Nuggets Trades

[NuggetsWY]

You wouldn’t trade Barton/ Harris for harden hahah

What’s your offer for Murray who isn’t half the player harden is

Some fans just don't like Harden so much they wouldn't want him for free I guess. Of course, the Nuggets front office would trade Barton/Harris for Harden faster than it took me to type this.

I was a harden hater up till last week like damn hate him but put respect on his name seriously. Just shuffling Murray for Harden probably makes denver the favorites but no I hate him, it’s comical

Harden reminds me of Stockton-Malone: hated watching them because their game was so predictable it became boring. But if I had been a Jazz fan, I probably would have loved them because they were so effective. Harden is less predictable but his game is quite consistent and I find it boring to watch. With that said, I give him respect for developing a game that takes advantage of the current NBA rules and is very effective.

But his game still doesn't fit with Jokic's game.

[Richard Miller]

You wouldn’t trade Barton/ Harris for harden hahah

What’s your offer for Murray who isn’t half the player harden is

Some fans just don't like Harden so much they wouldn't want him for free I guess. Of course, the Nuggets front office would trade Barton/Harris for Harden faster than it took me to type this.

I was a harden hater up till last week like damn hate him but put respect on his name seriously. Just shuffling Murray for Harden probably makes denver the favorites but no I hate him, it’s comical

If Murray can keep close to his bubble form, then Denver is fine – that's not far from Harden's level while being 8 years younger and far better teammate. However, after yet another slow start I'm not as confident as two weeks ago

[Jkam31]

Some fans just don't like Harden so much they wouldn't want him for free I guess. Of course, the Nuggets front office would trade Barton/Harris for Harden faster than it took me to type this.

I was a harden hater up till last week like damn hate him but put respect on his name seriously. Just shuffling Murray for Harden probably makes denver the favorites but no I hate him, it’s comical

If Murray can keep close to his bubble form, then Denver is fine – that's not far from Harden's level while being 8 years younger and far better teammate. However, after yet another slow start I'm not as confident as two weeks ago

Bubble Murray still isn’t close to Harden

[Manolito]

ATL will get considerably better offers for him. At that price, I would prefer keeping him and verify in Play Off if he is worthy matching any potential max offer he might get

Sent from my GM1913 using RealGM mobile app

Who is even going to make an offer for him? He isn't a guy you build around so teams are not going to want to max him if they do not already have their true stars in place. Teams like the Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks have no draft picks to even offer. I don't even think it will take 2 picks, I think it will take a decent 1st and maybe a mediocre prospect.

San Antonio has tons of cap next season and no FA to sign.

Collins is going to have a lot of suitors. Any non play off team looking for a young core piece will try to trade for him with better assets than a late first round pick. Guy is six months older than Obi Toppin

Sent from my GM1913 using RealGM mobile app

[Richard Miller]

I was a harden hater up till last week like damn hate him but put respect on his name seriously. Just shuffling Murray for Harden probably makes denver the favorites but no I hate him, it’s comical

If Murray can keep close to his bubble form, then Denver is fine – that's not far from Harden's level while being 8 years younger and far better teammate. However, after yet another slow start I'm not as confident as two weeks ago

Bubble Murray still isn’t close to Harden

He absolutely was, averaging similar numbers on better percents.

[The Rebel]

You wouldn’t trade Barton/ Harris for harden hahah

What’s your offer for Murray who isn’t half the player harden is

Some fans just don't like Harden so much they wouldn't want him for free I guess. Of course, the Nuggets front office would trade Barton/Harris for Harden faster than it took me to type this.

I was a harden hater up till last week like damn hate him but put respect on his name seriously. Just shuffling Murray for Harden probably makes denver the favorites but no I hate him, it’s comical

How does it make Denver the favorites? Anybody that has played basketball at any kind of level or watch enough basketball can see why Harden and Jokic are a terrible fit together. I would not put them together for free. We can argue for days about why, but I am guessing from your comment that you would have trouble understanding anything more than "Harden good".

[The Rebel]

This makes no sense if you don't plan to max Collins out, which would not allow us to pay MPJ one year later.

And if you don't give MPJ away for Harden, is worse to do that for Collins

Sent from my GM1913 using RealGM mobile app

I wouldn't trade Harris and Barton for Harden if that tells you what I think about trading for him.

