Post#4822 » by Skybox » Tue May 13, 2025 4:55 pm
So, BRK settles in at #8, Tankathon has them taking Maluach - so...
Trade #1:
ORL sends: KCP, Goga, Cole Anthony, ORL 26 frp (top 3 w/big swap upside),
BRK sends: Nic Claxton, DeAngelo Russell (SnT, $15m, $13m, TO $12m in 3rd year)
Why BRK...still a year away from being a year away, BRK throws Maluach into starting spot with Goga a solid backup, appropriately priced. KCP has two more years including his PO, so is a relatively short-term commitment in a solid vet that can promote defensive intensity to their young team and likely be flipped to a contender at the TD or summer. Cole is a expiring/TO but fills a role with DLo out...might even stick in his hometown if he takes a step forward in efficiency - which isn't unthinkable, given the bigger role. Either way, he's only a one year commitment and BRK gets a frp with some swap upside while saving longer term money.
*be aware that Claxton makes $25.4m, then $23.1m, then $20.9m in 27-28, so his contract is favorable in the way it descends. Elite defender, solid rebounder, especially on the offensive end. Mose would have a field day with him and on offense, he'd crash the boards, catch lobs, or basically stay out of the way of Paolo & Franz.
Trade #2:
ORL sends WCJ, Jett
LAL sends: Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht
Why LAL: they get the versatile Center they need for players that don't factor too significantly in their rotation. For ORL, it's basically a financial move as WCJ's extension is only a year away...WCJ at $18m is not a terrible deal, but ORL rebalances their C depth more appropriately with a DPOY runner-up on a good multi-year deal and a very intriguing rookie in Wolf...as well as a recovering Moe, on a much more favorable deal for ORL, but providing him with multi-year security while he spends much of next season rehabbing his knee.
Decline & re-sign Moe Wagner ($8m x 3yr), Decline TO's of CoJo & Gary Harris, exercise $2.2m option of Caleb Houstan
Claxton, Danny Wolf #16, (Moe)
Paolo, Isaac, Houstan
Franz, TdS
Suggs, Black, Knecht
Vincent, Russell, Walter Clayton #25
Vincent is an expiring $11.5, but potentially a very good add...depending on how Suggs, AB & Knecht continue to develop, he could be moved out for cost savings at TD, or even bought out...chances are, he's a very solid add, perhaps even starting so DLo and AB can lead a powerfully balanced second unit. Knecht is more than just a sniper and started his rookie year looking like the ROY...he'll have more opportunity to spread his wings in ORL, especially if he shows he can shoot with anyone. DLO, on a deal in the range of what we pay Cole, could be the steal of the summer...I have him off the bench, but he could easily become the starting PG in camp - if he comes in with a chip on his shoulder, breathing fire but staying in his lane - recognizing where Paolo & Franz rank in the offensive pecking order.
That's up there with anyone in the league, regardless of salary paid. He might just be a cap casualty and BOS will just move another guy into his spot and build their value up until they get priced out of the role. Baylor Scheiermann on deck.
