2009 NBA Off-Season Thread (draft pick, coaches, draft, Yao Ming)

[Canes2006Champs]

Ok, to keep us all occupied until next season starts, here is a thread where we can talk about what goes on during this off-season, trades, coaches being replaced.

First off, let's talk about the Orlando Magic, are they on the right track, or will they be a victim of not getting back to the finals like the last couple of losing finals teams?

[SilkCity0416]

LOL @ Shaq signing with the Cavs.

[JackTheRipper]

Turkoglu will be a free agent in 2 weeks, that's a big blow to the Magic.

[CTownNative]

Originally Posted by SilkCity0416

LOL @ Shaq signing with the Cavs.

He wouldn't be signing with them, it would be a trade between the Cavs and Suns. Basically I think Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovich both have expiring contracts that equal up to Shaqs contract. And Shaq is in the final year of his contract next year and will be making $20,000,000, so if the trade does happen, even if it doesn't work out for the Cavs they'll have plenty of money to use to resign Lebron and go after one of the other big name free agents like Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudamire. So I think it would be a great trade for the Cavs because theres really no risk involved in making the trade. Although I'd rather see them sign Turkgalu or Boozer.

[JackTheRipper]

Free agent Ariza wants to come back to Lakers


EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Trevor Ariza says he would love to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season.

The fifth-year forward is a free agent, along with teammate Lamar Odom.

Ariza averaged 11.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists during the Lakers' run to their 15th NBA championship. He raised his stock considerably in the postseason, including shutting down Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu in the Game 5 clincher on Sunday.

NBA.com: Free agent Ariza wants to come back to Lakers

[Orangeish]

Shaq to me isn't going to give the Cavs that extra push to the NBA title, he is old, slow and will demand touches and a lot of money. Not only that, but thats hardly incentive for 'Bron to stay, you need to get some sort of younger player that can be a factor for years to come.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by Orangeish

Shaq to me isn't going to give the Cavs that extra push to the NBA title, he is old, slow and will demand touches and a lot of money. Not only that, but thats hardly incentive for 'Bron to stay, you need to get some sort of younger player that can be a factor for years to come.

There's some credence to what you're saying, but don't think for a minute that Danny Ferry & Dan Gilbert hasn't had conversations w/Lebron about bringing Shaq in. Not to mention, if they only have to give up Ben Wallace & Sasha Pavlovic to get him, they'd be dumb not too being that Shaq is about to enter the last year of his contract as well and is a huge upgrade looking at their current big men.

I agree though in that I'd rather see them get someone younger like Bosh or dare I say as a Cav fan Carlos Boozer, however, given their salary cap situation and the small likelihood of them getting anybody like that, think Shaq is a nice alternative. I wouldn't mind them going after Charlie Villanueva as well who has expressed interest in coming to Cleveland.

[Canes2006Champs]

I'm surprised Shaq hasn't retired yet. I also wonder if he regrets that song he did about Kobe last year now that "the player formely known as #8" has won a title without the Big Diesel.

[Just One of the Guys]

Originally Posted by Canes2006Champs

I'm surprised Shaq hasn't retired yet. I also wonder if he regrets that song he did about Kobe last year now that "the player formely known as #8" has won a title without the Big Diesel.

I think Shaq is supposed to make 20 million this coming season. That is incentive enough to not retire. But it will be the last of his big time contracts so maybe after next year. But I can still see him playing for 5 mil a year.

[JackTheRipper]

Cavs' new part owners interested in signing Yao

BEIJING (AP) -- Houston's Yao Ming has called a possible move to Cleveland an "unknown," but did nothing to dampen ongoing speculation that the Cavaliers' new Chinese part owners want to sign him.

In a recent interview with his hometown Shanghai TV station, Yao said he continued to have "much affection" for the Rockets, the team that picked him as a first-round draft pick in 2003 and with whom he has played all six of his NBA seasons.

NBA.com: Cavs' new part owners interested in signing Yao