Clippers Reportedly Pursue Abdur-Rahim

[KingKong]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/la-sp-clippers13jul13,1,4199198.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba&ctrack=1&cset=true

Clippers Reportedly Pursue Abdur-Rahim

The forward's agent tells a newspaper that the team is interested; agent for Mobley denies a deal is set between the club and the guard.
By Jerry Crowe, Times Staff Writer

Amid speculation that they are close to reaching an agreement with Cuttino Mobley on terms of a five-year contract, the Clippers also are believed to have made an offer to free-agent forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

The Clippers, stung by Bobby Simmons' soon-to-be-official departure to the Milwaukee Bucks, have made landing Mobley their top priority.

The veteran shooting guard, who will turn 30 on Sept. 1, would fill their most pressing need after ranking third in the NBA in three-point shooting accuracy last season while playing for the Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings. The Clippers last season ranked last in the NBA in three-point shots tried and made.

Mobley's agent, however, denied that a deal was imminent.

Of scuttlebutt that the two sides were close to an agreement — contracts cannot be signed until a moratorium ends July 22 — Andy Miller said, "I'm glad the scuttlebutt thinks so. I can't answer for the scuttlebutt." Added the agent, whose client opted out of a contract that would have paid him $6.4 million next season: "We're still having discussions right now. I don't really have any answers; nothing substantive I can tell you at this point."

The Kings, though, say they believe Mobley will soon be a Clipper.

"I haven't heard it officially," club President Geoff Petrie told the Sacramento Bee, "but after my last conversation with Andy [Miller], it definitely sounded like the way he was headed.

"I'm going to assume that that is what is going to happen. I'm going to talk to him one more time in the morning."

General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe of the Denver Nuggets, who had shown interest in Mobley, told reporters in Las Vegas: "I hear rumors, and I heard he was close to signing. It's got to be the Clippers. I haven't heard back from his agent."

Abdur-Rahim's agent, Aaron Goodwin, did not return phone calls but told the New York Post this week that the Clippers were interested in his client, who has averaged 19.8 points and 8.1 rebounds in nine NBA seasons.

Abdur-Rahim, who will turn 29 on Dec. 11, reportedly also is being wooed by the Kings, New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat and Washington Wizards.

The former Cal star reportedly turned down a five-year, $47-million offer from the Bucks, money the Bucks used to outbid the Clippers for Simmons.

With the Portland Trail Blazers last season, Abdur-Rahim made $14.6 million. But he is expected to take a substantial pay cut, perhaps agreeing to the mid-level exception, which last season was about $5.3 million.

 

[Bricklayer]

As I feared -- the Clippers of all clubs are all over our *** mucking things up. And all so they can suck one more time. Wouldn't mind if it was the Spurs or somebody legit, but to be thwarted by the laughingstocks of the NBA is annoying.

 

[ParniValjak]

Well we are screwed. On realgm there is a wiretap (Rocky Mountain News) that Mobley will get a five-year deal worth about $42 million plus incentives.

I think we are officially screwed but I am hoping that Clippers are being tightarses and want a sign and trade

 

[NugzFan]

why would thye want a sign and trade when they can just sign him by themselves?

 

[Bricklayer]

why would thye want a sign and trade when they can just sign him by themselves?

You are aware of who their owner is right? And of his rep, well earned after 20+ yrs ineptitude?

 

[Kev.in]

What do the Clippers want with Abdur-Rahim? Does he want to come off the bench for them, or would they move Brand to center to give Abdur-Rahim a starting spot?

 

[G_M]

What do the Clippers want with Abdur-Rahim? Does he want to come off the bench for them, or would they move Brand to center to give Abdur-Rahim a starting spot?

I know there was some talk of the Clipps shopping Maggette. Maybe they think SAR can play SF if they deal Maggette. Just a thought.

 

[nbrans]

I know there was some talk of the Clipps shopping Maggette. Maybe they think SAR can play SF if they deal Maggette. Just a thought.

Hmm... that's strange, I'd heard that they WEREN'T interested in shopping Maggette. But who knows...

I think what's happening is that Donald Sterling smells a bargain and is pouncing. It's not often you get All-Star bigmen for just over the MLE.

 

[NugzFan]

You are aware of who their owner is right? And of his rep, well earned after 20+ yrs ineptitude?

i do but that doesnt explain it. if they want mobley they sign him outright and not lose anyone else. if they dont want him at all, then they just dont have to sign him. i see no reason to do a sign and trade PLUS mobley and his agent would never agree to it because they would get less.

 

[BibityBobtyBoom]

bricklayer was kidding... wow... anyway, that we be great to get magette i would be happy just with that.

