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2014 NBA Free Agent Signings: July 16 Updates
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The Heat had to. The team had to overpay to keep Chris Bosh around and now massively overpay a “starting to breakdown physically” Wade. $15.5 million per year is a lot to pay someone who will likely only play around two-thirds of the regular-season games, especially when his role must increase without LeBron James around. The positive of this deal is that it is only for two years and Wade reportedly has a player option after the first season, so Miami is not on the hook for a long-term extension.
Grade: D+
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Miller turned down more money from Houston and Denver to rejoin King James and head to Cleveland. This is a significant acquisition for the Cavaliers as they sorely need a perimeter threat, and Miller can come off the bench as instant offense. To add him for less than three million per year is a bargain as well.
Grade: D+
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Booker developed into a solid role player in Washington providing toughness and rebounding. He now becomes the first post player off the bench in Utah behind Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter. This was a major need for the Jazz, plus the franchise also had the cap space to make this move.
Deng Grade: B
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Humphries comes to Washington via a sign-and-trade deal that saw the Celtics get a trade exception and conditional second-round pick. With Booker bolting D.C., the Wizards had to find a rebounding role player, and I don’t mind them paying Humphries a little more than four million per year for a potential eight-point-, five-rebound-per-night guy. Gooden performed well in D.C. after was he was signed late in the season and provides more depth and experience inside.
Grade: B+
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The Knicks were in search of frontcourt depth, and Smith helps fill that void for the next year. He had his 2013-14 campaign cut short due to injury but was a solid contributor for the Pelicans when healthy. Staying on the court has been an issue for Smith, which could be a concern since the injury-riddled Amar’e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani are also on the roster.
Grade: C-
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With these signings, the Rockets add some physicality and toughness to their frontcourt bench. Dorsey has bounced around during his pro career but started for the FC Barcelona Euroleague Final Four team last season. Both guys are undersized could find a niche off the Houston bench since there is a hole to fill due to the trading of Amer Osik.
Grade: C+
2014 NBA Free Agent Signings: July 14 Updates
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Everything’s already been written about this, but I didn’t think Cleveland stood a chance in hell of bringing LeBron James back home. Now, the Cavs are a top-three team in the Eastern Conference.
What surprises me is that this was only a 2-year deal. It is supposedly because the new CBA will be negotiated in two summers so LeBron can then get a likely bigger max deal. What seems more likely, is in case this whole return to Cleveland thing doesn’t work, he can still end his career elsewhere to chase more rings. What a fun summer of 2016 if James does test the market again. Sigh.
Grade: A+
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Money does talk. Carmelo Anthony tested the market – visiting teams like the Lakers, Bulls, Rockets, and Mavericaks – but in the end, cashed in by staying in the Big Apple. The Knicks needed to keep Anthony in NYC or else they were going to be one of the worst teams in the East. I don’t think Carmelo Anthony is a max-contract player, and he hasn’t done anything to prove that he can be THE guy on a championship-caliber team, but New York had no other real choice. Phil Jackson now faces the challenge of trying to surround Anthony with better talent, which the franchise has failed to do since Anthony arrived.
Grade: C-
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Who needs LeBron when you have Luol Deng? All kidding aside; this is a solid Plan B for the Heat as the franchise tries to replace the King. Ten million dollars per year for Deng is a good value as he can help take some of the scoring load off Bosh and a short deal provides Miami with future cap flexibility. A Bosh/Deng/Josh McRoberts frontcourt isn’t terrible in the Eastern Conference as that trio should be able to average what, 45 points and 20 rebounds per game?
The terms of Chalmers’ and Andersen’s deals haven’t been released yet, so it’s hard to judge those signings. Chalmers was one of the worst starting point guards in the league last year, and Miami now has a cluster of points guard with Chalmers, Norris Cole, and 2014 first-round pick Shabazz Napier. Chris “The Birdman” Andersen will bring his energy, rebounding, and shot blocking to the floor and continue to be a valuable role player in South Beach.
