Good deals take times and, man, is it hot out

So, Kyle Lowry.

Knew they’ve had interest for quite a while, know he’ll be a huge hit with Dwane Casey and I think some of you might need to give Bryan a bit of a break today.

He got a guy who can help, cost him basically nothing and he kept the pick in the last draft.

Not bad, eh?

But the most important thing, I think, was moving quickly. There was a whole lot of angst in the world yesterday morning – some of it quite over the top – and I can promise you that he heard it and knew what was going on around the league where it concerned the Raptors.

So he did what any good GM would do, he identified a possibility that had existed for some time, worked it hard and got it done.

Two points:

This is the kind of trade that appears to have come together quickly, like in a day, but that’s not the case. All those times we talk in February or training camp or early in season or at the end of the season about general managers having their requisite conversations and doing their due diligence are precisely for moments like yesterday.

The seeds of this deal were sewn a while ago, Toronto expressed an interest, wasn’t rebuffed and while nothing happened in March or around the draft, the groundwork was in place because some homework had been done.

For all those times when people wonder what GMs actually do, this is your answer. They do their work, chat, explore, propose, pull back, call again, chat some more and just because nothing goes on at the trade deadline doesn’t mean no work got done.

It’s how the business works and days like yesterday are the result. What looks “quick” is often the culmination of a lot of behind-the-scenes work.

Second?

I had at least a couple of people ask about the draft pick, at least one warning that even a protected first was significant because it could be “another piece.”

Yawn.

It won’t be the first overall pick ever, it might not be the second or even the third and consider this as one of the worst case scenarios.

Let’s say the Raptors miss the playoffs next year but are close and have, say, the 10th pick in the draft?

Do you think for a second the 10th pick in any draft is better than having Kyle Lowry under contract and with your team?

No, neither do I.

It’s a good trade at basically no cost.

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Read somewhere it’s Rocky’s birthday (the boxer, not the guy with the flying squirrel as a friend) and I’m wondering where the film (and I hated all the sequels so we’ll only deal with the original) ranks in the sports-flick genre?

I’d say low, too trite, a bit cliché, no?

Anyway …

Oh yeah, Rocky himself is tiny and those steps at the Philly museum of art aren’t nearly as imposing as you’d think.

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Some esoteric numbers stuff.

My rudimentary math was correct yesterday (I know! There’s a first time for everything) and, by including Gary Forbes in the Lowry deal, the Raptors do not have to use the amnesty clause on anyone to absorb both Lowry and Landry Fields.

Oh yeah, one other note:

About 10 seconds after the Lowry deal got out, I had e-mails or calls from about four guys wondering if the Raptors would have to use amnesty on Calderon to get the deal done because the teams they were connected with would surely be interested enough to put in a bid.

Isn’t going to happen, though; makes no sense at the moment.

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I’d say 70-80 per cent of the mail I got was a variation of “what the hell is Bryan going to do now” or “what would it take to get Kyle Lowry” or “how the hell can you tell people to stay calm and see what happens, you nincompoop” so …

Yeah, we need some legit questions to get us through the weekend me through the day so click, write, send.

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It’s not often you win a game on a walk-off passed ball but in wacky world of The Mighty Red Tigers, you take your dramatic 4-3 victories anyway you can get them.

Was good to be back in park, too; it’d been a week.

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Hey, whichever deity running things up there, can we get a break from this heat, please.

Supposed to be mid-30s here today, will feel hotter (like mid-30s isn’t bad enough) and, frankly, I’m not built for the heat.

And I’m wondering what the five worst jobs would be in this weather?

I’ve got, in no particular order and I’m glad I don’t have to do any other them:

Roofer

Yeah, those black shingles and heat beating down on you must be a dream gig.

Drycleaner

There’s one across the street from our office and when I walk by on days like today and the back door’s open, it’s like a blast furnace.

Paver

Yeah, I’d LUV to be working on a driveway today.

Pizza chef

Those ovens get a tad hot, don’t they?

And the absolute worst?

Tobacco picker

Not sure if they even have them around these parts any more and I’m not entirely sure this is the season but way back in my mis-spent youth, I worked in the heart of southwestern Ontario’s then-thriving tobacco industry and because I’m a dolt – or because I lost a bet, I’m not sure – volunteered to do it one day just to see what it was like.

Never. Again. Ever.

(This was after I figured out the difference between tobacco and corn and it took me a day or two; farming ain’t my gig).

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A related heat note:

Super Son began summer school this week, trying to make thing easier on himself next semester and he’s supposed to go 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

First day, call comes about noon and he’s done and we’re wondering why? Did he get thrown out already? Did he learn everything in 2 1-2 hours?

Nope.

Too hot.

Guess they don’t air condition schools because no one’s there in the summer and they shut things down early because it was too uncomfortable.

Probably no reason for him to go at all today, right?

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Sorry for the digressions but we’ve been far, far too serious here of late.

But here’s a basketball question for your consideration:

In a world where Brandon Roy gets a $10 million deal in Minnesota and Jeremy Lin gets almost $30 million off 25 starts and 309-year-old Jason Kidd could get about $10 million, is the Landry Fields offer sheet totally out of whack?

