Travis Outlaw Netted by the New Jersey Nets
Free Agent forward Travis Outlaw has reportedly reached an agreement with the New Jersey Nets Thursday this week.
Sources close to the negotiations have revealed that Outlaw stands to receive $35 million in a five-year deal with the said NBA team.
Last season, Outlaw played 34 games with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers. With the Blazers, Outlaw put in 9.9 points and 3.5 rebounds, while the forward managed to bag 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds with the Clippers.
Shortly after the acquisition, president and general manager Rod Thorn stated: "We are very pleased to add Travis to our roster. He is a young, athletic player who will fit in very well with the style of play that Avery has installed."
However, observers feel that the acquisition is a sorry second-best after Thorn’s wish list did not come to fruition. Team owner Mikhail Prokhorov initially wanted LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, but all three chose the Miami Heat, thereby forming a “dream team” down in South Beach.
Even before James announced his decision, the Nets weren’t considered as a top-three favorite to get the two-time MVP.
The Nets also made an inquiry on Carlos Boozer, but was eventually outbid by the Chicago Bulls last Wednesday.
Rumor has it that Rudy g*y was also on their radar. Unfortunately for the Nets, g*y re-signed with Memphis.
There was the myth of Mike Miller, but an $8-9 million average asking price basically killed that off.
And thus, the Nets had to settle for Outlaw, the seven-year vet.
In truth, the deal isn’t that bad, since Outlaw was Portland's first-round draft pick (No. 23 overall) in 2003. He has played in 400 career games, averaging 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 22 minutes while shooting .441 from the field and .363 from 3-point range. He has put in some steady numbers for his previous teams.
However, the deal isn’t enough to net some wild cheering from the team’s supporters. After winning just 12 games last season, the acquisition isn’t exactly the type that would turn things around for New Jersey. In fact, fans have been quick to voice out their opinions, stating that Outlaw is mediocre at best and would not be much of a power player when the playoffs roll in. If the playoffs actually make it to New Jersey.
This, unfortunately, is simply “Plan B” for New Jersey.
However, this may just be the Nets’ first move in the frantic free agency period and will soon sign bigger and perhaps better names. But after all the hype, you can’t help but feel that deal is a let-down. Yes, he’s a starter—but not exactly a star-starter.
Nevertheless, in Outlaw, they get a guy that can score during crunch time, and is not afraid to take the initiative when it counted. When healthy, the 6-9, 210-pound Outlaw can provide some solid minutes as long as he has fully recovered from his foot injury last November.
Still, he is a good sixth man and will provide his team with some scoring threat beyond the arc whether he stars or comes off the bench.
Shortly after the Outlaw deal, the Nets are said to be strongly interested in making an offer to either Tyrus Thomas or Luis Scola to fill their hole at the power forward position, now that the small forward position has been given to Outlaw.
Kyle Korver is looking unclear as the player was deemed too one-dimensional for a five-year contract.
It will be interesting to see the Nets’ next move, seeing that their first one was far from the stellar signing that many were expecting. However, signing a young and dynamic small forward in Travis Outlaw could be good start for the Nets rebuilding process.
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