Thoughts in General, Rumors, etc... Take 6

[Troubadour]

Which lottery scenario would have the most significant trade/free agency ramifications?

If Portland or Sacramento get into the Top 4, I think there's a chance they explore a trade to add a second star with Dame or add to Sabonis/Fox. That feels like less of a possibility with New Orleans, but it would open up questions about Zion potentially if they picked one of the big wings. The Spurs jumping up or just selecting a traditional big may signal the end of the Jakob Poeltl era.

Any other teams you have your eye on?

[eminence]

If NY moves up that clarifies a potential Donovan to NY trade.

[Godaddycurse]

Which lottery scenario would have the most significant trade/free agency ramifications?

If Portland or Sacramento get into the Top 4, I think there's a chance they explore a trade to add a second star with Dame or add to Sabonis/Fox. That feels like less of a possibility with New Orleans, but it would open up questions about Zion potentially if they picked one of the big wings. The Spurs jumping up or just selecting a traditional big may signal the end of the Jakob Poeltl era.

Any other teams you have your eye on?

Pelicans will likely shop their top pick considering they have zion/ingram/jones/CJ already 1-4 locked down

[HornetJail]

I think Charlotte would try to trade for a star if #13 jumped to #4

[MasterIchiro]

I think Charlotte would try to trade for a star if #13 jumped to #4

Balls to the wall for SGA.

[Troubadour]

If NY moves up that clarifies a potential Donovan to NY trade.

What would that trade be and would any of the Top 4 picks work for you?

Here's an idea:

Utah receives Julius Randle, Cam Reddish, 2022 1st Round Pick (NYK), 2023 1st Round Pick (DAL via NYK)
New York receives: Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gay

[eminence]

If NY moves up that clarifies a potential Donovan to NY trade.

What would that trade be and would any of the Top 4 picks work for you?

Here's an idea:

Utah receives Julius Randle, Cam Reddish, 2022 1st Round Pick (NYK), 2023 1st Round Pick (DAL via NYK)
New York receives: Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gay

I'd probably look at something around Fournier as the main salary.

I'm not sure on the pick, I'm not super into following prospects. From what I've seen I really liked Jabari/Chet, but may not be as excited about some others, would consider trading down without those two (I like Eason later in the lottos), but I think the value of the 3/4 pick is still fine as the main piece.

[HornetJail]

Let's say NY lands pick #4. If I'm Utah I'm not taking back much long-term bad money in the trade just to get the pick.

#4, Kemba (9.2M exp), Noel (9.2M + 9.7M TO), Burks (10M + 10.5M TO) for Mitchell.

[Ell Curry]

To me this screams Sacramento. They need rim protection and defence at the 4 with Sabonis out there, so a 3 way deal with Harrison Barnes going to a team who needs a starting forward (there's a lot, but Minnesota, Chicago and Portland always come to mind first) and some assets from that team going for Isaac and maybe a little asset from Sacramento too, so like #37 from Sacramento to Orlando, and say the better of Sacramento or Indy's 2nd rounder next year which they own, which should be around #35, and say #19 and Malik Beasley from Minnesota going to Orlando.

Really hope not. This is the worst season Indy’s had in decades. Would hate to plan on it again.

I just mean that the over/under of the best draft slot for Sacramento and Indy is probably about #5, with let's say 3 of OKC, Houston, Detroit and Orlando and one surprise injury riddled team finishing behind both of them.

[Ell Curry]

I think Charlotte would try to trade for a star if #13 jumped to #4

Balls to the wall for SGA.

Yeah? Ball can really shoot so it's great when SGA has it, but that's a lot of SGA off ball, no? Wouldn't you look for a forward or center to improve the D if you trade 4?

[LAL1947]

Is it possible for Team A to sign and trade 2 players whose contracts are expiring... in a single trade... to Team B for 1 player who just exercised his player option? Example:

Orlando In: Russell Westbrook ($44.2m) + something to compensate them.
Orlando Out: Gary Harris (S&T @ 16m) + Mo Bamba (S&T @ 16m) + Terrence Ross (12.5m).

Hope this isn't against the CBA. Gives me something to fantasize about until the deadline and Russ is still on the roster.

[Resistance]

Is it possible for Team A to sign and trade 2 players whose contracts are expiring... in a single trade... to Team B for 1 player who just exercised his player option? Example:

Orlando In: Russell Westbrook ($44.2m) + something to compensate them.
Orlando Out: Gary Harris (S&T @ 16m) + Mo Bamba (S&T @ 16m) + Terrence Ross (12.5m).

Hope this isn't against the CBA. Gives me something to fantasize about until the deadline and Russ is still on the roster.

I don't know of a CBA issue for Orlando.

There could be a CBA issue for the Lakers with the Sign & Trade stuff.

20. Other than financial penalties, are there restrictions on taxpaying teams? What is the "Apron?" What is the hard cap?

