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We are in purgatory right now. We need to take two steps back so we can take 5 forward. Drummond isn’t tradable, our expirings won’t be traded until the deadline at best, and Blake is coming off one of his best seasons so good value.

What is a logical best case scenario for getting a future pick(s) and youth back? Bonus to get us out of salary cap hell.

Not happening

It's a pick your poison type of thing.

1. Blake can net us the best deal (contract and two picks) but we then lose his leadership. A player's leadership can completely change an organization's culture and direction. He leads by example.

2. Keep Blake and you're stuck in a tight place forcing you to be creative.

I'm a fan of trading Blake as much as I love him. But I know we'll never have a player like him ever again for a while. Getting Blake was the same luck as hitting a lottery pick, probably better cuz you're guaranteeing a superstar. Role players can be sprout out of nowhere, only takes 1-2 hits of a Bullock type of player and you're on a roll. If I was Stefanski, I'd highly consider a major overhaul for Blake like the Celtics did for their aging stars. If it doesn't come, you have to stick to the formula in drafting and signing solid players moving forward knowing keeping Blake is better for the culture than the lottery chances. I don't care what any other poster has to say, having a hard working culture is everything on a team.

I like Spider's post but will add a bit more.

In terms of the salary cap, we have to be patient. One more year. Reggie, Leuer, Galloway and Smith all come off the books at the end of next year. If we just don't do any stupid trades in the meantime, we will have a lot more options moving forward and can get out of cap hell. We can also possibly trade them as expirings at the trade deadline this year if good opportunities exist.

Blake is not our problem. Not having shooters or a great PG are. And paying Drummond max money for "above-average" play is also an issue.

If I were GM I would keep our draft pick and hopefully get another shooter or PG, and then do the same with free agency and whatever exceptions we can use. Obviously it won't be a big time player, but maybe we can get lucky. And when all that is done, keep Ish, since we have his Bird rights. That is probably the best we can do for next year.

Spider156 wrote:It's a pick your poison type of thing.

1. Blake can net us the best deal (contract and two picks) but we then lose his leadership. A player's leadership can completely change an organization's culture and direction. He leads by example.

2. Keep Blake and you're stuck in a tight place forcing you to be creative.

I'm a fan of trading Blake as much as I love him. But I know we'll never have a player like him ever again for a while. Getting Blake was the same luck as hitting a lottery pick, probably better cuz you're guaranteeing a superstar. Role players can be sprout out of nowhere, only takes 1-2 hits of a Bullock type of player and you're on a roll. If I was Stefanski, I'd highly consider a major overhaul for Blake like the Celtics did for their aging stars. If it doesn't come, you have to stick to the formula in drafting and signing solid players moving forward knowing keeping Blake is better for the culture than the lottery chances. I don't care what any other poster has to say, having a hard working culture is everything on a team.

Creative is pushing it. As it is, we're capped out like a perennial contender while only being afforded to our MLE and vet min contracts.

And that's before discussing our virtually zero presence of quality wing play.

Mike Conley would make a huge difference here assuming he stays healthy for 2 years. If we can somehow get him without giving up any 1sts it’d be worth delaying cap space for another year. Gotta think the Stefanski/Tayshaun connection works in our favor plus Conley preferring to play in the East.

theBigLip wrote:I like Spider's post but will add a bit more.

In terms of the salary cap, we have to be patient. One more year. Reggie, Leuer, Galloway and Smith all come off the books at the end of next year. If we just don't do any stupid trades in the meantime, we will have a lot more options moving forward and can get out of cap hell. We can also possibly trade them as expirings at the trade deadline this year if good opportunities exist.

Blake is not our problem. Not having shooters or a great PG are. And paying Drummond max money for "above-average" play is also an issue.

If I were GM I would keep our draft pick and hopefully get another shooter or PG, and then do the same with free agency and whatever exceptions we can use. Obviously it won't be a big time player, but maybe we can get lucky. And when all that is done, keep Ish, since we have his Bird rights. That is probably the best we can do for next year.

