Raptors 2014-2015 season

[octothorp]

Also, the Raptors picked up Ridnour today, along with cash considerations (for former late 2nd rounder Zubcic.)

The real value of Ridnour is that he's a nearly $3 million non-guaranteed contract, if waived before July 12th. Which means that he could be used as matching salary in a package deal, and then the receiving team simply waives him.

Or, he's a veteran PG who's played for Casey when he was an assistant at Seattle, and is being brought in because right now Casey doesn't have enough PGs to run a 3-PG lineup.

[kmart]

I think they just wanted the cash on the deal.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Ridnour has been traded 4 times in the last week. I think teams just like the contract more than anything.

[bluejays]

Sucks for the guy the past week. I don't see the harm in the Raps keeping him (he's somewhat of a veteran, and he's just the third string).

[Senator Clay Davis]

The Spurs are going to need to shed cap space to sign Aldridge themselves, so I wonder if Ridnour might be dealt to them. Raps could get Boris Diaw or Patty Mills out of it.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Well...the Raps sign DeMarre Carroll to a 4 year $60 million deal. Worth remembering the new cap next year so this is slight overpayment now but is fine next year. Very good defender and the Raps need better defense for sure.

[bluejays]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't know who the guy is! I don't know if that's indicative of my basketball knowledge or the signing, but that's one hefty contract.

[Da_Chief]

Originally Posted by fleury

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't know who the guy is! I don't know if that's indicative of my basketball knowledge or the signing, but that's one hefty contract.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/...carrode01.html

He broke out once he got to Atlanta. Not many Hawks are household names. Good player, I guess they woke up form Aldridge dream.

[Senator Clay Davis]

He's the poor man's Kawhi Leonard. Not as dynamic offensively and not as dominant defensively.

[octothorp]

Solid fit with the team... brings a wing defender who can knock down the catch-and-shoot 3. But... only really makes sense offensively if there's some movement away from the iso ball we've seen the last year, otherwise he'll just be standing in the corner like Ross a lot of the time. But with better defense at the other end, of course. $15 million is a lot under the current cap, but solid value once the cap rises next year.

Meanwhile, Raptors haven't cancelled their meeting with Aldridge, but I just don't see how they offer him the max still... would have to shed the salaries of Patterson, Johnson, probably Ross as well. Ujiri has proven to be a good evaluator of bench-level talent for the most part, finding workable pieces in other teams' scrap heaps. So maybe he guts everyone who's not a starter, puts out one of the better starting lineups in the east and worry about the bench over the rest of the summer.

[calculoso]

Interesting changes to the Raptors this year...

Amir Johnson is gone
http://www.tsn.ca/f-amir-johnson-sig...ltics-1.323165

Jerry Stackhouse is new assistant coach
http://www.raptorshq.com/2015/7/1/88...ssistant-coach

[octothorp]

Sounds like Aldridge isn't going to LA (didn't like the emphasis on LA lifestyle/opportunity, lack of a basketball plan in their presentation), and Phoenix has moved into contender status for him (along with favorite San Antonio). Raptors apparently have yet to make their pitch.

[Da_Chief]

Not sure if there's enough money to get Aldridge now. Would love to get him though.

Lowry
DD
Carroll
LA
JV

Would be a contender imo.