Official 2024-2025 Magic Trade ideas thread continued

[Duke4life831]

Yeah AB is a great creator. He just can’t share the floor with our two star forwards and Corey Joseph starts over him. Lol. What is this argument even?

Look, I like AB. I like him more than most of the players acquired in the Weltman era. But people are just straight up lying about his skillset at this point as a hill to die on for no reason.

He’s a wing defender/slasher to the rim that can occasionally hit spot up 3’s in a clinch. Hes never even the best “creator” on the floor when he’s coming off the bench let alone starting. You HOPE and WISH his skillset fit perfectly much like Weltman did when he drafted him.

Let’s chill on this narrative that he’s the future starting point guard on a team that currently has one of the worst offenses in the league when everybody with eyes is claiming “Orlando really needs a point guard badly”. That is telling and it’s coming from non homers.

Ya AB has never been a great creator dating back to high school. He's just never been that dynamic on ball. I dont mean this as a shot towards AB, but I think the clear hope for him is Dyson Daniels. Neither guy has ever really shown a dynamic on ball ability. They're both huge guards or good sized wings. Both are solid decision makers as secondary ball handlers. And both project to be elite defenders. Daniels made that jump to being a truly elite defender this year, I think the hope is AB has a similar 3rd year jump.

Both him and Daniels went top 10 with the hope they would progress into being legit on ball creators to go with their size, athleticism, and defense. I just think its pretty obvious when you watch both, they just dont have that level of dynamic on ball creativity. And its pretty damn rare to see someone's on ball ability and handle, go from pretty average to dynamic.

It was also the same with Dyson in New Orleans. If he was a legit high level creator, it would be pretty easy to rack up assists and be a weapon creating on ball when he got to play off of Zion, Ingram, and CJ. Same for AB. If he showed high level creativity on ball, any coach would use him to get easier shots for Paolo and Franz.

He just like Dyson, just clearly lack a dynamic ability on ball. Then add in the inconsistent jumper, ya you kind of get what you see with AB and Dyson so far.

Thanks impartial forum mod with no clear agenda and homerism.

Yeah, it’s just obvious at this point he isn’t this savior for Orlando at point guard for the reasons you’ve stated. He’s a nice player that ideally you want to keep and develop alongside Paolo and Franz to keep the defense near the top of the charts.

Ya and to be clear. This isnt me calling him a scrub or anything like that. I dont think it was a bad pick at all taking him 6th overall in his draft. It was a gamble you take again hoping he has like a DeRozan kind of progression with his handle. And if that didnt pan out, worst case scenario you get a good big athlete that can defend 1-3 and his shot isnt broken. For instance, I think the Jett Howard pick was laughably bad (not just 20/20 hindsight, I thought that was bad on draft night).

But ya I think seeing his on ball ability against pros, thats going to be a very steep hill to climb if youre hoping he ends up being a dynamic on ball creator. I think what would be best for him and his career, focus on being truly elite defensively and becoming a consistent 36%+ 3pt shooter. I think Black will be a very solid pro for a long time.

I do think you guys need legit shooters. But before that, I think you guys need a legit dynamic ball handler. I think Suggs has some potential there, I just dont think its his natural game though. This is why I think Clayton with your 2nd 1st round pick is worth the HR swing. I think the most likely scenario is he ends up as a 6th man scorer, like a better version of Cole (Clayton is more dynamic in his movements and is just a much better overall shooter). But I think you take him with again, a low risk high reward play to see if his dynamic on ball ability translates to the NBA. That's if yall dont trade for an already proven dynamic guard.

[RichCollab]

Ya AB has never been a great creator dating back to high school. He's just never been that dynamic on ball. I dont mean this as a shot towards AB, but I think the clear hope for him is Dyson Daniels. Neither guy has ever really shown a dynamic on ball ability. They're both huge guards or good sized wings. Both are solid decision makers as secondary ball handlers. And both project to be elite defenders. Daniels made that jump to being a truly elite defender this year, I think the hope is AB has a similar 3rd year jump.

