RealGM

ORL sends Cole Anthony, Caleb Houstan
LAC sends PJ Tucker, Kris Dunn

Why for ORL…one more layer of defensive nightmare. ORL bets that Tucker can still contribute at 39. He and Dunn bring heady 2-way vet play and mentorship. Both are efficient, if limited volume, floor spreaders and exceptional defenders. Zero rest for opposing POA, with Suggs, KCP, Black, and Dunn. Limited minutes but maximum defensive impact from Isaac and Tucker off the bench. Tucker is already checked out in LA and ORL’s bet is limited as he’s an expiring deal.

Why for LAC…Cole isn’t fitting in ORL’s grinding defensive identity and he’s marginalized in their forward-centric offense. LAC could let him spread his wings a bit more and be a much better Bones w/second unit. Houstan is a big, very young shooting specialist, who could open things up for Kawhi, Harden, and Cole to make things happen. They’re facing a transition but adding Cole’s potential firepower for deeper (or non) rotation guys is a swing at remaining in contention. Tucker & Dunn are finishing pieces…Cole & Houstan are much younger, bigger potential impact players, with, thus far, a wider range of possible outcomes.

Both teams send marginal contributors (in their systems/rosters) to better-fitting situations.

I kinda like the idea of Orlando just doubling and tripling down on their defense, but I don't really get it for the Clippers. I don't really see this great untapped potential on Anthony and Houstan that you elude to, and if they're held back by opportunity in Orlando - I don't see where the opportunity to do more in LA is coming from.

drosestruts wrote:I kinda like the idea of Orlando just doubling and tripling down on their defense, but I don't really get it for the Clippers. I don't really see this great untapped potential on Anthony and Houstan that you elude to, and if they're held back by opportunity in Orlando - I don't see where the opportunity to do more in LA is coming from.

I get that...but I figure Tucker is already out the door, with their blessing, so it's sort of a low -risk move...I don't think there is any question that Cole is the best player in the trade and, IMO, he's got another gear he's not able to show in ORL's swampy grinding offense and defense. Houstan is a real 3pt threat too and good defensive effort, if not physically gifted. A much cheaper, younger Kennard, Duncan Robinson -type to come in and light it up in spot minutes/positive matchups.

I'm surprised that a Magic fan is agreeing to add Houstan. I would do it for that reason alone and just cut KPJ if I was the Clippers.

I mean, if I was the clippers I would take a half eaten sandwich for Tucker, so sure, why not.