Post#406 » by superunknown » Sun Jan 26, 2025 8:50 am
IF THE GOAL IS STILL TO COMPETE, they have to think medium term here. make 1 or 2 trades that improve the roster at the deadline using the expiring contracts (GPII, loon) and those that don't move the needle or are redundant (anderson, hield, waters, possibly schroder). you will replace them with the guys you already have who are younger and cheaper in santos (GPII), moody (hield), post (anderson), podz (schroder/waters), TJD (looney).
then in the offseason extend kuminga to recreate that large contract slot needed to make a significant move without sacrificing wiggins, and trade him for a bigger fish. it doesn't have to be a 36 years old jimmy buttler, it can be someone still young like zion or in his prime like lavine, but it needs to be someone who is a legit second violin bringing in at least 22-25 points per game. if needed, trade some picks and someone else (podz? moody? dray?) to make ends meet or further shake-up.
this season if a wash anyway, start to plan for the next one. the only 2 untouchables should be steph and wiggo, maybe dray depending on the type of players you can bring in. everyone else should be expendable.
between the deadline and the offseason you need to grow some balls and retool around steph without sacrificing wiggins and maybe dray. that's the only logical path left if you still want to compete for the next 2-3 years.