I think if we want to win we need to trade the expirings. No one is coming here in free agency to play with an aging Griffin. If we hit on #15 and Kennard takes the next step, we could offer expirings and picks to go get a serious perimeter threat to go with that core. That is the route we should take imo.

theBigLip wrote:I like Spider's post but will add a bit more.

In terms of the salary cap, we have to be patient. One more year. Reggie, Leuer, Galloway and Smith all come off the books at the end of next year. If we just don't do any stupid trades in the meantime, we will have a lot more options moving forward and can get out of cap hell. We can also possibly trade them as expirings at the trade deadline this year if good opportunities exist.

Blake is not our problem. Not having shooters or a great PG are. And paying Drummond max money for "above-average" play is also an issue.

If I were GM I would keep our draft pick and hopefully get another shooter or PG, and then do the same with free agency and whatever exceptions we can use. Obviously it won't be a big time player, but maybe we can get lucky. And when all that is done, keep Ish, since we have his Bird rights. That is probably the best we can do for next year.

Yes. If Gores is willing to spend a bit, this gives us our best option to improve other areas with our draft pick, MLE and BAE. If we were just gonna let him walk, I'd think we would have gotten something for him when we dealt Bullock and SJ.

DCintheD wrote:Mike Conley would make a huge difference here assuming he stays healthy for 2 years. If we can somehow get him without giving up any 1sts it’d be worth delaying cap space for another year. Gotta think the Stefanski/Tayshaun connection works in our favor plus Conley preferring to play in the East.

I think there is zero percent chance that MEM doesn't get a FRP for Conley. I think he gets traded on draft night. However, If he makes it to the deadline, I think that could be the best of both worlds. We could keep #15 and offer expirings and our 2020 FRP for him.

Conley
Kennard
Porter/Langford/Little
Griffin
Drummond

is an intriguing starting 5.

The only package that really makes sense imo is something like Ingram and #4 from the Lakers.

DetroitPistons wrote:

theBigLip wrote:I like Spider's post but will add a bit more.

In terms of the salary cap, we have to be patient. One more year. Reggie, Leuer, Galloway and Smith all come off the books at the end of next year. If we just don't do any stupid trades in the meantime, we will have a lot more options moving forward and can get out of cap hell. We can also possibly trade them as expirings at the trade deadline this year if good opportunities exist.

Blake is not our problem. Not having shooters or a great PG are. And paying Drummond max money for "above-average" play is also an issue.

If I were GM I would keep our draft pick and hopefully get another shooter or PG, and then do the same with free agency and whatever exceptions we can use. Obviously it won't be a big time player, but maybe we can get lucky. And when all that is done, keep Ish, since we have his Bird rights. That is probably the best we can do for next year.

I think if we want to win we need to trade the expirings. No one is coming here in free agency to play with an aging Griffin. If we hit on #15 and Kennard takes the next step, we could offer expirings and picks to go get a serious perimeter threat to go with that core. That is the route we should take imo.

I agree but that route needs patience! Fans are gonna be PISSED that we're doing nothing in the offseason. This ONLY way to tackle this summer is to let the chips fall to you and get creative. The draft is the draft, get the best available please. Free agency will be all about waiting for the dust to settle. We will get the left over good deals. If we make a deal in a hurry, unless it's more a familiar player, it's like going to be a mistake. As far as trades go, we're gonna have to wait a while. We can wait for Jackson and Galloway. We can't wait for Leuer. He needs to go. I believe we can get a Leuer trade for a guy like Covington but certainly not with our pick added. We need to get creative. Teams like the Wizards, Blazers, Bucks, Denver are going to have to pay their free agents big money this summer because of how the team performed. We have to take advantage at that time. As far as getting the star we want, I am guaranteeing you there will be over 10 max contracts given. I'm predicting over 15. Some will be mistakes like Porter was with Washington. That's how we trade Jackson and Galloway for a max contract player. This will have to be done on the deadline. But can fans wait? No they can't.

DetroitPistons wrote:The only package that really makes sense imo is something like Ingram and #4 from the Lakers.

I'd fleece the Lakers. Get Ball, Ingram, and Kuzma. If they say no, drop Ingram and ask for the #4 pick. Fleece them!!

