Sports Agenda For Tuesday (7/3/12)
Big Story:
We now have an official visit date for Mr. Ray Allen, the Marlins head back to the loss column against Milwaukee, and why the Brooklyn Nets are doomed to failure.
Quote of the Day:
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." – Albert Einstein.
Miami Heat:
Just crossing the wires as I started writing this is word that free agent guard Ray Allen will visit the Miami Heat on Thursday.
But, before you begin jumping for joy, he'll also visit the Clippers Friday.
Still, his biggest money deal will come from the Celtics at this point.
The Clippers offer the chance to probably start alongside Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
Not a bad offer.
Miami would likely bring Allen off the bench until the fourth quarter when he'd be on the court as part of the finishers for the Heat.
Going back to Boston would see him coming off the bench in a limited role as long as Avery Bradley is healthy.
So Allen has a decision to make.
Is he loyal to Boston? Does he still want to start? Or, does he want to be nearly guaranteed a trip to the Finals next year with the Heat?
It's not an easy question to answer.
I still think he's going back to Boston, because that's his home right now.
But, what makes free agency fun is the complete unknown.
Brooklyn Nets Saga:
It's time for our daily installment of As the Nets Turn.
Yesterday, the Nets acquired Joe Johnson in a trade from the Atlanta Hawks.
I question the move only because he has 4-years and $91 million on his contract and he's well past his prime, but hey, that's their man now.
The deal was made with no contingency plans for what happens if Deron Williams doesn't re-sign with the Nets, though most expect him to.
Now comes this, Brooklyn apparently wants to tear the team completely down and trade for Dwight Howard.
It's a complex deal that would break down like this:
Brooklyn would send draft picks plus MarShon Brooks, Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries to the Magic in exchange for Howard.
That would leave the team with Gerald Wallace, Jordan Farmar, Johan petro, Anthony Morrow, Howard, Williams, and Johnson.
Now, the starting four of Howard, Wallace, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and a player to be named later would be intriguing.
But, Wallace will get $10 million per.
Johnson has 4-years at $91 million or $22.75 per.
That's $33.75 in just two players who are well past their prime.
Add in roughly $40 million to get Williams and Howard signed long-term and you're looking at luxury tax territory for just your starting lineup.
The team would have no depth/bench and they'll need with Wallace and Johnson being on the downside of their respective careers.
Here's why I say that about Johnson.
His scoring has declined nearly every year since a peak in 2006-2007. Last year, he scored .6 points higher than the year before, which was the only outlier.
Wallace's scoring has held steady at 15 points per game the last three years and he's seen his rebound dip as well.
These guys aren't LeBron and Bosh here, so let's settle that.
Don't get me wrong, a foundation of Williams and Howard is solid, but it's only as good as the parts around it.
Which team would you rather choose as a veteran…the Heat….or the Nets?
Not a tough call there.
