Kings Re-sign Thornton and Sign Chuck Hayes

[Eze]

Hayes - 4 year, 21.3 million dollars.

Thornton - 4 years, 33 million dollars. (initially reported as 5, 40)

[ctba]

Well looks like we are set now

[Eze]

We shouldn't be - but we will be, since that's just about at the salary floor with the rookies added in.

[RichB702]

Amick now tweeting a source says signing is "not accurate" and one source says there has been a "snag". Ugh. Lets just get this done.

[bloatedmaniac]

Well its nice to have Thornton back even though it was an overpayment for a second year player, but hopefully his final two months were no fluke.

I don't think the Kings are completely done, as I believe they'll dig up some worthless scrubs to give 1 year deals to fill out the payroll like usual (ie: Wright, Jeter, Head). The starting lineup is potentially improved overall, but with a lot of uncertainty and youth on the bench...we'll grab some verteran scrubs.

PG- Tyreke
SG- Thornton
SF- Salmons
PF- JT
C- Cousins

Bench:
Fredette
Thomas
Garcia
Greene
Honeycutt
Hickson
Hayes
Whiteside

[ctba]

Supposedly there is a snag in the Kings deal with Thorton...

[RichB702]

Amick just tweeted that the "snag" is not supposed to be anything that will hold up the signing luckily.

[Eze]

I'm assuming it's a hold up in an option in the final year, something like that.

His agent just said there is a snag but "we'll get it done".

[ctba]

I'm assuming it's a hold up in an option in the final year, something like that.

His agent just said there is a snag but "we'll get it done".

As in players option?

[Eze]

I'd *GUESS* it would be a team option at the final year, Thornton probably wants a guaranteed buyout or something.

[Blood Brother]

Good news

[KingsOwn19]

Chuck Hayes avereged 8 and 8 in reserve minutes for Houston...so he'll average like, double that for us like Carl Landry did.

in other words, meh

[Eze]

Amick now reporting deal is for 4 years (for Thornton), waiting on number.

[ctba]

Amick now reporting deal is for 4 years (for Thornton), waiting on number.

33mil....wow

[Eze]

Even better. Kings probably just said screw the team option on the 5th year.

[Eze]

@OfficialMT23: Just dropped a couple tears really feels like I'm dreaming right now mannnn GOD is good"

Money money money, MONIE.

[KingsOwn19]

I'll just pretend that Thornton is happy because he gets to play in the big happening city of Sacramento for the next 4 years rather than we may have overpaid.

[ctba]

I'll just pretend that Thornton is happy because he gets to play in the big happening city of Sacramento for the next 4 years rather than we may have overpaid.


And o yea to all the SAC TOWN fans I'm baaacccckkkk

^what he just tweeted

[Eze]

Amick reporting it's 4 years, 31 million now.

[bloatedmaniac]

According to Grant on the radio just now, he said the Kings are close to signing a fairly big free agent whose deal might be finalized by tomorrow.

[KingsOwn19]

According to Grant on the radio just now, he said the Kings are close to signing a fairly big free agent whose deal might be finalized by tomorrow.

I heard Vince Carter just got waived:LMAO:

[Eze]

Wow - finalized tomorrow?

[BosnianBaller_]

hahah. a combined 54 million for thornton and hayes. we could have used that money to sign nene

[Eze]

I think we'll be pleasantly surprised with Hayes. Nene would have been nice, no doubt, but the market for these guys is just crazy.

[GoKings2010]

Ill take Thorton and Hayes over Nene. I dont think Nene is really that good IMO. Id rather have Dal over Nene and Hayes but wat do i know? You mentioned Grant saying a semi big FA? They mention any names of any sort? I bet the FA signing hes talkin bout is prob Hayes. I do think Hayes will put up Dal numbers but wat ppl forget to reALIZE wat Dal brings to the table over Hayes. Dal made shots tougher on ppl and that dont go in the stATS category. I hope Hayes has some D and man I hope that chemistry is there cause to me without it its just like rebuilding all over again.

[bloatedmaniac]

Ill take Thorton and Hayes over Nene. I dont think Nene is really that good IMO. Id rather have Dal over Nene and Hayes but wat do i know? You mentioned Grant saying a semi big FA? They mention any names of any sort? I bet the FA signing hes talkin bout is prob Hayes. I do think Hayes will put up Dal numbers but wat ppl forget to reALIZE wat Dal brings to the table over Hayes. Dal made shots tougher on ppl and that dont go in the stATS category. I hope Hayes has some D and man I hope that chemistry is there cause to me without it its just like rebuilding all over again.

