when does the Gravity of Zion draw free agents

Depends on the level of Free Agent.

If he's very good and putting the Pels in regular 2nd Round contention, you will attract some good vets looking to play with him.

If he's an absolute superstar putting the Pels in WC/Finals contention, its a different conversation.

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Gravity concept says mighty stars collect free agents like Jupiter. massive pull.

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Not sure this exists, at least not for elite level stars.

Lebron couldn't get anyone to come to Cleveland with him.

Zion could certainly draw good players in, but we're not getting truly elite top 10-15 level dudes to come here as a free agent.


That doesn't mean it's a completely bunk concept though. If we could swing a trade for a guy like that under contract and have success in deep playoff runs, we could then have a good shot at keeping these guys with extensions.

But "mighty stars" coming here as free agents, that's not happening. who/when is the last elite level player to sign with a bottom 5 market as a free agent?

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I think it's more likely we focus on the solid role playing vets in free agency and utilizing some of our young players and draft pick equity to focus on trading for the star player.

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Correct

Yeah exactly. Our all-in move will be moving draft picks a prospects for the disgruntled superstar on the market in 2-3 years to pair with Zion and BI.

This year, we got J.J. Redick because he wanted to play here. The Jazz gave Derrick Favors several options to choose to be traded to, and he chose us.

I feel like a lot of things like Aaron Nelson, facility improvements, etc. are all helping us here.

But to answer the original question, Zion will really draw top stars here when they think that they can get a ring. Not before.

When he wins a title. A New Orleans based team will not be a draw to elite free agents until it proves it can win championships.

How many stars actually sign with other teams?

Durant is the obvious one, and so is LeBron, but for the most part, stars usually stay where they are at or get traded to different teams.


Here’s the All-NBA team from last year
F: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
F: Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder- abruptly trades twice
C: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
G: James Harden, Houston Rockets- traded
G: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

SECOND TEAM

F: Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors- left in FA
F: Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors- left in FA
C: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
G: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
G: Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics- traded then told to frick off in Boston

THIRD TEAM

F: Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons- abruptly traded
F: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers- left in FA
C: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
G: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder- abruptly traded
G: Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets- left in FA
* Official release & voting totals


The three years prior, however, besides Lebron and Durant, the only player to switch teams through FA was Aldridge. Both Aldridge and Leonard wanted to go back to their hometowns too. It’s just something that doesn’t happen very often, and most of the time when these trades happen, it’s from guys who didn’t request them (Cousins, Griffin, Harden, George w/OKC, Westbrook).

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How many stars actually sign with other teams?

Durant is the obvious one, and so is LeBron

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Off the top of my head,

Shaq, ORL-LAL
Kawhi, TOR-LAC
Aldridge, POR-SAS
Iggy, PHI-GSW
Wade. MIA-CHI
Amare'e, PHX-NYK
Bosh, TOR-MIA

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Serious question, who had the better year this year... Turner or Christian Wood?

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Do you count defense?

Our squad potentially already has championship core in place. If we can afford all of them and allow them to grow, this could be the Warriors.

We lose Jrue at some point from age or production, but otherwise need to focus on having a culture where all of these guys want to stay.