Both him and Daniels went top 10 with the hope they would progress into being legit on ball creators to go with their size, athleticism, and defense. I just think its pretty obvious when you watch both, they just dont have that level of dynamic on ball creativity. And its pretty damn rare to see someone's on ball ability and handle, go from pretty average to dynamic.

It was also the same with Dyson in New Orleans. If he was a legit high level creator, it would be pretty easy to rack up assists and be a weapon creating on ball when he got to play off of Zion, Ingram, and CJ. Same for AB. If he showed high level creativity on ball, any coach would use him to get easier shots for Paolo and Franz.

He just like Dyson, just clearly lack a dynamic ability on ball. Then add in the inconsistent jumper, ya you kind of get what you see with AB and Dyson so far.

Thanks impartial forum mod with no clear agenda and homerism.

Yeah, it’s just obvious at this point he isn’t this savior for Orlando at point guard for the reasons you’ve stated. He’s a nice player that ideally you want to keep and develop alongside Paolo and Franz to keep the defense near the top of the charts.

Ya and to be clear. This isnt me calling him a scrub or anything like that. I dont think it was a bad pick at all taking him 6th overall in his draft. It was a gamble you take again hoping he has like a DeRozan kind of progression with his handle. And if that didnt pan out, worst case scenario you get a good big athlete that can defend 1-3 and his shot isnt broken. For instance, I think the Jett Howard pick was laughably bad (not just 20/20 hindsight, I thought that was bad on draft night).

But ya I think seeing his on ball ability against pros, thats going to be a very steep hill to climb if youre hoping he ends up being a dynamic on ball creator. I think what would be best for him and his career, focus on being truly elite defensively and becoming a consistent 36%+ 3pt shooter. I think Black will be a very solid pro for a long time.

I do think you guys need legit shooters. But before that, I think you guys need a legit dynamic ball handler. I think Suggs has some potential there, I just dont think its his natural game though. This is why I think Clayton with your 2nd 1st round pick is worth the HR swing. I think the most likely scenario is he ends up as a 6th man scorer, like a better version of Cole (Clayton is more dynamic in his movements and is just a much better overall shooter). But I think you take him with again, a low risk high reward play to see if his dynamic on ball ability translates to the NBA. That's if yall dont trade for an already proven dynamic guard.

Clayton isn’t a creator either.

[Skybox]

So, Mose is reining in AB's offensive impact..."AB, we're getting way too many points from our backcourt. I know you're a great scorer but...Just keep handing it to Paolo when you cross halfcourt" "You've gotten your 3 assists for the game, stop it"

I remember the genius suggestion last year that Fultz's great skill was "deferring"...just what you want out of your lead ballhandler.

You aren't being genuine right now and are putting words in my mouth. Also, wtf are you talking about with Fultz?

The Fultz silliness wasn't you...I don't remember who it was (repressed the idea that someone on here could believe that). Your silliness has been solely about AB and never quite as silly as the Fultz silliness.

*Disclaimer: I was a big fan of the Fultz salvage experiment...until it failed, right before the jackass gave him a huge extension.

[Duke4life831]

Thanks impartial forum mod with no clear agenda and homerism.

Yeah, it’s just obvious at this point he isn’t this savior for Orlando at point guard for the reasons you’ve stated. He’s a nice player that ideally you want to keep and develop alongside Paolo and Franz to keep the defense near the top of the charts.

Ya and to be clear. This isnt me calling him a scrub or anything like that. I dont think it was a bad pick at all taking him 6th overall in his draft. It was a gamble you take again hoping he has like a DeRozan kind of progression with his handle. And if that didnt pan out, worst case scenario you get a good big athlete that can defend 1-3 and his shot isnt broken. For instance, I think the Jett Howard pick was laughably bad (not just 20/20 hindsight, I thought that was bad on draft night).

But ya I think seeing his on ball ability against pros, thats going to be a very steep hill to climb if youre hoping he ends up being a dynamic on ball creator. I think what would be best for him and his career, focus on being truly elite defensively and becoming a consistent 36%+ 3pt shooter. I think Black will be a very solid pro for a long time.

