Update: Gooden waived after buyout

[jdbraver]

He's a FA -- the only trade would have been a sign and trade. And he's close enough in value to an MLE guy that nobody is going to offer oyu anything for him -- in this market in particular they are just going to offer him the MLE.

This move saves money, but its not only a money move -- its a REBUILDING move. Clear those veterans away, wipe the slate clean, and start over. Its a different game. If we are a 50 win team right now and we dump Gooden in a buyout, then that's a money move. That's capitulation much like trying to trade Chandler was capitualtion for New Orleans. But when you are the worst team in the league the rules are different -- then you are trying to dump as many vets, as many salaries, save as much money, invest in as much youth as possible. That's why this move is a positive -- it underscores the front office's apparent sudden embracement of a rebuilding philosophy.

The only problem with clearing space is that there is no one of value in the upcoming free agency. Gooden maybe the best FA out there! It looks like we will suck for atleast three years. By that time Garcia will be 30. I guess i'll hold out hope for a miracle trade like the one that got s going last time.

 

[SacKings7]

I think it's possible that Greene may benefit from this. Nocioni might get a few more minutes at PF, and hopefully Greene gets a few of Nocioni's minutes at SF

 

[Entity]

The only problem with clearing space is that there is no one of value in the upcoming free agency. Gooden maybe the best FA out there! It looks like we will suck for atleast three years. By that time Garcia will be 30. I guess i'll hold out hope for a miracle trade like the one that got s going last time.

Do you think Gooden is the guy to push us over the top and make us serious playoff contenders? Honestly he would make us a bit better becuase of experience alone. So instead of winning 15-18 games with he we would win like 23-25. So instead of getting a top 4 draft pick we get a 10-12 pick and still not make the playoffs. Also with Thompson a rookie and already doing just as good as Drew why bother with Drew and his 7 mil dollar contract?

 

[kennadog]

The only problem with clearing space is that there is no one of value in the upcoming free agency. Gooden maybe the best FA out there! It looks like we will suck for atleast three years. By that time Garcia will be 30. I guess i'll hold out hope for a miracle trade like the one that got s going last time.

Cap space also helps in a trade. The team can take back more salary than it trades away.

 

[asakkings]

I dont understand why people are pushing to keep another mediocre guy, I would much rather give his time to Ike and the other guys we got so we can see what they are able to do.

 

[Nighthawk1]

Great move, hopefully this gives JT more confidence and puts his mind at ease knowing he is our clear cut #1 guy, no bs about it now. Might also get Donte some more playing time at the 4 spot, even though it's not his position at least it's playtime...

 

[Big Cuz 15]

talk about clearing the plate for the young guys. petrie has done a great job this season in removing the vets. i can't wait to see what transpires this summer and next trade deadline. we'll be some movers and shakers for sure!

 

[fnordius]

I love it, it totally needed to happen. I didn't see sign and trade as a realistic option, so it was either waive him or prepare ourselves for "Mikki contract 2."

This was much the preferable option! Especially since he apparently took pocket change for his one and only Kings paycheck. JT gets more time, Hawes gets more, and (Griffin/Thabeet) will as well. Maybe we'll even find out if Diogu knows how to play. Happy Maloofs, happy Gooden, rebuild proceeds, just good for everyone.

 

[Sptsjunkie]

Why are we giving away talent? Some of you think Gooden is worthless, but there is demand for a player like him. We could have used him in a sign and trade this summer, as part of a package. Now we have zero. This is purely a money move, not a basketball move. Hey Maloof's buyout Martin, JT,Garcia, and the rest of our players. Lets give away the farm.

I believe in a sign and trade you can only trade the one player. I do not think you can package them with others.

Besides, this is a money and basketball move. There is no package. No one is paying Gooden more than the MLE, much less giving up value to do so. So we either let him steal minutes from JT/Hawes/Greene and hurt our draft pick and then lose him this summer or we do it now and gain minutes for the kids.

 

[Gary]

It's actually fine by me.. If we want a 13ppg 7rpg PF then Gooden is our guy, but if we want something more then it's good the Kings bought him out.

If the Spurs pick him up this might be the piece they need. They have always lacked a 2nd big.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

lol, that's right. Dan Dickau.

Ricky Minard.?? haha.

Minard played in the pre-season for us and then was cut, if my memory serves me correctly.

 

[fnordius]

If the Spurs pick him up this might be the piece they need. They have always lacked a 2nd big.

Slightly off-topic, but if Mikki and/or Drew can do anything to hurt the Lakers, it'll cause a lot of smiling in Sactown. A bit of an ulterior motive, perhaps?

 

[piksi]

what happened to thank You Drew Gooden thread ?

 

[Larry89]

what happened to thank You Drew Gooden thread ?

bad hair effect

 

[Bricklayer]

what happened to thank You Drew Gooden thread ?

Crap.

You are absolutely right -- we totally dropped the ball on that one. Don't worry, I'll take care of it.