RealGM

It looks like CHI wants to make a move for Melo, but Denver doesnt want to take on Deng. Is there a way we can facilitate getting Chicago a TPE they can use for Denver and get assets ourselves? I'm not sure how TPE always work, so if anyone has great insights please share.

MIN in:
Baron Davis
MIN 2012 1st
MIN out:
Johnny Flynn
(Cap Space)

LAC in:
Luol Deng
Johnny Flynn
LAC out:
MIN 2012 1st
Baron Davis

CHI in:
TPE (to be used in subsequent 'Melo Trade)
CHI Out:
Luol Deng

Why in the world would the Clippers do that deal? We're not the only team out there that realizes how valuable our 2012 pick will likely become.

Also, what's Davis' contract like? If it's anything beyond this season (I think it is), I wouldn't want anything to do with him.

I think the only way the Clippers trade that pick is in a Melo trade.

That's obviously something the Clippers wouldn't do.

I think it'd have to be closer to Davis + MN '12 1st for Flynn, Johnson (+ cap space)

Bledsoe/Flynn
Gordon/Johnson
Johnson/Aminu
Griffin
Jordan/Kaman

That team has a bunch of young talent and cap space with Davis gone. With Gordon and Griffin I think Wes would get more open looks and produce more.

The Clippers and Bulls seem like poor trade partners to utilize cap space this way. Also, I could be wrong, but because all three teams are under the cap -- last time I checked -- I do not think a TPE is even created here. A team near the lux tax thresh hold, like Denver, or Utah makes more sense because they will put much more value on the capspace.

I think the Clippers will hold on to the pick, even if it ends up in the 9-12 range (we'd have to improve quite a bit, but I think its possible) because it still has a chance of being the no. 1 overall. I think we would have to project as a playoff team for them to give it up.