I do think you guys need legit shooters. But before that, I think you guys need a legit dynamic ball handler. I think Suggs has some potential there, I just dont think its his natural game though. This is why I think Clayton with your 2nd 1st round pick is worth the HR swing. I think the most likely scenario is he ends up as a 6th man scorer, like a better version of Cole (Clayton is more dynamic in his movements and is just a much better overall shooter). But I think you take him with again, a low risk high reward play to see if his dynamic on ball ability translates to the NBA. That's if yall dont trade for an already proven dynamic guard.

Clayton isn’t a creator either.

It depends on what you mean by creator though. If youre talking just a straight up pass first facilitator, I agree thats not him. But he was extremely dynamic on ball and was a willing passer (3rd in assists in the stacked SEC isnt bad).

When I say I think you guys need a dynamic creator, I mean someone who has some gravity and moves a defense in some way. The issue right now is when I watch you guys, the defense only has to worry about Franz and Paolo. And Im not saying that in, they dont pass the ball enough. Its just the fact that no one else on the roster that is healthy, whether its off ball or on ball, defenses arent worried one bit. Defenses arent going to over help when Black, Cole, Caleb, KCP, or anyone else touches the ball. They most likely feel, a possession that either ends or a possession that is trying to be ran by anyone not named Paolo or Franz, is a win.

Take Donovan Mitchell for example. Not a natural facilitator, but he warps defenses and he's a willing passer. Add in all the elite spacing that Cleveland has, that's a top 10 offense. You guys have 2 guys that do that, but both really do it in an inside out style. I think that's fine and you can make that work. I just think you need at least one dynamic outside in guy on the team in the current NBA. Now if you have a dynamic outside in guy, to go with 2 dynamic inside out guys. Surround them with legit spacing, I think you can have a top 10 offense very quickly. I just think youre currently missing that dynamic outside in creator/player or however youd like to describe it.

[Skybox]

Yeah AB is a great creator. He just can’t share the floor with our two star forwards and Corey Joseph starts over him. Lol. What is this argument even?

Look, I like AB. I like him more than most of the players acquired in the Weltman era. But people are just straight up lying about his skillset at this point as a hill to die on for no reason.

He’s a wing defender/slasher to the rim that can occasionally hit spot up 3’s in a clinch. Hes never even the best “creator” on the floor when he’s coming off the bench let alone starting. You HOPE and WISH his skillset fit perfectly much like Weltman did when he drafted him.

Let’s chill on this narrative that he’s the future starting point guard on a team that currently has one of the worst offenses in the league when everybody with eyes is claiming “Orlando really needs a point guard badly”. That is telling and it’s coming from non homers.

Ya AB has never been a great creator dating back to high school. He's just never been that dynamic on ball. I dont mean this as a shot towards AB, but I think the clear hope for him is Dyson Daniels. Neither guy has ever really shown a dynamic on ball ability. They're both huge guards or good sized wings. Both are solid decision makers as secondary ball handlers. And both project to be elite defenders. Daniels made that jump to being a truly elite defender this year, I think the hope is AB has a similar 3rd year jump.

Both him and Daniels went top 10 with the hope they would progress into being legit on ball creators to go with their size, athleticism, and defense. I just think its pretty obvious when you watch both, they just dont have that level of dynamic on ball creativity. And its pretty damn rare to see someone's on ball ability and handle, go from pretty average to dynamic.

It was also the same with Dyson in New Orleans. If he was a legit high level creator, it would be pretty easy to rack up assists and be a weapon creating on ball when he got to play off of Zion, Ingram, and CJ. Same for AB. If he showed high level creativity on ball, any coach would use him to get easier shots for Paolo and Franz.

He just like Dyson, just clearly lack a dynamic ability on ball. Then add in the inconsistent jumper, ya you kind of get what you see with AB and Dyson so far.

Great comp...Daniels is a one man wrecking crew. Tons of steals and big and physical enough to cover anyone 1-4...similar potential in AB and AB has shot it pretty well when wide open and willing. If he gets himself a little more confidence in his shot, AB could be one of the most lethal 3&D guys around, given his size. His ability to handle the ball and playmake (while subpar for a PG) is an added bonus in this era of positional versatility.

