ONE MOVE THIS SUMMER (and your picks)

[Skybox]

I'd go something along the lines of

OUT
Anthony
Isaac
Black
Den 25

IN
McCollum
Herb Jones

FA (non MLE or room MLE if we are under) Cory Joseph 2 years $3m p.a.

PG: McCollum Suggs Joseph
SG: Suggs KCP Howard
SF: Wagner Jones KCP Houstan
PF: Banchero Jones WCJ TDS
C: WCJ Wagner Bitadze

Draft: Haven't watched a ton but impressed by De Larrea. Very Magic pick, direct Black replacement.

I keep coming back to Herb & CJ too…Trey Murphy is a better Herb…it’s nice to have two guys like them, but not really needed or ideal…if they were to end up with Ace Bailey, it could be another step towards trading him…Herb’s on a good deal too. Great 2-4 backup, certainly good enough to start. KCP to NOLA makes some sense - with filler and some light draft equity.

[CocoaFan]

I agree with your assessment of what we need so I won't give a variation of the same thing.

TRADE: C. Anthony + J. Howard + Magic #16 -> C. Sexton (Magic could add 2nds if necessary). This is based on Utah not thinking Sexton will be part of their future core and having to give him an extension after next year.

DRAFT: W. Clayton #25

FA: G. Trent Jr.

W. Carter Jr./G. Bitadze/M. Wagner
P. Banchero/JI/Houstan
F. Wagner/G. Trent Jr./TDS
KCP/A. Black/T. Queen
J. Suggs/C. Sexton/W. Clayton

Not super exciting but I think this is within Weltman's wheelhouse. I'd like to improve the Center position, but I don't think anyone wants Carter's contract.

[RichCollab]

I agree with your assessment of what we need so I won't give a variation of the same thing.

TRADE: C. Anthony + J. Howard + Magic #16 -> C. Sexton (Magic could add 2nds if necessary). This is based on Utah not thinking Sexton will be part of their future core and having to give him an extension after next year.

DRAFT: W. Clayton #25

FA: G. Trent Jr.

W. Carter Jr./G. Bitadze/M. Wagner
P. Banchero/JI/Houstan
F. Wagner/G. Trent Jr./TDS
KCP/A. Black/T. Queen
J. Suggs/C. Sexton/W. Clayton

Not super exciting but I think this is within Weltman's wheelhouse. I'd like to improve the Center position, but I don't think anyone wants Carter's contract.

This is a solid offseason.

We can run the crew you mentioned above and work on a center at deadline or next offseason. Maybe draft a young big.

[basketballRob]

I agree with your assessment of what we need so I won't give a variation of the same thing.

TRADE: C. Anthony + J. Howard + Magic #16 -> C. Sexton (Magic could add 2nds if necessary). This is based on Utah not thinking Sexton will be part of their future core and having to give him an extension after next year.

DRAFT: W. Clayton #25

FA: G. Trent Jr.

W. Carter Jr./G. Bitadze/M. Wagner
P. Banchero/JI/Houstan
F. Wagner/G. Trent Jr./TDS
KCP/A. Black/T. Queen
J. Suggs/C. Sexton/W. Clayton

Not super exciting but I think this is within Weltman's wheelhouse. I'd like to improve the Center position, but I don't think anyone wants Carter's contract.

I'm just looking at the numbers, and Poole looks like a better defender. Poole is 3" taller. Sexton has a 0.5" longer wingspan. Sexton is the same height as Trae, 6'0.5" w/o shoes. Poole is 6'3.5" w/o shoes.

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[RichCollab]

I agree with your assessment of what we need so I won't give a variation of the same thing.

TRADE: C. Anthony + J. Howard + Magic #16 -> C. Sexton (Magic could add 2nds if necessary). This is based on Utah not thinking Sexton will be part of their future core and having to give him an extension after next year.

DRAFT: W. Clayton #25

FA: G. Trent Jr.

W. Carter Jr./G. Bitadze/M. Wagner
P. Banchero/JI/Houstan
F. Wagner/G. Trent Jr./TDS
KCP/A. Black/T. Queen
J. Suggs/C. Sexton/W. Clayton

Not super exciting but I think this is within Weltman's wheelhouse. I'd like to improve the Center position, but I don't think anyone wants Carter's contract.

I'm just looking at the numbers, and Poole looks like a better defender. Poole is 3" taller. Sexton has a 0.5" longer wingspan. Sexton is the same height as Trae, 6'0.5" w/o shoes. Poole is 6'3.5" w/o shoes.

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Poole is a headcase and cost more I believe. Sexton seems more likely to fit in.

[CocoaFan]

I agree with your assessment of what we need so I won't give a variation of the same thing.

