NBA Free Agency: Mike Brown and Danny Ferry Head to Los Angeles

For those of you that follow my Twitter account, you likely saw a blurb that hit early yesterday evening regarding a Mike Brown/Danny Ferry sighting out in Los Angeles.  It definitely pays to have a lot of traveling family members that think of us when they see persons of interest out and about.

A few hours later, this “sighting” was confirmed by Brian Windhorst in what he deemed a “clandestine free agent meeting.”

While the team will not confirm who they are visiting, the first name that should be on the top of everyone’s speculation list is not a free agent at all.  It is Dan Fegan – the agent of forward Anderson Varejao.  Fegan is based in Los Angeles and, as Windhorst mentions, conducts a lot of his negotiations in-house. 

Given the tension during the negotiations two years ago, there is a good chance that Team Ferry may find it in their best interest to start discussions with Fegan sooner than later; of course, assuming that they do in fact want him to be a part of this team going forward.  What Ferry has in his favor is the fact that we are hearing absolutely nothing regarding interest in Varejao from other teams. 

On the power forward front, it started with Carlos Boozer, who ultimately took his player option.  Then it was Charlie Villanueva.  Then most recently, it was Rasheed Wallace.  One has to wonder how far down the collective “list” the name Varejao sits among the league. 

But while Ferry is likely conducting these negotiations, does he need Mike Brown there?  This is the only part that makes me think that the two of them may be multitasking while out west. 

Fegan also represents Toronto’s Shawn Marion, a player that had been rumored in a few trades in the past, but also one that comes with some mixed emotions around the league.  His best days are arguably behind him, and may have even been inflated thanks to Mike D’Antoni and Steve Nash.  But his defense has always been stellar, typically among the league leaders in steals and blocks – something that Mike Brown may be a big fan of.

He’s 6’7″, likely a bit smaller than the team would hope to get from a free agent, but has a very large wing span.  He’s one of the few players in the league that can average at least one steal, block and three-point field goal per game and has a career free throw percentage north of 80 percent.  He’s an efficient player that managed 13 points and almost nine rebounds per game while only requiring about 10 shots. 

But as TD mentioned last week, Marion is a bit of a diva.  The reason that a lot of Cavaliers fans are high on the recently-drafted Danny Green is due to his readiness and willingness to accept a part as a role player.  He was the fourth option on his college team, so he’s far from a guy that will demand the ball.  Marion, on the other hand, has a bit of a chip on his shoulder and tends to think he is a lot more important than he truly is.  Perhaps ensuring that one of the Cavs Girls wears his jersey during a dance routine would make negotiations a bit better?

Another name that was mentioned by Windhorst was Josh Childress – he of the transfer to Greece after the Atlanta Hawks would not pay him what he felt he was worth.  He’s a double-digit scorer, and has always been an efficient role player with solid defense.  However, as we have mentioned here at times, the Hawks still have matching rights to any offer made to Childress.  Given the money issues that have been mentioned in any Josh Smith trade rumors, there is a chance that they would not match. 

It then comes down to money and how much that the team feels either of these players are worth.  With this MLE burning a hole in the pockets of all involved (from Dan Gilbert to the common fan), this is a pretty big decision.  A one-year deal would be perfect, but is anyone willing to sign for such? 

Given how fast that things move, I expect to find out the meaning behind the LA trip sooner than later.  For now, we do what we have done for quite some time: Wait and hope for the best.