[Skybox]

Can you imagine a world where they pass up on 6’9” pg Egor Demin in the draft lol

Dude is very intriguing...obvious comp is Giddey. From what I've heard, the big jump in Giddey this year is his willingness/desire for contact...he uses his shoulders to bump and create space to get whatever he wants. Good handles, great court vision...shooting still being questioned although he's much improved. He may get paid after all this summer.

Supposedly, the knock on Demin, besides shooting, is his avoidance of contact...but he's very young. I only know what I read, but that's an intriguing guy at that size. Court vision and BBIQ beats everything else in a PG.

[Duke4life831]

Yeah AB is a great creator. He just can’t share the floor with our two star forwards and Corey Joseph starts over him. Lol. What is this argument even?

Look, I like AB. I like him more than most of the players acquired in the Weltman era. But people are just straight up lying about his skillset at this point as a hill to die on for no reason.

He’s a wing defender/slasher to the rim that can occasionally hit spot up 3’s in a clinch. Hes never even the best “creator” on the floor when he’s coming off the bench let alone starting. You HOPE and WISH his skillset fit perfectly much like Weltman did when he drafted him.

Let’s chill on this narrative that he’s the future starting point guard on a team that currently has one of the worst offenses in the league when everybody with eyes is claiming “Orlando really needs a point guard badly”. That is telling and it’s coming from non homers.

Ya AB has never been a great creator dating back to high school. He's just never been that dynamic on ball. I dont mean this as a shot towards AB, but I think the clear hope for him is Dyson Daniels. Neither guy has ever really shown a dynamic on ball ability. They're both huge guards or good sized wings. Both are solid decision makers as secondary ball handlers. And both project to be elite defenders. Daniels made that jump to being a truly elite defender this year, I think the hope is AB has a similar 3rd year jump.

Both him and Daniels went top 10 with the hope they would progress into being legit on ball creators to go with their size, athleticism, and defense. I just think its pretty obvious when you watch both, they just dont have that level of dynamic on ball creativity. And its pretty damn rare to see someone's on ball ability and handle, go from pretty average to dynamic.

It was also the same with Dyson in New Orleans. If he was a legit high level creator, it would be pretty easy to rack up assists and be a weapon creating on ball when he got to play off of Zion, Ingram, and CJ. Same for AB. If he showed high level creativity on ball, any coach would use him to get easier shots for Paolo and Franz.

He just like Dyson, just clearly lack a dynamic ability on ball. Then add in the inconsistent jumper, ya you kind of get what you see with AB and Dyson so far.

Great comp...Daniels is a one man wrecking crew. Tons of steals and big and physical enough to cover anyone 1-4...similar potential in AB and AB has shot it pretty well when wide open and willing. If he gets himself a little more confidence in his shot, AB could be one of the most lethal 3&D guys around, given his size. His ability to handle the ball and playmake (while subpar for a PG) is an added bonus in this era of positional versatility.

Agree with every point here. AB isnt dynamic from a lead guard aspect. But when you now talk about him in more of a connector lower volume role on offense, ya his facilitating and all that is more than enough as long as that jumper gets to that consistent level.

The only "issue" I have with AB and being a potential starter for you guys, is just the roster construction currently. Paolo and Franz have the forwards spots locked up. Suggs pretty much has one of the guard spots locked up. I do think that final perimeter starter needs to be some kind of dynamic perimeter player. Someone that defenses have to worry about.

[eyriq]

You could convince me that Walter Clayton is one of the right selections based on his ability to create shots and spread the floor from outside. He is more than just a 3 specialist in that regard.

I just question whether he is a point guard, capable of making plays for others, and not actually an undersized shooting guard at the next level.

If Weltman selects someone like Demin over him it means he’s looking for more playmaking and less of a 3 point outlet.

Trading for a guy like Simons negates the need for Clayton. (Trying to keep this to trades)

My hope is that we use a framework weighted towards win-now moves this offseason (vs future value). Don't go overboard but definitely plan acquisitions around optimizing the team around Paolo and Franz. This means addressing needs with immediate impact and not developmental upside. We need a reliable third option, more scoring from our 4th-5th starters, and a sixth man.