Now who said we would have to give MPJ for Collins?

IF the team works with Collins, Murray, MPJ, and Jokic than who cares if we have 4 max deals? Stan Kroenke has always said they would pay the tax if they had a contender and we would have a contender if Collins works out.

We have Jokic locked up for 3 more years, realistically we have him for 2 years if we do not build a contender. Do you want to throw away this season? Millsap is done, at best he is a 20 mpg backup pf right now and that depends on matchups. Bol isn't a replacement anytime soon, Green is out injured and has a long injury history, so at best we are depending on Nnaji. A guy who looks like he needs some development time but not a guy you want as your only viable PF all season.

If the team works we will have basically a big upgrade at PF with a guy who fits damn near perfectly on offense, is a good perimeter defender and solid help defender. Grant is the better man to man defender, but overall Collins is a big upgrade from him. We develop chemistry this year, MPj, and the bench with the expectation that we are a dynasty waiting to happen with 4 stars just heading into their prime.

You wouldn’t trade Barton/ Harris for harden hahah

What’s your offer for Murray who isn’t half the player harden is

Murray put up historic playoff performance last year against some of the best defenders in the league, saying he is not half the player Harden is shows that you are no judge of talent.

[The Rebel]

This makes no sense if you don't plan to max Collins out, which would not allow us to pay MPJ one year later.

And if you don't give MPJ away for Harden, is worse to do that for Collins

Sent from my GM1913 using RealGM mobile app

I wouldn't trade Harris and Barton for Harden if that tells you what I think about trading for him.

Now who said we would have to give MPJ for Collins?

IF the team works with Collins, Murray, MPJ, and Jokic than who cares if we have 4 max deals? Stan Kroenke has always said they would pay the tax if they had a contender and we would have a contender if Collins works out.

I may be wrong, but the reports seem to say his defense "needs a lot of work" so basically he's another MPJ. And so far they haven't figured out how to integrate MPJ with Jokic and Murray, frankly I have zero confidence they will integrate Murray, MPJ and Collins if they can't get the first two to work. Tbh, I'd rather try to develop Zeke on the fly, since he's far better potential defense-wise, doesn't need the ball and is on a rookie contract.

Whose reports are you talking about? Message boards where guys still are convinced that Craig is an all world defender and Jokic is the 2nd worst big man defender of all time?

I have watched 3 Hawks games in the last 2 weeks, and I think I have a pretty good handle on who Collins is on defense.

He is not a good post defender against true bigs, he does not have the length or strength to handle true Centers. HE tries to outhustle and out position guys and it works sometimes, but he really needs to add some strength and maybe learn a few more tricks.

He is actually a pretty good perimeter defender, last night alone he was switched onto Ja Morant at least 5 times I seen. Each time he stopped the drive and forced Morant to pass or shoot a jumpshot.

His help defense is actually better than I expected. One issue on judging his help defense is that Young and Huerter are terrible at forcing guys to their help defender, the ball handler will get to the other side easily against both of them forcing Collins or the other help defender to have to get to the other side of the lane. Sometimes they are late, but that happens with even the best help defenders. Overall he understands angles and gets to his spot before the offensive player gets there when the guards do their jobs.

As for developing Nnaji on the fly, that is all well and good, but you are throwing this year away. My idea is if you can get Collins cheap enough and he works out we can bring Nnaji along at his own pace, if Collins does not work out than you have Nnaji in place and you can get a pick back for signing and trading Collins.

[The Rebel]

ATL will get considerably better offers for him. At that price, I would prefer keeping him and verify in Play Off if he is worthy matching any potential max offer he might get

Sent from my GM1913 using RealGM mobile app

Who is even going to make an offer for him? He isn't a guy you build around so teams are not going to want to max him if they do not already have their true stars in place. Teams like the Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks have no draft picks to even offer. I don't even think it will take 2 picks, I think it will take a decent 1st and maybe a mediocre prospect.

San Antonio has tons of cap next season and no FA to sign.

Collins is going to have a lot of suitors. Any non play off team looking for a young core piece will try to trade for him with better assets than a late first round pick. Guy is six months older than Obi Toppin

Sent from my GM1913 using RealGM mobile app

San Antonio is going to build their team around a big man that is not a franchise player just because they have cap space? How many rebuilding teams are in the business of trading draft picks? When is the last time a young team traded for a guy knowing they were going to max him the next year? How many times has it happened?