Not a chance.

Speaking off Kidd ….

Ring, ring, ring

(That’s the sound of a telephone ringing)

“Hello?”

“Jason? Jason Kidd? You there?”

“I am, just left the Mavs facility, going to go sign a new deal.”

“This is John Salmons. Don’t do it. You don’t have to.”

“Hmm. Okay. Gotta run, gotta find Glen Grunwald’s number.”

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Comments

[Canadian Paul]

Hey Doug. With Fields, Ross, Johnson, DeRozan, Kleiza, Anderson, the Raptors are still underwhelming on the wings. There was an interweb rumour yesterday of a trade cooking with Philly whereby Raptors get Iguodala + Vucevic for Calderon, Demar and Ed Davis. Heard anything about it? Anything else cooking?

Blogger's note: The interweb sucks. I'm from Niagara Falls and there's not enough cold water to throw on that nonsense

[Lawrence]

Does letting Bayless walk free up any money? Or does it have to be an amnesty?

Blogger's note: Sure, they can rescind the qualifying offer and get about $4 million; won't do it, though

[Matty-Pix]

Hey hey! No jest about Salmons, while we have a verbal agreement with a talented young SG/SF ... after he signs - Salmons jokes are officially okay.

[Wallace]

Hi Doug,

Thanks for keeping a cool head while those around you are running with their hair on fire. I love the Kyle Lowry deal! Reaction from the league media talking heads is universally positive, and reading the Houston
Chronicle fan comments section, it seems that the Rocket fans are very upset with the deal. If the Knicks say they are matching Lin's offer from the Rockets, are you at all fearful that Houston might pull a MIchael Jordon on us and nix the deal?

[Mike kovacs]

or Billups getting another contract when he basically had a career-ending achilles tendon injury. He'll basically be a pylon out there. A pylon that can't jump!

[JT]

Doug,

What do you make of Forbes? He showed last season when he got a chance that he can score in this league. Instant offense off the bench but undersized for his position.

Blogger's note: Make of him? He's okay; hope he has a long and productive career. Doubt that he will, instant offence is a stretch

[Juan]

Doug. That tobacco experience wouldn't have been in Tilsonburg would it? Best Stompin' Tom song ever!

Blogger's note: It most certainly would have been

[nasko]

Doug, If it is true that the Raps could have gotten him for the 8th pick this year, why do you think this is a much better deal? I personally think that the Raps' greater need is a solid wing player, but what do I know. BTW, solid job on reporting and keeping a cool head.

Blogger's note: Because they got the pick and the player.

[S.R.]

With the current roster the way it is, and if there are no more changes, who starts for the Raps in October?

Blogger's note: Let's let 'em have at least one practice, okay?

[Kate C]

So - are all the people who wanted to fire BC yesterday, singing his praises today? I witnessed that same flip-flop last night in real life, and it made me shake my head. People love to over-react. I hope Raptors keep Bayless, I've always liked him and he really didn't get a chance last year to show us what he really is due to all the injuries. Also - I believe seeds are "sown"...? (you know I can't resist!)

Cheers Doug - have a great weekend.

[Mike D.]

I know we missed out on Nash, but can we call Kyle Lowry "Captain Canada" instead? It's such a great nickname for a Raptors' point guard, it seems like a shame to waste it....

[AT]

It was great to see a lot of the sports channels pop up the stats comparison between Lowry and Nash. I think as disappointed as everyone was about the Nash thing, basketball wise, stats wise and for the future, I think the team is going to be better off. The biggest let down was for the franchise itself and the buzz and $$$) it would have created for the team...but for the diehards like most of us here are, it is a better move. But to the first posted questions, have you heard of anything that might be happening soon in their pursuit of a 3?.Is there a deadline to use the Amnesty?

Blogger's note: Haven't heard; and am trying to find out deadline, I believe it's the start of next season but don't have that confirmed from anyone in a position of knowledge

[coachd]

"I had at least a couple of people ask about the draft pick, at least one warning that even a protected first was significant because it could be “another piece.”

Hi Doug,
I have to admit that this line made me chuckle. I guess it doesn't matter what you do, someone will always find some fault with it. Good move by the Raps to pick up Lowry and Fields. They are much better options than anyone on the present roster. To pick up two 27 year old starters for the same money that it would have cost to get Nash is excellent work by Colangelo. I'm still a big Jose fan and would love to see a Lowry-Calderon PG combo next season. After these transactions go through, do the Raps still have significant cap space to sign another FA or will they have to amnesty a player? Or, is another trade a more logical option?

Blogger's note: No significant room now; I am led to believe a trade is the more likely scenario to be pursued by nothing of significance is going on right now

[nasko]

"Doug, If it is true that the Raps could have gotten him for the 8th pick this year, why do you think this is a much better deal? I personally think that the Raps' greater need is a solid wing player, but what do I know. BTW, solid job on reporting and keeping a cool head.
Blogger's note: Because they got the pick and the player."

