what are the thoughts on what should happen? Apparently there will be an amnesty clause as well as a stretch provision - though I dont know what a stretch provision really means.

Restricted FA

Stuckey
Jerebko

Unrestricted

Prince
Wilcox
McGrady

Under contract
Gordon - 3 yrs/37 million
Hamilton - 2 yrs/25 million though Im not sure exactly cost
Maxiell - 2 yrs/10 million
Villanueva - 3 yrs/21 million
Monroe - 2 years left on rookie deal
Bynum - 2 yrs/ not sure how much but i believe < 6 million
Wallace - i believe he has a year left on contract but considering retirement
Daye - 1 year left on rookie deal
Terico White - 1 year left on rookie deal
Singler - awaiting rookie deal
Macklin - awaiting rookie deal
Knight - awaiting rookie deal

Kind of a big mess but I would let all of the unrestricted free agents go - Prince, McGrady, and Wilcox. There s a place in the league for them but not on rebuilding teams, maybe would consider Wilcox or a similar type player for depth in frontcourt but he s just not able to utilize his talent much.

Amnesty clause - could use it on Hamilton, Gordon or Villanueva. Charlie V s salary isnt bad so I hold onto him even though he is not capable of being a starter on a winning team, maybe he could be a scorer off the bench. Hamilton gets through this shortened season and his salary becomes a valuable trade chip so he s closer to having some trade value than Gordon. Gordon gets the amnesty clause. Im not sure what the "provision" is or how it works but I suspect they would want to use it on one of Hamilton, Villanueva or less likely Maxiell.

Restricted FA - would definitely keep Jerebko as all indications are he has recovered well from his torn Achilles injury. Not sure about Stuckey but indications are that he will be somewhat cheaper given the new CBA. If we can amnesty Gordon than I keep Stuckey, otherwise I let him walk.

FA - not at all sure who s available but I would approach the season thinking that we cant compete but that I need to find out if one of my small forwards is a starter so I dont add one as a FA. If a starting power forward were available than thats a spot I would spend on and possibly a legitimate shooting guard (provided that Gordon is gone and we get to use the provision on hamilton). Stuckey becomes the 3rd guard. Veteran depth is needed in the front court so they may just add a low priced NBA vet.

Potential Roster

C - Monroe, Wallace as reserve
PF - Free agent vs Jerebko vs Villanueva, Maxiell and Macklin as reserves
SF - Daye vs Singler vs Jerebko
SG - Stuckey w Hamilton on bench for a year, then trade him when contract has value. Gordon amnesty clause
PG - Knight w Bynum as 3rd guard/backup, White for depth
BN - Singler
BN - Bynum
BN - Wallace
BN - Hamilton
BN - Villanueva
BN - Macklin
BN - Maxiell
BN - White
BN - veteran FA front court depth
one other spot open for a camp invitee to make team or if a legit starter at PF becomes available

Team would suck this season which is likely anyway but you try to develop a SF and find out if Stuckey or Knight are legit starting guards. Monroe is legit at C which is all we have at this point. The 2012 draft pick should be a high one and we need to land a great player there no matter what position. Heading into 2012 free agency, you have lost the contract of Gordon and contracts of Bynum, Hamilton, and Maxiell would all be good trade chips at that point.

In essence, set urself up to make a splash in 2012 Joe D

Is basketball still a sport?

only in college

in March