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Kevin Love, Danilo Gallinari and Kosta Koufos were the three players from the 2008 NBA draft class that signed extensions prior to the Wednesday deadline. Throw in Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose who had already signed extensions and that brings your grand total of '08ers to sign extensions to five. Meaning guys like Michael Beasley (2nd pick), O.J. Mayo (3rd pick), Eric Gordon (7th pick), Brook Lopez (10th pick), and Roy Hibbert (17th pick) will all be hitting the restricted free agent market this summer. The 2008 class is absolutely loaded with talent and all-star caliber players so the fact that only five guys from the class resigned before the deadline is quite surprising.
Everyone's attention seemed to be focused on Kevin Love. Love had made it known that he wanted a five year deal similar to the one which Russell Westbrook had signed with the Thunder the week before. Instead David Kahn and the Timberwolves decided to hardball Love, who after putting up the best numbers of his career in 2010-2011, decided to get in better shape during the offseason and improve his three point shot. For a team that was willing to spend $20 million on Darko it seemed odd that they would be reluctant to give Kevin Love what he wanted, 5 years $80 million. Instead he settled for a four year deal worth $60 million, but the fourth year on the contract is a player option, meaning he can leave after three seasons.
For a guy who lead the league in rebounds, finished 5th in PER, shot 41.7% from three and 85% from the free throw line a year ago, AND THEN decided to slim down and get in better shape, I simply cannot fathom why he wasn't worth five years. I do think it is ridiculous to say that Love "will remember this" three years from now when he is deciding whether he wants to pick up his player option or not, but still why wouldn't the T-Wolves want him for as long as possible? I just don't have an explanation for that. So start the countdown Lakers fans, Love, a California native, could be all yours in three years.
I will commend the Timberwolves and General Manager, David Kahn, for not giving Michael Beasley a contract extension. Beasley doesn't fit the Ricky Rubio style of play as B-Easy is more of a Sacramento Kings or Washington Wizards type player (aka one that does not pass). Since Beasley injured his foot on January 6th the Timberwolves have gone 6-5, as opposed to 2-5 with him. In that time Rubio has thrived running the fast break and his rookie teammate, Derrick Williams, has also shown signs that he is going to be a longterm starter for this team. So I'll chalk it up as a split deadline day for David Kahn.
The other major signing on the day (nope not you Kosta Koufos and your 3 year $9 million deal) was Danilo Gallinari agreeing to a 4 year $42 million contract with the Denver Nuggets. I love this deal for both parties. Gallo has been on fire this year shooting 47.4% from the floor, up from 41.5% last season, and has been attacking the rim better than he ever has before, averaging a whole shot more per game at the rim this year than last. Ironically when Gallinari came into the league he was basically used as a designated three point shooter, and this season his three point shot has been the weakest aspect of his game. Gallinari is also passing better than he ever has, averaging 2.9 assists per game, and is playing good active defense, which has resulted in him averaging 1.6 steals per game, up from .8 a season ago.
Currently Gallinari is third among SF in PER, Value Added and Estimated Wins Added. Only LeBron and Kevin Durant are ahead of him in those categories. So if you look at Gallinari's almost $10 million per year in comparison to some other small forwards who have been less effective than him this season, you will see that his contract seems just about right. For example Rudy Gay (10th in PER for SF) is making $15 million this year and Danny Granger (14th in PER for SF) is making $12 million. Signing a small forward who is 6-10 can shoot the rock and now take it to the hoop for 4 years $42 million seems worth it.
As for some of the guys who didn't sign, the most notable was Eric Gordon. Gordon and the Hornets were not able to reach an extension by the deadline, meaning that the hometown Pacers who have plenty of cap room can swoop in and lure Gordon away from the Hornets come summertime. If this scenario does in fact play out it would be a HUGE blow to the Hornets organization that basically traded Chris Paul thinking they could build around EJ. Another surprise was the Magic deciding to pass on giving Ryan Anderson a new deal. Anderson has shown that he can fill it up in the NBA and seems to still be improving. It is tough to tell what goes on in Magic GM Otis Smith's head. To be fair I imagine the only thing in his head right now is "please don't leave me Dwight."
The lack of deals on Wednesday undeniably makes this offseason more exciting. I am already looking forward to it...
Photo Cred to Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
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