He didn't want to say who, just sounded excited and said he'll hold off commenting until it goes official which should be soon.

Also in regards to Hayes...he is a bit overpaid but he is a solid rotation guy. Unlike most free agents the Kings' target there were a number of teams that wanted Hayes. He is a solid defender, gritty, good rebounder and has always been good in the lockerroom. The only thing about coming here, is the fact that the Kings don't have a true starter at present. Whether their surprise signing is a bigman, or JT/Hickson asserts themselves as the starter will need to be seen. If that happens, then Hayes will fit in nicely. If we need Hayes to start then we are in sad shape.

[Eze]

Also, I have this awful feeling the "big name" player is Peja. Somebody get me a vomit bucket.

[Eze]

Ill take Thorton and Hayes over Nene. I dont think Nene is really that good IMO. Id rather have Dal over Nene and Hayes but wat do i know? You mentioned Grant saying a semi big FA? They mention any names of any sort? I bet the FA signing hes talkin bout is prob Hayes. I do think Hayes will put up Dal numbers but wat ppl forget to reALIZE wat Dal brings to the table over Hayes. Dal made shots tougher on ppl and that dont go in the stATS category. I hope Hayes has some D and man I hope that chemistry is there cause to me without it its just like rebuilding all over again.

I'd say Hayes is a pretty significantly better defender than Dalembert was. Hayes is super physical - doesn't have the length (tho he has pretty long arms for 6'6) so he's not a shot blocker at all, but he alters shots because of his physicality.

Hayes for about 2 or 3 years recently was annually in the top 5 defenders for big men (which included guys like Duncan, etc). If you want defense from your big men, he brings it with the best of them.

[BosnianBaller_]

Also, I have this awful feeling the "big name" player is Peja. Somebody get me a vomit bucket.

whatever....i'd be excited if we brought back peja for one more season and he retires as a king

[Eze]

I can't stand Peja - never have, so no offense to you lol. Peja and Brad Miller grind my gears.

Anyway, Grant has said it's a big name that will excite fans, player wasn't an All-Star last year, Kings aren't afraid to spend money on him, it's a FA (not a trade) and it's not a guard.

AK47? Peja? Gasol? West?

[bloatedmaniac]

Just in...they got Dwight Howard in exchange for John Salmons....but the NBA shot it down!

In seriousness, I'm hoping for Gasol. None of the other free agents really excite me. West is a nice option, but after coming off a serious injury I wouldn't give the $$$ or years he'd probably still want.

As for Peja, he needs to retire and go out as a champion rather than a worthless scrub at the end of the bench of a bad team. Not hating on him, but he hardly has much left in the tank and keeps battling injuries.

[KingsOwn19]

Just in...they got Dwight Howard in exchange for John Salmons....but the NBA shot it down!

In seriousness, I'm hoping for Gasol. None of the other free agents really excite me. West is a nice option, but after coming off a serious injury I wouldn't give the $$$ or years he'd probably still want.

As for Peja, he needs to retire and go out as a champion rather than a worthless scrub at the end of the bench of a bad team. Not hating on him, but he hardly has much left in the tank and keeps battling injuries.


I don't think Grant would hype Peja up as a big signing. While i can see him trying to build up a surprise factor for a returning favorite, i don't think he would get the fans hopes up like that because here we are expecting a splash and Grant knows that everybody knows Peja has been done for a few years now and would not even qualify for minutes, let alone being called a big signing,

If it's Gasol i would be pretty stoked. Still young and durable with upside. If it's West, i would agree it's a nice add but only at the right price/years all things considered.

[Eze]

West is close to signing with Boston...scratch him.

[KingsOwn19]

Also, if it were Gasol we might have heard something by now since he is a restricted free agent. Grant expects it to be final tommorow...but usually with restricted FA there is the offer and then there is a matching period. I just figured something would have gotten out by now from the Memphis side.

The mystery is killing me.

[Eze]

It's going to be a big letdown lol

There just isn't anybody out there that big that qualifies. He's already said it's not a guard, so options are already pretty limited.

[Gunshot]

maybe Etan Thomas?

[Eze]

How bout Kenny?

[KingsOwn19]

he said fairly big...for the Kings who are handicapped by not being a big market most, including me would consider Marc Gasol a pretty big signing.

