Point 1: Hornets Got a Steal in Stephenson
Lance Stephenson, who turned down a 5-year, $44 million deal from the Pacers, just signed with the Charlotte Hornets for three years and $27 million. While Stephenson catches a lot of flak for being immature (most of it warranted), he's also a very talented player. Born Ready as he was once dubbed, was not, in fact, born ready. He came into the NBA very raw after just one season at Cincinnati. However, he has improved every season he has been in the league and has turned himself into a good all-around player. Stephenson is still prone to mistakes, especially turnovers, but at 23, he has room to improve. $9 million a year is what the Lakers just paid for Jordan Hill, so Stephenson on a similar contract is a steal for Michael Jordan and the Hornets.
Point 2: Free Agency Not Over Yet
With Lance Stephenson now off the market, there are only two big names yet to find a home this offseason: Eric Bledsoe and Greg Monroe. The market for both is really unknown. Bledsoe was supposed to fetch a max contract, but the 76ers are now the only team left that has the means to offer one. Considering how they seem to be fine with tanking yet another season, that is not probable. Monroe was also in the market for a big deal this offseason but nothing ever materialized. A scenario that makes sense for both players? A double sign-and-trade between the Pistons and Suns. The Suns have guards aplenty (Goran Dragic, Isiah Thomas, Gerald Green, Tyler Ennis) but could use another reliable big man after losing Channing Frye to the Magic. The Pistons have Andre Drummond and Josh Smith but lack a reliable guard. From here, a double sign-and-trade with the Pistons getting Bledsoe and the Suns receiving Monroe would make sense for both teams.
Point 3: Melo Pay Cut
Carmelo Anthony re-signed with the Knicks for 5-years, $124 million earlier this week. Some are claiming he helped the Knicks by taking a pay cut because he could have got $129 million. Really? He took $5 million less, spread out over five seasons. Who's that going to help sign, Eddy Curry? If you want to know what a real pay cut looks like, check out what Dirk Nowitzki just did for the Mavericks. Still an elite player, Dirk signed for 3-years, $25 million. He will make over the next three seasons almost what Kobe Bryant will make next season alone ($23.5 million). Talk about sacrificing for the team.
Freebie: Random Awesome Video
In honor of Dwyane Wade re-signing with the Miami Heat, here is a throw-back of him being awesome. (h/t woutakasinistra for the video)
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