Also who cares how many suitors the guy has, if we trade for him we can sign him to a bigger contract than anybody.

[The Rebel]

I wouldn't trade Harris and Barton for Harden if that tells you what I think about trading for him.

Now who said we would have to give MPJ for Collins?

IF the team works with Collins, Murray, MPJ, and Jokic than who cares if we have 4 max deals? Stan Kroenke has always said they would pay the tax if they had a contender and we would have a contender if Collins works out.

I may be wrong, but the reports seem to say his defense "needs a lot of work" so basically he's another MPJ. And so far they haven't figured out how to integrate MPJ with Jokic and Murray, frankly I have zero confidence they will integrate Murray, MPJ and Collins if they can't get the first two to work. Tbh, I'd rather try to develop Zeke on the fly, since he's far better potential defense-wise, doesn't need the ball and is on a rookie contract.

Chemistry, especially defensive chemistry doesn't happen overnight so I believe it will happen, just knowing where you're supposed to be and where the others are isn't always intuitive right away. I do agree it would be harder to add that 4th when three is having its issues. I do like the idea of getting Zeke up to speed right away but even he realizes (and acknowledges) that he's having his own rookie growing pains with defense and spacing so I don't see Malone putting him into the frying pan right away.

I agree chemistry takes time, but I would argue that MPJ has not been our issue this season. He did very well against Kawhi, and 2 of his 3 1st half fouls against the Kings were calls that a veteran player does not have go against him. He also made most of his rotations to the rim on time. Our biggest issue si that we have nobody else on the court who can or will guard the large SFs and spread 4s.

They were literally going right around Millsap and he was not making it to the rim on rotations at all, he just is not fast enough.

Barton was not putting in any effort, George was literally laughing at him as Barton almost hit the ground 2 or 3 different times when George would change direction, even without a screen or anything else.

Those 2 have to be fixed, that is why I am looking for a PF. The offense is a bonus, but we need someone else on defense.

[Jkam31]

I wouldn't trade Harris and Barton for Harden if that tells you what I think about trading for him.

Now who said we would have to give MPJ for Collins?

IF the team works with Collins, Murray, MPJ, and Jokic than who cares if we have 4 max deals? Stan Kroenke has always said they would pay the tax if they had a contender and we would have a contender if Collins works out.

We have Jokic locked up for 3 more years, realistically we have him for 2 years if we do not build a contender. Do you want to throw away this season? Millsap is done, at best he is a 20 mpg backup pf right now and that depends on matchups. Bol isn't a replacement anytime soon, Green is out injured and has a long injury history, so at best we are depending on Nnaji. A guy who looks like he needs some development time but not a guy you want as your only viable PF all season.

If the team works we will have basically a big upgrade at PF with a guy who fits damn near perfectly on offense, is a good perimeter defender and solid help defender. Grant is the better man to man defender, but overall Collins is a big upgrade from him. We develop chemistry this year, MPj, and the bench with the expectation that we are a dynasty waiting to happen with 4 stars just heading into their prime.

You wouldn’t trade Barton/ Harris for harden hahah

What’s your offer for Murray who isn’t half the player harden is

Murray put up historic playoff performance last year against some of the best defenders in the league, saying he is not half the player Harden is shows that you are no judge of talent.

Lol harden wakes up and stumbles to those numbers let’s see Murray do it without a bubble setting and teams defending him the way harden is defended

[skywalker33]

You wouldn’t trade Barton/ Harris for harden hahah

What’s your offer for Murray who isn’t half the player harden is

Murray put up historic playoff performance last year against some of the best defenders in the league, saying he is not half the player Harden is shows that you are no judge of talent.

Lol harden wakes up and stumbles to those numbers let’s see Murray do it without a bubble setting and teams defending him the way harden is defended

Maybe you should just cut out the middle man and go be a HOU/Harden fan....oh, wait, you're already there

[skywalker33]

I may be wrong, but the reports seem to say his defense "needs a lot of work" so basically he's another MPJ. And so far they haven't figured out how to integrate MPJ with Jokic and Murray, frankly I have zero confidence they will integrate Murray, MPJ and Collins if they can't get the first two to work. Tbh, I'd rather try to develop Zeke on the fly, since he's far better potential defense-wise, doesn't need the ball and is on a rookie contract.