Fairly big probably means...yeah, Etan Thomas.

[Gunshot]

How bout Kenny?

that memory was almost gone.....you ass

[nuraman00]

I'd say Hayes is a pretty significantly better defender than Dalembert was. Hayes is super physical - doesn't have the length (tho he has pretty long arms for 6'6) so he's not a shot blocker at all, but he alters shots because of his physicality.

Hayes for about 2 or 3 years recently was annually in the top 5 defenders for big men (which included guys like Duncan, etc). If you want defense from your big men, he brings it with the best of them.

I agree.

[nuraman00]

that memory was almost gone.....you ass

Why would you want to forget this game?

Wed, Jan 31, 2007 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200701310MIN.html) (defense on KG).

Or this one?

Thu, Jan 19, 2006 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200601190SAC.html)

They were awesome.

[nuraman00]

Also, if it were Gasol we might have heard something by now since he is a restricted free agent. Grant expects it to be final tommorow...but usually with restricted FA there is the offer and then there is a matching period. I just figured something would have gotten out by now from the Memphis side.

The mystery is killing me.

I'd be happy with Kris Humphries.

[nuraman00]

2011-03-23 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201103230HOU.html)

Great game except for the bricked FTs.

[KingsOwn19]

Well, the Hawks signed Vladimar Radmonovic.

One bullet dodged

[Gunshot]

Why would you want to forget this game?

Wed, Jan 31, 2007 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200701310MIN.html) (defense on KG).

Or this one?

Thu, Jan 19, 2006 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200601190SAC.html)

They were awesome.

I choose to ignore this subject

[Eze]

He's supposedly quite the dick (Humph). And I mean that in the basketball sense, back to the Minnesota/Kansas issue when he was coming out of high school (not the Kardashian shit lol)

[Gunshot]

Well, the Hawks signed Vladimar Radmonovic.

One bullet dodged

that would have been devastating...lol
good lord

[KingsOwn19]

I see on the hoopshype media twitter feed John Hollinger has already posted an article bashing the Kings for what i'm guessing is the Thornton re-signing. Im not an insider though.

[Eze]

Jesus, what do people think the Kings were gonna have to pay for him? Anything less and he'd be in a different uniform.

[KingsOwn19]

Well, i don't know for sure if that is what the article is about...but the title says the Kings and Sixers bid against themselves...so, it narrows it down.

I know Nuraman reads hollingers hate...what's it all about man?

[nuraman00]

Well, i don't know for sure if that is what the article is about...but the title says the Kings and Sixers bid against themselves...so, it narrows it down.

I know Nuraman reads hollingers hate...what's it all about man?

I'll find out after I ask my friend to email it to me. My guess is that it's on Thad Young and Marcus Thornton.

I would have been mildly disappointed for Thornton for five years. But for 4 years, it's good. It's just like a Wesley Matthews contract.

Ok Matthews was over 5-year, $34M contract. Thornton's is over 4 years. Same difference to me, only $1 M more per year.

[Eze]

Somebody was getting Thornton for 7 or 8 a year at the minimum if the Kings didn't do it - if the Spurs did it, it's a fantastic move.

[nuraman00]

I choose to ignore this subject

I wish I could find clips of that game so you could see the killer defense Thomas played. Garnett had such a frustrated look on his face, that this 6'8" guy was shutting him down.

Later that evening, on an out-of-bounds play, Bruce Bowen got screened out so badly (in a SAS-UTA game), that he flew off the screen and fell into the crowd. He totally didn't see it coming. AK then went around the curl screen and scored on a driving layup. Great play.

Now, who set the screen, you ask? Mehmet Okur? Matt Harpring? Carlos Boozer? Rafael Aruajo? Jarron Collins? Paul Millsap? Gordan Giricek?

No.

Derek Fisher!!! That was the hilarious part. Bowen got screen off by Derek Fisher.

Hubie Brown even made fun of it. He made sure to have it instantly re-played, and used the telestrator and gave his Hubie Chuckle to describe the play. Right before recalling the play, he said "Where did Bowen go? <Chuckle> Let's go see".

All in all, a great day of NBA basketball.

Kings win at Minnesota, a place they always play terribly. Kevin Martin hits a game-winner. Kevin Garnett gets harassed.

And a rising team in the Jazz beat the Spurs. (Nothing against the Spurs, I just was rooting for the Jazz that night).

