, as Dwayne Wade, Luol Deng, and Whiteside all slated to hit the market.
Potential destinations include: Heat, Lakers, Celtics

Dwight Howard (30, HOU)
It's not secret that Howard's days in Houston are likely over. While his production increased slightly in 2015-16, he's still nowhere near the asset he once was to an everyday roster. With that being said, Howard and his camp will likely be in search of a good fit, and max money this offseason. It's hard to imagine anyone ponying up 4 years, $131.5M for him at age 30, but a few teams appear poised to enterain the idea. Howard's big offensive days are probably over, as teams looking to bring him on board will be interested moreso in rim protection. He's in interesting watch this week.Possible Destinations Include: Hornets, Hawks, Mavericks, Knicks, Magic

Joakim Noah (31, CHI)
Noah's injury-riddled 2015 won't slow down his interest this summer, with multiple teams in need of a big man who can protect the rim, rip down boards, defend one and one, and pass with his ability. The recent departure of Rose and soon-to-be departure of Pau Gasol will likely push Noah to look elsewhere as well, and following Derrick Rose to the Knicks seems to be a match made in heaven. His 9 years of service means a 5 year $152M max contract with the Bulls, 4 year, $112M elsewhere, 2016-17 salary of $26.4M, but he's borderline to cash in that high. 
Possible Destinations Include: Knicks, Wizards, Magic, Timberwolves, Heat


Notable Players With Options

LeBron James (31, CLE)
Will opt out and re-sign with Cleveland to a 1 year contract with a player option for 2017. He has until 6/29 to opt-out.

Pau Gasol (35, CHI)
Will opt out and await Tim Duncan's decision in San Antonio before signing elsewhere. He has until 6/27 (4PM) to opt-out.

Tim Duncan (40, SAS)
Will likely retire, paving the way for Pao Gasol to replace him as a role playing big man. He has until 6/29 to opt-out.

 

Relavent Links

Americans Abound in the First Round

Michael GinnittiJune 25, 2016

It was certainly no surprise when the Toronto Maple Leafs began the evening by selecting Scottsdale, Arizona's Auston Matthews with the #1 overall pick. What we didn't know is that Matthews would be one of twelve Americans selected on the first night, a new record.

In total, the country count breaks down as United States (12), Canada (11), Finland (4), Russia (2), and Sweden (1). Positionally, teams selected Centers (12), Defensemen (9), Left Wingers (5), and Right Wingers (4).

A few notable draft day trades were processed to keep things interesting, including Andrew Shaw (C) being sent from the Blackhawks to the Canadiens for two saturday picks, Pavel Datsyuk's $7.5M cap hit being sent to Arizona (plans to play in Russia next year), and goaltender Ben Elliott shipped from St. Louis to Calgary. 

The draft will conclude Saturday with rounds 2-7.

Track all picks and breakdowns

Charlotte to acquire Belinelli

Scott AllenJune 23, 2016

The Charlotte Hornets will acquire Marco Belinelli from Sacarmento in exchange for the 22nd pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Belinelli has a salary of $6,333,333 for the 2016-17 season and $6,606,061 for the 2017-18 season. He signed a 3 year $19 million contract with Sacramento last offseason.

Pacers acquiring Thaddeus Young

Scott AllenJune 23, 2016

Thaddeus Young has been traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the 20th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft in addition to a future pick.

 

Salaries Remaining

2016-17: $12,078,652

2017-18: $12,921,348

2018-19: $13,764,045 (Player Option)


Trade Kicker

Young has a 15% Trade Kicker, but depending on when the trade becomes official determines how much of a bonus will be added to his salary. If the trade is completed in June, he will be due an additional $1.25M on 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 seasons. If the trade is completed in July, he will be due an additional $1.875M on his 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.

thaddeus young

Sixers to select Simmons

Scott AllenJune 23, 2016

Rose to the Big Apple

Scott AllenJune 22, 2016

Derrick Rose has been traded to the New York Knicks with Justin Holiday and a 2017 2nd round pick in exchange for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and Jerian Grant

 

Details

Derrick Rose will earn $21,323,252 with the Knicks in 2016-17. He is in the last year of his 5 year $94.3 million and will be an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end this season. Rose does have a 15% Trade Kicker, but will not be triggered because he is already over the max for the 2015 season. If he would have been traded after July 1 then he would have earned an additional $3.2 million that Chicago would have paid.

Justin Holiday will earn $1,015,696 with the Knicks in 2016-17.

Robin Lopez will earn $13,219,250 with the Bulls in 2016-17 and has an additional 2 years $28.1 million left on his contract. He signed a 4 year $54 million contract last offseason with New York.

Jose Calderon will earn $7,708,427 in 2016-17 and is in the last year of his 4 year $29 million contract that he signed with Dallas in 2013.

Jerian Grant was drafted last season by the Knicks with the 19th overall pick. He will earn $1,643,040 for the 2016-17 season.

derrick rose robin lopez jose calderon

Teague to Pacers, Hill to Jazz, Hawks 12th Overall

Scott AllenJune 22, 2016

Two key players have been moved in a three-team trade between the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks in preparation for Thursday night's 2016 NBA Draft. This trade will not be official until July due to a pick being involved.

 

Breakdown

Indiana receives: Jeff Teague

Utah receives: George Hill

Atlanta receives: 2016, Round 1, 12th pick

 

Details

Jeff Teague is set to receive $8 million for the 2016 season and has a 10% trade kicker which will now increase his salary to $8.8 million. The $800k from the trade kicker will be the Hawks' responsiblity to pay while the remaining $8 million the Pacers will be required to pay.

 

George Hill is set to receive $8 million as well for the 2016 season which will be paid by the Jazz. 

jeff teague george hill

Assessing 2016-17 Contract Statuses & Salary Cap Space for each NBA Team

Michael GinnittiJune 21, 2016

Panthers Extend Michael Oher

Michael GinnittiJune 17, 2016

The Carolina Panthers solidified Cam Newton's blindside through the 2019 season by awarding left tackle Michael Oher with a 3 year $21.6M extension. The deal contains $9.5M guaranteed, with $8M of that fully guaranteed at the time of signing (per ProFootballTalk).

At $7.2M, the signing makes Oher the 15th highest average paid left tackle in the game, while the $9.5M guaranteed ranks 22nd. Oher's gone through a bit of an up and down career since the Ravens selected him #23 overall back in 2009. He spent 5 years in Baltimore before signing a 4 year $20M free agent deal with the Titans - but was released just a year later. Carolina brought in Oher last year on a paultry 2 year $7M contract, and were rewarded with a very productive season. 

Including the $8M in new guarantees, Michael Oher has secured $32.5M in cash earnings since 2009. 

michael oher
Top