Trade Talk (Part 15): Trade Deadline Day (and onwards!)

[Norseman79]

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I legitimately see absolutely zero reasonable arguments why the Washington Wizards would rather have Naz Reid on a 1+1 (PO) deal over Deni Avdija on a fully guaranteed, descending 55/4 deal. Even if we grant the (respectfully, wrong) argument that Naz Reid is a better player, that contract is easily in the top five biggest steals in the NBA right now.

Naz Reid: $13,986,432 / $15,022,464 (PO)
vs.
Deni Avdija: $15,625,000 / $14,375,000 / $13,125,000 / $11,875,000

Even if Deni Avdija never improved and stayed as a decent-level starter, he is making 11% of the salary cap next season, with a contract that is decending by $1.3MM each season (while the salary cap continues to climb). That is an unbelievable bargain, the Washington Wizards would be obscenely dumb to make that swap, even with the overrating of Naz Reid's impact that is happening.

I literally just threw out Deni because it was a different name on a different team than what we have been discussing. I think you have great reasons for your view. Personally, I don't think we change anything. If we do it will be big, but I doubt it. Avdija does have a great contract it was part of why I chose him. People were saying Naz has been valued up to the number 5 pick in this draft, if that is true, then I think Washington does it. However, for reasons you stated, if Wizards just see Naz as a good bench piece then they wouldn't touch it.

[Klomp]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

[KATKlownFeet]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

I can't see Utah trading Kessler for those names. I think he's viewed as one of their core pieces.

[Note30]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

Though we couldn't aggregate salaries?

[BlacJacMac]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

Though we couldn't aggregate salaries?

Before July 1st we can.

[Klomp]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

Though we couldn't aggregate salaries?

It's a tricky thing because two people outgoing in a trade doesn't necessarily mean their salaries are being aggregated. Though in my example above I don't believe I could technically do the Clarkson/Reid part of the swap after looking again, because we'd be adding salary in that part.

[Klomp]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

Though we couldn't aggregate salaries?

Before July 1st we can.

Clarkson's cap number is currently much higher, so not sure if it would work now in the suggested format.

[Neeva]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

This would take a 27 for 10 swap to be even IMO but Utah probably wouldn’t go for that.

[shrink]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

So if we are looking longterm, the concept here is good. The teams that should place extra value on our players who will be free agents next year is exactly a team like Utah, who is not a free agent destination, and has plenty of financial flexibility to re-sign both players with Bird rights. We would likely struggle to bring either back ourselves, so those are the teams we would target.

That said, I am not a big enough fan of Clarkson or Kessler to pull the trigger. I could see how Clarkson could become MIN’s sixth man, but the team has an advantage with Naz in that role, throwing 5 quality players 6-9 or taller at opponents, and seeing if they are deep enough to keep up. I haven’t been impressed with Kessler, who has gone from people, last year saying “he’s a cheaper Gobert! Lol” to not even starting for the Jazz last season.

While this type of deal could be an advantage longterm, I think it makes us worse next year, affecting our continuity and style of play, and fans love Naz, so I’d rather see what we can do next year. Maybe a Naz trade would work for me with a different player tipping he scales? But the concept here is sound from a GM perspective.

[cmoss84]

I'm sure it never happens...but what if KAT and Naz are both traded in off season?
I know this sounds ridiculous, but both players have significant reasons to get traded.
How would you maximize each trade?

[Klomp]

If we played around with an offer that started out as Naz Reid ($13,986,432) + Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($4,312,500) for Jordan Clarkson ($14,092,577) + Walker Kessler ($2,965,920), where does value need to be added?

MIN Out: $18,298,932
UTA Out: $17,058,497

So if we are looking longterm, the concept here is good. The teams that should place extra value on our players who will be free agents next year is exactly a team like Utah, who is not a free agent destination, and has plenty of financial flexibility to re-sign both players with Bird rights. We would likely struggle to bring either back ourselves, so those are the teams we would target.

That said, I am not a big enough fan of Clarkson or Kessler to pull the trigger. I could see how Clarkson could become MIN’s sixth man, but the team has an advantage with Naz in that role, throwing 5 quality players 6-9 or taller at opponents, and seeing if they are deep enough to keep up. I haven’t been impressed with Kessler, who has gone from people, last year saying “he’s a cheaper Gobert! Lol” to not even starting for the Jazz last season.

