RealGM

It seems like there is a top 3 at this point: Sarr, Clingan, Risacher.
If ATL likes Risacher and can make a deal for #3, or just think either center works, then they can still get their center of the future at #3 (either Sarr or Clingan) while getting a stud forward in Risacher.

ATL:
pg - (Murray or Trae)
sg - Bogdanovic
sf - Risacher, Hunter, Griffin
pf - JaJo, Okongwu
c - (Sarr or Clingan), Capela

So, what works with base being a pg (Trae or Murray) for #3 plus.

Murray:
ATL gets #3, expiring quality veterans (Tate, Landale, JeffGreen, Adams)
HOU gets Murray, Capela
- Houston could roll with another veteran guard and see how far they could get. ATL resets and sets the table with depth and prospects.
ATL:
pg - Trae, Bufkin
sg - Bogdanovic, Tate
sf - Risacher, Hunter, Griffin
pf - JaJo, Okongwu, Jeff Green
c - (Sarr or Clingan), Adams, Landale


Trae:
ATL gets: #3, Vleet, 2026 BKN 1st, 2028 HOU 1st (protected 10, 10, 2nds).
HOU gets Trae
- Obviously the picks/prospects added to #3 and Vleet can be argued (picks above or Amen). But, this seems close to value. A #3 pick which they might value enough to pick at #1 so they essentially get two #1 picks. Plus, the 2026 BKN pick could be gold. And, Vleet is no slouch. If they are doing well next year they keep him - otherwise, he could bring something at trade deadline.

ATL:
pg - Murray, VLeet
sg - Vleet, Bogdanovic
sf - Risacher, Hunter, Griffin
pf - JaJo, Okongwu
c - (Sarr or Clingan), Capela

As a Houston fan, I want Trae. Murray would be nice but I think a Trae/Sengun pairing on offense would be really good. Especially with 3&D guys (Brooks, Whitmore, Eason, Jabari) all around them. If Houston had to add a prospect, I Amen might be the guy since his shot is not there yet (but some will call me crazy since he is so good at everything else).

I don't have this as my Top 3 at all. I don't think Atlanta does something like this.

[quote="Colbinii"]I don't have this as my Top 3 at all. I don't think Atlanta does something like this.[/quote]

Seems like Risacher and Sarr have been competing for top spot for a while. Now, supposedly ATL is deciding between Risacher and Clingan so Clingan might be number one.

Sheppard and Castle are the two other guys mentioned the most for top five consideration. However, I have trouble putting either as high as #3. Sheppard is short with short arms and I am not so impressed with his defense - even though he has a great shot - I see him becoming a great 6th man. Castle's shot is my issue with him. Really picks #3-#13 all have pluses and minuses.

I would rather see Clingan in Houston than Sheppard or Castle (but would prefer Risacher or Sarr over Clingan).