Official 2025 Offseason Thread

[Optimus_Steel]

So is this the new speculation thread?

[bigdogdylan5]

.

Wcj s extension is NOT an issue, why do people keep saying that?
He ll only make 10% of the cap, this is nothing for a starting C, that can play our switch defense scheme.

If it’s not an issue why does everyone here want to dump him? It’s really tough to play a center if he can’t shoot or doesn’t rebound well enough. You kinda need your center to do one of those well. He is not a total bad contract but I wouldn’t count on him having any actual value beyond just trade filler

[cedric76]

.

Wcj s extension is NOT an issue, why do people keep saying that?
He ll only make 10% of the cap, this is nothing for a starting C, that can play our switch defense scheme.

If it’s not an issue why does everyone here want to dump him? It’s really tough to play a center if he can’t shoot or doesn’t rebound well enough. You kinda need your center to do one of those well. He is not a total bad contract but I wouldn’t count on him having any actual value beyond just trade filler

Everyone? Not everyone, maybe mainly nba2k players

[JF5]

.

Wcj s extension is NOT an issue, why do people keep saying that?
He ll only make 10% of the cap, this is nothing for a starting C, that can play our switch defense scheme.

If it’s not an issue why does everyone here want to dump him? It’s really tough to play a center if he can’t shoot or doesn’t rebound well enough. You kinda need your center to do one of those well. He is not a total bad contract but I wouldn’t count on him having any actual value beyond just trade filler

Everyone? Not everyone, maybe mainly nba2k players

Wendell is an average/inconsistent center. He's serviceable on the contract he's on. During the last few playoff series he's shown to be starting caliber player. He's not going to win or lose you games.

I'm just more in the camp that you keep him until you find someone who does what he does but better. I think trading him and relying on Goga to play the brand of perimeter switch defense this team relies on (which he's weak at) whilst having a new scoring PG (like Simons or White who already play weak perimeter defense) would compromise what this defense does.

Then you have the spacing issue with Franz and Paolo who love to slash to the rim. It would have to be someone who is like a Poorman's Chet Holmgren or Al Horford archetype to replace him.

On top of that solving the guard situation would probably make everyone look better. I'm banking on that to unlock Wendell more.

[basketballRob]

Portland may only want expiring contracts back. They are set to have a bunch of cap 2026.

Cole, Gary, and Jett would be close enough to his salary. Portland could opt out on Jett and Cole. Gary is expiring.

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[RookieStar]

Look.. i kept sayingnibwas on the Bagley/Luka for#1 pick in that draft... and im the resident Duke homer... but seriously???

What will Bagley even do for us? He is an elite secound jumper but thats it.

Big active body for, say $4 or $5m, with occasional scoring to replace some of the guys on our bench making 2 or 3x that to also just eat some minutes…we’re too deep with barely consequential players making too much.

Similar analysis at another spot…do we all agree that $7.5m is too much for Gary?

Well, what does KCP do so much better than Gary ? They’re both very good defenders and “selective” threats from 3…KCP is better, but still, at the end of the day, barely makes a dent in the offense. I’m always critical of Gary, but he had to see the KCP “savior” $22m signing in our biggest summer of opportunity and just be wondering “why?”. How would their scoring compare with the same minutes…is KCP really THAT MUCH more impactful defensively?…Harris is a dawg on POA.

That’s not even factoring what Suggs & AB do …and, more importantly, don’t do

Point re: Bagley is that we must learn to pay the right amount for the ROLE, not just what the guy is worth. We’re not “targeting” Bagley, so much as we’re targeting replacing Goga, for example, with a guy at half his price without seeing our rotation crumble…the money we save in that inconsequential sacrifice gets thrown onto the pile we need for the more important role of PG…basically, there is no place for the middle class anymore and we have a bunch of mid-level executives filling the spots that can be filled by robots

I get that. We need a 3rd/4th big for the blowouts or the eventual injury bugs. However, why get someone we already know for their limitations like Bagley at 4/5m like you said when we can just roll the dice and get this seasons Huff from MEM or Post from GSW. Both 7ft big bodies that surprised a lot. And they sure would not have cost 5m I think.

[Idiosyncratic]

Portland may only want expiring contracts back. They are set to have a bunch of cap 2026.

Cole, Gary, and Jett would be close enough to his salary. Portland could opt out on Jett and Cole. Gary is expiring.

Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

Then no 1st for Portland. Who are we bidding against? At some point Portland has to take the best value they can for their team. Has to be compromise from both sides. But if they want mostly expirings they can get some 2nds.

I think finding a 3rd team to reroute Caldwell-Pope to is the best solution. Not easy for us to afford a Simons or whoever extension without shedding one of Carter, Caldwell-Pope or Isaac.

I feel there is a bunch of OK guards that should be available and not a ton of demand. Weltman can show what he is made of by getting one for a reasonable price, don't give in to overpaying. If Portland can't be worked with, move on to the next guy.

[Skybox]

Look.. i kept sayingnibwas on the Bagley/Luka for#1 pick in that draft... and im the resident Duke homer... but seriously???

What will Bagley even do for us? He is an elite secound jumper but thats it.