[nuraman00]

if the Spurs did it, it's a fantastic move.

Spurs got killed for the Richard Jefferson signing last year. And they got killed for trading for him the year before. The media doesn't think they always poop gold either.

Spurs also get criticized for playing Matt Bonner as much as they do, but that's a Pop thing.

[Gunshot]

Marcus Thornton to Sacramento for four years, $33 million (http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/34015/agent-kings-re-sign-marcus-thornton): Thumbs down



http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nba/65/trans/sac.gif


http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/4017.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=false

PM me for access

[Gunshot]

Chuck Hayes to Sacramento for four years, $21.3 million (http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/33871/source-kings-offer-chuck-hayes-20m): Thumbs up



http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nba/65/trans/sac.gif


http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/2834.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=false

pm me for access

[Eze]

Really don't get how he thinks Thornton wouldn't have received a similar offer down the road.

[nuraman00]

Marcus Thornton to Sacramento for four years, $33 million (http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/34015/agent-kings-re-sign-marcus-thornton): Thumbs down



http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nba/65/trans/sac.gif


http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nba/players/full/4017.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=false

Thornton is a pretty good player who scores a lot of points, so the Kings are going to be able to sell people that this was a good deal.
It's not.
The key here is that Thornton was a restricted free agent, meaning Sacramento had the right to match any offer. Because of that fact, nobody else was coming hard after Thornton, and the Kings had all the leverage. But just like they did with Beno Udrih and Francisco Garcia previously, the Kings rushed into a needlessly generous deal and now have taken on a lot more risk than necessary. If Thornton had been unrestricted, this contract would make sense; for a restricted free agent, it's fairly insane. Nobody was giving this guy an offer sheet for four years, $40 million, and that's what it would have taken to trump Sacramento.
Thornton scored like gangbusters after the trade to Sacramento last season. I still have some doubts as to whether he's a long-term starter on a good team, but at worst he makes for a killer sixth man. So bravo to the Kings for converting Carl Landry into Thornton last winter. I just don't like this contract because the Kings should have been able to do far better, given all the leverage they had and the fact that Thornton was mostly off the radar.

Ok, I can understand that complaint. He was a RFA. Plus, I made a post a few days ago that what I liked about Thornton was his RFA status, and that I figured he'd be back for a favorable team contract.

Eze (http://kingsforum.net/live/member.php?2-Eze), I remember you weren't sold on him, but I remember saying that he was likely going to be back on a friendly contract so it would be ok. This would not be a friendly contract.

The Kings do have a low payroll though, so it's not that big of a deal. I'd change this grade to "one thumb up", instead of both thumbs down.

[Gunshot]

it's a fair deal at this juncture...
and a happy Thornton might be a better than a semi bitter Thornton

[bloatedmaniac]

Though the Kings had leverage with Thornton being a restricted free agent, a lot of that is lost due to the season starting in a few weeks. They could even have an official practice today due to lack of bodies, and delaying the Thornton signing until the last minute while trying to save a few million would hurt. That means he and the team would lose lots of important practice time together. As long as the end of last season wasnt a fluke for Thornton, he'll earn his money.

[nuraman00]

Really don't get how he thinks Thornton wouldn't have received a similar offer down the road.

Well, did Thornton even have time to seek another offer? This isn't like DeAndre Jordan, who visited Golden State and Houston.

From what we know, Thornton didn't even have another team offer him a contract. The Kings could have bargained a little harder and offered him X, and if Thornton wanted higher, he could have tried to get it from team Y.

Even with DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers made him an initial offer of 5 years, $40 million, which is a fair but not excessive offer.

The Kings could have taken the same approach, and started at 4 years, $27 Million.

[nuraman00]

Though the Kings had leverage with Thornton being a restricted free agent, a lot of that is lost due to the season starting in a few weeks. They could even have an official practice today due to lack of bodies, and delaying the Thornton signing until the last minute while trying to save a few million would hurt. That means he and the team would lose lots of important practice time together. As long as the end of last season wasnt a fluke for Thornton, he'll earn his money.

That's another good point.

[Eze]

Thornton would have easily got an offer soon. Soon as Affalo went off the board, Thornton would have been next in line.

[Gunshot]

If you guys want...I can make a private forum and post all the Insider stuff
I'll have to delete from public view for obvious reasons...

[nuraman00]

If you guys want...I can make a private forum and post all the Insider stuff
I'll have to delete from public view for obvious reasons...