Teams with a team salary above the Apron have the following additional restrictions. Note that they use the team salary at the conclusion of any transaction to determine whether a team is over the Apron (for example in a sign-and-trade transaction, they look at what the team salary would be after the trade is completed).

* Teams above the Apron cannot use the Bi-Annual exception (see question number 25).

* Teams above the Apron have a smaller Mid-Level exception (see question number 25). It can be used to offer a mid-level contract no longer than three years, while other teams can offer four. The starting salary is also lower.

* Teams cannot receive a player in a sign-and-trade transaction (see question number 92). Note that they calculate whether the team is over or under the Apron after the full sign-and-trade transaction, and not just the signing.

*Teams above the Apron do not have the same protections under the Gilbert Arenas provision (see question number 43). Under the Arenas provision other teams can offer restricted free agents salaries starting up to the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level exception. If a team with the right of first refusal does not have Early Bird rights to the player and is over the Apron, it will have only the smaller Taxpayer Mid-Level exception at its disposal, and cannot match an offer for the full Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level exception.

The transactions listed above are reserved for teams that are below the Apron. This applies to the entire season in which one of these exceptions is used -- for example, if a team is below the Apron and utilizes its Bi-Annual exception, it commits itself to remaining below the Apron for the remainder of that season (through the following June 30).

Lakers 2022-23


2022-23 Luxury Tax Totals

Denotes the Lakers current standing in terms of the luxury tax threshold. Teams that spend over the threshold pay fines (estimated below).

TYPE..............................................TOTALS
2022 NBA Luxury Tax Threshold.........$149,000,000
Total Taxable Salaries.....................$151,012,065
_______________________________________________
Current Luxury Tax Space..................$-2,012,065

Est. Luxury Tax Bill............................$3,018,09


With a Salary Cap of $122 million, the Apron/Hard Cap is projecting to be $155.7 million. They will have to watch the Numbers so they can get everything done and not go over that upper limit.

[jayjaysee]

Is it possible for Team A to sign and trade 2 players whose contracts are expiring... in a single trade... to Team B for 1 player who just exercised his player option? Example:

Orlando In: Russell Westbrook ($44.2m) + something to compensate them.
Orlando Out: Gary Harris (S&T @ 16m) + Mo Bamba (S&T @ 16m) + Terrence Ross (12.5m).

Hope this isn't against the CBA. Gives me something to fantasize about until the deadline and Russ is still on the roster.

I think you could Ross to a third team and hopefully only have to give them 2nds, tough to do.

But Russ for Harris/Bamba should trim enough salary to be able to fill the roster under the hard cap.

Now is Harris/Bamba worth giving up a first and a swap (the bare minimum Orlando asks for) AND making it so you can’t add salary over the apron?

I don’t think so. But if you believe in Bamba, maybe? The Lakers like Orlando centers.

[Resistance]

Is it possible for Team A to sign and trade 2 players whose contracts are expiring... in a single trade... to Team B for 1 player who just exercised his player option? Example:

Orlando In: Russell Westbrook ($44.2m) + something to compensate them.
Orlando Out: Gary Harris (S&T @ 16m) + Mo Bamba (S&T @ 16m) + Terrence Ross (12.5m).

Hope this isn't against the CBA. Gives me something to fantasize about until the deadline and Russ is still on the roster.

I think you could Ross to a third team and hopefully only have to give them 2nds, tough to do.

But Russ for Harris/Bamba should trim enough salary to be able to fill the roster under the hard cap.

Now is Harris/Bamba worth giving up a first and a swap (the bare minimum Orlando asks for) AND making it so you can’t add salary over the apron?

I don’t think so. But if you believe in Bamba, maybe? The Lakers like Orlando centers.

Spotrac has Ross as $11.5 million + $1 million in Unlikely Incentive.

Orlando


Based on your idea, I have these as examples of what is possible in shaving the incoming salary for the Lakers. Adjust with picks and/or Cash as necessary.

Ross to Lakers. Birch + Filler? to Lakers.
Tornto takes on extra salary for 2022-23, but sheds the second year on Birch's contract.

Ross to Knicks. Kemba to Lakers
Knicks take on some extra salary, but eliminate the probable dead money of Kemba. Either a deep bench role or Kemba is waived by the Lakers.

Ross to Dallas. Boban, Burke and S Brown to Lakers. Lakers shave a bit of salary while Dallas clears some roster spots.

Ross to Detroit. Cory Joseph to Lakers.

Ross to OKC. Favors to Lakers

[MasterIchiro]

I think Charlotte would try to trade for a star if #13 jumped to #4

Balls to the wall for SGA.

Yeah? Ball can really shoot so it's great when SGA has it, but that's a lot of SGA off ball, no? Wouldn't you look for a forward or center to improve the D if you trade 4?

