HOWIE

What is the deal with Mike Conley Jr.? Why hasn't he signed with Memphis yet? It's not like a rookie contract is rocket science. Is there a back story out of Memphis on why they haven't signed him yet? Did he sign a waiver to play in Summer League? What is going on with him signing his contract?

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carlos710

Im not sure, but i guess they want to use their remaining cap space before signing him

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June 13: 5 years on this boards !

Cinco de Mayo

I forgot where cap holds come into play as far as unsigned first-rounders are concerned, but I expect he'll be signed after we've exhausted our cap space.

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HOWIE

So do you think that there is a trade in the mist for Memphis and they need a couple of million to make it work? Most rookies have signed and I was just wondering what the hold up was for Conley. It would make sesnse that they don't want to add him to the current cap space if they have a deal in the works. Are there rumors floating about Memphis that I have missed? I know they just signed Darko, are they going to move Gasol or Miller?

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Quite Frankly

I don't get the hold up either. Gasol might be getting moved, but course that MIGHT has been a thought for a couple years now.

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GregOden

Makes sense to me, they want to spend a bit more of their cap space before they sign him.

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Schilly

Unsigned Rookies count against the cap.

HOWIE

How much cap does Memphis have to spend and what are they looking to get in FA?

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Cinco de Mayo

Currently, about $3 million and they're looking to add a three-point shooter.

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HOWIE

I was thinking that they would be wanting to get a player that could get up and down the court, doesn't Memphis have enough long ragne players? Is there a target player that they are looking for out there in rumor land?

Would they consider a player like Martell Webster? I am not sure what his trade value would be on the open market, but would a player like that work, I don't think that there is a huge amount of three point players out there for 3 million a year, good ones that it.

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Cinco de Mayo

Outside of Mike Miller, there are no reliable three-point shooters on the roster. Damon Stoudamire and Brian Cardinal have too many injury concerns to be counted on as every day players - both are almost crippled. Rudy Gay has some range, but he's streaky at this point in his career. Kinsey is known more for his mid-range game. Lowry and Conley Jr. aren't long-bombers.

A big rumor has been Navarro, and the moves made recently (Stevenson signing for most of the MLE, Alexander Johnson's release creating that much more cap room) are giving Grizz fans some hope for that. But...it's a rumor for now.

I'm sure the franchise would have some use for Webster, but as always, it would depend on the price. If the price is Conley Jr., then certainly not.

If we're talking players from the 06-07 Blazers roster, Udoka seems a more-likely acquisition, given Memphis' defensive woes.

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HOWIE

It sounds like Ime is going to the Spurs, rumored deal is 3 year deal at 3 million per year. If I was Ime I would take it and run, he may never see that kind of money again. He was a feel good story in Portland last year. Hometown kid finally making it. I'm sure that he'll be missed, but Portland is really pushing for the caproom in 09.

I don't think that Memphis would let Conley go for just Webster, I think it would have to be a much bigger package deal. I know that Memphis is going to be a running team with Coach "I", not sure if Webster fits that mold. Now Sergio might fit that mold, but again, it would have to be a much larger deal to make it workout for both parties.

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