While this type of deal could be an advantage longterm, I think it makes us worse next year, affecting our continuity and style of play, and fans love Naz, so I’d rather see what we can do next year. Maybe a Naz trade would work for me with a different player tipping he scales? But the concept here is sound from a GM perspective.

I wanted to address this specifically. I actually don't think the team will shy away from a move that might seem like a step back in the short-term if they believe it sets them up longterm. Your point about Naz is 100% correct though. Trust me, I am in no rush to trade Naz Reid. I even think there is still room for growth in his game.

But on Walker Kessler, I'd imagine the front office is still a fan of his. And if we are looking to continue the big lineup, at some point we will need a defensive big man to continue playing this way. Ideally I would pair Reid and Kessler instead of Towns and Kessler, but that might not be an option.

[shrink]

Tim Connelly had to wait almost ten years between drafting Gobert, and seeing him play for his team.

You’re right, maybe he doesn’t want to wait that long on Kessler?

[Klomp]

If we want to look at teams who might have an interest in Towns and might have pieces we'd be interested in, I wonder about Houston.

Dillon Brooks ($22,255,493 declining) and Steven Adams (12,600,000 expiring) provide a pretty good starting point to get to the higher salary total necessary, and then you could mix and match a young piece or two from there.

Trading within the conference isn't ideal, however.

[Norseman79]

If we want to look at teams who might have an interest in Towns and might have pieces we'd be interested in, I wonder about Houston.

Dillon Brooks ($22,255,493 declining) and Steven Adams (12,600,000 expiring) provide a pretty good starting point to get to the higher salary total necessary, and then you could mix and match a young piece or two from there.

Trading within the conference isn't ideal, however.

I like Jabari Smith, I know I'm probably on an island...

Min out: Towns
In: Adams, Smith, 24 2nd, 25 OKC/Brooklyn 1, 27 Brooklyn 1

Houston out: Adams,Smith.....
In: Towns

Houston:
VanVleet
Green
Brooks/Thompson
Towns
Klingen

Min:
Conley Jr
Edwards
McDaniels
Smith, Reid
Gobert, Adams

27 million in cap relief.

Keep Brooks outta here

(Maybe sign Fultz and Oubre if we can)

[Note30]

MIN Out: Reid, NAW, #27, #37, 2028 1st swap, 2030 1st swap
NO Out: Murphy III, Herb Jones, Alvarado


It's a huge risk but. We keep Towns and can look into trading McDaniels for a PG.

Conley/Alvarado
Edwards/Murphy
McDaniels/Jones
Towns/Anderson
Gobert/Towns

[jpatrick]

If we want to look at teams who might have an interest in Towns and might have pieces we'd be interested in, I wonder about Houston.

Dillon Brooks ($22,255,493 declining) and Steven Adams (12,600,000 expiring) provide a pretty good starting point to get to the higher salary total necessary, and then you could mix and match a young piece or two from there.

Trading within the conference isn't ideal, however.

I like Jabari Smith, I know I'm probably on an island...

Min out: Towns
In: Adams, Smith, 24 2nd, 25 OKC/Brooklyn 1, 27 Brooklyn 1

Houston out: Adams,Smith.....
In: Towns

Houston:
VanVleet
Green
Brooks/Thompson
Towns
Klingen

Min:
Conley Jr
Edwards
McDaniels
Smith, Reid
Gobert, Adams

27 million in cap relief.

Keep Brooks outta here

(Maybe sign Fultz and Oubre if we can)

I’m firmly on Smith Island. Versatile defender. Can shoot. And put up very good numbers as a big at age 20. He’s still younger than half the 2024 draft prospects. If the Rockets would move Smith/filler/#3, I’d absolutely listen (I’d be shocked if they make that offer though). Smith won’t be the scorer Towns is, but longterm he may make us a better team due to his defense (3&D PF).

[Norseman79]

If we want to look at teams who might have an interest in Towns and might have pieces we'd be interested in, I wonder about Houston.

Dillon Brooks ($22,255,493 declining) and Steven Adams (12,600,000 expiring) provide a pretty good starting point to get to the higher salary total necessary, and then you could mix and match a young piece or two from there.