Deng Grade: A
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The Rockets had the opportunity to match this offer sheet by the Mavericks, but instead chose to pass. Fifteen million dollars per year is a bit pricey for Parsons, but his versatility and all-around ability will be a welcomed addition to a new look Dallas frontcourt that will feature Parsons, Dirk Nowitzki, and recently acquired Tyson Chandler. As for Houston, the Rockets missed out on Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, and let Parsons walk, so this has been a rough past few days for them. Jefferson is a great pickup for the league minimum. He had a nice bounce-back season in Utah last year and should be a solid role player off the Mavericks’ bench.
Parsons Grade: C+
Jefferson Grade: A+
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The Bulls’ frontcourt is going to be LEGIT next year. The amnestying of Carlos Boozer, combined with the signings of Gasol and Mirotic to pair with returning players Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, provide Chicago with a versatile, talented, deep frontline.
Getting Gasol at a bargain rate is a steal, as he is expected to come to the Windy City at about a third of the price that the franchise would have paid Boozer this upcoming season. Mirotic is a wild card, but all indications are that he will be a high-impact rookie who can bring some scoring punch off the bench. If Derrick Rose is healthy, these signings should make the Bulls the new favorites in the Eastern Conference.
Grade: A
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Assuming Derrick Rose is back to 100% percent, Hinrich becomes a solid backup and someone who can also play alongside Rose in the same backcourt. This is fair money for Hinrich, who is on the downside of his career but can still be valuable on both ends of the floor.
Grade: B+
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Houston Rockets acquire SF Trevor Ariza, future Pelicans’ first-round pick; New Orleans Pelicans acquire C Omer Asik, F Omri Casspi; Washington Wizards acquire PF Melvin Ely, trade exception
Coming off his most complete seasons in his 10-year career, Ariza decided to leave Washington for Houston even though the Wizards were pushing hard to keep him. He signs a 4-year, $28 million contract as part of this sign-and-trade deal. With Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh crossing the Rockets off their lists, the franchise moved quickly to add a versatile small forward capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor.
We’ve know for a couple of weeks now that Asik was coming to New Orleans, and the deal is finalized that sends Houston a future first-round pick. Asik is the true center who the Pelicans needs to play alongside Anthony Davis upfront. My only concern for New Orleans is that Asik becomes a free agent next summer, so it could be a 1-year rental that costs the franchise a future first-rounder. The Wizards get a trade exception that could become valuable prior to the trade deadline.
Rockets Grade: B
Pelicans Grade: C+
Wizards Grade: C
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After losing Trevor Ariza to Houston, the Wizards acted quickly by signing Pierce. The 16-year veteran is coming off his least productive season and is clearly on the final leg of his career. He can still be a solid complementary option on the wing alongside rising stars John Wall and Bradley Beal, and perhaps just as importantly; add some leadership and winning experience to the locker room.
Grade: B
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With Luke Ridnour a free agent, the Hornets were in the market for a backup to Kemba Walker and found him in Roberts. He started 42 games for the Pelicans last season when Jrue Holiday was sidelined, but is best served in a reserve role.
Grade: B+
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After getting waived by the Raptors early in the season, Augustin was picked up by the Bulls and played an important role for them post-Derrick Rose injury. The Pistons already have Brandon Jennings and Will Bynum at point guard, so I’m not sure where Augustin fits in.
Butler had a similar resurgence once he signed with the Thunder. He was a valuable bench scorer, and the Pistons needed to improve their outside shooting, which Butler will do. Depending on what happens with restricted Greg Monroe, Butler could see significant playing time off the bench or even work his way into the starting lineup.
Augustin Grade: C-
Butler Grade: B-
2014 NBA Free Agent Signings: July 13 Updates
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Desperate times call for desperate measures. Is Bosh worth this much money? Absolutely not. Once LeBron made his decision to head back home to Cleveland though, Miami was forced to offer Bosh a max deal so that he would turn down the Rockets’ attempt to lure him to Houston.
Bosh now returns to the role he played in Toronto where he is the go-to option since Dwyane Wade is on the downside of his career and cannot be relied upon to play an entire season. I understand the Heat were handcuffed and forced to bust out the big bucks for Bosh, but this contract is going to look terrible in a couple months, even more terrible than it is right now.