Suggs coming back addresses the need for a third option. Using the MLE can address scoring at the 4th-5th starter spots or our 6th man, and a WCJ/KCP trade can address the rest. I wouldn't plan on either rookie earning a role in the rotation.

[basketballRob]

I like Black starting next to Suggs next season. Both can handle the ball, pass, and defend.

Jrue is starting to decline, and Black will match up with him better next season

Black vs. Jrue
Suggs vs. White
Franz vs. Brown
Paolo vs. Tatum
Wendell vs. Porzingas

Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

[VFX]

You could convince me that Walter Clayton is one of the right selections based on his ability to create shots and spread the floor from outside. He is more than just a 3 specialist in that regard.

I just question whether he is a point guard, capable of making plays for others, and not actually an undersized shooting guard at the next level.

If Weltman selects someone like Demin over him it means he’s looking for more playmaking and less of a 3 point outlet.

Trading for a guy like Simons negates the need for Clayton. (Trying to keep this to trades)

My hope is that we use a framework weighted towards win-now moves this offseason (vs future value). Don't go overboard but definitely plan acquisitions around optimizing the team around Paolo and Franz. This means addressing needs with immediate impact and not developmental upside. We need a reliable third option, more scoring from our 4th-5th starters, and a sixth man.

Suggs coming back addresses the need for a third option. Using the MLE can address scoring at the 4th-5th starter spots or our 6th man, and a WCJ/KCP trade can address the rest. I wouldn't plan on either rookie earning a role in the rotation.

Baseline needs must be met either via trade or this draft. Orlando’s window is open because contracts and timeframes matter.

Now, this is much more complicated to do in the draft for the simple reason that 15- 24 teams dictate who Orlando lands.

Those needs? On ball Playmaker/Guard that can self create anywhere, draws defenses, and isn’t inept as a playmaker for others. Center that is potentially better than the 3 currently on the roster within the next 2-3 seasons due to making them expendable saving cap.

That first archetype IMO barely exists in this draft outside of a few tops picks and maybe Jase Richardson or some unknown international guy. It’s just likelier to land someone like Simons/Sexton upon trading the pick.

The second guy is easier to find. Maybe it’s Wolf, maybe it’s Sorber, maybe Condon, maybe Zikarsky. A lot of options to replace our third Center in Carter/Goga.

I’m against drafting some random wing player to this roster without the aforementioned skillsets. They’ve committed a lot of money / future cap to Suggs/Paolo/Franz and potentially AB if he isn’t moved. Signing LCP and drafting TDS sealed those minutes from being available to some rookie looking to increase value and contribute. They just won’t land that kind of contribution with 16 and 25 at the wing spots given the roster.

[VFX]

I like Black starting next to Suggs next season. Both can handle the ball, pass, and defend.

Jrue is starting to decline, and Black will match up with him better next season

Black vs. Jrue
Suggs vs. White
Franz vs. Brown
Paolo vs. Tatum
Wendell vs. Porzingas

Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

Why does this matter for next season?

Orlando isn’t playing Boston for 82 games next year.

[pepe1991]

Will Magic even use MLE tho?

That's $14M a year for 3 years.

2025-25 already in books $175M , without 2 first round picks. ( cumulative + $6,5).

= $ 195M


The league said the salary cap is “projected to be” $154.6M and the luxury tax is “projected to be” $187.9M. In addition, the “first apron projects to be” $195.9M and the second apron $207.8M


So you are already in luxury tax, at first aprone. Before Banchero's contract.


Going into 2026-27, with MLE Magic salary would look something like this:
$46M Banchero
$41M Franz
$32,4M Suggs
$21M KCP
$ 14M MLE
$18M Carter
$14,5M Isaac
$17,5M for Black & Jett (expiring, RFA)- team options for 4th year, probably will be picked
$7M Goga
x2 2025 rookies + 2026 rookie = 10M

= $220M roster

That is *probably* second apron team, 100% knees deep in luxury tax. After that your whole flexibility will be ability to resign own players.