Would all posters who are logged in be able to read them?

[nuraman00]

And dang it, Gunshot (http://kingsforum.net/live/member.php?1-Gunshot), you were right, you've successfully eluded the discussion of Kenny Thomas. I thought we were going to talk about his best games.

[Gunshot]

Would all posters who are logged in be able to read them?

just those that want in can see it

as to Kenny...uh, best we remain friends

[nuraman00]

just those that want in can see it

as to Kenny...uh, best we remain friends

I guess we can try it out. On the other hand, for me personally, I don't know if I want something else distracting me and taking my time away from the regular threads. I am trying to control my addiction to these forums, and if you keep posting Insider articles, I'll spend too much time on here. Lol.

[nuraman00]

just those that want in can see it

as to Kenny...uh, best we remain friends

Do you remember the incident when Mike Lamb was just talking about Thomas, and he said "Thomas looked distant". Kenny Thomas then promptly called in and asked Lamb to explain what he meant. After a 4-5 minute exchange, they ended the conversation.

Another random radio blowup incident I remember was just after the regular season was over in 2008. This was during opening weekend of the playoffs. Theus had made a comment about needing Artest back so he has someone to "throw the ball to". The radio host on the Saturday morning 11AM show (I can't remember his name anymore, he doesn't have a show anymore) then reported something Sam Amick had said. Sam Amick took offense to that, and called the show. There was a 6-7 minute heated exchange, because Amick felt this host had misconstrued his report about Theus. Amick then hung up on air, and said "next time you need someone to provide info to you, call someone else. Good day to you, sir".

[Gunshot]

I can't hear you

43

[Eze]

Eze, I remember you weren't sold on him, but I remember saying that he was likely going to be back on a friendly contract so it would be ok. This would not be a friendly contract.

Yeah, wouldn't say it's friendly but it's certainly market value for him, especially when Afflao is supposedly getting upper 40's.

[nuraman00]

Yeah, wouldn't say it's friendly but it's certainly market value for him, especially when Afflao is supposedly getting upper 40's.

If that's what he's getting, yikes. Is that from Denver? If so, I can understand it. From any other team? Doesn't make sense.

[ctba]

Harry is kenny on twitter too? WOnder if we can piss him off too

[Eze]

If that's what he's getting, yikes. Is that from Denver? If so, I can understand it. From any other team? Doesn't make sense.

Nobody knows as of yet lol - but there were rumors yesterday he had offers for up to $50 million. Now that coming true - different story, lol, but that's what was being churned out on him lately.

[nuraman00]

I can't hear you

43

You're just asking for it now. :)

44

(Not a pic from the same game, as this was a home Kings game.)

(Also, the 2nd half of post # 69 had nothing to do with Kenny Thomas.)

[Gunshot]

Harry is kenny on twitter too? WOnder if we can piss him off too

Kenny would beat my ass into the pavement with that elephant man forehead....
Olden I ainta sceerd of

[Gunshot]

You're just asking for it now. :)

44

(Not a pic from the same game, as this was a home Kings game.)

(Also, the 2nd half of post # 69 had nothing to do with Kenny Thomas.)

I understand....and agree that Kenny had some great moments
I was his biggest supporter for a time
he just wore out his welcome

[ctba]

Lol the mike lamb thing was great

[Gunshot]

uh oh
I tweeted the Danny Granger rumors.....then followed Chuck Hayes
and 5 minutes later Chuck started following Granger

:shocked:

[Eze]

LOL

[nuraman00]

I understand....and agree that Kenny had some great moments
I was his biggest supporter for a time
he just wore out his welcome

Agree.

In all honesty, I just wish he'd played over Mikki Moore. Simply for the rebounding. Moore brought nothing.

At least Thomas could rebound. But Theus kept starting Moore. Yuck.

The last few years, Thomas was so rusty on offense, he regularly missed layups. Before that though, he brought rebounding, a little passing, and a little defense, and could have played a 9th man type role (or started over Moore).

[nuraman00]

Lol the mike lamb thing was great

So you heard it that day too?

[ctba]

So you heard it that day too?
Lol yah.

I am glad they got rid of both those dudes

[ctba]

Agree.

In all honesty, I just wish he'd played over Mikki Moore. Simply for the rebounding. Moore brought nothing.

At least Thomas could rebound. But Theus kept starting Moore. Yuck.