DetroitPistons wrote:

DCintheD wrote:Mike Conley would make a huge difference here assuming he stays healthy for 2 years. If we can somehow get him without giving up any 1sts it’d be worth delaying cap space for another year. Gotta think the Stefanski/Tayshaun connection works in our favor plus Conley preferring to play in the East.

I think there is zero percent chance that MEM doesn't get a FRP for Conley. I think he gets traded on draft night. However, If he makes it to the deadline, I think that could be the best of both worlds. We could keep #15 and offer expirings and our 2020 FRP for him.

Conley
Kennard
Porter/Langford/Little
Griffin
Drummond

is an intriguing starting 5.

I don’t think I could stomach another start of a season with the same main players. I’d trade down 15 with Boston for 20 and 22 or with Brooklyn for 27 and 31 and offer Memphis one of those picks

DCintheD wrote:

DetroitPistons wrote:

DCintheD wrote:Mike Conley would make a huge difference here assuming he stays healthy for 2 years. If we can somehow get him without giving up any 1sts it’d be worth delaying cap space for another year. Gotta think the Stefanski/Tayshaun connection works in our favor plus Conley preferring to play in the East.

I think there is zero percent chance that MEM doesn't get a FRP for Conley. I think he gets traded on draft night. However, If he makes it to the deadline, I think that could be the best of both worlds. We could keep #15 and offer expirings and our 2020 FRP for him.

Conley
Kennard
Porter/Langford/Little
Griffin
Drummond

is an intriguing starting 5.

I don’t think I could stomach another start of a season with the same main players. I’d trade down 15 with Boston for 20 and 22 or with Brooklyn for 27 and 31 and offer Memphis one of those picks

There is a lot of quality players between 8ish and 15. Why would we trade out of that range for 2 lesser prospects? Doesn't make any sense.

DetroitPistons wrote:

DCintheD wrote:

DetroitPistons wrote:
I think there is zero percent chance that MEM doesn't get a FRP for Conley. I think he gets traded on draft night. However, If he makes it to the deadline, I think that could be the best of both worlds. We could keep #15 and offer expirings and our 2020 FRP for him.

Conley
Kennard
Porter/Langford/Little
Griffin
Drummond

is an intriguing starting 5.

I don’t think I could stomach another start of a season with the same main players. I’d trade down 15 with Boston for 20 and 22 or with Brooklyn for 27 and 31 and offer Memphis one of those picks

Why would we trade out of that range for 2 lesser prospects? Doesn't make any sense.

To trade for Conley and still have a pick. How does that not make any sense?

DCintheD wrote:

DetroitPistons wrote:

DCintheD wrote:I don’t think I could stomach another start of a season with the same main players. I’d trade down 15 with Boston for 20 and 22 or with Brooklyn for 27 and 31 and offer Memphis one of those picks

Why would we trade out of that range for 2 lesser prospects? Doesn't make any sense.

To trade for Conley and still have a pick. How does that not make any sense?

Because getting Conley doesn't make any sense

Spider156 wrote:

DetroitPistons wrote:

theBigLip wrote:I like Spider's post but will add a bit more.

In terms of the salary cap, we have to be patient. One more year. Reggie, Leuer, Galloway and Smith all come off the books at the end of next year. If we just don't do any stupid trades in the meantime, we will have a lot more options moving forward and can get out of cap hell. We can also possibly trade them as expirings at the trade deadline this year if good opportunities exist.

Blake is not our problem. Not having shooters or a great PG are. And paying Drummond max money for "above-average" play is also an issue.

If I were GM I would keep our draft pick and hopefully get another shooter or PG, and then do the same with free agency and whatever exceptions we can use. Obviously it won't be a big time player, but maybe we can get lucky. And when all that is done, keep Ish, since we have his Bird rights. That is probably the best we can do for next year.

I think if we want to win we need to trade the expirings. No one is coming here in free agency to play with an aging Griffin. If we hit on #15 and Kennard takes the next step, we could offer expirings and picks to go get a serious perimeter threat to go with that core. That is the route we should take imo.