If Banchero/ Franz turn into all nba players, salary situation gets that much worst.

[RichCollab]

Will Magic even use MLE tho?

That's $14M a year for 3 years.

2025-25 already in books $175M , without 2 first round picks. ( cumulative + $6,5).

= $ 195M


The league said the salary cap is “projected to be” $154.6M and the luxury tax is “projected to be” $187.9M. In addition, the “first apron projects to be” $195.9M and the second apron $207.8M


So you are already in luxury tax, at first aprone. Before Banchero's contract.


Going into 2026-27, with MLE Magic salary would look something like this:
$46M Banchero
$41M Franz
$32,4M Suggs
$21M KCP
$ 14M MLE
$18M Carter
$14,5M Isaac
$17,5M for Black & Jett (expiring, RFA)- team options for 4th year, probably will be picked
$7M Goga
x2 2025 rookies + 2026 rookie = 10M

= $220M roster

That is *probably* second apron team, 100% knees deep in luxury tax. After that your whole flexibility will be ability to resign own players.

If Banchero/ Franz turn into all nba players, salary situation gets that much worst.

Add Jerome for MLE.

[Idiosyncratic]

Will Magic even use MLE tho?

That's $14M a year for 3 years.

2025-25 already in books $175M , without 2 first round picks. ( cumulative + $6,5).

= $ 195M


The league said the salary cap is “projected to be” $154.6M and the luxury tax is “projected to be” $187.9M. In addition, the “first apron projects to be” $195.9M and the second apron $207.8M


So you are already in luxury tax, at first aprone. Before Banchero's contract.


Going into 2026-27, with MLE Magic salary would look something like this:
$46M Banchero
$41M Franz
$32,4M Suggs
$21M KCP
$ 14M MLE
$18M Carter
$14,5M Isaac
$17,5M for Black & Jett (expiring, RFA)- team options for 4th year, probably will be picked
$7M Goga
x2 2025 rookies + 2026 rookie = 10M

= $220M roster

That is *probably* second apron team, 100% knees deep in luxury tax. After that your whole flexibility will be ability to resign own players.

If Banchero/ Franz turn into all nba players, salary situation gets that much worst.

My personal assumption has been that they will not use the full MLE for this reason. It is still theoretically possible though.

Of course there is always a chance to trade guys at some point down the line and clear money. Maybe the thinking is that whoever you get for the MLE is such a good value that you are willing to figure it out later.

Caldwell-Pope and Goga both expire right after 26/27 so that would clear 28 million, even offsetting a potential AB raise, plus the cap/aprons will increase to some level. But I agree I don't see ownership spending that money. They might fit a smaller signing into the MLE this offseason though.

[basketballRob]

Will Magic even use MLE tho?

That's $14M a year for 3 years.

2025-25 already in books $175M , without 2 first round picks. ( cumulative + $6,5).

= $ 195M


The league said the salary cap is “projected to be” $154.6M and the luxury tax is “projected to be” $187.9M. In addition, the “first apron projects to be” $195.9M and the second apron $207.8M


So you are already in luxury tax, at first aprone. Before Banchero's contract.


Going into 2026-27, with MLE Magic salary would look something like this:
$46M Banchero
$41M Franz
$32,4M Suggs
$21M KCP
$ 14M MLE
$18M Carter
$14,5M Isaac
$17,5M for Black & Jett (expiring, RFA)- team options for 4th year, probably will be picked
$7M Goga
x2 2025 rookies + 2026 rookie = 10M

= $220M roster

That is *probably* second apron team, 100% knees deep in luxury tax. After that your whole flexibility will be ability to resign own players.

If Banchero/ Franz turn into all nba players, salary situation gets that much worst.

They probably won't use the MLE. We can hope because that could make us a contender if we added a player like Portis.

Jett may not make it to a 4th year if he doesn't show something.

They may offer Caleb a small deal.



Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

[pepe1991]

Will Magic even use MLE tho?

That's $14M a year for 3 years.