The last few years, Thomas was so rusty on offense, he regularly missed layups. Before that though, he brought rebounding, a little passing, and a little defense, and could have played a 9th man type role (or started over Moore).

You just had to bring up mikki

[nuraman00]

Lol yah.

I am glad they got rid of both those dudes

You mean both Thomas and Lamb, right?

[nuraman00]

You just had to bring up mikki

One of the games I went to, after Moore committed an unnecessary foul (his specialty), someone from the crowd shouted "Why did you have to foul him, Mikki? You knew you wouldn't have stopped him anyways."

[ctba]

You mean both Thomas and Lamb, right?

Yah. Now lamb is doing taxi commercials

[bloatedmaniac]

Agree.

In all honesty, I just wish he'd played over Mikki Moore. Simply for the rebounding. Moore brought nothing.

At least Thomas could rebound. But Theus kept starting Moore. Yuck.

The last few years, Thomas was so rusty on offense, he regularly missed layups. Before that though, he brought rebounding, a little passing, and a little defense, and could have played a 9th man type role (or started over Moore).

I remember in KT's last season here, Westphal actually gave him playing time as he was sick of the power rotation sucking it up. KT responded by having some good defensive games and some strong rebounding efforts including an 18 rebounding effort. Moore never did that. Moore was lucky to have 18 boards all season. All the guy could do is take charges and scream.

[Gunshot]

Nobody knows as of yet lol - but there were rumors yesterday he had offers for up to $50 million. Now that coming true - different story, lol, but that's what was being churned out on him lately.

Blazers are probably getting a little desperate today..I could see them overpaying Affalo....or Thornton, if he were still around

[nuraman00]

I remember in KT's last season here, Westphal actually gave him playing time as he was sick of the power rotation sucking it up. KT responded by having some good defensive games and some strong rebounding efforts including an 18 rebounding effort. Moore never did that. Moore was lucky to have 18 boards all season. All the guy could do is take charges and scream.

I agree.

(Font enlarged for emphasis.)

But also, he didn't even take charges that well. 97% of his attempts to take charges resulted in defensive fouls.

BTW, you're right about Moore having 18 boards all season. Usually if you're not a good rebounder, you make up for it with good defense (Nene). Or a ton of blocked shots. Or are an efficient offensive player. Or something tangible.

But not Moore.

Dang, it sucks that Thomas got 18 rebounds, but the Kings lost again at Phoenix. They hadn't won at Phoenix since 2004-2005. Thankfully they finally won at Phoenix in 2010-2011.

2009-12-05 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200912050PHO.html)

Also, Amare Stoudemire stopped being soft for one night and had 21 rebounds.

Barkley would always take jabs at Stoudemire, by saying "Your PG can't be your toughest player", or "You know what they call power forwards who don't rebound? Small Forwards".

[nuraman00]

According to Grant on the radio just now, he said the Kings are close to signing a fairly big free agent whose deal might be finalized by tomorrow.

Does anyone even know if this big FA is a player? Could it be a radio broadcaster? Such as "Fat Lever officially hired as color analyst for all Kings games". (Instead of working unofficially at Kings home games).

Or maybe this FA is an assistant coach.

Charles Oakley was fired as the assistant coach for the Bobcats on 12-01-2011. Maybe he's the "big" FA, he's now an assistant coach with the Kings?

Maybe Kurt Rambis or Kevin Pritchard are the "big FAs" joining the Kings organization in some capacity?

Maybe it's another Jerry West type move like West when he joined the Warriors.

Maybe Oscar Robertson is the new assistant coach? (Hopefully he could work with Tyreke)?

[nuraman00]

Blazers are probably getting a little desperate today..I could see them overpaying Affalo....or Thornton, if he were still around

Wes Matthews slides in nicely at SG IMO. They could even put Batum there for some minutes, but he's a little too big. They don't need another guard.

[DCKingsFan]

Yeah, that is rediculous for him... ugh

[Gunshot]

Wes Matthews slides in nicely at SG IMO. They could even put Batum there for some minutes, but he's a little too big. They don't need another guard.

Matthews will most likely play SG anyway.......but they are thin
They do need a G and front line help all of a sudden

[Eze]

It has to be a player - Grant's not that big of a turd lol

[bloatedmaniac]

It was definately a player who he was referring to, but maybe Oakley wants to come out of retirement! Kind of odd that nothing is known about this mystery player, especially if he is almost signed.