TRADE: C. Anthony + J. Howard + Magic #16 -> C. Sexton (Magic could add 2nds if necessary). This is based on Utah not thinking Sexton will be part of their future core and having to give him an extension after next year.

DRAFT: W. Clayton #25

FA: G. Trent Jr.

W. Carter Jr./G. Bitadze/M. Wagner
P. Banchero/JI/Houstan
F. Wagner/G. Trent Jr./TDS
KCP/A. Black/T. Queen
J. Suggs/C. Sexton/W. Clayton

Not super exciting but I think this is within Weltman's wheelhouse. I'd like to improve the Center position, but I don't think anyone wants Carter's contract.

I'm just looking at the numbers, and Poole looks like a better defender. Poole is 3" taller. Sexton has a 0.5" longer wingspan. Sexton is the same height as Trae, 6'0.5" w/o shoes. Poole is 6'3.5" w/o shoes.

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Only problem is Poole makes $65M over the next 2 years and that seems like an awful lot for him IMO. I think we should be able to sign Sexton for a lot less after this year.

[basketballRob]

I agree with your assessment of what we need so I won't give a variation of the same thing.

TRADE: C. Anthony + J. Howard + Magic #16 -> C. Sexton (Magic could add 2nds if necessary). This is based on Utah not thinking Sexton will be part of their future core and having to give him an extension after next year.

DRAFT: W. Clayton #25

FA: G. Trent Jr.

W. Carter Jr./G. Bitadze/M. Wagner
P. Banchero/JI/Houstan
F. Wagner/G. Trent Jr./TDS
KCP/A. Black/T. Queen
J. Suggs/C. Sexton/W. Clayton

Not super exciting but I think this is within Weltman's wheelhouse. I'd like to improve the Center position, but I don't think anyone wants Carter's contract.

I'm just looking at the numbers, and Poole looks like a better defender. Poole is 3" taller. Sexton has a 0.5" longer wingspan. Sexton is the same height as Trae, 6'0.5" w/o shoes. Poole is 6'3.5" w/o shoes.

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Poole is a headcase and cost more I believe. Sexton seems more likely to fit in.

I think Poole would be cheaper. Ainge would want multiple picks. We could possibly give Washington crap that we don't want

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[RichCollab]

I'm just looking at the numbers, and Poole looks like a better defender. Poole is 3" taller. Sexton has a 0.5" longer wingspan. Sexton is the same height as Trae, 6'0.5" w/o shoes. Poole is 6'3.5" w/o shoes.

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Poole is a headcase and cost more I believe. Sexton seems more likely to fit in.

I think Poole would be cheaper. Ainge would want multiple picks. We could possibly give Washington crap that we don't want

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Salary is cheaper for Sexton?

[basketballRob]

Poole is a headcase and cost more I believe. Sexton seems more likely to fit in.

I think Poole would be cheaper. Ainge would want multiple picks. We could possibly give Washington crap that we don't want

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Salary is cheaper for Sexton?

Salary is cheaper for Sexton, I meant the assets we'd give up would be cheaper for Poole.

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[CocoaFan]

I agree with your assessment of what we need so I won't give a variation of the same thing.

TRADE: C. Anthony + J. Howard + Magic #16 -> C. Sexton (Magic could add 2nds if necessary). This is based on Utah not thinking Sexton will be part of their future core and having to give him an extension after next year.

DRAFT: W. Clayton #25

FA: G. Trent Jr.

W. Carter Jr./G. Bitadze/M. Wagner
P. Banchero/JI/Houstan
F. Wagner/G. Trent Jr./TDS
KCP/A. Black/T. Queen
J. Suggs/C. Sexton/W. Clayton

Not super exciting but I think this is within Weltman's wheelhouse. I'd like to improve the Center position, but I don't think anyone wants Carter's contract.

I'm just looking at the numbers, and Poole looks like a better defender. Poole is 3" taller. Sexton has a 0.5" longer wingspan. Sexton is the same height as Trae, 6'0.5" w/o shoes. Poole is 6'3.5" w/o shoes.

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Only problem is Poole makes $65M over the next 2 years and that seems like an awful lot for him IMO. I think we should be able to sign Sexton for a lot less after this year.

Just realized Utah has 3 1st round picks this year so I would modify this to:

TRADE: C. Anthony + J. Howard + Magic 2026 1st (Top 5 protected) -> C. Sexton (Magic could add 2nds if necessary). This is based on Utah not thinking Sexton will be part of their future core and having to give him an extension after next year.

DRAFT: T. Sober #16; W. Clayton #25

FA: G. Trent Jr.

W. Carter Jr./G. Bitadze/T. Sober
P. Banchero/JI/M. Wagner
F. Wagner/TDS/C. Houstan
KCP/A. Black/G. Trent Jr.
J. Suggs/C. Sexton/W. Clayton Jr.