Big active body for, say $4 or $5m, with occasional scoring to replace some of the guys on our bench making 2 or 3x that to also just eat some minutes…we’re too deep with barely consequential players making too much.

Similar analysis at another spot…do we all agree that $7.5m is too much for Gary?

Well, what does KCP do so much better than Gary ? They’re both very good defenders and “selective” threats from 3…KCP is better, but still, at the end of the day, barely makes a dent in the offense. I’m always critical of Gary, but he had to see the KCP “savior” $22m signing in our biggest summer of opportunity and just be wondering “why?”. How would their scoring compare with the same minutes…is KCP really THAT MUCH more impactful defensively?…Harris is a dawg on POA.

That’s not even factoring what Suggs & AB do …and, more importantly, don’t do

Point re: Bagley is that we must learn to pay the right amount for the ROLE, not just what the guy is worth. We’re not “targeting” Bagley, so much as we’re targeting replacing Goga, for example, with a guy at half his price without seeing our rotation crumble…the money we save in that inconsequential sacrifice gets thrown onto the pile we need for the more important role of PG…basically, there is no place for the middle class anymore and we have a bunch of mid-level executives filling the spots that can be filled by robots

I get that. We need a 3rd/4th big for the blowouts or the eventual injury bugs. However, why get someone we already know for their limitations like Bagley at 4/5m like you said when we can just roll the dice and get this seasons Huff from MEM or Post from GSW. Both 7ft big bodies that surprised a lot. And they sure would not have cost 5m I think.

Sounds even better if you can identify them...clearly Weltman whiffed on Huff. Bagley was drafted ahead of Luka- so these guys clearly aren't that easy to read. For every fresh Huff coming in, there's probably 20 Poku's drafted where they should have been.

[MasterGMer]

Or we can draft a center...

[basketballRob]

Portland may only want expiring contracts back. They are set to have a bunch of cap 2026.

Cole, Gary, and Jett would be close enough to his salary. Portland could opt out on Jett and Cole. Gary is expiring.

Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

Then no 1st for Portland. Who are we bidding against? At some point Portland has to take the best value they can for their team. Has to be compromise from both sides. But if they want mostly expirings they can get some 2nds.

I think finding a 3rd team to reroute Caldwell-Pope to is the best solution. Not easy for us to afford a Simons or whoever extension without shedding one of Carter, Caldwell-Pope or Isaac.

I feel there is a bunch of OK guards that should be available and not a ton of demand. Weltman can show what he is made of by getting one for a reasonable price, don't give in to overpaying. If Portland can't be worked with, move on to the next guy.

Portland doesn't need to make a deal. They could just let Simons contract expire.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[Idiosyncratic]

Portland may only want expiring contracts back. They are set to have a bunch of cap 2026.

Cole, Gary, and Jett would be close enough to his salary. Portland could opt out on Jett and Cole. Gary is expiring.

Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

Then no 1st for Portland. Who are we bidding against? At some point Portland has to take the best value they can for their team. Has to be compromise from both sides. But if they want mostly expirings they can get some 2nds.

I think finding a 3rd team to reroute Caldwell-Pope to is the best solution. Not easy for us to afford a Simons or whoever extension without shedding one of Carter, Caldwell-Pope or Isaac.

I feel there is a bunch of OK guards that should be available and not a ton of demand. Weltman can show what he is made of by getting one for a reasonable price, don't give in to overpaying. If Portland can't be worked with, move on to the next guy.

Portland doesn't need to make a deal. They could just let Simons contract expire.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

If they decide that is better than picking up draft assets that is their choice. They also could hold until the deadline and hope that he plays better next year and builds trade value or helps them compete.

My thought process is that the Magic have options for this archetype of player and should be able to acquire one for a reasonable price. If there is someone who they think is a perfect fit and available (for me this is Reaves) then yeah maybe be a little more aggressive. Maybe they think that is Simons, I just don't see him carrying a ton of value or having a ton of competition for his services.

I really think shedding a longer contract is the only way they should be paying a 1st. Blazers may not accept this, or they maybe could find a 3rd team. We shall see.

[yoyojw17]

Watch on YouTube

Austin Reaves for Goga + more? I would throw a couple picks

That would be something!

Also discusses other trade scenarios.

Goga + KCP + Denver pick for Reaves + Match salary?

[J the Drafter]

Watch on YouTube

Austin Reaves for Goga + more? I would throw a couple picks

That would be something!

Also discusses other trade scenarios.

Goga + KCP + Denver pick for Reaves + Match salary?

I don’t think Reeves is worth picks, especially not with the Lakers so desperate for a center. Send some of KCP/Harris/Cole to make salaries match, sure, but picks are too expensive.

[yoyojw17]

Watch on YouTube

Austin Reaves for Goga + more? I would throw a couple picks

That would be something!

Also discusses other trade scenarios.

Goga + KCP + Denver pick for Reaves + Match salary?

I don’t think Reeves is worth picks, especially not with the Lakers so desperate for a center. Send some of KCP/Harris/Cole to make salaries match, sure, but picks are too expensive.