Trading within the conference isn't ideal, however.

I like Jabari Smith, I know I'm probably on an island...

Min out: Towns
In: Adams, Smith, 24 2nd, 25 OKC/Brooklyn 1, 27 Brooklyn 1

Houston out: Adams,Smith.....
In: Towns

Houston:
VanVleet
Green
Brooks/Thompson
Towns
Klingen

Min:
Conley Jr
Edwards
McDaniels
Smith, Reid
Gobert, Adams

27 million in cap relief.

Keep Brooks outta here

(Maybe sign Fultz and Oubre if we can)

I’m firmly on Smith Island. Versatile defender. Can shoot. And put up very good numbers as a big at age 20. He’s still younger than half the 2024 draft prospects. If the Rockets would move Smith/filler/#3, I’d absolutely listen (I’d be shocked if they make that offer though). Smith won’t be the scorer Towns is, but longterm he may make us a better team due to his defense (3&D PF).

I don't want the three, it's unrealistic. I'd rather grab next year's 2, and then get 27 & 29 firsts back. Like I said, we save almost 27 million in that trade

I'm not a great cap mind like some of the others on here, but imagine if..

Conley, Fultz
Edwards, Naw
McDaniels, Oubre
Smith, Reid
Gobert, Adams

[Biff Cooper]

I like Jabari Smith, I know I'm probably on an island...

Min out: Towns
In: Adams, Smith, 24 2nd, 25 OKC/Brooklyn 1, 27 Brooklyn 1

Houston out: Adams,Smith.....
In: Towns

Houston:
VanVleet
Green
Brooks/Thompson
Towns
Klingen

Min:
Conley Jr
Edwards
McDaniels
Smith, Reid
Gobert, Adams

27 million in cap relief.

Keep Brooks outta here

(Maybe sign Fultz and Oubre if we can)

I’m firmly on Smith Island. Versatile defender. Can shoot. And put up very good numbers as a big at age 20. He’s still younger than half the 2024 draft prospects. If the Rockets would move Smith/filler/#3, I’d absolutely listen (I’d be shocked if they make that offer though). Smith won’t be the scorer Towns is, but longterm he may make us a better team due to his defense (3&D PF).

I don't want the three, it's unrealistic. I'd rather grab next year's 2, and then get 27 & 29 firsts back. Like I said, we save almost 27 million in that trade

I'm not a great cap mind like some of the others on here, but imagine if..

Conley, Fultz
Edwards, Naw
McDaniels, Oubre
Smith, Reid
Gobert, Adams

What if it is just Towns for Smith, Brooks, and Adams and skip the picks? I'd definitely consider it.

[Norseman79]

I’m firmly on Smith Island. Versatile defender. Can shoot. And put up very good numbers as a big at age 20. He’s still younger than half the 2024 draft prospects. If the Rockets would move Smith/filler/#3, I’d absolutely listen (I’d be shocked if they make that offer though). Smith won’t be the scorer Towns is, but longterm he may make us a better team due to his defense (3&D PF).

I don't want the three, it's unrealistic. I'd rather grab next year's 2, and then get 27 & 29 firsts back. Like I said, we save almost 27 million in that trade

I'm not a great cap mind like some of the others on here, but imagine if..

Conley, Fultz
Edwards, Naw
McDaniels, Oubre
Smith, Reid
Gobert, Adams

What if it is just Towns for Smith, Brooks, and Adams and skip the picks? I'd definitely consider it.

No thanks to Brooks. Why take him back at all? He isn't needed for salary purposes. If you want a physical wing type back, ask for Eason as well.

[Slim Tubby]

3 team Naz Reid....(I don't want to trade Naz)

Washington in: Naz Reid
Out: Avdija, 26

Heat in: Moore, Minott, 27
Out: Jovic

Wolves in: Avdija, Jovic, 26
Out: Reid, Minott, Moore, 27

PG Conley, NAW
SG Edwards Clark
SF McDaniels, Avdija
PF Towns, Jovic
C Gobert

Really we just need to add a point guard and a legit back up five

Deni Avdija has significantly more value that Naz Reid.

You're probably right. It's so hard to assess a player's value and true production when they play on a dismal team with little talent around them.

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