Post#131 » by Skybox » Fri May 17, 2024 12:27 pm
I'll get shelled...probably from both sides, but:
ORL sends: Franz Wagner, Mo Wagner, Cole Anthony (combined salary for next season $28m), DEN 25 frp, ORL 27 frp (Top 5 protection)
CLE sends: Garland, Allen (combined salary for next season $56.7m)
CLE gets the perfect 3 (who can slide 1-4, even at a long 6'10) for the future, still on a rookie deal. His brother is a solid, physical bench big and an excellent PnR finisher- he could actually play a complementary, offensive-minded big PF next to Mobley. Cole provides 3rd guard scoring off the bench and excellent rebounding for a guard. Two frps and a LOT of cap space saved - assuming Mitchell has a handshake, they can go shopping in FA first, then extend him. Allen is great for CLE, but only when Mobley is out - if they're choosing one, they go with Mobley's upside and youth. Garland is a valuable player, but severely diminished in Mitchell's giant shadow and, as a result, will forever appear way overpaid in CLE. CLE shouldn't be sad when Garland goes off for big numbers elsewhere - because they know Mitchell is a much bigger fish. Same goes for ORL, wistfully admiring Franz' progress and wondering what could have been. Franz looks like a Top 50 (or better) guy, as well rounded on both ends as anyone and very unlikely to be defined by his disappointing shooting in his first playoff series. He's a fantastic complement to Donovan's fierce offensive style.
Agonizing for ORL to consider moving off Franz, but team-building is first. Allen is a perfect C next to Paolo, finishing his drop offs, rebounding and rim protecting at an elite level at a reasonable price point. Franz is angling for a (deserved) near-max extension this summer, so ORL FO has to consider long-term investment in balancing their lineup. Garland is, offensively, just what ORL ordered...a guy who can go for 40 on any given night, but not such a dominant presence that he limits Paolo's growth as a star (like Trae would, for example).