ATL/PHX/OKC - KD, Jalen Johnson, #1 pick

[DrModesty]

Hate it for the Hawks. I think we are at the point in KD's career, where a player like Jalen Johnson shouldn't be on the table for him. Murray also has significant value and would represent a fair centerpiece in his own right if you are also giving away the #1 pick in the trade.

Also contrary to some others here, I also dislike it for OKC. I am 50/50 on if the #1 selection ends up being better than Giddey. I understand that the loss of cheap rookie years and possibility he ends up better than Giddey means adding value. So I feel like adding #12 and Kenrich is fair. But there is also a significant chance that the player is worse than Giddey too. I have Hunter and Little as negative value to OKC, so I'd want the 2 worst of picks removed and maybe take on Capela instead of Hunter.

I think the value here is good for PHX, and they should absolutely do this deal. This is a deal that gives Booker a reason to stick around in the long term with Murray, Beal and Johnson capable as a supporting cast with Nurkic, Allen and Capela also on the team. KD is old, not quite as impactful as the stats suggest and often injured. I think it is a toss up if PHX get better or worse in the immediate future given you get 2 impact starters for 1, plus a very good back up center who also comes off the books in quick time. Plus they improve their pick situation.

[patman66]

I mean the Suns were better than the Hawks to begin with so it would be an upgrade.

No it wouldn't. You have to account for the possibility that KD just mails it in going to what will be at best a .500 team and not a destination that he wants to go to. Never mind the potential upside of the #1 pick.

I’m not saying they should do the trade but KD makes them better next season. I don’t think that a very controversial view.

I dont think KD would want to play in ATL with that team. That is the KD that you are adding, the summer of '22 Durant. That Durant would not be a positive force. I think he makes them better in a video game.

[Ron Swanson]

This seems pretty awful for Atlanta and way too good for OKC and Phoenix. Maybe the Suns would balk at lowering their immediate ceiling by trading KD for lesser players/more asset flexibility, but OKC is basically just dumping excess marginal picks and a couple non-core rotation players for the #1 overall pick? I get this is a weak draft, but that's a bit absurd.

[jbk1234]

OKC gets serious or gets cut out. *Worst of* picks and prospects you're ready to cut the cord on anyway don't get you the No. 1 pick.

I'd ship out Johnson and Murray for Durant and not think twice about it. I'd try to substitute Okongwu for Capela. Draft Sarr and let him develop behind Capela for a season. Worst case scenario you're a playoff team for three years while the Spurs own your picks. When Durant and Young come off the books you have a developed Sarr to build around and clean books.

[jredsaz]

No it wouldn't. You have to account for the possibility that KD just mails it in going to what will be at best a .500 team and not a destination that he wants to go to. Never mind the potential upside of the #1 pick.

I’m not saying they should do the trade but KD makes them better next season. I don’t think that a very controversial view.

I dont think KD would want to play in ATL with that team. That is the KD that you are adding, the summer of '22 Durant. That Durant would not be a positive force. I think he makes them better in a video game.

I mean KD is a top 10 guy. Second team all nba. Even if he mails it in he is their best player and makes them better. If he gets hurt sure but he will hoop. I’m not buying the argument at all.

[patman66]

I’m not saying they should do the trade but KD makes them better next season. I don’t think that a very controversial view.

I dont think KD would want to play in ATL with that team. That is the KD that you are adding, the summer of '22 Durant. That Durant would not be a positive force. I think he makes them better in a video game.

I mean KD is a top 10 guy. Second team all nba. Even if he mails it in he is their best player and makes them better. If he gets hurt sure but he will hoop. I’m not buying the argument at all.

Durant can be counted on to play 40-50 games for the Hawks. Great he played 80 this year after not playing more than 1/2 a season for 3 years. lets see how he holds up playing for a team he does not want to play for after playing those 80 games this year. After this trade ATL will be lucky to play one more rd in the playoffs. you dont trade the #1 pick for that.