Andrew wrote:Peja became a free agent in an effort to get a better deal and it looks like he's got it. Even though the Pacers don't have anything to show for the Artest deal and it's a blow anytime you lose a key player without compensation, I must agree with Indy; paying Peja in the range of $12 million per year would hardly have been a fantastic move either.
As it stands, it's not a perfect deal for the Hornets since it's a lot of money to spend on a player who's a great shooter and effective scorer but is at best average defensively and has disappeared in the Playoffs before as well as has possessing questionable leadership abilities. That said, he's still a good acquisition despite the price tag and it seems less of a risk for the Hornets to shell out that kind of money than it does for the Pacers. New Orleans is on the rise again while Indiana is in a position where they might have to re-tool and they hardly need contracts that are difficult to move.
I also think its a pretty steep contract ... but I guess thats how it is these days. If you don't overpay, someone else will. And Peja is about the biggest FA signing the Hornets ever did. We'll see if this pans out or not. But at least its a pretty good sign that players now starting to want to come here ... I guess Chris Paul has that kind of effect.
Now lets hope this rumored Tyson Chandler deal goes through as well and we look pretty good for next season. Playoffs here we come ...
