Clean Sweep 2: are you in?
Posted: Mon Jan 6, 2025 6:14 am
I had a really nice in-depth version of this post, but my internet page crashed on my computer. So now you all get the Abridged version from my phone!
Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps reported last week that the Brooklyn Nets are planning to pursue two maximum salary players with their cap space this summer. This would seem to indicate a win now move after 1 year of rebuilding. Are you in favor of this quick relaunch? I know we're wary of these instant fixes, as evidenced by the KC/Pierce trade and the Scary Hours era. This time around, we wouldn't be staying from scratch or surrendering all of our youth.
However, in order to open up to Max salary slots, we would either have to trade one of Claxton or Johnson, or renounce the restricted free agent rights to Thomas Sharpe and Williams. As much as I would hate to lose the youngsters with nothing in return, it makes more sense to keep our cost-controlled front Court if we're bringing in other win now players. And bringing in 2 difference makers softens the blow.
Imagine this scenario:
1) we draft Khaman Maluach, JT Toppin, Boogie Fland and Kam Jones with our four 2025 1st round picks.
2) we sign JIMMY BUTLER to a 3yr, $120mil deal. It's a gamble, seeing as he's 35 and not the most durable. Still, I think the reward is worth the risk for the potential upside of even 1 All-NBA season. He takes a pay cut after opting out of $52mil. But I think he wants the long-term security of multiple Seasons that Miami Is unwilling to give.
3) we sign FRED VAN VLEET to a 4yr, $120mil deal. He's 30, he's short and he's not an efficient shooter. But he's an elite defender, a great floor general and has championship experience. Houston may keep him from hitting the open market because he's on a team option. But, they just paid Green and Sengun big money, and are preparing extensions for Tari and Jabari this summer. They also have Sheppard and Thompson ready to take on bigger playmaking roles, so I see the Rockets letting FVV walk.
Well probably fill in the roster around the edges with minimum veterans, but for now it looks like this:
Van Vleet, Butler, Johnson, Clowney, Claxton
Fland, Whitehead, Wilson, Toppin, Maluach
I think this team could compete for a top 4 seed immediately, with room to grow organically. Some would argue that we should sign or trade for younger guys, and maybe we do. Instead of Jimmy, would you prefer trading capspace and a future 1st round pick for Zion? Instead of FVV, do we sign Aldama to a large offer sheet, and hope that Memphis doesn't match? Use your imagination, and let me know in the comments and with your vote how you would like Sean Marks to proceed.
Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps reported last week that the Brooklyn Nets are planning to pursue two maximum salary players with their cap space this summer. This would seem to indicate a win now move after 1 year of rebuilding. Are you in favor of this quick relaunch? I know we're wary of these instant fixes, as evidenced by the KC/Pierce trade and the Scary Hours era. This time around, we wouldn't be staying from scratch or surrendering all of our youth.
However, in order to open up to Max salary slots, we would either have to trade one of Claxton or Johnson, or renounce the restricted free agent rights to Thomas Sharpe and Williams. As much as I would hate to lose the youngsters with nothing in return, it makes more sense to keep our cost-controlled front Court if we're bringing in other win now players. And bringing in 2 difference makers softens the blow.
Imagine this scenario:
1) we draft Khaman Maluach, JT Toppin, Boogie Fland and Kam Jones with our four 2025 1st round picks.
2) we sign JIMMY BUTLER to a 3yr, $120mil deal. It's a gamble, seeing as he's 35 and not the most durable. Still, I think the reward is worth the risk for the potential upside of even 1 All-NBA season. He takes a pay cut after opting out of $52mil. But I think he wants the long-term security of multiple Seasons that Miami Is unwilling to give.
3) we sign FRED VAN VLEET to a 4yr, $120mil deal. He's 30, he's short and he's not an efficient shooter. But he's an elite defender, a great floor general and has championship experience. Houston may keep him from hitting the open market because he's on a team option. But, they just paid Green and Sengun big money, and are preparing extensions for Tari and Jabari this summer. They also have Sheppard and Thompson ready to take on bigger playmaking roles, so I see the Rockets letting FVV walk.
Well probably fill in the roster around the edges with minimum veterans, but for now it looks like this:
Van Vleet, Butler, Johnson, Clowney, Claxton
Fland, Whitehead, Wilson, Toppin, Maluach
I think this team could compete for a top 4 seed immediately, with room to grow organically. Some would argue that we should sign or trade for younger guys, and maybe we do. Instead of Jimmy, would you prefer trading capspace and a future 1st round pick for Zion? Instead of FVV, do we sign Aldama to a large offer sheet, and hope that Memphis doesn't match? Use your imagination, and let me know in the comments and with your vote how you would like Sean Marks to proceed.