[GoKings2010]

I wonder if theres any truth to wat Grant said. I think he is just saying that and hell tell us some big name on Monday to make it look like the Kings are trying to make us better than just trying to move us to the min cap. I have been looking for some rumors of who it might be and I cant find anything. Even today although its still early im not seeing anything and its suppose to be finalised today. Man o man I hope its someone good and they want to come to Sac. Hope its a decent SF or Gasol.

[Eze]

Considering the players that have been signed, have offers, or injuries (AK-47 has a broken nose, but it could still be him) - it's getting pretty slim pickins.

[nuraman00]

Considering the players that have been signed, have offers, or injuries (AK-47 has a broken nose, but it could still be him) - it's getting pretty slim pickins.

I'd be happy with AK. In one of my early thoughts of predicting offseason FAs, I had him going to the Kings.

[Eze]

AK was playing in Russia today. I'm thinking it's not him given that he wouldn't be playing in a game if he was in contract talks.

[Eze]

Or not:

@mr_jasonjones Kings trying to lure Andrei Kirilenko to Sacramento.

[PackfanMatt_12]

Kirilenko bores me. So we signed Hayes, Thornton and possibly Kirilinko for all that money. Great job wasting millions of dollars on meaningless pieces (Thornton somewhat meaningful)
WHoever is calling the shots is an idiot

[PackfanMatt_12]

His (Kirilinko) numbers have dropped all acros the board and he hasn't played over 70 games since 07. He can't stay healthy, and he doesn't block nearly as much as he used to. Wasted money

[Eze]

I don't think there was a realistic shot at much of anybody else. Kings are a bottom feeder to NBA players. And given the fact the Maloofs aren't going to go crazy with the budget, those type of players are about the best we're going to afford.

[Gunshot]

When I look at Kirilinko I see Nocioni with a shit eating grin.....that's all I see

[Eze]

Oh, he's a way better player than Noch. Kings need a defensive minded SF who doesn't need the ball - which he fits. They also need a shooter, which he doesn't.

[PackfanMatt_12]

all AK-47 Fits is a need for a player with a catchy nickname. If we signed Kirilink to a very LOW deal, fine. But my guess is we WAY overpaid

[Gunshot]

I know he's better and longer and all that.....he just bugs me

[PackfanMatt_12]

the only good move we have made this off season is signing our draft picks and bringing back THornton. Keep in mind we overpaid for THornton

Is the person who decides on how much we should pay for these guys the same person who decided to move 3 spots back in the draft and add John S.

[Eze]

It's a variety of people - ownership, who's on a budget, Petrie, the GM who abides by the budget, assistant GM, the scouting department, etc.

Not to defend them in anyway, but, they pretty much had to pay what they did for both Hayes and Thornton - both had other teams interested who would have provided similar contracts.

I mean, if you're a player - what are you going to pick? The fancy nightlife of New York or Miami? The hollywood glamor of LA? Or Natomas? lol

[Gunshot]

they got a Hooters right by the Arena

[Eze]

Jimmer's not allowed there.

[PackfanMatt_12]

I feel like we could have gotten Thornton for a few million less. Maybe 3-4 less

[Eze]

It's possible. But, in that scenario, you're also risking having to pay him 3-4 million more that you already are (by another team giving him a higher offer sheet) OR simply risk losing him all together too if the offer sheet was too expensive for your budget. Then you have to deem that risk worth the 3-4 million you would have saved. We know how the Kings felt lol

[PackfanMatt_12]

My No.1 target who I would have LOVED to get is DeAndre Jordan

[Eze]

Kings still have money to sign Jordan - they're still about 15 under the cap. Doesn't sound they're interested in him nor would the Maloofs shell that money out right now, but, they could technically still afford him.

[sf giants r the best]

Chuck Hayes received first place votes for Defensive Player of the Year last year. Whether its next to Cousins or Hickson, who are more of scorers, we will need that defensive presence. I like this move a lot and Thornton was a no brainer, despite the slight overpay. But thats what it takes.

[Eze]

I'm thinking it might not be a bad idea to put Hickson on the second unit now with Hayes signed (give Hayes the starter job) - gives the second unit more offensive punch and doesn't force another scorer into the Reke/Cousins/Thornton lineup which already has enough scorers.

[Gunshot]

I don't see where Garcia is going to peek at the floor this year.....amnesty?

