The rumor mills are churning their names over and over every day. The restricted free agents: Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, James Posey, Josh Smith. And the trade names: Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Ron Artest.
Every day, a new team arises that seems to have an interest in one or more of them. Whether it’s a press release from an agent or a call from an unidentified source close to the organization, those names keep popping up.
But there are two names that have not popped up. Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf.
Both are restricted free agents and both are Lakers, at least for the moment. But no one seems to have an interest in either one of them, aside from Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak.
So, if Kupchak is smart (or, at the very least, shrewd), he will take it that no interest means no other team really cares about either one.
Why? Probably because no other team thinks they are that good. At least not good enough to waste a mid-level exception.
Kupchak should look at that as a red flag before trying to sign either one or both of them.
You know the saying: "Silence is golden."
What the silence is telling Kupchak and the Lakers is "think again."
Yes, Vujacic had a decent year. He increased his points-per-game average from 5.2 to 8.8, and 8.1 in the playoffs. His three-point percentage increased from .381 to a very nice .437. But one year does not a career make.
This was his best year to date, but the problem is it may just have been the best year of his entire career, no matter how many years he plays in the NBA. What the rest of the teams are telling Kupchak by their silence is that they are not going to take a chance on Vujacic being a one-year wonder.
The same is true of Turiaf, only to a lesser extent, since he did not have that great of a year. In limited minutes, his points per game went from 5.5 to 6.6 and his rebounds from 3.5 to 3.9.
Even the both together are not worth the mid-level exception. But Corey Maggette is.
While it is true that Maggette has not committed to any of the teams that are offering him the MLE because he is hoping for a bigger payday, it is also true that he is looking to join a title contender.
Well, he need not look any further than the locker room across the way at Staples Center. He need not look any further than his very good friend, Kobe Bryant.
If Maggette were to join Bryant on the Lakers, that would give Kupchak the option of dealing away Lamar Odom. Since it would be difficult to trade away the long-term contracts of Luke Walton and Vlad Radmanovic, the Lakers will have a glut at the small forward position.
They could also do a sign-and-trade deal with Vujacic and Turiaf and package one or both with Odom to bring in another guard and a power forward to back up Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
Maggette is the perfect compliment to Bryant, Gasol and Bynum. And he is not a one-year wonder, having proven himself over a number of years with the Clippers. This year he led the Clips with 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting .458 from the field and a decent .384 from beyond the arc.
Of course, Kupchak has had two great successes as GM: the Gasol trade and the Bynum draft. But he has also had a series of blunders. First off, there was the Shaquille O’Neal trade, which would have turned out okay. But then Kupchak turned around and traded Caron Butler for Kwame Brown, which was his biggest blunder of all.
So, what he does over the next 24-to-48 hours with regard to free agency will show just how good a GM he truly is.
I know Kobe Bryant said he would leave things up to Kupchak this summer. But maybe he could just twist Kupchak’s arm a little and point him in the direction of his good friend, Corey Maggette.
Then again, maybe the best Lakers fans can hope for is that Kupchak doesn’t bring back the aforementioned Kwame Brown. Fingers crossed, Lakers fans!
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3 months ago
Now, Vujacic and Turiaf are very talented. But I do agree, they are not worth MLE.
Sasha Vujacic just wasn't a good fit for the Lakers. He does possess that spot-up shooting ability that is essential for the success of that Triangle offense, but he was a defensive liability and lacked the overall toughness that Phil Jackson expects from his players. I do believe he would do well in San Antonio or even in New York. Coaches like Gregg Popovich and Mike D'Antoni love guys like him and his fiery personality would allow him to survive as a "New York athelete", especially when dealing with the media. Vujacic isn't at the point to where he could be a starter in the NBA...at least not yet. That's why you are not going to hear his name in the free agency conversation. Once these sure fire starters are off the market, you might hear his name.
As for Turiaf, he is never going to be more than a role player coming off the bench. He likes ideal NBA height for a power forward. His offensive game is limited (to say the least). But don't get me wrong, he is playing in the NBA for a reason. His story is very inspiring and he does have talent. He is a tough guy, especially on the defensive end and when it comes to rebounding.
I'd love to see Corey Maggette in L.A. He is a wonderful fit and just maybe what the Lakers need to make them a championship team. The only problem is, will he accept MLE. I know he is lookin for more but hopefully the chance to come to the Lakers is more appealing than the money.
