You're right. Milwaukee may as well be in Canada. Hopefully that helps. On the other hand, he could be dying to get to one of the big LA, Chicago, NY, Miami markets. We'll find out in less than a year. It will be fascinating to monitor.
I don't think Harden is a great fit here, but I hear what you're saying...and I hope you're right. But the Raps have never signed an elite FA from someone else (extended their own guys a few times). It would be very different if they become a major player in the FA market.
I agree. Make sure the fans know you're ready to go balls deep and are in on everyone...but when the chips are down it wouldn't surprise me at all if they're a day late and a dollar short on the big boys.
...and if the Raps can land Giannis, or any other really significant piece next off-season? Then I guess this year was a complete waste + they have to seriously consider a blowup and rebuild. You can't win in this league without a superstar...and if no superstar wants to come here, then you need to make your own (unless they trade for one again).
My guess is that they already have 'for sure' deals they can sign, but there may be other teams that have interest and could make better offers but need to move some cash around first. Hoffman especially, is a good offensive player. Unless he's completely misread this market and his demands are ridiculous, there is no reason that he should be signed. Duclair should also have a deal...but he's not as much of a slam dunk as Hoff.
What impact, if any, do you think no minor league season will impact deals where prospects are involved? Was there really any good way to evaluate other teams prospects?