 

[Bricklayer]

i do but that doesnt explain it. if they want mobley they sign him outright and not lose anyone else. if they dont want him at all, then they just dont have to sign him. i see no reason to do a sign and trade PLUS mobley and his agent would never agree to it because they would get less.

Nope, they wouldn't get less -- Clips are under the cap, so they don;t have to play by the rules.

And these are the Clips -- the almighty dollar has always trumped actual winning for them. Its not beyond them to try to dump some salary when they pick up a new contract.

 

[NugzFan]

and the kings accept that why? you said you didnt want any bad deals in return. why would you accept the clippers junk for mobley?

 

[thesanityannex]

and the kings accept that why? you said you didnt want any bad deals in return. why would you accept the clippers junk for mobley?

To send to Denver for some guy Nene

 

[NugzFan]

now that would be ironic.

 

[Bricklayer]

and the kings accept that why? you said you didnt want any bad deals in return. why would you accept the clippers junk for mobley?

Obviously even if it were offerered it would depend on what they put up. Don't actually think they have any true "junk". Sterling is too cheap to ever get any players like that. Only person mentioned that made some sense was Ely, who has a shaky relationship with the Clips and now gun charges as well. Given our needs, would make sense for us to take him. Given the Clips stupidity and cheapness, MIGHT be remotely possible they would offer him. Probably not. But they live in their own little universe down there so you never know.

 

[NugzFan]

well im sure the kings made an offer or asked. the clips just didnt budge...they didnt have to. cap space is pretty damn valuable. the clips might also get shareef.

 

[Ryle]

well im sure the kings made an offer or asked. the clips just didnt budge...they didnt have to. cap space is pretty damn valuable. the clips might also get shareef.

My only question would be why Shareef??? He's not going to start on that team over Brand and Maggette unless he's going to play center .

But, what might be happening is the Clippers are going to sign Shareef to a max deal and then send Brand to us for Thomas and a re-signed Mobley

 

[PFFFT!!]

actually the Clips can only sign one of them, so it plays good in our hands. If they sign SAR, we get Mobley definitely in a sign and trade with some other team, if they get Mobley, SAR will play in our hands a bit and we can deal with Portlands. I don't see how they can be messing us up Brick. Unless the Clips would deal with Portland for a sign and trade. Which would make sense because the Clips have more bait than we do. hmm

 

[NewMonkey]

Realgm reports that Haslem re-signed with the Heat. That's (likely) one less potential taker for SAR.

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

God Damn Clippers, they need to stay out of this, i mean its not our faults they lose FA's every year ...

 

[Alacron]

If Clipps get Rahim, maybe we can get Brand for Peja + Skinner.

Brand has $59 million left on his contract. Peja and Skinner have $26 million combined. That should be music to Sterling's ears.
~~

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

If Clipps get Rahim, maybe we can get Brand for Peja + Skinner.

Brand has $59 million left on his contract. Peja and Skinner have $26 million combined. That should be music to Sterling's ears.
~~

Not a Bad Idea....

 

[Bricklayer]

If Clipps get Rahim, maybe we can get Brand for Peja + Skinner.

Brand has $59 million left on his contract. Peja and Skinner have $26 million combined. That should be music to Sterling's ears.
~~

Anything's possible I suspose, but a) we would be without a SF; and b) Sterling is a fool, but if nothing is is proabbly more aware of $$$ than any other owner and would likely be acutely aware that he would have to pony up max to keep Peja.

(That actually worries me a bit -- the idea that we could actually lose trading partners involving Peja because the ones who know ahead of time they don't want to max him out may not want to trade anything of value for him only to see him walk to Atlanta, or some dip**** club like that, next offseason).

 

[nbrans]

I'd probably make that trade, but I'm not terribly thrilled about Brand. Great defender, great rebounder, hasn't gotten better in five years, hasn't turned his teams into winners. Granted, it's hard to improve on 20/10, but it's pretty clear that that's all you're going to get out of him. It's going to take more than getting Brand for Peja to make the Kings a contender.

 

[AleksandarN]

Anything's possible I suspose, but a) we would be without a SF; and b) Sterling is a fool, but if nothing is is proabbly more aware of $$$ than any other owner and would likely be acutely aware that he would have to pony up max to keep Peja.

(That actually worries me a bit -- the idea that we could actually lose trading partners involving Peja because the ones who know ahead of time they don't want to max him out may not want to trade anything of value for him only to see him walk to Atlanta, or some dip**** club like that, next offseason).

I like my Kenny and Brad for Brand and Kaman trade myself. Sure we give up Miller but we get Brand and a young center in Kaman, It makes sense now that they are going to Rahim. They get to improve the center position and we get to address our PF problems while getting a top 10 center in the future.