3 months ago
Soon as I heard that Maggette might only be able to get a MLE offers around the NBA I immediately started hoping that Mitch Kupchak saw that too and took notice. I'm a big fan of 'The Machine' and love Ronny's energy and physical play off the bench but the two of them don't come close to the athleticism and offensive game of Maggette, who has been buried in Dunleavy's doghouse for some time before getting a crack at more PT this last year. I'm sure he would consider a Laker MLE offer for him since he would be staying in L.A. and coming to a talented Laker team that should be contenders for titles for the forseeable future. He's played for the Clip's for soooo long that he'd probably be dying to take less money and come to a talented team.
Also, signing Maggette would keep him off the Spurs who are dying to get someone of Maggette's athleticism. As a Laker fan I would HATE to see the Spurs end up with Corey, he'd help them quite a bit and make them that much tougher to beat. So sorry to Sasha & Ronny and hate to see you guys go, but getting Maggette over those two would be a big upgrade...
3 months ago
I like Maggette as well but we learned from the 2004 team that having more stars on a team does not necessarily make them better. The core of the Lakers is already set. Why mess that up? Everybody on this team knows their role already and has finals experience. They cant bring someone in who might not respond well to the triangle. Besides, your suggestion means that you want to tear this team apart just a few months after they were two games away from being champions. I say we keep the core of this team and see how it responds to the return of Bynum before we even consider getting rid of or acquiring new players.
3 months ago
Vujacic and Turiaf are more than worth an MLE. It's Lamar Odom and Vlade "Space Cadet" Radmanovic that should concern you most.
SaVu and Turiaf underwhelm at times with their production, but they are useful parts on a championship squad. When Radmanovic and Odom play clueless basketball, it hurts the team. You may recall Phil Jackson taking jabs at both players for being "confused" and "inconsistent." I agree that Savu and Turiaf are also inconsistent. However, I think Kupchak will gladly re-sign both players.
If the Lakers decided to axe Vujacic, which seems unlikely, any of the three Texas teams could use him.
As for Maggette, he has not mentioned LA as a possible destination (feels odd to say that because he is already in LA) nor are the Lakers reported to be in his sweepstakes.
The best landing spot for Maggette is San Antonio and if he can thrust his ego aside, he should relish being a fourth option on a four-time champion. I don't see Maggette going to Lakers. Not happening.
3 months ago
I agree with you. I recently wrote an article about why the Lakers should sign Maggette to the full midlevel. He would sign with the Lakers because he gets to stay in LA, is good friends with Kobe and wants to play for a championship contender. The Lakers will then keep Odom and let him walk after the season so they can sign Bynum to a long term contract. Then the core of Kobe, Maggette, Pau and Bynum along with the role players will be there for the next 4-5 years and several championships will be on the way.
3 months ago
It would be hard to see Sasha go, Ronny too. They are probably two of my fave Lakers -however- if the Lakers could improve themselves the Lakers can't re-sign them and Maggette (or Posey or possibly Josh Smith) too. So if it came down to it how many people could argue taking Sasha over Maggette? Once Bynum gets back Ronny will be the 11th or 12th player off the bench so as likeable a person he is he would be expendable. Maggette or Posey over Sasha/Turiaf is an improvement. I wouldn't say the Lakers would be breaking up their core by not signing Sasha or Ronny as they would be if they got rid of Bynum / Gasol / Odom / Fish & of course Kobe. That's their core right there, and it's a matter of bringing in another piece or two to the puzzle which Maggette (or Posey) would be.
Another thing is that I haven't seen or heard anything on other teams expressing interest in Sasha. He would be an option to a team that would see the other main free agents get away, kind of like the third or fourth choice for a teams MLE (much like Smush was for the Heat last year after one free agent after another turned them down). Sasha has said he wants to go to the team that wants him the most, I guess that would be no one so far at least that I've heard. If the Lakers are unsuccessful in someone else though, bringing him & Ronny back would be good however they really need to explore Maggette or Posey or Josh Smith first...
3 months ago
After Laker's ill-fated pursuit of Kevin Garnett, I'm not going to get excited over their efforts to lure a Maggette-type talent to the team. Whatever happens, happens. That said, the Lakers already have qualifying offers for Sasha and Ronny on the table, so assuming neither gets a nibble from other teams, LA can retain them at relatively minimal costs. I agree that neither is worth the Mid-Level Exception, and the team went down this road before with players like Duvean George, Luke Walton and Vladimir Radmanovich; unlikely to do it again.