Grade: D+
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Utah said it was going to match any offer sheet Hayward signed, and that’s exactly what happened did when the Hornets gave him a max deal. $15-plus million per year seems insane for Hayward, but his all-around versatility makes him a key piece to the Jazz’s re-building effort. The franchise would have taken another step back if it simply let him walk, but probably could have signed him to a cheaper deal at this time last year.
Grade: B-
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Coming off his most complete season in his 10-year career, Ariza decided to leave Washington for Houston even though the Wizards were pushing hard to keep him. With Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh crossing the Rockets off their lists, the franchise moved quickly to add a versatile small forward capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. This signing does bring into question whether the Rockets will pass on Chandler Parsons’ three-year, $45 million offer sheet with the Mavericks or try to bring him back and play Parsons and Ariza together at forward.
Grade: B
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Nine million dollars per year for Jordan Hill??? Was the market for Hill that much? No way. To put this in perspective, he is making Paul Millsap-like money. Jordan Hill. This was a move made out desperation for a Lakers team that is striking out in free agency and trying to do something to surround Kobe Bryant with a last-ditch hope.
As for Young, he capitalized off Kobe’s injury with a career-high scoring year and cashed in on a long-term extension. Young could start alongside Kobe on the wing or resume his sixth-man role that he clearly excelled at last year. Unlike the Hill signing, this one makes sense for the Lakers.
Hill Grade: F
Young Grade: B+
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With the Rockets looking to clear cap space, they dumped off Jeremy Lin on the Lakers though it also cost them a first-round pick. Lin will fight for minutes at point guard with Steve Nash (if he’s healthy) and Kendall Marshall (if he returns to the team). Lin is entering the final year of his contract, so acquiring him still gives the Lakers’ cap flexibility for next summer since they struck out in free agency this offseason. The first-round pick is also huge for L.A. since the franchise’s 2015 selection goes to Phoenix.
Grade: B-
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Udrih signed with Memphis late in the season and was a valuable reserve for the Grizzlies in the postseason. His contract is extremely reasonable for a backup to Mike Conley. Three years is a long deal for the 37-year old Carter, but he is still a valuable scoring option off the bench. Memphis needs some offensive firepower on the wing, and Carter should be an upgrade in that area.
Udrih Grade: A
Carter Grade: B-
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After striking out on signing Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, the Hornets turned to his now former teammate. Charlotte was searching for some scoring help at the forward position since Josh McRoberts left for Miami. Seven million dollars per year is a bit much for someone who averaged just 9 points and 5 rebounds on a putrid Jazz team last year, but Williams’ ability to play either forward position provides the team with some needed versatility.
Grade: C
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This was actually a sign-and-trade deal in which Thomas’ former team, the Kings, acquires the draft rights to Alex Oriakhi and a $7 million trade exception. Phoenix is stockpiling point guards since they have Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe (who is still a restricted free agent but someone the Suns are planning on re-signing) and first-round draft pick Tyler Ennis. Unless Phoenix decides to sign and trade Bledsoe, I am not sure how this deal makes sense.
Tucker had a breakout season in the desert and emerged as a terrific role player for the Suns. Phoenix rewarded him with an aggressive contract as the team needs his defensive prowess on the wing and ability to crash the glass. His toughness is also needed since Phoenix is turning into a small, point guard-heavy team at guard. I don’t love Tucker at $5.5 million per year, but he deserved some type of raise and extension.
Thomas Grade: D+
Tucker Grade: B
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After the Raptors re-signed Kyle Lowry to his 4-year, $48 million deal, I figured Vasquez might be too pricey for them to retain as well. He can run the point when Lowry needs a rest or play some two when DeMar DeRozan needs a breather. Patterson was solid for Toronto after coming over from Sacramento in the Rudy Gay deal. Second-year GM Mesai Ujiri seems to be building a very similar team to the one he had in Denver with solid depth and reasonable contracts.