Chemistry, especially defensive chemistry doesn't happen overnight so I believe it will happen, just knowing where you're supposed to be and where the others are isn't always intuitive right away. I do agree it would be harder to add that 4th when three is having its issues. I do like the idea of getting Zeke up to speed right away but even he realizes (and acknowledges) that he's having his own rookie growing pains with defense and spacing so I don't see Malone putting him into the frying pan right away.

I agree chemistry takes time, but I would argue that MPJ has not been our issue this season. He did very well against Kawhi, and 2 of his 3 1st half fouls against the Kings were calls that a veteran player does not have go against him. He also made most of his rotations to the rim on time. Our biggest issue si that we have nobody else on the court who can or will guard the large SFs and spread 4s.

They were literally going right around Millsap and he was not making it to the rim on rotations at all, he just is not fast enough.

Barton was not putting in any effort, George was literally laughing at him as Barton almost hit the ground 2 or 3 different times when George would change direction, even without a screen or anything else.

Those 2 have to be fixed, that is why I am looking for a PF. The offense is a bonus, but we need someone else on defense.

Take a breath Rebel, I can concur that MPJ is getting better on defense but that wasn't the whole point. It was brought up that MPJ hasn't been integrated into the offense or defense WITH Jokic AND Murray, which I agree hasn't been exactly a success yet. Jokic and MPJ looked good in the bubble W/O Murray and perhaps Murray and MPJ but the three together on offense is still very awkward, especially for MPJ. As I remember, Murray and Jokic didn't really mesh right away either but adding a third could take longer than 5 games IMO.

As for doing it on the D, again, it's gonna take some time, MPJ definitely has some work, but so does Murray IMO.

As RMiller said though, I would like to see Zeke get some extra PT to try and develop, his skillset is intriguing to me as well.

[Richard Miller]

Whose reports are you talking about? Message boards where guys still are convinced that Craig is an all world defender and Jokic is the 2nd worst big man defender of all time?

For example here:

I think most analysts agree that the Hawks will be good offensively but they (rightly) have many concerns about the Hawks’ defense. If you can find defensive improvements from Cam Reddish, De’Andre Hunter, John Collins and Kevin Huerter, that will help but not solve their defensive issues.

https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2020/12/15/22156332/atlanta-hawks-roundtable-2020-21-season-biggest-weakness-defense

John Collins was arguably the Atlanta Hawks' second-best player last season after Trae Young. But there are a few shortcomings you need to consider. Firstly, his defense needs a lot of work. Secondly, he was banned for 25 games in 2019-20 after testing positive for a banned substance under the NBA's drug policy.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/rumor-nba-rumors-john-collins-declined-extension-offer-worth-90-million-atlanta-hawks

With Collins establishing himself as one of the most efficient offensive players in the league, it’s encouraging for his long-term prognosis that he already has identified the two areas where he has to get better if he wants to be considered in that max contract territory as soon as next season: defense and playmaking.

(Athletic)

And so on. I mean, if he's going to be payed a max, then he really should be worth it, not yet another work in progress, the Nuggets have more than enough of those already.

[skywalker33]

Whose reports are you talking about? Message boards where guys still are convinced that Craig is an all world defender and Jokic is the 2nd worst big man defender of all time?

For example here:

I think most analysts agree that the Hawks will be good offensively but they (rightly) have many concerns about the Hawks’ defense. If you can find defensive improvements from Cam Reddish, De’Andre Hunter, John Collins and Kevin Huerter, that will help but not solve their defensive issues.

https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2020/12/15/22156332/atlanta-hawks-roundtable-2020-21-season-biggest-weakness-defense

John Collins was arguably the Atlanta Hawks' second-best player last season after Trae Young. But there are a few shortcomings you need to consider. Firstly, his defense needs a lot of work. Secondly, he was banned for 25 games in 2019-20 after testing positive for a banned substance under the NBA's drug policy.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/rumor-nba-rumors-john-collins-declined-extension-offer-worth-90-million-atlanta-hawks

With Collins establishing himself as one of the most efficient offensive players in the league, it’s encouraging for his long-term prognosis that he already has identified the two areas where he has to get better if he wants to be considered in that max contract territory as soon as next season: defense and playmaking.