But they traded for him a player and potentially a higher pick, rather than the 8th pick in this draft where the players they liked most were already gone. It just puzzles me, but may be the parameters of the previous deal were the pick + sth else. Cheers from sunny and hot (but not humid Bulgaria)

[Derek]

Morning Doug,
Question about the "protected pick" (bearing in mind we don't know all the official details yet). From what I've read, the early expectation is that next year is supposed to be a relatively "weak" draft compared to this year. If the Raps do well enough (or poor enough) next year that their pick is high enough or low enough NOT to go to Houston, could the Raps try and trade for say the 14th pick in the draft and let Houston take that pick? Does it need to be the Raps "original" pick, or does a pick they obtained from someone else qualify?
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If a traded pick qualifies, I'd think trading with someone to obtain the 14th pick in a weak draft would come pretty cheap, and might make more sense to do that, rather than risk giving up a higher/better pick to Houston in 2014 in a stronger draft?

Blogger's note: Haven't seen the wording of the transaction but it is generally the "higher" of any multiple picks and I would assume that will be the case here

[DannyFromFreddy]

With Jason Kidd signing with the Knicks, do you think that NY will still match the Houston deal to keep Linn?

Blogger's note: Yes

[JT]

Doug, not sure you can say it was no cost because there's a chance the Raptors could be giving up a #2 or #3 overall draft pick to the Rockets in the next few years if what is being widely reported as a lottery protected pick is correct. At the same time, I would acknowledge that the pick may also very well be a #10, #14 pick.

[Striker 77]

Hey Doug,

Rocky 2? Not bad.. a true continuation of the first one.. the others I agree were not as good...

So, Colangelo gets Lowry, who is a very good point guard who fits perfect with the system that Casey uses, for only 12 mil over two more years.. and some are saying that it cost too much for the first rounder? I get really tired of people not being realistic, and being way to negative... A proven player, who is only 26, who averaged something like 14, 6 and 5, with like 2 steals a game ( i think those numbers are somewhat right, too lazy to check) for Forbes and a future pick... I cant understand why anyone would criticize that...

If you read websites where Houston fans are commenting, they are UPSET that Morey went through with this deal.. they think the raps def. won this trade.
Course, we will find out for sure in a year... in the meantime, be happy people!

Yo Adrian....

[Tudor]

Hi Doug,
I keep reading that now "we have to" amnesty Jose or Jarryd...
From what I read, the total salaries for the season so far is ~ 58 millions..
So do we really HAVE to or we ("we", the Raptors :-)) can wait and trade people ?
Thanks.

Blogger's note: No, they don't have to do anything

[LeeZ]

As trite and corny as it is, Rocky was a great sports movie, and one of the very best, imho. It was post-Watergate, people needed a rousing, well-told tale, and Rocky delivered. Other great sports movies: Bang the Drum Slowly and Eight Men Out, among others.

[Arlene Erven]

If Raps don't trade Calderon, who do you think will start, Calderon or Lowry?
Maybe depend on training camp, I guess, and chemistry.

I like this trade and prefer it to Nash deal, especially in the long term for Raps.

Questions now - who else do they trade? JJ, Amir or Davis? Will Alan Anderson figure in Raps plans for next season?
I hope they keep Aaron Gray.

Blogger's note: Wish I knew; and they like both Anderson and Gray but I doubt either gets signed -- if they do at all -- on anything more than a non-guaranteed one-year deal much closer to training camp

[David in Oakville]

Doug! really?
"In a world where Brandon Roy gets a $10 million deal in Minnesota and Jeremy Lin gets almost $30 million off 25 starts and 309-year-old Jason Kidd could get about $10 million, is the Landry Fields offer sheet totally out of whack?

Not a chance."

Isn't that a little like someone beating their chest and saying how proud they are that they only use crack cocaine occasionally seeing as all their friends are heroin fiends.

Come on, Fields is worth the money or he isn't. I am sure we could look up enough historically awful deals to make the Turkoglu signing look reasonable If Fields can thrive under coach Casey and reverse his sophomore slump then the signing will look reasonable, otherwise not a chance.

Good on BC for pulling off the Lowry deal. Hope we can keep both Lowry and Calderon but if not, please do not amnesty Jose. No way he lasts more than a day.

[Ryan]

Since the deal with Fields is only verbal at this point, is it possible for the Raptors to back out of that deal before July 11? If so, it would allow them to concentrate on getting an even better SF such as Iggy.

Blogger's note: Not happening, please put it entirely out of your mind and anyone who thinks like that.

[peter from Saint John, NB]

Thanks, Doug, for bringing sanity and reason to what has been a ridiculously overblown panic attack by so-called Raptor fans over the last couple of days. It reminded me of the "Off with their heads!!!" mentality of the red queen in "Alice in Wonderland"
Although, at first, I was disappointed that Nash chose LA, it certainly was better than having him go to the Knicks; and in the long run, given Lowry's age and defensive potential, this was probably a better scenario.
I really enjoyed watching the defensive growth of the young Raptors team last season, and am looking forward to this season with a lot of optimism.

[Zumbul]

@Nasko, why would a plonder from Bulgaria care about the Raptors? Go have a grozdova and salata, you understand them better than basketball.