Seems like a better fit than 1st suggestion

[Knightro]

I think you have to at least call Ty Jerome and see if he's willing to leave Cleveland to be a starter elsewhere.

[Idiosyncratic]

I'd go something along the lines of

OUT
Anthony
Isaac
Black
Den 25

IN
McCollum
Herb Jones

FA (non MLE or room MLE if we are under) Cory Joseph 2 years $3m p.a.

PG: McCollum Suggs Joseph
SG: Suggs KCP Howard
SF: Wagner Jones KCP Houstan
PF: Banchero Jones WCJ TDS
C: WCJ Wagner Bitadze

Draft: Haven't watched a ton but impressed by De Larrea. Very Magic pick, direct Black replacement.

Why isn't De Larrea in any mocks? He'll be 20 this year. Can he not defend?

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De Larrea isn't entering the draft.

[The Effect]

Trade - WCjr+Jett+TDS+Den Pick for Simons - Before anyone complains, no none of those guys are untouchable and while it might be alot to give up 4 for 1, its what we need to do. Simons is the exact type of player we need and the best G option next to Suggs. Sexton would be my #2 option but i think Simons is way ahead

MLE - A younger player with high potential, im thinking someone like Zaire Williams. I know he was a bust in MEM, but he looked good for the nets last year and could be a a good guy to bring off the bench to give Franz a rest.

Draft - Tahaad Pettiford - PG Auburn - Undersized, but fun type of PG who i think will be better in the pros than he was in college but could be a great spark plug off the bench, much like Cole, but i think ultimately could be a better player. I think Cole will be gone by this time next year if we pull off the trade i posted

Final rotation looking something like

C - Goga
PF - Paolo
SF - Franz
SG - Simons
PG - Suggs

Bench of Black\Wagner\Williams\JI\Cole - With KCP and cole being traded at some point opening up mins for Pettiford

I know alot of people here wont see that as a huge improvement for next season, but i think this the route the team needs to go in to take the next step and a team that can compete with anyone in the east next year if our big 3 continue to improve and stay healthy. Get that shooter, add some solid bench scoring and get rid of worthless vets like KCP\harris (literally the same scrub player) and hopefully get back young players or draft picks for the outgoing players

[Idiosyncratic]

Trade - WCjr+Jett+TDS+Den Pick for Simons - Before anyone complains, no none of those guys are untouchable and while it might be alot to give up 4 for 1, its what we need to do. Simons is the exact type of player we need and the best G option next to Suggs. Sexton would be my #2 option but i think Simons is way ahead

MLE - A younger player with high potential, im thinking someone like Zaire Williams. I know he was a bust in MEM, but he looked good for the nets last year and could be a a good guy to bring off the bench to give Franz a rest.

Draft - Tahaad Pettiford - PG Auburn - Undersized, but fun type of PG who i think will be better in the pros than he was in college but could be a great spark plug off the bench, much like Cole, but i think ultimately could be a better player. I think Cole will be gone by this time next year if we pull off the trade i posted

Final rotation looking something like

C - Goga
PF - Paolo
SF - Franz
SG - Simons
PG - Suggs

Bench of Black\Wagner\Williams\JI\Cole - With KCP and cole being traded at some point opening up mins for Pettiford

I know alot of people here wont see that as a huge improvement for next season, but i think this the route the team needs to go in to take the next step and a team that can compete with anyone in the east next year if our big 3 continue to improve and stay healthy. Get that shooter, add some solid bench scoring and get rid of worthless vets like KCP\harris (literally the same scrub player) and hopefully get back young players or draft picks for the outgoing players

I don't think TDS and a late 1st is a lot to dump Wendell's contract and get a serviceable starter/6th man. That being said the logic of moving Wendell and starting Goga just does not work in my head when they don't want to play Goga anymore.

Ziaire is an interesting buy-low, probably should be a vet min or very small portion of the MLE IMO. I do think we could use another wing that can shoot even if we keep TDS ( I know in your scenario he is dealt, so makes even more sense). Caleb being our only playable backup 3 outside of sometimes AB has been a huge weakness against the Celtics.

Pettiford feels like a reach at 16, but I do like potentially taking a shot on him if we can move up in the 2nd.

[Idiosyncratic]

MLE
I do like throwing the MLE at Jerome even if it is not likely he signs here. The fact that you can get him for 14 million when Sexton and Simons make near 20+ and will cost some form of trade assets. Full MLE is hard to fit longterm for us, but I think the fact that you save all trade assets there the value is too good and you can figure it out later. That is the first thing they should do in free agency.

In the likely scenario he doesn't accept I do like Melton for a portion of the MLE. Fits our defensive scheme and can shoot 3s at a pretty high volume. He is a no-brainer fit to me in addition to trading for a PG.