I can't think of a center who could become available who's worth the 4th pick. I've said that if we can't bundle 13 +15 for a center we have no business targeting that player. We made a longterm investment in Kai Jones and I believe he's got unicorn potential. I picture Bouknight becoming a starter and maybe even a primary scorer but we are facing 4 years of Rozier right now and he's a weak defender with LaMelo. SGA would be paired with LaMelo and Bouknight, so he can be on ball half the time with LaMelo and 100% of the time with Bouknight. You can close with either SGA or LaMelo running sets. They can take turns. SGA plays defense and rebounds. I think adding him lifts our ceiling big time. Both he and LaMelo are triple double threats. No team has a backcourt like that.

[MoneyTalks41890]

Balls to the wall for SGA.

Yeah? Ball can really shoot so it's great when SGA has it, but that's a lot of SGA off ball, no? Wouldn't you look for a forward or center to improve the D if you trade 4?

I can't think of a center who could become available who's worth the 4th pick. I've said that if we can't bundle 13 +15 for a center we have no business targeting that player. We made a longterm investment in Kai Jones and I believe he's got unicorn potential. I picture Bouknight becoming a starter and maybe even a primary scorer but we are facing 4 years of Rozier right now and he's a weak defender with LaMelo. SGA would be paired with LaMelo and Bouknight, so he can be on ball half the time with LaMelo and 100% of the time with Bouknight. You can close with either SGA or LaMelo running sets. They can take turns. SGA plays defense and rebounds. I think adding him lifts our ceiling big time. Both he and LaMelo are triple double threats. No team has a backcourt like that.

Hate to burst your bubble here but you’re not keeping those pieces in an SGA trade, if he were made available.

[orlando_joe]

Is it possible for Team A to sign and trade 2 players whose contracts are expiring... in a single trade... to Team B for 1 player who just exercised his player option? Example:

Orlando In: Russell Westbrook ($44.2m) + something to compensate them.
Orlando Out: Gary Harris (S&T @ 16m) + Mo Bamba (S&T @ 16m) + Terrence Ross (12.5m).

Hope this isn't against the CBA. Gives me something to fantasize about until the deadline and Russ is still on the roster.

I think you could Ross to a third team and hopefully only have to give them 2nds, tough to do.

But Russ for Harris/Bamba should trim enough salary to be able to fill the roster under the hard cap.

Now is Harris/Bamba worth giving up a first and a swap (the bare minimum Orlando asks for) AND making it so you can’t add salary over the apron?

I don’t think so. But if you believe in Bamba, maybe? The Lakers like Orlando centers.

magic not giving away bamba and paying 45 mil for a first 5 yrs out from lakers...will not happen

[MasterIchiro]

Yeah? Ball can really shoot so it's great when SGA has it, but that's a lot of SGA off ball, no? Wouldn't you look for a forward or center to improve the D if you trade 4?

I can't think of a center who could become available who's worth the 4th pick. I've said that if we can't bundle 13 +15 for a center we have no business targeting that player. We made a longterm investment in Kai Jones and I believe he's got unicorn potential. I picture Bouknight becoming a starter and maybe even a primary scorer but we are facing 4 years of Rozier right now and he's a weak defender with LaMelo. SGA would be paired with LaMelo and Bouknight, so he can be on ball half the time with LaMelo and 100% of the time with Bouknight. You can close with either SGA or LaMelo running sets. They can take turns. SGA plays defense and rebounds. I think adding him lifts our ceiling big time. Both he and LaMelo are triple double threats. No team has a backcourt like that.

Hate to burst your bubble here but you’re not keeping those pieces in an SGA trade, if he were made available.

My bubble is not burst at all. I have no problem running with a future of LaMelo - Bouknight - Miles - Keegan Murray - Kai Jones. Hell, I'm okay with not moving up to 4 and running with PJ/Thor and/or Tari Eason in place of Murray.

[Ell Curry]

Balls to the wall for SGA.

Yeah? Ball can really shoot so it's great when SGA has it, but that's a lot of SGA off ball, no? Wouldn't you look for a forward or center to improve the D if you trade 4?

I can't think of a center who could become available who's worth the 4th pick. I've said that if we can't bundle 13 +15 for a center we have no business targeting that player. We made a longterm investment in Kai Jones and I believe he's got unicorn potential. I picture Bouknight becoming a starter and maybe even a primary scorer but we are facing 4 years of Rozier right now and he's a weak defender with LaMelo. SGA would be paired with LaMelo and Bouknight, so he can be on ball half the time with LaMelo and 100% of the time with Bouknight. You can close with either SGA or LaMelo running sets. They can take turns. SGA plays defense and rebounds. I think adding him lifts our ceiling big time. Both he and LaMelo are triple double threats. No team has a backcourt like that.

Maybe something like Okongwu, #16 and Bogdanovic for Hayward or Rozier and #4? Get you a quality young center, better contract on the wing and still a mid first rounder?

[zimpy27]

Read on Twitter