 

[ParniValjak]

Obviously even if it were offerered it would depend on what they put up. Don't actually think they have any true "junk". Sterling is too cheap to ever get any players like that. Only person mentioned that made some sense was Ely, who has a shaky relationship with the Clips and now gun charges as well. Given our needs, would make sense for us to take him. Given the Clips stupidity and cheapness, MIGHT be remotely possible they would offer him. Probably not. But they live in their own little universe down there so you never know.

You mean Wilcox not Ely

 

[Alacron]

I'd probably make that trade, but I'm not terribly thrilled about Brand. Great defender, great rebounder, hasn't gotten better in five years, hasn't turned his teams into winners. Granted, it's hard to improve on 20/10, but it's pretty clear that that's all you're going to get out of him. It's going to take more than getting Brand for Peja to make the Kings a contender.

It's easier to find a good swingman/SF than it is a good PF-- especially a 20/10 borderline All-Star who plays both ends of the court.

Of course Brand hasn't won anything-- he was stuck with the rebuilding Bulls early in his career, and since then... well the Clippers are a living joke.

The guy is just studly in every way that matters: 20PPG, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2.6 assists (incidentally, Brad Miller never averaged more than 2.6 in a season before he came to Sacramento), 50% shooter, which is amazing when you consider he's getting 20PPG at a 50% clip. That's a lot of high-efficiency points. Brand also averages 74 games played a year (Brad Miller averaged 65, Chris Webber 59 over the same period). He's only 26 years old, so he'll still be in his prime all the way through his next contract. He's never played with a PG as good as Bibby, or with a team that actually had a chance to contend. Who knows what could happen?

The Bulls traded him for Brian Skinner and the rights to Tyson Chandler, so we just have to make history repeat itself.

BTW, we could include Jackson with Peja and Skinner and the salaries still match up.
~~

 

[ParniValjak]

Apart from Tim Duncan or KG, Brand would be the best possible get for the Kings. He doesn't get anywhere near the recognition he deserves because he is stuck on a mediocre team. He has never played for a franchise that made the play offs but that doesn't mean a hell of a lot considering the junk he had around him.

Pat Reilly wanted Brand in Miami when he was a free agent but Clippers matched Miami's offer and Brand was stuck in LA.

If Petrie can get Brand without selling the farm.... well lets just say its "pants down, lap around the table" time

 

[Bricklayer]

Brand would plug a lot of holes for us, but I DO think its significant to note his lack of success over the years. He's not a difference maker on the highest level. Good player, maybe/probably even better/more complete than any of our "core" guys, but not a superstar who turns things around by himself. He's better than, but still right in the same general area with the guys we have. Not sure, lack of size may be the issue that holds him back from truly dominating. Anyway, point being swapping him in and Peja out (or whoever) would help balance us and should make us better for it, but its not an enormous talent upgrade. Just borderline All-Star for borderline All-Star. If there were some way to get him to ADD to the three core guys, then he's a big asset. Replacing one of them? We're better for the balance, but not dramatically over the top better. Brand/Maggette/Richardson or Brand/Maggette/Simmons isn't THAT much worse than Brand/Miller/Bibby or Brand/Peja/Bibby, and those earlier Clips trios couldn't even sniff the playoffs.

P.S. As an aside -- if you trade Miller for Brand, that's the death knell of the offense we run. Which might be fine. But the thing about trading Miller is that its really a decision about more than just one player -- its a decision about an entire style (barring the mega KG trade or whatever). He's one of the very few big men in the league suited to run our stuff well, and already he's a step down from Webb and Vlade. No real point at all at continuing to try to run the same offense with mismatached personnel if we trade Miller. Adapt and adjust to whoever we have next year.

 

[nbrans]

Brand would plug a lot of holes for us, but I DO think its significant to note his lack of success over the years. He's not a difference maker on the highest level. Good player, maybe/probably even better/more complete than any of our "core" guys, but not a superstar who turns things around by himself. He's better than, but still right in the same general area with the guys we have. Not sure, lack of size may be the issue that holds him back from truly dominating. Anyway, point being swapping him in and Peja out (or whoever) would help balance us and should make us better for it, but its not an enormous talent upgrade. Just borderline All-Star for borderline All-Star. If there were some way to get him to ADD to the three core guys, then he's a big asset. Replacing one of them? We're better for the balance, but not dramatically over the top better. Brand/Maggette/Richardson or Brand/Maggette/Simmons isn't THAT much worse than Brand/Miller/Bibby or Brand/Peja/Bibby, and those earlier Clips trios couldn't even sniff the playoffs.

My thoughts exactly, Bricklayer. That's the advantage of getting Shareef Abdur-Rahim this offseason. In the scenarios where we get him we're not giving up one of our core guys to get a 20/10 power forward, we don't have to change our offense and we get markedly better. Would I trade Peja or Miller or Bibby for Rahim? Not in a million years. But adding him without giving up one of those three? Sign me up.