[PackfanMatt_12]

I am slowly warming up to Hayes, but I will never warm up to AK-47 or John S

[PackfanMatt_12]

I pray we amnesty Salmons

[Eze]

They'll probably hang onto Garcia simply because he's an expiring next season. I'm guessing if they do use the amnesty, it'll be on Salmons in a year or two when they have a better SF scenario.

[bloatedmaniac]

The thing with Thornton is the team couldn't afford to wait out the process. This isn't July, the season will begin in a couple weeks. Having a guy that they are counting on to play big minutes who hasn't practiced with the team at all will hurt. The Kings are so far below the cap, that giving a few extra million doesn't hurt short term and probably not long term either. He'd get probably a 4-5 year deal, for about $5-$6 anyway, so its not that big a deal.

As far as AK, if its a short term contract then its fine. I'd rather have him for the next year or two (keep in mind the free cap room WONT be used regardless), than the typical useless scrub options the Kings resort to.

Also with Hayes, the Kings did overpay, but not by much at all. Even Minnesota offered the same deal. He is consistantly solid and defense/rebound so he will be tradeable unlike guys they usually sign (Moore).

Overall I'd rather the team lock Dal up for 3 years, or get a Gasol but it looks like those were never real options. Dal wants to go to a better team, Memphis will match anything for Gasol, and there just wasn't anything available after that. I don't like it. I don't like the Kings having to overpay average players but its how it is. Again, these guys are still better than the typical garbage the Kings are used to signing.

[bloatedmaniac]

As far as amnesty, remember the Kings are cheap so they will NOT use the amnesty when they are scrapping for loose change. They have to overpay players right now to meet the minimum cap. Scrapping Cisco/Salmons would mean the Kings would have to pay them their full contracts AND sign someone to fill the vacancy in the cap. Thats a double whammy that they can't afford. Right now my hopes for this shortened season is just seeing improvement of the young nucleus. This team will likely suck hard, but if Tyreke can come back around, if Fredette can ball, and Cousins proves consistant I'll be happy with the season.

[KingsOwn19]

Kirilenko's agent said last night that he has not even been contacted by the Kings.

He would be fine at the right price, but we all know it won't be the right price. The guy has been on a major decline for the past 3-4 years.

[sf giants r the best]

Would big shot Billups be a logical move do people think? He was waived by the Knicks, it would bring some PG stability.

But, as it looks now:

Evans
Thornton
Salmons
Hayes
Cousins

Jimmer
Garcia
Hickson
Thompson

Greene
Honeycutt
Thomas
Whiteside

[Eze]

Did you see Billups major dbag comments today about screwing up the chemistry of any sub-par team that claimed him? lol

[Eze]

Kirilenko's agent said last night that he has not even been contacted by the Kings.

He would be fine at the right price, but we all know it won't be the right price. The guy has been on a major decline for the past 3-4 years.

Jason Jones (beat writer) said he can confirm that the Kings have contacted AK a couple hours ago. Agent was just doing agent duties. lol

[Gunshot]

I'm not sure I can take another year with Tyreke at point
love to see Billups take over and move Evans to SG

[sf giants r the best]

Did you see Billups major dbag comments today about screwing up the chemistry of any sub-par team that claimed him? lol


Ehhhh, link? Just tossing a name out there.

[sf giants r the best]

Nevermind he'll go to the Heat, fuck Chauncey. (Just saw the comments)

[Eze]

DeMarcus is trying to get Jimmer to move in with him. LOL

[GoKings2010]

Why are ppl hating on AK-47? The guy is a beast when he wants to play. He has been on the decline these last few yrs cause they stopped going through him. He got into it with Sloan a few yrs back and things were never the same there again. This guy can ball and will be our best SF on our team. Not only can he come in and start right away he also brings the veteran leadership. Remember to the guy has great D and can score too. He can do it all man and just needs a change and another oppurtunity. He can easily put 12,5,3 and prob with a block or 2 a game as well. Thats much needed in our SF position. This last yr u had no clue wat we were gonna get out that position and adding Kirilenko u already know u have an advantage. I would be very excited to see him in a Kings uniform and now we just have to trade JT for Kaman. If Hayes is our starting C we are in major trouble. Hes undersized 6ft6 and I know hes physical but that would be perfect off the bench. I think this could be wat the lineup would look like
Evans
Thorton
Kirilenko
Cousins
Kaman



Thomas
Jimmer
Salmons
Hickson
Hayes

[prostacker]

Would want no part of Caveman