Grade: B
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With Thabo Sefolosha leaving via free agency, the Thunder needed to plug a hole at shooting guard. Morrow brings more offensive firepower to the floor and will compete with Jeremy Lamb for the starting two guard spot.
Grade: C
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With Mo Williams’ price tag too high, the Blazers had to turn elsewhere to find a backup for Damian Lillard. Blake is a solid role player with a low price tag, and this will be his third go-around in Rip City.
Grade: A-
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Bazemore showed enough life in his brief stint with the Lakers that he can be a solid reserve on a quality team. The Hawks have brought in both he and Thabo Sefolosha at cheap deals that should help shore up their wing depth and bring some versatility on the defensive end.
Grade: B+
2014 NBA Free Agent Signings: July 9 Updates
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This all seems a bit fishy to me. Why would Miami use its mid-level exception and bi-annual on two guys without knowing the status of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh? It is hard to judge these signings until we know what happens with the Big Three. McRoberts isn’t the physical, low post big Miami needs, but he can stretch defenses with his outside shooting. Injury issues have derailed Granger’s career to this point, but if he can stay healthy, he could be a steal signing for the Heat.
Grade: B
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Frye wins the O.J. Mayo Award this year for the player who followed the dollar signs to play for a crappy team rather than take less money on a playoff contender. $8 million a year is a bit pricey for Frye, but he does provide a stretch four who can play alongside Nikola Vucevic in the Orlando frontcourt.
Grade: D+
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Since signing with the Spurs, Diaw has been a solid role player and fits their scheme to perfection due to his unselfishness and passing ability for a big. San Antonio is known for rewarding oits players and did so here with the 32-year old – even if about $7.5 million per year seems a bit steep. Still, Diaw will help the Spurs’ charge to continue their dynasty and win a sixth title in the Gregg Popovich era.
Grade: B-
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The Clippers’ biggest offseason need was finding some depth inside behind Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Signing Hawes for the mid-level exception fills this void and also adds some offensive versatility, since Hawes can step out of the perimeter and knock down jumpers, which is not a strength for Griffin or Jordan. This is a significant upgrade for the Clippers that didn’t cost them an extraordinary amount.
With Darren Collison leaving for Sacramento, the Clippers needed to find a point guard to backup Chris Paul. Farmer should be able to play at least 10-12 minutes per night and brings experience behind Paul.
Grade: A
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This is clearly Nowitzki taking a hometown discount with the hopes that some high-level talent will join him in Dallas so the Mavericks can try to return to the top of the Western Conference standings. Maybe we should just call this pulling a “Duncan.” Yes, Nowitzki is 36 years old, but he still is capable of scoring 20-plus points per night, so to get him for $10 million per year is a bargain.
Grade: A+
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With the Mavs dealing both Jose Calderon and Shane Larkin, Harris should see an increased role with newly acquired Raymond Felton and Gal Mekel the other point guards on the roster. Harris is on the downside of his career but can still be a valuable role player and this contract is rather reasonable.
Grade: B
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The Blazers needed to find a more capable backup big man than Meyers Leonard or Joel Freeland and Kaman fits that bill. The seven-footer has battled injuries throughout his career, but the second year of his contract is not fully guaranteed, so the risk is not that high. He is definitely an upgrade from Leonard and Freeland but needs to stay healthy for his contract to be worth it.
Grade: C+
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Collison has been a steady point guard, but he is now joining his fifth team in six years. The Kings have been looking for more of a true point guard, and with Isaiah Thomas a restricted free agent, Collison provides insurance in case Thomas does not return. Collison’s best fit in the NBA seems to be as a backup, but it appears the Kings want him to be their floor general. I just don’t see a Collison-led team being a real threat to make the postseason.
Grade: D+
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Though not much of a scoring threat, Sefolosha has carved out his niche in the NBA as a defensive-minded wing. With Kyle Korver being an offensive specialist and poor defender, Sefolosha will help sure up the perimeter defense in Atlanta. His $4 million per year price tag is reasonable, and this is a nice addition for the Hawks.