Trades
For trades I am trying to think of some different ones. I do like Caldwell-Pope and a future 1st or Nuggets pick for Sexton if that is possible. Even expirings plus Nuggets pick is probably fine, but man if I can shed some salary...

May try to come up with some Goga trade ideas in the future, I think if they aren't going to play him they should try to turn him into something they can use, he should have value.

Draft
* Only considering players I think have a chance to drop* At 16 in the draft I am hoping for Jase or Sorber in that order. If they aren't there I would take Jakucionis if he is there, don't love him, but value and has potential for creation I would take the chance. Outside of those three I have no clue right now what I would ultimately do. Guess you would have to start considering Essengue, Bryant, Newell, Penda etc. Don't love any of them as fits which is why I think finding good trade value or a trade back for future picks could be better. I really just hope Sorber or Jase are there though.

At 25 I like Clayton, Yaxel, Broome. Traore and Philon would be interesting if they are there.

I think the draft has a potential to be really good for us if the right guys fall. If they came out with Sorber/Clayton or Jase/Broome or Yaxel I like those outcomes even more than getting good trade value. But I think there are very likely disaster scenarios where guys that aren't good fits for playing time end up being the best value at our picks. Hopefully they have the ability to trade back or trade for a player in those scenarios, but I am sure it all happens extremely fast. I do think ultimately trading one for a need while hopefully dumping some long term salary is the safest thing to do, but I always go back to how few 1st round pick for player draft day trades there have been the last few years. I can definitely see them trading one of the picks for future picks.

[basketballRob]

MLE
I do like throwing the MLE at Jerome even if it is not likely he signs here. The fact that you can get him for 14 million when Sexton and Simons make near 20+ and will cost some form of trade assets. Full MLE is hard to fit longterm for us, but I think the fact that you save all trade assets there the value is too good and you can figure it out later. That is the first thing they should do in free agency.

In the likely scenario he doesn't accept I do like Melton for a portion of the MLE. Fits our defensive scheme and can shoot 3s at a pretty high volume. He is a no-brainer fit to me in addition to trading for a PG.

Trades
For trades I am trying to think of some different ones. I do like Caldwell-Pope and a future 1st or Nuggets pick for Sexton if that is possible. Even expirings plus Nuggets pick is probably fine, but man if I can shed some salary...

May try to come up with some Goga trade ideas in the future, I think if they aren't going to play him they should try to turn him into something they can use, he should have value.

Draft
* Only considering players I think have a chance to drop* At 16 in the draft I am hoping for Jase or Sorber in that order. If they aren't there I would take Jakucionis if he is there, don't love him, but value and has potential for creation I would take the chance. Outside of those three I have no clue right now what I would ultimately do. Guess you would have to start considering Essengue, Bryant, Newell, Penda etc. Don't love any of them as fits which is why I think finding good trade value or a trade back for future picks could be better. I really just hope Sorber or Jase are there though.

At 25 I like Clayton, Yaxel, Broome. Traore and Philon would be interesting if they are there.

I think the draft has a potential to be really good for us if the right guys fall. If they came out with Sorber/Clayton or Jase/Broome or Yaxel I like those outcomes even more than getting good trade value. But I think there are very likely disaster scenarios where guys that aren't good fits for playing time end up being the best value at our picks. Hopefully they have the ability to trade back or trade for a player in those scenarios, but I am sure it all happens extremely fast. I do think ultimately trading one for a need while hopefully dumping some long term salary is the safest thing to do, but I always go back to how few 1st round pick for player draft day trades there have been the last few years. I can definitely see them trading one of the picks for future picks.

We need to get our salaries down to around $180m to be able to use the whole MLE.

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[Knightro]

We need to get our salaries down to around $180m to be able to use the whole MLE.

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Wouldn’t be difficult to do at all.

[basketballRob]

We need to get our salaries down to around $180m to be able to use the whole MLE.

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Wouldn’t be difficult to do at all.

If we include Moeritz, it wouldn't be.

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[zuppafly]

something something, get Trae in a trade with multiple firsts,


then start suggs at SG next to him, KCP to the bench (if not part of the trade), find a C that can rebound consistently with the MLE.

Until we get a PG that is at least close to Trae's level of generating his own shot, we're nothing but a mid team, and we'll lose Paolo in a blink of an eye if we don't go aggressively into the market. If that means losing Franz, it means losing Franz.

[Cammo101]

something something, get Trae in a trade with multiple firsts,


then start suggs at SG next to him, KCP to the bench (if not part of the trade), find a C that can rebound consistently with the MLE.

Until we get a PG that is at least close to Trae's level of generating his own shot, we're nothing but a mid team, and we'll lose Paolo in a blink of an eye if we don't go aggressively into the market. If that means losing Franz, it means losing Franz.

This is for the most part where I'm at as well.