2025-25 already in books $175M , without 2 first round picks. ( cumulative + $6,5).

= $ 195M


The league said the salary cap is “projected to be” $154.6M and the luxury tax is “projected to be” $187.9M. In addition, the “first apron projects to be” $195.9M and the second apron $207.8M


So you are already in luxury tax, at first aprone. Before Banchero's contract.


Going into 2026-27, with MLE Magic salary would look something like this:
$46M Banchero
$41M Franz
$32,4M Suggs
$21M KCP
$ 14M MLE
$18M Carter
$14,5M Isaac
$17,5M for Black & Jett (expiring, RFA)- team options for 4th year, probably will be picked
$7M Goga
x2 2025 rookies + 2026 rookie = 10M

= $220M roster

That is *probably* second apron team, 100% knees deep in luxury tax. After that your whole flexibility will be ability to resign own players.

If Banchero/ Franz turn into all nba players, salary situation gets that much worst.

My personal assumption has been that they will not use the full MLE for this reason. It is still theoretically possible though.

Of course there is always a chance to trade guys at some point down the line and clear money. Maybe the thinking is that whoever you get for the MLE is such a good value that you are willing to figure it out later.

Caldwell-Pope and Goga both expire right after 26/27 so that would clear 28 million, even offsetting a potential AB raise, plus the cap/aprons will increase to some level. But I agree I don't see ownership spending that money. They might fit a smaller signing into the MLE this offseason though.

I forgot about Mortiz, if team takes MLE , keeps both rookies and doesn't get rid of anybody, we would be second apron team.

I think that NBA told teams (probably 2 years ago, post covid) that salary cap will raise way more than it actually did.
23/30 teams will start FA over salary cap for 2025-26

Nets are only team in nba with s*** loud of salary cap. Grizzlies and Pistons have some wiggle room but can't clear up max slot.

In theory we can, much like any other team, use Nets cap gap.

You can just do Claxton for KCP & Carter and first round pick.
That would save around $10M, that you could use for MLE.

In some good scenario team would be:

PG: Jerome / Black / first round pick
SG: Suggs / Jett Howard / whoever
SF: Franz / Tristan
PF: Banchero / Mortiz /Isaac
C: Claxton / Isaac

It's a given that we will lose lot of depth in upcomming years. Once those rookie deals stop being rookie deals, they push depth out.

[AdamTheGreek]

Claxton failed multiple tryouts.

Jerome wouldn’t be good here. Stay away.

[eyriq]

Will Magic even use MLE tho?

Thresholds for each level above the cap:
Tax - 121.5%
1st Apron - 126.7%
2nd Apron - 134.4%

Next season we have 128.5% on the books. We have team options on four players totaling 15.5%; Moritz (7.1%), Gary (4.8%), CoJo (2.2%), Caleb (1.4%).

We need to drop 7% to get under the tax to unlock the full MLE. Declining Gary and CoJo get us there exactly.

Lets say the two picks make 3.6% and 1.9%, that is 5.5% added back in. This is why I think Moritz gets cut as well and resigned at a much cheaper contract but longer term contract.

Anyway, I don't think its a reach that this scenario plays out like this at all and is actually what I'm expecting to happen. I do think there is also immense pressure to address Cole's salary slot (8.5%) and the logjam with our bigs. A consolidation trade of Cole + Goga (5.4%) makes a lot of sense here.

[Idiosyncratic]

Claxton failed multiple tryouts.

Jerome wouldn’t be good here. Stay away.

I have been a Jerome skeptic, but he has been really good and the MLE is cheap enough to where it is pretty low-risk high-reward to me. I agree he could just be having an otherworldy shooting season and regress to being a more average player, but again 14 million in this environment doesn't feel like a bad gamble to me.

Claxton is interesting because he looked all-world defense to start his career and I have not liked him defensively at all the last two. I don't know if it is laziness from being on a bad team, or injury build up or what, but he needs to get back to form. I think I would still prefer his upside to Wendell.

[eyriq]

The full MLE is 9.1% of the cap. This off-season's MLE player will get cheaper over time though since the cap is rising faster than the annual raises.