Felton done with Charlotte, sign and trade possible

[BOBCATS_BALL!]

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/raymond-felton-being-courted-done-with-the-bobcats.php

Raymond Felton's departure from Charlotte has been in the works for some time. Felton and the team could never agree on terms for an extension that would have made Raymond the Bobcats' long-term point guard. Then Michael Jordan tore down his Raymond Felton poster to put up a D.J. Augustin one, exposing the writing on the wall in the process. Felton played out his contract (including last year for the qualifying offer), and is now the top free agent point guard in the holy 2010 FA class.

Not that he's all that great. Felton's a good player and a strong defender, but he's not exactly a top-tier point guard. Yet with so many teams looking to the sky with money in their pockets, Felton seems destined to get his due (and perhaps more) on a PG-deprived roster. One that isn't the Bobcats.

From the Associated Press:

Unrestricted free agent point guard Raymond Felton has been contacted by seven teams as all signs point to him leaving the Charlotte Bobcats. Agent Tony Dutt wouldn't name the teams, but said Thursday Felton would consider a sign-and-trade deal with the Bobcats that would allow Charlotte to get some compensation for the starting point guard "if it would help them and Raymond as well." The Bobcats have made no push to re-sign Felton in part because of salary-cap issues. The team's payroll close to the luxury tax, a figure owner Michael Jordan says the team won't exceed.

All of those trades that seemed to turn out well for the Bobcats in the short-term? This is where they hit hard. If the Bobcats aren't willing to go over the tax, not only is Felton the first to go, but Tyrus Thomas (a restricted free agent) could soon follow. Those following the Bobcats knew that the team's course meant that certain long-term sacrifices would have to be made, but this appears to be a collision of that "distant" future and a particularly problematic present

[Carl Spackler]

Sounds like we mortgaged part of the future for a one-and-out playoff run. It seemed like a great idea in April...not so much now. But if they can get Thomas back, I can see them going back to the playoffs because Augustin can start and Hughes back him up for a year.

[BF91]

Nothing that DJ Augustin has done would suggest that he's a starting NBA point guard. Thomas will be back, however. The expiring deals of Chandler and Mohammad will be traded to give us payroll space and to improve the team.

[pantherfan49]

It is important to point out that the luxury tax threshold only matters later in the season. So hypothetically, the Bobs can go out and get a good PG, go over the luxury tax threshold and then ship Nazr of Chandler out at the trade deadline to get back below the luxury tax threshold.

Saying Bye to Felton has as much to do with the fact that Felton isn't the answer as it does with any salary cap issues.

[theedaddy]

whats the bcats cap look like in 2011? seems lots are coming off the books.

i like felton, plays hurt and showed good defense until the last 20 games.

bcats cannt get back much in return. 2nd rounder or scrub.

[Carl Spackler]

I don't see how Felton deserves to start over Augustin unless I'm talking to Carolina fans.

[Kurb]

Happy Trails Felton, you will be over paid somewhere.

[DynastyRTR]

Happy Trails Felton, you will be over paid somewhere.

Miami. would be smart to sign and trade him and another player like Diaw to NO for CP3. if anything, at least sign and trade him to Miami for Chalmers and a draft pick.

[EC123]

Sounds like we mortgaged part of the future for a one-and-out playoff run. It seemed like a great idea in April...not so much now. But if they can get Thomas back, I can see them going back to the playoffs because Augustin can start and Hughes back him up for a year.

Anyone who thinks Augustin is starting point guard material doesn't know anything about basketball.

Which is why Augustin was always in Larry Brown's doghouse.

Jordan doesn't even believe it. Guarantee you, Augustin will not be in Charlotte once his contract is up, either.