I do not believe, however, the Lakers should sit on their MLE. I'd love to see the organization do some old fashioned recruiting. Mitch Kupchak has played his cards close to the vest, saying all the cursory stuff about how signing Vujacic and Turiaf is the top priority. Still, he has to know that the squad that walked off the court in Boston last month was woefully inadequate in the areas of defense and toughness. It's not the player's faults, they are who they are. The acquisition of an athletic, natural 3 would give the Lakers other-worldly depth, and allow them to deal with other teams from a position of strength while trying to assemble a team physical enough to compete with the Bostons, Detroits and Clevelands of the East, as well San Antonios and Utahs of the West.
3 months ago
If all else fails, we can replace Sasha with a Kareem Rush.
Or Turiaf with a Brian Skinner
3 months ago
The writer of this article doesnt have a clue.While Turiaf and Sasha arent worth the mid level it doesnt make them worthless.Sasha may well be offered one anyway.
Secondly having Magette would not allow the lakers to trade Lamar odom.This would be a significant step down...Magette would never replace what Odom does.On the lakers he'd be great as a high scoring sixth man off the bench but thats it.He's a me first player whose made the playoffs once in his career.A good stats on a bad team type of guy
3 months ago
It's looking like Turiaf is about to sign a 4-year, $17 million offer sheet with Golden St. and I don't envision the Lakers matching the offer.
The Spurs meanwhile struck out on Maggette so look for the Spurs to focus their attention on Vujacic. If they offer him the mid-level I don't think the Lakers would match it. They're trying to bring Sun Yue over from China and they still have an option on Coby Karl they could exercise if they lose Vujacic. It's also no secret that they've offered the bi-annual exception to Brent Barry in case they lose Vujacic.
With Bynum's extension kicking in the season after next and the looming free agency of Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, the Lakers would be better off finding short term solutions like Barry, Kurt Thomas and the above-mentioned Brian Skinner and Kareem Rush.
Now James Posey is a different story. It would be worth giving him their full mid-level for four years because it would not only help them but it would also hurt the Celtics.
Radmanovic's contract will become a little more trade friendly after next season because he'll only have two years left.
The other big issue is Kobe's ability to opt-out after next season. He's not going anywhere. The question is whether or not Kobe will do what KG and TD did and take a new deal that would start at around $17 or $18 million so that they could go after a big name free agent next summer to either replace or play alongside Odom. He'll be 31 at the beginning of next season so it isn't outrageous if they gave him a six-year deal.
The Lakers are barely above the luxury tax line, even without Turiaf, Vujacic and Coby Karl. But considering the size of the market they play in and the fact that they're raising ticket prices next season, they can afford to give their two exceptions to Posey and either Kurt Thomas or Brent Barry. If they gave those guys a combined $7.5 million they would still have a payroll under $100 million, even with the luxury tax.
3 months ago
Andrew, you make lots of good points. As far as Turiaf it would be tough to lose him because not only does he provide physical play and rebounding/shot blocking, he also has a decent mid-range jump shot too. i don't understand why Phil didn't play him too much in the playoffs, especially the Boston series where his physical play for a few minutes could have helped as well as given Gasol some much needed rest as he really seemed to be physically wearing down as the playoffs wore on. Another intangible with Turiaf is his light and funny demeanor, he was probably a big reason for the Lakers team harmony last year. However all that being said, there are only 12 active players on a team and Turiaf would probably be the 11th or 12th man. I just don't think he's worth 4 1/4-mil per season, the Lakers have too many of those slightly overpaid players already as you point out. This might clear Mihm to see more PT and the Lakers could resign Mbenga on the cheap, so they wouldn't lose much there. Top it off with Bynums return and I just can't see the Lakers bringing him back at that cost with this many big bodies on the team already.
As for Vujacic there are a few players out there such as Posey or Josh Smith I'd sign above him (Iguadala I guess is out of MLE-range but if I were GM I'd at least ask!). I hate that it seems that Kupchak didn't even inquire about Maggette, he really could have helped and is a much better player than Sasha. He went to the Warriors with not too much more than the MLE, he might have liked to stay in L.A. and play for the better Staples Center team and team up with his bud, Kobe. But Posey is still out there, possibly Josh Smith or remotely possible A-Iguadala too. If they did sign one of those players they still could get good 3-pt shooting for a year from Brent Barry, he'd also bring in some veteran leadership that they were missing in the playoffs save for Kobe & Fish. Coby Karl is also a possibility, but it's hard to judge his play by seeing him once every week or two for a few minutes of garbage time, still he looked pretty good when he did play.
So Mitch please at least try to bring in one of those free agents and don't burden yourself with another VladRad or Luke type contract that may become an albatross around Laker necks, much like the Knicks that have a team full of those types...