(Athletic)

And so on. I mean, if he's going to be payed a max, then he really should be worth it, not yet another work in progress, the Nuggets have more than enough of those already.

Well, out of those three not sure there is a ton of credibility, especially "sportskeedsa". I know I'm no expert but my opinion is probably just as expert as theres, I have over 50 years of watching basketball. That said, I'm in the camp that doesn't believe Collins is worth a "max" contract and it's not just because of his D.

[The Rebel]

Chemistry, especially defensive chemistry doesn't happen overnight so I believe it will happen, just knowing where you're supposed to be and where the others are isn't always intuitive right away. I do agree it would be harder to add that 4th when three is having its issues. I do like the idea of getting Zeke up to speed right away but even he realizes (and acknowledges) that he's having his own rookie growing pains with defense and spacing so I don't see Malone putting him into the frying pan right away.

I agree chemistry takes time, but I would argue that MPJ has not been our issue this season. He did very well against Kawhi, and 2 of his 3 1st half fouls against the Kings were calls that a veteran player does not have go against him. He also made most of his rotations to the rim on time. Our biggest issue si that we have nobody else on the court who can or will guard the large SFs and spread 4s.

They were literally going right around Millsap and he was not making it to the rim on rotations at all, he just is not fast enough.

Barton was not putting in any effort, George was literally laughing at him as Barton almost hit the ground 2 or 3 different times when George would change direction, even without a screen or anything else.

Those 2 have to be fixed, that is why I am looking for a PF. The offense is a bonus, but we need someone else on defense.

Take a breath Rebel, I can concur that MPJ is getting better on defense but that wasn't the whole point. It was brought up that MPJ hasn't been integrated into the offense or defense WITH Jokic AND Murray, which I agree hasn't been exactly a success yet. Jokic and MPJ looked good in the bubble W/O Murray and perhaps Murray and MPJ but the three together on offense is still very awkward, especially for MPJ. As I remember, Murray and Jokic didn't really mesh right away either but adding a third could take longer than 5 games IMO.

As for doing it on the D, again, it's gonna take some time, MPJ definitely has some work, but so does Murray IMO.

As RMiller said though, I would like to see Zeke get some extra PT to try and develop, his skillset is intriguing to me as well.

The whole integrated thing is a problem with the entire team. They hang onto guys and keep them playing minutes so they can integrate the more talented players. They did it with Nurkic and Jokic, they did it with Nelson and Murray, they did it with Chandler and Barton, they're doing it with Barton and MPJ, and now they are going to have to try to do it with Millsap and Nnaji. We have been doing it since Mudiay fell apart. If Nnaji can earn minutes, he will be a solid player by the end of the season, but we are in trouble at PF right now.

Malone showed us the plan if teams use spread 4s the last 2 games when he ran out 4 guards and a C. He let Bol out on Christmas and he looked terrible. Like Bol had no clue what he was supposed to be doing on either end. We are going to get killed by teams that use athletic spread 4s, Millsap and Green can't keep up with them anymore. Nnaji looked like he might, but who knows if or when we will find out this year.

We need a starting PF now, badly. We can integrate 2 guys at once just as easy as 1, especially since in our system they are basically playing the exact same role defensively. Millsap can come off the bench and play matchups, but we need to do something now. Otherwise we may be a 1st round exit this year, and then what?

We also really need to get rid of Barton. IF the way he has played the last 2 games is any indication he is going to be a huge negative here this year.

[The Rebel]

Whose reports are you talking about? Message boards where guys still are convinced that Craig is an all world defender and Jokic is the 2nd worst big man defender of all time?

For example here:

I think most analysts agree that the Hawks will be good offensively but they (rightly) have many concerns about the Hawks’ defense. If you can find defensive improvements from Cam Reddish, De’Andre Hunter, John Collins and Kevin Huerter, that will help but not solve their defensive issues.

https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2020/12/15/22156332/atlanta-hawks-roundtable-2020-21-season-biggest-weakness-defense

John Collins was arguably the Atlanta Hawks' second-best player last season after Trae Young. But there are a few shortcomings you need to consider. Firstly, his defense needs a lot of work. Secondly, he was banned for 25 games in 2019-20 after testing positive for a banned substance under the NBA's drug policy.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/rumor-nba-rumors-john-collins-declined-extension-offer-worth-90-million-atlanta-hawks

With Collins establishing himself as one of the most efficient offensive players in the league, it’s encouraging for his long-term prognosis that he already has identified the two areas where he has to get better if he wants to be considered in that max contract territory as soon as next season: defense and playmaking.