Grade: B
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Telfair is the definition of a journeyman having played for seven different NBA teams and spending last season playing in China. With Derek Fisher retiring, the Thunder needed to add another guard option, but there likely won’t be any real opportunity for Telfair since he will be behind Russell Westbrook and Reggie Jackson on the depth chart.
Grade: D
2014 NBA Free Agent Signings: July 3 Updates
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This was huge for the Raptors to bring back their most important player and not have to break the bank in doing so. The Heat was one of many teams in hot pursuit of Lowry, and – let’s be honest – Toronto isn’t exactly a desirable destination for free agents, so I kind of figured Lowry would jump ship. The $48 million is very reasonable for Lowry, and the Raptors would have taken a big hit if he just left via free agency.
Grade: A-
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Even though the Celtics just added guard depth by drafting Marcus Smart and James Young, signing restricted free agent Avery Bradley to an extension was a priority. Bradley is coming off the best season of his career and is only 23 years old, but he has battled nagging injuries during his four years in the league which is a bit of concern. With Rajon Rondo’s days in Boston likely coming to an end though, Bradley’s return ensures versatility in the backcourt.
Grade: B
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If Mills was 100% healthy, this would be another steal of a deal for the Spurs. However, it was just announced late Tuesday night that Mills needs shoulder surgery that is expected to sideline him until at least January. That makes this signing a bit riskier. If Mills comes back with no side effects and plays like he did this past season, this will a slam-dunk signing. If Mills cannot get back to full strength, San Antonio might regret this decision – though it is still worth the risk.
Grade: B
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With both Lance Stephenson and Evan Turner free agents, the Pacers needed to add some options on the wing. Miles is a scoring threat but not somebody that should be starting for a title contender like Indiana. I would expect Indy to still make a push to re-sign Stephenson and don’t mind them giving Miles $4.5 million per year but also don’t love it.
Grade: C+
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Huh? How Gordon received anything more than the league minimum is baffling to me. His agent deserves a raise. Granted, the second year of his contract is not guaranteed, but still, the dude played in 13 games last year and was waived by the Bobcats. Plus, Orlando just picked up Willie Green off waivers from the Clippers and both guys are pretty similar.
Grade: F
2014 NBA Free Agent Signings: July 2 Updates
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Is Kyrie Irving worth a max deal? Probably not. Did the Cavs have any option but to offer him that deal? Probably not. Irving hasn’t truly grasped the role of team leader, but he is still very talented and young, so rather than delaying any contract extension, it makes sense for Cleveland to get this out of the way now since he and Andrew Wiggins are clearly the team’s future.
Grade: B+
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Quality big men always get deals a little larger than they deserve, and that’s what happened here with Gortat. In his first season in our nation’s capital, the 30-year old played a major role in helping the Wizards make their first playoff appearance in six years. He and Nene form a solid one-two punch up front, and Washington needed to outbid other candidates in order to retain Gortat’s services.
Grade: B-
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With Jordan Crawford and Steve Blake both free agents, the Warriors had to address their need for backcourt depth, and signing Livingston accomplishes just that. He was the primary backup for Deron Williams last season in Brooklyn and will play that role behind Stephen Curry for Golden State. First-year head coach Steve Kerr will also have the flexibility to play Curry and Livingston in the same backcourt when needed. Giving Livingston the Warriors’ entire mid-level exception is a little rich for my blood, but this is still a solid signing.
Grade: B
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Are we sure Joe Dumars isn’t still running things in Detroit? Jodie Meeks is coming off a career year with the Lakers, but for him to be the Pistons’ offseason priority is just bizarre. With Rodney Stuckey a free agent and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope still developing, Detroit needed a veteran shooting guard who can knock down three-point shots. I just don’t love giving Meeks nearly $7 million per year.
Cartier Martin has been a journeyman during his 6-year NBA career and could become a solid role player in Detroit but really nothing more.
Grade: C-
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In search of depth at the two guard since trading away Aaron Afflalo, the Magic claimed Willie Green after he was waived by the Clippers. Green is a short-term fix behind Victor Oladipo and comes with a reasonable $1.4 million price tag.
Grade: B
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Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
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