The first verbal agreement has been reached and it's....drum roll...Drew Gooden's five year $32 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.  Well, that was underwhelming. 

At first glance it seems like an odd move for GM John Hammond.  Gooden has bounced around the league more than anyone not named Chucky Brown and consistency issues have plagued him for his entire NBA career.  Having said that, Gooden is a solid rebounder and should give the Bucks 12 pts and 9 boards a game.

The Bucks also appear to be closing in on a deal to bring back John Salmons for five years and $39 million.  I like the move, although it would appear to result in a glut of wing players on the roster.  Salmons can also back up Brandon Jennings at the point and gives the team a proven 14-16 point scorer every night. Now all Hammonds has to do is dump Michael Redd and his bloated contract and the summer will be a success. 


In other FA news, my favorite whipping boy David Kahn has invested $33 million in two Euro centers: Darko Milicic and Nikola Pekovic.  While Kahn is sure to be criticized for the signings, I'm not going to be piling on this time. 

As stated in a recent post, I'm one of the few people who still think Darko can be an above average NBA player.  Call me crazy, but Milicic is only 25-years old, can run the court, block shots, rebound and provide points in the paint with an array of low post moves.  That isn't worth $5 million a year?    


Evidently, Rudy Gay has agreed to stay in Memphis and accept a max contract with the Grizzlies.  Gay is a talented player, but he's simply not a max type guy...at least in my humble opinion.     


Finally, here is a short list of free agents and what I think they should be paid.  If a GM agrees to pay anything more than the figures listed below then he deserves to be drawn and quartered:

Paul Pierce:  3 years and $51 million - Almost 33 years and clearly on the downside of his career    

David Lee:  5 years and $55 million - One of my favorite players in the league deserves a big payday

Ray Allen:  3 years and $30 million - Turns 35 later this month, but should have at least 3 more good years

Joe Johnson:  5 years and $70 million - Perfect 2nd banana, but doesn't deserve a max deal.  $119 million contract would be ludicrous

Mike Miller:  4 years and $32 million - Excellent shooter but just can't stay healthy 

Brendan Haywood:  5 years and $40 million - Capable big body that can block shots and rebound but is limited offensively

J.J. Redick:  5 years and $44 million - Probably a little high but in this crazy market he's worth it

Ronnie Brewer:  4 years and $25 million - Defensive stopper that struggles offensively from beyond 10 ft.  Would be a great addition to a championship caliber team as a 7th or 8th man