(Athletic)

And so on. I mean, if he's going to be payed a max, then he really should be worth it, not yet another work in progress, the Nuggets have more than enough of those already.

You are welcome to watch him, and also you should know that the Hawks have a defensive rating of 97 with him on the court so far this year, and 101.9 overall.

He took a huge step last year to being better than average and this year while a very small sample size are showing that he has taken another large step up this year.

We don't have to pay him the max, we can let him walk and force a sign and trade for a pick or other players since he is restricted.

I am not saying that Collins is the only option, I am saying that is the one I would be chasing right now. Who do you see out there that is possibly available and cheap enough we can trade Barton for him or use part of the TPE on?

[THE J0KER]

With two max players already locked in the roster, the Nuggets have no business to take expiring player asking max contract. We should learn from our J.Grant episode about our inability on FA market to compete offers of desperate teams with empty cap. But Grant was actually worthy that late 1st pick even for one single season, while Collins price is much higher today than Grant's year ago. Atlanta have pg Young, pf Collins, c Capella, and bunch of good sg/sf players (Gallinari, Bogdanovic, Reddish, Huerter, Hunter). Our Hawks #1 target should be D.Hunter with MPJ moved to PF. If it possible to send Millsap in Atlanta, then we should grab Huerter too. Atlanta has no interest to take more sg/sf players (Harris and Barton), and Millsap can be only backup PF and the mentor of the young players. So we need to find 3rd team which have notable PF as future Hawks starter, team which willing to build future around Collins, and that team must love Nuggets players.

For example:
ATLANTA: Griffin, Millsap, DET2021, DEN2021
DETROIT: Collins, Harris, Barton
NUGGETS: Hunter, Huerter (and $30M cap purge!)

[skywalker33]

With two max players already locked in the roster, the Nuggets have no business to take expiring player asking max contract. We should learn from our J.Grant episode about our inability on market to compete offers of desperate teams with empty cap. But Grant was actually worthy that late 1st pick even for one single season, while Collins price is much higher today than Grant's year ago. Atlanta have pg Young, pf Collins, c Capella, and bunch of good sg/sf players (Gallinari, Bogdanovic, Reddish, Huerter, Hunter). Our Hawks #1 target should be D.Hunter with MPJ moved to PF. If it possible to send Millsap in Atlanta, then we should grab Huerter too. Atlanta has no interest to take more sg/sf players (Harris and Barton), and Millsap can be only backup PF and the mentor of the young players. So we need to find 3rd team which have notable PF as future Hawks starter, team which willing to build future around Collins, and that team must love Nuggets players.

For example:
ATLANTA: Griffin, Millsap, DET2021, DEN2021
DETROIT: Collins, Harris, Barton
NUGGETS: Hunter, Huerter (and $30M cap purge!)

Don't see how this can work, how/why does ATL take on an extra $36M in salary for this year on a 36yo Millsap and an injury-prone 31yo PF (with another $38M on a PO next year) for a late lotto pick and a mid 1st from us when they're trying to compete. Weren't both Hunter and Heuter both higher lottery picks ??

Barton wants to start but he'd be bolting next year because he'll be playing behind Grant (and how does he feel about the Barton competition ?) He's already being pushed by Bey. I guess both Harris and Barton could play SG, they do upgrade at that position

For DEN, SG now seems filled with youth and inexperience, plus where does our perimeter defense come from ?? And the $30M, are we expected to get another PF ?? we're not really a FA destination. Not sure how Jokic would feel about this as it looks to makes us even younger and farther away from the WCF in my opinion. Long-run looks good but not for the short-term.

[Richard Miller]

We don't have to pay him the max, we can let him walk and force a sign and trade for a pick or other players since he is restricted.

I am not saying that Collins is the only option, I am saying that is the one I would be chasing right now. Who do you see out there that is possibly available and cheap enough we can trade Barton for him or use part of the TPE on?

Not sure I get the reasoning, how do you even "chase" him without offering near the max? And Atlanta can still match.