3 months ago
It's clear that Maggette was going to go to the highest bidder. He wasn't going to take a mid-level deal unless it was his only option. He's getting 5 years and $50 million from Golden State and he wouldn't have have received five years from the Lakers. The Lakers knew it and that's why they never wanted to be a pawn in his game. He's a mediocre defender and he's more of a three than a two and the Lakers have enough small forwards. He's a 33% three-point shooter who knows how to get to the line. He's getting a lot more than the MLE.
Josh Smith will definitely get more than $10 mill per season because he's now the best big man available. So will Emeka Okafor. They're both restricted FAs so if the Lakers got him to sign an offer sheet for the MLE the Hawks would easily match the offer. Same with Igoudala.
I'm surprised the Lakers haven't tried to go after Pargo or Lue. I expect Pargo to go back to NO and Lue to go to Boston if House leaves. I'm not convinced that Farmar is the point guard of the future and I would trade him while he's still a year away from an extension and his value will never be higher. Having another PG would enable them to trade Farmar to one of the teams looking for a point guard like Denver or Miami.
3 months ago
I am glad that the Lakers didn't enter Maggette's game. I felt all along that he would end up in Golden State, assuming the Warriors would end up striking out with Brand.
I would guess that Vujacic is banking on convincing teams he can play the point too -- as he noted following his exit interview. With the premium on competent point guards, he wants to put himself at MLE money level. However, barring anyone offering that to him, I think the Lakers will re-sign him.
I too would now be surprised if Turiaf returns, as it would apparently be for $17 million over 4 years. It's hard for me to say he would not be worth keeping at that level, though. Fortunately, the Lakers have 7 days to match. By then, they can determine their actual alternatives for PF depth by then.
3 months ago
I still feel that it may have been possible for the Lakers to sign Maggette even if they were short $6-8-mil from the Warrior offer, however that didn't happen along with the loss of prestige that would have come with making a contract offer to a free agent and having them turn it down. Other free agents the Lakers would try to sign (if any) might have felt they were 2nd or 3rd options and looked elsewhere (look at the Heat last offseason, getting passed over time and again and settling with Laker cast-off Smush Parker...) I have heard that the Lakers have been in contact with Posey's agent however, that would be a good signing for them and an upgrade defensively to the team. Posey showcased himself well during the finals and the Lakers got to see his game first-hand. He does live in Texas though and the Mav's and Spurs have shown interest so he might end up going to one of them.
It would be hard though to give up on a 24 year old Sasha whom the Lakers have groomed and really grew up this year. As he improves his shooting and ball-handling, not to mention defense, he should be entering his prime over the next few years. After playing in the finals he got some experience and should be all the better for it, probably less fazed by big games from here on out. This is a hard decision but after this finals the Lakers might look to take a defensive SF that showed his 3-pt ability over a shoot-first guard that has been erratic his years with the team...
from 3 months ago
Yes, it's difficult to give up on Sasha, but over the long run they will be better off with a small forward that has that 3-pt ability, even an older veteran like Barry would do. Why? Because I realy feel that Coby Karl down the line with some experience can be every bit as good as Sasha if not better. He has a terrific 3-pt. shot. And maybe he can learn to play defense as well and not be an easy pickoff like Sasha and Radmanovic are.
from 3 months ago
I just saw Brent Barry signed with Houston so there goes another potential Laker acquisition. Yeah I do agree with you, Coby Karl does seem to be promising, and probably can be as good / better than Sasha in a year or two. I'd rather see the Lakers go after Posey than stay with Sasha and add yet another one of those bloated multi-year contracts to an erratic role player.
I also noticed that the Sacramento Bee is reporting that the Kings were approached by the Lakers about an Odom for Artest trade. Phil is the one coach that could probably contain Artest and his quirky behavior and play. Artest also is not a goto player and has proven he is not a reliable #1 on a team, but on the Lakers he'd be 2nd, 3rd or 4th options and I'm sure he would thrive that way. Saying this I'm all but certain the Kings wouldn't want to trade within the division, and especially to the Lakers so it's probably very remote that something happens. However I'm sure the Kings want to put an end to the mistake they made by bringing Artest in and I'm sure they are sick of his antics like what he pulled a couple days after not opting out then saying he made a mistake. If the Kings have no other suitors - and that is possible because which team would want to take the risk to bring Artest in - they might be forced to take the Laker offer just to be rid of him...
3 months ago
Turiaf signed an offer sheet with Golden State yesterday or the day before. LA has 7 days to match it.
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