TheFuzz

I like Smoove, but I really think he's gonna end up getting overpaid. I just hope it's not by us.

I'd love Marc Gasol, but I think to get him Memphis would need a little bit more of a return. Hawes isn't a bad choice as a cheaper replacement (I think Gortat would be a better one), but if they're getting Hawes they will probably want another big and a nice shooting guard.

2013 might be getting a little too excited. I'm really stoked to see what's in our future, but even so I have a small feeling that Ferry could just be saying the right things. He basically kept the team at the same level of competitiveness while saving a ton of money. The ASG could just be doing the same thing with a new face. Make the playoffs, save money (though I don't think this is the case). So until he starts turning this team into championship caliber one, I don't think the average fan will take notice.

If that's the case, he's not worth it.

Ok. I guess I'm crazy. I figured Aldridge keeps Portland in purgatory (8-12 draft range), so they get a nice young piece in Thompson and an extra draft pick while they tank a little bit harder. Golden State gets cap relief and a Thompson replacement in Morrow. I take this one back then.So, what could we do to get Aldridge on this squad?

I imagine Aldridge could be dealt this coming year considering Portland is in rebuild mode. He's another PF, but he's a stud who can score facing up and in the post.What could the Hawks do to acquire him?Maybe something like:Atlanta receives AldridgePortland receives Biedrins, K. Thompson, 1st round pick from AtlantaGolden St. receives Stevenson, Morrow, Williams, PetroEh. Any better ideas?

I'm not sure what we have to offer though. I guess Philly could use another PG. Harris? Or maybe they would like Morrow or Korver?

Ouch. Dead serious. The dude can ball.

Ha. No love for Bo? He's pretty impressive in Euroleague.

Not a bad plan. I think by midseason Kwame could be had for a 2nd rounder or 2 and our trade exception.

If we can sign Bo McCalebb for 8 mil or less next year, that'll be a major steal. We should look into signing him.

Free agency is great and all, but we're almost certainly geared up to make a trade. Honestly, I think we're more likely to trade for Chris Paul than sign him. Failing Chris Paul, there are some other good options out there.Aldridge, for one, might want out when Portland struggles (he's another PF, but him, Smith and Horford actually fit ok on paper). He's on a great contract. The Bulls might deal Noah or Deng for cap relief. Gallinari or Iguadola might become available from Denver. Bogut, Gortat, Nene. It's a pretty long list of posssible gets on nice contracts. We should keep an eye out West. One of those stacked teams will miss the playoffs and might want to tank a little bit (I want Marc Gasol on this team so bad...). If we snag a couple of players on good contracts for expirings, we still will have plenty of cap room.Also, this is a side note, but failing Curry and Paul at PG next summer, Bo McCalebb is gonna be real sick if he comes over from Europe.Edit: One more random thought. The Hawks could really use a star. But the fans will start showing up if we have some playoff success. We don't need a superstar to make the ECF, and we could get the support of the fans and free agents if we make it to the ECF.

Cody Zeller. That might sound crazy, but if he plays even better in college next year, you take him. That man is not a center because of those t-rex arms, but he is gonna be a SICK power forward in the mold of Pau and Bosh.

I'd be up for either one since they're both fairly cheap. But I would probably prefer Brown because he's cheaper and MUCH better defensively.

If the Magic tank for Wiggins next year, it won't be nearly that long until they're relevant...

You're right. At least in the short term, very few free agents will be knocking down the door to play for us. However, we now have a ridiculously large amount of expiring contracts. We can use those expirings to trade for players on longer contracts, who have no choice but to stay with us. Then we can convince them and the rest of the league that we're worth playing for. We could, for example, use our expiring contracts to snag Rudy Gay, Gallinari, Marc Gasol, a couple of the Rockets extra players. Maybe we can snag Pau for pure expirings. We have a lot of options, and I bet you that we will be involved in trade talks pretty much whenever someone is on the block.

I'm pretty sure we're just over the salary cap.

Hey y'all! I've been a lurker here for a couple of years, but decided to start posting since we finally have something to be excited about! Figured this'd be a good place to start my Hawksquawk career! On topic, I seriously doubt it happens, but I really hope Chris Paul realizes the Clippers are pretty mediocre and decides to leave. Also, ^That right there is why I love Al Horford. I hate to conjure some bad memories for you, but he really could use a pick n' roll point guard. Give that man some pick n' rolls (Chris Paul... ) and I think we have ourselves a real stud.