I agree but that route needs patience! Fans are gonna be PISSED that we're doing nothing in the offseason. This ONLY way to tackle this summer is to let the chips fall to you and get creative. The draft is the draft, get the best available please. Free agency will be all about waiting for the dust to settle. We will get the left over good deals. If we make a deal in a hurry, unless it's more a familiar player, it's like going to be a mistake. As far as trades go, we're gonna have to wait a while. We can wait for Jackson and Galloway. We can't wait for Leuer. He needs to go. I believe we can get a Leuer trade for a guy like Covington but certainly not with our pick added. We need to get creative. Teams like the Wizards, Blazers, Bucks, Denver are going to have to pay their free agents big money this summer because of how the team performed. We have to take advantage at that time. As far as getting the star we want, I am guaranteeing you there will be over 10 max contracts given. I'm predicting over 15. Some will be mistakes like Porter was with Washington. That's how we trade Jackson and Galloway for a max contract player. This will have to be done on the deadline. But can fans wait? No they can't.

Where are these fans you're referring to? Almost every fan I know HATES the treadmill and the "win now" failure this team has been in the last ten years. Literally the only fans I see talking about chasing more big names are in this forum.

Manocad wrote:

Spider156 wrote:

DetroitPistons wrote:
I think if we want to win we need to trade the expirings. No one is coming here in free agency to play with an aging Griffin. If we hit on #15 and Kennard takes the next step, we could offer expirings and picks to go get a serious perimeter threat to go with that core. That is the route we should take imo.

I agree but that route needs patience! Fans are gonna be PISSED that we're doing nothing in the offseason. This ONLY way to tackle this summer is to let the chips fall to you and get creative. The draft is the draft, get the best available please. Free agency will be all about waiting for the dust to settle. We will get the left over good deals. If we make a deal in a hurry, unless it's more a familiar player, it's like going to be a mistake. As far as trades go, we're gonna have to wait a while. We can wait for Jackson and Galloway. We can't wait for Leuer. He needs to go. I believe we can get a Leuer trade for a guy like Covington but certainly not with our pick added. We need to get creative. Teams like the Wizards, Blazers, Bucks, Denver are going to have to pay their free agents big money this summer because of how the team performed. We have to take advantage at that time. As far as getting the star we want, I am guaranteeing you there will be over 10 max contracts given. I'm predicting over 15. Some will be mistakes like Porter was with Washington. That's how we trade Jackson and Galloway for a max contract player. This will have to be done on the deadline. But can fans wait? No they can't.

Where are these fans you're referring to? Almost every fan I know HATES the treadmill and the "win now" failure this team has been in the last ten years. Literally the only fans I see talking about chasing more big names are in this forum.

Well thing is I don't really like talking Pistons to fans outside this forum. They don't know anything about basketball let alone how the CBA rules work. I only talk to people that know how contracts and rights are played out and why it's so hard to get talent on a team in the NBA. It's really hard and hindsight is 20/20. There are countless mistakes out there to be made and sometimes it's just plain bad luck with injuries and a player in a bad fit environment. I understand the reality of sports and it's very difficult to compete let alone contend in the NBA. So when I talk to people that don't know the obvious rules like a restricted FA then it can get annoying really quickly talking with them. I think the average fan probably wants to tank whether that means lose on purpose or not, they want talent through the draft. They don't know the majority of the draft is a complete crapshoot. They don't know a guy like Jonas Jerebko and Amir Johnson have stayed over 10 years in the league while great players like Brandon Roy and OJ Mayo got out of the league quickly. When you think about these players and what they've accomplished, it's quite impressive how long they've stayed in the league. It's very difficult to explain that to the average fan. So no, I have no interest in talking to any of them.

Manocad wrote:

DCintheD wrote:

DetroitPistons wrote:
Why would we trade out of that range for 2 lesser prospects? Doesn't make any sense.

To trade for Conley and still have a pick. How does that not make any sense?

Because getting Conley doesn't make any sense

explain

DCintheD wrote:

Manocad wrote:

DCintheD wrote:To trade for Conley and still have a pick. How does that not make any sense?

Because getting Conley doesn't make any sense

explain

32. Makes $30+Mil. Always hurt.