I'm for it. lol. Initially just had Goga and KCP... and then thought... "People will call me crazy" but i could see LA taking that and upgrading their team in essentially a swap of talent with different needs.

To be honest... i low key feel like the "Goga.... you've done great this season... but with how we are built and the interest we have seen around you... we're gonna have you ride the bench for the rest of the season and you will be sent to a place where you can start" might have been had.

[jezzerinho]

I feel the likely list of PGs we can fit in our cap, can add efficient offense and could be available at the right price are:

Nembhard, Pritchard, Jerome, Donsumu, White, Reaves, Sexton, Porter Jr., McCollum.

Can't imagine us landing or fitting a Maxey/Herro. Can't see Houston letting FVV go. Not sure the wisdom of a real grey beard like Paul or Conley.

Porter Jr. is a v interesting one. He's starting to finally blow up in Milwaukee and they look to be in total disarray and with Lillard still on the books. Edit: and he's a FA whose last paycheck was $2m. Go after him hard and at worst he replaces Cole as 6th Man offensive guard. I know he was a piece of shït in the past, but good scouting can determine whether he's gotten his house in order or not.

[drsd]

Denver out rebounded OKC by 20 boards. In the 63 rebounds, all three stars went for a rebounding double double, accented by Jokić's 42/22.

NYKs took 23 less three pointers, but actually made 2 more.

Both stats are wild, but explain both upset wins.

[msmoore66]

I do like Reaves for us.

[Skybox]

Watch on YouTube

Austin Reaves for Goga + more? I would throw a couple picks

That would be something!

Also discusses other trade scenarios.

Goga + KCP + Denver pick for Reaves + Match salary?

I don’t think Reeves is worth picks, especially not with the Lakers so desperate for a center. Send some of KCP/Harris/Cole to make salaries match, sure, but picks are too expensive.

C'mon Mr Drafter...what do you really think #25 is worth? or even #16 (Goga & KCP fit LAL's needs, but their "market value" is questionable)

LAL might be able to coerce some vet UFA to come play for a couple of years for vet min...Capela, Steven Adams, Lopez

I don't think Goga's youth and the opportunity for building something for longevity is a factor for LAL right now. Hopefully, Nico is forbidden from talking to Pelinka because Gafford is the best match that could be available.

[Skybox]

Of the guys that we bounce around...that you can actually manufacture a reasonable scenario to explain how they MIGHT be available...
(as of this minute )

1) Maxey - extremely unlikely, but there's a story to spin
2) Reaves - maybe even a better playmaker than Maxey, but not on his level overall
3) Quickley - extremely unlikely unless Weltman ID's him as the missing piece and makes TOR an offer they can't refuse-unlikely on both sides
4) McCollum - as I veer more towards playmaking without overlooking pure shooting and scoring, I'm willing to deal with his age for a few years
5) Simons & Sexton - Simons is a better shooter, Sexton perhaps more clearly has that dawg in him...not sure either brings the playmaking
6) Coby White & Ty Jerome - would be happy to have, not sure either's really that big a needle-mover, delivering big is fairly recent for these two

Others...
Davion Mitchell, Tyus Jones, Chris Paul, Lonzo Ball...all would be solid adds, but not as the only move, more of a secondary injection of BBIQ
Nembhard - would be great, by all accounts-not remotely available...but, maybe, if IND goes for something wild like KD, they'll need picks, etc
I can't think of an attainable guy with the BBIQ and scoring we need that also brings any kind of significant defensive impact

*I don't mind really throwing in assets to get the guard that changes our offense...we can turn our full focus to upgrading C next...it isn't as difficult and not as costly...we need to just identify the right "type" and grab a bunch to sift through, while finding ways to shed $$$ off our bench to allow the backcourt starter upgrade to get the eventual (or immediate extension)...maybe even draft multiple big men with any picks remaining in the stash.

[yoyojw17]

Watch on YouTube

Austin Reaves for Goga + more? I would throw a couple picks

That would be something!

Also discusses other trade scenarios.

Goga + KCP + Denver pick for Reaves + Match salary?

I don’t think Reeves is worth picks, especially not with the Lakers so desperate for a center. Send some of KCP/Harris/Cole to make salaries match, sure, but picks are too expensive.

C'mon Mr Drafter...what do you really think #25 is worth? or even #16 (Goga & KCP fit LAL's needs, but their "market value" is questionable)

LAL might be able to coerce some vet UFA to come play for a couple of years for vet min...Capela, Steven Adams, Lopez

I don't think Goga's youth and the opportunity for building something for longevity is a factor for LAL right now. Hopefully, Nico is forbidden from talking to Pelinka because Gafford is the best match that could be available.

I can easily GM lebron being like... "Bring my boy KCP back... we got this"... And goga is just goga. Doesn't work for our scheme when full healthy... (franz and paolo) with heavy switching... but i can see him looking good in others. And he had one of our better +/- or net ratings. I love the attitude of Goga... and he can take it to another level.... ESPECIALLY with 2 playmakers that will continuously look for him and get him the ball in high percentage territories. But if the 25th is needed to sweeten the pot... i'm down.

The other reason is.... leveraging for AR and that cheap contract for the next two years is pretty damn good and beyond cost effective.